Yes, you can withdraw cash at an ATM using a credit card, but it costs more than a debit card and the money is borrowed, not your own

Most credit cards work at ATMs that display your card's logo — Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover. You insert the card, enter your PIN, and withdraw cash just as you would with a debit card. The difference is that the cash is a cash advance: a short-term loan from your credit card issuer, not a withdrawal from your bank account.

The catch is immediate and steep. You pay an upfront fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum of $2 to $10), plus a higher interest rate than regular purchases — often 20 to 30 percent annually. Interest starts accruing the moment you withdraw the cash; there is no grace period like there is for regular credit card purchases. If you withdraw $200 and pay it back in 30 days, you will owe roughly $10 to $25 in fees and interest combined.

Key Takeaways

  • ATM cash advances charge an upfront fee of 3 to 5 percent plus a higher interest rate than regular purchases, with no grace period.
  • Your credit card issuer sets a separate cash advance limit, which may be lower than your overall credit limit.
  • The transaction reports to credit bureaus as a cash advance, not a purchase, and counts toward your credit utilization.
  • Alternatives like debit cards, bank transfers, or asking for cash back at a store are cheaper and faster than ATM cash advances.

How the ATM withdrawal process works

Find an ATM that accepts your card brand. Most major bank ATMs and independent ATM networks (Allpoint, MoneyPass, Cirrus) display logos for Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. American Express ATMs are less common but exist in many cities and at some airports.

Insert your card, select "Withdrawal" or "Cash Advance," enter your PIN, and choose the amount. The ATM will show you the fee before you confirm. Once you complete the transaction, the cash is in your hand and the debt is on your card. The fee appears on your statement within one to three business days; interest begins accruing immediately.

Fees and interest rates you will pay

The upfront fee is usually a percentage of the amount withdrawn — typically 3 to 5 percent — with a floor of $2 to $10. A $100 withdrawal might cost $3 to $5; a $500 withdrawal might cost $15 to $25. Some cards charge a flat fee instead (for example, $5 per advance) regardless of amount.

The interest rate on cash advances is separate from your regular purchase APR and is almost always higher. If your purchase APR is 18 percent, your cash advance APR might be 28 percent. Interest accrues daily from the withdrawal date, not from your statement date. If you carry the balance for a month, you will owe roughly 2 to 2.5 percent of the amount in interest alone, on top of the upfront fee.

Check your credit card's terms document or call the issuer to find your cash advance fee and APR. They are required to disclose both before you open the account, and you can request them anytime.

Cash advance limits and credit utilization

Your credit card issuer sets a cash advance limit separate from your overall credit limit. You might have a $5,000 credit limit but only a $1,000 cash advance limit. This limit is set by the issuer based on your creditworthiness and account history, and you cannot change it without calling and requesting an increase.

The cash advance counts toward your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your available credit you are using. If you have a $5,000 limit and withdraw $500 in cash, your utilization jumps to 10 percent. This affects your credit score, which rewards lower utilization. The advance also reports to credit bureaus as a cash advance transaction, not a purchase, which some scoring models treat differently.

When you might use an ATM cash advance

Cash advances are genuinely useful in narrow situations: you need cash immediately, your debit card is lost or frozen, and no other source is available. A medical emergency, a broken-down car, or a last-minute travel expense might justify the cost.

They are not a solution for regular cash needs, bill payments, or everyday spending. The fees and interest make them one of the most expensive ways to borrow money. Even a payday loan or credit union cash advance is often cheaper.

Cheaper ways to get cash

If you have a debit card, use it at any ATM in your bank's network or at a partner network (most banks offer surcharge-free ATM access through shared networks). There is no fee and no interest.

Ask for cash back at a grocery store, pharmacy, or retailer when you make a purchase. You can usually withdraw $20 to $100 with no fee, and the transaction posts as a purchase with your regular APR and grace period.

Transfer money from your bank account to a friend or family member using Venmo, PayPal, or your bank's app, then ask them to give you cash. This takes a few minutes and costs nothing.

If you do not have a debit card, open a checking account at a bank or credit union. Most offer free accounts with a debit card and ATM access. This is faster and cheaper than relying on credit card cash advances.

Paying back a cash advance

Payments toward your credit card balance go to your lowest-interest debt first — usually regular purchases — before they touch the cash advance. If you owe $300 in purchases at 18 percent APR and $200 in a cash advance at 28 percent APR, and you pay $200, that $200 goes to the purchases, not the advance. The advance keeps accruing interest at the higher rate.

To pay off the advance faster, contact your issuer and ask if you can direct a payment specifically to the cash advance balance. Some issuers allow this; others do not. If yours does not, you will need to pay down the entire card balance to zero before the advance stops accruing interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a credit card at any ATM?

You can use it at ATMs that display your card's logo. Visa and Mastercard work at most ATMs worldwide. American Express and Discover are less widely accepted. Your issuer may also charge a surcharge fee if you use an out-of-network ATM, on top of the cash advance fee.

What is the difference between a cash advance and a regular purchase?

A purchase has a grace period (usually 21 to 25 days) before interest accrues, and a lower APR. A cash advance has no grace period, accrues interest immediately, charges an upfront fee, and carries a higher APR. Both count toward your credit utilization.

Will a cash advance hurt my credit score?

It will increase your credit utilization, which can lower your score temporarily. It also reports as a cash advance rather than a purchase, which some scoring models view less favorably. The impact is usually small if you pay it back quickly, but it is real.

Can I get a cash advance without a PIN?

No. ATM cash advances require a PIN. If you do not have one, call your issuer to set one up, which usually takes one to two business days. Some issuers offer cash advances over the phone or through their app, but these are less common and may have different fees.

What happens if I cannot pay back the cash advance?

It becomes part of your credit card balance and accrues interest at the higher cash advance rate until you pay it. If you miss payments, it damages your credit score and may trigger late fees and a higher APR on your entire card balance.