Which Stores Charge for Cash Back? A Shopper's Guide to Finding Free Options

For many consumers, getting cash back at a store while checking out is more than just convenient—it’s often a financial necessity. As traditional bank branches continue to close and out-of-network ATM fees climb higher, millions of Americans now rely on retail stores to access their own money. However, what was once a universally free service has shifted dramatically. Several major retailers have begun charging fees for cash back transactions, while others continue to offer this service at no cost. Understanding which stores charge and which don’t can help you make smarter financial decisions.

The Rising Cost of Cash Back at Major Retailers

The pivot toward cash back fees reflects a significant change in retail banking services. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Americans are now paying more than $90 million annually in fees just to access their own money through retail store transactions. This trend disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations—those living in rural areas or low-income communities where traditional banking access is already scarce.

CFPB Director Rohit Chopra explained the underlying dynamics: “Many people living in small towns no longer have access to a local bank where they can withdraw money from their account for free. This has created competitive conditions for retailers to charge fees for cash back.” For the stores themselves, charging these fees helps offset transaction processing costs. Yet for consumers already struggling with limited financial options, each fee becomes an additional burden.

Four Stores Where You’ll Pay for Cash Back

If you’re shopping at certain major retailers, expect to pay for cash back services. Here’s what you need to know about their current fee structures:

Family Dollar stands out as one of the more expensive options. The store charges $1.50 for any cash back withdrawal under $50, which can represent a substantial percentage of small cash amounts—precisely the type of transactions that customers in underserved areas most commonly need.

Dollar Tree, owned by the same parent company as Family Dollar, has adopted a similar strategy with a slightly lower fee of $1 for cash back under $50. This move reflects a broader industry trend among discount retailers to generate revenue from services that were previously provided at no charge.

Dollar General has implemented variable fees depending on location, with mystery shopping audits from the CFPB in 2022 revealing charges ranging from $1 to $2.50 per withdrawal up to $40. Given that Dollar General stores are heavily concentrated in rural and low-income areas, these fees hit hardest on populations with the fewest banking alternatives.

Kroger, the nation’s largest grocery chain, has rolled out cash back fees across its various store brands with different fee schedules. At Harris Teeter locations, customers pay 75 cents for up to $100 or $3 for $100-$200 withdrawals. At other Kroger banners like Ralph’s and Fred Meyer, the fees are 50 cents for up to $100 and $3.50 for $100-$300 withdrawals. While these percentages are lower than dollar stores, they still represent an added cost.

Five Alternative Stores for Free Cash Back

The good news: several major retailers still offer cash back at no cost. If you prioritize avoiding fees, these options remain available:

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

However, availability matters significantly. In smaller towns and rural areas where banking options are most limited, these free-service stores may not exist. This creates a catch-22 situation: those most burdened by limited banking access often have no choice but to use the stores that charge fees.

Making Smart Decisions About Where to Get Cash Back

The landscape of retail cash back services reflects larger economic disparities. Understanding which stores charge and which offer free cash back empowers you to plan your shopping strategically. When possible, consolidate your cash withdrawals at stores that don’t charge fees, and consider using them as your primary cash withdrawal location rather than out-of-network ATMs—the fees often end up similar.

As retail stores continue to monetize previously free services, staying informed about these policies becomes increasingly important for protecting your financial resources.