Does Walgreens Do Cash Back in 2024? [Limits + Minimums]

Getting cash without paying hefty ATM fees is a challenge many consumers face. Fortunately, major retailers like Walgreens offer cash back with purchases as a convenient and fee-free way to get physical currency. But what are Walgreens‘ exact cash back policies and limits in 2024?

Overview of Walgreens Cash Back Details

In 2024, Walgreens continues to provide cash back on debit card purchases with no fees. Key details include:

• Minimum Purchase: $0.01
• Maximum Cash Back: $20 per transaction
• Payment Methods: Debit cards only

Walgreens does not allow cash back with credit cards, checks, or gift cards – only debit purchases qualify.

Below I dive deeper into how their cash back program works, along with tips and analysis of how it compares to other major retailers.

Minimum Purchases: As Low As $0.01

Walgreens sets their cash back minimum purchase requirement at just $0.01. This makes it extremely convenient to get cash when in a bind.

You can walk into any Walgreens, buy something small like a piece of candy for a penny, and request up to $20 cash back with no fees.

For example:

• Buy a $0.01 piece of gum
• Pay with debit card
• Get $20 cash back

This minimum purchase policy sets Walgreens apart from many other retailers. Here‘s how Walgreens compares:

Avoiding ATM Fees

Walgreens‘ low $0.01 minimum is especially useful to avoid expensive ATM fees. The average ATM fee is $3.09, according to a 2022 survey by Bankrate.

This means you‘d have to withdraw at least $63 just to break even on the fee! With Walgreens cash back, you can get money fee-free as long as you have $0.01 to spend.

Maximum Cash Back Amount

The maximum amount of cash back allowed per transaction at Walgreens is $20. This gives you flexibility to request smaller or larger amounts based on your needs.

You can request cash back in any whole dollar amount from $1 to $20. The cashier can provide this in any combination of bills and coins.

For example:

• $5 cash back = a $5 bill
• $12 cash back = a $10 bill + four $1 bills
• $20 cash back = a $20 bill

The $20 maximum has not changed in 2024 and remains consistent across all Walgreens locations.

Debit Card Only Policy

It‘s important to note that only debit card purchases qualify for cash back at Walgreens. You cannot get cash back when paying with:

• Credit cards
• Walgreens gift cards
• Checks
• Cash

This debit-only policy aims to avoid cash advance fees that customers could incur when getting cash back on a credit card. It does limit payment options, but debit cards are common enough that most customers can still take advantage of the cash back program.

Getting More Than $20 Cash Back

Since Walgreens limits cash back to $20 per transaction, you can make multiple smaller purchases to get over the $20 max if needed.

For example, you could:

• Buy a $0.50 item, get $20 cash back
• Make a second $1 purchase, get $20 cash back again
• Total cash back = $40

As long as each transaction meets the $0.01 minimum, you can make as many as needed to get the total cash you want.

Using Rewards and Coupons

Walgreens customers can still get full cash back when using Balance Rewards points or coupons to pay as long as their out-of-pocket cost is at least $0.01.

For example:

• Item costs $5
• You have a $4 coupon
• After coupon, your total is $1
• Pay the $1 out-of-pocket
• Get up to $20 cash back

Even after discounts are applied, you are still eligible for the full $20 as long as you pay at least 1 cent.

Insurance Co-Pays and Cash Back

You can also take advantage of Walgreens cash back when paying pharmacy co-pays, as long as your portion after insurance is at least 1 cent.

For example:

• Prescription co-pay is $10
• Insurance covers $9.99
• You pay $0.01
• Get up to $20 cash back

This allows you to avoid ATM fees even on small insurance co-pays.

Other Retailers With Cash Back

In addition to Walgreens, many major chains offer cash back programs with varying policies. Here is how some other major retailers compare:

Reviewing retailer policies can help you maximize access to free cash back based on your spending habits and payment method availability.

Conclusion

With low minimums and no fees, Walgreens cash back provides an extremely useful way to get physical currency without paying for ATM access. Their policies make it easy to get cash back whether you‘re making incidental penny purchases or spending more substantial amounts. Just be aware it is limited to debit transactions only. Following their simple $0.01 minimum policy allows you to skip the ATM and get the cash you need!