You can transfer money from a credit card to a bank account, but it costs money and counts as a cash advance

Yes, you can move funds from a credit card to a checking or savings account. The money arrives in your bank account within one to three business days. But this is not the same as spending on the card—it triggers a cash advance, which means higher fees and interest rates than regular purchases.

A cash advance typically costs 3 to 5 percent of the amount you transfer, charged upfront. Interest starts accruing when ready—there is no grace period like there is for purchases. The interest rate on cash advances is usually 2 to 3 percentage points higher than your regular purchase rate. If your card charges 18 percent APR on purchases, the cash advance rate might be 21 percent.

The three main ways to move money are a balance transfer check, an ATM withdrawal, or a third-party app or service that your card issuer offers. Each has different costs and timing.

Key Takeaways

  • Cash advances from credit cards cost 3 to 5 percent upfront and charge interest when ready, with no grace period.
  • Balance transfer checks arrive in your mailbox and you deposit them like any other check, taking three to seven business days total.
  • ATM withdrawals are the fastest way to get cash but charge the same fees and interest as other cash advances.
  • Some card issuers offer apps or online transfers directly to your bank, which may have lower fees than checks or ATM withdrawals.
  • The interest you pay on a cash advance is not tax-deductible, even if you use the money for a business or investment.

Balance transfer checks: the most common method

Many card issuers mail you checks that draw directly from your credit line. You write the check to yourself, deposit it into your bank account like a regular check, and the amount posts to your credit card as a cash advance. The check arrives within five to ten business days of your request, and the deposit clears in another one to three business days.

Balance transfer checks usually carry the same 3 to 5 percent fee as other cash advances, though some issuers waive the fee for the first 30 or 60 days after you open the account. Read the terms on the check itself—they print the fee percentage and any promotional period right there.

To request checks, call the customer service number on the back of your card or log into your online account. Most issuers let you order them through the app or website. You can usually request them anytime, and they arrive unsolicited in batches of four to six checks.

ATM withdrawals: fastest but not cheapest

You can withdraw cash directly from an ATM using your credit card, just as you would with a debit card. The money is in your hand when ready. You then deposit it into your bank account or transfer it electronically if your bank accepts mobile check deposit.

ATM withdrawals charge the same cash advance fee as checks—typically 3 to 5 percent—plus a per-transaction fee of $2 to $5 if you use an out-of-network ATM. Interest starts the moment you withdraw, not when you deposit. If you withdraw $1,000 at 3 percent, you pay $30 upfront, then interest on the full $1,000 starting when ready.

This method makes sense only if you need the money the same day and have no other option. The speed advantage disappears once you factor in the deposit time and the extra fees.

Card issuer apps and online transfers

Some large issuers—Chase, Capital One, American Express, Discover—now offer direct transfers from your credit card to a linked bank account through their mobile app or website. You enter your bank account number, confirm the amount, and the money moves within one to three business days.

These transfers still count as cash advances and charge the standard fee. But some issuers have begun offering promotional periods—zero fees for the first 30 days, for example—or slightly lower fees than checks or ATM withdrawals. Check your card's app or call customer service to see if this option is available on your account.

The advantage is speed and convenience. You do not have to wait for checks to arrive or visit an ATM. The disadvantage is that the money leaves your credit card when ready, so you cannot change your mind once you confirm the transfer.

What happens to your credit score

A cash advance increases your credit utilization ratio—the percentage of your available credit you are using. If you have a $5,000 limit and transfer $1,000, your utilization jumps to 20 percent. This can lower your credit score by 5 to 50 points, depending on your current score and how much of your limit you use.

The impact is temporary. Once you pay down the balance, your utilization drops and your score recovers. But while the cash advance is outstanding, the higher utilization will show on your credit report and may affect your ability to get new credit.

Cash advances also do not earn rewards points or cash back, even if your card offers them on regular purchases. You pay the fee and interest with no benefit in return.

When a cash advance makes sense

A cash advance is worth considering only in specific situations. If you need money urgently and have no other source—no savings, no access to a personal loan, no friends or family to borrow from—and you can pay it back within a month or two, the total cost might be acceptable.

For example: you need $500 for a car repair. A cash advance costs $15 to $25 upfront. If you pay it back in 30 days, the interest is roughly $8 to $10. Total cost is $23 to $35. A payday loan or credit card cash advance from another card might cost more.

But if you cannot pay it back quickly, the interest compounds fast. Carry a $1,000 cash advance at 21 percent APR for six months and you pay roughly $105 in interest alone, on top of the $30 to $50 upfront fee. That is 13 to 15 percent of the original amount.

Alternatives to consider first

Before you take a cash advance, explore other options. A personal loan from a bank or credit union typically charges 6 to 36 percent APR with no upfront fee—often cheaper than a credit card cash advance. A 0 percent balance transfer offer from another card lets you move debt without cash advance fees, though the offer applies only to transfers from other cards, not to new cash.

If you need money in your bank account specifically, ask whether you can use your credit card to pay bills directly instead. Many utilities, insurance companies, and service providers accept credit card payments online. You avoid the cash advance fee and interest entirely.

A line of credit from your bank—separate from your credit card—usually charges lower interest and no upfront fee. If you have an existing relationship with your bank, this is often the cheapest option.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for money from a credit card to show up in my bank account?

Balance transfer checks take three to seven business days total—five to ten days for the check to arrive, then one to three days to clear after you deposit it. ATM withdrawals are when ready. Direct transfers through a card issuer's app or website usually post within one to three business days.

Can I transfer money from a credit card to a savings account instead of checking?

Yes. The destination account does not matter—the cash advance fee and interest explore the same way. Some banks process deposits to savings accounts more slowly than checking accounts, so confirm with your bank before you deposit.

What if I cannot pay back the cash advance right away?

The balance stays on your credit card and accrues interest at the cash advance rate, usually 2 to 3 points higher than your purchase rate. Make at least the minimum payment each month to avoid late fees. The longer you carry the balance, the more interest you pay.

Do I have to pay the cash advance fee even if I pay it back when ready?

Yes. The fee is charged upfront when you initiate the transfer, not when you pay it back. If you transfer $1,000 at 3 percent, you owe $30 the moment the transfer posts, regardless of how quickly you repay.

Can I use a credit card cash advance to pay off another credit card?

Technically yes, but it is expensive. You pay the cash advance fee and interest on the amount transferred. A balance transfer—moving debt directly from one card to another—is cheaper because many cards offer 0 percent APR on balance transfers for 6 to 21 months, with no cash advance fees.