Is there something like coinstar....but free? Thanks!

[ScrimpAndSave]

Something that you can just dump the change in.

[zetta]

Look around at an office supply store or places like Ross around Father's day -- you can get non-motorized coin-sorters for $5-$10. Just put your change in every day and it's not a big deal. The collection cylindar is usually marked so you can transfer the coins into rolls without having to count them.

If you have a big jar of change, at an office store several years ago I found a really cool coin sorter for about $5. It had 4 square trays with coin-sized holds that stacked together. You dumped the coins in the top, shook it for a minute or so, and presto, gravity would sort the coins into their bins.

Or try ebay for a used motorized sorter.

[ea1776]

Why not just periodically take the change to your local bank? Most banks will take your loose change, run it through a machine counter, and deposit it into your checking account for free.

[MiikeB]

Most banks have this.

Also, coinstar gives gift certificates to many places for the full amount without taking a fee.

I also found out once that if it turns out they dont have the card you want in the machine, it just gives you cash with no charge. Maybe you can put .25 in a couple to see if they are in stock, if not put more in and choose that one.

[disneysteve]

Do you have Commerce Bank near you? They do free coin counting. Other banks do too. You just need to check around.

And, as noted, Coinstar gives full value for GCs.

[mom2manyboyz]

I agree. I used to work as a cashier and I don't understand people thinking they have to roll their money before they take it to the bank. You can count it if you want to verify the amount, but you don't have to count.

Most banks have coin sorters and they will count it for you.

Of course, coinstar machines are convenient. I try to use them when they are running promos for companies that I shop with anyway. For example, they had a promo for Amazon.com recently. The fee was waived if you got an Amazon certificate.

Most banks have this.

Also, coinstar gives gift certificates to many places for the full amount without taking a fee.

I also found out once that if it turns out they dont have the card you want in the machine, it just gives you cash with no charge. Maybe you can put .25 in a couple to see if they are in stock, if not put more in and choose that one.

[musicalbabe85]

Just remember to actually check with your bank to find out if they have a coin counter. The bank I work at no longer has one ( I have no idea why) and many people get turned away because they come in with a ton of loose change for us to count during busy periods.

I do know that if you just want to deposit it, some banks can take it and send it in with their shipment and have someone put it through there and then deposit it into your account. That can take a little while though.