Cashing in at Coinstar
Saturday, August 23, 2008 Posted by Christina
If you're frugal like I am, you save your pennies (and nickels, dimes, and quarters). I have a big jar that I throw all my loose change in.
Usually I just take the jar to the bank when it is full and cash it in. Two weeks ago I saw the first Coinstar machine in my area. Coinstar counts your change for you... for a price. You spend a whopping 8.9% to have them count your coins for you.
My first reaction was to just head to the bank. But after further research, I have learned that there is no fee to use Coinstar if you convert your change into a gift card. Gift card options include Amazon, Itunes,JcPenney, and Circuit City, to name a few.
I still think I'd rather have the cash (from the bank)... but if I had an item I really wanted from one of the select stores, I would use Coinstar. I'm thinking it may be a good way for me to be disciplined with my Christmas shopping. (Or the gift card could make a gift in itself!)
I also learned from Freebies4Mom that Coinstar is having a contest in order to educate people about its free service. Click here to register to win a $1,000 Amazon gift card. They're giving away one gift card every month through Decemeber!
Usually I just take the jar to the bank when it is full and cash it in. Two weeks ago I saw the first Coinstar machine in my area. Coinstar counts your change for you... for a price. You spend a whopping 8.9% to have them count your coins for you.
My first reaction was to just head to the bank. But after further research, I have learned that there is no fee to use Coinstar if you convert your change into a gift card. Gift card options include Amazon, Itunes,JcPenney, and Circuit City, to name a few.
I still think I'd rather have the cash (from the bank)... but if I had an item I really wanted from one of the select stores, I would use Coinstar. I'm thinking it may be a good way for me to be disciplined with my Christmas shopping. (Or the gift card could make a gift in itself!)
I also learned from Freebies4Mom that Coinstar is having a contest in order to educate people about its free service. Click here to register to win a $1,000 Amazon gift card. They're giving away one gift card every month through Decemeber!
August 23, 2008 2:51 PM
Using the card for Christmas gifts is a really great idea!
August 23, 2008 9:02 PM
My bank doesn't have a coin-counting machine. Isn't that dumb?
I took a bunch of coins to Coinstar and also got a gift certificate for it. Works for me!
August 24, 2008 7:19 AM
I buy a lot on Amazon, so that one works well for me. And I usually get a few bucks on Starbucks for a treat! $10 doesn't go far at Starbucks, though!
Nice post- stumbling
August 24, 2008 10:45 AM
I've used coinstar before for getting cash. My bank back in engalnd decided they were not taking pennies anymore so had no choice!! However now the giftcard option is available it's not so bad....
It would be good if you could get a card fro the Supermarket the machine is residing in