Can you buy a money order with a vanilla gift card? This is a common question among those who are looking to make purchases using their gift cards. While it may seem straightforward, the answer is not always clear-cut. In this article, we will explore the possibilities and limitations of using a vanilla gift card to purchase a money order.
Firstly, it is important to understand what a vanilla gift card is. A vanilla gift card is a pre-paid card that can be used at any location that accepts Visa or MasterCard. These cards are reloadable and can be used for a variety of purchases, including online shopping, dining, and even paying bills. However, when it comes to buying a money order, the process can be a bit more complicated.
One of the main reasons why you cannot directly buy a money order with a vanilla gift card is because money orders are typically purchased at a physical location, such as a post office or a convenience store. While these locations may accept Visa or MasterCard for other purchases, they often do not accept gift cards, including vanilla gift cards. This is because the process of verifying the card’s balance and authenticity can be more difficult with a gift card compared to a traditional credit or debit card.
However, there is a workaround if you absolutely need to use your vanilla gift card to purchase a money order. You can first use the gift card to buy a cashiers’ check or a bank draft at a participating bank or financial institution. Once you have the cashiers’ check or bank draft, you can then take it to a post office or a convenience store to exchange it for a money order. This method may require you to pay a fee for the cashiers’ check or bank draft, so it’s important to factor in these additional costs.
In conclusion, while you cannot directly buy a money order with a vanilla gift card, there are alternative methods to achieve the same goal. By using the gift card to purchase a cashiers’ check or bank draft, you can then exchange it for a money order. However, it’s important to be aware of any additional fees and the potential inconvenience of this process. Always check with the specific locations you plan to use to ensure they accept gift cards for these types of transactions.
