Yes, you can withdraw cash from an ATM using a credit card, but it costs more than a debit card and the interest starts immediately
Most credit cards work at ATMs, but the transaction is treated as a cash advance rather than a regular purchase. This means you pay a fee upfront (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn), and interest accrues from the moment you take the money out — there is no grace period like there is for regular credit card purchases. A $200 withdrawal might cost you $6 to $10 in fees alone, plus daily interest until you pay it back.
Not every ATM accepts credit cards. Bank ATMs owned by your card issuer are most likely to work. ATMs at other banks, convenience stores, or independent networks may decline your card or charge an additional surcharge on top of the cash advance fee your credit card company charges.
Key Takeaways
- Credit card cash advances charge a fee of 3 to 5 percent upfront, separate from any ATM operator fee.
- Interest on a cash advance begins accruing immediately, with no grace period, so the longer you carry the balance the more you pay.
- Your credit card's cash advance limit may be lower than your overall credit limit, so you might not be able to withdraw as much as you can spend.
- ATMs owned by your card issuer are more likely to accept your card than independent or out-of-network machines.
How the fees and interest work
When you use a credit card at an ATM, you face two separate charges. The first is the cash advance fee, which your credit card company charges. This is typically a percentage of the amount withdrawn — often 3, 4, or 5 percent — with a minimum fee of $2 to $5. Some cards charge a flat fee instead of a percentage.
The second charge is the ATM operator fee, which the ATM owner charges. This is usually $1 to $3 and appears on your receipt. Your credit card company does not control this fee; it goes to whoever owns the machine.
Interest starts accruing on the same day you withdraw the cash. Unlike a purchase, which may have a 21 to 25-day grace period before interest kicks in, a cash advance has no grace period. The interest rate on cash advances is often higher than the rate on regular purchases — sometimes 2 to 5 percentage points higher. If your card charges 18 percent APR on purchases, the cash advance rate might be 23 percent.
Your cash advance limit versus your credit limit
Credit card companies set a separate cash advance limit that is often much lower than your overall credit limit. You might have a $5,000 credit limit but only a $500 cash advance limit. This limit is set by your card issuer and is not something you can change by calling — it is determined by your creditworthiness and the card's terms.
You can check your cash advance limit by logging into your card's online account, calling the customer service number on the back of your card, or reviewing your cardholder agreement. If you try to withdraw more than your limit, the ATM will decline the transaction.
Which ATMs accept credit cards
ATMs owned by your card's issuing bank are the most likely to accept your card. If you have a Chase credit card, Chase ATMs will almost certainly work. ATMs at other banks in the same network (such as Allpoint or MoneyPass) may also accept your card, though they will charge an operator fee.
Independent ATMs at convenience stores, bars, or gas stations are less predictable. Some will accept credit cards; others will only accept debit cards or PIN-based transactions. The only way to know is to insert your card and see what the machine offers. If it declines, you have not lost anything except a few seconds.
When a cash advance makes sense
A credit card cash advance is expensive and should be a last resort, not a regular way to get cash. It makes sense only in narrow situations: you need cash immediately, you have no other way to get it, and you can pay back the balance within a few days.
For example, if you are traveling and your debit card is lost, a $100 cash advance might cost $5 to $10 in fees plus a day or two of interest — totaling perhaps $5.50. That is painful but survivable. If you carry that $100 balance for a month, the interest alone could add another $2 to $3, making the total cost $7.50 to $13.50 on a $100 withdrawal. Over a year, the cost becomes prohibitive.
Alternatives to a credit card cash advance
If you need cash, a debit card at an ATM is almost always cheaper. Debit cards do not charge a cash advance fee, and the only cost is the ATM operator fee (usually $1 to $3). If your bank owns the ATM, there is often no fee at all.
If you do not have a debit card, ask a friend or family member to withdraw cash for you and pay them back immediately. Some retailers also offer cash back when you make a purchase with a debit card, which costs nothing. A credit card cash advance should be your last option, not your first.
How to withdraw cash from a credit card ATM
The process is straightforward. Insert your credit card into the ATM, select "Cash Advance" or "Withdraw Cash" from the menu (the exact wording varies by machine), enter your PIN, and select the amount. The ATM will then dispense the cash and print a receipt showing the amount withdrawn and any operator fee charged.
Your credit card company will add the cash advance fee to your next statement. You will see two charges: the amount withdrawn and the fee. Both are due on your next billing date, and both accrue interest if you do not pay them in full.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a PIN to use my credit card at an ATM?
Yes. Credit cards require a PIN for ATM withdrawals, even though you do not need one for in-store purchases. If you have never set a PIN, contact your card issuer before you go to the ATM. Setting one up usually takes a few minutes on the phone or through the online account portal.
What if the ATM declines my credit card?
The machine may not accept credit cards, your cash advance limit may be too low, or there may be a temporary system issue. Try a different ATM, preferably one owned by your card's bank. If multiple ATMs decline your card, call your card issuer to check whether your cash advance limit is set to zero or whether there is a fraud block on your account.
Can I dispute a cash advance fee?
You can contact your card issuer and ask them to waive the fee, especially if it is your first cash advance or if you paid the balance back quickly. Some issuers will reverse a single fee as a courtesy. However, the fee is disclosed in your cardholder agreement, so they are not required to remove it.
Does a cash advance hurt my credit score?
A cash advance itself does not directly hurt your score, but carrying a high balance does. If the cash advance pushes your total credit card balance close to your credit limit, your credit utilization ratio rises, which can lower your score. Paying off the balance quickly minimizes this impact.
Is there a limit to how much I can withdraw?
Yes. Your cash advance limit is set by your card issuer and is usually much lower than your overall credit limit. You also cannot withdraw more than the ATM's daily limit, which is typically $300 to $500. Check your cardholder agreement or call your issuer to find out your specific cash advance limit.