Yes, you can get cash with a credit card, but it costs more than a regular purchase

Credit cards let you withdraw cash in three ways: at an ATM using your PIN, over the counter at a bank, or through a cash advance from your card issuer. Unlike swiping your card at a store, each method charges you a fee and starts charging interest immediately — there is no grace period like there is for regular purchases. The cash advance fee is usually 3% to 5% of the amount you withdraw, and interest rates on cash advances run 2% to 5% higher than your regular purchase APR.

The practical difference matters. If you withdraw $500 at a 4% fee, you pay $20 upfront. If your cash advance APR is 24% and you carry that balance for a month, you pay another $10 in interest. That $500 costs you $30 before you spend a dime of it. Most people should treat a cash advance as a last resort, not a convenience.

Key Takeaways

  • Cash advances charge a fee (usually 3% to 5%) plus a higher interest rate than regular purchases, with no grace period.
  • You can get cash at an ATM with your PIN, at a bank teller window, or by requesting a cash advance directly from your card issuer.
  • Interest on cash advances starts accruing the day you withdraw the money, not at the end of your billing cycle.
  • Some cards offer 0% APR on purchases but charge cash advance interest immediately, so check your card's terms before withdrawing.
  • Alternatives like debit cards, bank transfers, or payday loans may cost less depending on your situation.

How to withdraw cash at an ATM

Using an ATM is the fastest way to get cash. Insert your credit card, enter your PIN (the same one you use for debit), and select the withdrawal amount. The ATM will dispense the cash and show you the fee — usually $2 to $5 per transaction, plus the card issuer's cash advance fee on top of that.

The catch: not all ATMs accept credit cards. Most ATMs in bank branches accept them, but many standalone ATMs in convenience stores or bars do not. Your card issuer's own ATMs typically charge no ATM fee, but you still pay the cash advance fee. Check your card's website or app to find fee-free ATMs near you.

If you do not have your PIN, you can request one from your card issuer before you go to the ATM. This usually takes a few business days. Some issuers let you set a PIN online or through their app instantly.

Getting cash over the counter at a bank

Walk into any bank branch — yours or someone else's — with your credit card and ask the teller for a cash advance. You will need to show ID. The teller will process the transaction, charge you the cash advance fee, and hand you the cash. This method works even if you do not have a PIN set up.

Bank tellers can usually process advances up to a certain limit, often $500 to $1,000 per transaction, though your card's cash advance limit may be lower. If you need more, ask the teller what the maximum is. The entire transaction takes about five minutes.

This route avoids ATM fees but you still pay the card issuer's cash advance fee and interest. The advantage is that you do not need a PIN and you can ask questions about your limit or fees in person.

Requesting a cash advance directly from your card issuer

You can call your card issuer's customer service number (on the back of your card) and request a cash advance. They will verify your identity, confirm your available cash advance limit, and arrange for the funds to be deposited into your bank account or mailed as a check. This method takes one to three business days.

This is useful if you need a larger amount and do not want to make multiple ATM trips. You still pay the cash advance fee and interest rate, but you avoid ATM fees. Some issuers also let you request a cash advance through their mobile app or website.

Understanding cash advance fees and interest rates

Cash advance fees are charged as a percentage of the amount withdrawn, usually 3% to 5%, with a minimum fee of $2 to $10. A $200 withdrawal at 4% costs $8. A $2,000 withdrawal at 3% costs $60. This fee appears on your next statement.

The interest rate on cash advances is separate from your purchase APR and is almost always higher. If your card charges 18% APR on purchases, the cash advance APR might be 24% or 26%. Interest starts accruing the day you withdraw the cash, not at the end of your billing cycle. There is no grace period. If you withdraw $500 on day one of your billing cycle and pay it back on day 30, you pay interest for all 30 days.

Your cash advance limit is also separate from your credit limit. You might have a $5,000 credit limit but only a $1,000 cash advance limit. Check your card's terms or call customer service to find out what yours is.

When a cash advance actually makes sense

A cash advance is worth considering if you need cash urgently and the alternative is more expensive. If you would otherwise use a payday loan (which charges 400% APR or higher), a cash advance at 24% APR and a 4% fee is cheaper. If you need $300 and a payday lender charges $45 in fees, but a cash advance costs $12 plus a few dollars in interest, the credit card wins.

A cash advance also makes sense if you have a 0% APR promotional period on your card and you can pay back the cash within that window. Some cards offer 0% on purchases for 12 months but charge cash advance interest immediately, so this does not apply to all cards — read your terms. If your card does offer 0% on cash advances (rare), and you can pay it back before the promotional period ends, the only cost is the upfront fee.

In most other situations, a cash advance is expensive. If you simply need cash for everyday spending, use a debit card or withdraw from your bank account. If you need a short-term loan, a personal loan from a bank or credit union usually costs less than a cash advance.

Cheaper alternatives to cash advances

A debit card linked to your checking account has no fees and no interest. If you have access to your bank account, this is always the first choice.

A personal loan from a bank or credit union typically charges 6% to 36% APR depending on your credit, which is lower than most cash advance rates. The loan is disbursed to your bank account in one to three business days. You pay interest only on the amount you borrow and only for the time you carry the balance.

A balance transfer to a 0% APR card can move debt from a high-interest card to a low-interest one, though this does not get you cash — it moves existing balances. Balance transfer fees are usually 3% to 5%, similar to cash advance fees, but the 0% period saves you interest if you pay off the balance before it ends.

Asking friends or family for a loan, if that is an option, costs nothing and has no interest. A payment plan with a merchant (if you are buying something) sometimes has no interest if you pay within a set time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does getting cash with a credit card hurt my credit score?

A cash advance itself does not directly hurt your score, but carrying a high balance does. If you withdraw $1,000 and pay it back immediately, there is minimal impact. If you carry the $1,000 balance for months, your credit utilization ratio goes up and your score may drop. Pay off cash advances as quickly as you can.

Can I get a cash advance if my card is maxed out?

Your cash advance limit is separate from your credit limit, so you might be able to get a cash advance even if you have hit your credit limit. However, if your available credit is zero, you cannot borrow more. Call your card issuer to find out your available cash advance limit.

What happens if I cannot pay back a cash advance?

The balance carries over to your next statement and interest keeps accruing at the cash advance rate. If you miss payments, late fees apply and your credit score drops. The debt can go to collections. Contact your card issuer immediately if you cannot pay — they may offer a hardship plan or temporary rate reduction.

Is there a daily limit on how much cash I can withdraw?

Yes. ATMs usually have a daily withdrawal limit of $300 to $500, set by the ATM operator. Your card issuer may also set a daily cash advance limit. Bank tellers can sometimes process larger amounts in a single transaction. Check your card's app or call customer service to find out your limits.

Can I use a credit card to withdraw cash from another person's bank account?

No. A cash advance only withdraws money from your own credit line. You cannot access someone else's account with your card. If you need to transfer money to someone else, use a bank transfer, wire transfer, or payment app like Venmo or PayPal.