The short answer
This is a legitimate charge from Cash Advance Fee.
What is a Cash Advance Fee?
A CASH ADVANCE FEE on your bank statement is a flat charge your credit card issuer applies whenever you use your card to get cash or complete a transaction classified as a cash-equivalent. Banks do not treat these like regular purchases. They see them as short-term lending, and they charge accordingly. The fee itself is separate from any interest that will accrue on the borrowed amount.
Most issuers charge either a flat minimum (often $10) or a percentage of the transaction, typically 3% to 5%, whichever is greater. So a $200 ATM withdrawal using your credit card can generate a $10 fee right away, then begin racking up interest at a higher rate than your normal purchase APR, often 25% or more, with no grace period. The interest clock starts the day you take the advance, not at the end of your billing cycle.
Common triggers include withdrawing cash at an ATM with your credit card, getting cash back at a bank branch, sending money through peer-to-peer apps like Venmo or Cash App when the funding source is your credit card, buying a money order, or purchasing a gift card in bulk. Some casinos and lottery terminals also route credit card transactions through cash advance processing. If you see this line item and did not intend to take a cash advance, check your recent card activity for any of these transaction types.
High Costs and Interest
Fees typically range from 3% to 5% of the transaction amount. Common triggers include ATM withdrawals, bank teller transactions, or buying money orders and lottery tickets.
Unlike standard credit card purchases, interest on a cash advance usually begins accruing immediately from the day you take the money, with no grace period.
- Step 1 Review your statement for any recent ATM withdrawals or peer-to-peer money transfers made with your credit card.
- Step 2 If you believe the charge is an error, contact your bank's customer service department to inquire about the specific transaction.
Does Venmo trigger a cash advance fee?
Yes, sending money through peer-to-peer apps (like Venmo, Google Pay, etc.) using your credit card is often classified as a cash advance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CASH ADVANCE FEE charge legitimate?
If you authorized a payment to Cash Advance Fee, then yes. This is the statement descriptor used by Cash Advance Fee. Cash Advance Fee
Independent reference — not affiliated with Cash Advance Fee. Billing names and policies change; verify with the merchant or your bank before acting.
Verified sources
Every claim on this page is checked against official sources — open them to confirm before you call your bank.
- CFPB: Disputing Credit Card Charges https://www.consumerfinance.gov
- FTC: Fair Credit Billing Act https://consumer.ftc.gov
Reviewed Aug 5, 2026 · low · About UnknownCharges