Which Retailers Are Now Charging for Cash Withdrawals at Checkout — And Which Ones Still Offer It Free

The convenience of withdrawing cash during retail purchases has become increasingly complicated. What was once a standard free service is now a profit center for many major chains, with some stores where you can get cash back charging customers anywhere from 50 cents to $3 per transaction. Understanding which retailers maintain this service without fees has become essential for budget-conscious shoppers, particularly those in areas with limited banking infrastructure.

The Hidden Cost: Why Cash Back Fees Are Rising

The shift represents a significant change in retail practices. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Americans collectively pay over $90 million annually just to access their own money through retail checkout cash back. CFPB Director Rohit Chopra explained the underlying economics: as traditional bank branches disappear and out-of-network ATM charges increase, retailers in underserved communities have recognized an opportunity to monetize a service they previously offered at no cost.

This trend disproportionately affects lower-income consumers and residents of small towns. Dollar stores and other budget retailers are predominantly located in rural or economically disadvantaged areas where bank access is already scarce. The fees represent not just an inconvenience but a genuine financial burden for vulnerable populations.

Retailers Implementing Cash Back Charges

Family Dollar: Under the parent company that also owns other budget chains, Family Dollar charges $1.50 for cash back transactions under $50. For customers withdrawing small amounts, this fee can consume a substantial percentage of their withdrawal.

Dollar Tree: This retailer, owned by the same parent corporation as Family Dollar, has introduced a $1 fee for cash back under $50. The decision reflects broader industry movement toward revenue generation from previously complimentary services.

Dollar General: This chain has varied fees by location, ranging from $1 to $2.50 per withdrawal up to $40, based on 2022 CFPB mystery shopping data. The impact is particularly acute given that Dollar General locations concentrate in rural and low-income neighborhoods.

Kroger and Its Subsidiary Brands: The nation’s largest grocery chain has implemented tiered fee structures. Harris Teeter charges 75 cents for withdrawals up to $100 and $3 for $100-$200 transactions. Other Kroger banners like Ralph’s and Fred Meyer charge 50 cents for up to $100 and $3.50 for amounts between $100 and $300.

Alternative Options: Stores Where You Can Get Cash Back Without Fees

Several major retailers continue offering fee-free cash withdrawals, though availability varies by region:

• Walmart: Up to $200 cash back at no charge
• Albertsons: Up to $200 available without fees
• Target: Up to $40 free cash back
• CVS: Up to $60 without charge
• Walgreens: Up to $20 available free

These stores where you can get cash back for free represent a diminishing but important resource. However, their geographic distribution differs significantly from dollar stores — they are less prevalent in rural or deeply underserved communities, creating a problematic gap in financial access.

What This Means for Your Wallet

The expansion of cash back fees reveals a troubling trend: financial services are becoming segmented by income level and geography. Consumers with access to full-service banks or those in well-served urban areas face minimal impact. Those in small towns or with limited banking options increasingly bear the costs of accessing basic financial services.

For many Americans, the choice is limited: pay the retail fee, travel further to find a bank, or incur even higher out-of-network ATM charges. The CFPB’s findings underscore that this is not merely a matter of consumer inconvenience but rather a widening inequality in access to fundamental financial infrastructure.