The main ways to get cash from a credit card

You can pull cash from a credit card through a cash advance, which is the most direct method. Your card issuer lets you withdraw money at an ATM, bank teller, or through a convenience check, up to a limit they set (usually 20 to 50 percent of your credit limit). The money hits your account when ready, but the card treats it differently from a purchase — you pay interest right away, at a higher rate, with no grace period.

A second option is a balance transfer check, which works like a regular check but draws against your credit line instead of a bank account. You write it to yourself or a payee, deposit it, and the amount becomes a balance on your card. Some cards offer these with a lower introductory rate for a set period.

A third route is a cash advance app or service linked to your card — services like MoneyLion or Earnin let you borrow against future income or credit, though these are not technically credit card cash advances and carry their own terms.

Key Takeaways

  • Cash advances charge interest when ready at rates typically 3 to 5 percentage points higher than your purchase APR, with no grace period like purchases have.
  • Most issuers charge an upfront fee of 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, on top of the interest you will owe.
  • Your cash advance limit is usually much lower than your credit limit — often 20 to 50 percent of what you can spend on purchases.
  • Balance transfer checks may offer a lower introductory rate but still charge an upfront fee and count as a cash advance, not a purchase.
  • Getting cash from a credit card is expensive and should be a last resort when you need money urgently and have no other option.

What a cash advance actually costs

A cash advance has three costs stacked together. First, there is the cash advance fee, charged upfront when you withdraw. Most cards charge 3 to 5 percent of the amount, with a minimum of $5 to $10. If you take out $500, you might pay $15 to $25 just to get the money.

Second, you pay interest when ready. Unlike a purchase, which has a grace period (usually 21 to 25 days before interest starts), a cash advance begins accruing interest the day you withdraw it. The interest rate — called the cash advance APR — is almost always higher than your purchase APR. Where your purchase rate might be 18 percent, your cash advance rate could be 23 or 25 percent. This rate is fixed in your card agreement and does not change based on how long you hold the cash.

Third, if you carry a balance on purchases, the card issuer applies your payment to the lowest-rate debt first (usually purchases), meaning your cash advance sits and accrues interest while you pay down other balances. This can stretch the cost over months.

A $500 cash advance at 5 percent fee plus 24 percent APR costs you $25 upfront plus roughly $10 in interest over one month if you do not pay it back when ready. Over three months, the interest alone could reach $30.

How to take a cash advance

The process depends on the method you choose. At an ATM, insert your card, enter your PIN (which you may need to set up first by calling your issuer), select "cash advance" or "withdrawal," and choose your amount. The ATM dispenses cash and the transaction posts to your card within one business day.

At a bank teller, bring your card and ID, tell them you want a cash advance, and they process it like a withdrawal. This works even if the bank is not your card issuer. You get cash on the spot.

For a balance transfer check, your issuer mails them to you automatically or you request them. You write the check to yourself or a third party, deposit it into your bank account, and the amount becomes a balance on your card. Processing takes 3 to 7 business days.

Before you take any cash advance, call your issuer or log into your online account to find out your cash advance limit — it is separate from your credit limit and often much lower. Confirm the fee and APR so you know the full cost.

When a cash advance makes sense

A cash advance is expensive enough that you should only use it when you have an urgent need for cash and truly no other option. Examples include a car repair you cannot delay, a medical bill due before payday, or a security deposit for housing when you are in a time crunch.

It does not make sense to use a cash advance for everyday spending, to cover a shortfall you could cover with a side gig or by cutting expenses, or to fund a purchase you could make with the card itself (which would have a lower rate and a grace period). It also does not make sense if you already carry high-interest debt — adding more high-interest borrowing makes your situation worse.

If you do take a cash advance, pay it back as fast as you can. Every day you carry the balance, the interest compounds. Paying it off within a week or two keeps the total cost manageable. Carrying it for months turns a $25 fee into a $100+ problem.

Alternatives to a cash advance

Before you withdraw cash from your card, consider these options. A personal loan from a bank or credit union usually has a lower rate than a cash advance APR, though it takes a few days to fund. A payday loan is fast but often more expensive than a cash advance, so compare the total cost first.

A line of credit from your bank, if you have one, typically charges less than a cash advance. Asking family or friends for a short-term loan costs nothing if they agree. A payment plan with the creditor or vendor you owe money to may let you spread the cost without borrowing at all.

If you need cash for an emergency and have no savings, a cash advance may be the fastest option available. But it should be a one-time decision, not a habit. If you find yourself taking cash advances regularly, that signals a deeper cash flow problem that needs a different solution — a budget review, a second income source, or help from a nonprofit credit counselor.

How cash advances affect your credit score

A cash advance itself does not hurt your credit score directly — it is just a transaction on your card. However, it does increase your credit utilization ratio, which is the amount of credit you are using divided by your total available credit. If your cash advance limit is $1,000 and you withdraw $500, you have used 50 percent of that limit. High utilization (above 30 percent) can lower your score by a few points.

The bigger risk is if you cannot pay back the cash advance on time. Missed or late payments damage your score far more than the advance itself. If the balance grows because you are only making minimum payments, your utilization stays high for months, which keeps your score depressed.

If you take a cash advance, treat it as a debt you must clear quickly — not as information programs. The faster you pay it off, the faster your utilization drops and your score recovers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a cash advance if I have a low credit limit?

Yes, but your cash advance limit is usually much smaller than your credit limit. A card with a $5,000 credit limit might only let you take $1,000 as a cash advance. Call your issuer to find out your specific limit before you try to withdraw.

What happens if I do not pay back a cash advance?

The balance stays on your card and accrues interest at your cash advance APR. If you miss a payment, you will face late fees and your credit score will drop. The issuer can also raise your APR on all balances or close your account.

Is a balance transfer check cheaper than an ATM cash advance?

Not always. Both charge an upfront fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) and both accrue interest when ready. A balance transfer check may offer a lower introductory APR for a set period, which can save you money if you pay it back within that window. Compare the terms on your specific card before you choose.

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

Technically yes, but it is almost never worth it. You pay a cash advance fee plus a high APR, while the card you are paying off stays the same. You have just added a fee and higher interest to your debt. A balance transfer (moving a balance from one card to another) is cheaper if you may have access to.

Do I need a PIN to take a cash advance?

At an ATM, yes. At a bank teller, no — your ID and card are enough. If you have never set up a PIN for your card, call your issuer before you try to use an ATM. Setting it up takes a few minutes.