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

You can withdraw cash from a credit card at an ATM or ask a bank teller for cash back. The money comes from your credit line, not a savings account. But unlike swiping your card at a store, getting cash triggers extra fees and a higher interest rate that starts right away — there is no grace period like there is for purchases.

Most people should avoid cash advances unless they have no other option. The fees and interest add up fast, and the debt becomes expensive to carry. If you need cash urgently, a personal loan, a payday loan from a credit union, or even a short-term loan from family will almost always cost you less.

Key Takeaways

  • A cash advance charges a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount) plus a higher interest rate than regular purchases, and interest starts accruing immediately with no grace period.
  • You can get a cash advance at an ATM using your credit card PIN, at a bank teller window, or through a cash advance check that comes with some credit cards.
  • The interest rate for cash advances is typically several percentage points higher than your regular purchase APR and varies by card and issuer.
  • If you carry a balance, the card will apply your payments to the lowest-interest debt first, meaning cash advance debt may sit and grow interest for months.
  • Alternatives like credit union loans, personal loans, or borrowing from family are usually cheaper than a cash advance, even if they take a few days to process.

How the fees and interest work on a cash advance

When you take a cash advance, your credit card issuer charges you two things immediately: a cash advance fee and a higher cash advance APR.

The fee is usually between 3 and 5 percent of the amount you withdraw. If you take out $500, you might pay $15 to $25 just to get the cash. Some cards cap the fee at a flat dollar amount (like $10 maximum), but most do not. Check your card's terms or call the number on the back to find out your specific fee.

The interest rate is separate from the fee. Your regular purchase APR might be 18 percent, but your cash advance APR could be 25 percent or higher. The card issuer sets this rate independently, and it applies to cash advances only — not to regular purchases. Interest starts accruing the day you withdraw the cash. There is no 21-day grace period like there often is for purchases.

If you withdraw $500 at a 25 percent APR and pay it back in one month, you will owe roughly $10 in interest on top of the $15 to $25 fee. Over three months, the interest alone could reach $30 or more.

The three ways to get cash from your credit card

ATM withdrawal: Use your credit card at any ATM that displays your card brand's logo (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover). You will need your PIN. The ATM will show you the fee before you confirm — this is usually $2 to $5 on top of your card issuer's cash advance fee. You can withdraw up to your credit limit, but issuers often set a lower daily limit for cash advances (sometimes $500 or $1,000).

Bank teller: Walk into a bank branch and ask for a cash advance on your credit card. Bring your card and ID. The teller will process it the same way an ATM does, but you avoid the ATM operator fee. You still pay your card issuer's cash advance fee and interest. This method is slower than an ATM but useful if you need a large amount and want to speak to someone.

Cash advance checks: Some credit card issuers send checks in the mail that you can write against your credit line. You deposit or cash the check, and the amount is treated as a cash advance. These checks carry the same fees and interest rate as ATM withdrawals. They are useful if you need to pay a bill by check but do not have the funds, though paying the bill directly with your credit card (if the biller accepts it) is usually cheaper because it avoids the cash advance fee.

Why payment order matters when you carry a balance

If you already have a balance on your card from regular purchases, the way your payment is applied can work against you. Most credit card issuers apply your payment to the lowest-interest debt first — meaning regular purchases get paid down before cash advances do.

Here is an example: You have a $1,000 purchase balance at 18 percent APR and a $500 cash advance at 25 percent APR. You make a $300 payment. The issuer applies the full $300 to the purchase balance, leaving your $500 cash advance untouched. The cash advance keeps accruing interest at 25 percent while you pay down the cheaper debt.

Some cards reverse this order and pay down the highest-interest debt first, which is better for you. Check your card's terms or call to ask about the payment hierarchy. If you take a cash advance, try to pay it off before making other purchases, or make payments large enough to cover both.

Cheaper alternatives to a cash advance

Credit union loan: If you belong to a credit union, you can often borrow $500 to $2,500 at a much lower rate than a cash advance — sometimes 12 to 18 percent APR. The application takes 15 minutes to an hour, and you get the money the same day or next business day. There is no cash advance fee. This is usually the cheapest option if you have time to apply.

Personal loan: Online lenders and banks offer personal loans with fixed rates and set repayment schedules. Rates vary widely based on your credit score, but many are lower than cash advance rates. The application is online and takes a few minutes, though approval and funding can take one to three business days. You pay interest, but no cash advance fee.

Payday loan from a credit union: Some credit unions offer payday loans capped at $1,000 with a fee of $15 per $100 borrowed (15 percent). This is much cheaper than a cash advance and designed to be repaid in one or two weeks. Regular payday lenders charge much more and should be avoided.

Borrow from family or friends: If possible, this is free. Be clear about repayment terms and put it in writing to avoid misunderstandings.

What to do if you have already taken a cash advance

If you have already withdrawn cash, focus on paying it off as quickly as you can. The interest compounds daily, so every week you carry the balance costs you more.

Make a payment larger than your minimum if you can. Minimum payments are designed to keep you in debt as long as possible. If you owe $500 at 25 percent APR and pay only the minimum (usually 1 to 3 percent of the balance), it could take years to pay off and cost you hundreds in interest.

If you have other debts at lower interest rates, prioritize the cash advance. It is the most expensive money you are borrowing. Once it is gone, redirect that payment amount to the next-highest-rate debt.

Do not take another cash advance to pay off the first one. That just extends the cycle and costs you more in fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a cash advance hurt my credit score?

A cash advance itself does not hurt your score, but carrying a high balance does. If your cash advance pushes your total balance close to your credit limit, your credit utilization ratio goes up, which can lower your score. Paying it off quickly brings your utilization back down and limits the damage.

Can I use a cash advance to pay off another credit card?

Technically yes, but it is almost never worth it. You pay the cash advance fee and high interest rate on top of the debt you already owe. A balance transfer (moving debt to a card with a 0 percent introductory rate) or a personal loan is almost always cheaper.

What is the difference between a cash advance and a balance transfer?

A cash advance gives you physical cash and charges a high interest rate immediately. A balance transfer moves debt from one card to another and often comes with a lower introductory rate (sometimes 0 percent for 6 to 21 months). Balance transfers are for paying off other debts; cash advances are for getting cash. Balance transfers usually cost less if you need to move existing debt.

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 often lower than your total credit limit — sometimes 20 to 50 percent of it. ATMs also have daily withdrawal limits. Call your card issuer to find out your specific cash advance limit, or check your online account.

Can I get a cash advance with a debit card?

No. Debit cards draw from your bank account, not a credit line. You can withdraw cash from an ATM for free (or a small ATM fee), but that is not a cash advance — it is your own money. If you need to borrow money, you need a credit card or a loan.