Money 101: Can I use a credit card at an ATM?

Ever wondered if you can slide your credit card into an ATM and get cash out? You totally can, but it's like opening a Pandora's box of rules, perks, and pitfalls. Let's demystify this and keep you from stepping into any financial quicksand.

Can credit cards be used at ATMs?

Technically, yes—with a but. Your credit card can bail you out with a cash advance from most ATMs. But, and it's a significant but, make sure you're cool with the extra costs this move can rack up.

Benefits and drawbacks of using a credit card at an ATM

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Benefits

• Instant cash: Perfect for those "Oh no!" moments when you're caught without cash. This is a good option in a true emergency.

• Convenience: It offers a quick solution when traveling abroad or in situations where debit cards aren't accepted.

Drawbacks

• High fees: Cash advances come with hefty fees, including withdrawal fees and higher interest rates compared to standard purchases—typically between 3% and 5%. 

• No grace period: Interest on cash advances starts accruing immediately, unlike purchases that might have a grace period.

• Potential impact on credit score: High utilization of your credit limit can negatively affect your credit score.

Fees associated with the transaction

Here's the breakdown of common fees associated with using a credit card at an ATM:

• Cash advance fee: This is charged by your credit card issuer and is typically 3-5% of the amount withdrawn or a flat fee, whichever is higher.

• Withdrawal fee: Charged by the ATM owner and varies depending on location.

• Interest rate: Interest rates for cash advances are typically higher than for purchases and accrue immediately. This can range from 20% to 30% or more.

• Currency conversion fee: Withdrawing cash in a foreign currency can incur additional fees for currency conversion.

Withdrawing cash: The process and limits

To withdraw cash using a credit card at an ATM:

1. Insert your credit card into the ATM.

2. Enter your PIN (you may need to set this up beforehand with your bank).

3. Follow the prompts to select a cash advance and enter the amount of cash needed.

Be aware of your cash advance limit, which is usually lower than your overall credit limit. Exceeding this limit can result in declined transactions and additional fees.

Tips for using a credit card at an ATM

1. Understand your terms: Know your cash advance limit, fees, and interest rates before using your credit card at an ATM.

2. Use sparingly: Reserve cash advances for emergencies due to the high costs involved.

3. Pay off quickly: To minimize interest charges, pay off the cash advance as soon as possible.

4. Check for foreign transaction fees: If traveling abroad, choose a credit card that has low or no foreign transaction fees.

5. Keep it secure: As with any ATM transaction, be mindful of your surroundings and protect your PIN.

Using your credit card at an ATM? Yes, it's a handy option, but it comes with expensive strings attached. Knowing the ins and outs, and using this feature wisely, can help you keep your finances healthy and avoid any unpleasant surprises.

For more fun family activities and financial learning experiences, visit the Greenlight Learning Center.

This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.