What counts as a cash advance?

ATM withdrawals, bank over-the-counter cash, casino chips/gambling, cryptocurrency purchases, money orders, wire transfers. Some cards treat PayPal transfers as cash advances too.

Why is cash advance so expensive?

Banks consider it high-risk - you're essentially borrowing cash with limited ability to recover if you default. The high fees and rates are meant to discourage the behavior.

Are there cheaper alternatives?

Almost anything: bank overdraft, personal loan, borrowing from family, even some buy-now-pay-later for bills. Cash advances should be absolute last resort.

§ Tool · tier 1 · independent

Cash Advance Calculator.

Calculate the true cost of credit card cash advances and ATM withdrawals

CalculatorFree, no signupOn-deviceupd May 2026

Inputs

Your numbers

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Move the sliders or type in the form on the left — the math updates live as you go. Click Get AI verdict when you want a written analysis.

Cash advances are one of the most expensive ways to borrow money. No interest-free period, high rates, and immediate fees. This calculator shows you the true cost.

§ Worked examples

Real-world scenarios

Emergency $500 Cash Advance

$500 cash advance at 22% rate, 3% fee ($15), repaid in 30 days.

Inputs

amount:500rate:22fee:3days:30

Fee: $15. Interest for 30 days: $9.04. Total cost: $24.04 for borrowing $500 for one month. That's an effective rate of over 57% p.a.!

§ FAQ

Questions Australians ask

§ Glossary

Plain-English definitions

Cash Advance

Withdrawing cash from your credit card - treated as a loan with immediate interest.

Cash Advance Rate

A higher interest rate that applies to cash withdrawals, typically 22-25%.

Cash Equivalent

Transactions treated like cash: casino chips, crypto purchases, money orders, some BPAY.

§ Pair it with

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Foreign Transaction

Overseas ATM costs

How to use

01Enter the cash amount you need
02Add your card's cash advance rate
03Include the fee percentage and minimum
04Add any ATM fees
05See the total cost

Key info

Cash advance rates are typically 22-25% (higher than purchase rate)
NO interest-free period - interest starts immediately
Fees typically 2-4% or $3-5 minimum, whichever is higher
Interest compounds daily on cash advances

Pro tips

Avoid cash advances whenever possible
Consider alternatives: bank overdraft, personal loan, even PayDay loans can be cheaper
If you must use, pay back immediately
Check if BPAY payments count as cash advances (some do)

Avoid these

Thinking cash advances have interest-free period (they don't)
Not realizing some transactions count as cash advances
Using credit card abroad at ATMs (double hit: advance + forex)
Letting cash advance balance sit while paying regular purchases

Disclaimer: Estimates only. Interest rates, fees and policies change frequently. Always verify with lenders directly. General information, not personal financial advice.

Last updated · May 2026