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Most credit cards give you the ability to get cash or a "cash equivalent" using your account. Known as "cash advances", these transactions often attract a higher interest rate than purchases, as well as additional cash advance fees. Cash advances come with other restrictions as well, such as not being eligible for interest-free days or rewards points.
Here, you'll find out more about credit card cash advance transactions, including examples of payments that may be defined as "cash advances", how to check the rates and fees that apply and what to think about before using your card for a cash advance.
Credit card providers have individual terms of the transactions that they define as "cash advances". These are some examples of transactions that may be classified as cash advances and attract the cash advance rate and fees.
If you often use your credit card for cash advance transactions, you may want to look at credit cards that charge the same interest rate for purchases and cash advances. While you'll still have to pay the cash advance fee, these types of cards make it easier to keep track of the interest charges and sometimes offer lower rates than other credit cards.
Most credit card issuers will charge both a cash advance fee and cash advance interest rate for applicable transactions. Details of the cash advance interest rate are also included in the "Key Facts Summary" that credit card issuers have to provide when you're looking at a new card.
If you already have a credit card and want to know what you'll be charged, you can usually find these details in the product disclosure statement or terms and conditions under "fees and charges". But if you’re unsure or can't find this information, contact your credit card issuer to confirm what rates and fees apply before choosing a credit card or using one for cash advances.
If you plan on using your credit card for cash advances, consider the following questions to help keep costs to a minimum:
Credit cards generally aren’t designed to be used as an ATM card. So if you think that you’ll regularly perform cash advances, you may want to consider another option to avoid accruing high fees. Regardless, make sure to read the terms and conditions before applying to ensure that you’re not confronted with any nasty surprises when you get your hands on the card.
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I recently paid a $600 deposit on a cruise in Portugal by credit card. The merchant in Portugal used Hipay (a European version of Paypal I believe). My bank here (and the bank of another couple from the USA travelling with us) treated the payment as a cash advance, with fees and interest charges. My bank has subsequently refunded the fees as a one off goodwill gesture but our bank, the merchant and Hipay all say it is not their problem. The $1400 balance to be paid will presumably be treated the same. Can you shed any light on what is going on? Thanks
Hi Ian,
Thank you for getting in touch with Finder.
Sorry to hear your confusion on this matter.
In Australia, some credit card companies might also consider your BPAY payments – like Hipay, as cash advance. If it is something new to you it is recommended that you keep in touch with your bank/credit card issuer on this matter. As per this page you’re looking at, it is a good practice to always check with your issuer and the business you’re paying if your credit card transaction would be charged as a cash advance or purchase.
I hope this helps.
Thank you and have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Jeni
Sometimes I overpay my credit card and have excess funds in my account i.e. a positive balance for example $100.00 CR. Would I be charged a cash advance fee to withdraw the $100.00 of what is essentially my own cash from an ATM?
Hi Adrian,
Thanks for your inquiry
No, it will not be considered as a cash advance and you will not be charged for it.
Depending on your credit card company, as soon as an overpayment on a completely paid down balance is received, that amount is often credited immediately to your account. If you didn’t get a credit (or if you did, but haven’t used it), write to your credit card company to request a refund. Also, some companies may allow you to request a refund by phone, so be sure to check with your issuer.
If you prefer to leave the overpaid amount in your account, it’s like having a credit in your favor. Any new charges, up to the amount you overpaid, will be covered.
Hope this information helps
Cheers,
Arnold
Are there any credit cards that DO NOT have the option for cash advance? I want a credit card that does not have this facility.
Hi Dan!
Thanks for your message and for contacting finder.
All credit cards have the option of cash advances. You may opt not to use this if you think its not of any use to you. :)
Have a great day!
Best regards,
Nikki
Is there any form of cash advance fee or other fees associated with a direct debit plan from a credit card, ie for health insurance, telstra bills etc?
I have traditionally used a debit card for my direct debit plans and did not receive a fee, but recently I got a home loan so i am finding it easier to use the credit card and pay it off prior to my billing period (so i can put all my money into the loan as i don’t have an offset account). So I just wanted to grantee that I would not cop any extra associated fees using a credit card?
Thanks
Hi Norman,
Thanks for your question.
The transaction that can be treated as a “purchase” or a “cash advance” will actually differ from one credit card to another. But usually, if the payment, for instance, for your bills or loan was directly debited by the merchant/company from your card, that will not be considered as a cash advance but rather as a purchase, so no cash advance fees will be charged to your card.
It may be best to directly contact your merchant on how they charge their bill to your card. An advice from your card company will also help.
Cheers,
May
When you pay interest on cash advance how is it treated in future statements?
Lets say I have $1000 cash advance. It probably has a 1.75% cash advance fee so about $17.50. And one months interest might be around $20.
Then I make $20 minimum repayment. It goes to highest interest first. So I now have $980 in cash advances. Is the $17.50 and $20 rolled into that amount and charged cash advance rates? Or are interest and fees considered as purchase rate?
Hi Brian, thanks for your inquiry!
Since the charges mentioned are under cash advances, your repayment of $20 will go towards the total outstanding cash advance amount. If you make purchases a separate interest amount is charged on the total amount of outstanding purchases. Using your example with a $1000 cash advance and a cash advance interest amount of $17.50, your total cash advance debt is $1017.50. A repayment of $20 will bring the new total to $997.50.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Do i get stung with a cash advance fee if i transfer money from my account to an online casino account. Or if an online casino transfers my to my account via bank transfer, its the first time I’ve come across this. 6 × in row on my bank statement & $35.99, 6 Times
Hi Brodie,
Thanks for your question.
Gambling transactions are sometimes considered cash advances, though what is considered a cash advance is often determined by the card issuer. So without knowing which card you’re using, we can’t confirm this for sure. Instead, I would suggest that you contact your issuer directly to confirm whether online casino transactions are considered cash advances.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
Reply to sally i spoke with banking rep, & she followed up on querie & noticed that they were debit card cash advances times 6, There is no such thing as a debit card cash advance only credit card. Now ive searched right back to july & theres more, ive searched via google on a specific name thats done these unauthorised transactions,a certain page that caught my interest had that specific name linked to these transactions, i go to open it up & my WI FI cuts out, Then my device starts sending me warnings saying my WI FI & private info is under threat to from hackings,, This is totally new to me should i be worried because its under investigation..
Hi Brodie,
Thanks for following this up.
It’d be best to report these findings with both your credit card issuer and internet issuer to resolve the issue.
If you’re receive messages that either your credit card or internet connection are under security threats, it’s best to notify your issuers as soon as possible.
We’re sorry we can’t provide you with further assistance.
Cheers,
Sally
I am about to purchase small car and I have credit card which have current promotion of 15 months 0% interest purchase. Now if I pay car invoice via credit card will that be considered as cash advance?
Hi Jay,
Thanks for your question.
Invoices aren’t usually considered cash advances. However, you’d do best to contact your issuer to confirm whether they consider invoices cash advances just to be sure.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
can i use my credit card to pay bond on a rental and is that a cash advance?
Hi Cathy,
Thanks for your inquiry.
Yes, you can pay your bond on a rental using a credit card and that would be considered as a cash advance since it is a cash substitute transaction. You may want to confirm this with your credit card provider and the business you are paying to find out if your transaction will be considered a cash advance. You may also revisit the product disclosure statement and terms and conditions to ensure that you got everything covered on your transactions.
You can find out more information on our guide to credit card cash advance transactions which includes examples of payments that may be defined as cash advances.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Ally
I was thinking about paying a house bond on eftpos using my credit card. Is that a cash advance? Thanks
Hi Sher,
Thanks for your question.
Yes, this would be considered a cash advance since it is a cash substitute transaction. Please check this guide for the important things to consider about cash advances in credit cards.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Jonathan
I wanted to make a purchase but the seller does not take credit card. I got a loan from Tesco bank to pay the seller but wondered if I could pay the loan off within the cancellation period using an interest free Tesco credit card. That way I can pay the credit card off before the 0% interest runs out. However, if I use a credit card to pay a loan is that classed as a purchase or cash advance?
Hi Vickey, thanks for your inquiry!
Generally loans from a bank/ lender cannot be paid off using a credit card from the same bank/ lender. Please see the following link for lenders who support balance transferring a loan to a credit card.
Cheers,
Jonathan