What’s the Difference Between a Balance Transfer and Cash Advance?

What Is a Balance Transfer?

A balance transfer is a transaction that moves a balance from one credit card to another. Balance transfers are commonly used to pay off a high-interest-rate balance by moving it to a credit card offering a temporary 0% APR. If the new credit limit is high enough, balance transfers are also beneficial for consolidating multiple credit card balances.

Pros of Balance Transfers

Balance transfers offer several benefits, particularly when you can take advantage of a low promotional interest rate.

• Get a break from interest: Depending on the balance transfer offer, you'll get up to 21 months to pay off your transferred balance without paying any interest on a balance transfer card.
• Consolidate multiple balances: Transferring multiple balances to a single credit card simplifies your credit card payments. You'll have fewer payments and due dates to manage.
• Pay debt faster: With 0% interest, your full payment is applied to your balance, helping you pay your balance off faster. Making new purchases with a balance transfer card can get you off track, however.

Cons of Balance Transfers

Balance transfers also have a few drawbacks to consider.

• Balance transfer fee: Balance transfers carry a flat fee or a percentage of the transaction amount—commonly 3% to 5%. Because the fee increases the cost of transferring a balance, it's important to make sure you'll still save money in the long run.
• Low rate is temporary: The promotional rate is temporary, so you'll have to be digilent about paying the balance before the promotional rate expires. Before committing to the transfer, gauge whether you can afford to pay off your balance before the promotional period ends.
• Higher risk of new debt: With your old credit limit freed up, you may be tempted to run up a balance again, getting yourself into more debt than you had before.
• Restrictions apply: Transfers from the same credit card issuer generally aren't allowed. Your card's balance transfer limit may be lower than your overall credit limit. There may be a time limit for taking advantage of the promotional offer.

What Is a Cash Advance?

A cash advance is a way to borrow cash from your available credit. It's essentially a short-term loan taken out on your credit card. You can get a cash advance by:

• Withdrawing cash from an ATM
• Visiting a bank branch
• Using a convenience check
• Making a cash-like transaction (purchasing a money order, for instance)

Pros of a Cash Advance

Using your credit card for a cash advance does carry some advantages.

• Access cash in an emergency: In an emergency situation, where you don't have access to your debit card and checking account, a cash advance allows you to borrow cash against your credit limit.
• No credit check: As long as you have available credit, you use your credit card to get cash without having to apply for a new loan or go through a credit check. You can avoid the potential damage of a new credit inquiry and the risk of having an application denied.
• Make convenient payments: Depending on your credit card terms, you have the flexibility to repay a cash advance over time by making minimum monthly payments.

Cons of a Cash Advance

Despite the convenience of quick cash, there are strong drawbacks to using a credit card for a cash advance.

• Higher interest rate: Cash advances often carry the highest possible APR on a credit card—potentially much higher than your ongoing rate. A higher interest rate makes cash advances more expensive than purchases or balance transfers.
• Cash advance fee: The cash advance fee, often between 3% and 5% of the transaction, increases the cost of the transaction. For instance, if you take out a cash advance of $300, your fee would be between $9 and $15. If you withdraw cash from the ATM, you'll also pay an ATM fee.
• You can't avoid interest: Interest starts accruing on the day of the transaction. You won't get a grace period to avoid paying a finance charge, even if you pay the cash advance in full.
• You can't dispute purchases: You can't file a billing dispute with your card issuer for purchases made with a cash advance. If you're unsatisfied with a purchase, you'll have to work out a solution with the merchant.

When Should You Use a Balance Transfer

Consider using a balance transfer to pay off high-interest debt, pay off a large purchase or combine multiple balances so they're easier to pay. The low interest rate is only temporary with a balance transfer, so make sure you can afford a payment high enough to pay off the transfer balance by the time the promotional rate ends.

You typically need good credit to qualify for the best low interest rate promotions. If you have high credit utilization or recent delinquencies, you may not be eligible for a balance transfer offer.

Why You Should Avoid Cash Advances

Cash advances have a number of fees and potentially high costs. They carry a higher interest rate, incur a cash advance fee and do not have a grace period even if you start the billing cycle with no balance.

Paying off a cash advance may be challenging if you have a purchase or transfer balance on the same card. Depending on how your credit card issuer applies the minimum payment—many apply the minimum payment to the lowest interest rate balance—you may have to pay more than the minimum to impact the cash advance balance.

Alternatives to a Cash Advance

Before using your credit card for a costly cash advance, explore a few alternatives:

• Use your emergency fund. This is savings you set aside specifically for unexpected expenses. If you don't have an emergency fund, consider starting one as soon as possible. Even setting aside a small amount from each paycheck can help you avoid racking up debt in an emergency.
• Charge a transaction on your credit card. Depending on your circumstances, consider whether you can make a purchase on your credit card in lieu of using cash.
• Get a payroll advance. Ask your employer for an advance or consider using a salary advance app to access your next paycheck sooner.
• Apply for a personal loan. It's not always the fastest option, but a personal loan gives you more spending and repayment flexibility.
• Borrow from family or friends. Asking a loved one to loan you the money is often more cost-effective, but keep in mind that your relationship may be impacted if you don't keep your payment agreement.
• Change your plans. Not every purchase can be postponed—some are emergencies—but if you were planning to use a cash advance to make a purchase, consider putting it off. Explore other ways to save for it, such as a sinking fund.

The Bottom Line

While a balance transfer can be a useful tool for improving your credit card debt, cash advances are generally a bad idea. Look for alternatives before tapping into your available credit for cash.

If you're considering a balance transfer to consolidate credit cards or pay down high interest balances, check your credit report and score first. Understanding your credit can help narrow your options and compare balance transfer offers you're likely to qualify for.