Ever found a jar full of spare change and wondered how to turn it into spending money? If Walmart is your go-to shopping destination, you might be curious whether you can cash in those coins right there.
Knowing where to easily exchange coins matters—especially when you want convenience and minimal hassle.
In this article, we’ll answer whether Walmart has Coinstar machines, share how to use them, and offer helpful tips for getting the most value from your coins.
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Does Walmart Have a Coinstar Machine? Everything You Need to Know
When your piggy bank is overflowing with spare change, it’s only natural to wonder where you can easily turn those coins into cash. One of the most popular methods is through Coinstar machines. Walmart, being the retail giant that it is, often comes up as a likely place for such a service. But does Walmart really have Coinstar machines? Let’s explore the answer, how these kiosks work, and everything you need to know to make your next coin-cashing trip a smooth one.
The Short Answer: Yes, Most Walmart Stores Have Coinstar Machines
You’ll be happy to hear that, yes, the majority of Walmart locations across the United States are equipped with Coinstar machines. These self-service coin-counting kiosks offer a convenient way for you to convert loose change into cash, select retailer gift cards, or even charitable donations. However, availability can vary based on each store location, and there are a few important things to know before you head out with your heavy bag of coins.
What Is a Coinstar Machine?
A Coinstar machine is a self-service kiosk designed to count loose change and offer you several options for redemption. Here’s how it works:
- You pour your unsorted coins into the machine.
- The machine automatically sorts, counts, and totals your coins.
- You select how you want to receive your money: as cash, gift cards to selected retailers, or make a donation to charity.
- The machine prints a voucher or e-gift code. If you choose cash, you take the voucher to the Walmart customer service counter to receive your money.
Coinstar machines are located near the front of most Walmart stores—usually close to customer service or in the vestibule by the entrance.
Step-by-Step: How to Use a Coinstar Machine at Walmart
Using a Coinstar machine at Walmart is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help:
- Gather and Prepare Your Coins
- Remove any foreign currency, paper clips, buttons, or other objects from your batch of coins.
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Make sure coins are relatively clean.
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Find the Coinstar Machine
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Most Walmart stores place the machine near the front, customer service area, or near the entrance/exit.
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Follow On-Screen Instructions
- Touch the screen to begin.
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Choose your payout option: cash, gift card, or charitable donation.
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Pour in Your Coins
- Lift the lid and slowly pour your coins into the tray.
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The machine will process and count your coins. If there’s a jam, the machine will notify you.
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Review Your Total
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The machine displays your coin total and lets you confirm the transaction before continuing.
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Collect Your Voucher or Gift Card
- If you opted for cash, a voucher prints out. Take this to the Walmart customer service counter or cash register to redeem for bills.
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If you chose a gift card, the machine will print a gift card code or issue a physical card, depending on what’s available.
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Take Your Receipt and Any Rejected Coins
- Grab your voucher, printed gift card, and any coins the machine didn’t accept.
Redemption Options: Cash, Gift Card, or Donation
Coinstar machines at Walmart typically offer three main ways to claim your money:
1. Cash Vouchers
- The most straightforward option.
- Take the printed voucher to Walmart’s customer service desk or checkout counter for cash.
2. Gift Cards
- Coinstar often partners with major retailers (such as Amazon, Starbucks, and Apple).
- When you choose a gift card, the transaction is fee-free—you get the full value of your coins.
- Ideal if you shop online or have a store you love.
3. Charitable Donations
- Support pre-selected charities directly from the kiosk.
- Choose a cause close to your heart and let your spare change make a difference.
Coinstar Fees and How to Avoid Them
Coinstar’s services are convenient, but they do come at a cost when you choose certain options.
Standard Fees
- Cash Redemption: The typical fee is around 11.9% of your total coin value (fees may vary).
- For every $10 in coins, about $1.19 is deducted as a processing fee.
- Gift Cards and Donations: No fee is taken! You get the full value.
Tips to Minimize or Avoid Fees
- Opt for a Gift Card: If you plan to shop at one of the participating retailers, this is a win-win—you avoid fees and get to spend your coins.
- Check for Special Promotions: Occasionally, Coinstar runs limited-time offers with reduced or waived fees. Keep an eye on in-store signage or machine messages.
- Consider Alternatives: Some banks and credit unions offer free coin counting for their members, although availability is limited.
Benefits of Using Coinstar at Walmart
Why should you use a Coinstar machine at Walmart? Here are a few compelling reasons:
- Convenience: Walmart locations are widespread and easy to access.
- No Need to Roll Coins: Forget the hassle of sorting and rolling coins yourself for the bank.
- Multiple Redemption Options: Flexibility to choose cash, gift card, or charitable donation.
- Quick Processing: The machine counts coins rapidly, saving you time and effort.
- Great for Decluttering: Excellent way to clear out change jars, piggy banks, or couch cushions!
Potential Challenges and Important Considerations
Using Coinstar is straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for a few possible challenges:
- Fees for Cash: The service isn’t free if you want straight cash, which can take a chunk out of your total.
- Machine Availability: Not every Walmart has a Coinstar. It’s a good idea to call your local store ahead of time.
- Rejected Coins: Dirty, damaged, or foreign coins may be rejected and returned to you.
- Limits: Some machines may set a maximum number of coins due to capacity, especially during busy holiday seasons.
Practical Tips for Using Coinstar at Walmart
- Check Machine Availability: Call your nearest Walmart or check the Coinstar website’s kiosk locator to confirm there’s a working machine before hauling in a heavy load of coins.
- Prepare Your Coins: Clean, sorted (removing non-coin items), and dry coins work best.
- Consider Timing: Visit during non-peak hours to avoid lines and get prompt assistance if needed.
- Read the Fine Print: Watch for any posted updates about fees or limitations, as they can change.
- Bring ID for Large Amounts: For large transactions (typically over $600), you may need to provide identification due to federal reporting laws.
Best Practices When Redeeming at Walmart
- Double-check Your Voucher: Ensure the amount printed matches the on-screen total before leaving the kiosk.
- Act Fast: Redeem cash vouchers promptly—the customer service desk may have specific hours, and vouchers can become void if not redeemed in a timely manner.
- Keep Receipts: Hold onto your voucher and any receipts in case you have questions or need to resolve an issue.
- Plan Your Visit: If you’re opting for a gift card, ensure the store is a place you actually shop.
- Separate Rejected Coins: Take rejected coins home and try again after cleaning them, or save them for a future trip.
What About Gift Card Exchanges at Coinstar?
While Coinstar is best known for coin counting, some machines historically offered gift card exchange—allowing you to swap an unwanted retailer gift card for cash or another brand. However, this service is not always available and can vary by region and location.
- Ask at Your Walmart: If you’re interested in exchanging gift cards, inquire if the store’s machine has this feature.
- Check for Kiosk Warnings: Machines usually display services offered on their welcome screen.
The Bottom Line
Walmart makes it easy to turn your loose change into something spendable with the help of Coinstar machines in most locations. Just remember: choosing cash will cost you a fee, while opting for an e-gift card or donation allows you to avoid extra charges. Preparing your coins in advance and checking machine availability will set you up for a quick and successful visit.
Whether you’re saving up for a treat, decluttering your home, or looking to make a difference with a donation, Walmart and Coinstar make it easy to unlock the value in your spare change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does every Walmart store have a Coinstar machine?
Most Walmart stores do have Coinstar machines, but not all. It’s a good idea to call your local store or check the Coinstar website’s locator before you visit.
2. How much does Coinstar charge at Walmart for cash withdrawals?
Coinstar typically charges a service fee of about 11.9% when you choose the cash option. For example, turning in $20 in coins will result in a fee of around $2.38, leaving you with approximately $17.62.
3. Can I avoid paying the Coinstar fee?
Yes! If you select a gift card from a participating retailer or choose to donate your coins to a listed charity, Coinstar does not apply a fee, and you get full value for your coins.
4. What kinds of gift cards does Coinstar offer at Walmart?
Gift card options may vary by location but often include popular choices such as Amazon, Starbucks, Apple, Lowe’s, and several others. The machine will display available options before you make your selection.
5. What should I do if the machine rejects some of my coins?
If some coins are rejected, simply collect them from the coin return slot. Often, cleaning dirty coins or removing any non-coin debris helps. You can try processing the rejected coins again or save them for another time.
Now that you’re equipped with all you need to know about finding and using a Coinstar machine at Walmart, turning your collected coins into something valuable couldn’t be easier. Happy coin counting!