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Interest Calculator on Credit Card Cash Advance

Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team

Credit card cash advances allow you to withdraw money from your credit card account, similar to an ATM withdrawal. However, cash advances typically come with higher interest rates than purchases. This calculator helps you estimate the interest you'll pay on a cash advance.

How Credit Card Cash Advances Work

When you take a cash advance on your credit card, the issuer provides you with cash (or a check) in exchange for a short-term loan. The amount is debited to your credit card account and must be repaid within a certain period, usually 45 days.

Key Features of Cash Advances

  • Higher interest rates than purchases (typically 5-20% APR)
  • No grace period (interest accrues immediately)
  • Lower credit limit than purchases
  • Possible fees for cash advances

Cash advances are often used for emergencies or when you don't have access to your bank account. However, they can be expensive due to the high interest rates and fees.

Comparison with Purchases

Feature Cash Advance Purchase
Interest Rate Higher (5-20% APR) Lower (typically 12-25% APR)
Grace Period None Usually 21-25 days
Credit Limit Lower Higher
Fees Possible None

How to Use This Calculator

Our cash advance interest calculator estimates the total interest you'll pay on a credit card cash advance. Simply enter the amount you want to borrow, the interest rate, and the number of days you'll take to repay the amount.

Formula Used

Interest = (Principal × Rate × Time) / 100

Total Amount = Principal + Interest

Assumptions

  • Daily interest calculation
  • No additional fees
  • No grace period

Worked Examples

Example 1: $500 Cash Advance at 15% APR for 30 Days

Using our calculator:

  • Principal: $500
  • Interest Rate: 15% APR
  • Days: 30

The calculator shows:

  • Interest: $22.50
  • Total Amount: $522.50

Example 2: $1000 Cash Advance at 18% APR for 45 Days

Using our calculator:

  • Principal: $1000
  • Interest Rate: 18% APR
  • Days: 45

The calculator shows:

  • Interest: $77.43
  • Total Amount: $1077.43

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a cash advance and a purchase?
A cash advance is a short-term loan from your credit card issuer, while a purchase is a transaction you make with your credit card. Cash advances typically have higher interest rates and no grace period.
How is the interest on a cash advance calculated?
The interest is calculated daily based on the outstanding balance and the annual percentage rate (APR) for cash advances. The formula is (Principal × Rate × Time) / 100.
Can I pay off a cash advance early?
Yes, you can pay off a cash advance early without penalty. However, you may still be charged interest on the advance until it's fully paid.
Are there fees for cash advances?
Some credit cards charge a fee for cash advances, typically 3-5% of the advance amount. This fee is in addition to the interest.
How can I avoid high interest on cash advances?
To avoid high interest, try to repay the cash advance as soon as possible, use the cash advance only when necessary, and consider using a personal loan or credit card with a lower APR for larger amounts.