How To Get Cash From a Credit Card Without a Cash Advance (2024)

If you want to get cash from your credit card, but don't want to use a cash advance, you can try utilizing credit card cash-back rewards, buying a prepaid gift card, asking a friend for the cash while you make a purchase for them on your card, and more. The reason you may not want to use a cash advance is that it can be expensive. Not only is the interest rate usually higher than on regular credit card purchases, but you’ll typically have to pay a fee as well. Instead, get creative with how you can get cash from your credit card and consider these ways when you need cash in a hurry.

Key Takeaways

  • A cash advance often comes with a fee, a minimum, and a high interest rate with no grace period for paying it back.
  • If you need cash from your credit card, try using it to buy a gift card that can act like cash, or redeeeming cash-back rewards.
  • You can also ask friends and family if you can put a purchase on your credit card in exchange for them paying you cash.
  • While there are creative ways to get cash from your credit card that are more affordable than a cash advance, they may still cause you to take on credit card debt.
  • Setting cash aside in an emergency fund is likely your best bet for when you need cash in a hurry.

Purchase a Prepaid Gift Card

Buy a prepaid gift card with your credit card and then sell it to someone for cash. You may have to accept a little less than the face value of the card to incentivize someone to purchase it from you, but there are several online marketplaces to assist you like Giftcard Granny and Raise, to name a few. Just make sure whatever discount you offer is less than what you would have paid in cash advance fees and interest.

Some gift cards act like cash, too. So if you need to pay for something at a certain store, you could buy the gift card on your credit card and then use it at the store. Gift cards are often sold at a variety of general stores.

Cash Out Your Credit Card Rewards

If you have accumulated credit card rewards, you may be able to redeem them for a gift card or cash. Sometimes, the rewards are even more than face value. For example, you may be able to get a $25 gift card for rewards worth $20.

When it comes to cash, you may be able to use the cash-back rewards toward a bill or you may be able to receive a cash payment directly. The cash back you redeem may not be immediate though, so if you need cash the same day, this may not be the best solution.

Find a Friend Who Uses Cash

If you have a friend or relative who’s planning to make a big purchase in cash, you can make the purchase for them using your credit card. In return, your friend can give you their cash (or deposit the funds into your bank account, perhaps using a peer-to-peer payment service).

The above scenario doesn’t break any rules, but many major peer-to-peer payment apps like Venmo warn that using a credit card to transfer money to a friend may trigger the cash advance fee you'd have to pay if you didn't use Venmo. Payments on these apps may also incur an additional charge if you're making them with a credit card. Thus, it may be best to complete this type of transaction with a friend or family member in person and offline.

Shift Your Bills Around

If you can use your credit card for something you would normally pay for with cash (or with money in your bank account), go ahead and free up that cash. This could be particularly helpful if you get a new credit card with an introductory no-interest offer that buys you time to catch up without accruing interest.

Some billers and landlords charge a convenience fee when you pay a bill with a credit card, so make sure to compare your overall costs before choosing the most affordable way for you to get cash. Ideally, the fee is less than the cash advance fee you would otherwise pay, but even if it isn’t, if you’re not hit with a higher cash advance interest rate, it may still be worth it.

Buy Something With Your Card, Then Sell It for More

If you’re willing to shop around, you may be able to use discounts, sales, or credit card rewards to purchase items at below-market prices. Then you can sell those items online or to a friend at a higher price. The profit may give you the cash you need, plus a little extra to cover your interest charges if you need some time to pay off the credit card balance. Of course, there’s a chance you won’t be able to make a profit or sell the item in time (or at all).

Tip

If you have good credit and qualify for a new credit card, you may be able to get one with no interest or fees for a set period of time. This may help reduce your expense even more, particularly if you just need some time to catch up on your credit card payments after a sudden crisis.

What To Watch Out For When Getting Cash From a Credit Card

Many credit card issuers treat things like money order purchases or credit card–funded wire transfers just like cash advances, so don’t be fooled into thinking you’re escaping the higher fees and interest rate of a cash advance if you choose one of those options. Check the terms of your credit card agreement to see how these cash-equivalent transactions are defined.

While these alternatives may be less expensive than a cash advance, don’t forget you’re still using your credit card to borrow money. If you can’t afford to pay off your credit card balance each month, you’ll still incur finance charges, albeit at the normal interest rate associated with purchases.

Make sure you're aware of any over-the-limit fees. Before using your credit card, be sure you have enough available credit to make one of these moves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you get a cash advance from a credit card?

You can get a cash advance from a credit card by using the card at an ATM with your PIN or visiting a bank and requesting a cash advance. You'll need to present your physical card at the bank, and they will likely request identification from you as well to confirm the card is yours.

How do you get cash from a credit card without a PIN?

If you don't have a PIN for your credit card, you'll need to visit a bank to withdraw cash in person. You should request a new PIN from your card issuer as soon as possible. You can likely do this in your app or online account, though the card issuer may mail the new PIN to you. If it's mailed, it could up to 10 days to receive your PIN.

How To Get Cash From a Credit Card Without a Cash Advance (2024)

FAQs

How To Get Cash From a Credit Card Without a Cash Advance? ›

There are several ways to get cash back from your credit card. You can withdraw money at an ATM or receive convenience checks from your card issuer that, when deposited, draw from your credit line. Sometimes you can even deposit money directly into your bank account from your card by submitting a request online.

How to get money off of credit cards without cash advance? ›

A cash advance is the only direct way to get cash from a credit card. But there are alternatives, such as buying a prepaid card with your credit card and then using it to buy a money order. These alternatives are more complicated than cash advances, but they can also be more affordable.

How do I convert my credit card into cash? ›

Credit Card providers also enable you to transfer funds from your Credit Card to a Bank Account by visiting your nearest ATM, preferably of your card issuing bank. Once you put your card in the ATM slot, you must select the “cash advance” option on the ATM screen, along with the bank account linked to your Credit Card.

How can I get cash off my credit card? ›

If you need to take money out of a credit card at an ATM, here's how to request a cash advance: Insert your credit card into an ATM. Enter your credit card PIN. Select the “cash withdrawal” or “cash advance” option.

How to send money with credit card no cash advance? ›

Apps like Cash App, PayPal and Venmo allow you to send money through their platforms with a credit card, while Apple Cash, Google Pay and Zelle don't. Card issuers — such as Amex, Chase and Citi — support card loans that can be lower-cost alternatives for cardholders.

How can I withdraw money from my credit card for free? ›

2] Try Paying Bills Early

Every credit card accrues some charges on the cash withdrawal. This is usually charged from the next of the cash withdrawals. Though you might not eliminate all the fees, you can still avoid the additional charges by paying the bill on time.

How can I get out of credit card debt without extra money? ›

How to Pay Off Credit Card Debt When You're Short on Cash
  1. Create a Budget and Stick to It.
  2. Secure an Additional Source of Income.
  3. Consider Nonprofit Credit Counseling and Financial Assistance.
  4. Look for Debt Relief.
  5. Understand How to Use Credit Responsibly.
  6. The Importance of Debt Reduction.
Feb 24, 2021

How do I exchange my credit card to cash? ›

The easiest way to get cash from your credit card is to use an ATM. Insert your credit card into an ATM, enter your PIN, choose the cash advance option, and enter your withdrawal amount. Cash advances can have higher APRs than purchases or balance transfers, and interest starts accruing on them right away.

How to transfer money from credit card to bank account without any charges? ›

You can do this without incurring any additional fees by using a digital service like TransferWise or PayPal. Both of these services allow you to transfer money from your credit card to a bank account, while also offering competitive exchange rates.

How do I transfer money from a credit card to cash? ›

Cardholders can withdraw money from an ATM using a credit card. Contact the number on the back of the card if you're not sure what the PIN might be. Cardholders can then deposit the cash into an account at a local bank branch or by using a deposit-accepting ATM.

What can I buy with a credit card to get cash? ›

Alternatively, you can often use credit cards to buy “cash equivalents” like Visa and Mastercard gift cards. These are effectively prepaid debit cards. Some stores even allow you to purchase money orders with these cards. Just note that there are almost always fees for buying gift cards and money orders.

Can I send money to myself on PayPal from a credit card? ›

It is against PayPal's terms of service to send money to yourself from a credit card. This option is only available when sending money to a friend, client, customer, or business.

How to transfer money with only card number and CVV? ›

You cannot do anything with just a debit card number and a CVV. Trying to make a purchase with just a debit card number and a CVV will result in a blocked transaction. Or worse, a fraud claim. In most cases, this then results in the card being frozen.

Can I send money to myself from a credit card? ›

Although this isn't a common way to use a credit card, it is an option if you need to transfer money to yourself or someone else. You have a few methods to choose from, but most of them will include additional transaction fees. Once you know more about them, you can pick the one that works best for your situation.

How can I turn credit into cash no advances? ›

If you want to get cash from your credit card, but don't want to use a cash advance, you can try utilizing credit card cash-back rewards, buying a prepaid gift card, asking a friend for the cash while you make a purchase for them on your card, and more.

How do I convert my credit card to cash? ›

Either you can apply for loan against your credit card or withdraw cash using your credit card from any ATM machine. Remember, in both the case you have to pay a higher interest rates. Best and most cheapest method is PayTM payment gateway ( not app ) . But this is very ridiculous process and take some time and effort.

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

It is possible to use a credit card to transfer money into a bank account by using a cash advance or balance transfer check, but we can't recommend it. Cash advances are risky because of the high interest rates and costly one-time fees. Balance transfers can lead to more debt if they're not handled correctly.

How to avoid cash advance fees on credit card? ›

However, to avoid using cash advances try these options instead:
  1. Determine If You Really Need the Money.
  2. A Private Loan from Family or Close Friends.
  3. Withdraw from Your Assets.
  4. Ask for a Bank Loan, Consolidation Loan, Line of Credit, or Credit Card Limit Increase.
  5. Emergency Savings Fund.

Can you zelle from a credit card? ›

Zelle also doesn't allow for credit card payments. Venmo, Cash App and PayPal, on the other hand, let you link your credit card.

What is an alternative to a cash advance? ›

Still, cash advances can be expensive, so before going this route, be sure you consider alternatives like a loan from friends or family, a 401(k) loan, a Roth IRA withdrawal, a personal loan from a bank or other lender, a secured loan, a salary advance, a peer-to-peer loan, or a buy now, pay later service.

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