This FAQ covers everything you need to know about Coinstar kiosks, from finding locations to understanding fees and alternatives for exchanging your spare change into cash or gift cards.

What is Coinstar and how does it work?

Coinstar is a company that operates coin-counting kiosks located in grocery stores and retail locations where you can exchange loose change for cash or gift cards. You simply pour your coins into the machine, it counts them automatically, and you receive either a voucher to redeem for cash (minus a fee) or an eGift card with no fee charged. The entire process takes just a few minutes, making it a convenient option for converting accumulated coins without the hassle of rolling them yourself.

Coinstar kiosks use automated counting technology that tallies your coins as you pour them into the designated slot. The machine displays your total amount on screen before you choose how to receive your funds.

How much does Coinstar charge in fees?

Coinstar charges a fee of 11.9% when you choose to receive cash for your coins, meaning you will receive approximately 88.1% of your total coin value. For example, if you deposit $100 worth of coins, you will receive $88.10 in cash. However, if you select an eGift card option, Coinstar waives the fee entirely, and you receive 100% of your coin value to spend at participating retailers.

This fee structure makes gift cards the more economical choice if you shop at any of the participating retailers, which include major stores like Amazon, Target, and Walmart.

How do I find a Coinstar kiosk near me?

You can locate the nearest Coinstar kiosk by visiting the official Coinstar website and using their store locator tool, which requires you to enter your ZIP code or city and state. Coinstar kiosks are predominantly found inside grocery stores such as Kroger, Safeway, and Publix, as well as some Walmart and Target locations. The website also indicates whether each location offers the cash option, the gift card option, or both.

Not all retail locations have Coinstar kiosks, so it is advisable to check the locator before making a special trip to deposit your coins.

What stores have Coinstar machines?

Coinstar machines are primarily located in major grocery store chains including Kroger, Safeway, Vons, Albertsons, Publix, and Weis Markets. Some Walmart and Target stores also host Coinstar kiosks, though availability varies by location. Other participating retailers include CVS Pharmacy, Hy-Vee, and certain regional grocery chains across the United States.

The presence of Coinstar kiosks depends on individual store agreements, so not every branch of these chains will necessarily have one installed.

Can I use Coinstar without paying a fee?

Yes, you can avoid Coinstar fees entirely by selecting the eGift card option instead of cash when converting your coins. When you choose an eGift card, Coinstar does not charge any fee, and you receive the full value of your deposited coins to spend at participating retailers including Amazon, Target, and over 100 other stores and restaurants.

This makes the gift card option significantly more valuable if you regularly shop at any of the participating retailers, effectively making your coin conversion completely free.

What happens if my Coinstar voucher is lost or expired?

Coinstar vouchers typically expire 60 days after issuance, and the company generally does not honor lost or expired vouchers. The voucher acts as proof of your transaction, similar to cash, so you should treat it carefully and redeem it promptly at the customer service desk of the store where you made your deposit.

Some retailers may have policies that allow for exceptions in specific circumstances, but there is no guaranteed process for recovering funds from a lost or expired Coinstar voucher.

Are there alternatives to Coinstar for exchanging coins?

Yes, several alternatives exist including rolling your coins yourself and depositing them at your bank, using coin-counting machines at credit unions or smaller banks that often charge lower fees, or simply spending your coins naturally over time at stores. Some banks and credit unions offer free coin-counting services for account holders, making them a cost-effective alternative if you have an existing banking relationship.

Community coin drives or charity donations also represent options for putting your coins to good use without worrying about fees.

Does Coinstar accept all types of coins?

Coinstar kiosks accept most United States coins including pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins. However, the machines may reject foreign coins, damaged coins, and coins that are excessively worn or altered. The kiosk will automatically separate and return any coins it cannot process.

It is important to ensure your coins are reasonably clean and undamaged before attempting to deposit them to avoid processing issues.

Final Thoughts

Coinstar provides a convenient solution for converting accumulated coins into usable funds, particularly for those who do not want to spend time rolling coins themselves. The key is understanding the fee structure: while the 11.9% cash fee may seem steep, the no-fee eGift card option makes Coinstar an economical choice for many shoppers. Before visiting a kiosk, always verify its location using the official Coinstar website and confirm which redemption options are available at that specific site.

For the best experience, have your coins sorted and ready, know which retailer gift cards you might want to select, and plan to redeem your voucher on the same day if possible to avoid expiration concerns. Whether you choose cash or gift cards, Coinstar remains one of the fastest ways to turn your spare change into spendable money.