Cash advances are one of the most expensive ways to borrow money. But sometimes you need cash, and a credit card is what you have. The good news is that some cards are far less painful than others when it comes to cash advance fees, APRs, and daily limits.
Here are the features to look for — and why a cash advance app is almost always a smarter first stop. (For our deep walkthrough of the major issuer-specific cash-advance terms, see our Chase credit card cash advance guide and our Citibank credit card cash advance guide.)
Klover
Klover
Need cash before payday? Klover gives you instant access to up to $250 with no credit check, no interest, and no late fees. Earn points through surveys, receipt scanning, and daily activities to unlock higher advance amounts.
Standout feature
Up to $250 cash advance with no interest or credit check. Free standard delivery.
Fees
Free (optional instant delivery fee)
Pros
No interest or required fees. Quick access to cash advances. Multiple ways to earn points and unlock higher limits.
Cons
Points system can be grindy with ads and games required.
What Makes a Credit Card "Cash-Advance Friendly"?
Every cash advance comes with two main costs: a fee and a separate, higher APR that starts accruing interest immediately. A friendlier card minimizes both.
Look for:
- Lower cash advance fee — typically 3% to 5%, with a minimum of $5 to $10.
- Lower cash advance APR — most cards charge 25% to 30%+, but a few stay under 25%.
- Reasonable daily ATM limit — $500 to $1,000 is common.
Perks like cash back or rewards almost never apply to cash advances, so focus on cost.
Cards That Are Better Than Average for Cash Advances
No credit card is "good" for cash advances in the rewards sense. These simply cost less than the typical option:
- Discover it Cash Back — among the lower cash-advance APRs on mainstream cards with a transparent fee structure.
- PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa — credit unions often charge lower advance fees; PenFed is a strong example.
- Navy Federal cashRewards Card — low fee for military members and family.
- DCU Visa Platinum — Digital Federal Credit Union keeps advance fees modest.
- Capital One Quicksilver — competitive APR among mass-market issuers.
If you're a credit union member, your own institution is often the cheapest route.
Smarter Alternatives to a Credit Card Cash Advance
Before you tap your credit card, try:
- Cash advance apps like Klover, Earnin, or Dave — usually $0-$5 in fees, no interest. Our apps like Dave roundup compares the five biggest options on fees and limits.
- A personal loan from a credit union — much lower rates for bigger amounts.
- Asking your employer for a pay advance — often free.
- Selling unused items — faster than expected.
Each of these costs far less than a 25%+ APR cash advance with an upfront fee.
How to Minimize the Cost If You Must Take One
- Take the smallest amount you actually need.
- Pay it back the same day or within a few days if possible.
- Don't use the card for new purchases until the advance is paid off — payments go to the lowest-APR balance first, keeping your advance balance accruing interest longer.
- Avoid convenience checks, which often have higher fees.
Learn more about what a cash advance actually is and how it differs from a regular purchase.
MoneyLion
MoneyLion
Compare personal loan offers from top providers in minutes with no credit score impact with the MoneyLion Marketplace.
Standout feature
Soft-pull marketplace that surfaces prequalified personal loan offers from a network of lenders, with options up to $100,000 and partners that work with fair and bad credit
Fees
Free to use the marketplace
Pros
Compare multiple lender offers in minutes; soft credit pull to prequalify — no impact on your score
Cons
Final approval requires a hard pull from the chosen lender
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the typical cash advance fee on a credit card? Most credit cards charge 3-5% of the withdrawal amount, with a minimum of $5-10. On a $300 cash advance, you'd pay $9-15 in fees plus interest that starts immediately.
Is there a grace period on credit card cash advances? No. Unlike purchases, cash advances start accruing interest on day one with no grace period — on any credit card. This is why they're so expensive even for small amounts.
Does taking a cash advance hurt my credit score? Yes, indirectly. A cash advance raises your credit utilization immediately, which can lower your score. Lingering balances at 25%+ APR can also make it harder to pay down debt, keeping utilization high for months.
What's the cheapest way to get emergency cash besides a credit card? Cash advance apps like Klover, Dave, or Earnin typically charge $0-$5 with no interest. Credit union emergency loans and employer pay advances are also significantly cheaper than any credit card cash advance.
Which types of lenders have the best cash advance terms? Credit unions consistently offer the lowest cash advance fees and APRs. Navy Federal, PenFed, and digital credit unions like DCU charge 1-3% fees versus the 3-5% on most bank cards. If you're a credit union member, always check there first.
The Bottom Line
A cash advance should be a true last resort. If you need one, pick a credit union card or a low-fee issuer, borrow the minimum, and pay it off as fast as possible. A cash advance app will almost always be cheaper.
