Does Walgreens Do Cash Back? Limit & EBT Cash Back [Ultimate Guide] - Frugal Living - Personal Finance Blog (2024)

Banks and credit unions are the holy grail of cash withdrawal solutions. Anytime you need cash, driving to the nearby in-network ATMs that dispense $5, $1, $50, or $100 is the sure-fire way to get cash into your wallet without paying extra.

So why would one want to get $5 or $10 cash back at Walgreens when there are ATMs nearby that dispense $10 bills?

The top reason is convenience. The modern customer is busy. From demanding schedules to saving time & money on gas, there are many reasons why people need the convenience to knocked-off a few tasks on their to-do list in a single errand. For instance, getting cash back at Walgreens when picking up a prescription is a great way to cut an otherwise mandatory trip to the bank.

Walgreens has over 9,000 pharmacy stores nearby that offer services, including cheap photocopies, fax services, buy stamps, and accept EBT cards.

Many people ask: Does Walgreens do cash back?

Fast Answer: Walgreens stores offer cash back on debit card purchases up to $20 per transaction. The only condition is that you have to make a minimum purchase to get cash back at Walgreens. The good thing is, Walgreens gives cash back on purchases as small as $0.01. Just purchase anything like buying a newspaper or a bottle of water to get $5, $10, or $20 cash back.

Getting cash back at Walgreens is a great way to avoid ATM cash withdrawal fees and save time and gas going to the bank. Though you have to buy something to get cash back, it’s still a minuscule spend compared to out-of-network ATM fees and the cost of driving to the bank with high gas prices.

That said, Walgreens doesn’t give cash back on personal checks, credit cards, or gift cards purchases, like American Express gift cards. So make sure you carry your debit card if you plan to get cash back at Walgreens. Also, you can’t get cash back on your Walgreens Balance Rewards or at the pharmacy counter if your insurance covers 100% of the cost.

Does Walgreens Give Cash Back?

Yes, Walgreens give cash back on debit card purchases only. The only requirement is that you have to spend a minimum of $0.01 to be eligible for cash back at a Walgreens store. You can get $5, $10, $20 cash back per transaction. Walgreens gives you the freedom to get your cash back in bills, coins, or a combination of both.

Say you want to get $20 cash back at Walgreens. You can purchase a pack of gum for about $2. Your cash back and purchase amount will be charged as a single purchase of $22 on your unexpired debit card. The cashier will then hand you $20 cash back in whatever denomination you want.

The only downside is that you are limited to a maximum of $20 cash back per transaction. So, for instance, you’ll need to make three separate purchases to get $50 cash back at Walgreens. It’s quite inconvenient, but maybe your best option if there isn’t a nearby in-network ATM.

In most nearby Walgreens stores, you’ll find an ATM next to the register. If it’s your bank’s ATM, you won’t be charged anything, but you may have to pay an out-of-network ATM fee.

Weigh your options and use whatever method gives you the most savings. You’ll come out ahead if the minor inconvenience of running two or more transactions at the register will save you $5 in ATM withdrawal fees. Alternatively, you can visit nearby stores that give the most cash back on debit cards.

That said, not all accepted payment methods are eligible for cash back at Walgreens. For instance, Walgreens doesn’t do cash back on credit cards, checks, or gift card purchases.

What Are The Walgreens Cash Back Amounts?

Walgreens stores give cash back amounts in increments of $5, $10, or $20 per transaction. Thus, the maximum cash back amount at Walgreens is $20 per transaction. As an added convenience, Walgreens allows you to get cash back in coins, bills, or a combination of both.

Walgreens doesn’t charge cash back fees. You only need to make a minimum purchase of 1 cent at a Walgreens store to receive cash back up to $20. So it shouldn’t be a problem if you’re using a debit card to get a prescription filled or buying cheap grocery items on your grocery list.

But if your treatment cost is fully covered by insurance, you’ll have to make a small, unplanned purchase to be eligible for cash back. For example, you can buy a cheap item like a toothbrush or a bottle of filtered water for about $1-$2. That’s still less compared to $2.50 – $5 out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees.

Keep in mind, you’ll have to have two separate transactions at the register to get $40 cash back at Walgreens. If that’s too much for you, most Walgreens have an ATM next to the register that you can use to withdraw cash.

Frugal Reality Tip: You may face out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees between $2-$3.5 in most regions. Though, fees can skyrocket to about $6 in some areas. Try finding an ATM that’s in-network to avoid high fees.

See our guide on how to save $10,000 in a year.

What’s the Walgreens Cash Back Limit?

The Walgreens cash back limit is $20 per transaction. Getting cash back at Walgreens is free, but you’ll need to make a minimum purchase of $0.01 to be eligible.

You can get cash back in increments of $5, $10, or $20 in whatever form you need: coins, bills, or a combination of both. The cash back service is just a good faith extension by Walgreens to give its customers more convenience and save them the hassles of going to the bank or being hit with out-of-network fees when withdrawing smaller amounts.

Since Walgreens is not a bank, you’re limited to the amount of cashback you can get on debit card purchases. Walgreens limits cash back because it wants to keep enough cash on hand to facilitate cash transactions at the store. Giving sizable cash back amounts may put the store in a cash crunch, especially given the recent coin shortage.

There’s also the issue of pinless debit card fraud. Someone may try to use a stolen debit card to get cash back at a store. To limit such instances, stores limit the amount of cash back per transaction. That’s why Walgreens has cash back limit of $20 per transaction to protect itself and the customers.

So if you want to withdraw $10 or $20, visiting a nearby Walgreens store is a great way to get cash back and avoid ATM withdrawal fees. Just walk in and purchase anything.

What Are The Walgreens Cash Back Options?

Walgreens cash back options are $5, $10, or $20 per transaction. You won’t be able to get a higher amount at the checkout register. The minimum cash back amount you can select is $5, while the maximum Walgreens cash back limit is $20 per transaction.

You may input a different amount like $15, but the register will reject any cash back amount above $20. For example, if your drain cleaner for hair costs $10, the maximum amount you can pay at the register is $30.

The only way you can exceed the Walgreens cashback limit is to make two separate transactions. For instance, instead of paying $10 in one transaction, you can split the amount into two separate payments and choose the maximum cash back option of $20 in each payment to receive a total of $40 cash back.

You can ask the cashier to give you cash back in bills, coins, or any combination.

For additional ways to get cash, you’ll find an ATM in most Walgreen stores next to the register. Just watch out to ensure that you are not paying high out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees.

Frugal Reality Tip: You’re better run two separate transactions of $1 each to get $40 cash back. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees can cost $3-$6 to withdraw $40. So you’ll save about $1-$4!

See our guide on applying Great Depression survival tips and the financial lessons learned.

What Are The Top Reasons To Get Cash Back at Walgreens?

There are many reasons to get cash back at Walgreens, including:

• Avoid out-of-network fees: Out-of-network ATM fees can be as high as $5. Getting cash back at Walgreens is a great way to slash that cost.
• Walgreens is everywhere: With over 9,000 stores, you’re more likely to cross a few stores nearby while driving before finding an in-network ATM.
• Convenience: People go to Walgreens stores every day to get prescriptions filled, purchase photo gifts, grocery items, and discounted RV kitchen accessories. It’s a convenience to add cash withdrawal to the list of errands.
• 24-Hours: There are many 24-hour Walgreen stores nearby to avail of their services. In addition, unlike banks, many Walgreens are open on holidays too.
• Coupons – The myWalgreens rewards program is free to join and offers a tremendous amount of cash savings and rewards weekly. Even if you’re using a printable coupon from an online site, you can still get cash back with a minimum spend.

Can You Get Cash Back at Walgreens Pharmacy?

You can get cash back at the Walgreens Pharmacy counter if insurance doesn’t cover 100% of the cost. In this case, you can use your debit card to cover the remaining part of the bill and charge any cash back amount up to $20 on the card.

If insurance covers 100% of the prescription or treatment cost, such as a flu shot or COVID vaccine, then you can’t get cash back at the pharmacy counter. The rule of thumb is to make a minimum debit purchase of at least $0.01 to be eligible for cash back at Walgreens.

But there’s a way around it if you can’t get cash back at a Walgreens Pharmacy counter. Simply visit the grocery section and purchase anything like a protein shake or bag of crushed ice. Then pay with your debit card, not a credit card, to get up to $20 cash back.

What Payment Methods Does Walgreens Accept?

Debit cards aren’t the only accepted payment method at Walgreens. Walgreens stores accept payment methods including cash, check, gift card, and debit and credit cards with chips from major brands like Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover Network, and CareCredit.

Select contactless payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and tap-to-pay credit cards are also accepted at Walgreens stores. SNAP recipients can also use EBT cards to purchase SNAP-eligible items at select Walgreens stores. They do not cash third-part-checks, money orders, or Venmo.

Accepted online payment methods on Walgreens.com include debit cards, American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Discover Network, PayPal, and PayPal credit. Unfortunately, Walgreens doesn’t accept gift cards for payment of online orders.

However, not all accepted payment methods are eligible for cash back. You must use your debit card to make a minimum purchase of $0.01 to get cash back at Walgreens.

Can I Get Cash Back Using EBT at Walgreens?

No, you cannot get cash back using EBT at Walgreens or any other store. Issued by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), EBT cards can only be used to purchase SNAP-eligible food items from SNAP-approved retailers. SNAP funds must be spent directly from the card. You’re not allowed to use your SNAP card to withdraw cash or get cash back from stores like Walgreens.

But if you receive Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) cash benefits through your EBT card, you can use the card to withdraw cash at eligible ATMs or get cash back at some stores. Otherwise, you won’t be able to cash back on food stamps.

Therefore, you can only use your EBT card to purchase eligible foods that you can carry and prepare at home at Walgreen stores that accept EBT. The cashier will never allow you to get cash back with your EBT card under any circ*mstances.

If you’re an EBT cardholder and want to get cash back at Walgreens, go with your debit card and split your purchases into two. Use your EBT card first to purchase SNAP-eligible products. Then use your debit card to purchase anything and get cash back up to $20.

Walgreens Saving Tips

Walgreens offers several ways for its customers to save money, so the next time you’re shopping at your local store, remember these tips.

Use Cash-Back Sites and Apps to Shop Online

There are many cash-back websites and apps that find deals for you. Try apps like Honey or Rakuten to automatically check for discounts on the items of your choosing.

Honey

Honey is a web browser extension that automatically finds the best discounts on what you’re shopping for, and presents it to you. Honey can also conveniently apply the best promo code for you automatically before checkout.

Honey also has a Honey Gold cashback section of their platform. At Walgreens, Honey Gold offers cashback deals ranging from 1 to 5 percent.

Rakuten

This web platform allows you to get cash back at thousands of stores if you shop through the website.

Using Rakuten earns you 3% cashback at Walgreens, so it’s worth checking out. To use it, register for a free Rakuten account and then visit Rakuten’s Walgreens website.

Receive your cashback (your money will be returned to your Rakuten wallet); you can use PayPal to receive your funds if your account balance is more than $5.

Install the Walgreens Mobile App

Walgreens offers a free Android and iOS mobile app available on the Google and App stores. You don’t need the app to save money at Walgreens, but it simplifies saving at Walgreens.

You can also view weekly sale items, add members-only privileges, clip paperless coupons, order prescription refills, check your Balance Rewards points, and more through the Walgreens app.

Sign up for the Balance Rewards Card.

Walgreens’ reward program is called Balance Rewards, and it’s one of our favorites when it comes to saving money at Walgreens.

It’s completely free to join, and you’ll earn 10 points for every dollar you spend online or in-store. You can also save $5 on your next purchase if you get 5,000 points.

Look for the Correct Tags

Like many other retailers, Walgreens uses a tag system in its shops to identify items that are on sale or clearance. Products with orange tags are on clearance, so act soon before they’re gone.

A product with a red tag means that it is priced lower than usual. If you need the products within the next few weeks, buying them at this reduced price point is a great deal.

Use AARP Benefits and Shop on Senior Discount Days

If you’re over 55 years of age, Walgreens provides a ton of options to save money in-store and online. Walgreens offers a Senior Savings Day every Tuesday; seniors can save anywhere from 20 to 30 percent by purchasing online on Tuesdays.

It’s important to note that these discounts are only valid on regular-priced items, and a senior discount is only available on one product per account.

If you’re an AARP member, you can save more money by linking your two accounts through the myWalgreens rewards program.

Does Duane Reed Give Cash Back?

Yes, Duane Reed gives cash back up to $20 on debit card purchases. Duane Reed is a chain of pharmacies and convenience stores owned by Walgreens. As such, Duane Reed follows the same cash-back policy as Walgreens. You can choose to receive $5, $10, or $20 cash back at Duane Reed’s checkout counter.

There are more than 120 Duane Reed stores in the US, primarily in New York City, where the chain operates from. Go to your Duane Reed store with your debit card and make a minimum purchase of 1 cent to get cash back, and skip a trip to the bank.

What Nearby Stores Offer Cash Back?

Walgreens is a great place to get up to $20 cash back when on a prescription trip, but there are many other stores to consider.

Generally, all the major grocery stores, gas stations, convenience stores, pharmacy chains, and gas stations offer cash back. Most of these places give cash back on debit cards, but you’ll find some places that accept Discover credit cards too.

Grocery stores that give the most cash back are best for higher amounts up to $300. They tend to have higher cash back withdrawal limits than pharmacies and convenience stores.

Some places may charge similar out-of-network ATM fees, but generally, most places that give $5 or $10 cash back only require you to make a minimum purchase to qualify.

See our guide on does CVS accept EBT SNAP funds.

Does Walgreens Do Cash Back Summary

Whether you’re picking up a prescription or just shopping for a few grocery items, you can use your debit card to get cash back on purchases.

You won’t be charged any cash back fees at Walgreens. Just at least $0.01 on your debit card to qualify. Walgreens and Duane Reeds’ eligible cash back is $5, $10, or $20 with a maximum limit of $20 per transaction. You’ll have to run two separate transactions at the register if you want more than $20.

Of course, you can pay for purchases with other payment methods accepted at Walgreens like cash, check gift cards, and credit cards from major brands like American Express, Discover, and Mastercard. In addition, some select Walgreens stores also accept EBT.

However, the other payment methods aren’t eligible for cash back.

Please read our guide on additional frugal living tips and ideas.