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Gone are the days of the great quarter shortage! You can finally ditch the spare change jar and confidently head out for fresh rolls.
Whether you’re a kid itching for some arcade action or an adult tackling laundry day, here’s your guide to securing those precious quarters.
17 Best places to get quarters
Beyond the usual suspects, a whole network of places is ready to quench your thirst for quarters.
1. The Bank
For those seeking a hefty haul of quarters, look no further than your local bank. Banks are the undisputed champions when it comes to stockpiling these vital coins. They typically keep them pre-rolled in $10 bundles, containing 40 quarters each – more than enough to conquer laundry day or fuel an arcade marathon.
Whether you’re a loyal account holder or a casual visitor, head to the teller window (ATMs won’t dispense coins). You can exchange cash for quarters or withdraw the desired amount directly from your account. For a smooth transaction, consider exchanging bills in multiples of $10 to avoid messy calculations.
Be aware that some banks may not offer coin exchange to non-customers, so a quick phone call can save you a wasted trip. Additionally, certain banks limit the number of rolls you can acquire at once. If you require a substantial amount, visiting multiple branches might be necessary.
2. Grocery stores
Grocery stores offer a convenient option for snagging a handful of quarters but keep in mind their limitations. For smaller needs, head straight to the customer service desk and inquire about exchanging a $10 bill for a pre-rolled pack. However, be prepared for a potential decline, especially if you haven’t made a purchase.
If the desk proves fruitless, try your luck at checkout. Make a small purchase, like a candy bar, to get the cashier to open the register. Then, seize the opportunity to politely request a swap of a few bills for quarters.
Should the cashier also decline, alternative strategies exist. Pay for your groceries with a larger bill than necessary, say $5 for a $1 item, and request quarters for the difference. Alternatively, use your debit card and request cash back specifically in quarters.
Remember, grocery stores prioritize keeping enough change for daily transactions. Their ability to fulfill large quarter requests is limited. A bank is a more reliable choice if you require a substantial amount.
3. Convenience stores
While convenience stores might not be your go-to for groceries, they shine regarding quarter acquisition. Their frequent cash transactions increase the likelihood of readily available change, a crucial advantage. Secondly, their extended hours often trump those of banks, making them a lifesaver in a late-night laundry dash.
The process is straightforward: approach the cashier and request to exchange a few dollars for quarters. Similar to grocery stores, a small purchase to open the register might be necessary. However, a word of caution: late-night transactions might make the cashier hesitant to part with many quarters. The cash drawer holds their reserves until the next day’s takings arrive, so be mindful of their needs.
4. Pharmacies
Don’t underestimate the power of your local pharmacy in the quarter quest! Like convenience stores, pharmacies often boast late hours, a boon for those last-minute laundry emergencies.
These establishments, like CVS or Rite Aid, frequently have a decent amount of change and are usually willing to exchange a few dollars for quarters, especially for a customer. An additional perk? Their lines tend to be shorter than those at grocery stores, saving you precious time.
Just remember, as with other stores, a small purchase might be required to open the register, and their capacity to fulfill large quarter requests is limited.
5. Gas stations
Gas stations can be another pit stop on your quarter hunt, thanks to their late hours and frequent cash transactions. If the station boasts a convenience store, head inside and politely request a change at the register or customer service counter. As with other stores, a small purchase might be necessary to get the cash register rolling.
There are a few strategies to maximize your quarter haul: pay with a larger bill and request quarters for change, or use your debit card for cash back, specifically in quarters. However, gas stations typically prioritize keeping enough change for daily transactions, so a full quarter bounty might not be achievable. Don’t hesitate to ask for whatever quarters they can spare.
For stations with pumps only, attendants can be your quarter heroes – if the station accepts cash for gas. Prepay for your fill-up with a larger bill, then return for change. This method isn’t foolproof though, as some stations are cashless. In that case, the attendant won’t have quarters to complete your transaction.
6. Fast food establishments
Considering their frequent cash transactions, fast food restaurants can be another resource in your quest for quarters. Unlike some stores, they typically lack dedicated customer service desks. However, don’t be afraid to politely ask for change at the checkout. Just be mindful of peak hours to avoid delaying the line and upsetting other customers.
As with previous establishments, a small purchase might be necessary to open the register. Strategize your payment method: use a larger bill and request quarters as change, or pay with a debit card for cash back in quarters. However, keep your expectations realistic – fast food restaurants prioritize keeping enough change for daily transactions, so a large haul is unlikely.
An opportunity might exist if you spot a tip jar on the counter. Consider asking the cashier to exchange your dollars for quarters from the jar. A few bills are much easier for staff to manage than a pocketful of loose change, so they might be receptive. Always remember to ask politely before taking any change from the jar.
7. Vending machines
Vending machines can be a gamble in the quarter-game. While they often accept dollar bills and dole out change in coins, the outcome is far from certain. You might get your desired quarters, but dimes and nickels are equally likely candidates, especially if the machine runs low on quarters.
Here’s the strategy: purchase a $1.50 item with a two-dollar bill and hope for two quarters in change. This method, however, yields limited results. You’d have to keep buying snacks or drinks to accumulate a lot of quarters, which can get expensive and isn’t time-effective.
There’s a rumored “hack” involving a dollar bill and the “return change” button, but its success rate is unreliable. Some machines might cough up quarters, but others simply return your dollar bill. And once again, the coin gods might shower you with nickels and dimes instead.
8. Laundromats
Laundromats, particularly older establishments, are natural battlegrounds in the quest for quarters. Since their machines are often coin-operated, specifically quarters, they frequently provide a change machine for customer convenience. If a change machine isn’t available, the counter staff might be able to assist, although typically in limited quantities (a few dollars’ worth).
However, a word of caution: not all laundromat machines dispense quarters. Some use tokens specific to their washers, rendering them useless elsewhere. Additionally, certain laundromats refuse to exchange money unless you’re a paying laundry customer. To avoid frustration, call or inquire at the counter about their policies before handing over your bills.
Finally, while many laundromats boast 24/7 operation, some may have restricted change availability during off-peak hours. Late-night staffing can be limited, and the register might be secured even if an attendant is present.
9. Car washes
Car washes can be allies in your quest for these essential coins. Similar to laundromats, they often rely on quarters to operate their machinery. The good news is that many car washes provide change machines conveniently located near the entrance or within their office. If a change machine is absent, the customer service desk might be able to assist, although quantities might be limited.
But just like laundromats, vigilance is key! Not all car washes operate with the trusty quarter. Some utilize tokens specific to their machines, rendering them useless elsewhere. Always inquire about their system before requesting change to avoid a handful of unusable tokens.
10. Arcades
Although less ubiquitous than in their golden age, Arcades can still be a treasure trove of quarters. This haven for classic video games thrives on the lifeblood of the quarter, and most establishments cater accordingly. Expect to find a dedicated change machine or a well-stocked cashier at the desk, ready to dispense these vital fun tokens.
However, a word to the wise: just like laundromats and car washes, some arcades may have gone rogue and employed their own token system. While perfectly functional within the arcade’s domain, these tokens hold no value elsewhere. A quick check of the machine or a polite inquiry to the staff will ensure you don’t walk away with a handful of shiny but useless trinkets.
11. Retail chains
Retail giants like Walmart and Target can be potential allies in your quarter quest, but navigating their change policies requires finesse. Head to the customer service desk or checkout and politely request to exchange a bill for quarters. However, be prepared for a potential decline, especially if you haven’t made a purchase.
Choose wisely if a small purchase becomes necessary to unlock the change drawer. A single piece of fruit or a bottle of water offers immediate utility. Alternatively, refilling an everyday item like shampoo makes the purchase more practical.
12. Change from a purchase
While store cashiers may be hesitant to exchange bills outright, a simple solution is to become a paying customer! This method guarantees some quarter action.
Here’s the strategy: pay for your groceries, pharmacy items, or whatever retail treasures you seek with cash. As you settle the bill, politely request a portion of your change back in quarters. Alternatively, choose the cash-back option and specify quarters if you’re using a debit card. This way, you get your desired items and a few shiny companions.
13. Friends, Family & Coworkers
A well-timed request to friends, family, or coworkers can yield a quarter bounty in a pinch. These folks often accumulate loose change in their pockets and purses, presenting a potential solution.
However, during quarter scarcity, they might be unwilling to part with their precious stashes. Always be polite and understanding if your request is met with a decline. Remember, karma is a boomerang—be ready to return the favor when they find themselves facing a vending machine dilemma.
14. Hotel check-in desk
While not their primary function, many hotels can be surprisingly helpful in your quarter quest. Think back to when you needed smaller bills for tipping – the concierge likely easily swapped your large ATM withdrawal. The good news is, they’d likely be just as accommodating with a request for coins.
So, if you find yourself near a hotel, especially one you’re staying at, politely inquire about exchanging some bills for quarters. As a guest, the process is usually smooth sailing. For non-guests, a small purchase at the hotel’s restaurant or gift shop might be required to grease the wheels, but the potential reward of a hefty quarter roll is well worth it.
15. Motel check-in desk
The hunt for quarters extends beyond fancy hotels to our trusty motels. Like hotel front desks, motels often have a spare change stash to handle guest requests. A polite inquiry at the check-in desk is all it takes.
As a guest, scoring some quarters becomes even easier – your status grants a higher chance of a successful exchange. However, non-guests might need to make a small purchase at the motel’s vending machine or snack bar to prime the change pump. The potential reward of a hefty quarter roll is a worthy incentive, though!
16. Libraries
While libraries are bastions of knowledge, their role in the quarter economy is less established. Some libraries might house a change machine for public convenience, but it’s not a guaranteed feature.
If a library is nearby, it wouldn’t hurt to check but prioritize other options on this list for a more reliable quarter haul.
17. Bowling alley
Your local bowling alley can be a champion in your quest for quarters. Like arcades, many bowling alleys cater to the needs of coin-operated fun and often provide change machines for your convenience. If a change machine isn’t available, fret not!
Strike up a conversation with the staff and inquire about exchanging a bill for quarters, especially if you plan to purchase food or drinks while you bowl.
Can I get quarters from Coinstar?
Coinstar machines are designed for the opposite task! While they might seem logical, Coinstar specializes in converting spare change into bills and charges an 11.9% processing fee.
This means feeding your jar of pennies, nickels, and dimes into the machine will result in paper money, not the precious quarters you seek. For your quarter needs, explore the other resourceful options on this list.
The bottom line
Once king of everyday transactions, the mighty quarter has faced a technological dethronement. Credit cards, debit cards, and a wave of payment apps now dominate our wallets. Even vending machines, train stations, and parking meters have embraced the cashless revolution, accepting swipes and taps alongside the traditional coin slot.
Laundromats, car washes, and arcades might have gone rogue, replacing quarters with their own token systems. Toll booths wave goodbye to loose change, welcoming the convenience of E-ZPass and SunPass.
These sturdy coins haven’t been entirely banished. Older machines, from laundromats to vending misfits, still rely on their familiar clink. And let’s not forget the yard sale bargain hunt, where quarters remain the undisputed champion for making change.
So, while the reign of the quarter might be waning, a small reserve is always a wise decision. You never know when you’ll encounter a dusty machine yearning for its rightful coin payment. A quick trip to the bank or a friendly convenience store today can ensure you’re prepared for the next time quarters become your saving grace.