Cash advance question?
Jen asked:
I want to do cash advance, but I don't have a PIN #. Is that something you've always had, or something your bank sets up for you?
also what do they mean when they say cash advance does not allow you GRACE PERIODS to pay off? could someone please elaborate that for me?
chatsplas@sbcglobal.net 
Cash advances cost money, that is you are going to have to pay back more than the cash advance you are given. My best advice about cash advances is, don't. Unless it is an ABSOLUTE emergency, just wait for the money to come at its normal time.
If you want to do a cash advance from an ATM, you will need to set up a PIN # with the credit card. You can probably do that online. You should be able to go inside the bank and use the card for a cash advance without a PIN.
When you take a cash advance on a credit card, there is a transaction fee, usually 3% to 5%. Interest is usually at a higher interest rate than purchases and the interest starts to accrue immediately. A cash advance can be pretty expensive.
Most credit cards offer interest free grace periods from the date of a purchase to the statement due date, if you pay the full balance on your account. This interest free grace period does NOT apply to cash advances. The interest starts immediately. You still can make monthly payments to pay off the advance.
You would need a PIN in order to do a cash advance. Usually, a PIN is sent separately from the credit card around the time you first opened the account. You would have to request another PIN if you cannot find your old one. They will only send this through the mail also, they will not email or tell you the PIN by phone for security reasons.
The interest and fees on a cash advance are immediate and start the day you take the advance. Meaning, even IF you were to take an advance on Wednesday, but pay it off on Thursday, you will still be assessed fees and interest. There is no period of time you can pay it off and avoid those fees and interest.