How to Cash in Change for Free

Change is Good

Have you ever had a jar of change and wondered how much was really in that jar, but you don't want to use a coin machine because it will take $.09 out of every dollar? Well worry no more, there are several ways to cash your change without being charged a single penny!

Things You'll Need

• Change
• Transportation

Instructions

1. Coinstar Machines: Although Coinstar machines charge for straight cash conversions, they also allow you to cash in your change for FREE if you use the credit toward available gift certificates and gift cards that come right out of the machine! Go to the Coinstar.com website to find all of the participating locations near you, and what gift cards they offer. Common cards include: Amazon.com, Starbucks, Circuit City, iTunes, CVS Pharmacies, Various Grocery Stores, JCPenneys and more!

2. Go to the Bank: Although your bank may not seem thrilled with your Sparkletts water jug full of pennies, they will still cash your change for free (as long as they have a change counting machine)- just ask nicely :) Before you haul your jug-o-coins down to the bank you might want to verify, but last I checked Bank of America, Wells Fargo and most Credit Unions still accepted the currency for free. Certain banks without automatic currency counters may charge a small fee of 2% because of the work involved in counting change by hand.

3. Roll it Yourself: Although it may be a hassle, you can roll your change at home. Go to your local WalMart or Target and buy a bag of coin wrappers, then get to work. You'll be surprised how quickly it adds up! Take it to the bank to deposit or take it on your Vegas vacation for slot play- just remember, Vegas doesn't typically accept pennies or dimes.

4. Go to a Local Small Business: Many restaurants and nightclubs are very short on change toward the middle of the week when they are between bank visits. So go talk to the owner or manager and see if they would be willing to purchase your change.

Tips & Warnings

• Many times fees are charged once your change reaches a certain limit due to sheer amounts of time it requires a teller to count the change if they don't have a change machine- so be aware of the limits if you bring in your loose change to be cashed in.

• Don't write your name and account number on the coin rolls unless you have been told to do so by your bank. Most will make you black it out with sharpie if you have done it in advance.