You can withdraw cash at most ATMs with a credit card, but it costs more than a debit card and counts as a loan, not a purchase

Credit cards and ATMs work together, but not the way debit cards do. When you insert your credit card into an ATM, you are borrowing money against your credit limit. The ATM dispenses cash, but your card issuer charges you a cash advance fee — typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn — plus interest that starts accruing when ready, usually at a higher rate than your regular purchase APR. A $200 cash advance might cost you $6 to $10 just to get the money out, then another $3 to $5 per month in interest if you do not pay it back right away.

Not every ATM accepts credit cards. Bank-owned ATMs and ATMs in retail stores are more likely to work than independent machines. Your card issuer may also restrict which ATMs you can use — some banks limit cash advances to their own machines or partner networks. Before you need cash, check your card's terms or call the issuer to confirm where you can withdraw.

Key Takeaways

  • Credit card cash advances charge a separate fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) plus a higher interest rate than purchases, making them expensive compared to using a debit card or getting cash back at a store.
  • Not all ATMs accept credit cards; bank ATMs and retail ATMs are more likely to work than independent machines, and your issuer may limit which ones you can use.
  • Interest on a cash advance starts the day you withdraw it, with no grace period, so the longer you carry the balance the more you pay.
  • If your card has a PIN, you will need it to complete the withdrawal; if you do not have one, contact your issuer to set it up or use a different withdrawal method.

How to find an ATM that accepts your credit card

Start by checking whether your card issuer has its own ATM network. Most major banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citi — operate their own machines and let cardholders withdraw cash for free or at a lower fee. If you bank with a smaller institution, ask whether it belongs to a shared network like Allpoint, MoneyPass, or CO-OP, which can expand your options beyond your bank's machines.

Retail ATMs at grocery stores, pharmacies, and convenience stores often accept credit cards, though they usually charge a higher fee than bank machines — sometimes $3 to $5 per transaction on top of your card issuer's fee. Independent ATMs in bars, casinos, and nightclubs are the most expensive option and may decline your card altogether. Before you use an unfamiliar machine, look for a fee disclosure on the screen; if it shows a charge you do not want to pay, walk away.

Setting up a PIN and entering it at the machine

To withdraw cash with a credit card, you need a PIN (personal identification number). If you have never used your credit card at an ATM before, you may not have one set up yet. Call your card issuer's customer service number on the back of your card and ask them to issue you a PIN, or use your online account to set one yourself — most issuers let you create or reset a PIN through their website or mobile app in minutes.

Once you have a PIN, go to an ATM that accepts credit cards. Insert your card, select "Withdrawal" or "Cash Advance," enter your PIN when prompted, and choose the amount you want. The machine will ask you to confirm the amount and the fee, then dispense the cash. Keep your receipt; it shows the fee charged and the new balance on your card.

Understanding cash advance fees and interest rates

A cash advance fee is separate from your purchase APR and is charged the moment you withdraw the money. This fee is a percentage of the amount withdrawn — usually 3 to 5 percent — with a minimum charge (often $2 to $3) and sometimes a maximum. A $100 withdrawal might cost $3 (the minimum), while a $500 withdrawal might cost $15 to $25 (5 percent). Check your card's terms or call the issuer to find out your exact fee percentage.

Interest on a cash advance is also higher than interest on purchases. While a purchase might carry a 15 to 22 percent APR, a cash advance often runs 20 to 30 percent or higher. Unlike purchases, there is no grace period — interest starts accruing the day you withdraw the cash, even if you pay your full statement balance on time. If you withdraw $200 and pay it back in 30 days, you will owe roughly $10 in interest on top of the $6 to $10 fee, for a total cost of $16 to $20.

When a cash advance makes sense and when it does not

A credit card cash advance is rarely the cheapest way to get cash. If you have a debit card, use it instead — most debit cards have no cash advance fee and charge little or no interest. If you need cash and do not have a debit card, ask for cash back at a grocery store, pharmacy, or gas station when you make a purchase; this costs nothing and is faster than an ATM. Some credit cards offer a small cash back reward on purchases, which can offset the cost of a withdrawal.

A cash advance makes sense only in emergencies when you have no other option — you need cash when ready, you do not have a debit card, and no store will give you cash back. Even then, pay it back as fast as you can. Carrying a cash advance balance for months will cost you far more than the initial fee.

How cash advances affect your credit score and available credit

A cash advance reduces your available credit when ready. If your card has a $5,000 limit and you withdraw $500, your available credit drops to $4,500 right away. This can hurt your credit score if it raises your credit utilization ratio — the amount of your total credit limit that you are using. Credit scoring models penalize high utilization, so a large cash advance can temporarily lower your score.

The cash advance also appears on your credit report as a separate transaction type, which some lenders view less favorably than purchases. If you are planning to explore for a mortgage, car loan, or other credit in the next few months, avoid cash advances. The temporary score drop and the appearance of a cash advance on your report can affect your approval odds and the interest rate you receive.

Alternatives to using a credit card at an ATM

If you need cash and do not want to pay a cash advance fee, consider these options first. Ask for cash back at a store when you use your debit card or credit card to buy something — this is free and when ready. If you do not have a debit card, open a checking account at a bank or credit union; most offer debit cards with no annual fee and access to ATMs nationwide. Some banks, like Chime and Ally, reimburse ATM fees charged by other banks, which can save you money if you travel or do not have a bank branch nearby.

If you are in a bind and need cash fast, ask a friend or family member to lend you money, or look for a local credit union that offers short-term loans at lower rates than credit card cash advances. Some employers offer paycheck advances or emergency loans to employees. These options cost less and do not raise your credit utilization or hurt your credit score the way a cash advance does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I withdraw cash from any ATM with my credit card?

No. Bank ATMs and retail ATMs are most likely to accept credit cards, but independent ATMs often decline them. Your card issuer may also restrict which ATMs you can use. Check your card's website or call the issuer to find out which machines accept your card in your area.

What is the difference between a cash advance and a purchase?

A cash advance charges a separate fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) and a higher interest rate than a purchase, with no grace period. Interest starts accruing when ready. A purchase has a grace period (usually 21 to 25 days) and a lower APR. Cash advances are much more expensive.

Do I have to pay back a cash advance right away?

No, but you should. Interest accrues daily on a cash advance, so the longer you carry the balance the more you pay. If you can pay it back within a few days, the cost is minimal. If you carry it for months, the interest will far exceed the initial fee.

Will a cash advance hurt my credit score?

It can, temporarily. A large cash advance raises your credit utilization ratio, which can lower your score. The effect is usually small and temporary if you pay it back quickly. However, if you are explore for a mortgage or other major loan soon, avoid cash advances.

What should I do if I forgot my PIN?

Call your card issuer's customer service number on the back of your card and ask them to reset your PIN. Most issuers can do this over the phone or let you reset it through your online account. You will need to verify your identity with your Social Security number or other information.