Can You Use a Credit Card at an ATM?

Everyone · How-to · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What do you need before using a credit card at an ATM?

Before using your credit card at an ATM, preparation is key. First, ensure you have your physical credit card with you. Unlike debit cards, credit cards require a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access cash advances at ATMs. If you don’t already have a PIN, call your credit card issuer’s customer service to request one. The issuer may mail it to you or allow you to set it online or by phone. This process can take several days, so plan ahead if you anticipate needing cash this way.

Next, familiarize yourself with your card’s cash advance terms. Check your cardholder agreement or online account for the cash advance fee—often a percentage of the amount withdrawn or a fixed fee—and the interest rate associated with cash advances, which is usually higher than for regular purchases. Also, find out your daily or per-transaction cash advance limit; it is often lower than your full credit limit. For example, if your credit limit is $3,000, your cash advance limit might be $500.

Finally, identify ATMs that accept your credit card network (e.g., Visa, Mastercard, American Express). Some ATMs only accept debit cards or have restrictions on credit card cash advances. Look for your card network’s logo on the ATM, and if you’re unsure, call your issuer to ask which ATM locations support cash advances on your card.

How do you withdraw cash from an ATM using a credit card?

With the right preparation, withdrawing cash using a credit card is straightforward but different from a debit card transaction. Here’s a step-by-step guide with explanations:

1. Insert your credit card into the ATM slot. This starts the transaction and identifies your account.
2. Enter your credit card’s cash advance PIN. This PIN is different from your debit card PIN and authorizes the cash advance transaction. If you enter the wrong PIN multiple times, the card may be temporarily locked.
3. Select the “Cash Advance” or “Credit Card Withdrawal” option. Some ATMs show options like “Checking,” “Savings,” or “Credit.” Always choose the credit or cash advance option to ensure your card issuer processes it as a cash advance.
4. Enter the amount you wish to withdraw. Stay within your cash advance limit to avoid declines. For example, if your limit is $300, do not try to withdraw $400.
5. Confirm the transaction amount. The ATM will display the amount and any fees it intends to charge. Confirming means you agree to the terms.
6. Collect your cash. The ATM dispenses the cash immediately after approval.
7. Take your receipt and card before leaving the ATM. The receipt shows details of the transaction, including fees and amount withdrawn, which you should keep for your records.

Each step ensures your identity is verified and the withdrawal is correctly recorded as a cash advance, which triggers the associated fees and interest.

How can you tell if the credit card ATM withdrawal worked?

After completing the transaction, several indicators confirm success. First, the ATM will dispense the amount of cash you requested. If it does not, the transaction did not go through. Next, the ATM will print a receipt showing the amount withdrawn and often the cash advance fee charged by the ATM operator. Keep this receipt for your records as proof of the transaction.

Later, when your credit card statement or online account updates, you should see a transaction listed as a cash advance. This entry will usually be separate from your regular purchases and include the cash advance fee. Many credit card issuers send alerts via text or email immediately after a cash advance transaction posts to your account. This can help you monitor unauthorized transactions.

If you do not see the transaction on your statement after several days, check with your issuer. Sometimes, ATM errors or network issues delay posting. Always verify your balance and recent activity regularly to catch errors or fraudulent charges early.

What should you do if the ATM cash advance doesn’t work?

If your credit card ATM withdrawal is declined or fails, several issues might be the cause. Start by checking if you entered the correct cash advance PIN. If you don’t recall setting one, it’s likely you don’t have a PIN, and the transaction will not process. Call your issuer to request or reset your PIN.

Another common reason is exceeding your cash advance limit. Card issuers often set this lower than your overall credit limit to reduce risk. Confirm your cash advance limit by calling customer service or checking your online account. If you tried to withdraw more than this limit, the transaction will be denied.

The ATM itself may not support cash advances for your credit card network. Try a different ATM, preferably one operated by a bank or with your credit card’s network logo displayed. Some ATMs charge higher fees or block credit card withdrawals entirely.

Security blocks can also cause declines, especially if your issuer suspects fraud or unusual activity. If you recently made multiple or high-dollar transactions, your card might be temporarily frozen. Contact your card issuer directly for assistance and verification.

If you continue to experience problems, document the ATM location, time, and error messages, then call your issuer to report the issue.

How do fees and interest work with ATM cash advances?

Using a credit card at an ATM triggers a cash advance, a type of borrowing with unique costs. First, expect a cash advance fee, typically a fixed amount (for example, $10 to $15) or a percentage of the amount withdrawn (commonly 3% to 5%). This fee is charged immediately and added to your balance.

Interest on cash advances starts accruing from the day of the withdrawal with no grace period. Unlike regular purchases, which might have a 21-30 day grace period before interest applies, cash advances cost you interest daily until paid off. The interest rate for cash advances is often higher than your purchase APR. For example, if your purchase APR is 18%, your cash advance APR might be 24% or more.

Here’s a hypothetical scenario: If you withdraw $200 as a cash advance, pay a $10 fee, and your cash advance APR is 24%, you start accruing interest daily on the $210 balance right away. If you don’t pay it off quickly, interest compounds, increasing your total debt.

ATM operators may also add their own fee, shown at the time of transaction, which increases your cost. Check your cardholder agreement for exact fees and rates.

How can you adapt ATM cash advances for different financial needs?

Withdrawing cash via credit card ATM advances should be a last resort due to high costs. Instead, consider these alternatives:

• Use your debit card to withdraw cash from your checking account to avoid cash advance fees and high interest.
• If you need cash to pay bills or make purchases, use your credit card directly where accepted. Some cards allow you to pay bills or buy money orders (Can You Use a Credit Card to Buy a Money Order?).
• Transfer funds electronically between accounts if you have multiple bank accounts or use mobile payment apps linked to your debit card.
• If you need cash for an emergency, borrowing from trusted family or friends can save fees and interest, but always treat loans responsibly.
• If you regularly need cash, consider a personal loan with lower interest rates instead of repeated credit card cash advances.

Understanding when to use credit cards for cash and when to avoid it helps protect your overall financial health and credit score (How to Build Credit with a Credit Card).

What safety tips should you keep in mind at the ATM?

Using an ATM safely protects your money and information. Choose ATMs in well-lit, secure locations such as bank branches or busy public areas. Before inserting your credit card, inspect the ATM for unusual devices like card skimmers—small attachments that steal card data. Cover the keypad with your hand when entering your PIN to prevent others from seeing it.

Never share your PIN with anyone, and avoid using ATMs if you feel unsafe. Take your receipt with you and shred it later, as it contains sensitive information. Regularly review your credit card statements and transaction alerts for any unauthorized activity. If you notice suspicious transactions, report them to your credit card issuer immediately.

If you or someone you know experiences financial stress or crisis, remember you can also reach out to trusted adults or professionals for help, including calling or texting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for emotional support.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my credit card at any ATM?

Not all ATMs accept credit cards for cash advances. Many only process debit cards. Look for your card network’s logo on the ATM and confirm with your issuer which ATMs support cash advances for your card.

How much cash can I withdraw using a credit card at an ATM?

Cash advance limits vary and are usually lower than your total credit limit. Check your cardholder agreement or contact your issuer to find out your specific cash advance limit.

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

The cash advance transaction itself is reported as part of your credit card balance. High balances and missed payments can affect your credit utilization ratio and credit score, so managing repayment carefully is important.

Can I avoid fees when using a credit card at an ATM?

Cash advance fees and higher interest rates are typically unavoidable for ATM withdrawals. Using a debit card or other cash sources usually costs less.

What should I do if I lose my credit card after making a cash advance at an ATM?

Report the lost card immediately to your issuer to freeze the account and prevent unauthorized use. Monitor your account for suspicious charges and dispute any fraudulent transactions promptly.