Have unused gift cards sitting in your wallet? Many people search for a Coinstar gift card exchange kiosk near me hoping to convert their gift cards into cash instantly.
Gift card exchange kiosks used to be one of the easiest ways to turn unwanted gift cards into money. However, the process has changed over the years, and many people are confused about whether Coinstar still accepts gift cards.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- Whether Coinstar kiosks accept gift cards
- How to convert gift cards to cash
- Where to find gift card exchange kiosks near you
- Best alternatives to Coinstar gift card exchange
- Tips to get the highest value for your gift card
Let’s start with the most important question.
Does Coinstar Still Exchange Gift Cards for Cash?
No. Coinstar no longer exchanges gift cards for cash at its kiosks.
Today, Coinstar machines mainly allow users to convert coins into cash, eGift cards, or charity donations, but they do not accept gift cards or foreign currency for exchange.
The company discontinued its yellow Coinstar Exchange kiosks in 2019, which previously allowed customers to trade unwanted gift cards for instant cash.
Many people still search for:
- Coinstar gift card exchange kiosk near me
- Coinstar gift card trade-in machine
- Coinstar gift card cash exchange
But those machines are no longer available.
However, there are still several alternative ways to convert gift cards into cash, which we will cover below.
What Is a Gift Card Exchange Kiosk?
A gift card exchange kiosk is a self-service machine that allows users to sell unwanted gift cards for cash or store credit.
These kiosks typically work like this:
- Insert or scan your gift card.
- The machine checks the balance.
- You receive an instant cash offer.
- Accept the offer.
- The machine prints a voucher.
- Redeem the voucher for cash at the store’s service desk.
Most kiosks offer 60%–85% of the card’s value, depending on the retailer and demand.
Where to Find Gift Card Exchange Kiosks Near You
Even though Coinstar discontinued its gift card program, several retailers still offer similar services.
Here are some places where you may find gift card exchange kiosks.
1. Grocery Stores
Many grocery stores host gift card exchange kiosks or partner with gift card resale companies.
Common locations include:
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Albertsons
- Publix
These stores often have kiosks near the entrance or customer service area.
2. Walmart Money Centers
Some Walmart locations provide gift card exchange services through their Money Center desks.
Depending on the store and card type, you may receive 70%–80% of the gift card value.
3. Target Gift Card Exchange Program
Target occasionally runs programs that allow customers to trade unwanted gift cards for Target store credit, typically around 75%–85% of the card value.
These events usually happen during holiday seasons.
4. Shopping Mall Kiosks
Many malls have gift card exchange kiosks operated by third-party companies.
You may find them near:
- customer service desks
- electronics stores
- ATM machines
5. Pharmacies
Some pharmacies also host gift card kiosks.
Examples include:
- CVS
- Walgreens
These kiosks usually partner with gift card resale networks.
How to Find a Gift Card Exchange Kiosk Near You
If you want to exchange a gift card locally, here are the easiest ways to locate a kiosk.
1. Search Google Maps
Type:
- gift card exchange kiosk near me
- sell gift cards near me
- gift card trade-in kiosk
Google Maps will show nearby stores offering these services.
2. Use Gift Card Exchange Websites
Some companies offer both online and in-store gift card exchange services.
Popular platforms include:
- CardCash
- Raise
- GiftCardGranny
- Cardpool
These websites allow users to sell gift cards and receive payment via PayPal or bank transfer.
3. Check Grocery Store Customer Service
Many grocery stores partner with gift card exchange providers.
Visit the customer service desk and ask if they offer gift card trade-ins.
How Coinstar Machines Work
Even though Coinstar no longer exchanges gift cards, its machines are still widely used for coin exchange.
Coinstar kiosks are located in thousands of retail stores and allow customers to turn spare coins into usable money.
Typical payout options include:
- Cash vouchers
- eGift cards
- Charity donations
Users simply pour their coins into the machine, which counts and sorts them automatically.
Coinstar Fees Explained
Coinstar charges a processing fee when converting coins to cash.
Typical fees include:
- Around 12% processing fee for cash transactions in the U.S.
- No fee when choosing certain eGift cards instead of cash.
This is why many people choose the gift card payout option when using Coinstar.
Popular Gift Cards Available Through Coinstar
Instead of converting gift cards into cash, Coinstar allows users to convert coins into gift cards.
Some common gift card partners include:
- Amazon
- Starbucks
- CVS
- Old Navy
- Gap
- Regal Cinemas
These gift cards are usually issued digitally and can be used online or in stores.
Best Alternatives to Coinstar Gift Card Exchange
If you want to convert gift cards into cash, these alternatives may help.
1. CardCash
CardCash allows users to sell unwanted gift cards online.
Features include:
- Instant price quotes
- Payment via PayPal or check
- Accepts hundreds of retailers
2. Raise
Raise is a marketplace where users can sell gift cards to other buyers.
You set your own price and receive payment once the card sells.
3. GiftCardGranny
GiftCardGranny compares multiple gift card exchange platforms to find the best offer.
4. Cardpool
Cardpool allows users to exchange gift cards for cash or other gift cards.
Some offers may pay up to 85% of the card value depending on demand.
Tips to Get the Highest Cash Value for Gift Cards
If you want the best deal, follow these tips.
Compare Multiple Platforms
Different exchange websites offer different prices.
Always compare several offers before selling.
Trade Instead of Selling
Trading a gift card for another retailer’s card often provides a better value than cash.
Avoid Expired Cards
Expired cards may be rejected by exchange platforms.
Check the Card Balance
Ensure your gift card has enough balance before attempting to sell it.
Many platforms require a minimum balance of $20.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exchange a gift card at Coinstar?
No. Coinstar kiosks currently do not accept gift cards for cash exchange.
Why did Coinstar stop exchanging gift cards?
Coinstar discontinued its gift card exchange kiosks due to operational costs, fraud prevention challenges, and competition from online platforms.
Where can I sell a gift card for cash instantly?
You can sell gift cards through:
- gift card exchange kiosks
- online marketplaces
- retail trade-in programs
What percentage do gift card kiosks pay?
Most kiosks pay 60%–85% of the gift card value, depending on the retailer and demand.
Final Thoughts
Although Coinstar gift card exchange kiosks no longer exist, there are still many ways to convert unwanted gift cards into cash.
Gift card exchange kiosks, retail trade-in programs, and online platforms make it possible to quickly sell unused cards and recover most of their value.
Before selling your gift card, compare multiple platforms to ensure you receive the best possible offer.
