The main ways to get cash from a credit card

You can withdraw money from a credit card in three ways: at an ATM using your PIN, over the counter at a bank branch, or through a cash advance at a store. Each method charges a fee and starts accruing interest when ready — there is no grace period like there is for purchases. ATM withdrawals are the fastest but often carry the highest fees. Bank teller withdrawals may cost less but require you to visit during business hours. Store cash advances (sometimes called "cash back") are the cheapest option if the store offers them, though not all do.

The cost of withdrawing cash from a credit card varies by issuer and method. A typical ATM withdrawal costs between 3% and 5% of the amount withdrawn, plus a flat fee of $2 to $5. A $200 ATM withdrawal might cost $10 to $15 total. Interest begins accruing the same day, usually at a higher rate than your purchase APR — often 2% to 3% higher. If you carry the balance for a month, the interest alone can add another $3 to $10 to that $200 withdrawal.

Key Takeaways

  • Cash advances charge a fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount) plus a higher interest rate than purchases, with no grace period.
  • ATM withdrawals are fastest but typically the most expensive; bank teller withdrawals may cost less if your issuer offers them.
  • Store cash back is the cheapest option when available, often charging only a flat fee with no percentage fee.
  • Interest starts accruing when ready on any cash withdrawal, so the longer you carry the balance, the more you pay in total.
  • Some cards restrict how much you can withdraw per day or per transaction, separate from your credit limit.

How to withdraw cash at an ATM

Insert your credit card into an ATM that displays your card's logo (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). Enter your PIN — the same one you use for debit transactions. Select "Withdrawal" or "Cash Advance," then enter the amount. The ATM will dispense the cash and print a receipt showing the amount withdrawn and the fee charged.

Not all ATMs accept credit cards; many are set up for debit only. ATMs owned by your card issuer's bank usually charge lower fees than out-of-network ATMs. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you may pay two fees: one from the ATM operator and one from your card issuer. Check your card's terms to see if your issuer charges a flat fee, a percentage, or both. Some premium cards waive ATM fees entirely, though this is rare.

Your card issuer may set a daily withdrawal limit separate from your credit limit. This limit is often $500 to $1,000 per day, though it varies by card and issuer. If you need more cash than your daily limit allows, you will have to wait until the next day or use a different method.

Withdrawing cash at a bank branch

Visit a branch of your card issuer's bank during business hours. Bring your credit card and a photo ID. Tell the teller you want a cash advance. The teller will process the transaction, charge the fee, and give you the cash. This method typically costs less than an ATM withdrawal — some issuers charge a flat $5 to $10 fee instead of a percentage — but it requires you to be present during branch hours.

Not all banks offer this service, and not all branches do. Call ahead to confirm your branch accepts cash advances on credit cards. Some issuers have phased out this option entirely in favor of ATM and online methods. If your issuer does offer it, a teller withdrawal is often the cheapest way to get cash from a credit card.

Getting cash back at a store

When you make a purchase at a retail store, grocery store, or gas station, you can request cash back at checkout. Tell the cashier how much cash you want back (usually up to $100, though limits vary by store). The cashier will add that amount to your total bill and give you the difference in cash. This counts as a cash advance on your credit card.

Store cash back is the cheapest option because most retailers do not charge a fee — you only pay the interest that accrues on the amount. However, you must make a purchase to use this method, and the amount is limited. If you need $300 in cash, you would have to make multiple purchases or use a different method. Not all stores offer cash back, and some have minimum purchase requirements.

Understanding cash advance fees and interest

Every cash advance charges a fee at the time of withdrawal. This fee is either a flat amount (like $5) or a percentage of the amount withdrawn (like 3%), whichever is higher. A $100 withdrawal with a 3% fee and $2 minimum costs $5. A $500 withdrawal with the same terms costs $17. The fee is added to your balance when ready and is not waived if you pay off the cash advance quickly.

Cash advances also charge interest starting on the day you withdraw the money. There is no grace period — unlike a purchase, which may have 21 to 25 days before interest starts. The interest rate for cash advances is usually 2% to 3% higher than your purchase APR. If your purchase APR is 18%, your cash advance APR might be 21%. On a $200 cash advance held for 30 days, that difference costs you an extra $1 to $2 in interest.

Interest compounds daily, so the longer you carry the balance, the more you pay. A $500 cash advance at 21% APR costs about $8.75 in interest per month if you make no payments. If you pay $100 per month, it takes five months to pay off and costs about $35 in total interest.

Limits on how much you can withdraw

Your card issuer sets a cash advance limit separate from your credit limit. This limit is often 20% to 50% of your credit limit, though it varies. If your credit limit is $5,000, your cash advance limit might be $1,000 to $2,500. You cannot withdraw more than this limit, even if you have unused credit available.

Most issuers also set a daily withdrawal limit, usually $500 to $1,000 per day. This limit applies across all methods — ATM, bank teller, and store cash back all count toward the same daily total. If you need to withdraw more than your daily limit, you will have to spread the withdrawals across multiple days.

Check your card's terms or call your issuer to find out your specific cash advance limit and daily withdrawal limit. These limits are not always listed online and may require a phone call to confirm.

Alternatives to credit card cash advances

If you need cash, a credit card cash advance is usually the most expensive option. A personal loan from a bank or credit union typically charges lower interest and no upfront fee. A payday loan charges high interest but may be cheaper than a cash advance if you pay it back within two weeks. A balance transfer to a card with a 0% introductory APR can reduce the cost if you have time to plan ahead, though balance transfers also charge a fee (usually 3% to 5%).

If you have a debit card, using that to withdraw cash from your own bank account costs nothing. If you do not have a debit card, opening a basic checking account at a bank or credit union takes a few days and gives you free ATM access. Borrowing cash from a friend or family member costs nothing but may strain the relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does paying off a cash advance right away save me money on interest?

Paying it off quickly saves you money compared to carrying it longer, but you still pay the upfront fee. A $200 cash advance with a $5 fee costs at least $5 even if you pay it back the next day. The interest accrues daily, so paying it off in one week instead of one month saves you about $7 in interest, but you still owe the $5 fee.

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

Technically yes, but it is expensive. You pay the cash advance fee and interest rate on the money you withdraw, then you pay the interest rate on the other card for the amount you transfer. Most people in this situation are better off exploring a balance transfer, which charges a one-time fee but a lower interest rate than a cash advance.

What happens if I exceed my cash advance limit?

The ATM or teller will decline the transaction. You cannot withdraw more than your issuer's cash advance limit, even if you have available credit. If you need more cash, you will have to use a different method (like store cash back) or wait until the next day if you have hit a daily limit.

Do all credit cards let you withdraw cash?

Most do, but not all. Some cards, particularly secured cards or cards designed for rebuilding credit, may not offer cash advances. Check your card's terms or call your issuer to confirm before you need the cash. Prepaid cards and charge cards (like American Express) have different rules and may not allow cash advances at all.

Is there a difference between a cash advance and a balance transfer?

Yes. A cash advance is money you withdraw in cash and pay interest on when ready. A balance transfer moves debt from one card to another and may have a lower interest rate or a 0% introductory period. A balance transfer fee is usually 3% to 5%, while a cash advance fee is also 3% to 5%, but the interest rate on a balance transfer is often much lower.