Is your loose change piling up in jars and drawers, just waiting to be put to good use? You’re not alone—many of us wonder where we can quickly and easily turn coins into cash or deposits. Knowing which stores have coin machines saves you time and hassle, especially as fewer banks offer this service.
This article will guide you through the most popular stores with coin machines, helpful tips for using them, and what to expect when you cash in your change.
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What Stores Have Coin Machines? A Complete Guide
Finding a way to turn your loose change into cash or gift cards is easier than ever, thanks to coin counting machines found in many stores and banks. Whether you’ve collected jars of spare coins or stumbled on a pile in your couch, you might be wondering: “What stores have coin machines, and how do I use them?” Here’s a clear, complete answer—plus everything you need to know before you dump that penny jar.
Where Can You Find Coin Counting Machines?
Most people encounter coin counting machines—commonly known by the brand name Coinstar—inside large grocery stores. These green kiosks quickly and automatically count your coins and offer you cash, store credit, or charitable donation options. But supermarkets aren’t the only places to look!
Top Store Types with Coin Counting Machines
- Supermarkets and Grocery Stores
- These are the most common places to find coin kiosks.
- Chains like Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons almost always have machines near the entrance or customer service desk.
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Regional grocery stores (such as Giant, H-E-B, Wegmans, Meijer, and others) also frequently host coin counters.
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Big-Box Retailers
- Some large retailers—most notably Walmart—feature Coinstar machines near the doors or front checkout area.
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Other national chains may have machines depending on location.
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Drugstores and Pharmacies
- Select Walgreens and CVS locations may offer coin counting services, though not as widely as grocery chains.
- Convenience Stores
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Some 24-hour convenience or regional chain stores will have coin machines, but availability is limited.
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Banks and Credit Unions
- While less common today, certain banks (especially community banks and credit unions) still provide in-house coin counters for account holders and sometimes even for the public.
- Unlike retail machines, using a machine at your bank may be free or incur a very small fee.
How Do Coin Counting Machines Work?
The process is straightforward and user-friendly. Here’s what you’ll experience:
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Pour Your Coins
Start by dumping your loose change into the machine’s tray. Most machines can handle coins of any denomination—just remove debris and non-coins. -
Start the Machine
Follow on-screen prompts. You’ll usually have to confirm terms and sometimes make selections before the counting begins. -
Coins Are Counted Automatically
The machine sorts and tallies your coins within seconds. You can watch your running total as the machine works. -
Choose a Payout Option
- Cash Voucher: The machine prints a slip to exchange for cash at the customer service desk.
- E-gift Card: Get your payout in the form of an electronic gift card for popular retailers, often with no fees.
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Charity Donation: Donate your coins directly to a listed charity, with a receipt for your records.
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Redeem Your Voucher or Gift Card
Take your slip to the indicated place in the store to collect cash or your gift option.
Benefits of Using In-Store Coin Machines
Turning loose change into spendable money has several perks:
- Convenient & Fast: No need to wrap rolls—just pour, count, and go.
- Accessible: Available in thousands of retail locations across the country.
- Multiple Payout Options: Choose from cash, store credit, or charitable donations.
- No Need for Bank Accounts: Anyone can use retail coin machines, bank account or not.
- Declutter: Clear out jars, drawers, or piggy banks without hassle.
Potential Drawbacks and Costs
Before you dump your jar, keep in mind:
- Service Fees: Most retail machines charge around 11-12% of your total unless you opt for a gift card or charity donation, which are often no-fee.
- Coin Condition: Dirty, sticky, or foreign coins may be rejected. Always pre-sort your coins.
- Limited Amounts: Some locations may set limits per transaction or per customer.
Detailed Steps for Using a Coin Machine
Make your trip smooth with these easy steps:
- Collect and Prep Your Coins
- Remove all wrappers, lint, and foreign objects. This prevents jams and avoids rejected coins.
- Pre-sort foreign coins. Only U.S. coins are accepted by most machines.
- Locate the Machine
- Usually near the front or customer service area; ask an employee if unsure.
- Follow On-Screen Directions
- Agree to the posted terms, select payout option, and start pouring when prompted.
- Wait for Counting
- The machine may pause for you to add more coins, or if it senses a jam.
- Choose Your Payout
- Review your total. Pick cash, gift card, or donation.
- Collect Receipt
- Get your voucher or gift card receipt. Head to customer service (if cash) or keep the e-voucher (for gift cards).
- Double-Check Your Total
- If something looks off, speak to store staff—they can usually resolve issues.
Tips & Best Practices
Maximize your experience and avoid common hiccups:
- Avoid the Fee
Opt for a gift card or donation if you don’t want fees eating into your total. - Try Your Bank First
Some banks or credit unions offer free coin counting, especially to customers. - Go Early or Off-Peak
Machines can get busy; mornings or weekdays are quieter. - Watch Your Voucher
Don’t lose your payout voucher—it’s the only proof for cash redemption. - Count Ahead for Large Sums
If cashing in hundreds of dollars, let staff know in advance so they have funds available.
Challenges and Things to Consider
While in-store coin machines are convenient, you should keep these points in mind:
- Limited Denomination Acceptance: Machines may not accept half dollars, foreign coins, or old tokens.
- Maintenance Downtime: Machines can be out of order or temporarily unavailable for servicing.
- Privacy: You’ll be visible counting your coins, which may not appeal to everyone.
- No Change in Coins: Machines do not disburse change in coins—only paper vouchers or digital credits.
Other Ways to Cash in Coins
If you want alternatives to in-store machines, consider:
- Rolling and Depositing at Your Bank:
Most banks require you to pre-roll coins, but you’ll generally avoid a fee and get all your money. - Spending Coins Directly:
Use coins for purchases at stores that accept them in large quantities. - Community Fundraisers:
Schools and nonprofits often hold coin drives—donate your change for a good cause.
Practical Advice for Using Coin Machines
- Bring all your coins at once to save time and effort.
- Check if your preferred payout (cash or gift card) is available—some machines offer a limited selection.
- Inspect your coins for dirt or stickiness—machines can jam if coins aren’t clean.
- Consider saving high-value or collectible coins separately before dumping them all in.
- Be ready for a fee, or choose a fee-free payout if offered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much does it cost to use a coin machine at a store?
Most coin machines in stores, like Coinstar, charge a fee—around 11-12% of your total coins—if you pick a cash payout. Choosing a gift card or charity donation option usually avoids the fee. Always check the displayed fee structure before starting.
Which stores have Coinstar machines?
Coinstar machines are found in many national and regional grocery stores, including Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, H-E-B, Publix, and Giant. Some big retail stores and select drugstores may also have coin counters. Availability may vary by location, so it’s a good idea to call ahead or check store layouts.
Can I find coin counting machines at banks?
Some community banks and credit unions still have coin counting machines available to their account holders—sometimes even for free. However, major national banks have removed most in-branch machines due to maintenance costs. It’s best to check with your local branch for details.
Do coin machines accept foreign coins?
No, retail coin counting machines generally accept only U.S. coins. Some may reject or return foreign coins, but others may keep them, so it’s smart to separate foreign coins ahead of time. Banks may also restrict coin machines to domestic currency only.
How can I avoid fees when using a coin counting machine?
To skip the service fee, choose a gift card or charity donation option instead of a cash payout at most coin kiosks. Additionally, coin counters at banks or credit unions (especially for members) may offer no-fee coin counting. Always check the payout and fee options before you begin.
In Summary
Converting your loose change into cash or a useful gift card is simple with coin counting machines at supermarkets, big-box retailers, and some banks. While there’s often a fee, tips like opting for gift cards or checking local banks can help you get the most from your hard-earned coins. Be sure to prep your coins and follow machine instructions for a smooth experience—and soon, you’ll have more space in your coin jar and extra money in your pocket!