Yes, you can use a credit card at an ATM, but it costs money and works differently than a debit card
Most ATMs will accept a credit card, but when you do, you are taking a cash advance — not withdrawing money from your own account. The ATM gives you cash when ready, but your credit card issuer treats it as a loan you owe right away. You pay interest on that cash from day one, usually at a higher rate than your regular purchase APR. There is also an upfront fee, typically $3 to $5 per transaction, charged by either the ATM operator or your card issuer or both.
Because of these costs, using a credit card at an ATM should be a last resort, not a regular habit. If you need cash and have a debit card, bank account, or access to a branch, those are almost always cheaper options.
Key Takeaways
- A credit card cash advance at an ATM costs an upfront fee ($3 to $5 typically) plus interest that starts accruing when ready, often at 20% APR or higher.
- Interest on cash advances has no grace period — you pay it from the day you withdraw, unlike purchases where you may have 21 days interest-free.
- Your credit card issuer sets a cash advance limit, which may be much lower than your credit limit and requires a PIN you may need to request in advance.
- Using your debit card, visiting a bank branch, or asking a cashier for cash back are all cheaper ways to get money than a credit card ATM withdrawal.
How a credit card cash advance works at the ATM
When you insert your credit card into an ATM and request cash, the machine connects to your card issuer to check your available cash advance limit. This limit is separate from your regular credit limit — it is often 20% to 50% of your total credit limit, and your issuer sets it. If you have never taken a cash advance before, you may not know what your limit is until you try.
Once the ATM approves the transaction, it dispenses cash and charges you a fee on the spot. That fee appears on your credit card statement within a day or two. At the same time, the cash amount is added to your credit card balance as a separate line item, and interest begins accruing when ready at your cash advance rate.
You repay the cash advance like any other credit card balance — by making a payment to your card issuer. The money does not come out of a bank account; it reduces what you owe on the card.
Fees and interest rates for credit card cash advances
The total cost of a credit card cash advance has two parts: the upfront fee and the interest.
The upfront fee is charged by the ATM operator, your card issuer, or sometimes both. A typical fee is $3 to $5 per transaction, though some ATMs charge a flat fee and others charge a percentage of the amount withdrawn (usually 2% to 3%). If you withdraw $200, a 3% fee costs $6. If you withdraw $500, the same percentage costs $15.
Interest on a cash advance is higher than interest on purchases. While a typical credit card purchase APR might be 18% to 22%, cash advance APR is often 25% to 30% or higher. More importantly, there is no grace period. Interest starts accruing the day you withdraw the cash, even if you pay off the balance in full the next day. With a purchase, you usually have 21 days before interest kicks in.
If you withdraw $300 at a 3% fee ($9) and 25% APR, and you pay it back in 30 days, you will owe roughly $9 in fees plus $6.25 in interest — about $15.25 total on top of the $300 you borrowed.
You may need a PIN to use your credit card at an ATM
Most credit cards do not come with a PIN by default. If you want to use your card at an ATM, you need to request one from your card issuer first. You can usually do this online through your card's website or app, by calling the customer service number on the back of your card, or by visiting a branch if your issuer has physical locations.
The process takes a few minutes to a few days depending on your issuer. Some banks generate a PIN when ready online; others mail it to you. If you need cash urgently and do not have a PIN set up, you cannot use the ATM — you will have to find another way to get money.
Once you have a PIN, you enter it at the ATM just like you would with a debit card. The transaction still counts as a cash advance and carries all the same fees and interest.
When a credit card cash advance makes sense
A credit card cash advance is useful only in specific situations where you have no other option and need cash when ready. Examples include: you are traveling and your debit card was lost or stolen, you need emergency cash and your bank branch is closed, or you are in a location where your bank has no ATMs and you cannot use your debit card.
Even in these cases, the cost is real. A $300 cash advance that you repay in two weeks will cost you roughly $15 to $20 in fees and interest combined. That is not a small amount, and it adds up quickly if you make a habit of it.
If you find yourself regularly using credit card cash advances to cover expenses, that is a sign you need to look at your budget or build an emergency fund. Repeatedly paying 25%+ interest on borrowed cash is expensive and unsustainable.
Cheaper ways to get cash
If you have a debit card linked to a bank account, use that at any ATM instead. You pay the ATM fee (typically $2 to $3 if it is out-of-network), but there is no interest because you are withdrawing your own money.
If you are at a store that accepts debit cards, ask the cashier for cash back. Most grocery stores, pharmacies, and retailers offer this service for free when you make a purchase. You get cash without any fee or interest.
If you are near your bank's branch or ATM, use those. Most banks do not charge a fee for withdrawals at their own ATMs, and many reimburse out-of-network fees if you use their app or maintain a certain account balance.
If you are traveling and worried about access to cash, call your bank before you leave and ask which ATM networks they partner with in your destination. Many banks are part of networks like Allpoint or MoneyPass that have thousands of free ATMs worldwide.
How cash advances affect your credit score
A cash advance itself does not directly hurt your credit score, but it can indirectly. When you take a cash advance, your credit utilization goes up — the amount of available credit you are using. If your credit limit is $5,000 and you take a $500 cash advance, your utilization jumps to 10%. High utilization can lower your score slightly.
More importantly, if you cannot pay back the cash advance on time, it becomes a late payment, which damages your score. And if the balance grows because of interest and fees, it takes longer to pay off, keeping your utilization high for longer.
The best approach is to avoid cash advances altogether. If you do take one, pay it back as quickly as possible to minimize interest and bring your utilization back down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card at any ATM?
Most ATMs accept credit cards, but not all. ATMs at your card issuer's branches almost always accept credit cards. Independent ATMs in stores, gas stations, and on the street usually do too, though some may not. The best way to find out is to try, or call your card issuer to ask which ATM networks accept cash advances on your card.
What is the difference between a cash advance and a regular purchase?
A regular purchase is charged to your credit card and you have a grace period (usually 21 days) before interest starts. A cash advance is treated as a loan, interest starts when ready, and the APR is higher. Cash advances also have an upfront fee; purchases do not.
Can I get a cash advance if my credit card is maxed out?
No. Your cash advance limit is separate from your regular credit limit, but you still need available credit to borrow. If your card is maxed out, you cannot take a cash advance. You would need to pay down your balance first.
Will my bank refund the ATM fee if I use a credit card?
No. ATM fees for credit card cash advances are not refunded by banks because you are borrowing money, not withdrawing from your own account. Some credit card issuers advertise that they reimburse ATM fees, but this typically applies only to debit card withdrawals or purchases, not cash advances.
How long does it take to set up a PIN for my credit card?
It depends on your issuer. Some banks let you create a PIN when ready through their app or website. Others mail it to you, which takes 5 to 10 business days. Call the number on the back of your card to find out how your issuer handles it.