Introduction
It happens to all of us – you need cash, but you don’t have any on hand. You may be tempted to turn to your credit card for help, but can you pull money off a credit card, and is it worth it? Many people are unfamiliar with the various ways to withdraw money from their credit cards and the potential risks associated with these methods. In this article, we’ll discuss five ways to get cash from your credit card and their pros and cons. We’ll also provide tips on how to use credit card cash advances responsibly, how to reduce fees, and alternatives to consider. It’s important to be informed and cautious when using your credit card for cash, so let’s dive in.
5 Ways to Withdraw Money from Your Credit Card and Their Pros and Cons
There are several ways to withdraw money from your credit card, depending on your needs and financial circumstances. Let’s review the five most common methods:
- Cash advance: You can get a cash advance from an ATM, bank, or online by using your credit card as a loan. The amount you can borrow is typically a percentage of your credit limit, and there are usually fees and interest charges.
- Convenience checks: These checks are similar to bank checks and can be used to withdraw money or make a purchase. Like cash advances, convenience checks come with fees and interest charges.
- Balance transfer: You can transfer funds from your credit card to a bank account or another credit card. Balance transfer fees and interest rates vary depending on the issuer.
- Credit card checks: A credit card check is a check issued by your credit card issuer. It can be used like a personal check or cashed and comes with fees and interest charges.
- Peer-to-peer lending: You can borrow money from individuals through a peer-to-peer lending service. You may be able to get a lower rate than a cash advance, but there are still fees and interest charges.
Each method has its own pros and cons. Cash advances and convenience checks, for example, can be convenient in a pinch, but they also come with high fees and interest rates. Balance transfers can save you money on interest, but they can also take time and require good credit. Credit card checks offer flexibility, but they too can be expensive. Finally, peer-to-peer lending can have lower rates, but the process is less streamlined and may take longer.
Cash Advances 101: Everything You Need to Know Before You Pull Money off Your Credit Card
A cash advance is one of the most common ways people withdraw cash from their credit card. Before you consider this option, it’s important to understand how it works.
A cash advance is like taking out a mini loan. You borrow a set amount of money, usually with a limit of a few thousand dollars, and you’ll be charged a fee, which is typically around 5% of the amount borrowed. On top of that, you’ll be charged interest, which is typically higher than the standard rate for purchases.
Getting a cash advance is easy- you can go to an ATM, visit a bank branch, or request one online. However, it’s important to note that not all credit cards offer this feature, so you’ll need to check with your issuer.
One thing to remember is that cash advances don’t have a grace period like regular purchases. That means interest starts accruing from the moment you take out the cash advance, so it’s best to pay it back as soon as possible.
It’s also worth noting that not all cash advances are created equal. Some issuers may limit how much you can withdraw in a given period, or they may have different fees and interest rates for different types of transactions. Make sure you read the fine print and understand the costs before taking out a cash advance.
The Hidden Costs of Pulling Money off Your Credit Card and How to Avoid Them
Most people know that cash advances come with fees and interest rates, but there are other costs to be aware of as well.
First, there are ATM fees. If you use an out-of-network ATM, you may be charged a fee by the ATM owner, your bank, and your credit card issuer. These fees can add up quickly, so it’s best to use an ATM that’s in-network or that doesn’t charge fees.
There are also foreign transaction fees. If you’re traveling abroad and you take out a cash advance, you may be charged a fee for the currency conversion. This fee can be as high as 3% or more, so it’s best to use a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
Finally, there are balance transfer fees. If you transfer funds from your credit card to a bank account or another credit card, you may be charged a balance transfer fee. This fee can be as high as 5% of the total transferred, so it’s important to consider this cost before making a transfer.
An Expert’s Guide to Finding the Best Credit Card for Cash Advances
If you decide that a cash advance is the right option for you, it’s important to find a credit card that offers low fees and interest rates. Here are some tips on how to research and compare different credit cards:
- Look for a card with a low cash advance fee. Some issuers charge as much as 10% of the amount borrowed, while others charge a lower percentage or a flat fee.
- Find a card with a low interest rate. Cash advances typically have higher interest rates than purchases, so it’s important to find a card with a reasonable rate.
- Consider rewards. Some cards offer cash back or points for cash advances, which can help offset some of the fees and interest charges.
Here are a few specific credit cards that might be good choices for people who need cash advances:
- Discover it Cash Back: This card offers a low cash advance fee and a 0% APR on purchases for the first 14 months. It also offers cash back on purchases and cash advances.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited: This card offers a low cash advance fee and a 0% APR on purchases for the first 15 months. It also offers cash back on purchases and cash advances.
- Citi Double Cash: This card has no cash advance fee and offers cash back on purchases and cash advances. It also has a low ongoing interest rate.
3 Alternatives to Pulling Money off Your Credit Card When You Need Cash Fast
Pulling money off your credit card isn’t always the best option. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
- Borrow from friends or family: If you need cash, consider asking family or friends for a loan. This can be a safer and less expensive option than taking out a cash advance.
- Personal loan: If you have good credit, you may be able to get a personal loan with a lower interest rate than a cash advance. Shop around and compare rates from different lenders.
- Sell unwanted items: If you have items you no longer need or use, consider selling them online or at a garage sale. You can use the money you make to pay for expenses.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that’s best for your situation.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Pulling Money off Your Credit Card
If you do decide to pull money off your credit card, here are a few important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
- Do read the fine print: Make sure you understand the fees, interest rates, and other costs associated with your cash advance or other method of cash withdrawal.
- Don’t overspend: Just because you have access to cash doesn’t mean you should spend more than you can afford. Stick to your budget and only borrow what you need.
- Do pay off your balance as soon as possible: Cash advances don’t have grace periods, so interest starts accruing immediately. Pay off your balance as soon as possible to avoid paying more in interest than you need to.
- Don’t make a habit of it: Cash advances and other methods of cash withdrawal can be expensive and risky. Don’t rely on them as a long-term solution to financial problems.
How to Use Credit Card Cash Advances Responsibly and Minimize Your Costs
In summary, pulling money off your credit card can be a quick and convenient way to get cash, but it’s important to be informed and responsible. Consider using a cash advance only in an emergency, and only borrow what you need. Be aware of the fees and interest rates and pay your balance off as quickly as possible. Finally, consider alternatives to cash advances, such as borrowing from friends or family or selling unwanted items. By being responsible and careful, you can avoid the potential pitfalls of cash advances and other methods of getting cash from your credit card.
Conclusion
If you need cash and are considering pulling money off your credit card, it’s important to be aware of your options and the potential risks. In this article, we’ve reviewed the pros and cons of different methods of getting cash from your credit card, as well as tips for using them responsibly. We’ve also provided alternatives to consider and important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.
