Discover the Full List of Gas Stations that Do Cash Back in 2020
It seems like the world is going cashless. Between mobile bank transfers, PayPal, Venmo, and other digital financial apps, no one uses “real” folding money anymore. As for coins, maybe you’ll need a quarter for the parking meter; that is if they don’t have an app already. Yet, cash-only situations still do happen, and there is no quicker embarrassment than realizing that you can’t pay your way. If your preferred bank is nowhere around, what do you do? You try the next best thing, get cash back from a gas station.
While gas stations are convenient, they are not ATMs. Not every gas station offers cash back, and not every gas station takes any debit card. The more commonly accepted cards are Visa and MasterCard. Discover debit cards may not be accepted as readily. The amount of cash you can get is usually limited to a low amount, and there may be fees attached. You may also have to make a minimum purchase, which may or may not cut into your total allowable withdrawal.
If you’re lucky, you’re reading this article from the comfort of your own home. We know there’s a small chance that you’re currently reading this right as you need cash. So let’s cut to the chase, and start talking about gas stations that do cash back, and those that do not.
What Gas Stations Do Cash Back
Fortunately, there are 19 gas station brands that offer cash back, and a number of them are national. (Bonus tip, if you have a loyalty card, see if your purchase earns you additional program points.) Some brands are owned by corporate, and some are owned by local independent franchise holders. Policies can vary from store to store. We advise that you call and verify that the gas station you plan to go to offers cash back. To find the nearest location, click on the name of the gas station and enter your address or zip code.
Gas Stations that Do Cash Back
| Gas Station | Acceptable Payment Methods | Maximum Cash Back | Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Eleven | Visa Debit MasterCard Debit Discover Debit Other debit cards | $10 | No | |
| BP Amoco Arco | Visa Debit MasterCard Debit Discover Debit Other debit cards | $40 | No | Most BP, Amoco and Arco gas stations are independently owned and operated. Cash back policies may vary. Closest BP/Amoco/Arco |
| Casey's General Store | Visa Debit MasterCard Debit Discover Debit Other debit cards | $20 | No | |
| Chevron | Debit Cards | $20 | No | |
| Circle K | Visa Debit MasterCard Debit Discover Debit Other debit cards | $40 | No | |
| GITGO | Visa Debit MasterCard Debit Discover Debit Other debit cards | $40 | No | |
| Conoco | Visa Debit MasterCard Debit Discover Debit Other debit cards | $50 | No | To use cash back, you must spend $3 or more. |
| ExxonMobil | Visa Debit MasterCard Debit Discover Debit Other debit cards | $40 | No | |
| Hy-Vee | Visa Debit MasterCard Debit Discover Debit Other debit cards | $60 | No | |
| Kum & Go | Visa Debit MasterCard Debit Discover Debit Other debit cards | $20 | No | |
| Kwik Fill Red Apple Country Fair | Visa Debit MasterCard Debit Discover Debit Other debit cards | $20 | No | |
| Kwik Trip Kwik Star | Visa Debit MasterCard Debit Discover Debit Other debit cards | $20 | No | |
| Marathon | MasterCard Debit Visa Card Debit Other Debit cards EXCEPT DISCOVER | $50 | Yes. $1.99 | |
| Phillips 66 | Visa Debit MasterCard Debit Discover Debit Other debit cards | $50 | No | To use cash back, you must spend $3 or more. |
| Shell | Visa Debit MasterCard Debit Discover Debit Other debit cards | $40 | No | Personal cheques may be accepted at a few locations. Call to confirm this is the case. |
| Sunoco | MasterCard Debit Visa Card Debit Other debit cards EXCEPT DISCOVER | $40 | No | |
| Texaco | Debit Cards | $20 | No | At select locations only. Call first to confirm. |
| Valero | Visa Debit MasterCard Debit Discover Debit Other debit cards | $20 | No | Most Valero gas stations are independently owned and operated. Cash back policies may vary. |
| Weis Markets | Visa Debit MasterCard Debit Discover Debit Other debit cards | $50 | No |
Some gas stations attached to certain grocery and superstore chains also offer cash back. Kroger branded stations offer up to $100 cash back with a debit card. Customers can also access up to $20 from a personal check. A $3 fee can apply for amounts over $100. Gas stations include Pay-Less Supermarkets, Smith’s, JayC Food Stores, Fry’s Food Stores, King Soopers, and Kroger. Costco and Wal-Mart also offer cash back at their gas stations. If you’re at Costco, you can get up to $60 cash back, but you must be a Costco member. Wal-Mart offers up to $100 for debit card cash back and $20 from a personal check. Customers can only get cash back in multiples of $20, so you can’t get $35 cash back. There is no word on if fees apply to use this service at either Costco or Wal-Mart, so if possible, call and double check.
Gas Stations that Do NOT Offer Cash Back
As was mentioned earlier, not every gas station offers cash back. This may be a corporate policy or a choice made by a local, independently owned and operated franchise. Gas stations operate on razor-thin profit margins. The bank and card provider fees may be too expensive for the gas station to offer this service.
Regardless, if you are at any of the following brands, you’re going to need to look elsewhere for cash back: Cumberland Farms, GetGo, Pilot / Flying J, Speedway, Xtra Mart, QuikTrip, Wawa, RaceTrac, Fastrip, Town Pump, Sheetz, Thorton’s, Turkey Hill, Holiday Stationstores, and Love’s.
A Note About Financial Safety
While not as common at the in-store counter, card skimmers can be found on some payment devices. Newer models have been designed to make it harder to install skimmers, but criminals keep trying new workarounds. Before using the payment device, inspect it for tampering. If you have suspicions, don’t use it. If your card has been compromised from a gas station, contact your bank immediately to help reduce your liability. You may be issued an emergency card, which can be mailed either to your permanent address or an address of your choice.
Credit cards offer cash advances, and they are advertised as an option for lower fraud liability. (Credit card customers are only liable for $50 of fraud, while debit card customers are responsible for $500.) Some credit cards may offer this service for free, but many of them charge fees. There is the one-time cash advance fee equal to 3% of your withdrawal, and the ATM fee up to $5. Credit cards charge a separate interest rate for the cash advance, which is generally higher than your regular purchase APR. What’s worse is that, unlike your purchases, your cash advance lacks a grace period, and will start generating interest immediately.
Check If the Gas Station You Use Offers Cash Back
Sometimes you need some cash on hand, and your bank or their ATM may not be conveniently located nearby. In that case, it is reassuring to know that the local gas station may come to the rescue. Gas stations that do cash back accept most major debit cards. Before you go, call and verify that the gas station you plan to visit offers cash back. It’s better to know before you swipe.
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