Stores That Give Cash Back at Checkout
Most major US grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers let you get cash back at the register when you pay by debit card — no ATM required. The catch: a handful of large chains charge a fee for the service, while others offer it completely free.
Here's every major retailer, their cash back limit, whether they charge a fee, and what to watch out for.
Full List: Cash Back Limits and Fees by Store
| Store | Max Cash Back | Increments | Fee | Debit Only? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | $100 | Any | Free | Yes |
| Target | $40 | $10 increments | Free | Yes |
| Walgreens | $20 | $5, $10, $20 | Free | Yes |
| CVS | $35 | $5 increments | Free | Yes |
| ALDI | $100 | Any | Free | Yes |
| Albertsons | $300 | Any | Free | Yes |
| Safeway | $200 | Any | Free | Yes |
| Publix | $100 | Any | Free | Yes |
| Whole Foods | $200 | Any | Free | Yes |
| Trader Joe's | $50–$200 | Any | Free | Yes |
| Costco | $60 | Any | Free | Yes |
| Sam's Club | $100 | Any | Free | Yes |
| Meijer | $100 | Any | Free | Yes |
| Hannaford | $200 | Any | Free | Yes |
| Stop & Shop | $100 | Any | Free | Yes |
| Winn-Dixie | $100 | Any | Free | Yes |
| H-E-B | $100 | Any | Free | Yes |
| Wegmans | $100 | Any | Free | Yes |
| Home Depot | $50 | Any | Free | Yes |
| Rite Aid | $50–$100 | Any | Varies | Yes |
| Kroger / Fred Meyer / Ralphs | $300 | Any | $0.50–$3.50 | Yes |
| Harris Teeter (Kroger) | $100 | Any | $0.75 | Yes |
| Dollar General | $40 | $10 increments | $1.00–$2.00 | Yes |
| Dollar Tree | $50 | Any | $1.00 | Yes |
| Family Dollar | $50 | Any | $1.50 | Yes |
Limits and fees are based on standard debit card transactions. Individual store policies may vary. EBT/SNAP transactions typically cannot receive cash back. Data sourced from CFPB (2024) and individual retailer policies.
Stores That Give Cash Back for Free
Walmart has the widest reach and one of the highest free limits at $100 per transaction — available at staffed registers and most self-checkouts nationwide. If there's a Walmart within reach, it's almost always your best option for fee-free cash.
Albertsons offers the highest free cash back limit of any major retailer at $300 per transaction, though availability varies by location. Its subsidiaries — Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Tom Thumb, Shaw's — typically follow the same policy.
Walgreens and CVS are useful when you need a small amount quickly — both are densely located in urban areas. Walgreens caps at $20; CVS allows up to $35 in $5 increments, even at self-checkout.
Stores That Charge a Fee for Cash Back
The fee is most punishing at Dollar General, where the $40 maximum means a $1 fee represents 2.5% of the amount withdrawn — comparable to a high ATM surcharge. The $10-increment restriction also means you can't take out an exact amount.
Kroger is more nuanced. The fee ($0.50 for amounts under $100) is lower in absolute terms, and Kroger Plus cardholders may be exempt at some locations. But given that free alternatives exist at most Kroger-adjacent areas, there's usually no reason to pay it.
For a full breakdown of Dollar General and Dollar Tree fees, see our dedicated guides: Dollar General cash back fee explained · Does Dollar Tree give cash back?
How to Get Cash Back at Checkout
- Make any purchase at a staffed register or eligible self-checkout.
- Pay with your debit card and enter your PIN when prompted.
- Select "Cash Back" on the card terminal and choose your amount.
- Collect the cash from the cashier or the machine's cash dispenser.
Most stores require a minimum purchase to receive cash back — typically $0.01 or any valid transaction. You generally cannot request cash back without buying something.
When the Store Has No Cash Back: Alternatives
If you're in a location where no cash back stores are nearby, or the limits are too low, you have a few options:
- Your bank's ATM network — fee-free if you stay in-network.
- Peer-to-peer cash exchange — Cashtic connects you with nearby people willing to hand over cash directly in exchange for a digital payment, often faster and cheaper than any ATM.
- Prepaid card ATM networks — Allpoint and MoneyPass have 50,000+ surcharge-free ATMs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Walmart give cash back?
Yes. Walmart offers free cash back up to $100 per transaction on debit card purchases at staffed registers and most self-checkouts. No fee is charged.
Does Walgreens give cash back?
Yes. Walgreens offers free cash back up to $20 on debit card purchases at the register. No fee is charged, but the limit is lower than most grocery stores.
Does CVS give cash back?
Yes. CVS offers free cash back up to $35 in $5 increments on debit card purchases, including at self-checkout. No fee is charged.
Does Target give cash back?
Yes. Target offers free cash back up to $40 on debit card purchases in $10 increments at registers and self-checkout. No fee is charged.
Does ALDI give cash back?
Yes. ALDI offers free cash back up to $100 on debit card purchases. No fee is charged. Cash back must be requested at the register.
Does Kroger charge for cash back?
Yes. Kroger and its brands (Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, QFC) charge a fee of $0.50–$0.75 for cash back amounts up to $100, and up to $3.50 for larger amounts. Kroger Plus cardholders may avoid the fee on smaller amounts at some locations.
Does Dollar General charge for cash back?
Yes. Dollar General charges $1–$2 per cash back transaction with a $40 limit in $10 increments. This is one of the highest fee rates relative to the withdrawal amount among major US retailers.
Does Dollar Tree give cash back?
Yes. Dollar Tree charges $1 per cash back transaction with a $50 limit. Family Dollar (same company) charges $1.50.
Which stores give cash back for free?
Stores offering free cash back on debit purchases include Walmart (up to $100), Target (up to $40), Walgreens (up to $20), CVS (up to $35), ALDI (up to $100), Albertsons (up to $300), Safeway (up to $200), Publix (up to $100), and most major grocery chains. Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Kroger charge fees.
Can I get cash back without making a purchase?
No. All retailers require you to make a purchase to receive cash back at the register. If you need cash without buying anything, use an ATM or a peer-to-peer cash service like Cashtic.
Is cash back at checkout better than using an ATM?
Usually yes — most grocery and pharmacy chains offer free cash back with no fee, while out-of-network ATMs typically charge $3–$5 per withdrawal. The main downside is the lower limit (often $20–$100) and the need to make a purchase.
What is the highest cash back limit at any store?
Albertsons offers the highest cash back limit at most locations — up to $300 per transaction with no fee. Safeway (also owned by Albertsons Companies) typically offers up to $200.