Need coins in a hurry for laundry, parking, or vending machines? Finding reliable change machines nearby can be a real lifesaver. Our shopping guide makes it easy to locate the nearest coin exchange options, saving you time and hassle. Discover convenient locations, tips for safe usage, and how to choose the best machine for your needs—no more scrambling for loose change!

Comparing Change Machine Types and Locations

Type of Change Machine	Typical Locations	Fees	Payout Options	Accepts Bills?	Accepts Loose Coins?	Gift Card/Donation Option	Cryptocurrency Option	Notable Brands/Providers
Grocery/Retail Coin Machines	Supermarkets (Walmart, Kroger, CVS, etc.)	10%–12% for cash payouts	Cash, e-gift cards, charity	Yes	Yes	Yes	Some	Coinstar, Coinme
Bank Coin Counters	Select bank or credit union branches	Usually free (customers)	Cash or deposit	Sometimes	Often (loose/rolled)	Sometimes	No	Fifth Third, OceanFirst, JBT
Standalone Change Machines	Laundromats, arcades, vending areas	None (dispense coins for bills)	Coins for bills	Yes	No	No	No	Standard Change Makers
Bundesbank (Germany)	Bundesbank locations	None	Cash (bills)	No	Yes	No	No	N/A
Home/Personal Coin Counters	At-home use	Upfront purchase	Count/wrap coins	No	Yes	No	No	Royal Sovereign, Cassida, etc.

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Key Features, Usage, and Safety Considerations

Key Features of Change Machines

1. Coin Counting and Sorting:
   Most modern change machines automatically count and sort coins, saving you time versus manual sorting. Machines in stores like Coinstar typically accept loose, unwrapped coins of all denominations.

2. Bill-to-Coin Conversion:
   Standalone change machines found in laundromats and arcades let you insert bills (such as $1, $5, $10, $20) to receive the equivalent amount in quarters or smaller denominations. These machines do not accept coins—you get coins out for bills in.

3. Multiple Payout Options:
   Retail coin machines often offer several ways to redeem your coins, including:

4. Cash voucher (redeem at customer service or checkout)
5. E-gift cards (no-fee option, variety of retailers)
6. Direct donation to recognized charities (may be tax-deductible)

7. Some advanced kiosks support cryptocurrency purchases

8. Wide Availability:
   Grocery stores, big-box retailers, banks, credit unions, arcades, and laundromats are the most common locations for change machines. Major brands like Coinstar have thousands of kiosks globally.

9. Accessibility and Ease of Use:
   Machines are typically self-service and designed for ease, with clear instructions and touchscreens.

How to Use Change Machines

Retail Coin Counters (e.g., Coinstar)

1. Start the machine and select your payout option (cash, e-gift card, donate, crypto).
2. Pour loose coins (avoid foreign coins, debris, or damaged coins) into the coin tray.
3. The machine will count the total; damaged or unrecognized coins will return to the reject tray.
4. Once complete, receive a voucher or e-gift card printout.
5. Redeem voucher at checkout or customer service.

Tip: For e-gift card or charitable payout, you often avoid the cash-out fee.

Bank Coin Counters

• Bring either loose coins or pre-rolled coins, depending on the bank branch.
• Insert coins into the machine or provide wrapped rolls to the teller.
• Funds are deposited into your bank account or paid in cash (if a customer).

Standalone Change Machines

• Insert bills (notes) into the slot.
• Select the denomination (if options are available).
• Collect the equivalent amount in coins dispensed (commonly quarters).

Note: These machines do not count coins or accept coins to give cash/bills.

Home/Hobbyist Coin Counters

• Pour coins into the tray.
• Let the machine count/sort automatically.
• Many models wrap coins in sleeves for easy bank deposit.
• Some machines display a coin count, saving time on manual calculations.

Safety Considerations

• When carrying large amounts of coins, use sturdy bags or containers to avoid injury.
• Be mindful of your surroundings when transporting cash or coins to/from machines.
• Always retrieve all vouchers, receipts, and change before leaving the kiosk.
• Never insert foreign coins, slugs, or debris, as this can jam or damage the machine.
• At banks or public locations, be discreet and cautious to prevent loss or theft.

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Practical Tips & Best Practices for Choosing and Using Change Machines

Choosing the Right Change Machine

• For Maximum Cash Value:
  Visit local bank branches or credit unions (especially if you’re a customer), as many offer free coin counting or low fees. Note some banks require coins to be rolled.

• For Speed and Convenience:
  Retail coin machines are perfect if you want a fast transaction—especially while shopping. However, expect higher fees for cash payouts.

• If You Want to Avoid Fees:
  Opt for e-gift cards or charitable donations at retail coin machines, as these options frequently waive service fees.

• For Bill-to-Coin Conversion (e.g., laundry):
  Look for classic change machines in laundromats and arcades, which provide coins in exchange for bills instantly.

• For Large Coin Amounts:
  Contact local branches or the nearest central bank (such as Bundesbank in Germany), which may exchange large sums free of charge.

• For Crypto Transactions:
  Some Coinstar machines support cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) purchases—check the kiosk’s features before visiting.

Best Practices When Using Change Machines

1. Pre-Sort and Clean:
   Before depositing, remove non-coin items, debris, and foreign coins. Some machines reject or jam on non-standard items.
2. Know the Fees:
   Fees for retail machines range from 10%–12% for cash. E-gift card and donation options are often free.
3. Check Machine Availability:
   Use bank or retail store locators to ensure the machine is present and operational at your chosen location.
4. Redeem Vouchers Promptly:
   Cash vouchers from retail machines should be redeemed on the same day to avoid loss or expiry.
5. Limit Visit Times:
   Visit banks or coin machines during off-peak hours (not at lunch time or end of day) to avoid long lines or wait times.
6. Safety First:
   Don’t announce or flash large sums of coins or bills in public areas.
7. Ask About Maximum Transaction Amounts:
   Some machines or banks impose upper limits per transaction—ask in advance if you have large quantities.

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Comparing Key Specifications and Features

Machine Type	Accepts Loose Coins?	Accepts Bills?	Fee for Cash	Free Option?	Coin Sorting	Bill-to-Coin Conversion	e-Gift Card	Charity Donation	Crypto Purchase	User Assistance	Common Brands
Grocery/Retail Coin Counter	Yes	Sometimes	10%–12%	Gift card/Charity	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Some models	Self-service	Coinstar, Coinme
Bank Coin Counter	Yes	Sometimes	Free (customers), otherwise 5–11%	Customer account	Yes	Sometimes	Sometimes	Sometimes	No	Teller/Staff	Fifth Third, JBT, OceanFirst
Standalone Change Machine	No	Yes	None	N/A	No	Yes	No	No	No	Self-service	Standard Change Makers
Central Bank Service	Yes	No	None	N/A	Yes	No	No	No	No	Staff	Bundesbank
Home Coin Counter	Yes	No	N/A (purchase price)	N/A	Yes	No	No	No	No	N/A	Royal Sovereign, Cassida

Note: Specifications (fees, payout methods, features) can vary depending on location, brand, or provider.

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Related Video

Conclusion

Finding and using change machines near you has never been easier, thanks to the wide variety of machine types and their accessibility in retail stores, banks, arcades, and other public places. Whether you’re clearing out a change jar for extra spending money, breaking bills for laundry day, or looking to donate or invest your coins, there’s a machine to meet your needs.

When choosing the best option, consider factors such as convenience, fees, available payout options, and the machine’s reliability. Familiarize yourself with the key features and best practices outlined above to ensure your change machine experience is efficient, safe, and cost-effective.

Remember, while machines in grocery and retail stores are fast and widespread, local banks often provide the best rates (or no fees at all) for customers. Take advantage of free options wherever possible—such as e-gift cards, charitable donations, or customer-only bank services. Keep your transactions secure and organized, and your coins will quickly convert from clutter to cash or digital assets.

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FAQ

1. What types of change machines are there near me?
   Typical types include grocery/retail coin counters (like Coinstar), bank coin counters, standalone change machines for bill-to-coin conversion (at laundromats, arcades), central bank counters (e.g., Bundesbank in Germany), and personal home coin counters.

2. How much does it cost to use a retail coin machine like Coinstar?
   Expect a cash-out fee of 10%–12% (varies by location). E-gift card and charitable donation options often have no fee.

3. Where are change machines commonly located?
   Find change machines in grocery stores (Walmart, Kroger, Safeway), big-box retailers (Target, CVS), select bank branches, laundromats, arcades, and sometimes in malls or transportation hubs.

4. Which banks have free coin counting machines?
   Some local and regional banks offer free coin counting for account holders. Notable examples include Fifth Third Bank, JBT, and other community banks and credit unions. Always call ahead, as availability and rules vary.

5. Can I convert bills to coins for laundry or arcade use?
   Yes, standalone change machines in laundromats, arcades, and vending areas let you insert bills and dispense coins (quarters, tokens) instantly and usually fee-free.

6. Are there ways to avoid fees when converting coins to cash?
   To avoid fees, choose e-gift card or charity donation options at retail coin machines, or use bank services if you’re an account holder. Some local casinos and banks offer zero-fee coin exchange.

7. What should I do with rejected or unaccepted coins?
   Foreign coins, damaged coins, or slugs are usually rejected. Remove these before using any machine. For unaccepted coins, consult a local bank or central bank branch.

1. Is it safe to bring large amounts of coins to a change machine?
   Yes, but use sturdy bags/containers and avoid transporting coins alone in late hours. Stay mindful of your surroundings and redeem vouchers promptly.

2. Can I use change machines for cryptocurrency?
   Some Coinstar kiosks (in partnership with providers like Coinme) offer cryptocurrency purchase options, including Bitcoin; check kiosk features in advance.

3. Do home/hobbyist change machines count as official change machines near me?
   While useful for personal organization and rolling coins, home coin counters don’t offer cash exchange directly. Use them to prepare your coins before visiting a bank or retail machine for payout.