Looking to turn spare change into spending power? Walmart’s coin machines offer a quick and convenient way to convert your loose coins into cash or store credit. Whether decluttering piggy banks or cashing in on a savings jar, this in-store service is a game-changer for shoppers seeking simplicity and value. Discover how Walmart’s coin machines can make every penny count!

Walmart Coin Machine Guide: Comparison Table

Type / Application	Service Fee (Cash)	Fee-Free Option Available	Maximum Transaction	Common Placement	Usable At Home?	Key Redemption Options	Accepts Foreign Coins?
Coinstar Kiosk at Walmart	~11.9%–12.9% + $0.99	eGift Card/Charity	$2,000 (per visit)	Store entrance/Service	No (in-store)	Cash, eGift card, Donation	No
Rolling coins for banks	None (usually)	n/a	Bank policies vary	Bank / Credit union	Yes (home)	Cash/Credit (via bank)	Some banks accept
Standalone Coin Counters	~8-12%	Rarely	$1,000–$2,000	Grocery, Retail, Malls	No (in-store)	Cash	No

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Key Features of Walmart Coin Machines

Coinstar Kiosks: What They Offer

Walmart coin machines—most often Coinstar kiosks—are self-service devices designed to count and convert your loose change into more usable forms such as cash, eGift cards, or charitable donations.

Key features include:
– Fast counting: Can process up to 1,500 coins per minute.
– No coin sorting required: Accepts mixed U.S. coins; you don’t need to roll or pre-sort.
– Multiple payout options: Choose from cash, a large variety of eGift cards, or direct donation to charities.
– Immediate results: Get a voucher for cash or a gift card right away.
– User-friendly interface: Step-by-step on-screen instructions make the process simple, even for first-timers.
– Accessibility: Some machines offer audio prompts or headphone jacks for visually impaired users.
– Broad acceptance: Accepts most U.S. coins, except certain special coins (like Eisenhower dollars, 1943 steel pennies, or foreign currency).
– Cryptocurrency: Limited locations may allow you to purchase Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies with your coins.

Usage & Safety for Home or Hobbyist Use

Coinstar machines at Walmart are not home devices and must be used in the store. While you can’t bring a machine home, you can prepare your coins at home for the best experience:

• Wash and dry your coins, removing debris to prevent machine jams.
• Check for non-coin objects (buttons, paper clips, etc.) before dumping coins into the tray.
• Hand-carry or use small containers to easily move your coins from home to store.

For home hobbyists or coin collectors:
– Separate collectible, foreign, or rare coins before visiting the kiosk, as these may be rejected or not returned.

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How to Use the Walmart Coin Machine (Step-by-Step)

1. Locate the Coinstar Kiosk:
2. Find at the store entrance, near customer service, or in the checkout area.
3. Choose Your Redemption:
4. On the touchscreen, select cash, eGift card, or charity.
5. Prepare Your Coins:
6. Ensure only acceptable U.S. coins enter. Remove wrappers or debris.
7. Feed Coins into the Tray:
8. Pour coins slowly to avoid jams. The tray may have a handle to lift coins into the slot.
9. Let the Machine Count:
10. Watch as the machine displays a running total. Wait for the machine to finish sorting.
11. Review & Complete:
12. The machine asks if you have more coins. When done, press “I’m Done.”
13. Collect any rejected coins from the tray below.
14. Get Your Receipt/Voucher:
15. The machine prints a voucher for your selected payout.
16. Redeem:
17. For cash: Bring the receipt to customer service or a cashier.
18. For eGift cards: The printout has a code to use online or in-store.
19. For donations: You’ll get a donation receipt (keep for tax records).

Safety Tips:
– Wash hands after handling large amounts of coins.
– Monitor young children if they’re helping.
– Keep your voucher safe—it’s as valuable as cash.

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Practical Tips, Advice & Best Practices

Getting the Most Value from Your Coins

• Avoiding Fees: Select eGift cards or charity to redeem 100% of your coin value with no processing fee (usually, only the cash payout includes a fee).
• Pick gift cards you will actually use: Coinstar’s eGift card partners include major retailers, restaurants, and entertainment brands.
• Plan ahead: Not all locations offer every redemption option; check at the kiosk or ask customer service if you have a specific preference.
• Count or estimate your coins at home: If you have significantly more than $2,000 in coins, split your visit—Coinstar’s transaction cap is typically $2,000 at a time.
• Time your visit: Mornings or weekdays usually have shorter lines.

When to Choose Alternatives

• Use the bank for large sums: If you already have coins rolled, many banks/credit unions may offer free deposits (but most require you to prep coins yourself).
• Check local fees: Coinstar fees vary by location. The standard is ~11.9-12.9%, but some retailers may add a small transaction fee.
• Look for bank or credit union coin machines if you’re a member: These are often free for account holders.
• Standalone coin counters in some grocery chains may occasionally offer lower rates.

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Technical Feature Comparison Table

Feature	Coinstar at Walmart	Bank Coin Counter	Rolling & Exchange at Bank	Standalone Coin Counter
Location	Most Walmart Stores	Some bank branches	Any bank/credit union	Grocery, mall, retail
Coin Sort/Prep Needed	No	Sometimes	Yes (must roll/sort)	No
Service Fee	11.9–12.9% + $0.99*	0%–6% (varies)	None (for customers)	8–12%
Max. Per Transaction	$2,000	Varies	Bank policy	$1,000–$2,000
Redemption Time	Immediate	Immediate or delayed	Immediate/Deposit	Immediate
Options for Payout	Cash, eGift/Charity	Cash or Deposit	Cash or Deposit	Cash
Accepts Unsorted Coins	Yes	Sometimes	No	Yes
Accepts Foreign Coins	No	Sometimes	Sometimes	No

*Fees and limits may vary by location.

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Tips for Smooth Coinstar Kiosk Use at Walmart

• Do not overload the machine. Pour coins a handful at a time for accurate counting.
• Stay nearby. Wait for the count and do not leave the kiosk unattended.
• Double-check returned coins. Sometimes valuable or rare coins are rejected.
• Redeem vouchers immediately. Walmart recommends cashing in vouchers on the same day to avoid loss or theft.
• Read all on-screen prompts. Confirm your payout method before hitting “OK.”
• Bring ID or bank card if required. For large sums or certain payout methods (rare), additional ID may be requested.
• If the machine is out of service: Ask customer service or use the kiosk locator for alternatives.

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Conclusion

Walmart coin machines, typically Coinstar kiosks, offer a fast and hassle-free way to turn your spare change into cash, eGift cards, or charitable donations. They save you the effort of sorting, rolling, and counting coins at home, providing instant results with a user-friendly experience. However, for cash payouts, you’ll pay a service fee—often over 11%. Savvy users can maximize their coin return by selecting the fee-free eGift card or charity options.

Alternatives like rolling coins for your bank or finding a free coin counter at a credit union are also worth exploring, especially for large amounts. Assess your needs, consider the convenience versus the fee, and choose the solution that best fits your habits. With clear instructions, proper preparation, and smart choices, you can quickly and securely unlock the hidden value in your coin jar.

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FAQ

1. Where are Walmart coin machines usually located inside the store?
   Coinstar kiosks are usually found near the store entrance, close to customer service counters, or near the front checkout registers.

2. What is the current fee for using a Coinstar machine at Walmart?
   The standard fee is around 11.9%–12.9% of your total counted value for the cash redemption option, sometimes with a small additional transaction charge.

3. How can I avoid paying the Coinstar fee at Walmart?
   You can avoid the service fee by selecting an eGift card or by donating your coins to a participating charity directly through the kiosk. Both options provide full value for your coins.

4. What types of payouts are available at Walmart Coinstar kiosks?
   You can choose cash (with a fee), eGift cards for popular retailers/restaurants (no fee), or donate your proceeds to charities (no fee, but a portion may be retained by Coinstar as a processing charge on donations).

5. Can I use the Walmart Coinstar machine for foreign coins or rare/collectible coins?
   No, the kiosks only count standard U.S. currency and will not accept or count foreign coins, commemorative coins, or certain rare types. Rejected coins are returned to the tray.

6. Is there a limit to how many coins I can process per transaction?
   Yes, most Walmart Coinstar machines have a per-transaction cap of $2,000 in coins.

7. Can I use Coinstar to get cryptocurrency?
   In select Walmart locations, Coinstar offers the option to purchase Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. These transactions carry additional fees and may require ID verification.

8. Do I need to roll or sort my coins before using the machine?
   No, you do not need to roll, sort, or count your coins. Just ensure they’re clean and free of non-coin objects.

9. What should I do if my voucher is lost or unreadable?
   Treat the voucher like cash—if lost or destroyed, it may not be replaceable. For issues, contact Coinstar Customer Service promptly.

10. Are coin machines available at every Walmart location?
    Not all Walmarts have Coinstar machines. To verify availability at your store, use the in-store customer service desk or check via the Coinstar machine locator before visiting.