Can You Buy a Money Order With a Credit Card

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Key takeaways

Buying a money order with a credit card is not typically allowed. You will need to use cash, a debit card, or a bank transfer.
You can take out a credit card cash advance and use the funds to buy a money order.
Credit card cash advances can be costly. You will have to pay a cash advance fee, an ATM fee, and interest will accrue immediately.

You can swipe your credit card and buy almost anything: groceries, online shopping, gas – you can even tap your phone to pay for subway tickets. As convenient and common as credit cards are, there are still a few things you can’t use them for. A money order is one of them.

While you can technically buy a money order with your credit card, it’s done in a roundabout way. Like paying taxes with a credit card, it’s probably not worth it.

Here’s how to use your credit card to buy a money order and what it may cost.

Can you get a money order with a credit card?

The short answer is no. Most retailers who sell money orders do not accept credit cards for this type of transaction. You must use cash, a debit card, or a bank transfer. If you find a merchant who does accept credit, your credit card issuer will consider the transaction a cash advance.

Paying for a money order with a credit card

If you want to use credit, you will need to take out a cash advance. A credit card cash advance is when you withdraw cash from an ATM or bank branch using your card. You then use that cash to purchase the money order.

Credit card cash advances are convenient but costly. Credit card issuers charge a higher APR for cash advances than for regular purchases. There is also no grace period, so you will begin accruing interest immediately. Lastly, your issuer will charge additional fees plus the ATM fee for the cash advance. Overall, it’s not a good idea.

Where can you purchase a money order with a credit card?

No merchant allows you to pay directly with credit for a money order. Most merchants and institutions prefer cash or debit cards as forms of payment. While there may have been some providers in the past, such as Western Union and 7-Eleven, that accepted cards, that is no longer the case. Like other merchants, they only take debit cards or cash payments.

You can buy a MoneyGram money order with a credit card, but it will not be a direct purchase. MoneyGram and the US Postal Service allow transfers to purchase money orders. These transfers can be wire transfers, telephone transfers, prepaid cards, etc. A transfer with a credit card would be considered a cash advance.

If you want to send funds online, there are plenty of apps that will let you do this. Venmo, Zelle, Chime, and Current are a few that provide this service.

How to use a money order

Money orders are similar to checks. The difference is that when you write a check, the funds stay in your account until the recipient cashes it. With a money order, you pay for it upfront using cash, a debit card, or a transfer from your bank account.

Purchasing one is straightforward. Go to your local bank, credit union, post office, or other authorized location like Walmart, 7-Eleven, or Western Union. You will have to pay for the amount you want, plus associated fees, upfront. Fees typically range from $1 to $5, though they can go up to $10 or more.

Next, fill out the form. Put the recipient’s name down on the ‘Pay to Order of Line’. Then add your name and contact information.

Sign the front where indicated. Do not sign the back, as that area is for the recipient’s endorsement. Keep the receipt or stub since it contains the tracking number and can be used to verify that the order was cashed.

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Where to buy a money order

There are countless locations where you can purchase a money order.

Post office: They can be purchased at any post office location, and you can easily mail them at the same time.

Walmart: Buy money orders at Walmart’s customer service desk or Money Services center.

Western Union: Money orders are available at participating Western Union agent locations. Locations include supermarkets, pharmacies, and check-cashing stores.

Banks and credit unions: Most banks and credit unions offer money orders to their customers.

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Convenience stores: Some convenience stores, like 7-Eleven, sell money orders and offer other financial services.

Check-cashing stores: Certain check-cashing stores, like ACE Cash Express, may sell money orders.

Grocery stores: Some grocery stores offer money orders and other monetary services.

Note that even if the store is open 24 hours a day, the service center that provides money orders may have a more limited schedule.

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Can you earn rewards from the purchase of a money order?

No, most issuers do not allow you to earn rewards from purchasing a money order. A money order is a secure form of payment that is used in exchange for cash. If you use your card for it, most credit card issuers will treat it as a cash advance, not a purchase that earns rewards.

Some retailers offer promotions and loyalty points on money orders. However, you should always check with the retailer before purchasing to see whether any promotions are available.

Money order fees

Fees vary depending on the amount of the order and where you purchase it.

US post office: The United States Postal Service charges from $2.35 to $3.40, depending on the amount. Postal Military Money Orders issued by military facilities cost $0.79.
Banks: Many banks charge a fee from $1 to $5. Some banks waive fees for customers who have certain types of accounts.
Walmart: Walmart typically charges a maximum of $1 per order.
Western Union: Western Union’s fees depend on the amount of the money order. Fees range from $0 up to $15.
7-Eleven: The fees depend on the location, but typically range from $1.39 to $2.99.

Cash advance fees can be substantial

Credit card cash advances are expensive. Fees range from 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn or a flat fee of $5 to $10, depending on your issuer. If you use an ATM, you will likely have to pay an out-of-network fee.

The interest rates on cash advances are much higher than for regular purchases, around a 29.99% APR. Also, there is no grace period. Interest starts accruing immediately, so you’ll want to pay back your cash advance as soon as possible.

Money order alternatives to consider

Alternatives to consider include:

Prepaid cards: Prepaid cards can be a secure and anonymous alternative. They can be used to pay friends, family members, or for regular purchases, bills, and rent.

Personal checks: A personal check is a secure and inexpensive way to send funds. It requires a bank account, but typically doesn’t have fees. You can purchase a book of checks from your bank’s check provider.

Bank drafts: Bank drafts are similar to checks but are guaranteed by the bank, so they are accepted as payment immediately.

Cashier’s checks: Cashier’s checks are considered safer since they are backed by a bank or credit union. However, they may come with slightly higher fees.

Pay via an app: Some institutions let you use a payment app like PayPal, Venmo, or Zelle. These can safely let you transfer funds without fees. Just make sure you have the cash in your bank account.

Another option is to free up cash so you’re not dependent on credit. Redo your budget or use your card for other purchases. Take out a paycheck advance from cash advance apps. These apps let you access your pay early and instantly with no credit check, no interest, and few fees.

You could also take a personal loan if you need more funds than you can get from a cash advance app. Online marketplaces are very useful since they connect you with direct lenders instantly and can send funds to your bank account in less than 24 hours.

Personal loans typically have lower interest rates and fewer fees than payday loans.

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Frequently asked questions

1. Can I buy a money order online?

You usually cannot buy a money order online. Most money orders are physical documents that need to be purchased in person. While some services allow you to initiate the process online, you still need to complete the purchase at a physical location or have the money order mailed to you.

2. Do you need cash for a money order?

Cash is commonly used to purchase money orders. You can also use your debit card or a bank transfer.

3. Can you get a money order at a bank?

Many banks and credit unions sell money orders, but not all. Those that do may only provide money orders to account holders.

4. How long does a money order take?

Money orders typically only take a couple of days. Weekends, holidays, and distance can influence the delivery time.

Bottom line

Merchants no longer accept credit cards to purchase money orders. If you have no other option, you can take out a cash advance from an ATM and use the funds to pay for it, but this will cost you. It is better to consider an alternative like paying via an app, using a prepaid card, or going with a debit card.

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.

2. Paycheck Advance is an earned wage access service and is not a loan or credit product.

3. Current is a financial technology company, not an FDIC-insured bank. FDIC insurance up to $250,000 only covers the failure of an FDIC-insured bank. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and/or Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card, which may be issued by Choice Financial Group and/or Cross River Bank, and the Current Visa® secured charge card, which is issued by Cross River Bank, are all issued pursuant to licenses from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit or credit cards are accepted. A Current debit account is required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

5. Debit card: Fees may apply, including out of network cash withdrawal fees, third-party fees, cash load fees, inactivity fees, account closure fees, international transaction fees, replacement card fees, express mail fees and escheatment fees. Build Card: Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.

6. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

7. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.

8. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

9. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC.

10. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Eligible Direct Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 35-day period and fulfill other requirements subject to Current’s discretion. Negative balances must be repaid within 60 days of the first Eligible Transaction that caused the negative balance. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions. Individual Current Accounts only.

11. For eligible customers only. You may earn Points in connection with your Build Card purchases at retailers whose merchant code is classified as: Dining (e.g., restaurants) and Groceries (e.g., supermarkets) and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. Points will expire 365 days after they settle. For more information (including specific eligibility criteria), please refer to the Current Points Terms and Condition.

12. Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.

13. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. No minimum balance required. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. To earn a Boost rate of 4.00%, the sum of your Eligible Payroll Deposits over a rolling 35-day period must be $500 or more, with at least one Eligible Payroll Deposit equalling a minimum of $200. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.

14. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.

15. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.

16. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

17. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

18. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

19. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

20. Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

21. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

22. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

23. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.

24. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.

25. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

26. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.

27. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.

28. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

29. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

30. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.

31. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

32. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

33. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.

34. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.

35. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

36. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.

37. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.

38. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.

39. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.

40. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.

41. MyPay is only offered in select states

42. To be eligible for MyPay, you must receive qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account as set forth in the MyPay Agreement. A qualifying direct deposit is a deposit from an employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, government benefits payer, or other permitted source of income by Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) or Original Credit Transaction (“OCT”). Your MyPay Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance may change at any time. MyPay is a line of credit and available limits are based on estimated income and risk-based criteria. Eligible members may be offered a $20 – $500 Credit Limit per pay period. Your Credit Limit and Maximum Available Advance will be displayed to you within the Chime app. MyPay is currently only available to eligible Chime members in certain states. Other restrictions may apply.

43. Not affiliated with Empower Annuity Insurance Company of America (www.empower.com). Not everyone will qualify. Offers range from $10-$300 for first-time customers; $10-$400 for all others. Offers are based on our eligibility requirements and can go up with on-time payments. In Feb 2025, the average offer was $95 for first-time customers; $187 for all others. Instant delivery is optional—see fees in Empower’s Terms. Empower offers a 14-day trial for first-time customers followed by an auto-recurring $8/month subscription fee. Cancel anytime.

* EarnIn is not available for Connecticut residents

Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor's credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and an MBA.

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Can You Buy a Money Order With a Credit Card?

Key takeaways

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Can you get a money order with a credit card?

Paying for a money order with a credit card

Where can you purchase a money order with a credit card?