A recent report from the CFPB reveals that Americans are paying millions in cash-back fees at retailers like Dollar General and Kroger just to access their own money. These fees are hitting hardest in communities with limited banking options, compounding consumer finance challenges and deepening economic inequality.
As cash access points dwindle due to bank mergers and branch closures, the CFPB is calling for increased scrutiny on how these fees impact everyday consumers. This report raises important questions about fairness in consumer finance—how will we ensure financial inclusion in an evolving banking landscape?