You cannot transfer money directly from a credit card to a debit card
A credit card and a debit card work in opposite directions. Your debit card pulls money out of an account you already own. Your credit card borrows money on your behalf that you pay back later. Because of this, there is no direct transfer button between them — the credit card company will not send money to your debit card account.
What you can do is use your credit card to get cash or make a purchase, then move that money into your debit account through a separate step. The method you choose depends on why you need the money and how much it will cost you.
Key Takeaways
- Credit cards cannot send money directly to debit cards because they operate on opposite principles — one borrows, one spends what you own.
- A cash advance from an ATM or bank teller puts credit card money into your checking account, but charges a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) plus interest starting when ready.
- Using your credit card to buy a money order or gift card, then converting it back to cash, costs more in fees than a direct cash advance.
- The cheapest option is to use your credit card for a regular purchase, then transfer your own money from another source into your debit account to pay the credit card bill.
- If you need cash urgently, a cash advance is fastest, but plan to repay it within days to avoid steep interest charges.
Getting a cash advance at an ATM or bank branch
A cash advance is the most direct way to pull money from your credit card and put it into your checking account. You go to an ATM that accepts your card, enter your PIN, and withdraw cash as if it were a debit card. The money lands in your checking account (if you use your bank's ATM) or you receive it in hand and can deposit it yourself.
The cost is when ready and steep. Most credit card companies charge a cash advance fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw — so a $500 advance costs $15 to $25 just to get the money. On top of that, interest starts accruing the day you withdraw, usually at a higher rate than your regular purchase APR. If your card charges 18 percent APR on purchases, the cash advance rate might be 24 percent or higher. Unlike purchases, there is no grace period — interest begins right away.
If you must use a cash advance, repay it within days. A $500 advance at 24 percent APR costs about $3.30 per day in interest, so waiting two weeks costs you $46 in interest alone, plus the original $15 to $25 fee.
Using a balance transfer check or convenience check
Some credit card companies send you checks that draw directly from your credit line. These convenience checks or balance transfer checks work like regular checks — you write one to yourself, deposit it into your debit account, and the credit card company charges the amount to your card.
The fees and interest work the same way as a cash advance: a fee of 3 to 5 percent, plus interest starting when ready. The only advantage is that you do not have to visit an ATM or bank branch. The disadvantage is that you have to wait for the check to clear, which takes 3 to 5 business days. If you need the money today, this method will not work.
Check your credit card statement or log into your online account to see if your issuer offers these checks. Not all do.
Buying a money order or gift card and converting it back
You can use your credit card to buy a money order at a grocery store, post office, or bank, then deposit the money order into your debit account. You can also buy a gift card to a store you use regularly, then return items you buy with it to get cash back.
This method costs more than a cash advance. A money order typically costs $1 to $3 per order, and you may need multiple orders if you are moving a large amount. A gift card purchase counts as a regular purchase on your credit card (so you pay interest if you carry a balance), and returning items for cash back is slow and requires you to have something to return.
The only real advantage is that some people find it psychologically easier to buy a money order than to take a cash advance. The financial cost is higher, so this is not the cheapest route.
Using your credit card for a purchase, then moving your own money
The least expensive way to move money from credit to debit is to not move it at all — instead, use your credit card for a purchase you would normally make with your debit card, then transfer money from another source (savings, a paycheck, a side job) into your checking account to pay off the credit card bill.
This costs you nothing in fees or interest, as long as you pay the credit card balance in full before the due date. You are straightforward using the credit card as a temporary bridge and repaying it with money you already have or will have soon.
This only works if you have another source of money available. If you are trying to move credit card money because you have no other funds, this option is not open to you.
Why you might want to move money from credit to debit
Most people who ask this question are in one of three situations. The first is that they have charged something by mistake and want to undo it. The second is that they are short on cash and want to borrow against their credit line. The third is that they are trying to move a balance between cards or accounts.
If you charged something by mistake, contact your credit card company and ask them to reverse the charge. You do not need to withdraw cash. If you are short on cash, a cash advance is the fastest option, but it is expensive — consider whether a personal loan, a payment plan with a creditor, or a temporary side income would cost less. If you are moving a balance, a balance transfer card (a different card with a lower introductory rate) is usually cheaper than a cash advance from your current card.
Fees and interest rates vary by card and bank
Your credit card company sets the cash advance fee, the cash advance APR, and whether they offer convenience checks. Your bank sets the ATM fee if you use an out-of-network machine. Before you withdraw, log into your credit card account or call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask three questions: What is the cash advance fee as a percentage? What is the APR for cash advances? Is there a minimum fee?
Write down the answers. Then calculate the total cost: the fee amount plus one day of interest. If the total is more than you can afford to repay in a few days, explore the other options in this guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I transfer a credit card balance directly to my debit card?
No. A balance transfer moves money from one credit card to another credit card, not to a debit card. Your debit card is connected to a checking or savings account you own, and credit card companies do not send money to those accounts. You would need to do a cash advance or use a convenience check.
Will a cash advance hurt my credit score?
A cash advance itself does not show up on your credit report as a separate item. However, if the advance increases your credit utilization (the percentage of your credit limit you are using), your score may drop slightly. If you carry the balance and miss a payment, that will hurt your score. Repaying within days minimizes the damage.
What if my credit card company denies my cash advance?
Credit card companies sometimes block cash advances if your account is new, if you have missed payments, or if you have hit your cash advance limit (which is often lower than your total credit limit). Call customer service to ask why. If your account is flagged, you may need to wait or make a payment before trying again.
Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw as a cash advance?
Yes. Most credit card companies set a cash advance limit that is separate from your credit limit — often 20 to 50 percent of your total limit. You can find this limit in your account details online or by calling customer service. Attempting to withdraw more than your limit will be declined at the ATM.
Can I use a credit card to deposit money into my debit account at an ATM?
No. ATMs that accept credit cards for withdrawal only allow you to take money out, not put money in. To deposit cash into your debit account, you need to visit a bank branch, use a deposit ATM (which only accepts debit cards), or use a mobile app if your bank offers mobile check deposit.