Which Places Offer Free Cash Back and Which Will Charge You a Fee

Getting cash when you need it shouldn’t come with a surprise charge at checkout. Yet as traditional bank locations disappear and out-of-network ATM fees climb, many places have quietly started charging fees for what was once a standard customer service. Understanding which retailers still provide cash back without fees and which places now extract a cost can help you keep more of your money in your wallet.

Why These Places Charge for Cash Back Services

The shift is driven by fundamental changes in how Americans access banking services. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, people across the country are spending over $90 million annually just to access their own cash at major retail chains. “We’ve seen a troubling trend where dollar store chains and other retailers are now charging consumers for cash withdrawal services,” noted CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. “In rural communities where local banks have closed, this puts financial pressure on people with the fewest options.”

For retailers, these fees offset transaction processing costs. For consumers—particularly those in small towns, low-income neighborhoods, or areas with limited banking infrastructure—the fees create an additional financial strain. The impact falls heaviest on vulnerable populations who lack access to free banking alternatives.

The Cost of Getting Cash at Major Retailers

Several major retail chains now charge for cash back at the point of sale:

Family Dollar charges $1.50 for cash back under $50, making even small withdrawals expensive for budget shoppers.

Dollar Tree, owned by the same parent company as Family Dollar, levies a $1 fee on cash back transactions under $50—a move that mirrors broader industry trends among discount retailers.

Dollar General, which operates many locations in rural and underserved areas, charges between $1 and $2.50 per withdrawal up to $40, with amounts varying by store location and circumstances.

Kroger, the nation’s largest grocery chain, imposes fees at its various banners. Harris Teeter charges 75 cents for up to $100 in cash back and $3 for $100 to $200 withdrawals. Other Kroger brands like Ralph’s and Fred Meyer charge 50 cents for up to $100 and $3.50 for $100 to $300 withdrawals.

Places Where You Can Still Get Free Cash Back

If you want to avoid these charges entirely, several retail destinations still provide complimentary cash back services:

• Walgreens: Up to $20
• Target: Up to $40
• CVS: Up to $60
• Walmart: Up to $100
• Albertsons: Up to $200

The challenge is availability. While these places offer cash back without fees, they may not exist in smaller communities where banking deserts are most severe, leaving residents with few alternatives to fee-charging retailers.

Protecting Your Financial Health

As more places implement cash back fees, consumers should explore alternative solutions. Bank branches in your area, credit union networks, and fee-free checking accounts remain valuable resources. Where these places aren’t accessible, asking retailers directly about their policies before checkout can help you plan accordingly. The trend of charges for basic cash access underscores why maintaining a relationship with a financial institution—even online—remains critical for managing money wisely in 2026.