You can get a cash advance from your credit card at a bank teller, ATM, or through a cash advance check — each method works differently and costs you money
A cash advance is when you borrow money directly from your credit card issuer instead of using the card to buy something. Unlike a purchase, a cash advance starts charging interest when ready — there is no grace period. You will also pay a fee, usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw, though this varies by card and issuer.
The most common way to get cash without a PIN is to visit a bank branch where your card is issued and ask a teller for a cash advance. You can also use a convenience check mailed by your card issuer, or visit certain non-bank ATMs that accept card-only withdrawals. Each method has different costs and processing times, so understanding your options before you need the cash saves you money.
Key Takeaways
- Bank tellers can process cash advances without a PIN if you show your card and ID, but you will pay both a cash advance fee and daily interest starting when ready.
- Convenience checks work like regular checks but draw from your credit limit, and they carry the same fees and interest as ATM cash advances.
- Some ATMs accept card-only cash advances without a PIN, but they charge higher fees than bank teller withdrawals and are harder to find.
- Cash advances are expensive compared to regular purchases because interest starts accruing right away and the interest rate is usually higher than your purchase APR.
- If you need cash, a personal loan, balance transfer, or even a payday loan may cost less than a credit card cash advance depending on your situation.
Getting a cash advance at a bank teller
Walk into any branch of the bank that issued your credit card with your card and a government-issued ID. Tell the teller you want a cash advance. The teller will verify your identity, confirm your available credit limit, and hand you cash. This takes about five to ten minutes and works even if you have never used that branch before.
The teller does not need your PIN because they are verifying your identity through your ID and the card itself. This is the safest and most straightforward method because you are dealing with a bank employee, not a machine, and you can ask questions about the fee before you proceed.
The cost is when ready: you will pay a cash advance fee (typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn) and interest at your cash advance APR, which is usually higher than your purchase APR. Interest starts accruing the day you withdraw the money, with no grace period.
Using convenience checks from your card issuer
Many credit card companies mail you convenience checks that you can write against your credit line. These checks look like regular checks but draw from your available credit instead of a bank account. You can write one to yourself, deposit it in your bank account, and withdraw cash — or write one directly to a business or person.
The advantage is that you do not need to visit a bank or ATM. The disadvantage is that convenience checks usually carry the same cash advance fee and APR as ATM withdrawals, and some issuers charge an additional check-writing fee. You also have to wait for the check to clear, which typically takes three to five business days.
If your card issuer has not sent you convenience checks, call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask whether they are available. Not all issuers offer them, and some only offer them to customers with higher credit limits or longer account histories.
Finding ATMs that accept card-only cash advances
Some ATMs — particularly those in convenience stores, bars, and casinos — accept credit card cash advances without a PIN. These machines read your card and ask you to sign a receipt instead of entering a PIN. However, these ATMs are less common than PIN-required machines and are often harder to locate.
The fees at card-only ATMs are usually higher than bank teller fees. You may pay 5 to 10 percent of the withdrawal amount plus interest, depending on the ATM operator and your card issuer. Some ATMs also charge a flat fee on top of the percentage.
To find a card-only ATM, call your card issuer's customer service line and ask where you can withdraw cash without a PIN. They can tell you which ATM networks accept their cards for signature-based withdrawals. Alternatively, you can search online for "ATM near me" and check the details of each location, though not all ATM locators list whether they accept card-only withdrawals.
Understanding the real cost of a cash advance
A $500 cash advance at a 5 percent fee costs you $25 when ready. If your cash advance APR is 25 percent (higher than most purchase APRs), you will owe an additional $10.42 in interest after one month if you do not pay it back. After three months, interest alone will have added $31.25 to what you owe.
Cash advances also do not benefit from the same payment priority as purchases. When you make a payment to your credit card, most issuers explore it to the lowest-APR balance first — usually purchases. This means your cash advance balance may sit and accrue interest for months while you pay down purchases.
Before you take a cash advance, ask your card issuer for the exact cash advance fee, the cash advance APR, and whether payments are applied to cash advances or purchases first. This information is in your card agreement, but calling customer service is faster.
Alternatives that may cost less than a cash advance
If you need cash and have access to other borrowing options, compare the total cost before you use your credit card. A personal loan from a bank or credit union typically has a lower APR than a cash advance and no upfront fee. A balance transfer to a 0 percent introductory APR card can be cheaper if you pay off the balance during the promotional period, though balance transfers also carry a fee.
A payday loan or title loan sounds expensive, but if you need cash for only one or two weeks, the total cost may be lower than a cash advance. A payday loan typically costs $15 to $20 per $100 borrowed for two weeks, while a cash advance costs you the upfront fee plus daily interest over the same period.
If you have a 401(k) or similar retirement account, some plans allow you to borrow against your balance at a low interest rate with no credit check. This is not ideal for retirement savings, but it may be cheaper than a cash advance if you repay it within the allowed timeframe.
What to do if you do not have a PIN and need cash urgently
If you need cash today and do not have a PIN, your fastest option is a bank teller at a branch of your card issuer. Bring your card and ID, and you can walk out with cash in minutes. If your card issuer does not have a branch near you, call their customer service line and ask whether they can process a cash advance over the phone and deposit it into your bank account — some issuers offer this service.
If you do not have time to visit a bank, look for a convenience store or gas station ATM that accepts card-only withdrawals. These are less common, but they exist in many areas. Be prepared to pay a higher fee than you would at a bank teller.
As a last resort, if you have a convenience check from your card issuer, you can write one to yourself and deposit it at your bank. This takes longer than an ATM or teller withdrawal, but it works if you can wait three to five business days for the check to clear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a cash advance if my credit card is not from a major bank?
Yes. Credit unions, online banks, and smaller regional banks all offer cash advances. Call the customer service number on your card to find out where you can withdraw cash without a PIN. Some smaller issuers may have fewer ATM locations, so ask about your options before you need the cash.
Will a cash advance hurt my credit score?
A cash advance itself does not appear on your credit report, but it increases your credit utilization — the percentage of your available credit you are using. This can lower your score slightly. The bigger impact comes if you carry the balance and miss payments, which will damage your score.
What happens if I cannot pay back a cash advance?
The balance stays on your credit card and continues to accrue interest at your cash advance APR. If you miss payments, your issuer will report it to credit bureaus, which will hurt your credit score and may lead to late fees, higher interest rates, or legal action.
Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw as a cash advance?
Yes. Your card issuer sets a cash advance limit, which is usually lower than your total credit limit. Call customer service to find out your cash advance limit before you visit a teller or ATM. Some issuers allow you to withdraw up to 50 percent of your credit limit, while others set a fixed dollar amount.
Can I use a debit card PIN on my credit card to get a cash advance?
No. A credit card PIN is different from a debit card PIN, and they cannot be used interchangeably. If you have a credit card PIN, you can use it at ATMs that require one. If you do not have a PIN, use a bank teller, convenience check, or card-only ATM instead.