Where to Get $100 Cash Back Without Paying Extra Fees at Retail Stores

Finding a place to withdraw cash back has become trickier as traditional banking options disappear from many communities. If you’re looking for where to get $100 cash back without penalties, the answer depends on which retailer you choose—some charge fees, while others still offer free withdrawals.

Which Stores Charge for Cash Back Services

The landscape of retail cash back has shifted dramatically. Several major retailers now impose fees on what was once a complimentary service. Family Dollar charges $1.50 for withdrawals under $50, while Dollar Tree (owned by the same parent company) charges $1 for similar amounts. Dollar General’s fees range from $1 to $2.50 per withdrawal up to $40, depending on location and circumstances. Kroger has also entered the fee-charging category, though with higher limits and lower percentages—Harris Teeter locations charge 75 cents for up to $100 and $3 for withdrawals between $100 and $200. At other Kroger brands like Ralph’s and Fred Meyer, the fee is 50 cents for up to $100 cash back and $3.50 for amounts between $100 and $300.

These fee structures mean that larger withdrawals—like getting $100 cash back—are more affordable at Kroger locations compared to dollar stores. For example, a $100 withdrawal at Kroger costs just 50 cents to $3, versus $1 to $2.50 at Dollar General.

Best Options for Free Cash Back Withdrawals

If avoiding fees is your priority, several retailers continue to offer free cash back services. Walmart allows up to $100 in free withdrawals, making it an excellent choice for larger amounts. Albertsons goes even further, permitting up to $200 in free cash back. Target offers up to $40, CVS permits up to $60, and Walgreens allows up to $20 without charge. Among these options, Walmart and Albertsons are the most useful if you specifically need to get $100 cash back without paying a surcharge.

However, availability remains a significant issue. These free-cash-back retailers may not have locations in smaller towns or rural areas, particularly in communities where traditional bank branches have closed.

Why Retailers Started Charging for Cash Back

The shift toward imposing fees reflects broader economic pressures on retail operations. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Americans collectively pay over $90 million annually in fees to access their own money at large retail stores. As bank closures accelerated, particularly in rural and low-income communities, people increasingly relied on retail cash back services—creating a new revenue opportunity for stores.

CFPB Director Rohit Chopra explained the dynamic: “While retail chains had long provided cash back on debit card purchases for free, dollar store chains and other retailers are now charging fees for access to cash. 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 the competitive conditions for retailers to charge fees for cash back.”

Dollar stores and grocers in underserved communities saw cash back as a way to offset transaction processing costs. Yet this creates a painful paradox: the communities most dependent on retail cash back services—areas with limited banking options—face the highest fees.

Understanding the Consumer Impact

Research by the CFPB during mystery shopping at Dollar General in 2022 revealed fee variations by location, indicating that retailers are testing different price points. Consumers with lower incomes or fewer banking alternatives are disproportionately impacted, as dollar stores concentrate in rural and underserved regions. For someone living in a small town with no local bank, needing to withdraw $100 cash back might now come with an unexpected surcharge—turning a basic financial service into an additional burden.

The gap between free and paid cash back options ultimately creates a two-tier system: those near major retailers like Walmart get free access, while those in remote areas may have no choice but to pay.

Making Smart Cash Back Decisions

Before assuming cash back is free at your local store, ask about fee policies at checkout. If you’re planning to withdraw $100 or more, compare your options: Walmart’s $100 free limit and Albertsons’ $200 allowance make them obvious choices for larger amounts. In areas where only Kroger or dollar stores are accessible, the $100 cash back withdrawal still costs significantly less than similar services at dollar chains. Planning your cash needs strategically—withdrawing larger amounts less frequently—can help minimize exposure to these emerging retail fees.