How to Do a Cash Advance on Your First Premier Credit Card (2026 Guide)

Emergency situations don’t wait for payday. Whether your car broke down, you need to pay a contractor who only accepts cash, or you’re traveling somewhere cards aren’t accepted, a cash advance on your First Premier Credit Card can feel like a lifeline. But before you head to the nearest ATM, you need to understand exactly what you’re walking into — because cash advances are one of the most expensive financial moves you can make with a credit card.

This guide breaks down everything step-by-step: how to request a First Premier credit card cash advance, what fees and interest rates you’ll face, how your credit limit factors in, and — critically — whether there’s a smarter option you might be overlooking.

What Is a Credit Card Cash Advance?

A credit card cash advance is essentially a short-term loan taken against your credit card’s available credit. Unlike a regular purchase, you’re withdrawing actual cash — either from an ATM, a bank teller, or by using special checks your card issuer may send you.

Cash advances are different from regular purchases in three key ways:

• Higher interest rates: The APR on cash advances is almost always higher than your regular purchase APR.
• No grace period: Interest starts accruing immediately — there’s no 21-25 day buffer like with purchases.
• Upfront transaction fee: You pay a fee just for initiating the advance, before any interest is calculated.

About First Premier Bank Credit Card

First Premier Bank is a South Dakota-based financial institution that specializes in credit cards designed for people rebuilding their credit or establishing credit history for the first time. Their cards are widely known for being accessible to applicants with poor or limited credit — but they come with higher fees and interest rates than standard credit cards.

First Premier offers several card variants, and most of them include a cash advance feature. While this feature can be useful in emergencies, the cost structure of First Premier cards makes cash advances particularly expensive compared to cards issued by mainstream banks.

Your Cash Advance Limit on First Premier

Your First Premier credit card cash advance limit is not the same as your overall credit limit. Most credit card issuers — including First Premier — set a separate, lower limit for cash advances, typically a fraction of your total credit line.

For First Premier cardholders, the cash advance limit is generally around 50% or less of your total credit limit. So if your credit limit is $500, your cash advance limit might be $250 or lower.

How to Find Your Cash Advance Limit

• Log in to your account at mypremiercreditcard.com
• Review your credit summary — the cash advance limit is usually listed separately
• Call the number on the back of your card and ask a representative
• Check your most recent paper statement — it typically lists both limits

Cash Advance Fees & Interest Rates Explained

This is the section most people skip — and it’s the most important one. Before you request a First Premier cash advance, you need to know exactly how much it will cost you.

Real-World Cost Example

Say you take a $200 cash advance. Here is a rough cost breakdown:

• Transaction fee: ~$10 (5% of $200)
• ATM operator fee: ~$3
• One month of interest at 36% APR: ~$6
• Total cost just for month one: ~$19 on a $200 withdrawal

How to Set Up Your Cash Advance PIN

To use your First Premier credit card at an ATM, you need a PIN. If you don’t have one yet, here’s how to get it set up before you need it in a hurry.

Step 1: Check Your Welcome Packet

When you first received your First Premier card, a PIN may have been included in your welcome materials or mailed separately. Check if you already have one before requesting a new one.

Step 2: Call Customer Service

Call the number on the back of your card (typically 1-800-987-5521). Navigate to the PIN services option in the automated system. You can often set or reset your PIN directly over the phone — no hold time required.

Step 3: Log Into Your Online Account

Visit mypremiercreditcard.com, log in, and navigate to ‘Card Services’ or ‘Account Settings.’ Some card versions allow you to set or change your PIN directly through the portal.

Step 4: Request a Mailed PIN

If the above options don’t work, a customer service representative can request that a new PIN be mailed to your address on file. This typically takes 7-10 business days.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Cash Advance on Your First Premier Card

There are three main methods to get a First Premier credit card cash advance: ATM withdrawal, bank teller, or convenience checks. Start with the general preparation steps below, then choose your method.

General Preparation (Do These First)

Step 1: Verify Your Cash Advance Limit

Log into mypremiercreditcard.com or call customer service to confirm how much cash advance credit is currently available. Attempting to exceed this limit will result in a declined transaction.

Step 2: Confirm Your PIN Is Active

Make sure you have a working ATM PIN assigned to your card. If not, follow the PIN setup steps in Section 5 above before proceeding.

Step 3: Calculate the True Cost

Use the fee structure from Section 4 to estimate exactly how much this advance will cost you. Make sure you genuinely need the cash before proceeding.

Step 4: Choose Your Method

Decide whether you’ll use an ATM, a bank teller counter, or a convenience check. Each method is detailed in the sections below.

Using an ATM for a First Premier Cash Advance

This is the most common method. Here’s how to do it at any ATM that displays the Visa or Mastercard logo.

Step 1: Find a Compatible ATM

Look for ATMs displaying the Visa or Mastercard logo. To avoid extra fees, try to find an ATM that doesn’t charge an operator fee — some credit unions offer surcharge-free ATMs.

Step 2: Insert Your Card and Enter Your PIN

Insert your First Premier credit card and enter your 4-digit PIN when prompted.

Step 3: Select ‘Credit’ or ‘Cash Advance’

When the ATM asks what type of account to withdraw from, select ‘Credit.’ Some ATMs will present a ‘Cash Advance’ option when they detect a credit card. Do not select ‘Checking’ or ‘Savings.’

Step 4: Enter the Amount

Type in the amount you want. This must be within your available cash advance limit AND within the ATM’s own daily withdrawal limit. Enter a round number as most ATMs dispense in $20 increments.

Step 5: Review and Confirm the Fee Disclosure

The ATM will typically show you the operator fee before you confirm. If the fee seems excessive, consider canceling and finding a different ATM.

Step 6: Collect Your Cash and Receipt

Take your cash, your card, and your receipt. Keep the receipt — it documents the transaction date (which is day one of interest accrual).

Step 7: Repay As Quickly As Possible

As soon as you get home, log in to your account and schedule a payment. The faster you repay the cash advance balance, the less interest you’ll pay.

Getting a Cash Advance at a Bank Teller

If you need a larger amount than an ATM allows, or if you don’t have your PIN set up, you can walk into any bank or credit union that accepts Visa or Mastercard and request a cash advance at the teller window.

Step 1: Bring Valid Government-Issued Photo ID

The teller will need to verify your identity. A driver’s license, state ID, or passport is typically required.

Step 2: Present Your First Premier Card

Hand your card to the teller and tell them you’d like a cash advance. Mention the amount you need.

Step 3: Sign the Transaction Slip

The teller will process the advance against your credit card’s cash advance limit. You may be asked to sign a transaction slip.

Step 4: Receive Your Cash

The teller will count out the cash for you. The bank may charge a small fee in addition to First Premier’s own transaction fee.

Using Convenience Checks for a Cash Advance

First Premier Bank occasionally mails convenience checks to cardholders. These are pre-printed checks tied to your credit card account that you can use to pay someone directly or deposit into your bank account — effectively functioning as a cash advance.

• Make the check out to yourself or to the person or business you want to pay
• Deposit the check into your bank account (if made out to yourself) or hand it to the recipient
• The amount will be charged to your credit card as a cash advance — the same fees and APR apply

How a Cash Advance Affects Your Credit Score

Many people worry that taking a cash advance will directly hurt their credit score. Here’s a nuanced look at the actual impact.

Credit Utilization — The Biggest Risk

Your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your available credit you’re using) is a major factor in your credit score. First Premier cards often have low credit limits ($300-$700), so a $200 cash advance can instantly push your utilization to 40-70% on that card — which can meaningfully lower your score.

No Direct ‘Cash Advance’ Mark on Your Report

Credit bureaus don’t see the label ‘cash advance’ — they just see a balance increase on your credit card. The damage comes from the higher balance, not the type of transaction.

Missed Payments — The Real Danger

If the fees and interest make your balance harder to manage and you miss a payment, that’s when the real credit damage occurs. A single missed payment can drop your score significantly.

Smarter Alternatives to a Cash Advance on First Premier Card

Before you go through with a First Premier Bank cash advance, seriously consider these alternatives. Most of them are cheaper, faster, or both.

Pro Tips to Minimize Cash Advance Costs

If you’ve weighed the alternatives and a First Premier cash advance is still your best option, follow these tips to reduce the damage:

• Borrow the minimum you actually need. Cash advance fees are percentage-based, so borrowing $100 instead of $200 cuts your fee in half.
• Pay it back immediately. Since interest starts on day one, paying back the advance within a few days can dramatically reduce total interest cost.
• Use a surcharge-free ATM. ATM operator fees vary — using your bank’s own ATM or a no-fee ATM network saves $2-$5 per transaction.
• Don’t let it linger on your statement cycle. Make a manual payment before your statement closes to minimize the interest calculation period.
• Check payment allocation rules. Pay above the minimum to target the high-rate cash advance balance directly.
• Call First Premier after repaying. If you have good payment history, you can sometimes negotiate a temporary higher cash limit.

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the cash advance fee for First Premier Credit Card?

First Premier Bank typically charges either a flat fee (commonly $6-$8) or a percentage of the cash advance amount (usually around 5%), whichever is greater. You’ll also pay the ATM operator fee separately. Always check your cardholder agreement for exact current figures.

What is the cash advance limit on a First Premier Credit Card?

Your cash advance limit is typically a portion of your total credit limit — often around 50% or less. You can find your specific limit by logging into mypremiercreditcard.com, checking your paper statement, or calling the number on the back of your card.

Does a First Premier cash advance hurt my credit score?

A cash advance doesn’t directly flag on your credit report, but it increases your credit utilization ratio, which can lower your score — especially since First Premier cards tend to have low credit limits. Missing a payment due to the increased balance is the bigger risk to your score.

How do I set up a PIN for my First Premier Credit Card?

Call the number on the back of your card and use the automated PIN system, log in at mypremiercreditcard.com and navigate to card settings, or request a mailed PIN through customer service. It’s best to set this up before you need it urgently.

Is there a grace period on First Premier cash advances?

No. Unlike regular purchases that offer a 21-25 day grace period, cash advances begin accruing interest immediately on the day of the transaction. This makes it especially important to repay the balance as quickly as possible.

Can I get a cash advance on First Premier without a PIN?

Yes — but only at a bank teller window, not at an ATM. At a bank branch, you present your card and a valid photo ID, and the teller processes the advance without requiring a PIN.

What is the phone number for First Premier Bank cash advance help?

The primary customer service number is 1-800-987-5521. You can call this number to check your cash advance limit, set up a PIN, or ask about your current fees and APR.

Can I transfer a First Premier cash advance to my bank account?

Not directly. First Premier doesn’t offer a direct deposit or bank transfer for cash advances. You would need to withdraw cash from an ATM or bank teller and then deposit it yourself, or use a convenience check (if available).

Final Verdict: Is a First Premier Cash Advance Worth It?

A cash advance on your First Premier Credit Card is a legitimate tool for genuine financial emergencies — but it is one of the most expensive forms of short-term borrowing available. With a transaction fee of around 5%, an APR that can reach 36% or more, zero grace period, and a low credit limit that starts accruing high-utilization credit score damage immediately, this is not a decision to make lightly.

That said, life doesn’t always give you perfect options. If you’ve exhausted alternatives, you understand the costs, and you have a clear repayment plan in place — a First Premier cash advance is absolutely something you can manage responsibly. The keys are to borrow as little as possible, use a surcharge-free ATM, and pay the balance back as fast as you can.