Is a Cash Advance a Short-Term Loan?

A cash advance is a type of short-term loan offered by credit card issuers. Learn more about how they work and how they can affect your credit.

Is a Cash Advance a Short-Term Loan?

A cash advance is a type of short-term loan offered by credit card issuers. It allows cardholders to withdraw a certain amount of cash, usually up to 20-30% of their available credit limit. Cash advances come with high interest rates and fees, but they are attractive to borrowers because they have quick approval and fast financing. A cash advance does not directly affect your credit score, but it can have an indirect impact in several ways.

For instance, taking on high-interest credit card debt can make it difficult for you to keep track of your bills, which could affect your credit. Additionally, cash advances usually include a commission, either a fixed rate or a percentage of the anticipated amount. When considering a cash advance, it's important to compare it to other loan options. A personal loan may be less expensive than getting a cash advance on your credit card.

Cash advances have more flexible payment terms, as they can be repaid based on the borrower's preferences. Merchant cash advances refer to loans received by companies or merchants from banks or alternative lenders. The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for cash advances is higher than regular purchases with your credit card. Interest begins to accrue immediately on cash advance transactions, while credit card terms will determine when interest will begin to accrue on those purchases.

Additionally, most credit card companies don't allow you to take your entire line of credit in the form of a cash advance. It's important to note that you'll need to pay off your credit card balance in full before you can start making cash advance loan payments. Furthermore, without a grace period, interest on your cash advance starts accruing the same day you receive your funds.

Christi Costell
Christi Costell

Wannabe internet ninja. Proud problem solver. Amateur zombie fanatic. Subtly charming bacon geek. Certified food trailblazer.

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