If you need cash quickly, a short term cash advance could be an option for you. However, be aware of the risks that come with this type of loan.
Cash advances offer quick funding, but they often come with high interest rates and fees. To get the best deal possible, it’s wise to compare different lenders before making your final decision.
Interest Rates
Cash advances on credit cards are like loans that you borrow against your available credit limit. The issuer of your card will charge both a fee for the cash advance as well as an interest rate.
Cash advances differ from other forms of credit in that they begin accruing interest immediately after purchase, unlike other types which take 30 days to begin accruing interest. This could result in high ongoing costs due to unanticipated charges.
When taking out a cash advance loan, it’s essential to pay it off promptly. The longer your balance remains outstanding, the more money you’ll end up owing in interest fees and transaction charges.
Another way to lessen the financial impact of a cash advance is to use a low-interest credit card instead. These cards typically don’t charge fees for cash advances and offer lower APRs than most cash advances. However, this may not be the best solution for everyone depending on their budget or current financial situation.
Fees
Cash advances can be a convenient way to obtain extra funds, but they come at the cost of incurring interest. Unlike credit card purchases, there is no grace period and charges begin accruing immediately after being approved.
Cash advances often include fees, which range from 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn and may include a minimum charge. ATM owner surcharges may accumulate as well if you use an ATM that isn’t part of your card’s network.
If you have a cash advance, it is essential to pay it off promptly or else face higher interest rates and fees. If you cannot afford to repay the loan within an acceptable timeframe, other financing options may be available instead.
Time to Repay
A short term cash advance is an ideal way to pay off a credit card balance that’s about to default or fund an unexpected expense. A good rule of thumb is not taking out more than you can afford on time; otherwise, the interest payments compound and your scorecard could suffer. You may be surprised that taking out a short term loan actually hurts your credit more than an unsecured bank account does; the best way to find out is to shop around and ask your financial planner for a free credit score checkup before making any rash decisions.
Alternatives
Cash advances are often the go-to solution when someone needs money quickly. Unfortunately, they can become unmanageable if not paid off completely and on schedule.
Fortunately, there are numerous alternatives to cash advances that can help you steer clear of them in the future. These financing options tend to be less costly or have fewer fees and interest rates than cash advance loans.
Personal loans from banks and credit unions can be an advantageous option for borrowers who require quick access to funds. These types of loans offer lower interest rates than payday loan alternative lenders but come with a longer repayment period.
Another possible cash advance alternative is taking out a credit card cash advance. This loan from your card issuer appears as an item on your monthly statement and requires interest until paid off.