Does Dollar General Charge for Cash Back?
Dollar General is one of three major US retailers — alongside Dollar Tree and Kroger — identified in a 2024 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) report as charging fees for cash back at checkout. Together, these chains collect over $90 million a year in cash back fees from customers, many of whom live in areas without easy access to free ATMs or other retailers.
The fee is especially significant at Dollar General because the $40 withdrawal cap means a $1–$2 fee represents 2.5–5% of the amount withdrawn — far higher than any ATM surcharge percentage.
Dollar General Cash Back vs. Free Alternatives
| Store | Max Cash Back | Increments | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dollar General | $40 | $10 increments | $1.00–$2.00 |
| Dollar Tree | $50 | Any amount | $1.00 |
| Walmart | $100 | Any amount | Free |
| Target | $40 | Any amount | Free |
| Walgreens | $20 | Any amount | Free |
| CVS | $35 | Any amount | Free |
| Albertsons | $300 | Any amount | Free |
| ALDI | $100 | Any amount | Free |
How Cash Back Works at Dollar General
- Make any purchase at a staffed register (not always available at self-checkout).
- Pay with a debit card (Visa or Mastercard) and enter your PIN.
- When prompted, select "Cash Back" and choose an amount in $10 increments up to $40.
- The fee ($1–$2 depending on location) is added to your transaction total.
- Receive your cash from the cashier along with your receipt.
Note that policies can vary by individual store and region. Some Dollar General locations may not offer cash back at all, particularly in smaller or remodeled format stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dollar General charge for cash back?
Yes. Dollar General charges a fee of $1 to $2 per cash back transaction, depending on the location. This applies to all debit card cash back requests regardless of the amount withdrawn.
How much cash back can you get at Dollar General?
The maximum cash back at Dollar General is $40 per transaction, available in $10 increments only. You cannot request an odd amount like $15 or $25 — it must be $10, $20, $30, or $40.
What payment methods qualify for cash back at Dollar General?
Only debit cards (Visa or Mastercard) qualify for cash back at Dollar General. Credit cards, gift cards, checks, and EBT cards are not eligible for cash back.
Why does Dollar General charge for cash back when other stores don't?
Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Kroger are among the few major US retailers that charge cash back fees. A 2024 CFPB report found these three chains collect over $90 million a year in such fees, even though the actual processing cost per transaction is just a few cents. Retailers like Walmart, Target, and Walgreens offer the same service for free.
Where can I get cash back near me without a fee?
Walmart (up to $100), Target (up to $40), Walgreens (up to $20), CVS, Albertsons, and ALDI all offer cash back on debit purchases with no fee. Use the Cashtic app to find the nearest store offering free cash back.