Coinstar is a coin-counting service that lets you turn loose change into cash, eGift cards, or charitable donations through self-service kiosks. Depending on the kiosk and market, other financial services may also be available. Cash payouts can involve a service fee, while eligible eGift cards and other options may be available without one.
If you are considering using Coinstar, the most important things to check are the fee at your chosen kiosk, the available payout options, and how much value you will receive after any charges.
This guide explains how Coinstar works, how to calculate its fees, how to find a kiosk, and when a bank or another coin-counting service may be a better choice.
Key Takeaways
- Coinstar counts loose coins: You do not generally need to count, sort, or roll your coins before using a compatible kiosk.
- Cash payouts may incur a fee: The rate varies by location, so check the displayed terms before starting.
- Some eGift cards have no transaction fee: Availability and terms depend on the kiosk and participating retailer.
- You can check locations online: Use the official Coinstar kiosk locator to find nearby machines and review the services offered.
- Banks and credit unions are alternatives: Some offer coin deposits or counting services, but eligibility, fees, and requirements differ.
- The best option depends on your needs: Compare the total cost, convenience, payout restrictions, and any account requirements before exchanging your change.
What Is Coinstar?
Coinstar is a company that operates self-service kiosks designed to make it easier to exchange loose change for usable money or other forms of value. Its machines are commonly associated with supermarkets and other retail locations.
The service removes the need to manually count and roll coins. Depending on the location, customers may be able to receive a cash voucher, select an eGift card, donate their coins to a participating charity, or access other supported financial services.
Coinstar was founded in 1989 to address the difficulty of converting accumulated loose change into spendable money. Today, its offerings extend beyond traditional coin counting, although the exact services available depend on the kiosk and market.
For current service information, visit the official Coinstar website.
How Does Coinstar Work?
Coinstar works by accepting eligible coins, counting them automatically, and processing the value according to the payout option you select. The precise redemption process depends on the service offered by the machine.
Step 1: Find a Coinstar kiosk
Use the official Coinstar kiosk locator to search for a participating location. Check the individual kiosk details to confirm its services and avoid making an unnecessary trip.
Step 2: Choose a payout option
Follow the instructions on the kiosk screen and review any applicable fee before proceeding.
Depending on the location, available choices may include cash, an eGift card, or a charitable donation. Some kiosks also support additional financial services.
Step 3: Insert your coins
Pour your eligible coins into the machine as instructed. The kiosk counts the coins and calculates their total value.
Follow any on-screen directions if the machine rejects a coin or asks you to remove an item.
Step 4: Review the total and fees
Before confirming the transaction, check the displayed amount, any service charge, and the value you will receive.
This step is especially important if you are choosing cash because the fee can reduce your payout.
Step 5: Complete the transaction
For a cash transaction, the kiosk typically issues a printed voucher that you redeem at the participating retailer’s designated checkout or customer service counter. Follow the instructions printed on the voucher.
For an eGift card or donation, follow the kiosk’s instructions for completing or redeeming your chosen option.
Practical tip: Keep your receipt or voucher until you have successfully redeemed it. If a problem occurs, the transaction details can help you contact customer support.
How Much Does Coinstar Charge?
Coinstar’s cash-counting service may charge a percentage of the total value of your coins. However, there is no single fee that should be assumed to apply to every Coinstar kiosk worldwide.
The actual charge depends on the location and applicable service terms. Coinstar also advertises no-fee eGift card options at participating kiosks, although availability and terms vary by retailer, brand, and location.
Before exchanging your coins, check the current fee displayed by the machine and confirm the terms on the official Coinstar website.
Coinstar Fee Calculator
You can estimate your cash payout using this formula:
Cash received = Total coin value × (1 − Fee rate)
To calculate the fee itself:
Service fee = Total coin value × Fee rate
For example, if a kiosk charges a hypothetical 11.9% fee, you would keep 88.1% of your coin value.
The following table illustrates how that rate would affect different amounts.
| Total coin value | Fee at 11.9% | Estimated cash received |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | $1.19 | $8.81 |
| $20 | $2.38 | $17.62 |
| $50 | $5.95 | $44.05 |
| $100 | $11.90 | $88.10 |
| $200 | $23.80 | $176.20 |
These are illustrative calculations, not a guarantee of Coinstar’s current fee. Your actual payout depends on the fee shown at your kiosk.
For a quick estimate using an 11.9% fee, multiply your coin total by 0.881. Multiplying by 0.88 gives a rougher estimate.
Is Coinstar’s Fee Worth Paying?
Whether the fee is worthwhile depends on how much you value convenience and what alternatives are available.
For example, someone exchanging $100 in coins at an assumed 11.9% fee would pay $11.90 for the convenience of the service. If their bank accepts the same coins without charge, depositing them at the bank could preserve more of their money.
On the other hand, Coinstar may be attractive if you want to avoid sorting and rolling coins, do not have access to free coin-counting services, or prefer an eligible no-fee eGift card.
The important comparison is not simply the percentage charged. It is the amount of value you receive after fees, together with any restrictions on how you can use that value.
How Can You Avoid Coinstar Fees?
You may be able to avoid the standard cash-counting fee by selecting an eligible alternative payout option.
Choose an eligible no-fee eGift card
Coinstar offers eGift card options with no transaction fee at participating kiosks. The available brands and terms vary by location.
This can be a useful choice if you already plan to shop with a participating retailer. However, a fee-free gift card is not equivalent to unrestricted cash: its value is generally limited to the retailer or service that issued it.
Before selecting one, confirm that:
- The retailer is available at your chosen kiosk.
- The transaction is marked as having no fee.
- You can use the gift card for purchases you actually intend to make.
- You understand any applicable redemption restrictions.
Deposit coins at a bank or credit union
Ask your bank or credit union whether it accepts loose coins for deposit. Some institutions provide coin-counting machines or other coin-deposit services, while others may require customers to roll their coins or use designated facilities.
Confirm whether you must hold an account, whether a fee applies, and how the deposit is processed.
Donate your coins to charity
Participating Coinstar kiosks may offer a charitable donation option. This can be appropriate if you intend to give the money away rather than receive it for personal use.
Check the available charities and transaction terms at the kiosk. Do not assume every location supports the same organizations or donation arrangements.
What Payout Options Does Coinstar Offer?
Coinstar’s traditional coin services include cash, eGift cards, and charitable donations. Other financial services may be available at selected kiosks.
Cash
Cash is useful when you want flexible spending money. The kiosk generally issues a voucher that you redeem according to the instructions provided. A service fee may apply.
eGift cards
An eGift card converts your coins into spending value with a participating retailer or service. Some options are available without a transaction fee.
This is most useful when you are comfortable using the selected brand. Check the kiosk’s current list rather than assuming a particular retailer is supported everywhere.
Charitable donations
At participating locations, you can donate your coins to a supported charity through the kiosk. This option is intended for people who want to contribute the value of their change rather than receive a personal payout.
Other financial services
Selected kiosks may offer services beyond coin exchange, such as account transfers or cryptocurrency-related services. These are separate from the standard coin-to-cash transaction and may involve different eligibility requirements, fees, account setup, or risks.
If you are considering a cryptocurrency-related service, review the provider’s terms, transaction costs, custody arrangements, and applicable local regulations before proceeding. Cryptocurrency prices can fluctuate significantly, and buying or holding digital assets involves financial risk.
For current service availability, consult the official Coinstar website and the details for the specific kiosk.
How to Find a Coinstar Kiosk Near You
The most reliable way to find a Coinstar machine is to use the company’s official locator rather than relying on an old directory listing.
- Open the Coinstar website.
- Select the kiosk-finding option.
- Enter your address, city, or postal code as supported by the locator.
- Review the results and confirm the services available at the individual location.
- Check the host retailer’s access hours and any applicable service restrictions before visiting.
A nearby kiosk may not offer every payout option. If you intend to use an eGift card, make a donation, or access another specific service, confirm availability first.
The number and types of participating locations differ across countries. US service terms, retailers, and pricing should not automatically be applied to Coinstar services in other markets.
Coinstar vs. Banks and Other Alternatives
Coinstar is convenient, but it is not always the least expensive way to exchange coins. The best alternative depends on whether you need cash immediately, want to deposit money into an account, or simply want to avoid handling loose change.
| Option | Main advantage | Potential drawback | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coinstar cash payout | Convenient coin counting at participating retailers | A service fee may apply | People who value convenience |
| Coinstar eGift card | Eligible options may have no transaction fee | Spending value may be restricted to a brand | People planning to shop with a participating retailer |
| Bank or credit union | May allow coins to be deposited into an account | Rules, fees, and membership requirements vary | Existing customers checking deposit options |
| Manual coin counting and rolling | Can avoid a kiosk fee where banks accept rolled coins | Requires time and effort | People comfortable preparing their own coins |
| Another coin-counting service | May provide different rates or payout options | Availability and fees vary | People comparing local alternatives |
Coinstar vs. a bank
A bank may be the better choice if it accepts your coins without charging a counting fee and you are happy to deposit the money into your account.
However, not every bank or credit union provides free coin counting. Some limit the service to account holders, require rolled coins, or do not accept coins at all.
Ask your financial institution about its current policy before assuming it is free.
Coinstar vs. other coin-counting machines
Other coin-counting services may have different pricing, locations, and redemption options. Compare the actual fee, whether cash is available, and the amount of effort required to complete the transaction.
Do not assume a machine is cheaper simply because it is located inside a bank or retail store. Verify the provider’s terms before using it.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Coinstar?
Coinstar can be a useful way to turn accumulated change into spendable value, but the convenience comes with trade-offs.
Advantages
- Convenience: You can count eligible coins without sorting and rolling them yourself.
- Time savings: The machine handles the counting process.
- Flexible payout choices: Depending on the kiosk, you may choose cash, eGift cards, or a donation.
- Retail accessibility: Participating machines can be available during a regular shopping trip.
- Potential no-fee alternatives: Certain eGift card options may allow you to avoid the standard cash-counting fee.
Disadvantages
- Potential fees: Cash transactions can reduce the amount you receive.
- Location-specific services: Not all kiosks provide the same gift cards or other payout options.
- Voucher redemption: Cash transactions may require you to redeem a printed voucher at the retailer.
- Machine interruptions: A kiosk may be unavailable or require assistance.
- Limited spending flexibility: A gift card may not be as useful as cash if you do not shop with that retailer.
The decision is straightforward: Coinstar is most attractive when its convenience or payout options justify the cost. If keeping every dollar is your priority, compare free deposit options first.
Tips for Using Coinstar Successfully
A few simple precautions can make the process easier.
Check the fee before confirming
Review the displayed service charge and final payout before completing a cash transaction. Use the fee calculator above as an estimate, not as a substitute for the kiosk’s current terms.
Check which coins are accepted
Follow the machine’s instructions and use only eligible coins. Remove foreign currency, tokens, and unrelated objects before starting. If a coin is rejected, follow the displayed directions rather than forcing it into the machine.
Choose your payout option in advance
Decide whether you prefer cash, an eGift card, or a charitable donation before beginning. If you choose a gift card, check its usability and terms.
Keep your receipt or voucher
Retain the printed receipt until the transaction has been completed successfully. If the voucher is lost, damaged, or does not redeem correctly, contact the retailer or Coinstar customer support for instructions.
Verify the kiosk’s availability
Use the official locator and check the host retailer’s opening hours. A listing does not necessarily guarantee that the machine will be operational when you arrive.
Compare the total cost, not just the advertised rate
A small fee can add up when you exchange a large quantity of coins. Compare the amount you will receive with any free bank deposit or other practical alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coinstar
What is Coinstar used for?
Coinstar is used to count and exchange loose coins through self-service kiosks. Depending on the location, customers can receive cash, select an eGift card, donate to a charity, or access other supported services.
How much does Coinstar take from $100?
The amount depends on the kiosk’s current fee. At a hypothetical 11.9% cash-counting fee, Coinstar would deduct $11.90 from $100, leaving $88.10. Check the actual fee displayed at your kiosk before completing a transaction.
Does Coinstar charge a fee?
Coinstar may charge a fee for cash payouts. Some eGift card options are available without a transaction fee, but the terms and available options vary by location and retailer.
Is Coinstar free if I choose a gift card?
Some Coinstar eGift card options are available with no transaction fee. Not every gift card or kiosk necessarily qualifies, so confirm the terms shown for your chosen option.
How do I get cash from Coinstar?
Choose the cash option, insert your eligible coins, and follow the on-screen instructions. The machine generally prints a voucher that you redeem at the designated checkout or customer service counter of the host retailer.
Do I need to sort or roll my coins?
Coinstar’s coin-counting service is designed to accept eligible loose coins without requiring you to count, sort, or roll them first. Follow the instructions at the kiosk and remove objects or coins that are not accepted.
Where can I find a Coinstar machine?
Use the official Coinstar website to access its kiosk locator. Search by location and check the services listed for the individual machine.
Is Coinstar better than a bank?
It depends on your priorities. Coinstar may be more convenient if you want to exchange loose coins without preparing them. A bank or credit union may be less expensive if it accepts your coins without a fee. Check both options before deciding.
What should I do if a Coinstar machine malfunctions?
Follow any on-screen instructions and keep your receipt or transaction details. Ask the host retailer for assistance or contact Coinstar customer support through its official website. Avoid assuming that a rejected or interrupted transaction has been completed until you have confirmed its status.
Does Coinstar operate worldwide?
Coinstar’s services and locations vary by market. Do not assume that a feature, retailer, fee, or payout option available in one country is offered in another. Check the official website and local kiosk information for the market where you intend to use the service.
