Where to Get Cash Back: Which Stores Charge Fees and Which Ones Won't

When you’re running errands and need cash, the convenience of getting money back at checkout can be a lifesaver—especially in communities where banking options are limited. However, the landscape of where you can access your own money at stores that do cash back near me has shifted dramatically in recent years. What was once a free service at most retail locations is increasingly being monetized, creating a two-tier system: stores that offer free cash withdrawals and those that impose fees.

Why Retailers Are Implementing Cash Back Charges

The shift toward charging for cash access reflects broader changes in America’s banking infrastructure. According to findings from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Americans are now paying over $90 million annually in fees just to access their own funds at major retail locations. As traditional bank branches continue closing and ATM networks become more costly to access, many people have turned to stores that do cash back services as their primary alternative.

CFPB Director Rohit Chopra explained the underlying economics: “Many people in smaller towns no longer have convenient access to a local bank. This has created an opportunity for retailers to charge fees for services that were once free.” For retailers, these fees help offset the operational costs of maintaining cash handling systems and processing transactions. However, this burden falls hardest on consumers in low-income or rural areas who already face limited banking choices.

The fees charged vary significantly by retailer, with some imposing substantial percentages of the withdrawal amount. Mystery shopping conducted by the CFPB in 2022 revealed the scope of these charges, showing how dollar store chains and other retailers have capitalized on this shift in consumer behavior.

Five Retailers Where You Can Still Get Free Cash Back

If you’re searching for stores that do cash back without charging fees, these major retailers haven’t implemented charges:

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

These locations remain your best option for fee-free cash withdrawals at checkout. However, not all communities have equal access to these chains—rural and small-town residents may find that none of these retailers are conveniently located nearby.

Four Major Stores Now Charging for Cash Back Transactions

Understanding which stores charge can help you plan your shopping strategy. These retailers have implemented cash back fees:

Family Dollar has introduced a $1.50 fee for cash withdrawals under $50. For budget-conscious shoppers who typically need small amounts of cash, this charge can represent a significant percentage loss on small withdrawals.

Dollar Tree, owned by the same parent company as Family Dollar, charges $1 for cash back transactions under $50. This policy aligns with broader monetization trends affecting dollar store chains.

Dollar General has become another major retailer charging for this service. Based on CFPB investigation data from 2022, the chain’s fees typically range from $1 to $2.50 per withdrawal (up to $40), though specific amounts vary by location. Given that Dollar General stores are frequently found in rural and underserved communities, these fees disproportionately impact consumers who have the fewest banking alternatives.

Kroger, America’s largest grocery chain, has also adopted cash back fees, though they differ by brand and transaction size. At Harris Teeter locations, the fee is 75 cents for withdrawals of $100 or less, and $3 for amounts between $100 and $200. At other Kroger-operated brands like Ralph’s and Fred Meyer, fees are 50 cents for up to $100 cash back and $3.50 for withdrawals between $100 and $300.

Navigating the Cash Back Fee Landscape

The emergence of these fees creates real challenges for consumers, particularly those living in areas where traditional banking services are scarce. When searching for stores that do cash back near me, it’s worth noting that availability and fee policies can vary by location. Before visiting a store, consider calling ahead to confirm their current cash back policy and fees—these policies sometimes change or may vary between different store locations.

For those in communities with limited retail options, understanding your available alternatives becomes crucial. The gap between free and fee-based cash access increasingly depends on your geographic location and which retailers have a presence in your area. Planning your shopping trips strategically to align with free cash back opportunities can help you avoid these unexpected charges on routine withdrawals.