About the Cash Advance Calculator
This cash advance calculator shows what it really costs to withdraw cash with a credit card. Enter the amount, your card’s cash advance fee (a percentage with a dollar minimum), the cash advance APR, any ATM operator fee, and how many days until you repay it.
Cash advances are expensive for three reasons: an upfront fee (often 3%–5% or $10, whichever is more), a cash APR that is usually higher than the purchase APR, and no grace period — interest starts the day you take the cash. The calculator adds all three and converts the total into an effective annual rate so you can compare it with alternatives like a personal loan, an overdraft or an employer pay advance.
Interest is estimated as simple daily interest on the amount withdrawn (APR ÷ 365 × days). Card terms vary, so check the cash advance section of your card agreement for the exact fee and rate.
With the default inputs, the total cost of the cash advance is $40.32. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the cash advance calculator
- 1Enter how much cash you plan to take out.
- 2Enter the cash advance fee percentage and minimum fee from your card agreement.
- 3Enter the cash advance APR (often several points above the purchase APR).
- 4Enter the ATM operator fee and how many days until you can repay.
- 5Compare the total cost and effective APR with other ways to borrow.
Formula and method
The cash advance fee is the larger of the percentage fee and the minimum dollar fee, and is charged immediately. Interest starts on the transaction date because cash advances have no grace period; here it is estimated as simple daily interest at the cash APR divided by 365. Any ATM operator fee is added on top.
The effective annual cost spreads the fee, interest and ATM charge over the days you borrow the money and scales it to a year, which is why short advances look so expensive. Some issuers compound daily or charge interest on the fee as well, so actual costs may be slightly higher.
- amount
- Cash withdrawn
- fee%
- Cash advance fee percentage
- APR
- Cash advance annual percentage rate
- days
- Days from withdrawal until repaid
Worked examples
$500 for 30 days at 29.99%
The 5% fee on $500 is $25. Interest at 29.99% for 30 days is $500 × 0.2999 ÷ 365 × 30 = $12.32, and the ATM adds $3. The $40.32 total is about 8% of the cash for one month — an effective rate of roughly 98% a year.
Small $150 advance for 45 days
Because 5% of $150 is only $7.50, the $10 minimum fee applies. Adding $5.18 of interest and a $3.50 ATM fee makes $18.68 — an effective annual cost of about 101%.
$2,000 for 60 days with a 3% fee
A 3% fee costs $60 and two months of interest at 25.99% adds $85.45, for $145.45 in total. Spread over 60 days, the effective annual cost is about 44%.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cash advance cost?+
Typically a fee of 3%–5% of the amount (or $10, whichever is greater), plus interest at the cash APR from the day you withdraw, plus any ATM fee. A $500 advance repaid in 30 days at 29.99% costs about $40.
Is there a grace period on cash advances?+
No. Unlike purchases, cash advances start accruing interest immediately on the transaction date, even if you pay your statement balance in full.
Does a cash advance hurt my credit score?+
The advance itself is not reported separately, but it increases your card balance and therefore your credit utilization, which can lower your score until it is repaid.
Are cash advance APRs higher than purchase APRs?+
Usually, yes. Many cards charge a cash APR several percentage points above the purchase APR, often near 30%. Your card agreement lists the cash advance APR separately.
What are cheaper alternatives to a cash advance?+
Options include a small personal loan or credit union payday-alternative loan, an employer earned-wage advance, a 0% purchase card used directly for the expense, or negotiating a payment plan with the biller.
Results are estimates for educational purposes and are not financial advice. Rates, fees and terms vary — confirm with your lender or a licensed advisor before making decisions.