diff --git a/redbot/core/utils/mod.py b/redbot/core/utils/mod.py
index 74e3f4b30..363df1e74 100644
--- a/redbot/core/utils/mod.py
+++ b/redbot/core/utils/mod.py
@@ -124,7 +124,7 @@ async def is_mod_or_superior(
     user = None
     if isinstance(obj, discord.Message):
         user = obj.author
-    elif isinstance(obj, discord.Member):
+    elif isinstance(obj, discord.Member) or isinstance(obj, discord.User):
         user = obj
     elif isinstance(obj, discord.Role):
         pass
@@ -214,7 +214,7 @@ async def is_admin_or_superior(
     user = None
     if isinstance(obj, discord.Message):
         user = obj.author
-    elif isinstance(obj, discord.Member):
+    elif isinstance(obj, discord.Member) or isinstance(obj, discord.User):
         user = obj
     elif isinstance(obj, discord.Role):
         pass