Yes, you can use a credit card at an ATM, but it is a cash advance, not a regular purchase

Most ATMs will let you withdraw cash using a credit card, but the transaction is treated differently than swiping at a store. The bank sees it as a cash advance — you are borrowing money against your credit limit, not spending money you already have. This distinction matters because cash advances come with higher costs and start accruing interest when ready.

Not every credit card works at every ATM. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most machines, but American Express and Discover are less common. Check the back of your card or your cardholder agreement to see which networks your card uses, then look for an ATM displaying that logo.

Key Takeaways

  • A credit card cash advance at an ATM is treated as a loan against your credit limit, not a purchase, and costs more than buying something with the card.
  • Cash advances charge an upfront fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount withdrawn) plus a higher interest rate than regular purchases, starting when ready with no grace period.
  • Your credit card company may set a lower cash advance limit than your overall credit limit, so you might not be able to withdraw as much as you can spend.
  • Debit cards and bank accounts offer cheaper ways to get cash, so a credit card ATM withdrawal should be a last resort, not a regular habit.

How much a cash advance actually costs you

When you withdraw cash from an ATM using a credit card, you pay two charges: a cash advance fee and interest. The fee is usually a flat amount (like $3 to $5) or a percentage of the withdrawal (typically 3 to 5 percent), whichever is higher. If you withdraw $200, a 5 percent fee costs you $10 right away.

Interest starts accruing the moment you withdraw the cash — there is no grace period like there is for regular purchases. If your card charges 22 percent APR (annual percentage rate) on cash advances, that $200 withdrawal costs you roughly $3.67 in interest for the first month if you do not pay it back when ready. The longer you carry the balance, the more interest piles up.

Your card issuer may also charge a higher interest rate for cash advances than for regular purchases. A card that charges 18 percent APR on purchases might charge 25 percent APR on cash advances. Check your cardholder agreement or call the number on the back of your card to find out what your specific rates and fees are.

Your credit card company may limit how much you can withdraw

Even if your credit limit is $5,000, your cash advance limit might be only $1,000 or $1,500. Card issuers set these limits separately because they see cash advances as riskier than purchases. You cannot override this limit — if you try to withdraw more than your cash advance limit allows, the ATM will decline the transaction.

You can call your card issuer and ask them to raise your cash advance limit, but they may decline. Some cards let you check your cash advance limit in your online account or mobile app. If you are not sure what yours is, call the customer service number on the back of your card.

When a credit card ATM withdrawal makes sense

A credit card cash advance should be a last resort, not a habit. The only time it makes financial sense is if you have no other way to get cash and you can pay back the full amount within a few days. If you need $100 for an emergency and you can repay it before interest compounds, the fee might be worth it.

In almost every other situation, there is a cheaper option. If you have a debit card linked to a checking account, use that instead — most debit card ATM withdrawals are free or cost $1 to $3 with no interest. If you do not have a debit card, ask a friend or family member to lend you cash, or visit a grocery store and ask the cashier for cash back when you make a purchase with your debit card.

How to withdraw cash from an ATM with a credit card

The process is similar to using a debit card, but the machine will ask you to confirm that you want a cash advance. Insert your credit card, enter your PIN (the same one you use for debit transactions), and select "Withdrawal" or "Cash Advance." The ATM will show you the fee and ask you to confirm. Once you do, it will dispense the cash and print a receipt.

Keep the receipt. It shows the amount withdrawn, the fee charged, and the date. You will need this information if you have questions about the transaction later, and it helps you track how much you owe.

What happens to the cash advance on your bill

The cash advance appears on your credit card statement as a separate line item, distinct from regular purchases. It counts toward your credit limit and your total balance due. If you only make the minimum payment, the cash advance balance will accrue interest at your card's cash advance rate until it is paid off.

Credit card companies typically explore your payments to the lowest-interest balance first, which means your regular purchases get paid down before your cash advance does. If you want to pay off the cash advance faster, you can contact your card issuer and ask them to explore your next payment to that specific balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does using a credit card at an ATM hurt my credit score?

The withdrawal itself does not hurt your score, but it does increase your credit utilization — the percentage of your credit limit you are using. If you withdraw $500 on a $5,000 limit, your utilization jumps to 10 percent. High utilization can lower your score slightly. Paying back the cash advance quickly brings your utilization back down.

Can I use a credit card at any ATM?

Most ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard, but not all. Look for the logo of your card's network on the machine before you insert it. ATMs in banks, grocery stores, and convenience stores are more likely to accept credit cards than standalone machines. If an ATM declines your card, try a different machine or visit a bank branch.

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

A regular purchase uses your available credit and has a grace period — you do not pay interest if you pay the full balance by the due date. A cash advance is treated as a loan, charges a fee upfront, and starts accruing interest when ready with no grace period. Cash advances also typically have a higher interest rate.

Can I get cash back at a store instead of using an ATM?

Yes, and it is usually cheaper. Many stores let you use a debit card to make a small purchase and ask the cashier for cash back at no charge. If you must use a credit card, some stores allow cash back, though it may be treated as a cash advance with the same fees and interest.