Most ATMs will not accept a credit card for cash withdrawal, but some will if you use the cash advance feature
An ATM will reject a standard credit card if you try to insert it like a debit card. However, most credit card issuers allow you to take out cash using a cash advance — a separate transaction that treats the withdrawal as a loan against your credit limit rather than a payment from a bank account. Not every ATM supports this, and the ones that do will charge you fees and interest that make it an expensive way to get cash.
The key difference: a debit card draws from money you already have. A cash advance borrows money at credit card rates. The ATM screen will show you the option if the machine supports it, but you need to know the costs before you use it.
Key Takeaways
- Cash advances charge an upfront fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount) plus a higher interest rate than regular purchases, starting when ready with no grace period.
- Not all ATMs accept credit cards for cash advances — you will see the option on the screen if the machine supports it, or you can call your card issuer to find ATMs that do.
- Interest on a cash advance begins accruing the day you withdraw the money, unlike purchases which have a grace period of 15 to 25 days.
- A $200 cash advance at a 5 percent fee plus 25 percent APR costs you $10 upfront and roughly $4 in interest per month until you pay it back.
How a cash advance works at the ATM
When you insert your credit card into an ATM that supports cash advances, the machine will ask whether you want to withdraw cash or check your balance. If you select cash withdrawal, it will prompt you to enter your PIN — the same four-digit code you use for debit transactions. Your credit card issuer sets this PIN separately from any debit card PIN you may have.
The ATM will then show you the withdrawal amount and the fee before you confirm. Once you complete the transaction, the money goes into your hand and the amount is added to your credit card balance as a new debt. You do not pay it back from a bank account; you pay it back through your credit card bill, and interest starts accumulating when ready.
If you have forgotten your PIN or never set one, you can call your card issuer to request it or set a new one. Most issuers allow you to do this online or through their app as well.
Fees and interest rates for cash advances
A cash advance costs money in two ways: an upfront fee and a higher interest rate. The upfront fee is typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw, charged when ready. A $200 withdrawal at 5 percent costs $10 right away. Some card issuers set a flat minimum fee (such as $5 or $10) instead, so a small withdrawal might cost more as a percentage.
The interest rate on a cash advance is higher than the rate on regular purchases. While a purchase might carry an APR of 15 to 22 percent, a cash advance often runs 25 to 30 percent or higher, depending on your card and creditworthiness. Unlike purchases, there is no grace period — interest begins accruing the day you withdraw the money, not 15 or 25 days later.
If you withdraw $200 at a 5 percent fee ($10) and carry it for one month at 25 percent APR, you will owe roughly $14.17 in total fees and interest. Carry it for three months and the interest alone reaches $12.50. This is why cash advances are expensive for anything beyond a short-term need.
Which ATMs accept credit card cash advances
Not every ATM will process a credit card cash advance. Machines owned by your card issuer's bank are most likely to support it — for example, if you have a Chase credit card, Chase ATMs will accept it. ATMs owned by other banks or independent operators may or may not support the feature.
The fastest way to find out is to try the ATM. If it accepts your card, the screen will walk you through the cash advance option. If it does not, the machine will reject the card or show only balance-inquiry options. You can also call your card issuer's customer service number (on the back of your card) and ask which ATM networks accept cash advances on your card, or check your issuer's website or app for an ATM locator.
Why you should avoid cash advances when possible
A cash advance is one of the most expensive ways to borrow money on a credit card. The combination of an upfront fee, a high interest rate, and no grace period means you start paying interest when ready on the full amount. If you need cash, consider these alternatives first: withdrawing from a bank account using a debit card, asking a friend or family member for a short-term loan, or visiting your bank branch to withdraw cash without a fee.
If you find yourself regularly needing cash advances, that is a sign your budget may not be covering your expenses. A cash advance does not solve the underlying problem — it adds cost on top of it. Reviewing your spending and income to find where the gap is will be more useful than paying 25 to 30 percent interest to cover it temporarily.
What happens if you cannot pay back a cash advance
A cash advance is treated like any other credit card debt. If you do not pay it back, it will accrue interest, damage your credit score if you miss payments, and potentially lead to collection action if the debt goes unpaid for a long time. Your card issuer may also lower your credit limit or close your account.
If you are struggling to pay back a cash advance, contact your card issuer to discuss options. Some issuers offer hardship programs that lower your interest rate or allow you to pause payments temporarily. These programs are not may provide, but asking is free and may reduce the cost of the debt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card at any ATM?
You can insert a credit card into most ATMs, but most will only accept it for a cash advance if the machine and your card issuer both support the feature. ATMs owned by your card issuer's bank are most likely to work. If the machine does not support cash advances, it will reject the card or show only balance-inquiry options.
Do I need a PIN to withdraw cash with my credit card?
Yes, you need a four-digit PIN to complete a cash advance at an ATM. This is separate from any debit card PIN you may have. If you do not have one set, call your card issuer or log into your account online to create one before you try to use the ATM.
What is the difference between a cash advance and a regular purchase?
A regular purchase draws from your credit limit and has a grace period of 15 to 25 days before interest starts. A cash advance also draws from your credit limit but charges an upfront fee, has a higher interest rate, and starts charging interest when ready with no grace period. This makes cash advances significantly more expensive.
Can I get a cash advance if my credit card is maxed out?
No. A cash advance uses part of your available credit, so you need unused credit limit remaining to withdraw cash. If your card is maxed out, you cannot take a cash advance until you pay down the balance and free up credit.
Will a cash advance hurt my credit score?
A single cash advance will not directly hurt your score, but it increases your credit utilization (the percentage of your limit you are using), which can lower your score slightly. If you miss payments on the cash advance, that will damage your score more significantly.