Key Takeaways
Interest and fees start immediately, with no grace period — interest accrues daily from the moment you withdraw, at rates of roughly 18.9%–29.9% p.a. depending on the bank.
Fees are steep across the board, with nearly every major bank charging 8% of the withdrawal or a small minimum (typically $15), whichever is higher, and no waivers or promos available to reduce it.
Your cash advance limit is separate from — and usually lower than — your credit limit, so you may be able to withdraw far less than your card's overall limit suggests.
Eligibility is stricter than regular card use, requiring an active card in good standing, your credit card PIN, and — in most cases — principal cardholder status.
The only way to limit the damage is behavioural, not structural: withdraw only what's needed, repay as fast as possible, or use a personal loan instead, since no legitimate hack exists to lower the cost.
A credit card cash advance lets you withdraw cash from an ATM or over the counter using your credit line, on the spot, with none of the usual interest-free grace period. It's useful in emergencies, but expensive: cash advance fees and interest apply from the moment you withdraw, and your cash advance limit is capped separately from—and usually lower than—your full credit limit. This guide covers how to make a cash advance in Singapore, what it costs across major banks, who's eligible, and how to keep the damage to a minimum.
How to Do a Credit Card Cash Advance in Singapore
Here's a step-by-step guide to getting a cash advance in Singapore via ATM, bank branch, or online banking, with details relevant to DBS, UOB, and OCBC.
1. Withdrawing cash at an ATM
What you need:
Step-by-step:
Find an eligible ATM: Use your bank's own ATM, or—if you have a UOB or OCBC card—you can use any ATM in their shared local network. Some banks may also allow withdrawals at MEPS or international ATMs, but added fees can apply.
Insert your credit card into the ATM.
Enter your credit card PIN when prompted.
Select 'Cash Advance' from the menu options.
Key in the amount you wish to withdraw, within your bank's and your account's cash advance limits.
Confirm the transaction.
Collect your cash and take the printed receipt.
Withdrawal limits: Each bank will set a daily cash withdrawal limit. For example, common caps are $1,000 to $5,000 per day, but your available cash advance limit may also be lower than your total credit limit.
2. Cash advance over the counter (at bank branches)
What you need:
Your physical credit card
Your NRIC, passport, or other valid photo ID
Step-by-step:
Visit a branch of your card-issuing bank during service hours.
Inform the counter staff you wish to make a credit card cash advance.
Present your credit card and identification.
State the amount required.
The teller will process your request and hand you the cash and transaction slip.
3. Cash advance via online or mobile banking
UOB and OCBC: These banks let you transfer cash from your credit card to a designated account using their online or mobile banking platforms.
DBS: May require you to set up or enable the service via DBS digibank.
What you need:
Step-by-step:
Log in to your bank's app or website.
Navigate to the 'Cash Advance', 'Funds Transfer', or 'Card Services' section.
Select your credit card as the source account.
Enter the withdrawal amount and receiving bank account details.
Review and confirm the transaction.
Cash Advance Fees, Interest Rates & Daily Limits by Singapore Bank
Here's a side-by-side look at cash advance fees, interest rates, foreign withdrawal fees, and known promos across major Singapore banks.
Bank / Card | Cash Advance Fee | Cash Advance Interest Rate (p.a.) | Foreign Withdrawal Fee | Daily/Txn Withdrawal Limit |
DBS / POSB (DBS Live Fresh, POSB Everyday) | 8% of amount, or $15 (whichever is higher) | 28.5% p.a. | 3.25% | Personal cash advance limit; bank's overall daily cap typically up to S$3,000 |
UOB (UOB One Card) | 8% of amount, or $15 (whichever is higher) | 28.5% p.a. | 3.25% | Within available cash advance limit; typically up to S$3,000 per day |
OCBC (OCBC 365 Credit Card) | 8% of amount, or $15 (whichever is higher) | 28.92% p.a. (minimum $2.50) | 3.25% | Subject to user's cash advance limit; may be lower for first-time setups |
Citibank (Citi Cash Back+ Card) | 8% of amount, or $15 (whichever is higher) | 27.9% p.a.(minimum $3) | 3.25% | Usually up to your individual limit; check app/card T&Cs |
Standard Chartered (Simply Cash) | 8% of amount, or $15 (whichever is higher) | 29.9% p.a. | 3.5% | Personal cash advance limit |
HSBC (Revolution Card) | 8% of amount, or $15 (whichever is higher) | 27.8% p.a. | 3.25% | Subject to your cash advance limit |
Trust Bank (Freedom Credit Card) | 8% of amount, or $15, whichever is higher | 18.9%–29.9% p.a. (personalised per cardholder) | 0% (no foreign currency fee) | Follows card's cash limit; check in app |
*Cash advance interest rate is charged daily from withdrawal date until full payment is received.
Daily and per-transaction withdrawal limits aren't standardised but depend on your personal cash advance limit, which is typically lower than your overall credit limit. Always check your banking app or card T&Cs for your exact cap.
For more information on Singapore credit cards, see our credit card comparison guide.
Limits, Eligibility Rules, and Card Requirements
Eligibility for a credit card cash advance in Singapore is stricter than regular card purchases, with its own rules on who qualifies and how limits are set.
Who can get a cash advance? Core eligibility rules
Active Credit Card Required: The card must be active and unblocked. Cards issued in Singapore (personal, not supplementary) are eligible for cash advance services.
Valid Credit Card PIN: Only your credit card PIN works for ATM withdrawals. If you don't have a PIN, you'll need to set or reset it via your bank's app or hotline.
Good Standing: Your card account must be in good standing—no overdue payments, blocks, or settlement plans.
Valid NRIC or Passport: When withdrawing over the counter, you'll need to present valid identification (NRIC/passport).
Satisfactory Payment History: Banks may require a proven payment record; if you're a new cardholder or have recent missed payments, access to cash advances could be restricted.
Other important restrictions
Tenure and account status: Some banks limit access to cash advances for brand new cards (less than 1 month active), recently upgraded cards, or those with account status issues.
Payment defaults: If you defaulted on recent payments or breached your card's terms, cash advance access may be paused or permanently restricted.
Supplementary cardholders: Typically, only principal cardholders can perform cash advances. Supplementary cards are usually excluded for security reasons.
Foreigners: Must present both the credit card and a valid passport for over-the-counter advances; eligibility may be further restricted.
Can you waive or reduce a cash advance fee in Singapore?
Short answer: no. Most major banks such as UOB, DBS, and OCBC all charge the standard cash advance fee—8% of the withdrawal or $1, whichever is higher. Fee waivers don’t apply to cash advance fees; these are typically only afforded to annual fees.
Thus in Singapore, there are currently no true hacks, waivers, or special promos to avoid cash advance charges on credit cards. The only way to manage costs is to use cash advances sparingly and repay as quickly as possible.
Tips to minimise your cash advance costs
Withdraw only what you absolutely need. Fees and interest scale with the amount, so keep withdrawals as small as possible.
Repay your cash advance immediately. The faster you pay it back, the less interest you'll rack up.
Compare options. A short-term personal loan often charges lower interest and offers more repayment flexibility.
Watch out for ATM and foreign currency fees if withdrawing overseas; these pile on extra costs.
Ignore hacks and misleading "waiver" promises online, especially if they involve non-SG cards or unverified claims.
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