Which Retailers Will Charge You for Cash Back — And Who Does Cash Back Transactions for Free

Cash back at checkout has long been a lifeline for consumers, especially in areas where banking access is scarce. Yet as traditional bank branches continue to close and out-of-network ATM fees escalate, a troubling trend has emerged: major retail chains are now charging consumers for withdrawals that were once complimentary.

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Americans collectively pay over $90 million annually just to access their own money through retail store cash back services. This financial burden falls disproportionately on lower-income consumers and those in rural communities who have limited alternatives.

The Cash Back Fee Reality: 4 Major Retailers Now Charge

Family Dollar’s $1.50 Surcharge

Family Dollar has implemented one of the steeper cash back fees in the retail sector. Customers are charged $1.50 when withdrawing under $50, which can represent a significant percentage of small withdrawals — a particularly harsh blow for consumers seeking modest amounts of cash.

Dollar Tree Follows Suit

Operating under the same parent company as Family Dollar, Dollar Tree has similarly rolled out cash back charges. The chain imposes a $1 fee for withdrawals under $50, reflecting the industry-wide pivot toward monetizing once-free services.

Dollar General’s Variable Pricing

Dollar General’s approach varies by location, with fees ranging from $1 to $2.50 per withdrawal up to $40, according to CFPB mystery shopping data from 2022. Given that Dollar General’s footprint is concentrated in rural and underserved areas, these charges create an additional barrier for consumers already struggling with limited banking infrastructure.

Kroger’s Tiered Fee Structure

Kroger, America’s largest grocery chain, has adopted a tiered fee model that generally undercuts dollar stores but still charges consumers. At Harris Teeter locations, the fee is 75 cents for withdrawals of $100 or less and $3 for amounts between $100 and $200. Other Kroger banners — including Ralph’s and Fred Meyer — charge 50 cents for up to $100 and $3.50 for $100-to-$300 withdrawals.

Where to Get Free Cash Back: 5 Retailers That Still Offer It

For consumers seeking to avoid these charges, several major chains continue to offer cash back without fees:

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

The catch: these no-fee options aren’t universally available in smaller towns, leaving many consumers with limited practical alternatives.

Why This Trend Matters

The shift reflects a fundamental imbalance in retail banking access. As CFPB Director Rohit Chopra noted, when traditional banking infrastructure disappears from rural and small-town America, retailers gain leverage to charge for services that were once competitive advantages. What began as a convenience has become a necessity — and now, a revenue stream for those controlling access to cash.

For consumers in underserved areas, the question isn’t whether they’ll pay these fees, but how much they’ll have to sacrifice to access their own money.