quick tip: coinstar sucks
December 5, 2007 by Cash
When I lived in the burbs, there were times where scavanging my apartment would fetch me a pizza’s worth of spare change. In those days, I’d drive a few miles over to Safeway, dump my plastic sack o’ filthy nickles into the gurgling ‘Coinstar’ machine, and out would pop a voucher for my earnings.
Well, 90% of my earnings, after the ‘Coinstar fee’. Times have changed for the better. 10% better to be precise.
The other night I was straightening up my kitchen and came across my ‘parking meter fund’; a Dentyne ice box filled with assorted change I kept on hand for visitors who arrived via automobile. Now that almost all my friends walk, light rail, or bus it to my place, it was time to cash in.
While conducting a bit of business at my bank (a convenient two block walk away) I inquired about cashing in coin. I was told they had a machine just like Coinstar’s, only better, because they didn’t charge a fee for processing.
This morning, after emptying an unruly gallon size sack filled with every denomination of US coin under the sun, I emerged victorious: Proud holder of the entire $60.96 I had coming to me.
I plan on donating the $6.10 I saved by skipping Coinstar to charity. If you consider the nearest bar a charitable institution anyway.
I know someone with a Kitchen Aide Mixer… It’s real nice.
I’ve always gone to banks who don’t charge for cashing coins. It’s the only way to go. And good for you for donating! If you are ever looking for a charity I suggest JDRF.
Coinstar has a feature now where you can get your money in a gift card and they don’t take any fee out of it. I don’t remember exactly what cards you can get, but I know you can get Amazon and Starbucks gift certificates. I think maybe itunes too.
For those of you in the DC Metro area, branches of Chevy Chase Bank have no-fee coinstar machines you can use without an account. They will ask you if you want to open one when you cash in, of course
Same here in NY with Commerce Bank… they are in NJ and CT also.
The machine is in the lobby, you do it yourself. No account necessary. People there are ultra-friendly, they’re a customer service oriented bank. Last few times I’ve gone, they haven’t even asked me to open an account or if I had one.
Thanks for the tips guys! Anyone else know of free coin changing, especially in other cities?
I’ve used the coinstar no fee Amazon before. It’s searchable on their website to find the nearest coinstar that charges no fee for the voucher.
I’ve got another one…
If you need to use a coinstar machine, choose the iTunes giftcard option, then unplug the network cable. The machine will give up after a few minutes, and print you out a voucher which you can redeem at the customer service counter of the store you’re in.
http://www.antiyawn.com/guidetocoinstar.html
OMG.. Chris, what a sweet hack.