There are a few ways to get a cash advance on a credit card without a PIN. The easiest way to withdraw cash from a credit card without a PIN is to visit a bank that does business with your credit card company, ask the teller for a cash advance, and present your card along with a government-issued photo ID. You could also ask your credit card’s issuer for so-called credit access checks, which you can then use to withdraw cash from your credit line.
The other ways to get a cash advance on a credit card without a PIN are to purchase a money order from the likes of MoneyGram or Western Union, or link your credit card account to a service such as Amazon Pay. Alternatively, using an app such as Venmo, PayPal or Cash App can also help you pay people and businesses that can’t accept credit cards directly. Those services often charge a fee for using a credit card, but the transaction may actually be processed as a payment rather than a cash advance.
To get a cash advance with a credit card at an ATM, however, you need a PIN. But getting one is easy. If you didn’t create a PIN when you activated your card, you should be able to call customer service, choose your number and get it set it up right away. Some issuers, such as Bank of America and Discover, also let you set a PIN online.
Whether or not you use a PIN, you’ll want to be careful about cash advances. They typically charge high interest rates and a 2%-5% fee. Plus, there’s no grace period, so interest starts accruing as soon as you complete the transaction. But unforeseen circ*mstances arise for everyone, so here are your options if you need cash but don’t have a PIN.
Here’s how to withdraw cash from a credit card without a PIN:
- Bank teller: You can get a cash advance without a PIN at a bank branch, but you’ll need both your credit card and a government issued photo ID like a driver’s license or passport.
- Access checks: If your credit card issuer has sent you access, or convenience, checks, you can use them to withdraw cash at any bank that accepts them. Access checks are blank checks that draw on your credit line rather than your checking account. Some issuers send access checks without being asked, but you can also request them by calling customer service. Keep in mind that access checks are subject to the same high APRs and lack of grace periods as cash advances.
- Money-transfer service:You can buy a money order with a credit card from a service such asWestern UnionorMoneyGram. This would allow you to transfer funds to a recipient using just a phone number or email address. It won’t give you cash on the spot, but it could make it possible to ultimately spend part of your credit line in cash if you transfer the money to the right person. The transaction likely will be treated as a cash advance, however.
- Digital payment service: Apps such as PayPal, Venmo and Cash App allow you to make payments from a linked credit card account. That could remove the need to withdraw cash altogether, though these services usually charge a fee. The transaction may or may not be considered a cash advance, too, depending on the service and the credit card.
Similarly, you can link a credit card to an Amazon Payaccount and pay a merchant that way. The merchant needs an Amazon "Recipient Name," however. And if you don’t mark the payment as being for"goods and services," the transaction will be considered a cash advance.
So, there are a handful of different ways to get a cash advance on a credit card without a PIN. Just remember that cash advances tend to be quite expensive and should be reserved for emergencies.
For more information, check out our credit card cash advance guide.
Here are the best ways to withdraw cash:
If you need a way to access cash on a regular basis, it’s best to look for a cheaper, more sustainable alternative. Two options in particular are good for the job, though each will usually require a PIN of its own.
For example, you could just get cash with a debit card. You won’t be able to borrow money with a debit card, but it would enable you to make purchases from cash-only merchants. Just go to an ATM or make a small purchase at a store and select the cash back option.
Using a prepaid card is another possibility. A prepaid card is like a checking account with a debit card, minus the checkbook. You can use it to make purchases directly or to withdraw cash from ATMs. But it only allows you to use your own money and doesn’t help you build credit.
This answer was first published on 05/29/18 and it was last updated on 05/15/21. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.
I've spent a substantial amount of time studying financial strategies and credit card functionalities. To dive into the specifics outlined in the article, let's break down the various methods to obtain a cash advance on a credit card without a PIN:
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Bank Teller: This method involves visiting a bank that partners with your credit card company. By presenting your credit card and a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, you can request a cash advance from the teller.
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Access Checks: Credit card issuers often provide access or convenience checks that draw from your credit line instead of your checking account. These checks can be used at banks that accept them, functioning as cash advances subject to similar high APRs and lack of grace periods.
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Money-Transfer Services: Services like MoneyGram or Western Union allow you to purchase a money order using a credit card. While this won't yield immediate cash, it enables fund transfers through a phone number or email address. However, this transaction typically incurs cash advance fees.
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Digital Payment Services: Apps like PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App permit payments from linked credit card accounts. These might eliminate the need for cash withdrawal, but they often levy fees. The categorization of the transaction as a cash advance varies based on the service and credit card used.
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Amazon Pay and Similar Services: Linking a credit card to Amazon Pay facilitates payments to merchants, although a specific "Recipient Name" on Amazon is required. Marking payments incorrectly may lead to transactions being classified as cash advances.
In terms of prudent financial practices, it's crucial to note that cash advances typically involve high interest rates, fees ranging from 2% to 5%, and the absence of a grace period. The accruing interest starts immediately after the transaction.
Moreover, the article discusses alternatives to cash advances for regular cash needs:
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Debit Card Cash Withdrawal: Using a debit card allows for cash withdrawals from ATMs or cash back options at stores, although this method doesn't involve borrowing money.
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Prepaid Cards: These operate similarly to checking accounts with debit cards, enabling direct purchases and ATM withdrawals using your funds. However, they do not contribute to building credit.
It's essential to exercise caution and reserve cash advances for emergencies due to their associated costs. For individuals requiring frequent access to cash, exploring alternative, more cost-effective methods like debit cards or prepaid cards might be more advisable in the long run.
The article highlights the importance of staying informed about financial products and practices, advising readers to verify the most up-to-date information directly with financial institutions.
