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Yes, you can use a credit card at an ATM—but how it works and what it costs you depends on what you're trying to do and which card you're using.
Cash Advances
The most common way to use a credit card at an ATM is to take out a cash advance. This is a short-term loan from your credit card issuer. You insert your card, enter your PIN, and withdraw cash just like you would with a debit card.
However, cash advances are not the same as regular credit card purchases. They come with their own set of costs and terms that can add up quickly.
Balance Transfers (Less Common)
Some ATMs allow you to transfer funds from your credit card to a linked bank account, though this is rarer and depends on your card issuer's setup.
When you take a cash advance, three things typically happen immediately:
Fees apply right away — Most credit card issuers charge a cash advance fee, usually a percentage of the amount withdrawn (often 3–5%) or a flat minimum fee, whichever is higher. Some cards charge both.
Interest accrues from day one — Unlike regular purchases, cash advances don't have a grace period. Interest starts accumulating the moment you withdraw the cash, typically at a higher rate than your regular purchase APR.
A separate, higher interest rate applies — The annual percentage rate (APR) for cash advances is almost always significantly higher than your standard purchase rate.
Because of these stacked costs, a $200 cash advance can easily cost $10–15 in fees alone, plus interest that compounds daily.
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Card issuer | Different banks charge different fees and APRs for cash advances |
| Amount withdrawn | Larger amounts may hit a percentage-based fee; smaller amounts may hit a flat minimum fee |
| How long you carry the balance | Interest compounds daily, so repaying quickly matters more than with regular purchases |
| Your card's terms | Some cards offer better cash advance terms than others; a few premium cards waive fees |
| ATM network | Using an out-of-network ATM may add an additional surcharge on top of your card issuer's fee |
Most people avoid them because of the cost. But some situations make them worth considering:
If you need cash, using a debit card at an ATM or getting cash back at a store when you make a purchase typically costs less or nothing. Those should be your first options.
If you don't have access to those, a credit card cash advance might be necessary—but the cost difference is real, and you'll want to pay it back as quickly as possible to minimize interest charges.
