Yes, you can use a credit card at an ATM, but it is a cash advance, not a debit
Most ATMs will accept a credit card and dispense cash, but the transaction is treated as a cash advance, not a purchase. This distinction matters because cash advances carry higher costs and different terms than regular credit card spending.
When you insert your credit card into an ATM, the machine is borrowing money against your credit limit on your behalf. The card issuer when ready charges you a cash advance fee — typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum fee of $5 to $10. On top of that, interest begins accruing the same day, usually at a higher rate than your regular purchase APR.
Not all ATMs accept credit cards. Bank-owned ATMs in the issuer's network are most likely to work. Third-party ATMs (the kind in convenience stores or bars) often decline credit cards entirely. If the ATM does accept your card, it will ask you to enter your PIN, which you set up when you opened the account.
Key Takeaways
- A credit card cash advance at an ATM triggers a separate fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) plus a higher interest rate than purchases, starting when ready.
- Interest on cash advances does not have a grace period — you pay interest from day one, even if you pay the balance in full at the end of the month.
- Most third-party ATMs (convenience stores, bars, gas stations) do not accept credit cards, so your best option is your card issuer's own ATM network.
- If you need cash, using a debit card or withdrawing from a checking account is almost always cheaper than a credit card cash advance.
How the fees and interest work on a credit card cash advance
The cost of a cash advance stacks up in two ways. First, you pay an upfront fee when you withdraw the money. This fee is a percentage of the amount withdrawn — check your card's terms for the exact rate, but 3 to 5 percent is standard. If you withdraw $200, you might pay $6 to $10 just to get the cash.
Second, interest starts accruing when ready. Unlike a purchase, which may have a grace period (usually 21 to 25 days before interest kicks in), a cash advance begins charging interest the day you withdraw it. The interest rate is also higher — often 2 to 5 percentage points above your regular purchase APR. If your purchase rate is 18 percent, your cash advance rate might be 23 percent.
These costs compound quickly. A $200 cash advance at a 5 percent fee ($10) plus 23 percent annual interest costs you roughly $10 upfront, then about $3.83 in interest per month if you carry the balance. Over a year, you would pay nearly $56 in fees and interest alone.
Where you can actually use a credit card at an ATM
Your card issuer's own ATM network is your most reliable option. If you have a credit card from Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, or another large bank, their ATMs will almost certainly accept it. You can find these locations on the bank's website or through their mobile app.
Visa and Mastercard networks include ATMs at thousands of locations worldwide, but acceptance varies. A Visa card may work at one ATM and be declined at another, even if both display the Visa logo. Third-party ATM operators (the machines in 7-Eleven, Walgreens, or independent ATMs) often block credit cards to reduce fraud risk and because they make less money on credit transactions than on debit ones.
If you are traveling or in an unfamiliar area, call your card issuer before you need cash. They can tell you which ATMs in that region accept credit cards. Alternatively, ask a teller at a bank branch — many will cash a credit card advance over the counter, though they may charge an additional fee.
When a credit card cash advance makes sense (and when it does not)
A credit card cash advance is rarely the right choice for everyday cash needs. If you need $100 for groceries or gas, using a debit card or visiting your bank's teller window costs nothing. A cash advance costs you 3 to 5 percent plus daily interest.
The only scenario where a cash advance might be necessary is a genuine emergency — your debit card is lost, your bank is closed, and you need cash when ready. Even then, it is worth asking whether you can borrow from a friend, use a payment app like Venmo, or wait until your bank reopens. The cost of waiting a few hours is almost always lower than the cost of a cash advance.
If you find yourself regularly needing cash from a credit card, that is a sign your budget is not aligned with your spending. A credit card is meant for purchases you can pay off within the grace period, not for cash withdrawals.
How a cash advance affects your credit and your available credit
A cash advance counts toward your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit you are using. If you have a $5,000 limit and withdraw $500 as a cash advance, your utilization jumps to 10 percent. High utilization (above 30 percent) can lower your credit score, even if you pay the balance in full the next day.
The cash advance also reduces your available credit when ready. If you have $5,000 in available credit and withdraw $500, you now have $4,500 available. This matters if you need to make a purchase on the same card — you cannot spend more than what remains.
Unlike a purchase, which reports to the credit bureaus as part of your monthly statement, a cash advance may be reported separately depending on your card issuer. Check your card's terms or call the issuer to understand how they report cash advances to the bureaus.
Alternatives to a credit card cash advance
If you need cash and do not have a debit card, your first option is your bank's ATM or teller window. Most banks allow you to withdraw cash from a checking or savings account without any fee. If you do not have a bank account, a prepaid debit card (available at most drugstores and supermarkets) lets you load money and withdraw it at any ATM that accepts debit cards.
A personal loan from a bank or credit union is another option if you need a larger amount and can wait a few days for approval. Personal loans typically charge 6 to 36 percent interest depending on your credit, which is often lower than a credit card cash advance rate. The interest does not start until you receive the money, and there is no upfront fee.
If you are in a true emergency and have no other options, some credit card issuers offer balance transfer checks — checks drawn against your credit line that you can deposit into a bank account. These carry a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) but may have a lower interest rate than a cash advance. Ask your issuer whether this option is available on your card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does using a credit card at an ATM hurt my credit score?
It can, indirectly. The cash advance increases your credit utilization ratio, which is a factor in your credit score. If your utilization jumps above 30 percent, your score may drop. The effect is temporary — your score usually recovers once you pay down the balance and your utilization drops.
Can I get a cash advance without a PIN?
No. ATMs require a PIN to process any transaction, including a cash advance. If you do not have a PIN set up on your credit card, contact your issuer to create one before you visit an ATM. Some cards do not support ATM withdrawals at all, so check your card's terms first.
What is the difference between a cash advance and a balance transfer?
A cash advance gives you physical cash at an ATM and charges a higher interest rate when ready. A balance transfer moves debt from one card to another and may offer a lower introductory rate. Both are different from a regular purchase and carry higher costs than spending within your grace period.
Will my credit card work at an international ATM?
It may, but expect additional fees. Most card issuers charge a foreign transaction fee (1 to 3 percent) on top of the cash advance fee. The ATM operator may also charge a fee. Before traveling, contact your issuer to confirm your card works internationally and ask about their foreign transaction policy.
Can I reverse a cash advance if I change my mind?
No. Once you withdraw the cash, the transaction is complete. You cannot undo it. If you withdraw more than you need, you can deposit the extra back into your checking account, but you will still owe the cash advance fee and interest on the full amount withdrawn.