Yes, but the method depends on your card and where you're shopping
Most credit cards do not give you cash back at the point of sale the way a debit card does. Instead, cash back comes through your rewards program — you earn points or a percentage of your spending, then redeem that balance for cash or a statement credit. A smaller number of cards offer a cash advance feature, which lets you withdraw money from an ATM using your credit line, though this costs a fee and charges interest immediately.
The most common path is rewards-based cash back. You use the card to buy something, the purchase earns a percentage back (often 1% to 5%, depending on the card and category), and that cash accumulates in your account. You then request the cash out — usually through your card issuer's website or app — and it lands in your bank account or reduces your statement balance.
Key Takeaways
- Rewards cash back is earned on purchases you make and redeemed through your card issuer's website or app, not at checkout.
- Cash advance withdrawals from an ATM are possible but charge an upfront fee (typically 3% to 5% of the amount) plus daily interest, making them expensive for short-term cash needs.
- The cash back rate varies by card and purchase category — groceries, gas, and dining often earn more than general purchases.
- You must have an active rewards balance to redeem cash back; some cards require a minimum redemption amount, often $25 or $50.
How rewards cash back actually works
When you use a cash back credit card, the issuer (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or a bank's own card) credits a percentage of each purchase to a rewards account tied to your card. This happens automatically — you do not have to do anything at checkout. The percentage varies: a flat-rate card might offer 1.5% on all purchases, while a category card might offer 3% on groceries, 2% on gas, and 1% on everything else.
The cash accumulates in your rewards balance. Once you have earned enough (or whenever you choose), you log into your card issuer's website or mobile app, navigate to the rewards or cash back section, and select "redeem for cash." The issuer then either deposits the amount into your linked bank account or applies it as a credit to your next statement. Some cards let you choose; others do one or the other.
There is no fee to redeem rewards cash back, and it does not count as a cash advance. The money comes from the rewards you have already earned, not from borrowing against your credit line.
Cash advances: the expensive alternative
A cash advance is different from rewards cash back. It is a short-term loan against your credit limit. You go to an ATM, insert your credit card, and withdraw cash — up to a limit set by your issuer. The money is yours immediately, but the cost is steep.
Most cards charge a cash advance fee of 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum fee (often $5 to $10). So if you withdraw $200, you might pay $6 to $10 just for the transaction. On top of that, interest accrues immediately — there is no grace period like there is for regular purchases. The interest rate for cash advances is usually higher than your regular APR, often 20% to 25% or more. That interest compounds daily until you pay the balance off.
Cash advances make sense only in genuine emergencies when you have no other way to get cash and can pay the balance back quickly. For routine cash needs, they are far more expensive than using an ATM with your debit card or asking for cash back at a store checkout with a debit card.
Where you can use cash back at checkout
Some retailers let you request cash back when you pay with a credit card, similar to how it works with a debit card. However, this is not a credit card feature — it is a retailer choice. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and some convenience stores often allow it, but many do not. Target, Walmart, and most supermarkets typically offer it; many online retailers and smaller shops do not.
When you can use it, the process is simple: at checkout, tell the cashier you want cash back, they add the amount to your total, and you receive bills in change. The entire transaction (purchase plus cash back) is charged to your credit card. This is convenient for getting small amounts of cash without a separate trip to the ATM, but it is not the same as earning rewards cash back — you are simply withdrawing cash as part of a purchase.
Comparing your options for getting cash
| Method | Cost | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rewards cash back | None | Redeem earned rewards through your card issuer's app or website | Converting spending into cash over time |
| Cash advance at ATM | 3–5% fee + daily interest (20%+ APR) | Withdraw directly from ATM using your credit card | Emergencies only; very expensive |
| Cash back at checkout | None | Request cash back when paying with your card at a retailer that offers it | Getting small amounts of cash during a purchase |
| Debit card at ATM | None (unless out-of-network) | Withdraw from your own bank account | Routine cash needs; cheapest option |
Minimum redemption amounts and timing
Many credit card issuers set a minimum cash back balance before you can redeem. Common minimums are $25, $50, or $100. If your card has a $50 minimum and you have earned only $30, you will have to wait until you reach $50 to cash out. Some cards have no minimum, so you can redeem $5 if you want.
Once you request a redemption, the time it takes to receive the cash varies. A statement credit usually appears within one or two billing cycles. A direct deposit to your bank account typically takes 3 to 5 business days. Check your card issuer's website for their specific timeline — it is usually listed in the rewards section or in your account settings.
Why your card might not offer cash back
Not all credit cards have a cash back rewards program. Some cards offer points that redeem only for travel, merchandise, or statement credits. Others charge an annual fee but offer no rewards at all. Before opening a card, check the issuer's website to confirm it has a cash back option and what the rates are.
If you have a card without cash back rewards, you cannot earn cash back on purchases — but you can still use a cash advance at an ATM if you need cash, though again, this is expensive. Your best option in that case is to use a debit card or a different credit card that does offer cash back rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get cash back immediately when I swipe my credit card?
Not through rewards. Rewards cash back must be redeemed through your card issuer's website or app and takes several business days to arrive. If you need cash instantly, you can request cash back at a store checkout (if the retailer offers it) or use a cash advance at an ATM, though the ATM option charges a fee and interest.
Does using a cash advance hurt my credit score?
A cash advance itself does not directly hurt your score, but it increases your credit utilization (the percentage of your available credit you are using), which can lower your score temporarily. Paying it off quickly helps. The bigger issue is the cost — the fees and interest make it an expensive way to borrow.
What is the difference between cash back and a statement credit?
Cash back is money deposited into your bank account or paid to you directly. A statement credit reduces the amount you owe on your credit card bill. Both use your earned rewards, but one gives you actual cash and the other reduces what you pay the card issuer. Some cards let you choose; others offer only one option.
Can I earn cash back on a cash advance?
No. Cash advances do not earn rewards. Only regular purchases earn cash back. This is another reason cash advances are expensive — you pay fees and interest with no rewards to offset the cost.
What happens if I do not redeem my cash back?
Your rewards balance stays in your account indefinitely (on most cards). You can redeem whenever you want, or let it accumulate. Some cards expire rewards if your account is closed or inactive for a long time, so check your card's terms. If you close the card, you typically have a window to redeem remaining rewards before they are forfeited.