Best Cash Advance Credit Cards in March 2026 & What to Know Before You Borrow
Key takeaways
- A cash advance credit card lets you access cash quickly using your available credit, usually through an ATM or bank.
- Due to high fees and immediate interest, cash advances are one of the most expensive borrowing options.
- We generally don’t recommend cash advances unless it’s a last resort.
- 0% APR credit cards or personal loans are lower-cost alternatives.
Best credit cards for cash advances
Most of the cards below are offered by credit unions and share two notable features: no cash advance fee and no annual fee. Some earn rewards, while others are best suited for credit building.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Regular Cash Advance APR | Rewards Rate | Recommended Credit Credit scores ranges may vary. Your individual chance at approval may vary due to factors such as creditors using a particular variation at their discretion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PenFed Gold Visa® Card*
|
17.99% | N/A | Good / Excellent | ||
PenFed Platinum Rewards VISA Signature® Card*
|
17.99% | 1X - 5X points
| N/A | ||
PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa® Card*
|
17.99% | 1.5% - 2% cash back
2% cash back on all purchases for PenFed Honors Advantage Members, or 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
| N/A | ||
DCU Visa® Platinum Credit Card*
|
12.00% to 18.00% (variable) | N/A | Good / Excellent | ||
DCU Visa® Signature Cash Rewards Card*
|
N/A | 14.75% to 18.00% (variable) | 1X point
Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on everyday purchases
| Good / Excellent | |
DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card*
|
15.00% (variable) | N/A | Poor |
How we chose the best cash advance credit cards
We take a comprehensive, data-driven approach to identify the best cash advance credit cards. We use an objective rating and ranking system that evaluates over 200 credit cards from more than 50 issuers. All recommendations are made by LendingTree’s editorial team, completely independent of affiliate partnerships or compensation. The cash advance credit cards listed on this page have been selected based on their merit and ability to help people achieve their financial goals.
What is a cash advance on a credit card?
A cash advance lets you borrow cash using your credit card’s available limit — usually through an ATM or bank. Instead of charging a purchase, you’re taking out a short-term loan that’s added to your credit card balance.
What to know before you get a cash advance:
- Interest starts immediately (no grace period)
- Fees and APRs are much higher than those of regular purchases
- You’ll need to repay the amount borrowed plus interest
How cash advances compare to personal loans
While both provide cash, there are major differences when it comes to the overall cost you’ll pay. If you qualify, a personal loan is usually the smarter and cheaper option. Cash advances should be a last resort, not a go-to solution.
| Cash advance | Personal loan | |
|---|---|---|
| What they are | Short-term loan taken directly from your credit card’s available credit | Installment loan from a lender that gives you a lump sum of cash |
| Repayment | No set repayment schedule; balance is added to your credit card bill | Fixed monthly payments over a defined term |
| Interest & fees | High fees and interest that start accruing immediately | Typically lower interest rates with no upfront cash-advance-style fees |
| Grace period | None – interest starts accruing immediately | Typically offers a grace period of 21-25 days before interest starts accruing |
How to get a cash advance on a credit card
There are several ways you can get a cash advance from your credit card. The one that works best for you largely depends on your credit card issuer and what your account allows. For example, you generally need a PIN in order to get cash from an ATM. To avoid surprises, be sure to check your account’s cash advance limits before starting your transaction.
Call ahead to see if the bank processes cash advances from credit cards. If they do, let the teller know how much you want and give them your credit card to complete the transaction.
Getting a cash advance at an ATM works a lot like making a withdrawal with your debit card. Insert your card, enter your PIN and follow the prompts to finish your transaction.
Sometimes banks send convenience checks, which look like regular checks. You can write them out to yourself, another person or a business. The check may include directions on how you can get the money deposited into your account immediately by completing the transaction online.
Log in to your credit card account and look for a cash advance offer. Follow the instructions to request the cash advance, and the money should be deposited into your bank account within a few days.
Fastest vs. cheapest way to get a cash advance
Getting cash from a bank teller or ATM is usually the fastest option. However, some credit card issuers also offer convenience checks by mail or online cash advance offers with promotional APRs as low as 0% — typically in exchange for a fee of around 5%. If you can pay off the balance before interest applies, these options can be significantly cheaper than a traditional cash advance.
Pros and cons of cash advance credit cards
- Fast access to emergency cash
- Lets you pay cash-only expenses
- No collateral required
- High upfront fees (typically around 5%)
- Very high cash advance APR
- Higher APR than standard purchases
- No grace period
- You may not be able to use your full credit limit
- Not all cards allow cash advances
What are cash advance fees on credit cards?
Cash advance fees and interest charges are the most common fees you’ll incur with a cash advance. However, if you miss your payment date, late fees will add to the cost of your credit card cash advance.
How to calculate the cost of a cash advance
Most credit cards charge a cash advance fee plus interest that starts accruing immediately. Issuers typically charge either a flat fee or a percentage of the advance, depending on which is greater. The fee is usually around 5% or $10.
Example: Let’s take a look at how much a $1,000 cash advance would cost if you paid it back in 30 days using a credit card with a 5% cash advance fee and 17.99% cash advance APR.
$1,000 cash advance x 5% cash advance fee = $50 fee
Step 2: Calculate the daily interest rate
17.99% cash advance APR / 365 days = 0.0004929 daily interest rate
Step 3: Calculate the total interest over 30 days
$1,000 x 0.0004929 = $0.49
$0.049 x 30 = $14.79 in interest
Step 4: Add up the total cost
$50 fee + $14,79 = $64.79 total cost of interest and fees
$1,000 + $64.79 = $1,064.79 total amount you ‘ll repay after 30 days
→ Key takeaway: Even if you repay it quickly or have a relatively low cash advance APR, fees and interest that start immediately can make a credit card cash advance far more expensive than it looks.
Cash advance credit cards by issuer
If you prefer not to join a credit union, many major credit card issuers allow cash advances. These cards are widely available, but you’ll typically see higher cash advance fees and interest rates from big banks. This comparison can help you understand the tradeoffs if you’re considering a cash advance credit card from a major issuer.
| Issuer | Cash advance credit card | Cash advance fee | Regular cash advance APR |
|---|---|---|---|
 | BankAmericard® credit card | See Terms | See Terms |
 | Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card | 5% of the amount of the cash advance, but not less than $5 | 28.49% (Variable) |
 | Chase Freedom Flex® | Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater. | 28.49% Variable |
 | Citi Double Cash® Card | 5% of each cash advance; $10 minimum | 29.74% (Variable) |
 | Discover it® Cash Back | Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater. | 28.49% Variable APR |
 | Wells Fargo Reflect® Card | Refer to Important Credit Terms | Refer to Important Credit Terms |
How to avoid taking a cash advance
Cash advances should be a last resort. Before you take out a fee-heavy cash advance, consider one of these alternatives that may offer lower costs, faster access or more flexible repayment options.
| Method | Best for | Speed to access* | Estimated costs* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Get cash back at checkout | Small amounts | Same day | $0 |
| Request a payment extension | Consumer bills | Same day - 5 days | $0 |
| Borrow from family or friends | Avoiding traditional lenders | Same day - 5 days | $0 |
| Get early access to your paycheck | Getting paid sooner | 1 - 2 days early | $0 - $3.99+ |
| Take out a personal loan | Large expenses | 1 - 5 days | 5.99% to 35.99% APR |
| Use a balance transfer card | Managing high-interest debt | 2 - 21 days | 3% - 5% balance transfer fee, 0% interest during the intro period (if available) |
| Open a 0% intro APR card for purchases | Financing a large purchase | Same day - 14 days | $0 if paid off during intro period |
Cash advance alternatives
Here’s a deeper look into the cash advance alternatives listed above. Read on to see how each option works and when it makes the most sense, as these can help you avoid high costs of a cash advance.
-
Cash back at checkout
Some credit cards, including the Discover it® Cash Back, allow you to withdraw cash at checkout without paying a fee. The amount is added to your purchase total, making this a practical option if you only need a small amount of cash and will be able to pay your balance in full at the end of the month.
-
Borrow from family and friends
Borrowing from loved ones can work in a pinch, especially since repayment terms are often flexible and interest-free. Just remember that money issues can strain relationships, so it’s best to agree on clear repayment terms upfront. Creating a simple personal loan agreement can help avoid misunderstandings.
-
Get early access to your paycheck
Some banks offer early access (up to two business days early) to your paycheck if you have your pay directly deposited into an eligible account. Wells Fargo, Capital One and Chase offer this to customers using eligible bank accounts.
If you don’t have an account with those banks, you can try earned wage access apps that let you tap your paycheck before payday for a small fee or optional tip. While not free, these apps are usually cheaper than a credit card cash advance. Popular options include EarnIn, Chime and DailyPay. Just remember to use this as a last resort and not a regular way to get your money faster.
-
Get a personal loan
If you don’t need cash instantly, a personal loan may be a better option. Personal loan APRs typically range from 5.99% to 35.99%, and borrowers with good credit often qualify for rates well below cash advance APRs. You’ll get predictable monthly payments, and in many cases, interest won’t start accruing immediately.
→ See LendingTree’s guide on how to apply for a personal loan.
-
Do a balance transfer to another card
If you’re trying to free up credit or manage existing high-interest debt, a balance transfer can help. Balance transfer cards can come with 0% intro APR offers lasting up to 24 months, making them significantly cheaper than cash advances. The Citi Simplicity® Card, for example, offers a long introductory period: 0% intro APR for 21 months on Balance Transfers, then a 17.49% - 28.24% (Variable) APR applies.
According to LendingTree’s balance transfer credit card report, the most common 0% intro period is 15 months.
→ See LendingTree’s picks for the best balance transfer credit cards.
-
Use a credit card with 0% intro APR
A 0% intro APR card can give you up to 21 months to pay off an emergency purchase without interest. The BankAmericard® credit card, for example, offers a 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases, followed by a 14.99% - 25.99% Variable APR . That’s a far better deal than a cash advance, which starts charging interest immediately. Many of these credit cards also offer sign-up bonuses, lower ongoing APRs and no annual fee.
→ See LendingTree’s picks for the best 0% APR credit cards.
-
Request a payment extension
For unexpected bills, like medical expenses or major home or auto repairs, contact the billing department and ask about a payment extension or installment plan. Being proactive can buy you time and help you avoid expensive borrowing altogether.
Additional ways to find or earn cash
One of the most effective ways to avoid cash advances over time is to build an emergency fund so you’re not forced into high-cost borrowing if something goes wrong. But if you don’t have one yet, you might find success by selling unwanted items or putting your skills to use.
- Unused credit card rewards: You may already have cash available. A LendingTree survey found that nearly 3 in 4 cardholders have unused rewards, and 31% haven’t redeemed any in the past year. Cashing out rewards could cover an expense without borrowing at all.
- Have a sale: For some potentially quick cash, try selling unwanted items locally through Facebook Marketplace or a garage sale. You may find a larger audience selling items online, but keep in mind that shipping costs and delays can reduce how much you earn and how quickly you get paid.
- Put your skills to work: Using your skills is one of the most flexible ways to earn money. Tutoring, handyman work, pet sitting and other gig-style jobs can generate income quickly with few upfront expenses. You’ll be in good company if you turn your skills into cash – a LendingTree survey found that nearly 55% of Gen Zers and millennials have a side hustle, and 80% say they rely on it to help make ends meet.
If you’re still short, there may be community resources available. In most areas of the United States, dialing 2-1-1 connects you to local community service organizations like United Way, food banks and rental assistance and utility support programs such as LIHEAP. Utilizing these resources can free up cash without borrowing at all.
Frequently asked questions
A credit card cash advance lets you withdraw cash using your credit card’s available limit, usually through an ATM, bank, online transfer or convenience checks from the card issuer. Unlike regular purchases, cash advances typically start accruing interest immediately and often come with higher fees and APRs.
No, cash advance credit cards start to charge interest as soon as you complete the cash advance. However, credit union credit cards may offer lower-than-average APRs on cash advances compared to major banks.
Cash advances from your credit card at an ATM or at a bank are usually completed in a couple of minutes. Other methods, such as online transfers and convenience checks, may take a few business days to process.
Yes, your credit card has a cash advance limit. This is typically listed on your billing statement and is about 20% to 30% of your overall credit limit. To find out your maximum cash advance limit, check your online account or billing statement or call the number on the back of your card.
Yes, most credit cards charge a cash advance fee between 3% and 5%. So, for example, it would cost you $15 to get a $300 cash advance on a card with a 5% cash advance fee. It’s possible to find credit cards with no cash advance fee, like the ones listed at the top of this page, but they typically require a credit union membership.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply
The information related to the PenFed Gold Visa® Card, PenFed Platinum Rewards VISA Signature® Card, PenFed Power Cash Rewards Visa® Card, DCU Visa® Platinum Credit Card, DCU Visa® Signature Cash Rewards Card, DCU Visa® Platinum Secured Credit Card, Chase Freedom Flex® and Wells Fargo Reflect® Card has been independently collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
