Quarters are still essential for everyday activities like laundry, parking meters, vending machines, and toll booths. But with fewer people carrying cash, finding quarters when you need them can be frustrating. Luckily, there are plenty of places to get quarters quickly, you just need to know where to look!
1. Banks and Credit Unions
Banks and credit unions are the most reliable places to get quarters, especially if you need them in bulk. Most banks provide quarters in $10 rolls if you’re a customer, though some may offer them to non-customers too. Just stop by a branch, talk to a teller, and ask politely.
- Visit a branch during regular business hours and request a roll of quarters from the teller.
- Some banks may require an account, so it helps to bring your debit card or ID.
- Credit unions often have fewer restrictions and may be more flexible in providing change.
2. Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
Grocery stores handle tons of cash, making them a great spot to grab some quarters. The best way? Buy a small item and ask for quarters as your change. If you need more, try the customer service desk—they usually have extra coins on hand.
- Ask a cashier to give your change in quarters when making a small purchase.
- Visit the customer service desk, where they often keep change for customers.
- Try larger chain stores, as they tend to handle more cash transactions.
3. Convenience Stores and Gas Stations
Gas stations and corner stores are hit or miss, but it never hurts to ask. If you’re grabbing a coffee or a snack, just ask the cashier if they can give you quarters in your change. Some places may have limits, so don’t expect a huge stash.
- Buy a small item and request your change in quarters.
- Politely ask the cashier if they can exchange a few dollars for quarters.
- Some locations may have change limits, so avoid asking for large amounts.
4. Laundromats
If there’s one place guaranteed to have quarters, it’s a laundromat! Most have change machines that swap bills for quarters, no questions asked. If the machine is out, ask an attendant or check another laundromat nearby.
- Most laundromats have change machines that exchange $1, $5, $10, or $20 bills for quarters.
- If the machine isn’t working, ask an attendant or the owner for help.
- Try laundromats in high-traffic areas, as they are more likely to have well-stocked change machines.
5. Vending Machines and Car Washes
Some vending machines are an easy way to score quarters. Insert a bill, press the coin return button, and see if quarters come out. Self-service car washes also have change machines, so if there’s one nearby, it’s worth a shot.
- Use a vending machine that accepts paper money and hit the coin return button to get quarters back.
- Self-service car washes often have change machines for customers needing quarters.
- Be aware that some machines may dispense other coins, so check before using them.
6. Fast-Food Restaurants and Coffee Shops
Fast-food places handle a lot of cash, so they’re often a great spot to get quarters. If you’re buying a burger or a coffee, just ask the cashier if they can give you change in quarters. It helps to go during slower hours when they’re not super busy.
- After buying a small item, request your change in quarters.
- Some locations may exchange small amounts of cash for quarters if asked politely.
- Visit during slower hours when staff are more likely to accommodate your request.
7. Big-Box Retailers
Stores like Walmart and Target deal with huge amounts of cash, so they usually have quarters to spare. The customer service desk is your best bet for getting change, but you can also ask at the checkout after making a purchase.
- Ask for change after making a purchase at the checkout.
- Customer service desks usually have larger cash reserves and are more likely to exchange bills for quarters.
- Some stores may have policies that limit change requests.
8. Arcades and Amusement Centers
If you live near an arcade, you’ve hit the jackpot—literally. Arcades run on quarters, and most have machines that will gladly take your bills and spit out coins. Just double-check that you’re getting quarters and not game tokens.
- Use a bill to get quarters from the change machine.
- If the machine is empty, ask an employee for assistance.
- Be aware that some arcades may use tokens instead of quarters.
9. Pharmacies
Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens handle plenty of cash, making them a solid option for quarters. If you’re grabbing a pack of gum or picking up a prescription, just ask for your change in quarters.
- Buy a small item and ask for quarters as your change.
- Check with the cashier or customer service desk for change availability.
- Some stores have policies on cash exchanges, so it may depend on the location.
10. The Post Office
Post offices might not be the first place you think of for quarters, but some locations will provide change. If you need stamps, buy a few and ask for quarters back.
- Buy a book of stamps and ask for your change in quarters.
- Larger post office locations may be more likely to have extra change on hand.
- Not all post offices will provide quarters, so check with your local branch.
11. Asking Friends and Family
Sometimes the easiest solution is the one right in front of you. Ask friends, family, or roommates if they have extra quarters lying around. Chances are, someone has a change jar they’d be happy to exchange.
- Many people have a jar of loose change at home and might be willing to exchange bills for quarters.
- Offering to swap exact amounts makes the exchange convenient.
- This is a great last-minute solution if other options aren’t available.
12. Hotel Front Desks
Hotels deal with cash transactions and often have change available at the front desk. If you’re staying at a hotel or near one, it’s worth stopping by and asking if they can exchange a few dollars for quarters.
- Politely ask the front desk if they can provide quarters in exchange for bills.
- Larger hotels with vending machines and laundry services are more likely to have quarters available.
- They may limit the amount of change they give, so don’t expect to get a large roll.
Final Tips for Getting Quarters
- Plan ahead: If you frequently need quarters, withdraw them in advance from your bank.
- Keep small bills handy: Businesses are more likely to exchange $1 or $5 bills rather than larger denominations.
- Be courteous: When requesting quarters, be polite, especially if asking for change without making a purchase.
Getting quarters doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a little creativity and a friendly approach, you’ll always have enough change for laundry, parking, or whatever else life throws your way.
