Which Retail Stores Are Nickel-and-Diming You on Cash Back? A Guide to Places That Do and Don't Charge

The convenience of getting cash at checkout is rapidly disappearing. As traditional bank branches shutter and out-of-network ATM surcharges climb, millions have turned to retail stores as their de facto financial institutions. Yet an uncomfortable reality is emerging: major retailers are quietly transforming this free service into a revenue stream, leaving consumers—especially those in underserved communities—footing the bill.

The $90 Million Problem Nobody’s Talking About

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Americans now shell out over $90 million annually just to access their own money at retail checkout counters. That’s not a minor inconvenience—it’s a systemic issue disproportionately hitting low-income and rural populations who have nowhere else to turn.

CFPB Director Rohit Chopra crystallized the problem: as bank branches vanish from small towns, retailers have capitalized on this banking desert by charging for what was once a free service. Dollar store chains have been particularly aggressive in monetizing cash access, a stark contrast to their traditional positioning as budget-friendly alternatives.

The Expensive Route: Where You’ll Pay to Withdraw Your Own Money

Family Dollar charges $1.50 for any cash back request under $50—a potentially jaw-dropping percentage for someone simply needing a $20 bill.

Dollar Tree, owned by the same parent company, counters with a slightly gentler $1 fee for withdrawals under $50, but the result is the same: nickel-and-diming shoppers at every transaction.

Dollar General takes a more granular approach, charging $1 to $2.50 per withdrawal (up to $40), with fees varying by location. Given that Dollar General dominates rural and low-income neighborhoods, the policy hits hardest where banking access is already scarce.

Kroger and its subsidiary banners—Harris Teeter, Ralph’s, and Fred Meyer—have adopted tiered fee structures. Harris Teeter charges 75 cents for up to $100 and $3 for larger withdrawals, while other Kroger-affiliated stores charge 50 cents to $3.50 depending on amount.

Places That Still Respect Your Wallet

If you’re strategic about where you shop, several major retailers still offer fee-free cash back:

Walmart leads the pack, allowing up to $100 without fees. Albertsons matches with $200 limits. Target permits $40, CVS extends $60, and Walgreens offers $20—all without charging a dime.

The catch? These places that do cash back for free aren’t always available in smaller towns, meaning residents in rural areas often have no realistic option beyond paying fees at dollar stores.

The Larger Implication

This shift exposes a troubling gap in American financial infrastructure. As banking becomes increasingly centralized and rural branches disappear, retailers have positioned themselves as gatekeepers to cash—and are extracting tolls accordingly. For the financially vulnerable, these seemingly small fees compound into a significant wealth drain. The CFPB’s findings suggest that without intervention, the retail cash back fee model will only expand, making it essential for consumers to know which stores still value their patronage enough to keep this service free.