Publix coin machine availability explained (2024)

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Publix does not have Coinstar machines, but they do offer their own coin-counting machines in their stores. You can count as many coins as you want there, but they do charge a fee, typically around 9% to 10% of the total amount you’re exchanging.

Does Publix have Coinstar or coin machines?

Publix doesn’t use Coinstar machines, but they have their own called Publix Self-Service Coin Counters. These machines are usually placed near the entrance in most Publix stores.

To make sure we had accurate information about how the coin conversion works at Publix, we reached out to Publix grocery stores across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee.

If you’re looking for a Publix nearby, you can use their “find a store” feature to locate the closest one to you.

Fees and limits

When you use the Publix Self-Service Coin Counter machines, they typically charge a fee that’s around 9% to 10% of the total amount you’re exchanging. This means if you bring in $100 worth of coins, you might pay a fee of about $9 to $10 for the counting service.

Regarding the amount of coins you can process, Publix doesn’t have a specific restriction on the number or dollar value of coins you can insert into the machine. Therefore, you’re generally free to exchange as many coins as you’d like without hitting a predetermined limit set by Publix.

Payout options

The Publix Self-Service Coin Counter lets you swap your coins for bills. After you’ve added your coins, the machine gives you a receipt showing the total cash amount. You can take this receipt to the customer service counter to get your cash.

However, this machine doesn’t give out gift cards, donations to charities, or store credits as payouts. It’s strictly for converting coins into cash at the customer service counter.

Publix self-service coin counter vs. Coinstar

Publix’s self-service coin counter and Coinstar have differences in payout options and fees. Coinstar provides more choices: you can get cash, donate to charity, or receive an eGift Card for stores like Amazon, Lowe’s, or Sephora. In contrast, Publix’s coin counter has fewer options.

When it comes to fees, Publix charges less than Coinstar to convert coins to bills. Coinstar typically takes around 12% of the transaction amount if you opt for cash. However, Coinstar waives this fee if you select an eGift Card as your payout.

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Does all Publix have a coin machine?

Publix stores typically have self-service coin machines available at each location. These machines function quite similarly to Coinstar machines, making them easy to use if you’re familiar with Coinstar already.

How many coins can you put in Publix coin machines?

When using Publix coin machines, there isn’t a set maximum number of coins you can deposit. However, it’s essential to add them gradually to avoid overloading the machine. If you have a substantial amount of change, these machines are a helpful option to accurately tally the total instead of manually counting each coin by hand.

How much does Publix coin machine charge?

Publix coin machines typically charge fees ranging from 9% to 10% of the total value of the coins you deposit. Let’s say you bring in $10 worth of coins; the machine might deduct around $1 as the fee for processing your transaction.

How to use the coin machine at Publix

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the coin machine at Publix:

  1. Prepare Your Coins: Collect all your coins and ensure they’re free from any dirt or debris like lint.
  2. Deposit Your Coins: Pour your coins into the machine and choose the exchange option you prefer.
  3. Wait for Counting: The machine will tally up all your coins.
  4. Get Your Receipt: Once counting is complete, you’ll receive a receipt from the machine.
  5. Exchange for Cash: Take the receipt to the customer service desk to swap it for cash.

That’s it! It’s a straightforward process: gather, deposit, wait, and exchange.

What payouts can you choose with Publix coin machines?

At Publix coin machines, the only payout option available is cash. You won’t be able to donate the coins to charity or get a gift card directly from the machine. However, you can convert your coins to cash at the machine and then use that cash to buy a gift card in the store if you’d like.

Can you use Publix coin machines for store credit?

Publix coin machines don’t offer store credit as a payout option. But if you use the machine and get cash, you can take that cash and buy a Publix gift card if you want to spend it in the store.

Which supermarkets have a coin machine?

Most big supermarkets, like Meijer, Acme, Kroger, and Walmart, tend to have coin machines, often through Coinstar or their own brand. Many other supermarkets also have a coin machine, including

  • Food 4 Less
  • Albertsons
  • Vons
  • Ralphs
  • City Market
  • Winn-Dixie
  • Safeway
  • ShopRite
  • Food Lion
  • Cub Foods
  • The Food Emporium
  • Winco
  • Fry’s Marketplace
  • Harris Teeter
  • Jewel Osco
  • Giant Eagle
  • H-E-B

But remember, this isn’t all of them—lots of smaller supermarkets might have coin machines too (either Coinstar or their own brand).