Have you ever found yourself staring at a jar overflowing with coins, wondering if there’s an easier way to turn that loose change into something useful? You’re not alone. Across the United States, millions of people collect spare coins in jars, drawers, and even car cup holders, only to let them gather dust. Enter Coinstar—a self-service solution that transforms your coins into cash, gift cards, or even charitable donations in just a few minutes. Searching for Coinstar locations? This guide covers everything from finding kiosks to maximizing value, ensuring you never let your spare change go to waste again.

What is Coinstar?

The History and Purpose of Coinstar

Coinstar revolutionized the way Americans handle loose change. Founded in the early 1990s, Coinstar introduced the first widely available self-service coin-counting kiosks. These machines quickly became a staple in grocery stores and big-box retailers, offering a fast, convenient alternative to rolling coins by hand or waiting in line at the bank.

Services Offered at Coinstar Kiosks

Coinstar kiosks are designed to count U.S. coins and provide several payout options:

• Cash Vouchers: The most popular choice, though it comes with a standard 11.9% processing fee.
• No-Fee eGift Cards: Choose from over 200 brands, including Amazon, Starbucks, and Home Depot, and avoid the cash fee entirely.
• Charity Donations: Donate your change directly to national and local charities.
• Cryptocurrency Purchases: At select locations, Coinstar offers the ability to buy Bitcoin, though not directly with coins.

Benefits of Using Coinstar

• Instant Results: No need to wait for a teller or roll coins at home.
• Convenience: Over 20,000 kiosks are available across North America, making it easy to find a location nearby.
• Multiple Payout Options: Flexibility to choose cash, gift cards, or donations based on your needs.

Coinstar by the Numbers

• 20,000+ kiosks in North America.
• Billions of coins processed annually.
• Hundreds of eGift card partners for fee-free redemption.

How to Find Coinstar Locations

Using the Official Coinstar Locator

The most reliable way to find Coinstar locations is through the official locator tool on the Coinstar website. Here’s how to use it:

• Visit coinstar.com: Navigate to the “Find a Kiosk” section.
• Enter your ZIP code or address: The locator will display a map of nearby kiosks.
• Filter by services: You can filter results to show kiosks offering cash, eGift cards, charity donations, or cryptocurrency purchases.
• Check hours and details: Each listing provides store hours, address, and available payout options.

Searching “Coinstar Near Me” on Google Maps

Google Maps is another effective tool for finding Coinstar locations:

• Type “Coinstar near me” into the search bar.
• View map results: Pins will appear at nearby kiosks, often with user reviews and photos.
• Check store hours: Google Maps typically lists the operating hours for each location, helping you plan your visit.

Using Store Apps and Loyalty Programs

Many major retailers with Coinstar kiosks integrate kiosk locators into their store apps. For example:

• Kroger App: Search for services at your local store, including Coinstar.
• Safeway, Publix, and Walmart Apps: Some allow you to check for kiosk availability and hours.

Tips for Finding the Best Coinstar Locations

• Urban vs. Rural: Urban areas tend to have more kiosks, often within a few miles of each other.
• Verify Services: Not all kiosks offer every payout option. Double-check before you go, especially if you want a specific eGift card or to donate to a particular charity.
• Check for Maintenance: Occasionally, kiosks may be out of service for maintenance or full coin bins. Calling ahead can save you a trip.

Common Coinstar Locations by Retailer

Grocery Stores

Grocery stores are the most common hosts for Coinstar kiosks. You’ll find machines in:

• Kroger: One of the largest networks of Coinstar kiosks, often located near the customer service desk or store entrance.
• Safeway: Widely available on the West Coast and in select regions nationwide.
• Publix: Popular in the Southeast, with many stores offering 24/7 access to Coinstar.
• Albertsons, Giant, and Stop & Shop: Regional chains with consistent kiosk availability.

Big-Box Retailers

Coinstar kiosks are also found in major big-box stores:

• Walmart: Nearly every Walmart Supercenter has a Coinstar kiosk, usually near the front entrance or customer service area.
• Target: Select Target locations, especially in urban and suburban areas, offer Coinstar services.

Pharmacies and Convenience Stores

While less common, some pharmacies and convenience stores feature Coinstar kiosks:

• CVS: Select locations, particularly in larger cities, have kiosks near the checkout area.
• 7-Eleven: Urban locations may offer Coinstar, providing late-night access for city dwellers.

Credit Unions and Banks

A handful of credit unions and banks partner with Coinstar to provide coin-counting services:

• Mountain America Credit Union: Some branches offer Coinstar kiosks with direct deposit options for members.
• Other Regional Banks: Availability varies, but some local banks have adopted Coinstar for customer convenience.

Regional Examples

• New York City: Coinstar kiosks are found in nearly every borough, with high concentrations in Brooklyn and Manhattan grocery stores.
• Los Angeles: Major supermarket chains and select Walmarts offer easy access.
• Chicago: Look for kiosks in Jewel-Osco, Walmart, and CVS locations.

Availability Notes

Fees and Payout Options

Understanding Coinstar Fees

• Cash Payout: Coinstar charges an 11.9% processing fee for cash vouchers. This means for every $10 in coins, you’ll receive $8.81 in cash.
• No-Fee eGift Cards: Opting for an eGift card eliminates the processing fee. Choose from over 200 brands, including Amazon, Starbucks, and Home Depot.
• Charity Donations: Donate your coins to national and local charities with no fee deducted.
• Cryptocurrency Purchases: At select kiosks, you can purchase Bitcoin, but not directly with coins. You’ll need to use cash from your voucher to buy crypto.

Pro Tips for Maximizing Value

• Choose eGift Cards: If you shop at major retailers, selecting an eGift card can save you the 11.9% fee.
• Check for Promotions: Occasionally, Coinstar partners with brands to offer bonus value on select gift cards.
• Donate for Good: If you don’t need the cash, donating your coins is a fee-free way to support causes you care about.

Step-by-Step: Using a Coinstar Kiosk

Step 1: Locate and Prepare Your Coins

Gather your loose change and remove any foreign coins, tokens, or debris. Coinstar machines only accept U.S. coins.

Step 2: Start the Machine and Select Your Payout

Follow the on-screen prompts to choose between cash, eGift card, or donation. Some kiosks may require you to select your preferred gift card brand before counting begins.

Step 3: Pour Coins and Let the Machine Count

Slowly pour your coins into the tray. The machine will automatically reject foreign objects or damaged coins. Watch the display as your total adds up in real time.

Step 4: Receive Your Voucher

Once counting is complete, the kiosk prints a voucher. For cash, take the voucher to the store’s cashier for redemption. For eGift cards, you may receive a printed code or digital redemption instructions. For donations, you’ll get a receipt for your records.

Safety and Security

Coinstar machines are designed to reject counterfeit or damaged coins, ensuring you only receive credit for valid currency. Always double-check your voucher before leaving the store.

Alternatives to Coinstar

Bank and Credit Union Coin Machines

Many banks and credit unions offer coin-counting machines for account holders, sometimes with lower fees or no fees at all. Non-members may face higher fees or be unable to use the service.

DIY Coin Counting

Use coin-counting apps or sort coins into paper wrappers for deposit at your bank. This method is time-consuming but can save on fees.

Competing Coin Machine Brands

Some regional retailers use alternative coin-counting machines with different fee structures. Always compare fees and payout options before choosing a machine.

FAQs

Where can I find Coinstar locations near me?

Use the official locator at coinstar.com or search “Coinstar near me” on Google Maps for the most accurate results.

Are Coinstar kiosks open 24/7?

Many kiosks in grocery stores and Walmarts are accessible during store hours, with some available 24/7. Always check store hours before visiting.

Can I use Coinstar outside the U.S.?

Coinstar primarily operates in the U.S. and Canada, with limited international locations. Check the Coinstar website for global kiosk availability.

What coins does Coinstar accept?

Coinstar accepts all U.S. coins, including pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, half dollars, and dollar coins. Foreign coins and damaged currency are rejected.

Can I buy Bitcoin with coins at Coinstar?

You cannot buy Bitcoin directly with coins. At select kiosks, you can use your cash voucher to purchase Bitcoin.

Key Takeaways

• Coinstar locations are widely available in grocery stores, big-box retailers, and select banks across the U.S.
• The official Coinstar locator and Google Maps are the best tools for finding kiosks near you.
• Cash payouts incur an 11.9% fee, but eGift cards and donations are fee-free.
• Always check kiosk services and store hours before visiting.
• Alternatives include bank coin machines, DIY counting, and competitor kiosks.

Conclusion

Coinstar has made it easier than ever to turn spare change into something valuable, whether that’s cash in your pocket, a gift card for your favorite store, or a donation to a worthy cause. With thousands of Coinstar locations nationwide, finding a kiosk is simple—just use the official locator or search “Coinstar near me” on your favorite map app. Remember to check for the best payout option to maximize your coins’ value, and consider alternatives if you want to avoid fees altogether. Don’t let your loose change sit idle—visit a Coinstar kiosk and put it to work for you today.

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