If you want to turn loose change into shopping credit, Coinstar offers a way to exchange eligible coins for an eGift Card at participating kiosks. In the United States, some participating gift card options have no Coinstar exchange fee, although availability and fees vary by retailer, brand, and location.
The key distinction is that Coinstar lets you exchange coins for selected gift cards; it is not a general service for exchanging existing gift cards for cash or other gift cards.
Before visiting a kiosk, check the available gift card brands, review any applicable fees, and confirm that the retailer’s gift card suits your needs.
What Are Coinstar Gift Cards?
Coinstar gift cards are eGift Cards that eligible customers can obtain by exchanging loose coins at participating Coinstar kiosks. The kiosk provides a printed voucher with a unique gift card code that can be used according to the participating retailer’s redemption terms.
Unlike a typical coin-to-cash transaction, choosing an eGift Card may let you avoid the coin-counting fee at participating locations.
Coinstar’s gift card program is subject to several conditions:
- Availability: Not every gift card brand is available at every kiosk.
- Fees: Some eGift Card options have no Coinstar fee; other options may have different terms.
- Redemption: Each gift card follows the participating retailer’s rules for in-store or online use.
- Location: Available brands and services depend on the country, retailer, and specific kiosk.
For the most accurate information, consult the official Coinstar gift card page.
Can You Exchange Coins for Gift Cards at Coinstar?
Yes. At participating Coinstar kiosks, you can exchange eligible loose coins for an available eGift Card instead of receiving a cash voucher.
The process is straightforward: select the gift card option, choose an available brand, follow the kiosk instructions, and receive a voucher containing your gift card code.
This option can be useful if you have accumulated coins and already know which participating retailer or restaurant you want to shop with.
However, it is important to understand the difference between the services:
| Transaction | Is it a Coinstar gift card service? |
|---|---|
| Exchange loose coins for an eligible eGift Card | Yes, at participating kiosks |
| Exchange loose coins for a cash voucher | Yes, subject to applicable fees |
| Exchange an existing gift card for cash | No, this is not the standard Coinstar eGift Card service |
| Exchange one Coinstar eGift Card for another | Coinstar states that its eGift Cards cannot be exchanged for another card |
| Redeem an eGift Card with the participating retailer | Yes, subject to that retailer’s terms |
If you want to sell an unwanted gift card, you will need to investigate a separate gift card resale or exchange service and check its fees, eligibility rules, and consumer protections.
Which Gift Cards Are Available at Coinstar?
Coinstar lists eGift Cards across categories such as retail, food and drink, entertainment, travel, and e-commerce. The exact selection depends on the kiosk and the current participating retailer lineup.
Examples of brands featured in Coinstar’s gift card information may include major retailers, restaurants, and entertainment services. However, you should not assume that a particular brand is available at your nearest kiosk or that the same selection is offered in every country.
To find a suitable option:
- Visit the official Coinstar eGift Card page.
- Browse the listed brands and categories.
- Check the kiosk finder for a participating location.
- Confirm the available brands and terms before starting your transaction.
Practical tip: Choose a gift card based on where you already shop. A fee-free gift card has little value if you cannot use it conveniently or if its restrictions do not fit your needs.
Does Coinstar Charge a Fee for Gift Cards?
Not always. Coinstar states that many locations in the United States offer eGift Card options with a 0% fee. Fees vary by retailer, brand, and location, so you should check the terms for your chosen option before proceeding.
Coinstar’s cash exchange service has a different fee structure. If you choose cash instead of an eligible gift card, a service fee and transaction fee may apply.
Consider this illustrative example:
- Coins counted: $50
- Gift card selected: an eligible option with a 0% Coinstar fee
- Gift card value: $50, assuming the full amount is eligible and no other deductions apply
In this example, the full $50 would be available as gift card value. This is an illustration, not a guarantee for every kiosk or retailer.
If a fee applies, compare the amount you would receive through the gift card option with the cash option before making your selection.
For current details, review the Coinstar Help Center.
How to Get a Gift Card at a Coinstar Kiosk
Follow these steps to exchange your coins for a gift card.
Step 1: Find a participating kiosk
Use Coinstar’s official website to find a kiosk near you. Check the services listed for that location, including whether eGift Cards are offered.
Step 2: Prepare your coins
Make sure your coins are clean and dry. Remove dirt, debris, and other objects that could interfere with the kiosk’s counting mechanism.
Step 3: Select the gift card option
Follow the on-screen instructions and choose the eGift Card service rather than the cash option or a charitable donation.
Step 4: Choose an available gift card
Browse the brands displayed at that kiosk. Check the amount, applicable fees, and redemption restrictions before confirming your selection.
Step 5: Complete the transaction
Add your coins as instructed and allow the kiosk to count them. Review the transaction details before completing the exchange.
Step 6: Keep your voucher safe
The kiosk provides a printed voucher containing a unique gift card code. Treat this voucher like cash because someone who obtains the code may be able to use the gift card value.
If anything looks incorrect or the kiosk displays an error, contact Coinstar support before attempting another transaction.
How to Redeem a Coinstar eGift Card
A Coinstar eGift Card voucher includes a unique code that you can use according to the participating retailer’s instructions.
In general, redemption works as follows:
- Read the voucher and identify the retailer and gift card code.
- Visit the retailer’s official website or an eligible physical store.
- Follow the retailer’s instructions for entering or presenting the code.
- Check the remaining balance if you do not use the full value in one purchase.
- Keep the voucher until you have confirmed that the balance has been used or transferred as permitted.
Some retailers support online redemption, while others may have specific in-store requirements. Check the retailer’s terms before shopping.
Coinstar also advises customers to keep their voucher safe. Its help center states that printed eGift Card vouchers cannot be tracked, canceled, or reissued by Coinstar if lost or stolen.
For this reason, verify the voucher details immediately after receiving it.
Can You Exchange an Existing Gift Card at Coinstar?
No. Coinstar’s standard eGift Card service is designed to let customers exchange loose coins for selected gift cards. It is not a service for converting an existing retailer gift card into cash or swapping one gift card for another.
Coinstar’s published help information also states that it cannot exchange an eGift Card for cash or refund a selection so that it can be exchanged for a different eGift Card.
If you already own an unwanted gift card, consider contacting the card issuer to review its terms or researching a reputable third-party gift card exchange service. Check the service’s fees, payment methods, and restrictions before providing any gift card details.
Never share a gift card number or PIN with someone who claims they need it to verify your identity or release a payment.
What to Know Before Using Coinstar Gift Cards
Before exchanging your coins, review these important considerations.
Check local availability
Gift card selection is not universal. A retailer available at one kiosk may not appear at another. Confirm the options for your intended location before making a trip.
Compare fees
A gift card with no Coinstar fee may be preferable to a cash transaction that incurs fees, but only if you can use the gift card for purchases you genuinely want to make.
Review redemption restrictions
Retailers may set their own rules for eligible purchases, online redemption, balance checks, expiration, and other terms. Review those conditions before selecting a card.
Protect your gift card code
A printed voucher should be treated as a cash equivalent. Keep it in a safe place and avoid sharing the code or PIN with anyone you do not trust.
Watch out for gift card scams
A legitimate gift card is intended for purchases, not for paying an unexpected fine, tax bill, technical support charge, or supposed prize fee.
The Federal Trade Commission warns that scammers often pressure people to buy gift cards and disclose the codes. If someone demands payment by gift card, stop and independently verify the claim.
Read the FTC’s guide to avoiding and reporting gift card scams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Coinstar exchange coins for gift cards?
Yes. Participating Coinstar kiosks allow customers to exchange eligible loose coins for selected eGift Cards. Available brands and fees vary by location.
Are Coinstar gift cards free?
Some participating eGift Card options have a 0% Coinstar fee. Not every retailer, brand, or location has the same terms, so confirm the applicable fee before proceeding.
Can I choose any gift card I want?
No. You can choose from the gift cards available at your selected kiosk. Check the official Coinstar gift card listing and local kiosk information to see which options are offered.
Can I exchange a gift card for cash at Coinstar?
No. Coinstar’s eGift Card service exchanges coins for selected gift cards. It does not provide a general gift card-to-cash exchange service.
Can I exchange one Coinstar eGift Card for another?
Coinstar’s published help information says it cannot exchange an eGift Card for another eGift Card or convert an eGift Card into cash. Check the official help center if you have a specific issue.
How do I use a Coinstar gift card voucher?
Use the unique code printed on the voucher according to the participating retailer’s instructions. The retailer may accept it online, in-store, or through another approved redemption method.
What happens if I lose my Coinstar eGift Card voucher?
Coinstar states that its printed eGift Card vouchers cannot be tracked, canceled, or reissued if lost or stolen. Keep the voucher secure and contact Coinstar support promptly if you have questions about a damaged or unreadable code.
Are Coinstar gift cards available worldwide?
Do not assume that they are. Gift card offerings depend on the markets and kiosks Coinstar serves. Check the official website for availability in your country before relying on the service.
Where can I find a Coinstar kiosk?
Use Coinstar’s official kiosk finder to locate a participating machine and check which services it offers. Confirm that the kiosk supports eGift Cards before visiting.
Final Thoughts
Coinstar can be a convenient way to turn loose change into a gift card when a participating kiosk offers a suitable eGift Card option. The most important steps are to check local availability, review fees, understand the retailer’s redemption terms, and protect your printed voucher.
Remember that exchanging coins for a gift card is different from exchanging an existing gift card for cash. If your goal is to sell or swap a gift card you already own, you will need a separate service that explicitly supports that transaction.
