Ever found yourself with a jar of loose change and wondered if Walmart can help turn it into real spending power? You’re not alone. With cashless payments on the rise, many people still stash coins at home—waiting for the perfect moment to cash them in.
Knowing whether Walmart has coin machines saves time and hassle. In this article, we’ll reveal if Walmart offers this service, how it works, and share helpful tips to make coin-cashing quick and easy.
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Does Walmart Have Coin Machines? Your Complete Guide
If you’ve ever found yourself with a jar full of loose change wondering what to do with it, you’re not alone. Many people are searching for a convenient way to turn coins into cash, gift cards, or store credit. One of the first places that comes to mind is Walmart, thanks to its wide array of in-store services and nationwide presence. Let’s explore whether Walmart has coin machines, how they work, and what you should know before your next visit.
The Clear Answer: Yes, Most Walmarts Have Coin Machines
Walmart does have coin machines—specifically, Coinstar kiosks—in most of its stores across the United States. These machines make it easy to trade in your loose coins for paper currency, Walmart eGift cards, or a selection of other gift cards.
However, there are some important details to keep in mind before heading out with your change. Let’s break down everything you need to know.
How Do Coinstar Machines at Walmart Work?
Using a Coinstar machine at Walmart is simple, but understanding the steps will ensure a smooth experience. Here’s how the process usually works:
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Locate the Kiosk:
As you enter Walmart, keep an eye out for the Coinstar kiosk. These machines are often near the customer service desk or store entrance. -
Sort Your Coins:
Remove any debris, paper, or non-coin items from your collection. Coinstar machines only accept coins—other items can jam or damage the machine. -
Pour in Your Coins:
Lift the hopper lid and pour your coins onto the tray. The machine will prompt you when it’s ready. -
Follow On-Screen Instructions:
The kiosk will guide you step by step. It will count your coins, display the value, and give you different payout options. -
Choose Your Payout:
- Cash Voucher: The machine prints out a voucher which you take to the register or customer service to exchange for cash.
- Gift Cards: Choose from several popular retailers or a Walmart eGift card. Some options can have no fees (more on this later).
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Charity Donation: Donate your change to select charities directly through the machine.
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Collect Your Receipt:
Don’t forget your printed voucher or gift card! Take your voucher to the cashier or customer service desk for redemption.
Key Benefits of Using Walmart’s Coin Machines
There’s a reason these machines are popular with shoppers. Here’s what makes them a convenient choice:
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Widespread Availability:
Most Walmart locations have a Coinstar kiosk, making it easy to find one almost anywhere in the country. -
No Coin Wrapping Required:
You don’t need to roll your coins or sort denominations before using the machine. -
Fast and Efficient:
The counting process is quick, usually taking just a few minutes, even with a large number of coins. -
Multiple Payout Choices:
Choose between cash, eGift cards, or direct donations—all from the same machine. -
Support for Various Currencies:
Coinstar machines accept “regular” U.S. coins—pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and dollar coins.
Important Things to Know (Fees, Limitations, and Tips)
While the coin machines at Walmart are handy, there are a few aspects you’ll want to consider before using one—a few “hidden” details that can affect your experience.
Coinstar Fees at Walmart
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Standard Coin Counting Fee:
If you choose the cash voucher option, Coinstar typically charges an 11.9% service fee (this rate may vary by location). That means for every $10 in coins, you’ll receive about $8.81 in cash. -
No-Fee Gift Cards or Donations:
To bypass the fee, opt for certain gift card partners or make a donation. Choosing a Walmart eGift card, Amazon, Starbucks, or Apple gift card, for example, typically comes with no service fee, giving you the full value of your coins.
Machine Limitations
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Accepts Coins Only:
No bills, foreign currency, tokens, or damaged coins are allowed. The machine will return any unacceptable items via a rejection tray. -
Receipt Redemption Required:
If you take a cash voucher, you’ll need to stand in an additional line at customer service or a checkout register to redeem it. -
Maximum Limit:
Most machines can process several hundred dollars at once, but if you have a very large amount, consider breaking it into multiple sessions.
Other Practical Tips
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Clean Your Coins:
Dirty or sticky coins can jam the machine and slow down the process. Give your change a quick check before visiting. -
Count Before You Go:
For peace of mind, estimate your total using a coin-counting jar or kitchen scale at home. -
Beware of Long Lines:
Coinstar kiosks are popular. Shopping during off-peak hours or calling ahead can help you avoid waiting. -
Check Voucher Expiry:
Most cash vouchers are valid the day of issuance, so redeem them promptly. -
Lost Voucher?
Treat your receipt like cash. If it’s lost or stolen, it can’t be replaced.
Gift Card and Charity Options
One of the standout features of Coinstar at Walmart is the diverse payout options besides cash. Here’s a breakdown of your choices:
No-Fee Gift Cards
Several gift cards are available with no service fee, making them a great alternative to cash. Common partners include:
- Walmart eGift Card
- Amazon
- Starbucks
- Apple
- Lowe’s
- Applebee’s
Note: The list of available gift cards may change, so check your local kiosk for current options.
Charity Donations
Feeling generous? Coinstar lets you contribute your coins directly to select charities. Common options include:
- American Red Cross
- Feeding America
- United Way
Not all charities are available at every location. The machine will prompt you with current choices.
Why Use a Coin Machine at Walmart?
Wondering if you should lug your heavy jar of change to Walmart? Here are a few reasons why Coinstar at Walmart could be just what you need:
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Convenience:
No need to visit a bank, roll coins, or worry about coin-counting hours. -
Shopping Synergy:
Turn coins into a gift card and use it right away on groceries or essentials. -
Safe and Secure:
Machines are located in a major retailer, offering a secure environment. -
Quick Conversion:
From coins to cash or eGift cards in under ten minutes.
Alternatives to Walmart’s Coinstar Machines
While Coinstar at Walmart is convenient, you might want to consider these alternatives in certain cases:
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Banks and Credit Unions:
Some banks offer coin-counting services for account holders—sometimes for free. Call ahead; not all branches provide this. -
Other Retailers:
Grocery chains and big-box retailers may have Coinstar or similar machines as well. -
Manual Coin Rolling:
If you’re trying to avoid all fees, you can roll your coins and deposit them directly at your bank. This requires more effort and time. -
Community Coin Drives:
Donate coins directly to local fundraisers, schools, or charities.
Potential Downsides or Challenges
Despite their convenience, Coinstar machines at Walmart aren’t perfect. Understanding a few challenges can help set your expectations:
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Fee for Cash Payouts:
Receiving less than full value may feel frustrating, especially with large amounts. -
Cash Voucher Inconvenience:
An extra trip to customer service or a checkout is required for cash redemption. -
Occasional Malfunctions:
Like any technology, machines can jam or experience software hiccups. -
Limited Coin Acceptance:
If you have foreign coins or damaged U.S. coins, you’ll need another solution.
Expert Tips and Best Practices
Here are some pro tips to make your Walmart coin machine visit hassle-free:
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Plan Your Visit:
Shop during less busy times (weekday mornings) to avoid long waits at both the Coinstar kiosk and customer service. -
Check Fee Information:
Review the fee structure before starting your transaction. The machine will prompt you early on, so you can decide if you want to continue. -
Keep Your Voucher Safe:
Treat your voucher like cash—if it’s lost, your coins are irreplaceable. -
Use Gift Cards for Maximum Value:
If you plan to shop at Walmart or another major retailer, choosing the eGift card option gives you the full value of your coins. -
Try Smaller Amounts First:
If you’re new to Coinstar, test the process with a smaller batch of coins to get comfortable.
Summary: Turning Your Coins into Value at Walmart
Walmart offers a practical solution for exchanging coins through its in-store Coinstar machines. You can quickly and securely turn your loose change into cash, gift cards, or charitable donations. While there is a fee for cash payouts, opting for eGift cards or charity lets you keep or give away the full amount. With a bit of preparation and these tips in hand, your trip to the coin machine can be smooth and rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does every Walmart have a Coinstar or coin-counting machine?
Most Walmart Supercenters and many regular Walmart stores have Coinstar machines, but availability can vary by location. It’s a good idea to call your local store or look for the kiosk near the customer service desk before visiting.
2. What is the current fee for using a Coinstar machine at Walmart?
The standard fee for turning coins into cash is around 11.9% of your total. This means for every $10 you exchange, you get about $8.81 in cash. Choosing a gift card payout or donating to charity typically eliminates this fee.
3. Which coins will the machine accept and reject?
Coinstar machines at Walmart accept U.S. pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and dollar coins. They will reject foreign currency, damaged coins, tokens, and anything that isn’t recognized as standard U.S. currency.
4. Can I get paper money directly from the machine?
Coinstar machines do not dispense cash directly. If you choose a cash payout, you’ll receive a printed voucher. Redeem this voucher at the Walmart register or customer service desk for your money.
5. What should I do if the machine malfunctions or retains my coins?
If there’s a problem—such as a jam or lost coins—contact Walmart’s customer service right away. They can assist and guide you on next steps. Retain any receipts or transaction slips as proof of your claim.
With these insights, you’re ready to tackle that pile of loose change and turn it into something you can use—no more jars gathering dust!