Most card issuers offer a 25 day grace period in which to pay for new purchases without incurring finance charges. Ask to go back to 25 days. You are charged interest on everything from the day you buy it, even if you pay on time. Now, some banks have cut back on these extras without the fanfare that launched them. Read annual disclosure of changes, and switch cards if need be.
Most credit cards impose both finance charges and a transaction fee on cash advances.
Transaction fees may still apply. Limit cash advances. Know your card. They can look alike. It is just the opposite.