You seem to misunderstand. You were not taking out your own money. If you are in credit that credit remains for you to spend (with retailers). It is not “cash in the bank”. I recently had a hefty refund for a cancelled holiday (£Thousands). I cannot now go and draw that down as cash without it being seen as a cash advance even though, like you, I had settled that bill many months ago.
Never, ever, draw cash using a credit card even if your account is in credit. It will cost you.
//The card is already in the plastic recycle bin.//
Make sure you’ve cut through the magnetic strip and the chip.