The Finance Algorithm

Cash Advance Calculator

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

Updated October 2026Built and checked by MaverickHow it's calculatedReport an error

Your numbers

Updates as you type
$
$500
%
22%

Usually higher than purchase rate (typical 22-25%)

%
3%

Usually 2-4% of amount

$
$5

Usually $3-5 minimum

$
$0
30

The button asks our AI to explain these figures in words.

Cash advance cost

Total cost

$24

for $500 over 30 days

Effective APR

58.5%

annualised true rate

Upfront fee

$15

cash advance fee only

Interest

$9

no grace period

Where the money goes

Fees hit immediately. Interest accrues daily from day 1: there's no grace period for cash advances.

$15Cash advance fee$9Interest

Cost stretching the repayment

Each extra week adds interest at the cash advance rate. Shorter repayment = much lower effective APR.

$177d178.4% APR$2430d58.5% APR$3360d40.3% APR$4290d34.2% APR$69180d28.1% APR
Cash advance is last-resort borrowing. Interest usually starts on the day you withdraw, at a higher rate than purchases, on top of the fee. Before using one, compare an arranged overdraft or a small personal loan, ask your lender about hardship help, and if you're on a low income, a No Interest Loan (NILS) may be available.

How it works

A cash advance - withdrawing cash or buying cash-like items such as gambling chips or foreign currency on a credit card - usually attracts a fee and interest from the day you take it, at a rate higher than purchases. This calculator shows what it costs for your amount and repayment time.

  1. 1Enter the cash amount you need
  2. 2Add your card's cash advance rate
  3. 3Include the fee percentage and minimum
  4. 4Add any ATM fees
  5. 5See the total cost

The figures today

As of 7 November 2026, the lowest credit card purchase rate is 7.49%, from Unity Bank's Low Rate Visa Credit Card, while the typical best across 51 institutions is 12.49%.

Credit card rates

Worked examples

Emergency $500 Cash Advance

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

Cash amount needed
$500
Cash advance interest rate
22%
Cash advance fee
3%
Minimum fee
$5
ATM fee (if applicable)
$0
Days until you'll repay
30

Fee: $15. Interest for 30 days: $9.04. Total cost: $24.04 for borrowing $500 for a month - about 58.5% a year once the fee is counted.

Questions people ask

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?
An arranged overdraft or a small personal loan usually costs less. If you're on a low income, a No Interest Loan (NILS) may help, and if you're struggling with repayments, ask your lender about hardship assistance or call the free National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.

The terms, in plain English

Cash Advance
Withdrawing cash from your credit card - treated as a loan with immediate interest.
Cash Advance Rate
The interest rate charged on cash withdrawals and cash-like transactions, usually higher than the purchase rate.
Cash Equivalent
Transactions treated like cash: casino chips, crypto purchases, money orders, some BPAY.

Official sources

Interest Calculator

Understand interest costs

Balance Transfer

Move debt to 0% card

Foreign Transaction

Overseas ATM costs