Cash Advance and Credit Limit Information

Some credit cards let you borrow cash in addition to making purchases on credit. Most credit card companies treat these cash advances and your purchases differently. If you plan to use your card for cash advances, look for information about:

• Access. Most credit cards let you use an ATM to get a cash advance. Or the credit card company may send you “checks” that you can write to get the cash advance.
• Annual Percentage Rate (APR). The APR for cash advances may be higher than the APR for purchases.
• Fees. The credit card company may charge a fee in addition to the interest you will pay on the amount advanced.
• Limits. Some credit cards limit cash advances to a dollar amount (for example, $200 per cash advance or $500 per week) or a portion of your credit limit (for example, 75% of your available credit limit).
• How payments are credited. Many credit card companies apply your payments to purchases first and then to cash advances. Read your credit card agreement to learn how your payments will be credited.

The credit limit is the maximum total amount—for purchases, cash advances, balance transfers, fees and finance charges--you may charge on your credit card. If you go over this limit, you may have to pay an “over-the-credit-limit fee.”

Your credit limit is often increased, as you prove reliable by making payments on time or paying off your account each month.