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Can You Purchase Moneypak with A Credit Card?
July 1, 2025
Quick Answer
You cannot purchase a MoneyPak with a credit card, as retailers typically require cash or a debit card to mitigate potential fraud.
Should You Purchase Moneypak With A Credit Card?
Let's weigh the pros and cons of using a credit card for MoneyPak.
Benefits
- You may earn credit card rewards like points, miles, or cash back on the purchase.
- Enjoy the convenience of buying now and paying your credit card bill at a later date.
- The transaction may be covered under your credit card's fraud protection policies.
Costs
- MoneyPak purchases include a flat activation fee paid at the time of purchase.
- Your credit card issuer might treat the transaction as a cash advance, which incurs higher fees and immediate interest.
- Many retailers prohibit the use of credit cards for buying prepaid products like MoneyPak.
How to Purchase Moneypak With A Credit Card
Purchasing a Moneypak with a credit card can be a convenient way to manage funds. This guide outlines the general steps to complete the transaction smoothly and securely.
Find a Retailer: Locate a participating retailer that sells Moneypak. These are often available at major convenience stores, pharmacies, and supermarkets. You can typically find a store locator on the official Moneypak website.
Verify Payment Policy: Before going to the store, confirm their policy on purchasing prepaid products with a credit card. Some retailers may only accept cash or debit to mitigate fraud risks, so it's wise to call ahead.
Choose the Right Card: Select the best credit card for the transaction, ideally one that offers rewards on general purchases. If you need help comparing options, Kudos' explore cards tool can help you find a card that fits your needs.
Complete the Purchase: At the register, present the Moneypak and your credit card. Be prepared to show a valid photo ID, as some stores require it for verification when purchasing prepaid financial products.
Load Your Funds: After buying the Moneypak, follow the instructions on the package to load the money onto a prepaid card or digital account. Always keep the receipt as proof of purchase.
Impact On Your Credit Score
Using a credit card to buy a MoneyPak might seem straightforward, but it can have several indirect effects on your credit score. Here are a few key factors to keep in mind before making the purchase.
- Credit Utilization. This purchase increases your credit card balance, which can raise your credit utilization ratio. A ratio above 30% is often viewed negatively and may lower your credit score.
- Cash Advance Treatment. Your card issuer might classify the transaction as a cash advance, which often carries higher fees and interest rates. This can also be a red flag on your credit report.
- Payment History. Like any charge, you must pay it back on time to maintain a positive payment history. Late payments will negatively impact your score more than any other single factor.
Alternative Ways To Purchase Moneypak
Using Cash or Debit
You don't need a credit card to acquire a MoneyPak. The vast majority of participating retailers, including major chains like Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens, accept cash as a primary payment method. You can also use a debit card for the purchase. This offers a straightforward way to convert physical cash or funds from your bank account into a loadable format for your eligible prepaid card, completely avoiding the use of credit.
Direct Reloads at Retail
As an alternative to buying a MoneyPak, you can often load funds directly onto your prepaid card at the register. This service, sometimes called a "swipe reload," is available at many of the same retail locations. Simply hand your card to the cashier, state the amount you wish to add, and pay with cash or your debit card. This method accomplishes the same objective of funding your account but consolidates the process into a single transaction.
Choose the Right Card to Purchase Moneypak
With over 3,000 credit cards on the market, picking the right one to purchase MoneyPak and maximize your rewards can be a challenge. Kudos cuts through the complexity, helping you compare options and find the best card for your spending habits, so you can unlock more value with every transaction.
For those looking to get more out of their credit cards, Kudos is the ultimate free tool for online shopping. Better yet, you can earn $20 back after your first qualifying purchase when you sign-up for free with the code “GET20” and buy from a Boost merchant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy a MoneyPak?
MoneyPak is available at thousands of retailers nationwide, including major stores like Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens.
Are there fees for using MoneyPak?
Yes, a purchase fee applies when you buy the pack, and other service fees may be charged.
What are the load limits for a MoneyPak?
You can load any amount from $20 to $500 onto a single MoneyPak at the register.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
Experience smarter spending with Kudos and unlock more from your credit cards. Earn $20.00 when you sign up for Kudos with "GET20" and make an eligible Kudos Boost purchase.
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.
