5 Top Places That Give You Cash Back When You Use a Debit Card

If you need cash while running errands, making an extra stop to withdraw money from the bank can add another chore to your to-do list. Why not complete two tasks in one fell swoop? Use your debit card for the perfect way to get cash back quickly. 

You can save both time and money by taking advantage of the option to get cash back when you are at the store or getting gas. Although there are some limits to the amount you can withdraw, you’ll no longer need to head to the bank after stocking up at the grocery store. 

Keep reading to find out more about these options that could save you money and make your life easier.

In This Article

Ways to Get Cash Back with a Debit Card

You can find cash back opportunities at a wide variety of locations. Depending on your routine, you may be able to find a cash back opportunity already embedded in your errands. 

We will take a closer look at the top five places that give you cash back when you use a debit card. 

1. ATMs

Conveniently located in many places, an ATM is an easy place to get cash back. Although it may be obvious to use your debit card at an ATM to withdraw money, you’ll need to stay aware to avoid any fees. 

You can usually avoid ATM fees by sticking to in-network options. If you are unsure which options are within your fee-free ATM network, then contact your bank. 

Typically, you can still get cash outside of a network ATM. But that choice will often lead to a fee. However, the exact fee will depend on your banking institution. 

According to a Bankrate study, the average ATM withdrawal fees tally up to $4.72. That is an expense that can add up quickly. Let’s say you just take out cash once a month. That average would lead to over 56 dollars spent on only ATM fees per year. Imagine what else you could be doing with that cash! 

If in-network ATM options are not easily accessible, then you may want to seek out a more cost-effective solution. That could include grocery stores or gas stations willing to provide cash back with fewer or no fees. 

2. Grocery Stores

Since most of us visit the grocery store regularly, it can be the perfect opportunity to pull out cash, usually without a fee. Why not take advantage of that perk while shopping there?

How a Store Can Give You Cash Back Using a Debit Card

When you are checking out at a physical retailer, some offer the option to get cash back. With that, you can withdraw some money from your checking account by using your debit card. 

Typically, the withdrawal limits at the grocery store are less than at an ATM. But it is still a good option if you only need to withdraw a relatively small amount. 

Before you finish checking out, ask the cashier for cash back at the register. Once you have made the request, the cashier will include your cash back amount in the total sale price. At that point, the bank will deduct the total sale price from your account, and you’ll leave the store with cash in hand. 

In most cases, physical retailers give you the option to withdraw cash without a fee. However, sometimes the store will require a fee or a minimum purchase amount before providing cash back. 

Also, most stores will allow you to complete a cash back transaction at the register. But some will ask that you only withdraw money at the customer service desk. 

Before you complete a cash back transaction, ask the cashier about the details. Make sure that you are comfortable with the terms before continuing.

Here’s a look at grocery stores that offer cash back opportunities:

• Albertsons
• Aldi
• Winn-Dixie
• Whole Foods
• Food Lion
• Giant Eagle
• Trader Joe’s
• ShopRite
• Hannaford
• Kroger
• Safeway
• Save Mart
• Meijer
• Publix
• Walmart
• Sam’s Club
• Family Dollar
• Dollar Tree

You might find that you have a cash back option at your regular errand spot with several grocery store options. So if you don’t see your regular grocery store on the list, ask about cash back options the next time you check out. The cashier should be able to give you all the details you need. 

3. Gas Stations

Gas stations are a great place to get cash back because you can find them almost anywhere. Whether you are out on a road trip or running errands around town, a gas station will not be too far off your path. 

However, in most cases, the withdrawal limit is very small. In fact, some locations might have a cap of just $10. At some gas stations, you may not be able to withdraw cash at all. Still, the cash back opportunities will vary based on the location. 

Here is a closer look at gas stations that offer cash back:

• Valero
• Conoco
• Citgo
• Circle K 
• Texaco
• Shell
• Sunoco
• Chevron
• BP
• Ampm
• Marathon
• Phillips 66
• ExxonMobil
• 7-Eleven

Although not every gas station will provide cash back at the register, many have ATMs on site. So it is usually possible to get cash through some medium at the gas station. However, fees and limits will vary. 

4. Pharmacies

When you are picking up your wellness items at the pharmacy, you can usually get cash back as well. This location can be especially helpful if you feel under the weather and don’t want to make a second stop for cash. 

Here are a few of the pharmacy stores that offer cash back:

• CVS
• Walgreens
• RiteAid

In some stores, you’ll need to check out at the front to take advantage of the cash back opportunity. Others will let you complete the cash back transaction at the pharmacy counter. If you aren’t sure, then take a second to ask the cashier. 

5. Big Box Stores

Everyday shopping at grocery stores and pharmacies is not the only place to get cash back. Some big box stores will also allow you to get cash back at the register. 

At the big box stores, it is a good idea to ask about the cash back policy. You can avoid a surprise fee if you remember to ask. 

Here are big box stores that offer cash back:

• Staples
• Target
• Kmart
• Costco

As you are out and about, you can always ask if the store where you shop offers cash back. You might be surprised by the answer. 

Downsides to Using Your Debit Card

Using your debit card to avoid ATM fees and an extra time-consuming errand can be a great option. But as with every financial transaction, there can be downsides to getting cash back with your debit card. 

Fees

The first downside for you to be aware of is that some stores have fees associated with your cash back. Taking out money for a fee can add up quickly. With that in mind, be sure to take a second to ask the cashier about the cash back details at that particular store. 

If a fee seems too steep, then simply pass on the opportunity to get cash back. 

Minimum Purchase Amounts

A second downside to watch out for is that some stores will require minimum purchase amounts to complete a cash back transaction. That could lead to unnecessary spending that adds up quickly. 

For example, let’s say you go to the grocery store for a pack of gum that costs $2. But the store has a minimum spending requirement of $10 to qualify for cash back. You would need to spend another $8 to have the option to get cash back. With that, you might also decide to grab a drink, chips and candy to meet the spending threshold. 

While you could forgo the transaction, you might have a pressing need for cash, which pushes you to spend more than you wanted. However, don’t fall into the trap of overspending simply to take out money. 

Limits

A final note is that many cash back opportunities at stores have a limit. In most cases, these cash back limits are much lower than your ATM’s daily withdrawal limit. 

For example, the cash back limit at Walmart is $100. That could be enough to cover your cash needs. But if you need money for a bigger expense, then you might need to take a trip to the bank. 

The best way to avoid any surprises when taking cash out with your debit card is to ask before starting the transaction. You can always ask the cashier a few questions to ensure that you are comfortable with the fees, minimum spending requirements and cash back limits. 

The Bottom Line

With the help of your debit card to get cash back, you can eliminate extra trips to the bank and unnecessary fees. Since no one likes to waste time or money, this is a great opportunity to save both!

You can also save money by taking advantage of several of our favorite cash back sites. 

It’s possible to get some of your money back on your purchases by signing up for cash back options. A few of the most popular cashback sites include Rakuten, Ibotta, and BeFrugal. However, these are just the tip of the iceberg. 

Saving money on fees while withdrawing cash will never go out of style. Take a closer look at the stores listed to find out which ones will work best for you. Then try out some cashback opportunities to boost your savings even more. 

What are some stores you have been able to get cash back with your debit card? Let us know in the comments below.

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