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Can You Get a Money Order with a Credit Card?
July 1, 2025
Quick Answer
You can purchase a money order with a credit card, but the transaction is typically classified as a cash advance, which comes with significant fees and immediate interest accrual.
Should You Get A Money Order With A Credit Card?
Here are the pros and cons of using a credit card for a money order.
Benefits
- You can get a money order even if you do not have the cash immediately available.
- It may be possible to earn credit card rewards, such as points or cashback, on the transaction.
- Credit cards offer fraud protection benefits not available with cash or debit card payments.
Costs
- The transaction is typically treated as a cash advance, which incurs a fee from your card issuer.
- Cash advances usually carry a higher APR than standard purchases, and interest begins to accrue immediately.
- The money order provider, such as a retail store or post office, will charge its own service fee.
- Many vendors that issue money orders do not accept credit cards as a form of payment.
How to Get A Money Order With A Credit Card
While not always straightforward, you can get a money order with a credit card. This transaction is typically treated as a cash advance, so here’s how to approach it wisely.
- Find a Provider: First, locate a money order issuer that accepts credit cards. Many retailers, post offices, and check-cashing services only take debit or cash, so call ahead to confirm their policy.
- Choose the Right Card: Since this transaction is treated as a cash advance, it will likely come with high fees and interest. Select a card with the lowest possible cash advance APR and fee. Tools like Kudos' Explore Cards tool can help you compare options.
- Prepare Your Information: You'll need the recipient's name, your address, and the payment amount. Bring a government-issued photo ID, as the provider will need to verify your identity for the transaction.
- Complete the Transaction: Present your credit card and ID to the cashier. You will pay for the face value of the money order plus any applicable cash advance and issuer fees.
- Keep Your Receipt: Always save the receipt. It contains a tracking number and serves as your proof of purchase, which is crucial if the money order is lost or stolen.
Impact On Your Credit Score
While convenient, purchasing a money order with a credit card can impact your credit score. Here are the primary factors to consider:
- Cash Advance Treatment. Issuers often classify this as a cash advance, which carries higher fees and interest rates. This can quickly increase your total debt and the cost of the transaction.
- Credit Utilization Ratio. A large money order purchase can significantly raise your credit utilization ratio. A higher ratio may negatively affect your credit score, signaling increased risk to lenders.
Alternative Ways To Get A Money Order
Using Cash or a Debit Card
The most straightforward alternative to using a credit card is to pay with cash or a debit card. Virtually all money order issuers, including the U.S. Postal Service, banks, and retail locations, accept these forms of payment. Using a debit card pulls the funds directly from your checking account, while cash is a universally accepted option. Both methods allow you to avoid the cash advance fees and higher interest rates that credit card companies typically charge for these transactions.
Bank and Digital Alternatives
For those with a bank account, a cashier's check is a secure alternative that serves a similar function to a money order, with the funds guaranteed by the bank. Additionally, online payment platforms like Zelle or PayPal offer a modern way to send money securely without a physical document. These digital services transfer funds directly between accounts, providing a convenient and often instantaneous substitute with a clear electronic trail for your records.
Choose the Right Card to Get A Money Order
With over 3,000 credit cards available in the U.S., picking the one that best suits your spending habits and financial goals can feel overwhelming. Whether you're looking for maximum rewards, low fees, or specific perks, Kudos’ AI-powered tool can help you find your credit card match. It personalizes recommendations based on your preferences, ensuring you make an informed choice without the guesswork.
If you want to get more from your credit cards, Kudos is the premier free tool for your online shopping. We're also giving you $20 back on your first eligible purchase—just sign-up for free with code “GET20” and buy from a Boost merchant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the fees for buying a money order with a credit card?
You'll likely pay a cash advance fee to your card issuer plus a separate purchase fee to the vendor.
Where can I buy a money order with a credit card?
Retailers like Walmart, 7-Eleven, and the U.S. Postal Service may allow it, but policies can vary by location.
Will this affect my credit score?
It can. A cash advance raises your credit utilization ratio, which may temporarily lower your credit score.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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