Yes, you can use a credit card at an ATM, but it costs more than a debit card

Most ATMs will accept a credit card and dispense cash, but what you are doing is taking out a cash advance — a short-term loan against your credit limit. The moment you withdraw the money, interest starts accruing at a rate that is usually higher than your regular purchase APR. You will also pay an ATM fee (charged by the ATM operator) and often a cash advance fee (charged by your credit card issuer), both of which appear on your next statement.

The process looks identical to using a debit card: insert the card, enter your PIN, select the amount, and collect the cash. But the financial mechanics are completely different. A debit card withdrawal takes money from your bank account immediately. A credit card cash advance borrows money you have not yet paid back, and the lender begins charging you interest right away — with no grace period, unlike purchases.

Key Takeaways

  • Credit card cash advances charge interest from the day you withdraw the money, with no grace period like you get on purchases.
  • You will pay both an ATM operator fee and a cash advance fee from your card issuer, typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn.
  • The interest rate on cash advances is usually 2 to 5 percentage points higher than your regular purchase APR.
  • Cash advances count against your credit limit and can damage your credit score if they push your utilization above 30 percent.
  • Using a debit card, borrowing from a friend, or visiting your bank branch are cheaper alternatives when you need cash urgently.

What fees you will pay on a credit card cash advance

A cash advance triggers two separate charges. The ATM operator fee is set by the machine's owner — usually a bank or independent ATM network — and ranges from $2 to $5 per withdrawal. Your credit card issuer then charges a cash advance fee, typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw, with a minimum of $5 to $10. If you withdraw $200, you might pay $4 to $10 from the ATM operator plus $6 to $10 from your card issuer, totaling $10 to $20 before interest even begins.

The interest rate on cash advances is the second cost. Most card issuers charge a higher APR for cash advances than for purchases — often 2 to 5 percentage points more. If your purchase APR is 18 percent, your cash advance APR might be 23 percent. Unlike purchases, which have a grace period (usually 21 to 25 days before interest kicks in), cash advance interest starts accruing immediately. On a $200 withdrawal at 23 percent APR, you will owe roughly $0.13 in interest per day until you pay it back.

How cash advances affect your credit score

A cash advance counts toward your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit that you are currently using. If you have a $5,000 credit limit and withdraw $1,500 in cash, your utilization jumps to 30 percent. Credit scoring models treat high utilization as a sign of financial stress, and scores typically drop when utilization exceeds 30 percent. The damage is temporary — your score will recover once you pay down the balance — but it can lower your score by 10 to 50 points depending on how high your utilization goes.

The cash advance also appears separately on your credit report as a cash advance transaction, not a regular purchase. Some lenders view frequent cash advances as a warning sign, and if you are applying for a mortgage or auto loan soon, a recent cash advance on your credit report can raise questions during underwriting.

When ATMs accept credit cards and when they do not

Most ATMs in the United States accept Visa and Mastercard, but not all. ATMs owned by your card issuer's bank almost always accept your card. ATMs in convenience stores, bars, and independent networks usually accept major credit cards, though some older machines do not. ATMs inside bank branches that are not your bank may reject your card or charge a higher fee.

Before you insert your card, the ATM screen will usually show which card types it accepts. If your card is rejected, the machine will return it without charging you. If you are unsure whether a specific ATM accepts credit cards, call the number on the back of your card or check your issuer's website — many publish ATM locators that show which machines accept cash advances.

Cheaper ways to get cash when you need it urgently

If you need cash and have time, visit your bank branch during business hours. Most banks let account holders withdraw cash for free at the teller window, even if you do not have a debit card with you — you just need your ID. This avoids both the ATM fee and the cash advance fee entirely.

If your bank is closed, a debit card withdrawal from any ATM is almost always cheaper than a credit card cash advance. Debit card ATM fees are typically $2 to $3, with no additional cash advance fee and no interest. If you do not have a debit card, ask a friend or family member to lend you cash, or use a peer-to-peer payment app like Venmo or PayPal to transfer money to someone nearby who can give you cash. Some grocery stores and pharmacies also offer cash back on debit card purchases at no charge.

How to pay back a cash advance quickly

Because interest accrues immediately, paying back a cash advance as soon as possible saves you money. Your credit card statement will show the cash advance balance separately from your purchase balance. When you make a payment, credit card issuers typically apply it to the lowest-interest debt first — usually your purchases — and leave the cash advance balance untouched. To pay down the cash advance faster, contact your issuer and ask them to apply your next payment directly to the cash advance, or pay online and specify which balance to reduce.

If you carry a cash advance balance from month to month, the interest compounds quickly. A $500 cash advance at 23 percent APR costs roughly $9.58 per month in interest alone. Paying it back within a week or two keeps the total interest under $5. Waiting a month or longer can double or triple the total cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a credit card at any ATM?

Most ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard, but not all. ATMs at your card issuer's bank almost always work. Independent ATMs and those in convenience stores usually accept credit cards, though some older machines do not. The ATM screen will tell you which cards it accepts before you insert yours.

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 starts. A cash advance charges interest from day one. Cash advances also carry a separate, usually higher APR and trigger both an ATM fee and a cash advance fee. Purchases do not.

Will a cash advance hurt my credit score?

Yes, temporarily. It counts toward your credit utilization ratio, and high utilization (above 30 percent) can lower your score by 10 to 50 points. Your score recovers once you pay the balance down. Frequent cash advances may also raise concerns when you apply for a mortgage or auto loan.

How much does a credit card cash advance cost in total?

Costs vary by card and ATM. Expect $4 to $10 in ATM fees, plus 3 to 5 percent of the withdrawal amount in cash advance fees, plus daily interest at a rate 2 to 5 points higher than your purchase APR. A $200 withdrawal might cost $15 to $25 in fees alone, plus interest.

Can I get cash from my credit card without using an ATM?

Yes. Visit your bank branch and ask a teller for a cash advance — you will need your ID but not your debit card. This avoids the ATM operator fee, though your card issuer may still charge a cash advance fee. Some banks waive the fee for account holders.