Yes, you can use most credit cards at ATMs, but it costs money and counts as a cash advance, not a regular purchase

Most credit card issuers let you withdraw cash from ATMs using your credit card and PIN, but the transaction is treated differently than a store purchase. The issuer charges you a cash advance fee — typically 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum fee of $2 to $10. You also start paying interest when ready on the cash, usually at a higher rate than your regular purchase APR, and that interest accrues daily from the moment you withdraw it. There is no grace period like there is for regular purchases.

Because of these costs, using a credit card for cash is expensive compared to using a debit card or visiting your bank's own ATM. But if you need cash and have no other option, knowing how the transaction works helps you decide whether it makes sense in your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Credit card cash advances charge a separate fee (usually 3% to 5%) on top of a higher interest rate that starts accruing when ready.
  • The interest rate for cash advances is typically 2% to 5% higher than your regular purchase APR and has no grace period.
  • Not all ATMs accept credit cards — bank ATMs and networks like Visa/Mastercard ATMs do, but some independent ATMs may not.
  • You need your credit card PIN to withdraw cash; if you do not have one, contact your card issuer to set it up.
  • A debit card or cash from your bank costs far less and should be your first choice if you need cash.

How the cash advance fee and interest work

When you use a credit card at an ATM, the issuer charges you two separate costs. The first is the cash advance fee, which appears as a line item on your statement. This fee is a percentage of the amount you withdraw — commonly 3%, 4%, or 5% — with a floor (minimum charge) of $2 to $10 depending on your card. So if you withdraw $200 and your card charges 4% with a $5 minimum, you pay $8 in fees.

The second cost is interest. Cash advances carry a different APR than regular purchases, and it is almost always higher — often 5% to 10% above your purchase rate. Unlike a purchase, there is no grace period. Interest starts accruing the day you withdraw the cash, and it compounds daily. If you carry the balance for a month, the interest alone can exceed the cash advance fee.

Your statement will show the cash advance as a separate balance from your regular purchases. Some card issuers explore your monthly payment to the lowest-interest balance first, which means your cash advance may sit unpaid longer while you pay off cheaper purchases.

Which ATMs accept credit cards

Most ATMs in the United States accept credit cards, but not all. Bank-owned ATMs — those inside or outside a bank branch — almost always accept Visa and Mastercard. ATM networks like Allpoint, MoneyPass, and Cirrus also accept major credit cards at their machines. However, some independent ATMs in bars, convenience stores, or casinos may not accept credit cards, only debit cards.

The easiest way to find an ATM that accepts your card is to use your card issuer's ATM locator tool, which you can find on their website or mobile app. This tool shows you nearby machines that accept your specific card. If you are traveling or in an unfamiliar area, calling the card issuer's customer service number (on the back of your card) can tell you whether a specific ATM will work.

Getting and using your credit card PIN

To withdraw cash from an ATM, you need a PIN (personal identification number) for your credit card. If you have never used your card at an ATM before, you may not have set one up yet. Contact your card issuer — by phone, through their website, or through their mobile app — and request a PIN. The issuer will either give you one when ready or mail it to you, depending on their process.

Once you have your PIN, using the card at an ATM works like a debit card: insert the card, enter your PIN, select "Withdrawal" or "Cash Advance," enter the amount, and confirm. The machine will dispense the cash and print a receipt. Keep the receipt to track the transaction and verify the fee on your next statement.

Why a credit card cash advance is more expensive than alternatives

A credit card cash advance is one of the most expensive ways to get cash. Compare the costs: a debit card withdrawal from your own bank's ATM costs nothing. A debit card withdrawal from an out-of-network ATM costs $1 to $3 in fees. A credit card cash advance costs 3% to 5% upfront plus a higher interest rate with no grace period.

If you need $300 in cash, a credit card cash advance might cost you $12 to $15 in fees alone, plus interest starting when ready. The same $300 from a debit card at an out-of-network ATM costs $2 to $3. Even borrowing $300 from a friend or family member is cheaper than a credit card cash advance.

The only situation where a credit card cash advance makes sense is if you have no other way to get cash and the amount is small enough that the fee and short-term interest are worth it — for example, $20 in cash to pay for parking when you have no debit card on hand.

What to do if you need cash but do not have a credit card PIN

If you do not have a PIN set up for your credit card and need cash, do not go to an ATM. Instead, visit a bank branch in person with your card and ID, and ask the teller to withdraw cash over the counter. This is treated the same as an ATM withdrawal — you still pay the cash advance fee and interest — but you do not need a PIN.

Alternatively, if you have a debit card, use that instead. If you do not have a debit card, contact your bank about opening a checking account with one. A debit card is free and lets you withdraw cash from any ATM without the high fees and interest of a credit card cash advance.

Avoiding accidental cash advances at the ATM

Some ATMs ask whether you want to withdraw from a checking account or a credit card when you insert your card. If your card is both a debit and credit card (some cards work both ways), make sure you select the debit option if you want to avoid the cash advance fees. Read the screen carefully before confirming your selection.

If you accidentally take a cash advance, contact your card issuer right away. Some issuers will reverse the cash advance fee if you pay back the cash within a few days, though this is not may provide. The sooner you repay the cash, the less interest you will owe.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The withdrawal itself does not hurt your score, but carrying a cash advance balance does. If you do not pay it off quickly, the balance shows up on your credit report as debt, which can lower your score. Pay off the cash advance as soon as you can to minimize the damage.

Can I use a credit card at any ATM, or only certain ones?

Most ATMs accept major credit cards, but some independent machines do not. Bank ATMs and ATM networks like Allpoint and MoneyPass almost always accept Visa and Mastercard. Use your card issuer's ATM locator to find machines that accept your specific card.

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

A regular purchase has a grace period (usually 21 to 25 days) before interest starts, and a lower APR. A cash advance charges a fee when ready, has a higher APR, and starts accruing interest the same day. Cash advances are much more expensive.

Can I use a credit card at an ATM if I am traveling internationally?

Yes, but expect higher fees. International ATM withdrawals typically charge both a cash advance fee from your card issuer (3% to 5%) and a currency conversion fee (1% to 3%). You may also pay a fee from the ATM operator. Check with your issuer before traveling to understand all the costs.

What happens if I do not pay back a cash advance?

The balance carries over to your next statement with interest accruing daily. If you do not pay it, the interest compounds and your debt grows. After 30 days unpaid, it may be reported to credit bureaus and damage your credit score. After 180 days, the card issuer may charge off the account and send it to collections.