Yes, you can use most credit cards at ATMs, but it costs you money and works differently than a debit card
You can withdraw cash from an ATM using a credit card, but the transaction is treated as a cash advance, not a regular purchase. This matters because cash advances carry higher fees and interest rates than everyday credit card charges. The ATM will ask whether you want a cash advance; if you say yes, the money comes out of your available credit line, and interest starts accruing when ready — there is no grace period like there is for regular purchases.
Not every credit card works at every ATM. Visa and Mastercard credit cards work at most ATMs worldwide, but American Express and Discover cards have fewer ATM partnerships. Before you need cash, check your card's terms or call the number on the back to confirm which ATMs accept your card.
Key Takeaways
- Cash advances from credit cards charge a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn) plus a higher interest rate than regular purchases.
- Interest on a cash advance starts the day you withdraw it, with no grace period, so the cost adds up quickly.
- Your credit card's cash advance limit may be lower than your overall credit limit, and some cards do not allow cash advances at all.
- Using a debit card, getting cash back at a store, or visiting your bank's branch are cheaper ways to get cash than a credit card ATM withdrawal.
What fees and interest rates you will pay
Every credit card charges a cash advance fee when you withdraw money at an ATM. This fee is usually between 3 and 5 percent of the amount you withdraw, with a minimum of $2 to $10 depending on the card. If you withdraw $100, you might pay $3 to $5 right away. If you withdraw $500, the fee could be $15 to $25.
On top of the upfront fee, you pay cash advance interest at a rate higher than your regular purchase APR. While a credit card might charge 18 percent APR on purchases, the cash advance rate could be 25 percent or higher. Interest starts accruing the moment you withdraw the cash — there is no 21-day grace period like there is for regular purchases. This means even if you pay back the cash advance in full the next day, you will still owe interest for that one day.
The ATM itself may also charge a surcharge if it is not owned by your card issuer's bank. This fee goes to the ATM operator, not your credit card company, and typically ranges from $2 to $3 per transaction. You will usually see this fee displayed on the ATM screen before you complete the withdrawal, and you can cancel if you choose.
How to find an ATM that accepts your credit card
Your credit card issuer's website or mobile app usually has an ATM locator tool. Log into your account online or open the app, look for "ATM locator" or "find an ATM," and enter your location. The tool will show you nearby ATMs that accept your card and whether they charge a surcharge.
If your card is a Visa or Mastercard, you can also use the Visa ATM locator or Mastercard ATM locator on their websites. American Express cardholders can search the Amex locator, though Amex ATM networks are smaller. Discover cardholders should use the Discover ATM locator, as Discover has fewer partner ATMs than Visa or Mastercard.
Before you travel or move to a new area, check whether your card works at ATMs there. Some regional banks and credit unions have limited ATM networks, so you may have fewer options than you would with a large national bank card.
Your credit card's cash advance limit
Your credit card may have a separate cash advance limit that is lower than your overall credit limit. If your credit limit is $5,000, your cash advance limit might be only $1,000 or $1,500. The card issuer sets this limit to reduce risk, because cash advances are riskier for the bank than regular purchases.
You can find your cash advance limit in your card's terms and conditions, on your statement, or by logging into your online account. Some cards display it right next to your credit limit. If you do not see it listed, call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask.
If you try to withdraw more than your cash advance limit, the ATM will decline the transaction. You cannot override this limit, so know your limit before you go to the ATM.
Cheaper ways to get cash
If you have a debit card, use that instead. Debit card ATM withdrawals do not charge a cash advance fee or interest, though some ATMs may still charge a surcharge if the ATM is not owned by your bank. This is far cheaper than a credit card cash advance.
Ask for cash back when you make a purchase at a grocery store, pharmacy, or other retailer that offers it. This is free and does not trigger a cash advance fee. You can usually withdraw $20 to $100 depending on the store's policy.
If you have a bank account, visit a branch in person and withdraw cash from a teller. There is no fee, and you can withdraw as much as you need. If you do not have a bank account or do not have a branch nearby, a credit union branch or a check-cashing service may also help, though check-cashing services typically charge a fee.
What happens if you cannot pay back a cash advance
If you do not pay back the cash advance in full by your statement due date, the unpaid balance will accrue interest at your card's cash advance rate. This interest is calculated daily and added to your balance each month. If you carry the balance for several months, the interest charges can exceed the original amount you withdrew.
A cash advance also counts toward your credit utilization ratio, which affects your credit score. If you withdraw $500 on a $5,000 credit limit, your utilization jumps to 10 percent just from that one transaction. High utilization can lower your credit score, even if you pay on time.
If you are struggling to pay back a cash advance, focus on paying it off as quickly as possible, because the interest rate is so high. Paying only the minimum payment will take years to clear the balance and cost you hundreds of dollars in interest.
Cards that do not allow cash advances
Some credit cards, particularly rewards cards and cards designed for people rebuilding credit, do not allow cash advances at all. If your card does not allow cash advances, the ATM will decline the transaction and display a message saying the card cannot be used for that purpose.
If you need cash and your card does not allow advances, use a debit card, ask for cash back at a store, or visit your bank. Do not explore for a new credit card just to get a cash advance — the hard inquiry and new account will hurt your credit score, and the cost of the cash advance will outweigh any benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will using a credit card at an ATM hurt my credit score?
A single cash advance will not destroy your credit score, but it can lower it slightly because it increases your credit utilization. If you carry the balance and miss payments, that will hurt your score much more. The bigger risk is the interest charges, which add up quickly.
Can I use a credit card at an ATM outside the United States?
Yes, Visa and Mastercard credit cards work at ATMs in most countries, but you will pay a foreign transaction fee (usually 1 to 3 percent) on top of the cash advance fee and interest. This makes it very expensive. If you are traveling, a debit card or a no-foreign-fee credit card for regular purchases is a better choice.
What is the difference between a cash advance and a balance transfer?
A cash advance is money you withdraw from an ATM or bank, while a balance transfer moves debt from one credit card to another. Both are treated differently than regular purchases, but a balance transfer usually has a lower interest rate than a cash advance. Neither is a good long-term strategy.
Can I withdraw cash from a credit card at a bank teller instead of an ATM?
Yes, you can go to a bank branch and ask a teller for a cash advance using your credit card. The fee and interest rate are the same as an ATM withdrawal, but you may be able to withdraw larger amounts and avoid ATM surcharges. Call ahead to confirm the bank will process a credit card cash advance.
How long does it take for a cash advance to show up on my statement?
A cash advance usually appears on your statement within one to three business days, depending on your card issuer. Interest starts accruing when ready, even if it has not posted to your account yet. Pay it back as soon as possible to minimize interest charges.