Crossword Genius

Associate uses alternate card and only withdraws fifty (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

crony

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'associate' is the definition.
(a crony is a friend or associate)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for crony that I've seen before include "Intimate companion" , "mate" , "China" , "Sidekick" , "Close companion" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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