What is Cash Advance & How Does it Work?

Emergencies can strike at any time—a sudden medical bill, urgent home repair, or an unexpected cash crunch before payday. In such moments, access to immediate funds can be critical. One credit card feature designed for such situations is the cash advance.

A cash advance allows you to withdraw cash using your credit card, offering instant liquidity when you need it most. While convenient, this feature comes with costs and implications that you should fully understand before using it. Let’s delve deeper to explore how cash advances work, their pros and cons, and how to use them responsibly.

What is a Cash Advance?

A cash advance is a feature offered by most credit cards, allowing users to withdraw physical cash. However, unlike regular card transactions, cash advances often carry additional fees and higher interest rates, making them a more expensive form of credit.

Key Features of a Cash Advance:

Immediate Cash Access: Enables quick withdrawals from ATMs or direct bank transfers.
PIN Requirement: Requires your credit card PIN for ATM transactions.
Associated Costs: Includes fees and higher interest rates compared to standard purchases.
No Grace Period: Interest starts accruing the moment the transaction is processed.

How Do Cash Advances Work?

Understanding how cash advances work can help you use this feature wisely. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Initiating a Cash Advance:
- Use your credit card at an ATM or request a bank transfer (based on your card issuer’s options).
- Ensure you have your credit card PIN for ATM transactions.
Cash Advance Limit:
- This is usually lower than your total credit card limit.
- For example, if your credit limit is ₹1,00,000, the cash advance limit might be set at ₹20,000.
Transaction Completion:
- If withdrawing cash from an ATM, the funds will be dispensed, and the amount will be deducted from your cash advance limit.
- In the case of a bank transfer, funds are deposited directly into your account.

Costs Associated with Cash Advances

Cash advances are one of the most expensive credit card features. Here are the key charges to be aware of:

1. Interest Rates:

Interest rates for cash advances are significantly higher than those for regular transactions.
Unlike standard purchases, cash advances do not offer a grace period—interest starts accruing immediately.

2. Cash Advance Fee:

Typically, this is either a fixed amount or a percentage of the withdrawn amount.
For instance, if you withdraw ₹10,000 and the fee is 2.5%, you’ll pay ₹250 as a cash advance fee.

3. ATM or Bank Fees:

Additional charges may apply if you use an ATM for the transaction, particularly if it’s from another bank.

Impact on Credit Score

While cash advances don’t directly impact your credit score, they can have indirect effects:

1. Increased Credit Utilisation Ratio:

The credit utilisation ratio is the proportion of your available credit that you use.
A high cash advance amount can increase this ratio, which may negatively affect your credit score.

2. Potential Credit Score Impact:

If the amount is not repaid promptly, it could lead to missed payments or higher utilisation over time, lowering your Credit score.

Cash Advance vs Credit Card Purchase: Key Differences

Credit cards offer two primary ways to access funds: cash advances and swiping or online purchases. They differ significantly in costs, terms, and ideal uses. Here are the details:

Features	Cash Advance	Credit Card Purchase
Interest Rate	There is no grace period, so you have to pay interest from the date of the transaction unless the card has a special no-interest introductory offer	Usually comes with a 20 to 60 days interest-free period, where interest is only accrued if you do not pay the bill on time in full
Fees	Usually same or higher than credit card overdue interest rates	Usually the same or lower than cash advance interest rates
Rewards / Cashback	Rare	Offers you the opportunity to earn reward points or cashback
Risk Perception	Frequent use may signal higher risk to issuers	Using card to its limit every billing cycle or not paying bills on time signals risk and may lower credit card
Use	During emergencies	Everyday spending

Pros and Cons of Cash Advances

Before opting for a cash advance, weigh its advantages and disadvantages:

Pros	Cons
Instant access to cash during emergencies.	High interest rates and cash advance fees.
Convenient withdrawal from ATMs.	Immediate interest accrual without a grace period.
No separate credit checks are required.	Potential credit score impact due to increased utilisation.
No need for complex documentation or approvals.	Limits are lower than regular credit limits.

Alternatives to Cash Advances

In non-emergency situations, consider these more cost-effective alternatives:

1. Personal Loans:

Generally have lower interest rates compared to cash advances.
Offer flexible repayment terms and higher borrowing limits.

2. Overdraft Facility:

Allows you to withdraw more than your account balance up to a specified limit.
Interest rates are usually lower than those for cash advances.

3. Emergency Savings:

If you have an emergency fund, using it can help avoid the costs associated with cash advances.

Responsible Use of Cash Advances

If you decide to use a cash advance, follow these tips to minimise financial strain:

Reserve It for True Emergencies: Use cash advances only when no other options are available.
Understand the Costs: Be fully aware of the interest rates, fees, and other charges.
Repay Promptly: Plan to repay the amount as quickly as possible to reduce interest accrual.
Check Your Limit: Stay within your cash advance limit to avoid additional penalties.

How to Access a Cash Advance

Using the cash advance feature on your credit card is relatively straightforward:

Visit an ATM that accepts credit cards.
Insert your credit card and enter your PIN.
Select the "Cash Advance" option and specify the amount.
Confirm the transaction and collect the cash.

Alternatively, some issuers allow online transfers directly into your bank account. Check with your bank for specific options.

When Should You Avoid Cash Advances?

Cash advances may not always be the best option. Avoid using this feature in the following scenarios:

For Non-Emergency Expenses: Opt for a personal loan or planned savings instead.
To Pay Off Other Debt: Using a cash advance to settle another credit card bill or loan can lead to a debt spiral.
As a Regular Credit Option: High costs make cash advances unsuitable for routine expenses.

A cash advance can be a helpful financial tool during emergencies, providing instant access to funds when you need them the most. However, it comes with high costs, including steep interest rates, fees, and potential credit score implications.

Before opting for a cash advance, consider alternatives like personal loans or overdrafts, which may be more affordable and flexible. If you do use a cash advance, ensure responsible usage by repaying the amount promptly and understanding all associated costs.

By approaching cash advances with caution and planning, you can avoid unnecessary financial strain while addressing urgent cash needs effectively.

Also Read: How to Tackle Unplanned Expenses Smartly with a Credit Card

Tips to Minimise Cash Advance Costs and Interest

With the help of a cash advance, you can get financial support during an emergency. Due to this benefit, even with high fees and interest rates, a cash advance may be the ideal last resort. You can reduce costs by following these steps:

Borrow the Minimum

Withdraw only the amount you truly need. A small amount means lower fees and interest. Consider a cash advance as a short-term loan with a high interest rate.

Repay as Soon as Possible

Cash advances do not offer any grace period like a regular credit card purchase does. That means that the Interest charges will count immediately after the transaction. Pay off the advance as soon as possible. Aim to repay in days, not weeks.

Check Your Statement

Review your credit card statement to know the interest rate applicable to your cash advance and the due dates. Plan your repayment accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a cash advance on a credit card?

It is a short-term loan from your credit card issuer. Through it, you can borrow up to your credit card’s cash advance limit. This limit may be lower than the regular card limit.

2. How does a cash advance work in India?

The process is similar to using a debit card. You can use your credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM or bank branch using your credit card PIN. This is a service only offered to eligible cardholders.

3. What are the fees associated with a cash advance?

It typically includes a flat cash advance fee of 2.5% to 3% of the amount withdrawn. It also attracts interest charges, and some cards may also levy an ATM fee.

4. How does a cash advance affect my credit score?

It will not directly affect your credit score, but it has some financial implications. High interest rates and fees may make credit card debt management more difficult. This can damage your credit score if you do not pay dues on time.

5. What are the safer alternatives to a cash advance?

Instead of withdrawing cash using your credit card, you can opt for:

EMI conversion of large payments
Taking a personal loan
Using money in your emergency fund
Taking a small overdraft facility against your salary or a fixed deposit

This information is provided solely for general informational purposes and does not constitute advice of any kind. OneConsumer Services Pvt. Ltd is not liable for any direct or indirect damages or losses that may result from decisions made based on this content. Please consult a professional advisor before making any decisions.