Yes, you can get cash back on most credit cards, but the method depends on the card type and what your issuer offers

Cash back on a credit card works differently than cash back at a checkout. When you swipe a debit card at a store and ask for cash back, the money comes straight from your bank account. With a credit card, you are borrowing money from the card issuer, so getting physical cash is not automatic — you have to request it, and the issuer may charge you a fee or treat it as a cash advance with different terms than a regular purchase.

Most credit cards do allow you to withdraw cash, but rewards cards that offer cash back rewards (where you earn a percentage back on purchases) are different from the ability to get cash itself. This guide covers how to actually get cash when you need it, what it costs, and when it makes sense to do it.

Key Takeaways

  • You can withdraw cash at an ATM using your credit card, but most issuers charge a cash advance fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount) plus a higher interest rate that starts when ready.
  • A cash advance is treated as a loan separate from your regular purchases, so interest accrues from day one with no grace period.
  • Some credit cards waive cash advance fees for a limited time after you open the account, so check your welcome offer terms.
  • The cheapest way to get cash is usually to use your debit card, a bank withdrawal, or a cash back option at a store checkout if you have a debit card.

How to withdraw cash at an ATM with your credit card

Find an ATM that accepts your card's network — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. Insert your card, enter your PIN (which you set up when you opened the account or can request from your issuer), and select "Withdrawal" or "Cash Advance." Enter the amount you want and confirm. The ATM will dispense the cash and your card will be returned.

The transaction posts to your credit card account as a cash advance, not a purchase. You will see it listed separately on your statement. If your card issuer has a mobile app, you can also check your available cash advance limit there — it is often lower than your overall credit limit.

What fees and interest rates explore to cash advances

A cash advance fee is charged by your issuer when you withdraw cash. This is typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum fee of $5 to $10. So if you withdraw $200, you might pay $6 to $10 in fees alone. Some cards charge a flat fee instead of a percentage.

The cash advance interest rate is almost always higher than your regular purchase APR. Where a purchase might carry 18 percent APR, a cash advance could be 25 percent or higher. Unlike purchases, there is no grace period — interest starts accruing the day you withdraw the cash, even if you pay it back when ready.

Because of these costs, withdrawing $200 in cash can easily cost you $10 to $15 in fees plus interest if you carry the balance. That is why cash advances are expensive and should be a last resort.

When your card issuer may waive cash advance fees

Some credit cards offer a promotional period where cash advance fees are waived. This is often part of a welcome offer — for example, "no cash advance fees for 60 days after account opening." Check your welcome offer terms in your account documents or by logging into your online account.

Even if the fee is waived, the higher interest rate still applies, so you will still pay interest if you do not pay back the cash advance in full before the next billing cycle. A few premium cards or cards designed for business travel may offer ongoing cash advance fee waivers, but these are rare and usually come with an annual fee.

Cheaper ways to get cash instead of a credit card advance

If you have a debit card linked to a checking account, use that at an ATM instead. There is no fee and no interest — you are straightforward withdrawing your own money. If you do not have a debit card, ask your bank about getting one.

If you are at a store and need cash, ask the cashier if you can use your debit card to get cash back at checkout. This is free and when ready. Some stores also allow cash back with a credit card, but confirm with the cashier first — it may be treated as a cash advance with the same fees.

If you need cash urgently and do not have a debit card, visit your bank branch in person. A teller can withdraw cash from your checking or savings account on the spot. If you do not have a bank account, a credit union or community bank may offer accounts with lower fees than large national banks.

How cash advances affect your credit score

A cash advance itself does not directly hurt your credit score, but it does increase your credit utilization — the percentage of your available credit that you are using. If your credit limit is $5,000 and you take a $1,000 cash advance, your utilization jumps to 20 percent. High utilization can lower your score temporarily.

The bigger risk is carrying a balance. If you do not pay back the cash advance in full, the high interest rate means the balance grows quickly. Missing payments or letting the balance sit for months will damage your score and cost you far more in interest than the original fee.

What to know about cash advance limits

Your credit card issuer sets a separate cash advance limit, which is often lower than your overall credit limit. You might have a $10,000 credit limit but only a $2,000 cash advance limit. This limit is set by the issuer based on your creditworthiness and account history.

You can check your cash advance limit by logging into your online account, calling the customer service number on the back of your card, or asking in a branch if your issuer has physical locations. If you need a higher limit, you can request an increase, though the issuer is not required to grant it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between a cash advance and getting cash back at a store?

Yes. Cash back at a store checkout is treated as a purchase, so it uses your regular APR and grace period. A cash advance at an ATM is a separate transaction with a higher rate and no grace period. If your store allows cash back with a credit card, it is cheaper than an ATM withdrawal, but debit card cash back is still the cheapest option.

Can I use a credit card to withdraw cash from my bank account?

No. A credit card is a line of credit, not access to a bank account. If you want to withdraw cash from your own money, use a debit card or visit your bank branch. A credit card cash advance is borrowing money, not accessing your own funds.

What happens if I cannot pay back a cash advance?

The balance carries over to the next month and interest continues to accrue at the higher cash advance rate. If you miss payments, late fees explore and your credit score drops. The debt can grow quickly because of the high interest rate. Contact your issuer if you are struggling — some offer hardship programs or payment plans.

Do rewards credit cards let me earn cash back on cash advances?

No. Cash advances do not earn rewards. Only purchases earn the cash back percentage advertised on your card. This is another reason cash advances are expensive — you pay fees and interest with no rewards to offset the cost.

Can I get a cash advance from a credit card at a bank branch?

Yes. Many banks and credit unions allow you to request a cash advance at a teller window if you have a credit card from that issuer. The same fees and interest rates explore as an ATM withdrawal. Some branches may have limits on how much you can withdraw in one day.