Ever found yourself with a pocketful of coins and wondered if you could turn them into crisp bills during your next Walmart trip? You’re not alone—many shoppers are curious whether Walmart has change machines to simplify life’s little transactions. With loose change piling up at home, knowing your options can save you time and hassle.
In this article, we’ll answer whether Walmart offers coin-counting machines and share helpful tips and alternatives for managing your spare change.
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Turning coins into cash is a chore many of us put off, but it doesn’t need to be difficult. If you’re wondering whether you can bring that overflowing jar of loose change to Walmart and walk away with crisp bills or a handy e-gift card, you’re in luck. Let’s dig into the details about change machines at Walmart and how you can make the most of them.
Yes, Walmart Has Change Machines
The short answer: Yes, most Walmart stores have change machines available. Walmart partners with Coinstar, a well-known company specializing in self-service coin-counting kiosks.
These machines make it easy to pour in your mixed coins and receive value for them, either as cash, a Walmart eGift card, or other popular retailer gift cards.
How Do Coinstar Machines Work at Walmart?
Coinstar machines operate as self-service kiosks, typically located near the customer service desk or at the front of the store. They’re designed to be easy for anyone to use—no need to sort, count, or roll your coins in advance.
The Coin-to-Cash Process in 5 Simple Steps
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Gather Your Coins
Bring your loose change in a container or bag. Mixed coins are fine—no need to sort. -
Locate the Coinstar Kiosk
Most Walmarts place these green kiosks near entrances or customer service. -
Select Your Preferred Payout Option
Decide whether you want: - Cash (voucher you redeem at Walmart’s customer service desk)
- Walmart eGift card (printed instantly)
- Other store e-gift cards (depending on kiosk options)
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Donation to charity
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Pour and Process
Follow the on-screen instructions and dump your coins into the tray. The machine will count and sort them. -
Collect Your Receipt
Once done, the machine prints either a cash voucher or a gift card based on your selection. Bring cash vouchers to the service desk to receive bills.
Key Aspects of Using Coinstar at Walmart
There’s more to Coinstar at Walmart than just tossing in coins. Here are some essential points:
Fees and Costs
- Cash Option: Coinstar usually charges a service fee for cash transactions. The fee is typically 11.9% of the total amount of your coins, though it can vary by location.
- eGift Card Option: Choosing a gift card (for Walmart or select retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, or iTunes) usually means you avoid any service fee.
- Donation Option: Donating to charity through Coinstar incurs no fee, but your coins turn into a direct charitable contribution.
Types of Coins Accepted
- All standard U.S. coins are accepted.
- The machines will reject foreign currency, slugs, and certain tokens or damaged coins.
- Half dollars and dollar coins may be accepted, but availability can vary.
Location & Availability
- Not every Walmart has a Coinstar kiosk, but the majority do.
- Machines may occasionally be out of order or undergoing maintenance. Check near the customer service counter or ask an associate for the kiosk location.
Limits and Minimums
- Most Coinstar machines have a minimum of $5 and a maximum of around $2,000 per transaction, but some locations may set their own limits.
- There’s no need to count or roll change in advance.
Benefits of Using Coinstar at Walmart
Why should you bring your coins to Walmart? Here are some advantages:
- Convenience: Walmart is open long hours, often 7 days a week, making it easy to fit a coin exchange into your schedule.
- Multiple Options: You’re not limited to cash—you can get store credit, or donate to charity.
- No Sorting Required: Toss in nickels, dimes, quarters, and pennies together.
- Immediate Access: Walk away with cash or gift cards instantly.
- Save on Fees: Opting for a Walmart eGift card means you keep every cent of your change.
Challenges and Considerations
It’s not all smooth sailing—there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Service Fees: The cash option comes with a notable fee (typically 11.9%). If you have $50 in coins, you’d pay about $6 in fees.
- Not All Walmarts Have Coinstar: While common, it’s a good idea to call ahead if making a special trip.
- Heavy Coins: Carrying large amounts of change can be cumbersome.
- Rejected Coins: Damaged, dirty, or foreign coins will be returned; you’ll need to remove them.
Practical Tips for Using Walmart’s Coin Machines
To make the most of your trip to the coin machine, keep these strategies in mind:
Best Practices
- Check Machine Status: Look for signs or ask staff if the machine is working before lugging in heavy change.
- Clean Your Coins: Remove obvious dirt or debris to reduce jam risks.
- Avoid Peak Times: Early morning or late evening visits can help you avoid lines.
- Bring ID: If you’re cashing a large amount, Walmart staff may ask for identification.
- Plan Payout: Decide in advance if you want cash or a gift card, so you know which option to select (and whether a fee will apply).
Saving on Fees
To avoid cash conversion fees:
– Select a Walmart eGift Card at the kiosk—no fee will be charged.
– Use the donation option if you’d rather give your change to charity and skip the fee.
What to Do With Rejected Coins
- Collect them from the rejection tray.
- Try cleaning them and running them through again, or take them to a bank for manual deposit.
Alternatives If Your Walmart Doesn’t Have a Machine
If you find your local Walmart doesn’t have a Coinstar or it’s out of order, don’t worry. Here are alternatives:
- Bank Branches: Some banks offer free coin counting for account holders.
- Other Grocery Stores: Many supermarkets and big-box stores use Coinstar machines, too.
- Community Events: Local fairs or fundraising events sometimes have coin-counting as a free service.
Making the Most of Every Penny
Every year, Americans leave billions in spare change lying around. Converting your coins into useful cash or gift cards at Walmart is fast and convenient, especially if you follow best practices. Be mindful of fees—a Walmart gift card can maximize your return by giving you the full value of your coins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does every Walmart have a Coinstar machine?
Most Walmart stores offer Coinstar kiosks, but not all. It’s wise to call your local store or check upon arrival to confirm availability.
How much does it cost to use the Coinstar machine for cash at Walmart?
There is usually a service fee of around 11.9% for cash transactions. So, for every $10 in coins, you’ll pay about $1.19 in fees.
Can I avoid the Coinstar fees at Walmart?
Yes. By choosing a payout option for a Walmart eGift card or certain other retailer gift cards, you can often skip the service fee altogether.
What should I do with foreign coins or coins rejected by the machine?
Foreign coins and badly damaged coins aren’t accepted. Retrieve them from the rejection slot and consider taking them to a bank that exchanges foreign currency or coin shops.
How long does it take to use the Coinstar machine at Walmart?
The process is usually quick—most transactions take just a few minutes, depending on the volume of coins and if there’s a line when you arrive.
Turning change into spending power is easy at Walmart, thanks to Coinstar kiosks. With a little planning and knowledge, you’ll handle your coins like a pro—saving time, hassle, and even money along the way.