Using actual dollars and cents is far less common today than it was a decade ago. Not many people carry around metal coins and paper bills to cover their spending needs on a daily basis. That’s because a plastic – or metal – card is far easier to use on the fly.
Now, most retailers and other stores accept prepaid, debit, and credit cards as the standard form of payment from customers. However, coins are still needed in some rare instances.
Need to do laundry at the laundromat in your apartment complex or down the street? Quarters are your best friend and are completely necessary to get the job done. The same goes for some toll roads, a manual car wash or vacuum, putting air into tires, and a shortlist of other things life throws our way.
When you need quarters or other coins in a pinch, here’s where to look near you for quarters, dimes, nickels, pennies, and other change first.
1. Get Quarters from the Bank
Not surprisingly, banks and credit unions have ample currency on site, including all variations of coins. If you’re a customer or member of the bank or credit union, you can simply walk in and request a withdrawal of the quarters you need from your checking account or savings account, or buy them with paper cash.
If you aren’t a customer or member at the nearest branch, you may still be able to request quarters from the teller in exchange for dollar bills. However, not all financial institutions will do this trade if you aren’t a current bank account holder.
This may not be the fastest method since banking branches can get busy, especially first thing in the morning, late in the afternoon, and on weekends should they be open. However, this will probably be the easiest way to buy large amounts of change, such as several $10 rolls of quarters with 40 coins in each roll.
Number of Coins per Roll and Cost
- Quarter Rolls: $10 for 40 Quarters
- Dime Rolls: $5 for 50 Dimes
- Nickel Rolls: $2 for 40 Nickels
- Penny Rolls: $0.50 for 50 Pennies
The quickest way to find an institution nearby is by using Google Maps.
2. Get Quarters at a Gas Station or Grocery Store
Faster options for loose change may exist at the gas station, convenience store, or grocery store locally. These locations always have cash on hand, and there is no rule that states you need to be a paying customer to exchange bills for coins. However, they don’t always have enough change to spare.
You can walk up to a cashier and let them know you’d like quarters instead of the dollars or other bills you have on hand. So long as they have quarters available, and many do, you’ll be on your way with a few coins in your pocket. Just don’t expect to receive large amounts of change from these places.
3. Get Quarters from a Change Machine or Vending Machine
– Vending Machines
Another quick way to get quarters is through an old vending machine often found at public laundromats, bowling alleys, bars, and places where there are video games near you.
Steer clear of the vending machines that allow card payments, as these may not offer change for your dollar bills. However, older vending machines that are cash or change only are typically stocked relatively well with quarters.
If you input a $1 or $5 bill and push the change button, you’ll likely hear the clang of quarters quickly. One small issue is that some older vending machines also hold nickels and dimes. If quarters inside the machine are minimal, you could end up with lots, and lots, of other types of coins instead.
– Change Machines
Change machines, which are still found occasionally, used to be popular at arcades and gave you access to large amounts of quarters in exchange for your dollar bills. You will typically find them near pull-tabs, pinball machines, and other arcade games. You can also find them in many laundromats.
Bill-to-Coin Machine Exchange Amounts
- $20 Dollar Bill: 80 Quarters
- $10 Dollar Bill: 40 Quarters
- $5 Dollar Bill: 20 Quarters
- $1 Dollar Bill: 4 Quarters
4. Get Quarters at Any Retailer that Accepts Cash
If all else fails, walk into any retailer near you that accepts cash for payment and make a small purchase. Just like at a gas station, fast food restaurant, grocery store, other retailers including pharmacies and some big box stores, will have plenty of pocket change on hand for customers, but usually only for those who are paying for an item.
This may not be the most efficient way to get quarters for your bills, but depending on how many you need, this is a quick way compared to some of the other options listed. You can also try asking for an exchange without buying something. But that request can upset some store owners and you may lose out altogether.
Final Thoughts on Getting Quarters Fast
One thing to note is that coin exchange machines such as Coinstar may seem like a great place to exchange bills for quarters, but they only work the other way – exchanging coins for cash. So, if you’re in need of quarters in a hurry, don’t make the same mistake as me.
Try to obtain quarters from the bank, a gas station, a convenience or grocery store, an old vending machine, a local retailer, or another place instead. Then get your laundry done or whatever else you need.
