How to get cash from your credit card
You can withdraw cash from a credit card in three ways: at an ATM using your card's PIN, at a bank teller's window, or through a cash advance app or service. The ATM method is fastest — you insert your card, enter your PIN, and withdraw up to your cash advance limit, which is usually lower than your credit limit. At a bank, you can ask the teller for a cash advance and show your card and ID. Some third-party services let you get cash by paying a merchant fee, though this is typically more expensive than the other two routes.
The catch is that cash advances cost more than regular credit card purchases. You pay an upfront fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn), and interest starts accruing when ready — there is no grace period like there is for purchases. The interest rate on cash advances is also often higher than your regular purchase APR. Because of these costs, getting cash from your credit card should be a last resort, not a routine way to access money.
Key Takeaways
- ATM withdrawals are the fastest method and require only your card and PIN, but your cash advance limit is usually much lower than your credit limit.
- Cash advances charge an upfront fee of 3 to 5 percent plus a higher interest rate than purchases, with interest starting when ready.
- Bank tellers can process cash advances in person if you bring your card and ID, and some banks waive the fee for customers in good standing.
- Third-party cash advance services and apps exist but typically charge higher fees and should only be used if ATM and bank options are not available.
- A personal loan or line of credit from a bank or credit union is almost always cheaper than a credit card cash advance.
Using an ATM to withdraw cash
Find an ATM that accepts your card's network — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Insert your card and select "Withdraw Cash" or "Cash Advance" from the menu. Enter your PIN and the amount you want to withdraw. The ATM will show your available cash advance limit before you confirm. If the amount exceeds your limit, the machine will reject the request.
Your cash advance limit is set by your card issuer and is separate from your credit limit. It may be as low as 20 percent of your credit limit or as high as your full credit limit, depending on the card and your account history. You can call your card issuer's customer service number (on the back of your card) to ask what your current cash advance limit is before you go to an ATM.
The fee appears on your next statement. Most cards charge a flat fee (often $5 to $10) or a percentage of the amount withdrawn (usually 3 to 5 percent), whichever is higher. Interest begins accruing on the withdrawn amount the same day, at a rate that is typically 2 to 5 percentage points higher than your purchase APR.
Getting a cash advance at a bank branch
Walk into any branch of your card issuer's bank or a bank that accepts your card network. Bring your credit card and a government-issued ID. Tell the teller you want a cash advance. The teller will verify your identity, check your available cash advance limit, and process the withdrawal.
Some banks waive the cash advance fee for customers with accounts in good standing or for amounts under a certain threshold. Ask the teller whether a fee applies before you proceed. The interest rate and accrual rules are the same as an ATM withdrawal — interest starts when ready and is charged at a higher rate than purchases.
Bank branches can process larger cash advances than ATMs, and you can withdraw during business hours without worrying about daily ATM limits. If you need a very large amount of cash and your card limit allows it, a branch is your best option.
Third-party cash advance services and apps
Some apps and services let you get cash by linking your credit card. These services act as a middleman: they charge you a fee and deposit cash into your bank account or send it to you another way. Examples include services that partner with merchants or offer "buy now, pay later" features that can be converted to cash.
These services are almost always more expensive than ATM or bank withdrawals. Fees can range from 5 to 15 percent or higher, on top of your card's cash advance fee and interest. Use these only if you cannot access an ATM or bank branch and need cash urgently.
Be cautious with any service that asks for your card number, PIN, or online banking password. Legitimate services do not ask for these details. If you use an app, read it directly from your phone's official app store, not from a link in an email or text message.
Understanding cash advance fees and interest
A cash advance fee is charged once, when you withdraw the money. It appears as a separate line item on your credit card statement. The fee is either a flat amount (like $5 or $10) or a percentage of the amount withdrawn (like 3 percent), and your card issuer charges whichever is higher. A $200 withdrawal with a $5 flat fee or 3 percent fee would cost you $6 (3 percent of $200).
Interest on a cash advance is calculated daily from the day you withdraw it, not from your statement closing date like purchase interest. If your cash advance APR is 25 percent and you withdraw $500, you owe roughly $3.42 in interest per day until you pay it back. This interest compounds, so the longer you carry the balance, the more you owe.
Payments to your credit card go toward your lowest-interest balance first. If you have both purchases and a cash advance on the same card, your payment will pay off the purchase balance before the cash advance, even though the cash advance has a higher interest rate. This means cash advances can sit on your account accruing expensive interest for a long time. To pay off a cash advance faster, contact your card issuer and ask if you can direct a payment specifically to the cash advance balance.
Cheaper alternatives to credit card cash advances
A personal loan from a bank or credit union is almost always cheaper. Personal loans have fixed interest rates (often 6 to 36 percent depending on your credit) and fixed repayment terms, so you know exactly what you owe and when you will be done paying. The interest rate is lower than a cash advance APR for most borrowers, and there is no upfront fee.
A line of credit from a bank or credit union works similarly to a personal loan but lets you borrow only what you need. You pay interest only on the amount you draw, not on the full credit line. Both options require an process and approval, which takes a few days to a week, so they do not work for same-day cash needs.
If you need cash today and have a bank account, ask your bank about overdraft protection or a short-term overdraft line. Some banks offer small overdrafts at a flat fee rather than an interest rate, which can be cheaper than a cash advance. A credit union may also offer a payday alternative loan (PAL), which is designed for emergencies and has lower fees and interest than a cash advance.
How cash advances affect your credit score
A cash advance itself does not appear separately on your credit report — it shows up as part of your credit card balance. However, it can hurt your credit score in two ways. First, it increases your credit utilization ratio (the amount of credit you are using compared to your total available credit). A higher utilization ratio lowers your score. Second, if you carry the cash advance balance for a long time, the high interest charges increase your total debt, which also lowers your score.
The cash advance does not create a hard inquiry or a new account, so it does not directly damage your score the way a new credit card process does. The damage comes from the balance itself and how long you carry it.
To minimize the impact, pay off the cash advance as quickly as you can. Even a small extra payment toward the cash advance balance (rather than letting your regular payment cover it last) will reduce the interest you pay and help your score recover faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cash advance if my credit card is maxed out?
No. Your cash advance limit is separate from your credit limit, but you can only withdraw up to the available balance on your card. If your card is maxed out, you have no available credit left, and the ATM or teller will reject the request. You would need to pay down your balance first.
What is the difference between a cash advance and a balance transfer?
A cash advance gives you physical cash and charges a fee plus high interest when ready. A balance transfer moves debt from one card to another and may offer a 0 percent introductory APR period. Balance transfers are meant for moving existing debt, not for getting cash. If you need cash, a cash advance is the only credit card option.
Do I have to use my PIN to get a cash advance?
At an ATM, yes — you must enter your PIN. At a bank branch, no — you show your ID instead. If you do not know your PIN, call your card issuer's customer service number to reset it before you visit an ATM. The process usually takes a few minutes.
Can I get a cash advance on a debit card?
No. Debit cards withdraw money directly from your bank account; they do not borrow money. You can withdraw cash from an ATM or teller using a debit card, but there is no fee or interest because you are spending your own money, not borrowing.
What happens if I do not pay back a cash advance?
The balance stays on your credit card and accrues interest at your cash advance APR. If you do not make at least the minimum payment, your account goes into default, your card issuer may close your account, and the missed payment is reported to credit bureaus. This damages your credit score and can lead to collection efforts or legal action if the debt is large enough.