Cash Advance Calculator
A credit-card cash advance is one of the most expensive ways to borrow — a fee plus interest that starts immediately, with no grace period. This estimates the true cost.
Your details
- Cash advance fee
- $50.00
- Interest
- $70.00
Fee vs interest
- Cash advance fee
- $50.0042%
- Interest
- $70.0058%
Formula
Fee = amount × fee%. Interest = amount × APR ÷ 12 × months, charged from day one (unlike purchases, cash advances have no grace period). Total cost = fee + interest.
How it works
Because interest accrues immediately and the APR is usually higher than the purchase rate, even a short-term cash advance costs far more than it looks. It's best treated as a last resort behind almost any other option.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a cash advance cost?⌄
Typically a 3–5% fee upfront plus interest at a high APR that starts accruing immediately — no grace period. Even repaid quickly, it's expensive.
Why is a cash advance so pricey?⌄
There's an upfront fee, a higher APR than purchases, and interest from the transaction date. Combined, the effective cost is steep even over a few weeks.
Is there a cheaper alternative?⌄
Almost always — a personal loan, borrowing from savings, or a 0% purchase card usually costs far less. Reserve cash advances for genuine emergencies.
Sources & methodology
Fee (% of amount) + simple interest at the APR from day one. Real cards compound daily, so costs can be slightly higher.
- •CFPB — cash advances — CFPB
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