Citi charges a cash advance fee every time you withdraw cash using your credit card
When you take a cash advance on a Citi credit card, you pay a cash advance fee — a one-time charge added to your balance the moment the transaction posts. This fee is separate from interest and applies whether you use an ATM, visit a bank branch, or get cash back at a store. The fee amount depends on which Citi card you hold and the size of your withdrawal.
Citi's cash advance fees typically fall into two categories: a flat dollar amount or a percentage of the amount withdrawn, whichever is greater. For most Citi cards, this means either $5 to $10 flat, or 3% to 5% of the cash amount. A $200 withdrawal on a card with a 5% fee costs you $10 in fees alone, before any interest charges begin.
The fee posts when ready, but interest on the cash advance starts accruing right away too — there is no grace period like there is for purchases. This makes cash advances significantly more expensive than regular credit card purchases, even if you pay the balance back quickly.
Key Takeaways
- Citi cash advance fees range from $5 flat to 5% of the amount withdrawn, depending on your specific card.
- The fee is charged once per transaction and added to your credit card balance when ready.
- Interest on cash advances begins accruing the day you withdraw the money, with no grace period.
- You can find your card's exact fee in your cardholder agreement or by calling the number on the back of your card.
- Using a debit card, personal loan, or balance transfer are usually cheaper ways to access cash than a credit card cash advance.
How to find your specific Citi card's cash advance fee
Your exact fee depends on which Citi card you own. The fee structure is listed in your cardholder agreement — the document you received when you opened the account, usually as a PDF or printed booklet. Look for the section titled "Fees" or "Cash Advance Fee."
If you no longer have the agreement, log into your Citi account online or through the mobile app. Go to Account Settings or Documents, then look for "Cardholder Agreement" or "Terms and Conditions." You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask a representative to read you the cash advance fee for your specific card.
Common Citi cards and their typical cash advance fees include cards with flat fees ($5 to $10) and cards with percentage-based fees (3% to 5%). Premium cards sometimes offer lower percentages or waived fees for the first cash advance in a year, though this varies. Always confirm the exact amount before you withdraw, because the fee is non-refundable once posted.
Where you can take a Citi cash advance
You can withdraw a cash advance from any ATM that accepts your card, at any bank branch (Citi or another bank), or at some retail locations that offer cash back. The fee applies no matter which method you use — there is no cheaper option among these choices.
ATMs are the most convenient but also the most likely to charge you an additional ATM operator fee on top of Citi's cash advance fee. A non-Citi ATM might charge $2 to $3 extra. Visiting a Citi branch or another bank in person avoids the ATM operator fee, but you will still pay Citi's cash advance fee.
Some credit cards allow you to request a cash advance by check or transfer to your bank account. Ask Citi whether your card offers this option — it may avoid ATM fees, though the Citi cash advance fee still applies.
How cash advance interest works and why it costs more
Cash advances carry a different interest rate than purchases on the same card. Citi's cash advance APR is typically higher than the purchase APR — sometimes 3% to 5% higher. If your purchase APR is 18%, your cash advance APR might be 23%.
Unlike purchases, there is no grace period. Interest begins accruing the day you withdraw the cash, even if you pay it back within days. A $500 cash advance at 23% APR costs about $3.15 per day in interest alone. Add the cash advance fee ($15 to $25 depending on your card), and you have already spent $18 to $28 before you have held the cash for a week.
Citi also applies your payments differently when you carry both a purchase balance and a cash advance balance. Payments go toward the purchase balance first, leaving the cash advance to accrue interest longer. This is called the "purchase preference" rule and is standard across the industry.
Cheaper ways to get cash when you need it
If you need cash, a credit card cash advance is usually the most expensive option available to you. A debit card withdrawal from your own bank account costs nothing and avoids both the fee and the interest. If your bank charges ATM fees, you pay only that fee, not a percentage of the amount.
A personal loan from a bank or credit union typically charges a lower interest rate than a cash advance and no upfront fee. You receive the money in your account and can withdraw it as cash. The loan is amortized, so you know exactly how much you will pay and when.
A balance transfer to a different card with a 0% introductory APR can be cheaper if you need the cash for a specific purchase. You transfer the amount to the new card, then withdraw it or use it to pay a bill. Balance transfers do charge a fee (usually 3% to 5%), but if the new card offers 0% APR for 6 to 12 months, you avoid the interest charges that make cash advances so expensive.
If you are in a bind and need cash urgently, ask friends or family, negotiate a payment plan with the person or business you owe money to, or contact a local nonprofit credit counselor. These options cost nothing and are often faster than waiting for a loan to process.
What happens if you cannot pay back a cash advance
If you carry a cash advance balance month to month, the interest and fees compound. A $500 cash advance at 23% APR with a $15 fee becomes $515 owed after one month, then $525 after two months, assuming you make no payments. The balance grows faster than a purchase balance would, because there is no grace period and the interest rate is higher.
If you miss a payment on your cash advance, Citi reports it to the credit bureaus after 30 days, which damages your credit score. Late fees explore (typically $25 to $40), and your APR may increase to the penalty rate, which can be 29% or higher. This makes the debt even more expensive to carry.
If you are struggling to pay back a cash advance, contact Citi's customer service before you miss a payment. Ask about hardship programs, payment plans, or balance transfer options. Citi may be willing to work with you rather than let the account go into default.
How to avoid cash advance fees in the future
The simplest way to avoid the fee is to not take a cash advance. Use your debit card, withdraw cash from your own bank account, or ask a friend to lend you cash. If you find yourself regularly needing cash advances, that is a sign your budget needs adjustment or your emergency fund is too small.
If you must take a cash advance, minimize the amount and pay it back as quickly as possible. Every day you carry the balance, interest accrues. Paying back $500 in one week instead of one month saves you roughly $15 in interest, which is often more than the cash advance fee itself.
Some Citi cards offer perks like a waived cash advance fee for the first withdrawal in a calendar year, or a lower cash advance APR for the first 30 days. Check your cardholder agreement to see if your card has any such benefits. Even with a waived fee, the interest still accrues, so this is not a reason to take a cash advance you do not need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I dispute a cash advance fee if I did not authorize it?
If someone else withdrew cash using your card without permission, contact Citi when ready and report it as fraud. Citi will investigate and may reverse the fee and the cash advance itself. You must report it within 60 days of the statement date to receive full protection under federal law.
Does Citi charge a fee if I transfer a cash advance to another card?
No, but the receiving card will charge its own balance transfer fee, which is typically 3% to 5% of the amount. You avoid Citi's cash advance fee but pay a different fee to the new card. The new card's interest rate may be lower, which could save you money overall.
What is the maximum cash advance I can take on a Citi card?
Citi sets a cash advance limit for each account, which is usually lower than your credit limit. You can find your cash advance limit in your online account or by calling customer service. The limit depends on your credit score, payment history, and how long you have held the card.
Do I pay the cash advance fee if I pay it back when ready?
Yes. The fee is charged the moment the transaction posts, regardless of when you pay it back. Paying it back the next day does not refund the fee, though it does minimize the interest you owe.
Is a cash advance fee tax deductible?
No. Cash advance fees are personal expenses and are not deductible on your taxes. If you took a cash advance for a business expense, you may be able to deduct the underlying expense, but not the fee itself. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation.