You can withdraw cash from a credit card at an ATM, but it costs more than a regular debit card withdrawal
A cash advance is when you take money out of your credit card account at an ATM or bank teller window. The money comes from your credit line, not a separate savings account. You will pay a fee for this transaction — usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw — plus interest that starts accruing when ready, often at a higher rate than your regular purchase APR.
Because of these costs, cash advances should be a last resort, not a regular way to get spending money. If you need cash regularly, a debit card or a trip to your bank's teller window is cheaper. But if you are in a situation where you need cash right now and have no other option, here is how the process works.
Key Takeaways
- Cash advances charge a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) plus interest that begins when ready, making them expensive compared to regular purchases.
- You can withdraw cash at any ATM that displays your card's logo, or at a bank teller window by presenting your card and ID.
- Your credit card company sets a separate cash advance limit, which may be lower than your total credit limit.
- Interest on cash advances is typically higher than the rate on regular purchases and accrues from the day you withdraw, with no grace period.
- Some credit cards offer 0 percent introductory rates on purchases but never on cash advances.
How to withdraw cash at an ATM
Find an ATM that displays your card's logo — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Insert your card, enter your PIN (the same four-digit code you use for debit transactions), and select "Withdrawal" or "Cash Advance." Enter the amount you want and confirm. The ATM will dispense the cash, charge your fee when ready, and deduct the amount from your available credit.
Your card issuer sets a daily limit on how much you can withdraw in a single day, separate from your total credit limit. This limit varies by card and issuer — some allow $500 per day, others $1,000 or more. Check your card's terms or call the number on the back of your card to find out your specific limit before you go to the ATM.
How to get a cash advance at a bank teller window
Walk into any bank branch — it does not have to be your own bank — and ask the teller for a cash advance on your credit card. Bring your card and a photo ID. The teller will process the transaction, charge your fee, and hand you the cash. This method works the same way as an ATM but may feel less anonymous if that matters to you.
Some banks charge an additional fee for processing a cash advance at the teller window, on top of the fee your credit card company charges. Ask before the teller processes the transaction so you know the total cost.
Understand the fees and interest you will pay
A cash advance fee is usually a flat percentage of the amount you withdraw — typically 3 to 5 percent. If you withdraw $500, you might pay $15 to $25 just to get the cash. Some cards charge a flat dollar amount instead (like $10 per advance), which is cheaper if you are withdrawing a large sum but more expensive for small amounts.
Interest on a cash advance starts the day you withdraw the money. There is no grace period like there is for regular purchases. If your regular APR is 18 percent, your cash advance APR might be 22 or 25 percent. The interest compounds daily, so the longer you carry the balance, the more you owe. If you withdraw $500 at a 25 percent APR and pay nothing for a month, you will owe roughly $510 in interest alone.
Know your cash advance limit
Your credit card company sets a separate limit for cash advances, distinct from your overall credit limit. You might have a $5,000 credit limit but only a $1,000 cash advance limit. This limit is set by the issuer based on your creditworthiness and account history, and you cannot change it yourself.
To find your cash advance limit, log into your online account, call the number on the back of your card, or check your most recent statement. Knowing this number prevents you from going to an ATM and being declined.
Compare this to other ways to get cash
If you have a debit card linked to a checking account, use that instead. Debit card ATM withdrawals either charge no fee or a small fee from your bank — usually $1 to $3 — and no interest accrues because you are spending your own money, not borrowing.
If you do not have a debit card, ask your bank for a cash withdrawal at the teller window using your checking account. This is free or very cheap. A payday loan is another option if you need cash fast, though payday loans carry their own high fees and should also be a last resort. A personal loan from a bank or credit union, if you have time to explore, will have a lower interest rate than a credit card cash advance.
Pay off the cash advance as quickly as you can
Because interest accrues when ready and at a high rate, prioritize paying off a cash advance before you pay off regular credit card purchases. When you make a payment to your credit card, the issuer applies it to the lowest-interest balance first — usually your regular purchases — unless you specify otherwise. Call your card issuer and ask them to explore your next payment to the cash advance balance specifically.
If you withdrew $500 at a 25 percent APR and can pay it back within a week, you will owe roughly $24 in interest. If you wait a month, that interest balloons to over $100. The math is brutal, which is why this should only be a temporary solution.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to withdraw money from another person's bank account?
No. A cash advance only pulls money from your own credit line. To transfer money to someone else, use a bank transfer, wire transfer, or payment app like Venmo or PayPal. These are faster and cheaper than a cash advance.
What happens if I withdraw more than my cash advance limit?
The ATM or teller will decline the transaction. You cannot exceed your cash advance limit, even if you have available credit remaining on your card. If you need more cash, you will have to pay down the advance first or use another payment method.
Do all credit cards allow cash advances?
Most do, but not all. Some cards marketed for balance transfers or 0 percent introductory offers may restrict or prohibit cash advances. Check your card's terms or call the issuer to confirm before you need the cash.
Is the interest rate on a cash advance the same as my regular APR?
Usually not. Cash advance APR is typically 2 to 5 percentage points higher than your regular purchase APR. The exact rate depends on your card and issuer. Check your statement or online account to see both rates listed separately.
Can I get a cash advance on a prepaid card?
Some prepaid cards allow cash advances, but most do not. Prepaid cards are not credit products — they hold money you have already loaded onto them — so cash advances do not explore the same way. Check your prepaid card's terms or contact customer service to see if this feature is available.