Moving Money From Your Credit Card to Your Debit Card

You cannot transfer money directly from a credit card to a debit card

A credit card and a debit card work in opposite directions. Your debit card pulls money out of an account you already own. Your credit card borrows money from the card issuer, which you pay back later. Because of this difference, you cannot move funds directly from one to the other the way you might move money between two bank accounts.

What you can do is withdraw cash from your credit card (called a cash advance) and then deposit that cash into your debit card's linked bank account. Or you can use your credit card to pay down debt, freeing up money in your actual bank account to use with your debit card. Both routes involve extra steps and fees, so it matters to understand what each one costs and when it makes sense to use it.

Key Takeaways

• A cash advance from your credit card charges an upfront fee (usually 3 to 5 percent) plus a higher interest rate than regular purchases, starting immediately with no grace period.
• You can withdraw cash at an ATM using your credit card, then deposit it into your bank account to use with your debit card, but this is expensive and slow.
• If you need money in your debit account, paying your credit card bill from that account first is usually cheaper than taking a cash advance.
• Some payment apps like PayPal or Venmo let you link both cards, but they still cannot move credit card funds directly to your debit account.
• The cheapest option is often to use your credit card for purchases instead, leaving your debit card funds untouched for emergencies.

How a credit card cash advance works

A cash advance is when you borrow money directly from your credit card issuer and withdraw it as cash. You can do this at an ATM using your credit card and a PIN, or at a bank branch. The moment you withdraw the cash, you owe that money back to the credit card company.

Cash advances cost more than regular credit card purchases. You pay a cash advance fee upfront — typically 3 to 5 percent of the amount you withdraw, though some cards charge a flat dollar amount instead. On top of that, the interest rate for cash advances is higher than the rate for purchases, and it starts accruing immediately. There is no grace period like there is for regular purchases. If you withdraw $500, you might pay $15 to $25 in fees right away, plus interest that begins the same day.

After you withdraw the cash, you can deposit it into your bank account (the one linked to your debit card) at an ATM or a bank branch. Once it clears — usually one to three business days — you can use that money with your debit card. But by then, you are already paying interest on the credit card side.

Why cash advances are expensive compared to other options

The fees and interest on a cash advance add up quickly. If your credit card's regular purchase APR is 18 percent, the cash advance APR might be 25 percent or higher. On a $500 advance, you could pay $15 to $25 upfront, then $10 to $15 in interest over a month if you do not pay it back immediately.

Compare this to using your credit card for everyday purchases instead. If you buy groceries or gas with your credit card and pay the full balance when the bill arrives, you pay zero interest and zero cash advance fees. Your debit card funds stay in your account untouched. This is almost always cheaper than taking a cash advance.

The only time a cash advance makes sense is if you absolutely need physical cash and have no other way to get it — for example, if a vendor only takes cash and you have no cash on hand. Even then, try to pay back the advance as fast as possible to minimize interest.

Using payment apps to move money between cards

Apps like PayPal, Venmo, Square Cash, and Google Pay let you link multiple cards to one account. You might think this means you can transfer credit card funds to your debit card, but that is not how it works. These apps move money from your bank account, not from your credit card balance.

Here is what actually happens: if you link both your credit card and debit card to PayPal, you can use either card to send money to another person or to yourself. But when you send money, PayPal pulls it from your bank account (the one behind your debit card), not from your credit card. Your credit card is just another way to pay into the app if your bank account is empty.

Some apps do let you "cash out" to your debit card, but again, this money comes from your bank account balance, not from credit card funds. If you are trying to move credit card debt into your debit account, these apps will not do it for you.

Balance transfer checks and convenience checks

Some credit card companies send convenience checks or balance transfer checks with your statements. These are actual checks that draw from your credit card's available credit. You can deposit them into your bank account like any other check.

This method works, but it carries the same fees as a cash advance — usually 3 to 5 percent — plus the same higher interest rate. The advantage is that you get the money deposited into your bank account directly, without having to visit an ATM or bank branch. The disadvantage is that the check takes a few days to clear, and you are still paying cash advance fees and interest.

Read the fine print on any check your credit card company sends. Some are balance transfer checks (which move debt from another card) and some are convenience checks (which are just cash advances). The fees and rates are usually the same, but the terms can vary by card.

What to do if you need money in your debit account

Before you take a cash advance, consider these cheaper alternatives. If you have a credit card balance you are already paying interest on, use money from your debit account to pay down that balance first. This saves you more in interest than a cash advance would cost. For example, if you have $1,000 on your credit card at 20 percent APR and $500 in your debit account, paying $500 toward the credit card saves you $100 per year in interest — far more than the $15 to $25 a cash advance would cost.

If you need cash for an emergency and your debit account is low, look for a personal loan from a bank or credit union instead. Personal loans usually charge 6 to 36 percent APR depending on your credit, which is often lower than a credit card cash advance rate. They also give you a fixed repayment schedule, so you know exactly when you will be done paying.

If you have a line of credit through your bank (sometimes called overdraft protection), that is usually cheaper than a cash advance too. Overdraft fees are typically $25 to $35 per occurrence, which is less than the combined fee and interest of a cash advance.

How to avoid needing to transfer money between cards

The best strategy is to keep your credit card and debit card doing different jobs. Use your credit card for purchases you can pay off in full each month — groceries, gas, utilities, subscriptions. Pay the bill when it arrives. This builds credit history and earns rewards if your card offers them. Your debit card stays for ATM withdrawals and situations where you need to spend money you actually have.

If you find yourself regularly needing to move money from your credit card to your debit account, that is a sign your debit account balance is too low. Consider setting up automatic transfers from your paycheck into savings, or cutting back on spending so your debit account grows. A small emergency fund — even $500 to $1,000 — prevents the need for expensive cash advances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a credit card to pay my debit card bill?

Most banks do not let you pay a debit card bill with a credit card, because a debit card is not a bill — it is just a way to access money you already have. If you are trying to add money to a prepaid debit card, some prepaid card companies let you load funds using a credit card, but they may charge a fee for doing so. Check your card's website or call the customer service number on the back.

What if I use a credit card to pay my credit card bill?

Most credit card companies do not let you pay your bill with another credit card. If they do, they treat it as a cash advance, which means you pay the cash advance fee and interest rate immediately. This is almost never worth it. Pay your credit card bill from your bank account or debit card instead.

Is there a way to transfer credit card money without fees?

No. Any method of moving credit card funds — cash advances, convenience checks, or balance transfers — charges a fee. The only way to avoid fees is to not move the money at all. Use your credit card for purchases and pay the bill from your bank account.

How long does it take for a cash advance to show up in my bank account?

If you withdraw cash at an ATM, you have it immediately. If you deposit that cash into your bank account, it usually clears within one to three business days, depending on your bank. If you use a convenience check, it takes three to five business days to clear after you deposit it.

Will a cash advance hurt my credit score?

A cash advance itself does not hurt your credit score, but it does increase your credit card balance, which can lower your score if it raises your credit utilization ratio (the amount you owe compared to your credit limit). Paying back the cash advance quickly will bring your score back up.