Best Credit Card for Cash Advance in 2026

Other Options to Consider

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Citi Double Cash® Card

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Discover it Cash Back Credit Card

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How to Choose a Credit Card for Cash Advance

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Choosing a credit card for a cash advance isn't like picking one for rewards; the focus shifts entirely to fees, interest rates, and withdrawal limits.

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A common mistake is overlooking the steep cash advance fee, which is often a percentage of the amount withdrawn, and the separate, higher APR that starts accruing interest from day one. Additionally, don't assume your cash advance limit is the same as your credit limit; it's typically much lower.

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Key Factors

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• Cash Advance Fee: This is a one-time charge for the transaction, typically a percentage of the amount withdrawn or a minimum flat fee, whichever is greater.
• Cash Advance APR: Expect a much higher interest rate for cash advances compared to regular purchases, and this interest begins to accrue the moment you receive the cash—there's no grace period.
• Cash Advance Limit: Your card issuer will set a specific limit for how much cash you can access, which is usually a fraction of your total credit limit.
• Daily Withdrawal Limits: Beyond your card's own limits, the bank or ATM you use will likely have its own daily cap on how much cash you can take out at once.

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What to Watch Out For

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When shopping for a card, avoid being swayed by flashy sign-up bonuses or low introductory APRs on purchases, as these offers rarely extend to cash advances. These attractive perks can often mask unfavorable terms for cash advances, like steep fees and interest that begins to accrue immediately. Always read the fine print in the cardholder agreement, because the best card for everyday spending is seldom the best one for accessing cash.

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Decision Flow

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Your decision should hinge on two critical questions: how quickly can you repay the debt, and how much cash do you need? Answering these will clarify which terms to prioritize.

If you can repay the advance within a few days, your focus should be on finding the lowest possible cash advance fee. Since you won't be carrying a balance for long, the high APR is less of a threat. A card with a low flat fee is ideal for small amounts, while one with a lower percentage-based fee is better for larger sums.

If you anticipate needing weeks or months to pay it back, the cash advance APR becomes the single most important factor. A lower APR will save you significantly more on interest charges over time, easily outweighing a higher initial fee. In this scenario, hunt for the card with the most forgiving interest rate on advances, as this will be your biggest cost.

Finally, regardless of fees or rates, your plan is moot if the card's cash advance limit is too low. Before anything else, confirm that the card allows you to withdraw the amount you need. If a card's limit is only a few hundred dollars and you need a few thousand, it's the wrong card for the job, no matter how favorable its other terms are.

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Maximize Your Return with Cash Advance

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To get the most out of every dollar you spend, here are some expert strategies for pairing your credit card rewards with Cash Advance:

• Stack your rewards: Use a rewards credit card for your purchases on the Cash Advance platform to earn both cash back from the app and points or miles from your card on the same transaction.
• Choose the right card: Select a credit card that offers a high rewards rate in the categories you shop for most often through Cash Advance to multiply your earnings.
• Redeem rewards wisely: Maximize the value of your credit card points by transferring them to high-value airline or hotel partners instead of simply redeeming for cash back at a lower rate.
• Meet welcome offer spending: Strategically use Cash Advance for planned large purchases to help meet the minimum spending requirement for a lucrative new cardmember welcome offer.

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Other Things to Consider

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When considering a cash advance, it's crucial to look beyond the immediate fees and interest rates to your overall financial strategy. For a large, one-time purchase, a store-specific credit card could offer promotional financing that beats a cash advance, but watch out for their steep standard APRs once the intro period ends. It's also worth comparing against "Buy Now, Pay Later" (BNPL) services, which can be a lower-cost alternative for certain transactions. Regardless of the path you choose, disciplined debt management is non-negotiable; always have a clear repayment plan. Effectively juggling these options—cash, credit, and BNPL—within your budget is the key to avoiding a spiral of costly debt.

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Our Methodology

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We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.

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Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a credit card cash advance?

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A credit card cash advance is a short-term loan taken against your credit card's limit. You can typically get one from an ATM or a bank, or by using a convenience check provided by your card issuer.

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How much does a cash advance cost?

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Cash advances are expensive, usually incurring an immediate fee of 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn. They also come with a high APR that begins accruing interest right away, with no grace period.

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Does a cash advance hurt my credit score?

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While a cash advance does not directly impact your credit score, it can indirectly harm it by increasing your credit utilization ratio. A higher utilization ratio is often viewed negatively and can lower your score.

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