The Walmart Coin Machine, also known as the Coinstar Machine, is a practical and easy way for customers to deposit their loose change and convert it into cash, eGift cards, or charitable donations. Walmart, a well-renowned American multinational retail corporation, has always been committed to providing convenient services to its customers. Offering Coinstar machines in its stores is one such service.

A coin machine is essentially a kiosk where customers can drop their unsorted coins into the slot. The machine then sorts and counts these coins, providing a quick and efficient alternative to manual counting. Not only does this save time, but it also eliminates the potential for human error in coin counting.

What is Walmart Coin Machine?

The Walmart Coin Machine, located within many Walmart stores, is a self-service coin-counting kiosk. Usually found near the entrance or customer service area, these machines offer a user-friendly interface for customers to exchange their coins for cash, eGift cards, or charitable donations.

With thousands of kiosks located throughout the United States, these coin machines make cashing in your change a straightforward task.

Does Walmart has a Coinstar?

Yes, many Walmart locations have a Coinstar machine.

Coinstar is a coin-counting service that provides a convenient way to convert loose change into cash or electronic gift cards. These self-service kiosks are typically located at the front of Walmart stores.

The Coinstar machine sorts and counts the coins you insert into the machine. Once the counting process is complete, it provides you with a cash voucher or an eGift Card, depending on your preference.

However, Coinstar does charge a fee for this service (11.9% as of now), unless you choose to receive your funds as an eGift Card or donate them to charity.

How Does the Walmart Coinstar Work?

Using the Walmart Coin Machine is a breeze, even if you’re new to it. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Pour your coins: The first step is to pour your coins into the coin counting tray. This can be done without any sorting or rolling. The machine is designed to handle a mix of coins.
2. Select your payout option: Once the coins are poured, you can choose how you want to receive your money. You can opt for cash, select an eGift Card from a variety of retailers, or donate your change to a charity of your choice.
3. Collect your voucher: If you’ve chosen to receive your funds in the form of cash or an eGift Card, the machine will print out a voucher. You can then take this voucher to a cashier in the store and exchange it for cash, or use it directly for your purchases.

One key aspect to remember is that the machine only accepts U.S. coins. Attempting to insert foreign coins or non-coin items may cause the machine to jam or malfunction.

Cost of Using Walmart Coin Machine

Like many convenient services, using the Walmart Coin Machine comes with a small fee. The standard rate, as of the latest update, is 11.9% of the total amount counted.

This cost is automatically calculated and deducted from your total, leaving you with the remainder as your voucher value..

How To Avoid Coinstar Fee At Walmart?

While the convenience fee is modest, you might still be interested in strategies to bypass this cost. Here are some suggestions:

1. Opt for an eGift card: If you choose to receive your funds as an eGift card instead of cash, the Coinstar machine waives the counting fee. These cards can be used for online purchases with a variety of retailers, which makes this option quite versatile.
2. Roll your coins: Another way to avoid the fee is by rolling your coins and depositing them directly into your bank. Coin wrappers are available for purchase at Walmart, and most banks will accept rolled coins without charging a fee.
3. Utilize your bank’s coin machine: Some banks and credit unions offer free coin counting services to their customers. This option is particularly useful if you frequently find yourself with a surplus of coins.

Where Can I Change Coins at Walmart?

If you’ve gathered a hefty amount of coins and are ready to exchange them at Walmart, here’s what you need to do:

1. Locate the Coin Machine: Look for the Coinstar machine, typically positioned near the entrance or the customer service area of the store.
2. Pour your coins into the machine: No need to sort or roll your coins. Simply lift the handle and pour your mixed coins into the tray.
3. Choose your payout: Decide whether you want to receive cash, an eGift card, or make a charity donation.
4. Collect your voucher: If you chose the cash or eGift card option, the machine would promptly print out your voucher. You can exchange this voucher for cash at the cash counter or use it for shopping.

Benefits of Using Walmart Coin Machine

If you’re questioning why you should use a Walmart Coin Machine, consider the following advantages:

1. Convenience: The machine offers a swift, user-friendly way to get rid of your loose change. Whether you want cash or an eGift card, the machine caters to your preference.
2. Speed: The machine counts your coins much faster than you could manually. This can be a game-changer, especially when you have a large number of coins.
3. Accessibility: Most Walmart stores host Coinstar machines, making them easily accessible. Plus, the machines are generally available 24/7, allowing you to exchange your coins whenever you wish.
4. Choice: The ability to opt for a charitable donation adds a unique aspect to the service. If you’re feeling philanthropic, you can easily donate your change to a worthy cause.

Which Walmart Store Can I Find Coinstar Machine?

You’ll be pleased to know that Coinstar machines are available in most Walmart stores across the United States.

This broad coverage means you can easily locate a Coinstar machine near you by using the Coinstar kiosk finder.

Drawbacks of Using Walmart Coin Machine

While the Walmart Coin Machine is a helpful tool, it’s important to be aware of some of its downsides:

1. Service Fee: The 11.9% service fee could be a deterrent if you have a significant amount of coins.
2. Accuracy: While the machine is generally reliable, it isn’t 100% foolproof. There might be slight inaccuracies in counting, especially when dealing with a large volume of coins.

Alternatives to Walmart Coin Machine

If you’d rather avoid using the Walmart Coin Machine, there are alternatives:

1. Banks and Credit Unions: Many financial institutions offer coin counting services. Some even provide these services for free to their account holders.
2. Grocery Stores: Some grocery stores have coin counting machines. While they might charge a fee, it could be less than that of Walmart’s Coinstar machines.
3. Local Businesses: Some local businesses, especially those that need change (like laundromats), might be willing to buy your coins at face value.

Also Read: Does Walmart Take Apple Pay?

Frequently Asked Question

Conclusion

All in all, the Walmart Coin Machine is an easy-to-use service that makes handling loose change a cinch. Whether you’re looking to convert your coins into cash or an eGift card, or even donate them to charity, this machine has you covered.

Despite the convenience fee, the ease and speed of the service often make it a worthy choice for many customers. However, if you’re looking to avoid paying any fees, it might be worth considering some of the alternatives mentioned above.