The cash advance limit is a sublimit inside the total credit line, set lower than the full credit limit because cash transactions carry higher risk and cost. Available cash advance is what remains inside that sublimit after prior cash advances, fees, and accrued interest are subtracted. The ratio varies by issuer, so review the credit card terms and cash advance conditions before making a withdrawal.
Quick Comparison
Before going into detail, here is how the four figures relate to each other on a typical card account:
| Term | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Credit limit | The total borrowing ceiling the issuer sets for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances combined |
| Available credit | The credit limit minus the current balance and any pending or authorized charges |
| Cash advance limit | A separate, usually lower sublimit that caps how much of the credit limit can be drawn as cash |
| Available cash advance | The remaining amount inside the cash advance sublimit, after prior cash advances and fees |
The cash advance limit sits inside the overall credit limit rather than existing as an extra line of credit, so spending against one figure changes what remains available under the other.
What Is a Credit Limit, and What Is Available Credit?
The credit limit is the maximum balance an issuer allows on the account, usually listed on the monthly statement. Available credit is that limit minus the current balance and pending or authorized transactions already counted against it. A cardholder with a $5,000 limit and a $1,200 balance generally has $3,800 available.
What Is a Cash Advance Limit, and What Is Available Cash Advance?
The cash advance limit is a sublimit inside the total credit line, set lower than the full credit limit because cash transactions carry higher risk and cost. Available cash advance is what remains inside that sublimit after prior cash advances, fees, and accrued interest are subtracted. The ratio varies by issuer, so check the current cardholder agreement.
Does a Cash Advance Reduce the Overall Credit Limit?
A cash advance does not change the total credit limit printed on the account, but it raises the balance, which lowers available credit and available cash advance together. Experian’s cash advance guide notes that fees and interest on the transaction shrink both figures further.
Three Examples With Different Balances
These hypothetical scenarios use a card with a $5,000 total credit limit and a $1,500 cash advance sublimit, to show how the two available figures move independently:
| Scenario | Available Credit | Available Cash Advance |
|---|---|---|
| No balance on the account | $5,000 | $1,500 |
| $1,000 purchase balance already used | $4,000 | $1,500 |
| $1,000 purchase balance plus a $500 cash advance and $25 fee | $3,475 | $975 |
A purchase balance alone does not touch the cash advance sublimit here, but a cash advance reduces both figures because it adds directly to the total balance.
Fees, No Grace Period, and Other Costs
Card issuers commonly charge a cash advance fee at the time of the transaction, apply a higher cash advance APR than the purchase APR, and skip the grace period that applies to new purchases, so interest can start accruing immediately. The CFPB explains that convenience checks and some money transfers may also post as cash advances.
Where to Find the Cash Advance Limit
A cardholder can locate the cash advance limit and current available amount in a few places:
- the monthly paper or online billing statement, usually near the credit limit summary
- the issuer’s mobile app or online account dashboard, often on the account overview screen
- the written cardholder agreement sent at account opening or posted online
- the number printed on the back of the physical card, which connects to an automated phone line
Calling the number on the back of the card is often the fastest way to get a current figure, since balances and pending charges can change during the day.
Lower-Cost Alternatives to a Cash Advance
Because a cash advance usually costs more than an ordinary purchase, it makes sense to compare it against other short-term options first, such as a debit card linked to a checking account or a small line of credit from a bank or credit union. Our page on cash advance alternatives walks through several other options.
FAQ
Does a cash advance count against the credit limit?
Yes. A cash advance increases the overall card balance, which lowers available credit, and it also draws down the separate cash advance sublimit at the same time.
Is the cash advance limit always a fixed percentage of the credit limit?
No single percentage applies to every card. The ratio depends on the issuer, the card product, and account history, so the only reliable figure is the one shown on the current statement or app.
Does using a cash advance hurt a credit score directly?
A cash advance itself is not reported as a separate negative item, but it raises the balance and utilization ratio, and a missed payment on the resulting debt can affect a credit score the same way any missed payment would.