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How to Get Cash from a Credit Card: What to Know About Cash Advances
July 1, 2025
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Getting cash from your credit card is possible via a cash advance – but beware of the high fees and interest that kick in immediately. This guide explains how to pull cash from a credit card, the true costs of cash advances, and smarter alternatives to consider.
What Is a Credit Card Cash Advance?
A credit card cash advance lets you withdraw cash against your card’s credit line – essentially a short-term loan from your credit card. You can typically get a cash advance by using your credit card at an ATM, requesting cash at a bank, or even using special “convenience checks” from your card issuer. It’s a quick way to access money in an emergency, but it comes at a price.
Pros of cash advances: You get immediate access to cash when you need it, without any application or approval process. In a pinch or emergency, a cash advance can be a lifesaver since most ATMs or banks can provide you cash on the spot.
Cons of cash advances: Cash advances are notorious for high costs and should generally be a last resort. Here are the major drawbacks to keep in mind:
- Hefty fees: Nearly all credit cards charge a cash advance fee, often about 3%–5% of the amount you withdraw. For example, pulling out $200 might incur an extra $6–$10 fee immediately. Some cards also charge a flat minimum fee (e.g. $10) if the percentage would be too low.
- High interest from day one: Cash advances usually carry a higher APR than regular purchases. Worse, there’s no grace period – interest starts accruing immediately on the cash you take out. This means even if you pay your card bill in full, that cash advance amount is accruing interest from the moment you get the money.
- Possible credit score impact: Using a large portion of your credit line for a cash advance can spike your credit utilization ratio, which may hurt your credit score. And if the added debt makes it harder to pay your bill, any late payments will ding your score further. In short, a cash advance can negatively affect your credit if you’re not careful.
How to Get Cash from a Credit Card
If you decide a cash advance is your only option, here are the common ways to get cash from your credit card (and how each works):
1. At an ATM with your PIN
Using an ATM is the fastest way to withdraw cash from a credit card. The process is similar to using a debit card at an ATM, except the money comes off your credit line instead of a bank account:
- Get a PIN: You’ll need a Personal Identification Number for your credit card. If you don’t have one, you can request a PIN from your card issuer (usually online or by phone).
- Find a compatible ATM: Go to an ATM that supports your card’s network (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). Insert your credit card and enter your PIN.
- Select “Cash Advance”: In the ATM menu, choose the cash withdrawal or cash advance option. Enter the amount of cash you need — but stay below your card’s cash advance limit (often much lower than your total credit limit).
- Acknowledge fees: The ATM or your bank may display the cash advance fee and ask you to confirm. Accept the fee to proceed (remember this fee will be added to your card balance).
- Collect your cash (and card): The ATM will dispense the cash. Take your money and retrieve your credit card. Keep the receipt for your records.
Note: Interest charges on this cash begin immediately, so it’s wise to plan repayment ASAP. If possible, pay back the advance in days rather than weeks to minimize interest.
2. At a Bank or with a Convenience Check
If you don’t have a PIN or can’t use an ATM, you can go in person to a bank to get a cash advance, or use a convenience check if your card issuer provided one:
- Bank teller: Visit a bank branch (it doesn’t have to be your card’s issuing bank, just one that handles your card network). Request a cash advance from the teller by presenting your credit card and a photo ID. They will process the transaction and give you cash. This method can be useful if you forgot your PIN.
- Convenience checks: Many credit card companies send out “cash advance checks” to customers. You can use these checks to write yourself a check and then cash or deposit it into your bank account. Essentially, it converts part of your credit line into a check you can cash. To use one, fill it out like any regular check (payable to yourself, date, amount) and deposit it at your bank.
Both of these methods still carry the high interest and fees we discussed. Whether you withdraw at an ATM, at a bank, or via a check, a cash advance is an expensive way to borrow. Use it only if you truly need cash right now and have no cheaper options.
Facing a cash crunch? Before turning to a pricey cash advance, see if you qualify for a credit card with a 0% intro APR or a personal loan with lower rates. Kudos can quickly compare top credit options to find a smarter, cheaper way to get funds — free and easy to use.
Alternatives to Cash Advances
Because cash advances are so costly, it’s worth exploring alternatives before you resort to pulling cash from your credit card. Here are a few options that might save you money and stress:
Use a debit card or bank funds
If you have any money in a checking or savings account, withdrawing your own cash with your debit card is far cheaper than a credit card advance. There’s usually no extra fee (aside from maybe an ATM fee), and you won’t pay 30% interest – it’s your money. Using your debit at an ATM or asking for “cash back” on a debit card purchase (at a grocery store, for example) lets you access cash with no debt incurred.
Consider a personal loan or credit line
If you need a larger sum of money or more time to repay, a personal loan might be a better choice. Personal loans often have lower interest rates than credit card advances and structured monthly payments. Some online lenders can fund a loan within a day or two. For example, rather than paying a 5% fee and 29% APR on a cash advance, you might get a personal loan with no upfront fee and a much lower APR – saving you a lot if you can wait a short time for approval.
Borrow from friends or family (with a plan)
If you’re comfortable, a small loan from a friend or family member can help you avoid formal fees. Just be sure to draft a simple repayment plan to keep everyone accountable and happy. While it can be awkward, it’s usually cheaper than 30% interest.
Paycheck advance apps or programs
Some employers and fintech apps (like EarnIn, Dave, or Bridget) allow you to get an advance on your paycheck with little or no fee. These services let you access part of your earned wages early, which can cover an urgent need without the sky-high interest of a cash advance. Just use them carefully to not fall behind on bills when your paycheck arrives.
0% APR credit card offers
As a longer-term strategy, consider applying for a 0% APR credit card (if your credit score allows). While this won’t put cash in hand today, cards with a 0% introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers can finance an emergency expense interest-free for a number of months.
Each of these alternatives comes with its own considerations, but almost all will be cheaper than a cash advance. If a cash advance is avoidable, do explore other routes. You’ll thank yourself later for sidestepping the debt trap that cash advances can become.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do credit card cash advances charge a fee?
Yes. Nearly every credit card charges a cash advance fee, typically around 3%–5% of the amount you withdraw. For example, a $500 cash advance might incur a $15–$25 fee immediately. Always check your card’s terms; the fee is usually listed in your card’s fee schedule.
Do cash advances start accruing interest right away?
Yes. There is no grace period for cash advances. Interest begins to accrue from the moment you get the cash. Moreover, the interest rate (APR) for cash advances is usually higher than your purchase APR. This means a cash advance can start costing you interest within minutes of withdrawal, so it’s best to pay it off as soon as possible.
Can a cash advance hurt your credit score?
Yes, it can. While simply taking one cash advance won’t directly alert the credit bureaus, the effects of the transaction can impact your credit score. A cash advance increases your credit card balance, which raises your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your credit line in use). A higher utilization can lower your score.
Is there a limit on how much cash I can get from a credit card?
Yes. Credit cards have a cash advance limit that is often lower than your total credit limit.
Conclusion: Use Cash Advances Sparingly
Cash advances from your credit card should be viewed as an option of last resort. While they provide quick cash, the high fees and immediate interest make them an expensive form of debt. Whenever possible, explore alternative solutions first – whether that’s using your own savings, negotiating a payment plan, or finding a lower-cost loan.
That said, life doesn’t always wait. If you absolutely must get cash from your credit card, do so with a clear payback plan. Aim to repay the advance in full as soon as you can to reduce interest charges. Each day a cash advance balance lingers, it’s costing you money.
Finally, remember that smart credit management can help you avoid needing cash advances in the future. Keeping an emergency fund or using tools like Kudos can give you more flexibility. Kudos is a free browser extension and app that helps you maximize credit card rewards and find the best card for each purchase – so you get more value from your cards instead of resorting to costly cash advances. By planning ahead and using the right financial tools, you can handle surprises without paying a fortune in fees.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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