15 Places Where You Can Get Quarters Today!

Despite our digital payment world, the humble quarter remains essential for laundry, parking meters, and arcade games. This guide provides the most effective and convenient places to get quarters across the United States. You’ll discover both traditional spots and clever, modern solutions to keep your pockets jingling.

The Truth About the U.S. Coin Supply

Many Americans have heard about a potential coin shortage, but the reality is more about circulation than supply. According to the Federal Reserve, there is an adequate overall amount of coins in the economy. The disruption caused by the pandemic temporarily slowed the normal flow of coinage.

The U.S. Mint has been operating at full capacity, producing billions of coins annually to meet demand. Industry groups like the U.S. Coin Task Force continue to work on solutions to ensure coins move freely through communities. This means quarters are absolutely available—you just need to know where to look.

Top 15 Places to Get Quarters & Change

From financial institutions to everyday retailers, here are the best locations to exchange your bills for rolls of quarters.

1. Banks and Credit Unions

Your personal bank or credit union is the most reliable source for quarters. As an account holder, you can simply request to withdraw cash in the form of coin rolls. For non-customers, policies vary; some institutions will exchange cash for coins, while others require you to have an account. A quick phone call ahead of your visit can clarify their policy.

2. Grocery Stores

Major chains like Walmart, Trader Joe’s, and local supermarkets are excellent options. Approach the customer service desk for the easiest exchange, as they typically have larger coin reserves and you won’t hold up a checkout line. If you use a regular register, making a small purchase (like a piece of fruit or a drink) and paying with a larger bill is a courteous way to get your change in quarters.

3. Convenience Stores

Stores like 7-Eleven or Circle K are convenient for smaller exchanges. They may have limited coin supplies, so it’s best to ask for change for a few dollars rather than a large amount. Be prepared to make a small purchase, like a candy bar or a soda.

4. Gas Stations

Next time you fuel up, consider asking for quarters at the register. Local, independently-owned stations are often more accommodating. You can also use the tactic of purchasing a low-cost item (like a air for your tires, if not free) and requesting quarters as your change.

5. Laundromats

This is a prime location, as many laundromats are open 24/7 and feature dedicated change machines. These machines are designed to dispense rolls of quarters, often in exchange for $1, $5, $10, or $20 bills. Note that some machines may require you to be a customer doing laundry, so check the machine’s instructions first.

6. Car Washes

Self-service car wash bays frequently have change machines that convert bills into quarters for their vacuum and wash services. Similar to laundromats, these are a highly reliable source.

7. Pharmacies

National chains like CVS and Walgreens handle plenty of cash transactions and can often provide quarters. Ask politely at the register, and be understanding if they can only provide a limited amount without a purchase.

8. Arcades and Entertainment Centers

These venues are quarter central! Arcades and family entertainment centers almost always have change machines that dispense quarters for game tokens or directly for play. This is one of the easiest ways to get a large number of coins at once.

9. Fast Food Restaurants

Drive-thrus or registers at places like McDonald’s or Taco Bell can be a quick source for a few quarters. The key is to go during a less busy time and be prepared to order a cheap item off the dollar menu to facilitate the exchange.

10. Big Box Retailers

Stores like Target, Costco, or Home Depot have robust cash operations. For larger exchanges, head directly to their customer service counter, which is better equipped to handle such requests without disrupting checkout lines.

11. Vending Machine Trick

An old-school life hack: use a vending machine itself to get quarters. Insert a dollar bill and then immediately press the “coin return” or “change” button. Many older machines will return your money as four quarters. This doesn’t work on all machines, but it’s worth a try in a pinch.

12. Hotels and Motels

The front desk at hotels and motels regularly needs change for guests. If you’re a guest, they will almost certainly help you. Even if you’re not, it doesn’t hurt to politely ask if they could break a bill into quarters.

13. Bowling Alleys

Much like arcades, bowling alleys often have change machines for their games and snack bars. This is another entertainment-focused venue that deals heavily in coins.

14. Libraries

Some public libraries have coin-operated copiers or printers and may have a change machine on-site. It’s less common, but always worth checking if you’re already there.

15. Public Transit Stations

In cities where buses or trains still accept cash fares, transit stations often have automated kiosks or ticket booths that can provide coins as change for larger bills.

What About Coinstar Machines?

A common question is whether you can get quarters from a Coinstar kiosk. Unfortunately, these machines are designed for the opposite function—they turn coins into cash or digital gift cards. They cannot dispense quarters. They also charge a processing fee, so they are not a solution for obtaining coins.

Pro Tips for a Successful Quarter Hunt

Call Ahead

Save yourself a trip. A quick call to a bank or store to ask about their coin exchange policy is always a good idea.

Be Polite and Patient

Tellers and cashiers are more likely to help if you are courteous and ask during a slow period.

Make a Small Purchase

Offering to buy a small item is a great way to encourage a business to provide change, especially if you’re not a regular customer.

Ask for Smaller Amounts

Don’t ask to break a $100 bill into quarters at a convenience store. Start small and visit multiple locations if you need a large volume.

Quarters are still a vital part of American commerce, and finding them is easier than you think. With this guide, you’re equipped to locate them quickly for your next laundry day, road trip, or game night. Now that you know where to look, go out and get the change you need!