What a Chase cash advance is and how to request one
A cash advance on a Chase credit card is a short-term loan against your available credit limit. You can request one through Chase's website, mobile app, phone, or at an ATM. The money appears in your bank account or as cash in your hand within minutes to one business day, depending on the method you choose.
Chase treats a cash advance differently from a regular purchase. You pay interest on the full amount when ready — there is no grace period like there is for purchases. The interest rate (called the cash advance APR) is typically higher than your standard purchase APR. You also pay an upfront fee, usually 3% to 5% of the amount you withdraw, charged to your card balance right away.
Because of these costs, a cash advance should be a last resort for short-term cash needs, not a regular way to access money. If you need cash regularly, a debit card or a personal loan from a bank or credit union will cost you far less.
Key Takeaways
- Chase cash advances charge an upfront fee (typically 3% to 5%) plus a higher interest rate than purchases, with no grace period.
- You can request a cash advance online, through the Chase mobile app, by phone at the number on your card, or at any ATM that accepts your card.
- Your cash advance limit is usually lower than your credit limit and is set by Chase based on your account history and creditworthiness.
- Interest accrues daily from the moment you withdraw the cash, so paying it back quickly reduces the total cost.
- A personal loan, payday loan alternative, or credit union loan will almost always cost less than a Chase cash advance.
How to request a cash advance through Chase online or mobile app
Log into your Chase account on the website or open the Chase Mobile app. Navigate to your credit card account and look for a menu option labeled "Cash Advance" or "Get Cash." Enter the amount you want to withdraw and confirm the transaction. Chase will show you the fee amount and the total you will owe before you complete the request.
Once approved, you can choose how to receive the cash. Chase typically offers a direct deposit to your linked bank account (usually arrives within one business day) or a check mailed to your address (takes 5 to 10 business days). Some accounts also allow you to pick up cash at a Chase branch if you have one nearby.
Keep your confirmation number. You will need it if you have questions about the transaction or if you need to contact Chase customer service.
Getting cash at an ATM or through a bank teller
You can withdraw a cash advance at any ATM that displays your card's logo (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). Insert your card, enter your PIN, select "Cash Advance" or "Withdrawal," and choose your amount. The ATM will dispense cash when ready and charge the fee to your card balance.
If you prefer to work with a person, visit any Chase branch and ask a teller for a cash advance. Bring your card and a photo ID. The teller will process the request and give you cash on the spot. This method is fastest if you need money the same day.
ATM and teller withdrawals count toward your cash advance limit, which is separate from your credit limit. Chase sets this limit based on your account history; it is often 20% to 50% of your total credit limit, but it varies by cardholder.
Understanding fees and interest on Chase cash advances
Chase charges two costs for a cash advance: a one-time fee and daily interest. The fee is usually 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum fee (often $5 to $10). This fee is added to your card balance when ready.
The interest rate on cash advances is higher than the rate on purchases. Your purchase APR might be 18%, but your cash advance APR could be 25% or higher, depending on your card and creditworthiness. Unlike purchases, there is no grace period — interest starts accruing the day you withdraw the cash.
If you withdraw $500 at a 3% fee and 25% APR, you owe $515 when ready plus interest. If you pay it back in 30 days, you will pay roughly $32 in interest, bringing your total cost to about $47. The longer you carry the balance, the more interest compounds.
Your cash advance limit and how it works
Chase sets a separate cash advance limit for each cardholder. This limit is not the same as your credit limit. You might have a $10,000 credit limit but only a $2,000 cash advance limit. Chase determines this limit based on your credit score, payment history, income, and how long you have held the card.
When you request a cash advance, it counts against both your cash advance limit and your overall credit limit. If you withdraw $1,000 and your cash advance limit is $2,000, you have $1,000 remaining in cash advance borrowing. Your total credit limit is also reduced by $1,000 until you pay the balance off.
You can find your cash advance limit in your Chase account online or by calling the customer service number on your card. If your limit is too low for your needs, you can request an increase, though Chase will review your account and may decline.
Paying back a cash advance and minimizing the cost
Make a payment toward your cash advance as soon as possible. Chase applies your payments to the highest-interest balance first, which means cash advance interest is paid before purchase interest. The sooner you pay, the less total interest you will owe.
Set up a payment online, through the mobile app, by phone, or by mail. You can pay the full amount, the minimum payment, or anything in between. The minimum payment covers interest and fees but does not reduce the principal quickly, so paying more than the minimum saves money.
If you cannot pay the full amount right away, at least pay enough to cover the fee and a portion of the principal. Every dollar you pay reduces the daily interest charge going forward.
Cheaper alternatives to a Chase cash advance
Before you take a cash advance, consider other options. A personal loan from a bank or credit union usually has a lower interest rate and no upfront fee. A $500 personal loan at 12% APR costs far less than a $500 cash advance at 25% APR plus a 3% fee.
If you need cash for an emergency and have no other options, a credit union loan or a payday loan alternative (offered by some nonprofits and employers) may be faster and cheaper than a cash advance. A balance transfer to a 0% APR card, if you have access to one, can also work if you need time to repay.
If you are using cash advances regularly, that is a sign your budget does not match your income. A financial counselor or a budgeting app can help you find the real problem and fix it before debt grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Chase cash advance to pay another credit card?
Technically yes, but most credit card companies code cash advances differently from purchases, so the transaction may be treated as a cash advance on the receiving card as well. You will pay fees and high interest on both sides. This is not a good way to move debt around.
What happens if I do not pay back a cash advance?
The balance stays on your card and interest keeps accruing daily. After 30 days, the late payment appears on your credit report and damages your credit score. After 180 days, Chase may charge off the debt and sell it to a collection agency. You will then owe the collector, plus collection fees and legal costs.
Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw as a cash advance?
Yes. Your cash advance limit is set by Chase and is usually lower than your credit limit. You cannot withdraw more than this limit in a single transaction or over time until you pay the balance down. You can check your limit in your Chase account online.
Do cash advances show up on my credit report?
The cash advance itself does not appear as a separate line item, but it is part of your credit card balance. If you carry the balance and make late payments, those late payments show on your report and lower your credit score. Paying on time keeps your report clean.
Can I get a cash advance if I am behind on my Chase card payments?
No. If your account is past due, Chase will block new cash advances until you bring the account current. You can still make payments, but you cannot borrow more until the past-due amount is paid.