What a Chase credit card cash advance is and how it works
A cash advance on a Chase credit card lets you withdraw cash against your credit limit at an ATM, bank branch, or through a convenience check. The money appears in your account within one to three business days, but Chase charges you a fee upfront and starts charging interest when ready — there is no grace period like there is for purchases.
Chase treats a cash advance as a separate transaction from your regular purchases. The interest rate is usually higher than your purchase APR, and the fee is either a flat dollar amount or a percentage of the amount you withdraw, whichever is greater. Both the fee and the interest start accruing right away.
You repay a cash advance by making payments toward your credit card balance, just as you would with purchases. But because the interest rate is higher and there is no grace period, the cost of borrowing that way is steeper than using your card to buy something.
Key Takeaways
- Chase charges a cash advance fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount) plus a higher interest rate than your purchase APR, with interest starting when ready.
- You can withdraw cash at a Chase ATM, at any ATM in the MoneyPass network, at a Chase branch, or by requesting a convenience check from your card issuer.
- The cash appears in your bank account within one to three business days if you use an ATM or branch; convenience checks take longer.
- Paying off a cash advance takes longer and costs more than paying off a purchase, because there is no interest-free period.
How to withdraw a cash advance at a Chase ATM or branch
The simplest way to get a cash advance is to visit a Chase ATM or branch in person. At an ATM, insert your credit card, select "Cash Advance" or "Withdrawal," enter your PIN, and choose the amount. The ATM will show you the fee before you confirm, so you know the total cost before the transaction goes through.
At a Chase branch, tell the teller you want a cash advance on your credit card. Bring your card and a photo ID. The teller will process it the same way — they will show you the fee, you will confirm, and you will receive the cash. Withdrawals at a branch usually post to your account the same day.
If you do not have a Chase branch or ATM nearby, you can use any ATM in the MoneyPass network, which includes thousands of ATMs outside the Chase system. The fee structure is the same, but MoneyPass ATMs may charge an additional operator fee on top of Chase's cash advance fee.
Convenience checks and how to request them
Chase also offers convenience checks — checks drawn against your credit line that you can write to yourself or give to someone else. You can request them by calling the customer service number on the back of your card, logging into your online account, or visiting a branch.
When you request convenience checks, Chase mails them to your address on file. You write a check for the amount you need, deposit it into your bank account, and the funds appear there within the normal check-clearing time — usually three to five business days. The cash advance fee and interest rate explore the same way as an ATM withdrawal.
Convenience checks are useful if you need to pay a bill or person who does not accept credit cards, but they are slower than an ATM withdrawal because of mail and check-clearing time. Use them only when you cannot withdraw cash at an ATM or branch.
Cash advance fees and interest rates on Chase cards
Chase cash advance fees vary by card but typically range from 3% to 5% of the amount you withdraw, with a minimum fee (often $5 to $10). The fee is charged when ready when you complete the transaction, and it is added to your credit card balance.
The interest rate on a cash advance is separate from your purchase APR and is usually 3% to 5% higher. For example, if your purchase APR is 18%, your cash advance APR might be 23%. Interest starts accruing the day you withdraw the cash — there is no 21-day grace period as there is for purchases.
To find your card's specific cash advance fee and APR, check your card's terms and conditions document, log into your Chase account online, or call the customer service number on the back of your card. The representative can tell you both figures in seconds.
Daily and monthly cash advance limits
Chase sets a daily cash advance limit — the maximum you can withdraw in a single day — and a monthly limit based on your credit limit and account history. The daily limit is often $500 to $1,000, but it varies by card and by your account.
Your monthly limit is usually a percentage of your total credit limit, often 20% to 50%. So if your credit limit is $5,000 and your monthly cash advance limit is 30%, you can withdraw up to $1,500 in cash per month.
You can find your specific limits by logging into your Chase account online, calling customer service, or visiting a branch. If you need to withdraw more than your limit allows, you can call Chase to request a temporary increase, though approval is not may provide.
When a cash advance makes sense and when it does not
A cash advance is expensive and should be a last resort. The upfront fee plus the high interest rate means you pay significantly more than if you had used a debit card, borrowed from a friend, or waited until you could pay with a regular purchase.
A cash advance might make sense if you have an urgent need for cash and no other option — for example, if an ATM is broken and you need cash for an emergency. It does not make sense for everyday cash needs or to pay off other debts, because the interest rate is too high and the fee eats into your money when ready.
If you find yourself taking cash advances regularly, that is a sign you are spending more than you earn. Consider reviewing your budget or speaking with a financial counselor before the debt grows.
How to pay off a cash advance faster
Because a cash advance has no grace period, interest starts accruing the moment you withdraw the cash. To minimize what you pay, make payments as soon as you can — ideally within the first billing cycle.
When you make a payment to your credit card, Chase applies it first to the balance with the highest interest rate. Since a cash advance usually has the highest rate, your payment will go toward it first, which is what you want. Pay more than the minimum if you can, because the minimum payment barely covers the interest.
If you have both a cash advance and regular purchases on your card, paying the full cash advance balance before the end of the month stops the interest from compounding into the next cycle. Use your online account or the Chase mobile app to track your balance and make payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Chase credit card PIN at any ATM to get a cash advance?
Yes, you can use your PIN at any ATM that accepts your card's network (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express). Chase ATMs and MoneyPass network ATMs are the most common, but you can also use ATMs at other banks. Be aware that non-Chase ATMs may charge an additional operator fee on top of Chase's cash advance fee.
What is the difference between a cash advance and a balance transfer?
A cash advance gives you cash; a balance transfer moves debt from another card to your Chase card. A cash advance charges a fee and high interest when ready. A balance transfer also charges a fee but may offer a lower or 0% introductory interest rate for a set period. Balance transfers are for moving existing debt; cash advances are for getting cash.
Does a cash advance hurt my credit score?
A cash advance itself does not hurt your score, but it increases your credit utilization — the percentage of your available credit you are using. High utilization can lower your score slightly. Paying off the cash advance quickly brings your utilization back down and minimizes the impact.
Can I get a cash advance if my card is maxed out?
No. Your cash advance limit is part of your total credit limit. If you have used your entire limit on purchases, you cannot take a cash advance. You would need to pay down your balance first or request a credit limit increase.
How long does it take for a cash advance to show up in my bank account?
Cash from an ATM or branch withdrawal appears in your bank account within one to three business days. Convenience checks take longer — usually three to five business days after you deposit them, depending on your bank's check-clearing time. The fee and interest start accruing when ready, regardless of when the cash arrives.