Yes, you can withdraw cash from an ATM with a credit card, but it costs more than a debit card and counts as a loan
Most credit cards allow you to withdraw cash at an ATM, but the transaction is treated as a cash advance, not a regular purchase. This means you pay a fee upfront — usually 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn — plus interest that starts accruing when ready, often at a higher rate than your regular purchase APR. There is no grace period for cash advances the way there is for purchases.
The process itself is straightforward: insert your credit card into an ATM, enter your PIN, select "cash advance" or "withdrawal," and choose your amount. But the financial cost makes this an expensive way to get cash unless you have no other option.
Key Takeaways
- Cash advances from a credit card charge an upfront fee (typically 3% to 5%) plus interest that begins when ready with no grace period.
- The interest rate on cash advances is usually higher than the rate on regular purchases, sometimes 5 to 10 percentage points above your standard APR.
- You need a PIN to withdraw cash at an ATM with a credit card; if you do not have one, you can request it from your card issuer.
- Debit cards, bank accounts, or cash-back at a store are almost always cheaper ways to get cash than a credit card cash advance.
What fees and interest you pay on a credit card cash advance
The cost of a cash advance breaks into two parts: the upfront fee and the ongoing interest. The upfront fee is a percentage of the amount you withdraw — check your card's terms to find the exact rate, which typically ranges from 3% to 5%. On a $200 withdrawal, that is $6 to $10 before you even leave the ATM.
Interest starts accruing the day you withdraw the cash. Unlike a purchase, which may have a 21-day grace period before interest kicks in, a cash advance has no grace period. The interest rate is usually your card's cash advance APR, which is often 5 to 10 percentage points higher than your purchase APR. If your purchase rate is 18%, your cash advance rate might be 28%. That higher rate applies until the balance is paid off.
Some cards charge a flat fee instead of a percentage — for example, $5 or $10 per withdrawal — but this is less common. Always check your card's disclosure documents or call the issuer to confirm the exact fee structure before you withdraw.
How to set up or reset your ATM PIN for a credit card
To withdraw cash at an ATM, you need a PIN. If you have never set one up, or if you have forgotten it, you can request a new one from your card issuer. Most issuers let you set or reset your PIN online through their website or mobile app — look for a section labeled "Card Services," "Manage Your Card," or "Security Settings."
If you cannot find the option online, call the customer service number on the back of your card. A representative can reset your PIN over the phone or mail you a temporary one. The process usually takes a few minutes to a few days, depending on the issuer. Once you have a PIN, you can use it at any ATM that accepts your card's network — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover.
When a credit card cash advance makes sense
A credit card cash advance is expensive, so it should be a last resort. The main situation where it makes sense is when you have no access to your debit card or bank account and you need cash urgently. For example, if your debit card is lost or frozen, or if you are traveling and your bank's ATMs are not available, a credit card cash advance may be your only option in that moment.
Even then, try to repay it as quickly as possible. Because interest accrues when ready and at a high rate, carrying a cash advance balance is costly. If you can pay it back within a few days, the total cost may be just the upfront fee. If it sits for weeks or months, the interest will compound and the total cost will be much higher.
Cheaper ways to get cash
Before you use a credit card cash advance, explore these alternatives. A debit card withdrawal at your bank's ATM is free or costs a small fee ($1 to $3) at out-of-network ATMs — far less than a credit card cash advance. If you have a bank account, this is almost always the cheapest option.
Cash-back at a store is also free. When you make a purchase at a grocery store, pharmacy, or other retailer that offers cash-back, you can ask the cashier to add cash to your transaction at no extra charge. You do not need to make a large purchase — many stores allow cash-back on small transactions or even with no purchase at all.
If you are traveling internationally, a credit card cash advance may seem tempting, but it is still expensive. Instead, use a debit card at a local ATM, exchange currency at a bank before you leave, or use a travel card designed for international use, which often has lower foreign transaction fees and better exchange rates.
What happens if you cannot pay back a cash advance
If you carry a cash advance balance and cannot pay it off quickly, the interest compounds and the debt grows. Unlike a purchase, which might have a promotional 0% APR period, cash advances rarely may have access to for promotional rates. You will pay the full cash advance APR from day one.
If the balance goes unpaid for months, it will affect your credit score because it increases your credit utilization ratio — the amount of available credit you are using. A higher utilization ratio signals risk to lenders and can lower your score by 50 to 100 points or more, depending on how much you owe relative to your credit limit.
If you fall behind on payments, the card issuer may report the account as delinquent to the credit bureaus, which will damage your credit further. The best approach is to avoid a cash advance unless you are certain you can repay it within days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I withdraw cash from an ATM with any credit card?
Most credit cards allow cash advances at ATMs, but some cards — particularly store cards or secured cards — may not. Check your card's terms or call the issuer to confirm. You will also need a PIN, which you can set up online or by phone if you do not have one.
What is the difference between a cash advance and a regular purchase?
A regular purchase has a grace period (usually 21 days) before interest accrues, while a cash advance charges interest when ready. Cash advances also charge an upfront fee and usually have a higher interest rate. The cash advance APR is typically 5 to 10 percentage points above your purchase APR.
Can I use a credit card to withdraw cash at a bank teller?
Yes. You can go to a bank branch and ask a teller to process a cash advance on your credit card. The fees and interest rates are the same as an ATM withdrawal. Some banks may also charge an additional fee for processing the transaction at the counter.
Will a credit card cash advance hurt my credit score?
A single cash advance will not directly hurt your score, but carrying a balance will. The balance increases your credit utilization ratio, which can lower your score. If you pay it off quickly, the impact is minimal. If you carry it for months, the damage can be significant.
What should I do if I forgot my credit card PIN?
Call the customer service number on the back of your card or log into your online account to reset it. Most issuers can send you a temporary PIN by mail or email, or let you create a new one when ready through their app. The process usually takes a few minutes to a few days.