Where to Get Quarters: A Complete Guide for Everyday Needs?
If you’ve ever found yourself digging through couch cushions or checking old coin jars in search of quarters, you’re not alone. Whether it’s for laundry, parking meters, vending machines, or arcade games, quarters remain essential in our increasingly cashless society. Despite digital wallets and contactless payment systems, quarters continue to serve a practical purpose in many everyday situations.
In this guide, we’ll explore all the best places and methods to get quarters fast, conveniently, and sometimes even for free. So if you’re wondering where to get quarters, keep reading — this article is your one-stop resource.
Why Quarters Are Still in Demand
Even in the age of digital payments, there are several reasons quarters are still widely needed:
- Coin-operated laundry machines
- Parking meters in cities
- Vending machines and arcade games
- Public transportation systems
- Toll booths (in certain locations)
With the demand still relevant, let’s explore the various ways you can get quarters without frustration.
Local Banks and Credit Unions
The Best Source for Quarters
Your local bank or credit union should be your first stop when trying to get quarters. You can exchange paper bills for quarters easily here — especially if you’re an account holder.
Tips:
- Ask for a standard $10 roll of quarters (40 coins).
- Bring smaller bills ($5s, $10s) for quick exchange.
- Non-account holders may be limited in how much they can exchange.
Pros:
✅ Reliable
✅ Large quantities available
✅ No extra fees
Cons:
❌ May have limited service for non-customers
❌ Bank hours may not be convenient
Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
An Everyday Alternative
Grocery stores like Walmart, Kroger, Target, and Safeway are surprisingly good places to get quarters. After making a purchase, simply ask the cashier if they can give you change in quarters.
Best strategy: Buy a small item (like a bottle of water or a snack), then pay with a $10 or $20 bill and ask for quarters as you change.
Pros:
✅ Many locations open late or 24/7
✅ Quarters readily available at customer service counters
Cons:
❌ May not get large amounts
❌ Depends on cashier availability
Laundromats and Laundry Services
Change Machines Are Your Best Friend
Most laundromats have change machines specifically designed to convert bills into quarters. If you’re in a residential area or near a university, you’ll likely find multiple laundromats with these machines.
A quick tip: Always bring fresh, untorn $1 or $5 bills, as some machines may reject old or worn currency.
Pros:
✅ Designed for easy quarter access
✅ Open during evenings and weekends
Cons:
❌ Machines occasionally out of order
❌ Some machines only accept small bills
Convenience Stores and Gas Stations
Quick, Accessible, and Useful in a Pinch
Stores like 7-Eleven, Circle K, and local gas station minimarts often have cash registers full of coins. Politely asking the cashier for quarters, especially during non-peak hours, can be a quick fix.
Pro tip: A small purchase (gum, soda) can make the request smoother and more successful.
Pros:
✅ Conveniently located
✅ Open late hours
Cons:
❌ Some employees may refuse to give change
❌ Limited to small amounts (usually under $5 in quarters)
Fast Food Restaurants
Don’t Overlook This Option
Fast food chains like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and Burger King deal with a lot of cash and usually have a good supply of quarters on hand. After placing a small order, you can request part or all of your change in quarters.
Pros:
✅ Open late or 24/7
✅ Staff usually used to change requests
Cons:
❌ Not guaranteed during peak times
❌ Smaller restaurants may be less cooperative
Car Washes and Self-Serve Stations
Clean Car, Full Wallet (of Quarters)
Self-service car washes usually have coin dispensers that give out quarters for car wash operations. If you’re nearby and need quarters, this can be a quick and effective solution.
Pros:
✅ Easy access to quarters
✅ No purchase necessary
Cons:
❌ Machines may be location-dependent
❌ Limited coin supply
Vending Machines (With a Hack)
Use, Then Refund
Some vending machines return change in quarters. Insert a $1 or $5 bill, make a minimal purchase, and then hit the coin return button if the machine allows it.
Important: Not all machines do this, and some may return a mix of coins, so use this method cautiously.
Pros:
✅ Fast and easy if it works
✅ No need to interact with people
Cons:
❌ Inconsistent results
❌ Limited to one or two tries
Arcades, Bowling Alleys, and Entertainment Venues
A Secret Goldmine of Quarters
These venues often rely on coin-operated games and machines, which means they usually have change machines or staffed counters ready to provide coins.
Pros:
✅ Machines specifically built to dispense quarters
✅ Often overlooked by most people
Cons:
❌ Dependent on business hours
❌ Might require staff assistance
Friends and Family
The Most Trusted Option
Don’t hesitate to ask a friend, roommate, or family member if they have spare quarters. Most people keep a stash of coins in jars or drawers, and many are happy to trade for bills.
Pros:
✅ Free and convenient
✅ May get quarters instantly
Cons:
❌ limited to what they have
❌ May feel awkward asking frequently
Use a Coin App or Locator
Tech to the Rescue
Apps like Coinstar Locator or Cash App’s ATM Finder can sometimes point you toward businesses or machines offering change services. Some apps even highlight vending machines or kiosks with coin dispensers.
Pros:
✅ Tech-savvy solution
✅ Real-time updates
Cons:
❌ Limited availability in smaller towns
❌ Not all features are accurate or updated
What to Avoid When Looking for Quarters
🚫 Coinstar Machines
Coinstar machines are designed to convert coins into bills or digital credits — not the other way around. These won’t help you if you’re looking for quarters.
🚫 Buying Online
Believe it or not, some people try to sell rolls of quarters on eBay or Amazon — often at a premium that far exceeds the actual value. This is not a cost-effective solution.
Tips to Always Have Quarters on Hand
- Create a “Quarter Jar” at Home
- Every time you receive a quarter, toss it into a jar or cup. It adds up fast.
- Ask for Quarters Regularly
- When shopping, routinely ask for part of your change in quarters.
- Avoid Using Quarters Unless Necessary
- Only use quarters for things that require them, like laundry or meters.
- Schedule a Monthly Bank Visit
- Get a few rolls of quarters each month and keep them in a designated spot.
Conclusion: Where to Get Quarters — Now You Know
Quarters might seem small and insignificant, but they can be incredibly important for day-to-day activities like laundry, parking, and vending machines. Fortunately, there are many convenient and reliable places to get quarters, whether it’s a bank, grocery store, laundromat, or even your neighborhood car wash.
