Which Stores Still Give Cash Back for Free—and Which Ones Now Charge

2026-02-20 02:13:26

The convenience of getting cash back while you shop used to be a universal perk. But today, the answer to “who gives cash back” without fees depends heavily on where you shop. As banking deserts expand across rural and low-income communities, cash back at retail checkout has become not just convenient—it’s essential. Yet several major chains have started imposing fees for what was once a complimentary service, forcing consumers to rethink where they should withdraw cash.

The Cash Back Fee Trend Among Major Retailers

The shift toward charging for cash back reflects broader changes in retail banking. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Americans spend over $90 million annually just to access their own cash at large retail stores. As traditional bank branches close and out-of-network ATM charges rise, retailers in underserved areas have positioned themselves as alternative banking hubs—then monetized that role.

CFPB Director Rohit Chopra explained the dynamics: “Many people in small towns no longer have access to a local bank. This has created competitive conditions for retailers to charge fees for cash back.” The burden falls heaviest on consumers with fewer banking options and lower incomes, who disproportionately rely on dollar stores and grocery chains in their communities.

4 Retailers Now Charging Fees for In-Store Cash Withdrawals

The following major chains have implemented cash back fees as of recent years:

Family Dollar charges $1.50 for cash back amounts under $50, making it one of the more expensive options for small withdrawals.

Dollar Tree (owned by the same parent company as Family Dollar) charges $1 for transactions under $50, aligning with industry trends among discount retailers.

Dollar General varies its charges by location, with fees ranging from $1 to $2.50 per withdrawal for amounts up to $40, based on 2022 CFPB analysis. Given that Dollar General stores concentrate in rural and underserved areas, these fees disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.

Kroger implemented tiered pricing across its brands. At Harris Teeter locations, the fee is 75 cents for $100 or less and $3 for $100-$200 withdrawals. Other Kroger banners (Ralph’s, Fred Meyer) charge 50 cents for up to $100 and $3.50 for $100-$300 transactions.

5 Stores Where You Can Still Get Cash Back Without Charges

If avoiding fees is your priority, several major retailers continue offering free cash back:

Walgreens provides up to $20 in free cash back
Target allows up to $40 free cash back
CVS gives up to $60 in free cash back
Walmart offers up to $100 free cash back
Albertsons provides up to $200 free cash back

The catch: these retailers may not operate in smaller towns where banking access is already limited.

How to Minimize Your Cash Back Costs

Understanding where each store stands on cash back fees can help you strategize. If you live near a Walmart or Albertsons, withdrawing larger amounts there could save significantly compared to repeated small withdrawals at dollar stores. For urban shoppers, the fee-free options are abundant, but rural consumers often lack these alternatives, facing a genuine financial squeeze on basic cash access.

The broader issue remains unresolved: as retailers replace traditional banks in many communities, the question of who gives cash back fairly—and affordably—grows more urgent for those with limited choices.

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