Yes, you can use a credit card at an ATM, but it's a cash advance, not a regular withdrawal

Most ATMs will let you insert a credit card and pull out cash, but the transaction is classified as a cash advance rather than a debit. This matters because cash advances come with their own fees and interest rates — usually higher than your regular purchase APR. The moment you take the cash, you're borrowing money against your credit limit, and interest starts accruing when ready with no grace period.

Not every ATM accepts credit cards. Bank-owned ATMs in your card issuer's network are most likely to work — for example, a Chase credit card at a Chase ATM. Independent ATMs and those owned by other banks may decline your card or charge you an additional fee on top of the cash advance fee your credit card company charges.

Key Takeaways

  • Cash advances from a credit card start charging interest right away, with no grace period like you get on purchases.
  • Your credit card issuer charges a cash advance fee (typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn) plus a higher interest rate than regular purchases.
  • The ATM operator may charge you an additional fee if it's not owned by your card issuer.
  • Using a credit card for cash at an ATM should be a last resort — a debit card, bank transfer, or cash withdrawal from a teller are cheaper options.

How much a credit card cash advance actually costs

When you use a credit card at an ATM, you pay two separate charges. First, your credit card company charges a cash advance fee, which is usually a flat dollar amount or a percentage of what you withdraw — whichever is higher. Most issuers charge between 3 and 5 percent, so a $200 withdrawal might cost $6 to $10 just in fees.

Second, the interest rate on cash advances is almost always higher than your regular purchase APR. While a purchase might carry an 18 percent APR, a cash advance could be 25 or 30 percent. Unlike purchases, there is no grace period — interest starts accruing the day you withdraw the cash, even if you pay your full statement balance by the due date.

If the ATM is not owned by your card issuer, the ATM operator may also charge you a surcharge, typically $2 to $3. So a $200 cash advance could easily cost $10 to $15 in fees alone, plus interest that compounds daily until you pay it back.

Why your credit card company charges more for cash advances

Credit card issuers treat cash advances differently from purchases because they see them as riskier. When you buy something with a credit card, the merchant is responsible for delivering the goods or service — there's a transaction record and a dispute process if something goes wrong. Cash, once withdrawn, is gone. The issuer has no way to recover it if you don't pay.

The higher fees and interest rates are designed to discourage cash advances and protect the issuer's money. From their perspective, you're borrowing unsecured cash against your credit limit, and they price that risk accordingly.

When you might actually need a credit card cash advance

There are rare situations where a credit card ATM withdrawal makes sense. If you're traveling internationally and your debit card is declined or lost, a credit card cash advance might be your only option to get local currency. If you're in an emergency and have no other way to access cash, it's better than nothing.

But these are exceptions. In most everyday situations, there are cheaper ways to get cash. If you have a debit card, use that at any ATM. If you need cash and don't have a debit card, ask for cash back at a grocery store or pharmacy when you make a purchase. If you're at your bank, ask a teller to withdraw cash from your checking account. All of these options cost nothing or far less than a credit card cash advance.

How to find out your card's cash advance terms

Your credit card agreement spells out the cash advance fee and APR, but you don't have to dig through the full contract. Log into your card issuer's website or app and look for the "Rates and Fees" or "Pricing Information" section. You'll see the cash advance fee listed as a percentage or flat amount, and the cash advance APR listed separately from your purchase APR.

If you can't find it online, call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask directly. The representative can tell you the exact fee and rate in seconds. Knowing these numbers before you need cash helps you decide whether a credit card withdrawal is worth it.

What happens to your credit score when you take a cash advance

A credit card cash advance doesn't directly hurt your credit score the way a missed payment does. However, it does increase your credit utilization — the percentage of your available credit you're using. If you have a $5,000 limit and withdraw $500 in cash, your utilization jumps to 10 percent. High utilization can lower your score slightly, and the effect is temporary as long as you pay the balance down.

The real damage comes if you can't pay back the cash advance quickly. Because interest accrues when ready and the rate is high, the balance can grow fast. If you carry it for months, you'll pay far more in interest than the original withdrawal, and your utilization stays high, which keeps your score depressed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a credit card at any ATM?

Most ATMs will accept a credit card, but not all. Bank-owned ATMs in your card issuer's network are most reliable. Independent ATMs and those owned by other banks may decline your card or charge an extra fee. Try your card issuer's ATM first.

What's the difference between a cash advance and a regular purchase?

A purchase is a transaction for goods or services with a grace period before interest kicks in. A cash advance is a loan of cash with no grace period — interest starts when ready. Cash advances also carry higher fees and a higher APR.

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

Yes, most banks will let you withdraw cash against your credit card at a teller window, and it's treated the same way as an ATM withdrawal — as a cash advance with the same fees and interest rate. A teller won't make it cheaper.

Will a credit card cash advance show up on my credit report?

The withdrawal itself doesn't appear on your credit report, but the balance does. If you carry a cash advance balance, it counts toward your credit utilization and can lower your score if the balance stays high for months.

What should I do if I need cash and don't have a debit card?

Ask for cash back at a store when you make a purchase with your credit card — most retailers offer this for free. Visit your bank and ask a teller to withdraw cash from your checking account. A credit card ATM withdrawal should be your last option because of the fees and interest.