TIPS
Managing money during a crisis
Finder makes money from featured partners, but editorial opinions are our own. Advertiser disclosure

How to get a Discover card cash advance

Use your card to access cash from your credit line.

Avatar

By

Kliment Dukovski

Updated

Fact checked
Discover credit card owners can get cash from their revolving line of credit from an ATM, a bank teller or a cash deposit to your checking account. However, this is an expensive option with high fees and interest that accrues from the day you make your transaction. Because of that, try to keep this option for emergencies only.

How to get a Discover card cash advance

To get a Discover card cash advance, first you need a Discover credit card. Then you have four cash advance options:

  • Cash withdrawal from an ATM
  • Cash withdrawal from a bank teller
  • Cash deposit to your checking account
  • Cash access checks (check your eligibility by logging in to your online account)

How to get a Discover card cash advance from an ATM

If your preferred cash advance option is an ATM cash withdrawal, here’s what to do:

  1. Log in to your online Discover card account.
  2. If you don’t already have one, create a PIN by clicking create or change your PIN.
  3. Visit one of the participating 400,000 ATMs and insert your card.
  4. Choose your cash withdrawal amount.

How to get a Discover card cash advance from a bank

As an alternative, you can make a cash withdrawal at a participating bank or a credit union. Keep in mind, participating banks may change, so make sure you call your local branch and ask if you can make a cash advance with your Discover card.

Here’s how to get an over-the-counter cash advance:

  1. Visit a participating financial institution.
  2. Provide your Discover card and a photo ID.
  3. Request a cash advance.

As of this writing, these banks and institutions allow you to make a cash advance with your Discover card:

  • Arvest Bank
  • BB&T
  • BMO
  • Capital One
  • Citibank
  • Citizens Bank
  • Compass Bank
  • FCF Bank
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • First National Bank
  • HNB
  • Key Bank
  • M&T Bank
  • Santander Bank
  • Suntrust Bank
  • TD Bank
  • Trustmark
  • US Bank
  • Wells Fargo

How to get a Discover card cash access checks

First, log in to your online account and check if you’re eligible. If you are:

  1. Call 800-DISCOVER (800-347-2683).
  2. Or visit Discover.com/checks.
  3. Request a cash access check.

What purchases does Discover consider to be cash advances?

Discover considers the following credit card transactions to be cash advances:

  • Cash access check
  • Cash deposit to your checking account
  • Cash withdrawal from an ATM or a bank teller
  • Casino chips
  • Foreign currency
  • Lottery tickets
  • Money orders
  • Online gambling

Discover cash advance fee

Discover comes with one of the highest cash advance fees. Because of that, it’s recommended that cash advances should be used as a last resort. The cost of Discover cash advance is:

  • A 5% fee of the amount with a $10 minimum.
  • The average cash advance APR is 26.99% but it could vary between cards.

This means a $500 cash withdrawal from an ATM would cost $25 in fees right off the bat. If the ATM has additional fees, that could be another $3 on top. With the current interest rates, your $528 cash advance plus fees would cost around $11 in interest if you pay it off after 30 days. Here’s a quick breakdown:

ATM withdrawal
Amount$500
Cash advance fee$25
ATM fee$3
30-day cash advance APR$3 to $11, depending on creditworthiness and credit card
Total$528 to $539

Cash advances are a last resort

Given the large number of fees and unforgiving interest rates on cash advances, you should view them strictly as a last resort for cash.

Cash advance alternatives

If you think you’re heading into a situation where you’ll need financial help, look at other financial options before you turn to cash advances. Some strong alternatives include 0% APR credit cards and balance transfer credit cards. These cards can help you stay afloat financially and keep interest at bay during the introductory period.

Bottom line

Discover cash advances are expensive. Use them only in emergencies and if you can’t get a cheaper cash option.

If you’re looking for cards with low cash advance fees and interest, compare more credit cards and choose the one that meets your needs.

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I make an ATM cash withdrawal without a PIN?
    No, you have to request a PIN or create one yourself before you can use your Discover card at an ATM.
  • What if I forgot my Discover card PIN?
    Log in to your online Discover card account and create a new one.
  • What is my Discover card cash advance limit?
    Your cash advance limit is the same as your card’s available credit limit.
  • Do cash advances earn reward points?
    No, cash advances and balance transfers don’t earn reward points.
  • What is a cash access line?
    A cash access line is essentially your cash advance limit. This is how much cash you’re allowed to withdraw from your credit account.

Ask an Expert

Finder.com provides guides and information on a range of products and services. Because our content is not financial advice, we suggest talking with a professional before you make any decision.

By submitting your comment or question, you agree to our Privacy and Cookies Policy and finder.com Terms of Use.

Questions and responses on finder.com are not provided, paid for or otherwise endorsed by any bank or brand. These banks and brands are not responsible for ensuring that comments are answered or accurate.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Go to site