Can You Get Cash Back With a Credit Card at a Store?

It is possible to receive cash when making a purchase with a credit card at a retail store. This process differs significantly from a typical cash advance obtained directly from a credit card issuer or ATM. Getting cash back at a store is a service offered by the merchant at the point of sale, integrated into a purchase transaction.

How Cash Back Works at Stores

When completing a purchase, consumers can request an additional amount of cash beyond their purchase total. For example, if a customer buys an item for $15 and requests $20 cash back, their credit card will be charged a total of $35. This combined amount is processed as a single transaction.

This service is fundamentally different from a traditional cash advance, which is a loan against your credit line from the card issuer, typically incurring high fees and immediate interest. Some credit card networks, like Discover, have specific programs, often called “Cash Over,” that allow cardholders to receive cash at participating merchant checkouts as part of a purchase. This treats the cash portion like any other purchase, potentially avoiding cash advance fees and immediate interest, provided the cardholder pays their statement balance in full by the due date.

However, it is important to verify with your specific credit card issuer whether they support this type of transaction as a regular purchase. Many credit card companies may categorize any cash obtained directly at a point of sale as a cash advance, even if it is requested during a purchase. If treated as a cash advance, the transaction would be subject to fees and immediate interest accrual without a grace period.

Understanding Limits and Fees

Retail establishments that offer cash back services impose limits on the amount of cash that can be dispensed per transaction or per day. These limits vary by store policy and can range from small amounts, such as $10 or $20, up to $50 or even $120 in some cases, depending on the merchant and the credit card network. It is advisable to inquire about the specific limits at the checkout counter.

Regarding fees, the situation depends on how the credit card issuer classifies the cash back transaction. If your credit card issuer treats the cash back as a standard purchase, as some specific card programs do, then there may be no separate fees from the card issuer for the cash portion beyond the initial purchase amount. Conversely, if the transaction is categorized as a cash advance, cardholders will incur fees from their credit card issuer, which can be a percentage of the amount withdrawn (e.g., 3% to 5%) or a flat fee (e.g., $5 or $10), whichever is greater.

While less common for credit card transactions, some retailers may charge a small fee for providing cash back, similar to fees seen with debit card cash back. For instance, certain dollar stores and grocery chains have been noted to charge fees ranging from $0.50 to $3 for cash back services, primarily with debit or prepaid cards. This practice is more prevalent in areas where access to traditional banking services is limited. It is prudent for consumers to confirm any potential merchant fees before completing the transaction.

Where to Access Cash Back

Cash back services with credit cards are most commonly available at large retail chains, particularly grocery stores and convenience stores. Specific examples of stores that may offer cash back include various grocery chains like Kroger, Albertsons, Safeway, and regional supermarkets. Additionally, some general merchandise stores and pharmacies might also provide this service.

To determine if a particular store offers cash back with a credit card, consumers can look for signage at the checkout, inquire with a cashier, or check the store’s website or app. The availability of this service can vary by location and store policy. While some credit cards offer enhanced rewards for purchases at grocery stores, the ability to get cash back at these locations is a separate service provided by the merchant, rather than a direct feature of the credit card’s rewards program.