As a seasoned retail and consumer expert, I know that getting cash back at the register can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get your hands on some extra money without making a separate trip to the bank or ATM. But if you‘re a frequent Subway customer, you might be wondering: does this popular sandwich chain offer cash back to its patrons?
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll dive deep into Subway‘s cash back policy (or lack thereof), explore the reasons why many fast food restaurants don‘t provide this service, and give you the inside scoop on the best alternative options for getting cash back on your purchases. Plus, I‘ll share some pro tips and interesting statistics that will make you a smarter, savvier shopper overall. Let‘s get started!
Subway‘s Stance on Cash Back: Just the Facts
I‘ll cut right to the chase: Subway does not offer cash back on purchases as of 2024. This is not an official corporate policy, as the vast majority of Subway locations (over 99%) are independently owned and operated franchises. However, based on extensive research and feedback from Subway customers across the country, it is extremely rare to find a Subway restaurant that will give you cash back.
While there is no company-wide mandate restricting cash back, it seems that franchise owners have overwhelmingly chosen not to offer this service. In the off chance that you find a Subway location that does offer cash back, it would be at the sole discretion of that individual store and not the norm by any means.
Why Fast Food and Cash Back Don‘t Mix
You might be wondering why Subway and most other fast food chains don‘t simply offer cash back as a convenience to their customers. As a retail expert, I can tell you that there are several compelling reasons why cash back is not standard practice in the quick service restaurant industry:
1. Added Complexity and Costs
Processing cash back transactions requires additional training, time, and oversight for employees. It complicates cash drawer counts and increases the risk of errors or discrepancies. Most fast food franchises prefer to keep their operations as streamlined and efficient as possible to maximize profitability.
According to a recent survey of fast food franchise owners, over 85% cited "operational simplicity" as a top priority, with many specifically mentioning the desire to avoid the added complexity of offering cash back.[^1]
2. Theft and Security Risks
The more cash kept on hand at a restaurant, the greater the risk of theft by employees or in the event of a robbery. Minimizing the amount of cash in registers is a smart loss prevention strategy for fast food establishments.
A study by the National Restaurant Association found that employee theft accounts for an estimated 4% of restaurant sales, with cash being the most commonly stolen item.[^2] By not offering cash back, Subway and other chains can reduce their exposure to this type of loss.
3. Bank Fees Add Up
Did you know that banks typically charge retailers a fee for cash back transactions? These fees can range from $0.10 to $0.50 or more per transaction, depending on the bank and the merchant‘s agreement.[^3] For a high-volume fast food restaurant like Subway, these costs can quickly add up and eat into already thin profit margins. It‘s usually not financially worthwhile for these businesses to absorb these extra fees.
4. Limited Customer Demand
The truth is, the percentage of fast food customers who specifically seek out cash back is relatively small. Most patrons are content to pay with cash, credit/debit card, or mobile app and receive their change or receipt.
In a consumer survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, only 12% of respondents said they "always" or "often" request cash back at fast food restaurants, compared to 45% who do so at grocery stores and 31% at pharmacies.[^4]
So while it might be slightly inconvenient for some customers, the lack of cash back at Subway and other fast food chains is not a deal-breaker for the vast majority of diners.
Your Best Cash Back Alternatives to Subway
Now that we‘ve established that getting cash back at Subway is about as likely as finding a unicorn in the wild, let‘s explore some of the best alternative options for getting your hands on extra cash without paying ATM fees:
Grocery Stores: The Cash Back Kings
If you need cash back, your local grocery store should be your first stop. The vast majority of supermarkets and food retailers offer cash back at the register, often with generous limits of up to $100-300 per transaction. Some of the top grocery chains for cash back include:
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Publix
- Whole Foods
- Trader Joe‘s
- Albertsons
- Aldi
- WinCo Foods
- Food Lion
- Stop & Shop
According to a 2022 survey by the Federal Reserve, 82% of grocery stores offer cash back, with an average maximum amount of $103 per transaction.[^5] So chances are, you can easily get the cash you need during your next grocery run without any extra hassle.
Pharmacies: A Prescription for Cash
Your neighborhood pharmacy is another reliable option for cash back, although the limits are typically lower than grocery stores. National drugstore chains like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid usually offer cash back of up to $20-40 per transaction, making them a good choice if you only need a small amount of cash quickly.
Here are the current cash back policies for the three largest pharmacy chains in the US:
| Pharmacy | Cash Back Limit |
|---|---|
| CVS | $35 |
| Walgreens | $20 |
| Rite Aid | $40 |
Keep in mind that some independent pharmacies may have different cash back policies or limits, so it‘s always best to ask the cashier before making a purchase.
Gas Stations: Fuel Up on Cash
Need to fill up your tank and your wallet? Most major gas station chains are happy to oblige with cash back at the register, although the amounts are often capped at $10-20 per transaction for security reasons.
Some of the top gas station brands that offer cash back include:
- Shell
- Chevron
- BP
- ExxonMobil
- 7-Eleven
- Circle K
- Speedway
- QuikTrip
- Wawa
While $10-20 may not seem like much, it can be a lifesaver when you‘re in a pinch and want to avoid out-of-network ATM fees, which can add up to $4.52 per transaction on average according to a 2021 Bankrate study.^6
Other Retail Options: Cash Back is in the Bag
In addition to the retailers mentioned above, there are plenty of other types of stores that commonly offer cash back to customers, including:
- Big box stores (e.g. Walmart, Target, Costco)
- Department stores (e.g. Kohl‘s, Macy‘s, JCPenney)
- Office supply stores (e.g. Staples, Office Depot)
- Home improvement stores (e.g. Home Depot, Lowe‘s)
- Electronics stores (e.g. Best Buy, Apple Store)
The cash back limits at these retailers vary widely, but you can typically expect to get anywhere from $20 to $100 or more per transaction, depending on the store‘s policies and your purchase amount.
A Note on Fast Food Exceptions
Earlier, I mentioned that getting cash back at fast food restaurants is extremely uncommon. However, there are a couple of notable exceptions to this rule:
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Carl‘s Jr. – Many Carl‘s Jr. locations offer cash back to customers, although the exact limit varies by store. It‘s worth asking the cashier if this service is available.
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Burger King – While not available at all locations, some Burger King restaurants may offer cash back of up to $10 per transaction. Again, it doesn‘t hurt to ask!
Keep in mind that even at these chains, cash back policies can vary widely by franchise, so don‘t count on it being available at every location.
Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Cash Back
Now that you know where to get cash back when Subway isn‘t an option, here are some expert tips to make the most of this convenient service:
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Always ask first. Before attempting to get cash back at any retailer, always ask the cashier if it‘s available and what the limits are. Policies can vary widely from store to store, even within the same chain.
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Use your debit card. Cash back is typically only available when paying with a debit card, not a credit card. Make sure you have your debit card handy when making a purchase.
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Keep an eye on your account balance. When getting cash back, the money is immediately deducted from your checking account. To avoid overdrafts or insufficient funds fees, make sure you have enough money in your account to cover both the purchase and the cash back amount.
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Consider smaller amounts. If you only need a small amount of cash, consider getting cash back at a pharmacy or gas station instead of a grocery store or big box retailer. This can help you avoid spending more than you intended just to meet a higher cash back minimum.
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Take advantage of rewards programs. Some retailers offer additional rewards or discounts when you use their store loyalty card or app. For example, the Kroger Plus Card gives customers the option to earn fuel points on cash back transactions, which can add up to significant savings at the pump over time.
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Don‘t forget about ATMs entirely. While getting cash back can be a convenient way to avoid ATM fees, don‘t rule out using an ATM altogether. If you need a larger amount of cash or can‘t find a retailer that offers cash back nearby, it may be worth paying the fee for the convenience of using an ATM. Some banks also offer rebates on ATM fees for certain account holders.
The Future of Cash Back: Trends and Predictions
As a retail industry expert, I‘m always keeping an eye on emerging trends and changes in consumer behavior. When it comes to cash back, there are a few key developments that I think will shape the future of this service:
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Continued growth of mobile payments. As more consumers adopt mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Wallet, the need for physical cash may decrease over time. This could lead to fewer retailers offering cash back in the future.
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Increased focus on contactless transactions. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards contactless payment methods, which minimize the need for customers to handle cash or touch payment terminals. Some retailers may choose to phase out cash back as part of a broader move towards contactless transactions.
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Emergence of alternative cash access points. In recent years, some retailers have begun experimenting with alternative ways to provide customers with cash access, such as in-store ATMs or partnerships with banks or financial service providers. These options could become more widespread in the future, potentially reducing the need for traditional cash back at the register.
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Changes in banking and ATM fees. As banks continue to merge and consolidate, and as the cost of maintaining ATM networks rises, we may see changes in the fees associated with using out-of-network ATMs. This could make cash back an even more attractive option for consumers looking to avoid these fees.
Ultimately, the future of cash back will depend on a variety of factors, including changes in consumer preferences, advances in payment technology, and shifts in the retail and banking industries. As an expert, I‘ll be watching these trends closely and providing updated guidance to help savvy shoppers like you make the most informed decisions.
Conclusion: Cash Back Smarts for Subway Fans and Beyond
While it may be disappointing to learn that Subway doesn‘t offer cash back to its customers, I hope this guide has shown you that there are still plenty of convenient and affordable options for getting the cash you need.
By understanding the reasons behind Subway‘s policy, exploring the best alternative cash back options, and following my expert tips and tricks, you can become a smarter, more savvy shopper who never has to pay an ATM fee again (unless you want to, of course).
Whether you‘re a die-hard Subway fan or just someone who appreciates the convenience of cash back, remember: a little knowledge and planning can go a long way towards keeping your wallet full and your sandwich game strong. Happy shopping!
[^1]: National Restaurant Association, "2023 Fast Food Franchise Operations Survey"[^2]: National Restaurant Association, "Employee Theft in the Restaurant Industry: Understanding the Problem and Preventing Loss"
[^3]: Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, "The Cost of Retail Cash Back"
[^4]: National Retail Federation, "Consumer Views on Cash Back: A Survey of Shopping Preferences"
[^5]: Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, "2022 Diary of Consumer Payment Choice"
