What a Chase cash advance is and how it works
A cash advance on a Chase credit card lets you withdraw cash against your available credit line at an ATM, bank branch, or through a check. The money comes from your credit card account, not a separate loan. Chase treats it as a transaction on your card — you owe it back with interest and fees, just like a purchase, except the interest rate is usually higher and starts accruing when ready with no grace period.
The cash advance limit is often lower than your overall credit limit. Chase sets this separately and tells you the amount in your account terms or when you call. You can find your cash advance limit by logging into your Chase account online, calling the number on the back of your card, or visiting a Chase branch.
Key Takeaways
- Cash advances charge a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount) plus a higher interest rate than purchases, with interest starting when ready.
- You can get cash at Chase ATMs, Chase bank branches, or third-party ATMs, or request a cash advance check from Chase.
- Your cash advance limit is separate from and usually lower than your credit limit, and Chase will tell you the amount if you ask.
- The transaction reports to credit bureaus as a cash advance, not a purchase, which can affect how lenders view your credit use.
Getting cash at a Chase ATM or branch
The fastest way to get a cash advance is at a Chase ATM. Insert your card, enter your PIN, select "Withdrawal" or "Cash Advance," choose the amount, and the ATM will dispense cash. There is no separate process or approval step — if you have available cash advance limit, the transaction goes through when ready.
If you prefer to work with a person, visit any Chase branch during business hours with your card and photo ID. Tell the teller you want a cash advance, and they will process it the same way. Both methods charge the same fee and interest rate.
Using a third-party ATM (one that is not a Chase machine) also works, but Chase will charge an out-of-network ATM fee on top of the cash advance fee. For that reason, Chase ATMs are cheaper if one is nearby.
Requesting a cash advance check
Chase can mail you a cash advance check — a special check drawn on your credit card account. You write it like a regular check, deposit it in your bank account, and the amount becomes a cash advance on your Chase card. This takes several business days for the check to arrive and then for your bank to clear it.
To request a cash advance check, log into your Chase account online, call the customer service number on your card, or visit a branch. Chase will ask how many checks you want and the amount per check. The fee and interest rate are the same as an ATM withdrawal.
Fees and interest rates for cash advances
Chase charges two costs for a cash advance: a transaction fee and interest. The transaction fee is usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw, with a minimum fee (often $10). So a $500 cash advance might cost $15 to $25 in fees alone.
The cash advance APR (annual percentage rate) is higher than the purchase APR on most Chase cards. While a purchase might carry 18 percent APR, a cash advance on the same card could be 24 or 25 percent. Interest begins accruing the day you take the cash — there is no grace period like there is for purchases. This means even if you pay off the balance in full at the end of the month, you will owe interest for every day the cash advance was outstanding.
Your specific fees and rates depend on the card and your creditworthiness. Check your card's terms or log into your account to see the exact cash advance fee and APR for your card.
How cash advances affect your credit
A cash advance shows up on your credit report as a cash advance, not a purchase. Credit scoring models treat cash advances differently — they can signal financial stress to lenders, even if the amount is small. A large cash advance relative to your limit can also raise your credit utilization ratio, which may lower your credit score temporarily.
The cash advance itself does not hurt your credit if you pay it back on time. But if you carry a balance and miss payments, it will damage your score the same way any other credit card debt does.
When a cash advance makes sense and when it does not
A cash advance is useful when you need cash urgently and have no other option — for example, if a business only takes cash and you have no ATM card or local bank account. The convenience comes at a real cost: the fee plus high interest means a $500 cash advance can cost $50 to $100 in fees and interest over a few months if you do not pay it back quickly.
A cash advance is usually not the right choice if you are trying to move debt between cards, pay a bill, or cover a shortfall you cannot pay back within a month or two. A personal loan, a 0 percent balance transfer card, or a line of credit from your bank will almost always be cheaper. If you are considering a cash advance because you are short on money, look first at whether you can reduce spending, pick up extra work, or borrow from family.
Paying back a cash advance
Your cash advance balance appears on your monthly Chase statement along with any purchases. You can pay it back the same way you pay your regular credit card bill — online through your Chase account, by phone, by mail, or at a branch. Chase will explore your payment to the highest-interest debt first, which is usually the cash advance, so your payment goes toward reducing the cash advance balance.
If you carry a balance, the interest compounds daily. Paying back the cash advance as soon as possible saves the most money. Even a payment of a few hundred dollars within the first week or two will cut the interest you owe significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a cash advance to pay another credit card bill?
Technically yes, but it is expensive and usually a bad idea. The cash advance fee plus the higher interest rate means you are paying extra to move debt around. If you are trying to consolidate debt, a balance transfer card or personal loan will cost less.
What happens if I do not pay back the cash advance?
The balance stays on your account, interest keeps accruing daily, and your minimum payment increases. If you miss payments, Chase will report it to credit bureaus, your credit score will drop, and Chase may eventually close your account or send the debt to a collection agency.
Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw as a cash advance?
Yes. Chase sets a separate cash advance limit for each card, which is usually lower than your overall credit limit. You can find this limit in your account details or by calling the number on your card. You cannot withdraw more than this limit, even if your credit limit is higher.
Do I have to use my PIN to get a cash advance?
At a Chase ATM or third-party ATM, yes — you need your PIN. At a Chase branch, you only need your card and photo ID. For a cash advance check, you do not need a PIN; you just request the check and sign it when you use it.
Can I get a cash advance if my card is maxed out?
No. A cash advance counts against your available credit, so you need available credit remaining to take one. If your card is at its limit, you cannot withdraw cash until you pay down the balance.