Can you withdraw cash from a credit card?

Written byEmily Tye

Updated:Dec 18, 2025

5 min read

Yes, it is possible to withdraw money from a credit card - this is called a 'cash advance'. However, it can be much more expensive than using a debit card or making a regular credit card purchase.

Why can cash withdrawals on a credit card be expensive?

• Cash advance fees: Most providers charge a flat fee or a percentage of the withdrawn amount (typically 2-5%).

• Interest rates: With some providers, APR on cash advances is higher than for regular purchases. Plus, interest on cash begins the second you withdraw the money.

• Impact on your credit score: Lenders may see frequent cash withdrawals as a sign of financial difficulty.

Let's look at a hypothetical example. Say your credit card company charges a 3% fee with a £3 minimum, and has a cash advance APR of 29.9%.

The table below shows you the total cost of withdrawing in that scenario, and compares what would happen if you paid off the balance immediately (within 24 hours) versus spreading it out over 6 months.

As you can see, even if you pay off the card the same day you withdraw the cash, you still can't escape the initial fee. However, you do stop the daily interest 'meter' from running.

You’ll notice the 'cost if paid off immediately' is still slightly more than the amount + fee. This is to show that you can still be charged at least one day of interest.

What counts as a cash transaction?

As well as withdrawing money from an ATM, credit card providers may also treat other transactions as cash advances, such as:

• Gambling, including betting, casino gaming, and buying lottery tickets.

• Buying foreign currency and cryptocurrency.

• Online trading and investments.

• Wire transfers and money orders.

• Topping up digital wallets or prepaid cards.

• Paying court fines or government penalties.

Can you withdraw money from a credit card abroad​?

Similar to withdrawing cash from your credit card in the UK, it's possible to do so abroad, but not advisable.

As well as the immediate interest charges and cash advance fees, you may also be subject to a foreign or non-sterling transaction fee.

How do you withdraw cash from a credit card?

1. Enter your PIN: Just like a debit card, you'll first need your credit card's PIN.

2. Choose your withdrawal amount: Select how much you'd like to withdraw, up to your card's daily cash advance limit. This is typically lower than your total credit limit. For example, if you have a £1,000 credit limit, you may only be able to withdraw £200.

3. Check fees: The ATM may display a warning about fees. Remember, even if the screen doesn't display a fee, you will be charged.

Can you transfer cash from a credit card​?

No, you cannot transfer cash from a standard credit card. Credit cards are designed for purchases, not cash transfers, and most providers don’t allow direct transfers to a bank account. 

However, a money transfer credit card allows you to move money from your credit limit into your bank account. There is still usually a fee involved, however many come with a 0% introductory rate which can save you money on interest (if you pay your balance off before the introductory rate comes to an end).

The bottom line

Withdrawing money from a credit card should be a last resort. Try to only do it in an emergency if you have no other way to access the cash you need.

If you regularly need to borrow money, exploring financial products designed for cash access - like personal loans or money transfer credit cards - may be a better solution.

If you’re struggling with credit card debt, explore other financial solutions with a financial advisor. You can also get free debt advice from charities like National Debtline and StepChange.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please speak to a qualified financial adviser before making financial decisions.