Cash Advance

What Is a Cash Advance?

A cash advance is essentially a short-term loan, often borrowed from a credit card issuer. Taking out a cash advance involves borrowing against your credit card’s credit limit, but often involves a separate cash advance APR and a separate fee. Some issuers may also establish a separate credit limit specific to cash advances. The fee and interest you pay for a cash advance is typically directly related to the size of your withdrawal and the length of your repayment, so cash advances are considered to be expensive and when used, should be considered a short-term solution. Because issuers also limit the maximum amount of cash you can access, a cash advance may not be sufficient to cover large expenses.

Merchant Cash Advance

Merchant cash advances are not usually extended by your credit card provider, but are offered in partnership with the payment processor for your credit and debit cards sales. Unlike a typical loan, merchant cash advances do not charge an APR. Instead your repayment is based on a factor of your daily sales. This means that you will make a daily repayment based upon your sales at a factor of 1.2 to 1.5. If you borrow $15,000 at a factor of 1.3. You will need to repay $19,500 plus any origination fees. This factor means that your daily payment may increase if your sales are high and may further reduce your business cash flow. Likewise, the payments are intended to fall if daily sales drop. However, the FTC received complaints during the pandemic that not all MCA processors conducted the “true-ups” promised to reduce payment when sales dropped.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cash advance?
A cash advance is a financial service provided by credit card issuers or some financial institutions that allows cardholders to withdraw cash against their credit limit. It essentially allows you to borrow money from your credit card instead of using it for purchases.
How does a cash advance work?
To obtain a cash advance, you can typically visit an ATM or a bank branch that accepts your credit card. You’ll need to enter your PIN and select the cash advance option, specifying the amount you wish to withdraw. The amount is then charged to your credit card, and you receive the cash.
Can I get a cash advance with any credit card?
Not all credit cards offer cash advance services. However, many credit cards, especially those issued by major banks, do provide this option. It’s important to check with your credit card issuer or refer to your card’s terms and conditions to determine if cash advances are available and any associated fees or limitations.
Are there fees associated with cash advances?
Yes, cash advances typically come with fees and interest charges. Common fees include a cash advance fee, which is usually a percentage of the amount withdrawn, and an ATM withdrawal fee if you use an ATM to access the cash. Additionally, interest on cash advances is often higher than the interest charged for regular purchases, and interest accrues immediately without a grace period.
How much can I withdraw with a cash advance?
The maximum amount you can withdraw as a cash advance depends on your credit limit and the terms set by your credit card issuer. It’s important to note that your available credit limit may be reduced by the amount of the cash advance, and there may be daily or per-transaction withdrawal limits as well.

Reach out to save your business money

We’re all about no fees, local reps, high end tech, and one-stop-shopping. Say yes to personalized payment processing services!