Ever noticed a pile of coins collecting dust in your drawer, wondering where to turn them into cash without sorting them by hand? You’re not alone. With more people relying on digital payments, finding places that still offer coin counting machines can be tricky.
This article makes your search simple. We’ll show you the best spots to find coin counting machines, share helpful tips for using them, and offer insights to make cashing in your coins effortless.
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Where to Find Coin Counting Machines: Your Complete Guide
Coin counting machines make it easy to turn your loose change into cash, gift cards, or even deposits straight into your bank account. Whether you’ve collected coins over time or just want to declutter those heavy jars, finding a coin counting machine nearby can save you time and hassle. Let’s dive into the best places to find them, the process, tips to avoid fees, and everything else you need to know to maximize your coins’ value.
The Quick Answer
You can typically find coin counting machines at:
– Grocery stores and supermarkets (especially those that feature Coinstar kiosks)
– Select banks and credit unions
– Large retail stores
– Some local convenience stores
Most people rely on Coinstar machines—these bright green kiosks are easy to recognize and widely available in major chains. However, some banks still offer this service (sometimes for free for their customers), while others may charge a small fee or have phased out the machines altogether.
Types of Coin Counting Machines
1. Coinstar Kiosks
- Found in major grocery and retail stores
- Accepts most U.S. coins
- Offers cash, eGift card, or charitable donation options
- Charges a fee for cash (usually around 11-12%), but eGift cards/donations are often fee-free
2. Bank-Operated Coin Machines
- Usually available to account holders (sometimes free)
- Some banks allow non-customers to use the machines, usually with a fee
- Increasingly rare as many banks remove these machines due to maintenance costs
3. Credit Unions
- More likely to offer free or low-fee machines for their members
- Policies vary, so check with your local credit union branch
Where to Find Coin Counting Machines
1. Grocery and Retail Stores
Most Coinstar machines are located in the lobbies of large chains, including:
– Walmart
– Kroger (and its family of stores like Fred Meyer, King Soopers)
– Safeway/Albertsons
– CVS (in select locations)
– Meijer
– Food Lion
– Harris Teeter
How to find one: When you enter a store, look near the entrance, customer service, or by the checkout lanes.
2. Banks and Credit Unions
Some banks and credit unions still provide coin counting services:
– Large national banks (less common)
– Regional banks
– Local credit unions (more frequently)
Tip: Call ahead to check. Ask if the machine is available, if it’s free, and whether you need to be a customer.
3. Other Locations
Other potential spots include:
– Some pharmacies
– Independent grocery stores
– Local convenience marts
Step-by-Step: Using a Coin Counting Machine
- Locate the kiosk. Most machines are in the front of grocery stores or near customer service.
- Prepare your coins. Remove foreign coins, wrappers, and debris. Most machines only accept loose U.S. coins.
- Select your payout. Many machines give you a choice: cash voucher, a gift card (to specific retailers), or donate to charity.
- Pour in your coins. Follow the screen prompts—machines can handle thousands of coins at once.
- Get your receipt. For cash or a gift card, the machine prints a voucher. Take the voucher to customer service or the cashier to redeem.
- Collect your payout. Gift cards are often issued immediately at the kiosk; cash is paid at the counter.
Benefits of Using Coin Counting Machines
- Convenience: No need to sort, roll, or count coins by hand.
- Instant payout: Get cash, gift cards, or donate on the spot.
- Multiple options: Choose from eGift cards, which avoid fees, or get cash for a small service fee.
Challenges and Considerations
1. Service Fees
- Coinstar typically charges around 11-12% for cash payouts.
- Gift card and charity options are usually fee-free.
- Some banks offer free counting for account holders, but non-customers may pay a fee or be unable to use the service.
2. Coin Acceptance
- Foreign coins and damaged coins are not accepted.
- Some machines reject certain coins (Canadian currency, old tokens, etc.).
3. Availability
- Not all locations have a coin machine.
- Bank coin counters are becoming rarer.
- Machines may be out of order occasionally.
How to Avoid Coin Counting Fees
If you want to make the most out of your coins and avoid fees, try these tips:
- Check local banks and credit unions: Many smaller institutions still offer free counting for customers.
- Opt for eGift cards: Coinstar waives its fee if you select a gift card payout for select retailers.
- Join a credit union: They generally offer more member-friendly services, including free coin counting.
- Roll your coins: Banks may accept hand-rolled coins for deposit or exchange—no machine or fee required.
- Call ahead: Always confirm availability before hauling in a heavy bag of change.
Practical Tips for Coin Counting
- Prepare coins at home. Separate them from other objects, wrappers, or currencies.
- Go during non-peak store hours. Lines may be shorter, and staff can assist if needed.
- Keep your receipt. You’ll need it to get cash or in case of machine errors.
- Bring ID. Some banks may require identification for non-customers.
- Keep your coins clean. Very dirty coins may be rejected or jam the machine.
What to Do If There Is No Coin Machine Nearby
Sometimes, you may not have access to a coin counting machine in your area. Here’s what you can do:
- Roll your coins: Purchase coin wrappers (inexpensive at most stores). Hand-rolled coins are often accepted at banks for deposit or exchange.
- Ask local banks: While many have phased out self-service machines, some may count your coins for you at the counter.
- Donate coins: Many charitable organizations accept coins. They may even assist in rolling them.
- Use change at stores: Pay with coins for small purchases, especially if you’re close to a Coinstar kiosk or bank branch.
Summary
Coin counting machines, especially Coinstar kiosks, are a convenient solution for cashing in spare change without tedious manual sorting. Grocery stores and supermarkets are the most common locations, while banks and credit unions are less likely to offer this service than in the past, but are worth checking for fee-free options. You can maximize your return and avoid fees by opting for eGift cards, banking with credit unions, or rolling coins yourself. Always prepare your loose change ahead of your visit and confirm machine availability to save time and effort.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does it cost to use a coin counting machine?
Most Coinstar machines charge a fee around 11-12% if you choose a cash payout. However, you can avoid the fee by choosing select eGift card options or charity donations.
2. Which stores have Coinstar machines?
You’ll find Coinstar machines in many major grocery store chains, such as Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, Meijer, and some pharmacies. Not every location will have a machine, so check with your local store before visiting.
3. Can I use a coin counting machine at my bank for free?
Some banks and credit unions offer free coin counting for their customers, but this service is less common today. Always call ahead to verify if your branch has a machine and whether it’s free to use.
4. What should I do if my coins are rejected by the machine?
Most machines display rejected coins in a “reject” tray. These are often foreign coins, tokens, or coins too worn for the machine to recognize. Remove debris and check for foreign coins before using the machine.
5. Is it better to roll my coins or use a coin counting machine?
Hand-rolling your coins allows you to deposit or exchange them at a bank, usually free of charge. However, this takes more time than using a machine. Coin counting machines are faster and more convenient, though they may charge a fee for cash payouts.
Whether you’ve got a stash from years of collecting, a piggy bank to empty, or just want to declutter, coin counting machines can make redeeming your spare change quick and hassle-free. With the right tips and a little planning, you can turn coins into cash or gift cards in no time!