Yes, you can use a credit card at an ATM, but it costs money and works differently than a debit card

Most credit cards let you withdraw cash at an ATM, but the transaction is treated as a cash advance, not a regular purchase. This matters because cash advances carry their own fees and interest rates — usually higher than your standard purchase APR. You'll pay a fee upfront (often 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum of $2 to $10), and interest starts accruing immediately with no grace period, even if you normally get 21 days interest-free on purchases.

The process itself is straightforward: insert your card, enter your PIN, select "cash advance" or "withdrawal," and choose your amount. But before you do it, you should understand what it costs and whether other options make more sense for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Credit card cash advances charge an upfront fee (typically 3% to 5%) plus a higher interest rate than purchases, with no grace period.
  • Your credit card's cash advance limit may be lower than your overall credit limit, so you might not be able to withdraw as much as you can spend.
  • Interest on a cash advance starts the day you withdraw it, even if you pay your full statement balance on time.
  • Using a debit card, visiting your bank branch, or getting cash back at a store are usually cheaper alternatives unless you're in an emergency.

How cash advance fees and interest actually work

When you take a cash advance, your credit card issuer charges you two separate costs. The first is an upfront fee, calculated as a percentage of the amount you withdraw. Visa and Mastercard don't set this fee — your individual card issuer does. Most cards charge between 3% and 5%, so a $200 withdrawal might cost $6 to $10 just to get the cash. Some cards have a flat minimum fee instead (like $2 or $3), which applies if the percentage would be less.

The second cost is interest. Your card's cash advance APR is almost always higher than your purchase APR. If your purchase rate is 18%, your cash advance rate might be 24% or 28%. More importantly, there's no grace period. With a purchase, you typically have 21 to 25 days before interest starts. With a cash advance, interest begins accruing the moment you withdraw the money. If you withdraw $200 at a 25% APR and pay it back in 30 days, you'll owe roughly $4.11 in interest on top of the $6 to $10 fee.

Your cash advance limit is separate from your credit limit

Your credit card issuer sets a cash advance limit that may be much lower than your overall credit limit. If your card has a $5,000 credit limit, your cash advance limit might be only $1,000 or $1,500. This limit exists because cash advances are riskier for the issuer — you're borrowing actual money rather than making a purchase that can be disputed or reversed.

You can usually find your cash advance limit in your online account, on your statement, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. If you try to withdraw more than your limit allows, the ATM will decline the transaction. Some cards let you request a higher cash advance limit, but the issuer isn't required to grant it.

Which ATMs charge additional fees on top of the card issuer's fee

Beyond what your credit card issuer charges, the ATM operator may charge you a separate fee. If you use an out-of-network ATM — one that doesn't belong to your card issuer's bank — you'll typically pay $2 to $3 to the ATM operator on top of your card issuer's cash advance fee. Some ATMs display this fee on the screen before you complete the transaction, giving you a chance to cancel.

Using an in-network ATM (one owned by your card issuer's bank) usually avoids this extra charge, though you'll still pay the card issuer's cash advance fee. If your card is from a large national bank like Chase, Bank of America, or Wells Fargo, you have access to thousands of in-network ATMs. If your card is from a smaller or online bank, in-network ATMs may be harder to find, making the extra fee more likely.

When a cash advance makes sense versus cheaper alternatives

A credit card cash advance is rarely the cheapest way to get cash, but it may be your only option in an emergency. If you need cash immediately and don't have access to your debit card, your bank branch, or a store that offers cash back, a cash advance is better than nothing. Just be aware you're paying for that convenience.

In most other situations, you have cheaper options. Getting cash back at a grocery store, pharmacy, or other retailer when you make a purchase costs nothing. Visiting your bank's branch or ATM (if you have a debit card or bank account) avoids the cash advance fee entirely. Even a payday loan, while expensive, may cost less than a credit card cash advance if you're only borrowing for a few days. If you're considering a cash advance to pay off other debt or cover an ongoing expense, that's a sign you should look at your budget or talk to a credit counselor instead.

How a cash advance affects your credit score and available credit

A cash advance shows up on your credit report as a balance on that card, just like a purchase does. It counts toward your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit you're currently using. If you have a $5,000 limit and take a $500 cash advance, your utilization jumps to 10%, which can lower your credit score slightly. The effect is temporary and disappears once you pay off the balance.

The cash advance also reduces your available credit immediately. If you have a $5,000 limit and withdraw $500, you now have only $4,500 left to spend or borrow. This matters if you're counting on that card for emergencies or if you're close to your limit already.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a credit card at any ATM?

Most ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard, but some machines — particularly those in other countries or at small retailers — may not. Your card will be declined if the ATM doesn't accept your card type. ATMs at your card issuer's bank are most likely to work. If you're traveling, check with your card issuer beforehand about which ATM networks they partner with.

What's the difference between a cash advance and a balance transfer?

A cash advance is money you withdraw at an ATM or from a teller. A balance transfer is when you move debt from one card to another. Both have their own fees and rates, but a balance transfer is designed for moving existing debt, while a cash advance is for getting cash. Don't confuse the two.

If I pay off a cash advance right away, do I still pay interest?

You still pay the upfront fee no matter what. Interest accrues daily starting the moment you withdraw the cash, so even if you pay it back in a few days, you'll owe some interest. The longer you carry the balance, the more interest adds up. There's no grace period like there is with purchases.

Can I use a credit card to withdraw cash from my bank teller instead of an ATM?

Yes, some banks let you withdraw cash from a teller using a credit card, and it's treated the same way as an ATM withdrawal — as a cash advance with the same fees and interest. It's not cheaper than using an ATM. If you have a bank account at that bank, using your debit card or account number is free.

Will taking a cash advance hurt my credit score?

It can lower your score slightly because it increases your credit utilization ratio and adds a new balance to your report. The effect is usually small and temporary. The bigger concern is the cost — the fees and interest are what should stop you, not the credit score impact.