Low Cash Advance Rate Credit Cards

If you can't avoid getting cash advances on your credit card, find one with a competitively low cash advance rate and low fee.

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Name Product Interest-free period Cash advance rate Purchase rate Annual fee
Bendigo Bank Low Rate Credit Card
Up to 55 days on purchases
13.99% p.a.
0% p.a. for 12 months, reverts to 11.99% p.a.
$45
Save with 0% p.a. interest on purchases and balance transfers for up to 12 months, with a one-time 2% balance transfer fee.
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What is a cash advance?

A cash advance is a type of credit card transaction that allows you to get cash or an equivalent to cash, such as foreign currency. This means you can basically spend the money however you want and that can lead to higher risks for lenders. So you usually have to pay a higher interest rate for cash advance transactions, as well as a cash advance fee. In addition to getting cash out with your credit card, other transactions that may be considered cash advances include balance transfers, buying foreign currency, gift card or prepaid card purchases and top-ups, and gambling transactions. Read our guide on cash advance transactions for more details.

How do low cash advance rate credit cards work?

While most credit cards have high cash advance interest rates, ranging from 19.99% p.a. up to 21.99% p.a., some cards offer more competitive rates for cash advance transactions. A low cash advance interest rate generally ranges between 8.99% p.a. and 16% p.a.

This type of card could be useful if you need access to extra funds but can't use your credit card to make a payment. For example, if you're overseas or shopping somewhere that only accepts cash (and you can’t use a debit card). Note that even if you get a card with a low interest rate, you'll still have to pay a cash advance fee for these transactions. Cash advances also won't be eligible for any interest-free days your card may offer for standard purchases, which means interest will be charged from the time the transaction is made until it's paid off in full.

Compare credit cards with competitive cash advance rates

With cash advances typically being the most expensive transactions you can make with a credit card, it’s ideal to avoid them as much as possible. But if you think you’ll use this option and want to keep costs to a minimum, here’s a range of cards with competitive rates and fees.

Credit cardCash advance rateCash advance feePurchase rateAnnual fee
Bank Australia Low Rate Visa 9.39% p.a.$3.509.39% p.a.$59
Bank Australia Visa12.39% p.a.$3.5012.39% p.a.$0
Community First Low Rate Credit Card8.99% p.a.$58.99% p.a.$40
Horizon Bank Visa12.95% p.a.$312.95% p.a.$0
ME Frank11.99% p.a.2% of transaction amount or $4 (whichever is greater)11.99% p.a.$0
Newcastle Permanent Value+ Credit Card11.99% p.a.Greater of 2% or $2.50 per transaction11.99% p.a.$49
Qudos Bank Lifestyle12.34% p.a.Between $1 and $2 for ATM withdrawals, US$175 for emergency cash advances overseas. Other fees may also apply.12.34% p.a.$0
Qudos Bank Lifestyle Plus15.85% p.a.Between $1 and $2 for ATM withdrawals, US$175 for emergency cash advances overseas. Other fees may also apply.15.85% p.a.$0

What else should I keep in mind?

If you’re thinking of getting a credit card and using it for cash advances, make sure you also consider the following factors:

  • Cash advance fee. This fee is charged every time you make a cash advance transaction. It’s usually presented as the greater of a fixed dollar amount or percentage. For example, $3 or 3% of the transaction, whichever is greater.
  • Purchase rate. Remember that the standard variable cash advance rate may not be the same as the purchase rate, so it's important to look at both.
  • Annual fee. Credit card annual fees can range from $20 to $400 or more. When considering this cost, weigh up the features of the card and consider whether the benefits will offset the annual fee, so that you can choose a product that's affordable for you.
  • ATM fees. Some credit cards charge a separate fee when you withdraw money from an ATM. Fees from ATM operators may also apply – especially if you're getting cash out with your credit card overseas.
  • International transaction fee. Most credit cards charge a fee of 2-4% for transactions made in a foreign currency. If you plan on using a low cash advance rate credit card for transactions overseas or online (such as foreign ATM withdrawals or Internet gambling), make sure you also consider this fee and how it could affect the overall cost of a cash advance.
  • Overseas fees for cash advances. Note that international transaction fees can also apply when you use your card to make purchases through international websites. Some credit cards also apply different cash advance fees for domestic and international transactions.
  • Reward points. If you get a credit card that offers reward or frequent flyer points for your spending, keep in mind that cash advance transactions on credit cards aren’t usually eligible to earn points.
  • Introductory offers. Some credit cards offer sign-up bonuses and introductory 0% interest rates for purchases or balance transfers. These offers can add short-term value to the card you choose, but it's important to note that the benefits usually don't apply to cash advance transactions. Always read the terms and conditions to make sure you'll be able to take advantage of this type of offer based on the way you plan to use your card.

Can I get a cash advance without a credit card?

If you need cash and don’t want to use your credit card, another option is to look at short-term loans, including online cash advances. This gives you a way to get a cash advance (or loan) even if you don’t have a credit card. Just remember to consider the rates, fees and repayments to decide if this option will suit your financial situation. Low cash advance rate credit cards can give you a way to get money quickly but the rates and fees may still lead to more debt in the long run. So remember to consider your options carefully and, if you need help, consider free support services that could help you manage your financial situation.

Frequently asked questions

Have a question about low cash advance rate credit cards? Here you’ll find answers to the most common questions we get. You can also get in touch to find out more using the comment box below.

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    12 Responses

      Default Gravatar
      MillieJanuary 30, 2018

      Hello,
      I will travel to holiday to Croatia.Could you ket me know which travel money cart it’s best for this trip? Thanks very much for your help.

        Avatarfinder Customer Care
        RenchFebruary 8, 2018Staff

        Hi Millie,

        Thanks for your inquiry.

        Whilst we cannot say what will be the best card for you to use for your trip to Croatia, you can get helpful information from our travel money guide for Croatia. On the page is a comparison table you can use to see which card suits you. We also have a quick summary of travel money options in Croatia that can help you choose which option is right for you.

        Once you have chosen a particular card, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with your application or get in touch with their representatives for further assistance.

        Best regards,
        Rench

      Default Gravatar
      debMay 9, 2016

      I would like to know if you can do a balance transfer my current card is charging 19.99 on the cash amount what do you offer best rate for balance transfer
      thanks

        Avatarfinder Customer Care
        DeeMay 9, 2016Staff

        Hi Deb,

        Thanks for your question.

        Yes, it is possible to transfer your credit card balance to another credit card with a different issuer. Please see our balance transfer criteria guide to know which banks you are able to transfer balance to and from.

        You can then start comparing your balance transfer credit card options through our website.

        I hope this helps.

        Cheers,
        Anndy

      Default Gravatar
      KateJune 11, 2014

      Are there any credit cards that DON’T allow cash advances – in case your will power isn’t 100% …. Thanks for replying

        Avatarfinder Customer Care
        ShirleyJune 12, 2014Staff

        Hi Kate,

        Thanks for your question.

        The cash advance is a standard feature for credit cards. If you don’t like the idea of cash advances, you may want to opt for a charge card instead.

        Before applying, please ensure that you meet all the eligibility criteria and read through the details of the needed requirements as well as the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you.

        Cheers,
        Shirley

      Default Gravatar
      ABAugust 22, 2013

      If I do a cash advance on the Citibank Platinum credit card of $30,000.

      I will be charged 3.5% on the amount of $30,000 and the interest rate is 0.00% for the first 6 months is that right?

      AB.

        Avatarfinder Customer Care
        JacobAugust 22, 2013Staff

        Hi AB,

        Thanks for your inquiry.

        There is currently an interest-free period on cash advances. You will not get charged any interest on any cash advances you make during this term. During the interest-free period, you will only have to make the minimum monthly repayment. After this interest-free period, the cash advance rate will be charged on any unpaid cash advances transacted during the cash advance promotional period.

        Please ensure to read through the relevant product disclosure statement and terms and conditions to ensure that you got everything covered on your transactions.

        I hope this helps.

        Cheers,
        Jacob

      Default Gravatar
      WilliamMay 6, 2013

      If I choose to pay cash up front to exchange for Euros and GBP, should it not be a better rate for me than for someone using a card of any sort?

        Avatarfinder Customer Care
        JacobMay 6, 2013Staff

        Hi William. Thanks for your question. To clarify: you’re looking to exchange currency, and you’re wondering whether you’d get a better rate if you exchanged cash at an exchange office when compared to using a credit card to make a purchase at a foreign country? To answer, it really depends on the fees and charges at the exchange office where you get your cash. A credit card will incur a cross currency conversion fee, which is usually about 2-3% – in addition to an exchange margin that is applied by the issuing bank and the card scheme. This can be expensive; however, in my experience, no more expensive than the rates you can get at an exchange office – there can also be a significant fee for using these services too. Jacob.

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