Quick Answer: Coinstar machines can be found in major retailers including Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, CVS, and many grocery stores nationwide. Use the Coinstar website locator or search “Coinstar near me” to find the closest location.
Counting loose change used to be a tedious ordeal, but Coinstar has revolutionized this process by turning piles of coins into cash, gift cards, or charitable donations. Located across the country in various stores, these kiosks offer a convenient solution for dealing with spare change. This comprehensive guide will walk you through where to find Coinstar machines, how to use them effectively, and tips for maximizing your coin value.
Understanding Coinstar and Its Functionality
Coinstar machines are automated coin-counting devices that quickly convert loose change into usable currency. These user-friendly kiosks accept various coin denominations, count them accurately, and provide multiple payout options including cash, eGift cards, or charitable donations.
What is a Coinstar Kiosk?
A Coinstar kiosk is a self-service machine that:
- Automatically counts and sorts coins
- Accepts all standard U.S. coin denominations
- Offers multiple payout options
- Provides instant processing and results
- Charges fees for cash transactions but not for gift cards or donations
How Does a Coinstar Machine Work?
Using a Coinstar machine is straightforward:
- 1Select your payout preference on the touchscreen
- 2Pour coins into the collection tray
- 3Wait for counting – the machine automatically sorts and tallies
- 4Receive your voucher or gift card
- 5Redeem at customer service (for cash) or use immediately (for gift cards)
Benefits of Using Coin Counting Machines
⚡ Enhanced Productivity
Convert jars of coins in minutes instead of hours of manual counting and rolling.
🎯 Accurate Counting
Eliminate human error with precise automated counting and sorting technology.
🔄 Multiple Payment Options
Choose from cash vouchers, eGift cards, or charitable donations.
🏠 Reduces Clutter
Transform accumulated change from jars and drawers into useful currency.
Where to Find Coinstar Machines
Coinstar machines are strategically located in high-traffic retail locations across the United States. Here’s where you’re most likely to find them:
Major Retail Chains with Coinstar Machines
Grocery Stores
- Kroger – Most locations nationwide
- Safeway – Western and Eastern regions
- Giant Eagle – Midwest and Mid-Atlantic
- Tops Markets – Northeast region
- Food Lion – Southeast region
Big Box Retailers
- Walmart – Extensive coverage in most locations
- Target – Select locations
- Costco – Limited locations
Pharmacies and Convenience
- CVS Pharmacy – Many urban and suburban locations
- Walgreens – Select stores
- Rite Aid – Various locations
Other Locations
- AMC Theatres – Select movie theater locations
- Shopping Centers – Mall and plaza locations
- Community Centers – Some local facilities
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Coinstar
Before You Go
- Collect All Coins
- Gather coins from various locations
- Remove any foreign or damaged coins
- No need to sort by denomination
- Locate a Coinstar Kiosk
- Check the Coinstar website locator
- Call ahead to confirm machine availability
- Consider store hours and peak times
At the Machine
- Choose Your Payout Method
- Cash voucher (fees apply)
- eGift card (no fees)
- Charitable donation (no fees)
- Insert Coins
- Pour coins steadily into the tray
- Machine will reject foreign/damaged coins
- Wait for counting to complete
- Complete Transaction
- Review total amount on screen
- Collect your voucher or gift card
- Redeem at customer service if choosing cash
Understanding Coinstar Fees
Fee Structure
| Service Type | Fee | Example ($50 worth of coins) |
|---|---|---|
| Cash Voucher | ~11.9% + $0.50 | You receive ~$43.45 |
| eGift Cards | No Fee | You receive $50 gift card |
| Charitable Donation | No Fee | $50 goes to charity |
Popular eGift Card Options (No Fees)
- Amazon – Most popular choice
- Starbucks – Great for coffee lovers
- Home Depot – Perfect for home improvement
- iTunes/App Store – For digital purchases
- Southwest Airlines – Travel rewards
- Xbox Live – Gaming credits
Charitable Donations Through Coinstar
Coinstar offers a meaningful way to turn spare change into charitable contributions. When you choose the donation option, 100% of your coins’ value goes directly to your selected charity with no fees deducted.
Featured Charity Partners
- American Red Cross – Disaster relief and emergency assistance
- UNICEF – Children’s welfare worldwide
- Feeding America – Fighting hunger domestically
- Children’s Miracle Network – Pediatric healthcare
- Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Cancer research
Alternatives to Coinstar Machines
While Coinstar machines offer convenience, several alternatives can help you avoid fees:
Banks and Credit Unions
Many financial institutions offer free coin counting for customers:
- TD Bank – Free Penny Arcade machines for customers
- PNC Bank – Select locations with coin counters
- Local Credit Unions – Often provide free coin counting
- Community Banks – May offer personalized coin counting services
Manual Coin Rolling
Traditional method with zero fees:
- Get free coin wrappers from your bank
- Sort coins by denomination
- Roll according to standard amounts
- Exchange rolled coins at any bank
Other Strategies
- Use coins for small purchases – Gradually spend them
- Local charity drives – Many organizations accept loose change
- Community fundraisers – Schools and nonprofits often welcome coin donations
Comparing Coin-Counting Options
| Service | Fee | Location | Convenience | Membership Required | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coinstar | Up to 12.9% | Grocery stores, retail | High | No | Fast |
| Banks | Free/Low (members) | Bank branches | Moderate | Often required | Varies |
| Credit Unions | Free (members) | Credit union branches | Moderate | Required | Varies |
| Manual Rolling | Free | Home/Bank | Low | No | Slow |
References
-
Coinstar Official Website – Find a Kiosk: The official Coinstar website provides a tool to locate kiosks and details about their services.
-
GoBankingRates – Coinstar Locations: A financial website offering insights into Coinstar locations and services.
-
Coinstar Canada – Find a Machine: The Canadian version of the Coinstar website, listing kiosk locations and services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coinstar machines accept all standard U.S. coins including pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half-dollars, and dollar coins. The machines cannot process foreign coins, damaged coins, or non-currency items.
Yes! You can avoid fees by choosing eGift cards or making charitable donations. Only cash vouchers incur the processing fee of approximately 11.9%.
Unfortunately, Coinstar vouchers are treated like cash and cannot be replaced if lost or stolen. Always keep your voucher secure until you redeem it at customer service.
No sorting required! Simply pour all your mixed coins into the machine. It will automatically sort and count each denomination while rejecting any invalid items.
No, Coinstar machines are designed for loose coins only. You’ll need to unwrap any rolled coins before using the machine, or take rolled coins directly to a bank.
Coinstar machines are highly accurate, using advanced technology to count and sort coins. They’re generally more accurate than manual counting and provide detailed receipts for verification.
Maximizing Your Coinstar Experience
Best Practices
- Clean your coins – Remove dirt and debris for better processing
- Avoid peak hours – Use machines during off-peak times for faster service
- Choose gift cards – Maximize value by avoiding cash fees
- Check for promotions – Coinstar occasionally offers special deals
- Keep receipts – Save documentation for your records
What Not to Include
- Foreign coins
- Tokens or medallions
- Damaged or bent coins
- Washers or other metal objects
- Extremely dirty or corroded coins
Conclusion
Coinstar machines offer a convenient solution for converting loose change into useful currency, gift cards, or charitable donations. While cash transactions involve fees, the time savings and convenience often justify the cost. For fee-free options, consider eGift cards or donations, or explore alternatives like bank coin counting services.
Whether you’re clearing out years of accumulated change or regularly converting coins, understanding your options helps you make the best choice for your situation. Use the Coinstar locator to find machines near you, and remember that the most valuable option isn’t always the one with the lowest fees – sometimes convenience and time savings are worth the investment.
