Can I purchase a money order with a credit or debit card?

Whether you can purchase a money order with a credit or debit card depends on the specific policies of the institution where you are buying the money order. Here's what you need to know:

Credit Card:

1. Generally Not Allowed: Many places that issue money orders, such as post offices, banks, and grocery stores, do not accept credit cards as a payment method for purchasing money orders. This is because credit cards can be used for cash advances, which may incur additional fees and interest charges.

2. Cash Advance Fees: If a place does allow you to purchase a money order with a credit card, it may be treated as a cash advance by your credit card issuer. This means you could be subject to cash advance fees and higher interest rates from the moment of the transaction.

Debit Card:

1. Accepted at Some Locations: Some places that issue money orders do accept debit cards as a payment method. You can use your debit card as long as it has a Visa, MasterCard, or other major card network logo on it.

2. Funds Availability: When using a debit card, the funds for the money order purchase are typically immediately withdrawn from your checking or savings account.

3. PIN or Signature: Depending on the location, you may be required to enter your PIN (Personal Identification Number) or sign for the transaction when using a debit card.

To determine whether a specific location accepts credit or debit cards for money order purchases, it's advisable to contact them directly or visit their website for information on accepted payment methods and any associated fees. Keep in mind that even if a location accepts debit cards, there may be limitations on the types of debit cards they accept or specific requirements for the transaction. Additionally, it's important to be aware of any fees or potential cash advance charges associated with using a credit card for such transactions.