Yes, you can use most credit cards at ATMs, but it counts as a cash advance, not a regular purchase

Most credit card issuers let you withdraw cash from ATMs using your card and PIN, but the transaction is treated differently from a regular purchase. The card company charges you a cash advance fee — typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum fee of $2 to $10. You also start paying interest immediately on the cash, usually at a higher rate than your regular purchase APR, and that interest accrues daily from the moment you withdraw it. There is no grace period like there is for purchases.

Not all credit cards allow cash advances at all. Some cards, particularly those designed for people rebuilding credit or certain store cards, do not offer this feature. Check your card's terms or call the number on the back to confirm whether cash advances are available on your account.

Key Takeaways

  • Cash advances from credit card ATMs trigger an immediate fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) plus a higher interest rate than regular purchases.
  • Interest on cash advances starts accruing the day you withdraw, with no grace period, so the cost adds up quickly.
  • Some credit cards do not offer cash advances at all, so you need to check your card's terms before you try.
  • Using a debit card at an ATM or getting cash back at a store checkout is almost always cheaper than a credit card cash advance.

How cash advance fees and interest work

When you use your credit card at an ATM, your card issuer charges a cash advance fee on top of the amount you withdraw. If you take out $200 and the fee is 4 percent, you owe $208 to the card company immediately — the $200 plus the $8 fee. That fee appears on your next statement.

The interest rate on cash advances is separate from your regular purchase APR and is almost always higher. If your purchase APR is 18 percent, your cash advance APR might be 24 or 28 percent. Interest starts accruing the day you withdraw the cash, not at the end of your billing cycle. This means even if you pay off the cash advance in full on your next statement, you will owe interest for every day the cash was outstanding.

Some cards charge a flat fee instead of a percentage, but this is rare. Most use a percentage-based fee with a minimum (you pay at least $2 or $3 even for a small withdrawal) and sometimes a maximum (the fee caps at $10 or $15 for large withdrawals).

Which ATMs charge additional fees

Beyond your card issuer's cash advance fee, the ATM operator may charge you an additional out-of-network fee. If you use an ATM that does not belong to your card issuer's network, the ATM owner charges you a fee — often $2 to $3 — just for using their machine. Your card issuer may also charge a separate out-of-network fee on top of that.

ATMs at convenience stores, bars, and independent operators are more likely to charge these fees than bank-owned ATMs. If you use an out-of-network ATM to withdraw $100, you could pay $5 to $8 in fees before interest even enters the picture. Using an ATM owned by your card issuer's bank or a bank in their network avoids the operator fee.

When a credit card cash advance makes sense

A credit card cash advance is expensive and should be a last resort, but there are rare situations where it might be the only option. If you need cash urgently and have no access to a debit card, no nearby ATM for a bank account, and no other way to get money, a cash advance is better than missing a critical payment or going without.

Some people use cash advances strategically if they have a 0 percent introductory APR that applies to cash advances (this is uncommon, so check your terms). In that case, the only cost is the upfront fee, and you have a window to repay without interest charges. But most cards do not extend the intro rate to cash advances, so this applies to very few cardholders.

Cheaper alternatives to credit card cash advances

If you need cash, a debit card withdrawal at your bank's ATM is almost always free or costs only what your bank charges for out-of-network use. A debit card draws directly from your checking account with no interest and no cash advance fee.

Getting cash back at a store checkout when you make a purchase is free and requires no ATM. You can ask the cashier for cash back at most grocery stores, pharmacies, and retailers, and the amount is deducted from your debit card or credit card purchase. This works with credit cards too, though the cash back itself is not a cash advance — only the amount you withdraw as pure cash counts.

If you do not have a debit card, opening a basic checking account at a bank or credit union gives you access to their ATM network and costs nothing. Many banks offer accounts with no minimum balance and no monthly fee.

How to find your card's cash advance terms

Your credit card's cash advance fee and APR are listed in the Schumer Box — the disclosure table on your card's terms and conditions document. You can find this online in your account portal, in the welcome materials that came with your card, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.

Look for the line labeled "Cash Advance APR" and "Cash Advance Fee." The fee is usually shown as a percentage or a flat amount. Some cards also list a maximum fee cap. If you cannot find this information online, call and ask directly — the representative can tell you the exact fee and rate in seconds.

What happens if you cannot repay a cash advance

If you withdraw cash and cannot repay it by your statement due date, the unpaid balance rolls into your next billing cycle with interest. The interest compounds daily, so the longer you carry the balance, the more you owe. A $300 cash advance at 25 percent APR costs about $6.25 per month in interest alone if you make no payments.

Unpaid cash advances also count toward your credit utilization ratio, which affects your credit score. Carrying a high balance on a credit card — whether from purchases or cash advances — signals risk to lenders and can lower your score. If the balance goes unpaid for 30 days or more, it may be reported to the credit bureaus as a late payment, which damages your credit for years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a credit card at any ATM?

You can use your card at most ATMs, but out-of-network ATMs charge operator fees on top of your card issuer's cash advance fee. Using an ATM owned by your card issuer's bank or a bank in their network avoids the extra operator charge. Check your card issuer's website for a list of in-network ATMs near you.

Is there a limit to how much cash I can withdraw?

Yes. Your card issuer sets a daily cash advance limit, which is often lower than your credit limit. This limit might be $500, $1,000, or another amount depending on your card and account history. Call your card issuer to find out your specific limit, or check your account online.

Do I have to pay the cash advance fee if I pay it back right away?

Yes. The cash advance fee is charged the moment you withdraw the cash, regardless of when you repay it. You cannot avoid the fee by paying quickly. However, you can minimize interest by repaying as soon as possible, since interest accrues daily.

What is the difference between a cash advance and getting cash back at checkout?

Cash back at checkout is not a cash advance — it is part of your regular purchase and uses your purchase APR and grace period. A cash advance is a separate transaction that triggers a higher fee and interest rate immediately. Always choose cash back over an ATM withdrawal when possible.

Will a cash advance hurt my credit score?

A single cash advance does not directly hurt your score, but carrying a high balance does. Cash advances count toward your credit utilization, so if your balance is high relative to your credit limit, your score may drop. Late payments on unpaid cash advances will damage your score significantly.