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.
