Why shouldn't you withdraw cash from a credit card?

Asked by: Mattie Pfeffer  |  Last update: February 8, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (48 votes)

The cost to withdraw money from a credit card can add up quickly. Since you are borrowing the money rather than withdrawing like you normally would from a checking account, the credit card company will charge you fees and interest rates until you pay back the loan.

Why is it not a good idea to withdraw cash from a credit card?

In addition to repaying the money you withdraw, you'll need to pay additional fees and interest as well. The fees for a cash advance can be substantial. Depending on your credit card terms, the company may charge a flat fee for withdrawing money, or they'll charge you a percentage of the cash advance.

Why should you avoid getting a cash advance on a credit card?

Interest Rates Are Higher for Cash Advances

Many people are under the impression that a cash advance is treated the same way as everyday purchases, but this usually isn't the case. On top of the cash advance service fee, you'll also be charged a higher interest rate.

What happens if we withdraw cash from a credit card?

If you withdraw cash from your credit card, you'll be charged both the cash advance fee and interest, as well as the non-NAB ATM withdrawal fee.

Is it bad to take out a cash advance on a credit card?

Using your credit card for a cash advance doesn't directly affect your credit score. Your credit report won't show that you used your credit card to get cash. However, the cash advance does increase your credit card balance and could hurt your credit score if it pushes your credit utilization ratio too high.

Get cash from a credit card with no cash advance fees

29 related questions found

Does withdrawing cash from a credit card affect credit score?

Withdrawing cash (also known as a cash advance) from a credit card can have a negative impact on your credit score. Lenders may look at this unfavourably as it can be an indication of poor money management especially if there are multiple cash advances in a short period of time.

What is the biggest problem with using your credit card for a cash advance?

High interest rate: This is the cost or amount you're charged for borrowing money. Interest rates on cash advances are often much higher, and if you don't pay it back quickly, interest charges can greatly increase the amount you owe.

What happens if you withdraw from credit card?

Can I withdraw money from a credit card? Yes, you can withdraw money from your credit card in the form of a cash advance. Cash advances can help in emergencies but they're expensive. Withdrawing money from your card comes with a higher interest rate, and you may have to pay an extra fee too.

Can you pay rent with a credit card?

Landlords who do accept direct credit card payments have to pay merchant processing fees for the privilege, and it's common for them to pass those fees on to the renters on top of rent. The convenience fee for paying rent with a card typically ranges from 2.5% to 2.9%, which may sound small, but it adds up.

What is the maximum cash withdrawal from a credit card?

Cash advances are typically capped at a percentage of your card's credit limit. For example, if your credit limit is $15,000 and the card caps your cash advance limit at 30%, your maximum cash advance will be $4,500.

Why should you say no to cash advances?

It usually comes with: A higher APR than you pay on credit card purchases (Cash advances are the most expensive credit card products from an interest perspective.) Additional cash advance fees that are figured as a percentage of the loan amount (Sometimes this fee is as much as 5%.)

What happens if you go over your credit limit but pay it off?

Going over your credit limit usually does not immediately impact your credit, particularly if you pay down your balance to keep the account in good standing. However, an account that remains over its limit for a period of time could be declared delinquent, and the issuer could close the account.

Can I transfer money from my credit card to my bank account?

Yes, you can transfer money from your credit card to your bank account, but it's costly and not recommended. This process is called a 'cash advance' and typically comes with high fees and interest rates that start accumulating immediately. It's one of the more expensive ways to borrow money.

Why do I keep getting charged interest on cash advances?

Not only is the rate generally higher for a cash advance, but there is no grace period, which means that interest starts to accrue from the date of the transaction. 3 And you will pay interest on your cash advance even if you pay it off in full and had a zero balance for that billing cycle.

Is it better to withdraw cash from credit or debit card?

Debit cards can be a good choice for making small purchases - especially if you'll be charged interest on buying the same thing with a credit card. You can also withdraw cash without paying a fee or interest when using a debit card.

Why is paying with a credit card safer than paying with cash?

While debit cards and cash offer consumers limited benefits, using a credit card can help protect you against purchases that go awry. A credit card is guarded from fraudulent activity and some offer benefits like travel insurance and return protection.

Why are credit card cash advances so expensive?

Credit card companies charge a cash advance fee when you use your card's line of credit to get access to cash. Because card issuers tack on fees and high interest rates to these transactions, cash advances are an expensive way to get extra cash.

Is it bad to pull out cash with credit card?

They're very expensive

The cost to withdraw money from a credit card can add up quickly. Since you are borrowing the money rather than withdrawing like you normally would from a checking account, the credit card company will charge you fees and interest rates until you pay back the loan.

What is the risk of borrowing money from a credit card?

One of the dangers associated with using credit cards is they can lead to impulse spending, without any thought as to how the funds may be repaid later on. With interest charges in the range of 15% to 20% or more, the amount owing on a credit card can escalate rapidly.

Does a cash advance hurt your credit?

Does a cash advance hurt your credit? A cash advance won't directly impact your credit scores, but it will use more of your available credit. And this can affect your credit utilization ratio, which is the amount of credit you're using versus the total credit you have access to.

What are 3 reasons to avoid taking a cash advance on your credit card?

Higher interest rate: Many cards charge a higher APR for cash advances than for regular purchases. No grace period: Your credit card usually gives you a grace period of at least 20 days to pay off your purchase before you're charged interest. Cash advances, though, start to accrue interest from day one.

Can I deposit a credit card check into my checking account?

In addition to balance transfer checks, some credit card issuers offer convenience checks. These checks allow you to write a check against your available credit and deposit the check wherever checks are accepted — in your own bank account, with a retailer or utility provider and so on.

When it is a good idea to take a cash advance on your credit card?

When to consider using a cash advance. Cash advances can be an important source of funds in an emergency. Although you don't want to plan on using cash advances regularly, you might use one if you are short on funds and unable to charge an expense. However, always be sure to consider all your options given the costs.