The Indigo Platinum Mastercard is aimed at people rebuilding credit, often after a bankruptcy. It can be a useful tradeline, but taking a cash advance from it is one of the most expensive ways to get cash. Before you withdraw, understand what you're actually signing up for.
Here's a straightforward guide. (For a wider survey of which credit cards are least painful for cash advances, see our best credit cards for cash advances roundup.)
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.
About the Indigo Platinum Mastercard
Indigo is a rebuilder card designed for people with limited or damaged credit. It comes with a modest credit limit, an annual fee in many cases, and a high APR compared to mainstream cards. It's typically not a rewards card; it's a rebuilding card. If you're still deciding whether Indigo is the right entry point versus other thin-credit options, our roundup of credit cards easy to get with no credit compares Indigo to similar rebuilder picks side by side.
Because it's subprime, Indigo's cash advance terms lean toward the expensive end of the scale. Indigo and Credit One occupy the same subprime niche; for the issuer-by-issuer breakdown of how Credit One prices an ATM cash advance, see our Credit One cash advance guide. The Milestone Mastercard sits in the same rebuilder bucket and prices cash advances similarly — our Milestone credit card cash advance guide walks through that issuer's specific fee and APR if you also carry one.
Indigo Cash Advance Fees and APR
Indigo's exact terms can vary based on your specific approval and cardholder agreement. In general, expect:
- Cash advance fee: around 3% to 5% of the amount, with a minimum of about $5–$10.
- Cash advance APR: commonly in the very high range, around 29% to 36% or more.
- Daily ATM limit: typically $200–$500.
- Cash advance limit: a portion of your overall credit line, often 20%–30%.
Read your Indigo cardholder agreement for the exact fees that apply to your card.
How to Take a Cash Advance
If you decide to go through with it:
- Get a PIN — if you don't have one, request a PIN through your Indigo account before going to the ATM.
- Use any ATM that accepts Mastercard — insert your card, enter your PIN, and select credit card cash advance.
- Over-the-counter — some banks allow a teller cash advance on a Mastercard with ID.
Expect both the Indigo fee and possibly an ATM network fee.
Why It's Rarely Worth It
Because the Indigo Platinum has a relatively low credit limit, a $200 cash advance can instantly push your utilization above 50%. High utilization hurts your credit score — the opposite of what you're trying to do with a rebuilding card.
On top of that, immediate interest accrual at a near-30% APR means even a small cash advance can balloon quickly if you don't pay it off fast. If a missed payment or jump in utilization later triggers an adverse action notice from another lender, our guide to what an adverse action notice means for a credit card explains the response timeline and your appeal options.
Better Alternatives
Before you take a cash advance from an Indigo card, look at:
- Cash advance apps like Dave, Earnin, or Brigit. Our apps like Dave roundup compares the major options on fees, limits, and eligibility.
- A small personal loan from a credit union.
- Borrowing from a friend or family member.
- Selling unused items or picking up a short-term gig.
- Asking the biller for a payment extension.
Any of these options will usually cost less and keep your utilization where it belongs.
If You Must Do It
Follow these rules to limit the damage:
- Take only the minimum amount you actually need.
- Pay it back as fast as possible — ideally before the statement closes.
- Don't make new purchases on the Indigo card until the advance is paid off.
- Keep an eye on your utilization so your score doesn't tank.
You can read our broader guide on what a cash advance is and how it works for more context.
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard. Prequalify* For Up To $1000 Credit Limit. No security deposit. Packed with great benefits, it’s designed to give you more flexibility—and purchasing power—along with up to 3% cash back rewards!** Good anywhere Mastercard is accepted, it’s the go-to card for any lifestyle.
Standout feature
Up to 3% cashback rewards
Fees
$49 to $175; after that $0 to $49 annually; - $60 to $159 annually billed at $5 to $12.50 per month after the first year.
Pros
No Deposit Required. Prequalify for up to $1000 credit limit
Cons
High APR. 25.74% to 36%, based on your creditworthiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Indigo charge for a cash advance? Indigo charges 3-5% of the amount ($5-10 minimum) plus an APR around 29-36%. On a $200 withdrawal, you pay $6-10 in fees, plus interest that starts immediately.
Does Indigo have a grace period for cash advances? No. Unlike purchases (which have a grace period), cash advances start accruing interest immediately. There's no way to avoid interest on Indigo cash advances.
Can I get a cash advance at a bank teller with my Indigo card? Some banks allow teller cash advances on Mastercard. Call your bank's teller line to ask. You'll still pay Indigo's fee and may pay an additional bank fee.
How much will a $100 Indigo cash advance cost if I pay it back in a month? With a 5% fee ($5) and 30% APR ($2.50 interest over one month), total cost is roughly $7.50, or 7.5% of the amount borrowed.
Will a cash advance damage my Indigo credit score? Yes. Utilization reports immediately. A $100 advance on a $300 limit jumps you to 33% utilization, which damages your score even if you pay it back next week.
The Bottom Line
Indigo Platinum cash advances are expensive and can undo the credit progress you're trying to make. Use the card for planned purchases you pay off in full, and handle cash emergencies through cheaper channels.
