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Publix Coin Machine: Coinstar At Publix, Fees, Limits, & Store Credit

Publix Coin Machine: A coin machine at a grocery store is a device that allows customers to exchange coins for cash or store credit or a gift card.

The machine usually has a number of different slots for different denominations of coins, and it will give the customer the appropriate amount of cash or credit in return.

These machines are convenient for customers who do not have any paper money on them and can save them from having to go to a bank or an ATM.

Coinstar is one such company that provides automated coin-counting services.

Customers can bring their loose change to one of Coinstar’s machines, which will count the coins and give them a receipt with the total value of the coins.

The customer can then choose to receive a cash payment, or use the receipt to buy goods or services from certain retailers.

Wondering if Publix stores have Coinstar machines or not?

Keep on reading to find out whether Publix offers a coin counting machine to its customers, fees for exchanging coins for cash, any limits, and the machine’s availability!

Publix Coin Machine

Yes, Publix has its own coin machines.

As of 2022, you can exchange your coins for cash at Publix. To do so, you must use the store’s self-service coin counter machine that will sit near the front entrances in most stores.

So, Publix is a great option if you want to exchange your coins for cash, but be aware that there is usually a fee associated with this service.

It’s best to check with your local Publix store to see if they offer this service, as the availability may vary depending on location.

Does Publix have Coinstar machines?

No, Publix doesn’t have Coinstar machines at its stores. As per its policies, the grocery chain only offers its own-branded coin counting machines.

If you are looking for a Coinstar near you, simply enter your ZIP or address in this kiosk finder tool to locate a nearby Coinstar.

For example, in my case, I’ve entered Chicago in the address bar to find out all Coinstar kiosks nearby.

And, I found stores like Mariano’s Fresh Market, Jewel, PLS Check Cashers, CVS, etc that have a Coinstar machine.

As Publix doesn’t have Coinstar, you can visit one of these stores near you. Or, visit a Publix and use its self-branded coin machine!

The only difference between Coinstar machines and Publix coin machines is that with Coinstar you can either get a No Fee Gift Card or cash or make a charity donation with your coins whereas, with Publix, you can only exchange your coins for cash.

Moreover, there is also a difference in fees charges at both places.

Fees

Publix charges a fee of 10% to use its coin machine. Remember that this fee varies from store to store and so, some Publix stores may charge only 9% whereas some take 10%.

This percentage is levied on the total amount exchanged.

So, for example, let’s say that if you put coins worth $20 to get a $20 denomination, you may get charged up to $2 for the transaction.

In the case of Coinstar, you will be charged up to 11.9% of the total amount. So, it’s best to exchange coins at Publix rather than Coinstar.

So, for every $100, Coinstar charges $11.90. On the other hand, you will be paying just $10 at Publix for the same.

Limits

Publix doesn’t have a limit on the number of coins you can exchange. So, simply put in all the coins in the machine and take as much cash as you want.

However, stores may set their own limits and so, it’s best if you ask the cashier if there is any set limit on the coins/cash you can get.

Availability

Coin counting machines are available at almost all Publix locations in the United States. If you are in doubt, simply contact Publix near you and find out.

There are over 1,290 stores in the U.S and so, it’s more likely that you’ll find a Publix coin machine in your nearest store.

Why Publix doesn’t use Coinstar?

As Publix developed its own coin counting machine, it doesn’t have to rely on third-party companies like Coinstar.

And moreover, Publix is offering this service at a low price compared to what Coinstar charges for the same.

However, there are some stores where you can find Coinstar machines,

  • Kroger
  • CVS Pharmacy
  • Meijer
  • PLS Check Cashers
  • Fiesta Mart
  • Neighborhood Market
  • Metro Credit Union
  • Shaw’s
  • Stop & Shop
  • Hannaford
  • Albertsons
  • Payomatic

These are some places that have Coinstar machines. Visit one of these stores in order to exchange coins for cash at a rate of 11.9%.

Gift Cards

Wondering if you can get a physical gift card or eGift Card by using a Publix coin machine?

Unfortunately, you cannot exchange coins for gift cards at Publix.

The coin counting machine at Publix works only to count the worth of your coins and gives you a receipt that can be exchanged for cash or to pay for groceries at the counter.

Store Credit

At Publix, you cannot get a store credit using the coin machine.

The only payout option you will see is cash on the machine. Once you get the receipt for your coins, hand over it to the cashier at the register to get cash.

If you want an e-gift card for another store or want to donate money, visit a Coinstar near you as you can find those payout options in Coinstar machines.

Summary

In short, Publix offers a coin counting service to all its customers. So, you can find a Publix coin machine at the entrance of the store. But, Publix doesn’t use Coinstar machines! Remember that there is a coin exchange fee of 10% at Publix.