What Stores Give Cash Back on Debit Card Purchases?

Cash back at the point of sale allows consumers to receive physical currency from a retail store during a debit card transaction. It is offered by many merchants primarily for customer convenience, integrating a cash withdrawal into a regular shopping experience. This process differs from rewards programs where a percentage of a purchase is returned to the cardholder as a credit or points. Instead, point-of-sale cash back is about obtaining immediate, tangible money directly from the merchant’s register.

Where You Can Get Cash Back

Many types of retail establishments commonly offer in-store cash back, although specific availability can vary by individual chain or store location. Grocery stores are widely known for providing this service, with numerous national and regional chains participating. Examples include stores like:

Albertsons
Aldi
Kroger
Meijer
Publix
Ralphs
Safeway
ShopRite
Trader Joe’s
Whole Foods
Winn-Dixie

This widespread availability makes grocery stores a frequent choice for consumers seeking cash during their regular errands.

Drugstores also frequently offer cash back, providing a convenient option for those picking up prescriptions or other health and household items. Major pharmacy chains such as CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid typically facilitate these transactions. Similarly, large discount retailers, including Walmart, Target, Kmart, and Costco, are common places where shoppers can obtain cash back. Some dollar stores, like Dollar General and Dollar Tree, also provide this service.

Beyond these larger retailers, some convenience stores and gas stations also offer cash back, though the maximum withdrawal amounts at these locations tend to be lower. Chains such as:

7-Eleven
Ampm
BP
Chevron
Circle K
Citgo
Conoco
Valero
Texaco
Shell

may offer this amenity. While many stores offer cash back, it is prudent to confirm the specific policy and limits with a particular store, as these can differ even within the same retail brand.

How In-Store Cash Back Functions

Obtaining cash back at a store’s point of sale is a straightforward process integrated into a purchase transaction. When paying for items, typically with a debit card, the customer is prompted to select whether they desire cash back. This prompt often appears on the payment terminal screen, offering pre-set withdrawal amounts, such as $10, $20, or $40. After selecting the desired amount, the customer must enter their Personal Identification Number (PIN) to authorize the transaction, similar to a standard debit card purchase.

The amount requested for cash back is then added to the total cost of the purchase. For instance, if a customer buys $15 worth of groceries and requests $20 cash back, their debit card will be charged a single transaction of $35. This combined amount is processed through the debit card network, drawing funds directly from the customer’s linked checking account. Once the transaction is approved, the cashier disburses the requested cash from the register, or the cash is provided by a self-checkout machine.

Important Details for Cash Back Transactions

Stores typically impose transaction limits, which can vary significantly by retailer. Common maximums range from $20 to $100 per transaction. For example, CVS often limits cash back to $35, Target to $40, and Walmart generally allows up to $100 per debit card transaction. Some grocery stores may offer higher limits, with some allowing up to $300 in a single transaction, though these can sometimes incur a fee.

Most retailers do not charge a direct fee for providing cash back with a debit card purchase. However, there are exceptions; some retailers, including Kroger, Dollar General, and Dollar Tree, may charge a small fee, typically ranging from $0.50 to $3.00 per transaction. While rare for in-store cash back, a customer’s bank could theoretically charge a fee for such a transaction, particularly if it’s treated as an out-of-network withdrawal, so checking with your bank is advisable.

This service is almost exclusively available with debit cards, requiring the use of a PIN for authentication. Credit cards generally do not offer physical cash back at the point of sale, as this is considered a cash advance, which typically incurs high fees and immediate interest charges. However, Discover credit cards are a notable exception, allowing cash back at some participating retailers. Finally, cash back is always contingent on the store having sufficient cash on hand in their registers.