Yes, but the method depends on your card and your bank

You can get cash back from a credit card in two main ways: at a store checkout when you make a purchase, or by taking a cash advance at an ATM or bank branch. The first is free or nearly free. The second charges interest when ready and often includes an upfront fee — usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw. Most people should use the store method if they can.

The catch is that cash back at checkout only works with debit cards and some prepaid cards at most retailers. With a credit card, you are borrowing money, not spending money you already have, so the mechanics are different. A cash advance on a credit card is a separate transaction from a purchase, with its own terms, fees, and interest rate — often higher than your regular purchase rate.

If your goal is to turn rewards into cash, that is a different process entirely and does not involve withdrawing physical money.

Key Takeaways

  • Cash back at a store checkout works only with debit cards and some prepaid cards, not credit cards, at most major retailers.
  • A credit card cash advance at an ATM or bank charges a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) and starts accruing interest when ready, with no grace period.
  • Credit card cash advances often carry a higher interest rate than purchases, sometimes 5 to 10 percentage points above your regular APR.
  • If you have rewards points or cash back rewards on your card, you can usually convert them to cash or a statement credit through your card issuer's website or app.
  • Avoid cash advances unless you have no other option — the fees and interest make them expensive ways to borrow.

How cash back works at the register with a credit card

Most credit cards do not offer cash back at checkout. When you swipe a credit card at a store, the register does not know whether you want to borrow money or spend your own, so the option is not presented. You are borrowing from the card issuer, not drawing down a balance you control.

Some card issuers have begun offering cash back at select retailers — usually grocery stores and pharmacies — but this is rare and varies by card and by store. Check your card's terms or call the issuer to ask whether your specific card supports it at stores you shop at regularly. If it does, the process is the same as with a debit card: tell the cashier the amount, and they add it to your total.

If your card does not support register cash back, your only option for physical cash is a cash advance.

Getting a cash advance from a credit card

A cash advance is a loan against your credit card account. You can get one at an ATM using your card and PIN, at a bank branch with your card and ID, or sometimes through a check the issuer mails you. The money hits your account when ready, but the cost is steep.

Most credit cards charge an upfront fee for cash advances — typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum fee of $5 to $10. A $200 advance might cost you $6 to $10 just to get the cash. On top of that, interest starts accruing the day you withdraw, with no grace period like you get on purchases. The interest rate is usually higher than your regular purchase APR — sometimes 5 to 10 percentage points above it.

If you withdraw $200 at a 5 percent fee and your cash advance APR is 25 percent, you are paying $10 upfront plus roughly $4 in interest per month until you pay it back. That is why cash advances should be a last resort, not a regular way to get spending money.

Converting credit card rewards to cash

If your card earns cash back rewards or points, you can usually convert them to cash without paying a fee or interest. The process varies by issuer but is normally done through your online account or mobile app.

Look for a "Rewards" or "Benefits" section in your account. Most issuers let you redeem cash back directly as a statement credit — the cash back amount is subtracted from your next bill. Some also let you request a check or transfer the cash to a linked bank account. A few cards let you withdraw cash at an ATM using your rewards balance, though this is less common.

Check your card's rewards terms or log into your account to see what redemption options are available. There is usually no fee or waiting period, and the cash back is yours to use however you want once it is redeemed.

Why you should avoid cash advances

A cash advance is one of the most expensive ways to borrow money. The combination of an upfront fee, a higher interest rate, and no grace period means you start losing money the moment you withdraw. Even a small advance becomes costly fast.

If you need cash urgently, consider these alternatives first: asking a friend or family member for a short-term loan, using a paycheck advance app (which may charge a fee but often less than a credit card), visiting a credit union that offers small personal loans, or checking whether you have any rewards or cash back on your card that you can redeem. If none of those work and you truly have no other option, a cash advance is better than missing a bill or going without necessities — but plan to pay it back as quickly as possible.

What happens if you cannot pay back a cash advance

A cash advance is a debt on your credit card account, just like a purchase. If you do not pay it back, it will accrue interest at your cash advance APR, and the unpaid balance will show up on your credit report. Missing payments or carrying a high balance can lower your credit score and make it harder to borrow in the future.

If you are struggling to pay back a cash advance, contact your card issuer as soon as possible. Some issuers offer hardship programs that can lower your interest rate or set up a payment plan. You can also reach out to a nonprofit credit counselor through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) — they offer free or low-cost guidance on managing debt and negotiating with creditors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a credit card to get cash back at any ATM?

Yes, any ATM that accepts your card brand will let you withdraw a cash advance. However, you may be charged an ATM fee by the machine's operator in addition to your card issuer's cash advance fee. Using an ATM owned by your card issuer's bank usually avoids the operator fee.

Is the interest rate on a cash advance the same as my purchase rate?

No. Cash advances almost always carry a higher APR than purchases — sometimes 5 to 10 percentage points higher. Check your card's terms or call the issuer to find out your specific cash advance rate before you withdraw.

Do I have a grace period on a cash advance like I do on purchases?

No. Interest on a cash advance starts accruing when ready, with no grace period. This is one of the main reasons cash advances are expensive compared to regular purchases.

What is the difference between a cash advance and a balance transfer?

A balance transfer moves debt from one card to another, usually to take advantage of a lower interest rate. A cash advance is a loan against your card that gives you physical cash. Both charge fees and interest, but they serve different purposes.

Can I get a cash advance if my credit limit is low?

Yes, but your cash advance limit may be lower than your overall credit limit. Many issuers set a separate, smaller limit for cash advances. Check your account or call the issuer to find out what your cash advance limit is.