Three ways to withdraw cash using your credit card
You can get cash from your credit card in three ways: at an ATM using your PIN, over the counter at a bank branch, or through a cash advance at a convenience store or casino. The method you choose depends on what's available to you and how much cash you need. Each one charges a fee and starts charging interest when ready — there is no grace period like there is for purchases.
Before you withdraw, understand that a cash advance is not the same as spending on your card. The bank treats it as a loan against your credit limit, and you pay for that convenience. The fees and interest rates are steeper than regular purchases, so cash advances should be a last resort, not a regular habit.
Key Takeaways
- Cash advances charge an upfront fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount) plus a higher interest rate than purchases, starting when ready with no grace period.
- ATM withdrawals are the fastest method if you have your PIN, but you need to know your card's daily cash limit beforehand.
- Bank teller cash advances let you withdraw larger amounts without a PIN, but require you to visit a branch during business hours.
- Your credit card issuer sets the total amount you can withdraw as a cash advance, which is often lower than your full credit limit.
Getting cash at an ATM with your PIN
Insert your credit card into any ATM that displays your card's logo (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). Enter your PIN and select "Withdrawal" or "Cash Advance." The ATM will show you your available cash advance limit — this is separate from your regular credit limit and is usually lower. Choose the amount and complete the transaction.
Most credit cards set a daily ATM withdrawal limit, often between $200 and $500, though some cards allow more. Check your card's terms or call the number on the back to find out your specific limit before you go to the ATM. If you need more than the daily limit, you can return the next day or use one of the other methods below.
The fee for an ATM cash advance is typically $3 to $10 per transaction, plus a percentage fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn). Interest starts accruing the same day, at a rate that is usually 2 to 5 percentage points higher than your purchase APR. If your card charges 18 percent APR on purchases, the cash advance rate might be 23 percent.
Withdrawing cash at a bank teller
Walk into any bank branch that accepts your card type and ask the teller for a cash advance. Bring your credit card and a photo ID. You do not need your PIN for this method. The teller will process the advance and hand you cash on the spot, usually within minutes.
Bank teller advances let you withdraw more than an ATM in a single transaction — often up to your full cash advance limit, which may be $500, $1,000, or more depending on your card and credit history. This is useful if you need a larger amount quickly. The fee structure is the same as an ATM advance: an upfront fee plus a percentage, plus interest starting when ready.
Not every bank will process a cash advance for a card issued by another bank. Call ahead to confirm the branch accepts your card issuer, or visit a branch of the bank that issued your card if you have one nearby.
Cash advances through third-party merchants
Some convenience stores, casinos, and other merchants offer cash advances at the register. You hand over your credit card, the merchant runs it as a cash advance, and you receive cash minus their fee. This is the slowest and most expensive option because the merchant charges their own fee on top of your card issuer's fee.
Merchant cash advances are useful only when you have no access to an ATM or bank branch — for example, late at night or in a remote location. The total cost can easily reach 8 to 10 percent of the amount you withdraw, plus the interest your card issuer charges. Avoid this method if you have any other option.
Understanding cash advance fees and interest
Every cash advance comes with two costs: a one-time fee and ongoing interest. The one-time fee is either a flat dollar amount (like $5) or a percentage of the amount withdrawn (like 3 percent), whichever is greater. A $100 advance with a $5 flat fee or 3 percent fee costs $5. A $500 advance costs $15 (3 percent).
Interest begins accruing the day you withdraw the cash — there is no interest-free period. The interest rate for cash advances is set by your card issuer and is usually printed in your card's terms and conditions. It is almost always higher than the rate for purchases. You pay interest on the full amount until the balance is paid off, even if you pay down part of it.
If you carry a balance on your card from purchases, many issuers explore your payment to the lowest-interest balance first (usually purchases) before paying down the higher-interest cash advance. This means your cash advance balance can sit and accumulate interest for months. Check your card's payment hierarchy or call the issuer to understand how your payments are applied.
What to do before you take a cash advance
Call the number on the back of your card and ask three things: your cash advance limit, your cash advance APR, and your daily ATM withdrawal limit. Write these down. Knowing these numbers before you need cash helps you decide whether a cash advance makes sense and which method to use.
Consider whether you actually need a cash advance. If you need cash for an emergency expense, a personal loan from a bank or credit union usually charges less interest and gives you a fixed repayment schedule. If you need cash to pay off another debt, a balance transfer card (if you may have access to) may be cheaper. A cash advance should be your last resort because it is one of the most expensive ways to borrow money on a credit card.
If you do take a cash advance, pay it back as quickly as you can. Every day the balance sits, you are paying interest at a rate higher than your purchase rate. Set up a payment plan before you withdraw the cash so you know how much you can afford to pay back each month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a cash advance hurt my credit score?
A cash advance itself does not hurt your score, but it does increase your credit utilization — the percentage of your available credit you are using. If your cash advance pushes your total balance (purchases plus cash advance) above 30 percent of your credit limit, it may lower your score slightly. Paying it off quickly brings your utilization back down.
Can I use a cash advance to pay off another credit card?
Technically yes, but it is expensive. You pay the cash advance fee and interest rate on top of the balance transfer fee you would normally pay. A balance transfer card (if you may have access to) is cheaper because it offers a 0 percent introductory period on transfers. If you cannot get a balance transfer card, a personal loan is usually less costly than a cash advance.
What happens if I cannot pay back a cash advance?
The balance stays on your card and interest keeps accruing at the cash advance rate. If you miss payments, your card issuer may report the missed payment to credit bureaus, which damages your credit score. Contact your issuer if you are struggling to pay — some offer hardship programs that lower your interest rate or set up a payment plan.
Is there a way to avoid the cash advance fee?
No. Every cash advance charges a fee set by your card issuer. The only way to avoid it is to not take a cash advance. If you need cash regularly, consider a debit card linked to a checking account, which lets you withdraw cash for free at ATMs in your bank's network.
Can I take a cash advance if I have reached my credit limit?
No. Your cash advance limit is part of your overall credit limit. If you have used your full limit on purchases, you cannot take a cash advance. You would need to pay down your balance first.