Western Union and 7-Eleven are often cited as places that allow customers to pay for a money order with a credit card, but we confirmed directly with both retailers that they only accept cash payments. Walmart, Moneygram and the U.S. Postal Service also do not let people use credit cards to purchase money orders.

Can I buy a Western Union money order with a credit card?

Western Union and 7-Eleven both allow you to buy a money order with a credit card, but that doesn’t mean you should. Since a money order is a cash equivalent, paying for one with a credit card is often treated as a cash advance — which entails steep interest fees.

Is using a credit card for Western Union a cash advance?

1. Cash advance. One of the easiest ways to transfer money from a credit card is through a cash advance, which acts similarly to a personal loan. With a cash advance, you can “borrow” money from your credit card and use the funds to make a purchase.

Where can I buy a money order with a credit card?

While credit card issuers will allow you to purchase a money order, many money order seller do not accept credit cards as a form of payment. That includes Walmart and the United States Postal Services. Western Union and 7-Eleven are currently two places that you can buy a money order with a credit card.

Is it safe to send money by money order?

LaToya Irby is a credit expert and has been covering credit and debt management for The Balance for more than a decade. A money order is a safe way to send money through the mail or to make payments to companies that have limited payment options.

How does a credit card company lend you money?

A traditional credit card. You use the card to pay for something and they lend you the money. Up to your credit limit, which may be low at first, they pay the merchant before you pay the credit card company. They send you a bill by mail or electronically once per month.

Why are money orders treated as cash advances?

Money Order Purchases Are Treated as Cash Advances Because money orders are a type of guaranteed payment instrument that requires upfront cash, credit card issuers treat them as a cash equivalent transaction.