Can you get a money order from Walmart with a credit card?

Can You Buy a Walmart Money Order with a Credit Card? The Short Answer: No (But There’s a Workaround)

Need to send money quickly and reliably? A money order from Walmart might seem like a convenient option. However, if you’re hoping to pay for it with your credit card, you’ll be disappointed. Walmart explicitly prohibits the direct purchase of money orders using credit cards. Their policy strictly limits payment to cash or debit cards.

This limitation is in place for several reasons, likely related to fraud prevention and transaction fees. Credit card transactions incur processing fees for merchants, and the risk of fraudulent credit card use is higher than with cash or debit cards, which often require PINs or signatures for verification.

So, what are your options if you only have a credit card and need a money order?

The only viable workaround involves obtaining a cash advance on your credit card. This essentially means borrowing money from your credit card company, receiving it in cash, and then using that cash to buy the Walmart money order.

Important Considerations Before Using a Cash Advance:

• High Fees: Cash advances carry significantly higher fees than regular credit card purchases. Expect to pay a substantial percentage of the advanced amount, often a flat fee plus a high APR (Annual Percentage Rate). These fees can quickly negate any convenience gained.
• Increased Interest: Interest on cash advances typically accrues immediately, unlike purchases where there’s often a grace period. This means you’ll be paying interest from the moment you receive the cash.
• Impact on Credit Score: While obtaining a cash advance itself may not directly damage your credit score, consistently using cash advances and carrying a high balance can negatively impact your credit utilization ratio, potentially lowering your score.

Therefore, while technically possible to obtain a Walmart money order using a credit card via a cash advance, it’s generally not a financially sound strategy. The high fees and interest rates significantly outweigh the convenience. Consider exploring alternative money transfer methods, such as online payment services or bank-issued money orders, before resorting to a cash advance solely for this purpose. These alternatives may offer lower costs and more favorable terms. Always carefully weigh the fees and implications before making a financial decision.