The main ways to withdraw cash from a credit card

You can get cash from a credit card in three ways: at an ATM using your PIN, at a bank teller's window, or through a cash advance at a store. ATMs are the fastest and most common method — you insert your card, enter your PIN, and withdraw money just as you would from a debit card. At a bank branch, you can ask a teller for a cash advance without needing a PIN, though you'll need to show ID. Some retailers also offer cash advances at checkout, though this is less common than it once was.

Each method costs money. Credit card companies charge a cash advance fee — usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw, with a minimum fee of $5 to $10. On top of that, cash advances typically carry a higher interest rate than regular purchases, often 20 to 30 percent, and interest starts accruing immediately with no grace period. This means a $200 cash advance can cost you $6 to $10 upfront plus daily interest from day one.

Key Takeaways

  • Cash advances charge both an upfront fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) and a higher interest rate than purchases, with no grace period on interest.
  • ATMs are the fastest way to withdraw cash, but you need your PIN and must use an ATM that accepts your card's network.
  • Bank tellers can process cash advances without a PIN if you show ID, and some retailers still offer them at checkout.
  • Using a credit card to get cash is expensive and should be a last resort — a personal loan, payday loan, or asking for an advance on your paycheck are usually cheaper options.

How to withdraw cash at an ATM

Insert your credit card into an ATM that displays your card's network logo — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Enter your PIN when prompted. Select "Withdrawal" or "Cash Advance" from the menu, then choose your amount. The ATM will dispense cash and print a receipt showing the transaction amount, the fee charged, and your new balance.

Not all ATMs accept credit cards — many are set up for debit cards only. If you don't know your PIN, call the number on the back of your card and ask the issuer to send you one or reset it. Some card issuers charge an additional fee if you use an out-of-network ATM (one that doesn't match your card's brand), on top of the cash advance fee the ATM operator may also charge. Check your card's terms to see whether out-of-network fees apply.

Getting cash from a bank teller

Walk into any bank branch that accepts your card's network and ask the teller for a cash advance. Bring a photo ID. The teller will process the transaction at the counter — you don't need your PIN. This method works even if you've forgotten your PIN or your card is damaged, as long as the card is still valid.

Bank tellers can also answer questions about your card's cash advance terms, current balance, and available credit. If you're unsure whether you have enough available credit for the amount you want to withdraw, the teller can check before processing the transaction. The fee and interest rate are the same as an ATM withdrawal — the only difference is the method of access.

Cash advances at retail checkout

Some grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers allow you to request a cash advance at checkout when you make a purchase. You'll typically need to buy something first, then ask the cashier if they can add cash to your transaction. The cashier runs your credit card, and you receive cash back along with your receipt.

This option is less common than it used to be, and availability varies widely by store and region. Fees and interest rates are the same as other cash advance methods. The advantage is convenience if you're already at a store, but the disadvantage is that you may be limited to smaller amounts — many retailers cap cash advances at $20 to $100.

Why cash advances are expensive

A $200 cash advance with a 4 percent fee costs $8 upfront. If your card charges 25 percent interest on cash advances and you pay back the $200 over three months, you'll pay roughly $37 in interest — bringing your total cost to $45 for borrowing $200. Over a year, the cost climbs much higher.

Compare this to other borrowing options: a personal loan from a bank or credit union typically charges 6 to 36 percent interest with no upfront fee. A payday loan charges high interest but no cash advance fee. Even asking your employer for an advance on your paycheck costs nothing. Before using a credit card cash advance, explore whether one of these alternatives would be cheaper.

How cash advances affect your credit

A cash advance counts as a new debt on your credit report and lowers your available credit immediately. If your card has a $5,000 limit and you withdraw $500 in cash, your available credit drops to $4,500. This increases your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit you're using — which can lower your credit score by a few points.

The impact is temporary if you pay off the cash advance quickly. Paying it back within a month or two will restore your available credit and stabilize your score. However, if you carry the balance for months, the high interest rate makes the debt grow, which keeps your utilization high and your score depressed. This is one reason cash advances are risky: they're easy to take but expensive to carry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a PIN to withdraw cash from my credit card?

You need a PIN at an ATM, but not at a bank teller's window or retail checkout. If you don't have a PIN, call your card issuer to request one. Setting up a PIN usually takes a few days.

Can I withdraw more cash than my available credit?

No. You can only withdraw up to your available credit limit. If your limit is $5,000 and you've already charged $4,800, you can only withdraw $200 in cash. The card issuer will decline any withdrawal that exceeds your available balance.

What's the difference between a cash advance and a regular purchase?

A cash advance charges an upfront fee and a higher interest rate with no grace period. A regular purchase has no upfront fee and usually has a 21 to 25-day grace period before interest starts. This makes regular purchases much cheaper than cash advances.

Will a cash advance show up on my credit report?

The cash advance itself doesn't appear as a separate line item, but it increases your total debt and lowers your available credit, both of which show on your report. If you carry the balance unpaid, it will be reported as revolving debt.

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

Technically yes, but it's a bad idea. You'd pay a cash advance fee on the withdrawal, then pay interest on the borrowed money. Most people in this situation should contact their card issuer about a hardship program or balance transfer instead.