12 Best Places to Get Quarters for Your Everyday Needs

Presently, the United States is well-supplied with circulating coins, and knowing where to get quarters is not a challenging task. However, this was not the situation in 2020, when the U.S. Mint produced fewer coins due to the pandemic, leading to a scarcity of coins.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, various goods faced shortages in the U.S., ranging from used cars to toilet paper. Surprisingly, quarters were among the items in short supply. Several factors contributed to this coin shortage.  

Using coins for transactions offers advantages such as speed, convenience, and security. After all, it’s preferable not to display your cards or a few dollars everywhere you go. 

Hence, let’s introduce to you where to get quarters.

Where to Get Quarters Quickly at Local Stores

You can find quarters easily in many places for your everyday needs. These places include:

1. Pharmacies

You can try getting quarters at pharmacies like CVS or Rite Aid, especially if they’re open late. 

These places usually have some coins in their cash registers and might be willing to give you a few dollars worth if you make a small purchase. 

Keep in mind that they might ask you to buy something before they can open the cash register, and they might not be able to give you a large number of quarters. 

But, generally, the lines at pharmacies are shorter than at grocery stores, making it a convenient option.

2. Grocery Stores or Convenience Stores

You can try getting quarters at grocery stores like Walmart or Trader Joe’s, and also at convenience stores like 7-Eleven or BP. 

They usually have coins in their cash registers and at the customer service desk. However, they might not always have a lot of change available, so there’s a chance you might not get what you need, especially if there’s a long line. 

If you’re in a rush and there’s a queue, it’s a good idea to buy something to avoid holding up other customers. 

Some stores may also require you to purchase if you want to get change. So, if you’re looking for some guilt-free change, consider buying a small item along with getting your quarters.

3. Gas Stations

Gas stations are another option for getting quarters. Even though many people use credit cards to pay for gas, gas stations usually have cash available for customers who prefer to pay with bills. 

You can ask the cashier if you can exchange a few dollars for quarters. 

If you don’t have cash on you, many gas station mini-marts have ATMs where you can withdraw cash and then exchange it for coins. 

It’s a convenient way to get the change you need, especially if you’re at a gas station.

4. Friends and Family

If the above options fail, consider asking friends and family for quarters. 

Sometimes, people you know, like coworkers, spouses, or grandparents, have spare change lying around. 

They might be happy to exchange their coins for dollar bills, providing a simple and friendly solution to your need for quarters. 

Don’t hesitate to reach out to them. They always come through when you need them.

5. The Bank

The bank is always the best option if you need a substantial amount of quarters, like $10 or more.

Banks keep quarters neatly rolled in $10 sets, with each roll containing 40 quarters. This amount is usually sufficient for a few rounds of laundry or other coin-operated services.

If you have a bank account, you can easily obtain a roll of quarters by visiting your local bank and approaching the teller. 

It’s important to note that you should go to the bank teller for this service and not the ATM. 

6. Amazon

While it is possible to order a roll of quarters on Amazon, it’s important to be aware that the overall cost might exceed the face value of the coins due to shipping charges. 

Keep in mind that some sellers on Amazon may be offering collectible quarters rather than providing a practical service for everyday needs like laundry.

If you decide to go this route, be sure to read reviews and choose reputable sellers to ensure a reliable transaction. 

Also, do well to double-check the product details to make sure you’re not unintentionally purchasing quarter wrappers that may not meet your immediate need for usable currency. 

7. Laundromats

Laundromat owners understand the common need for quarters among their customers. 

Many laundromats have taken a smart approach by installing exchange machines. 

These machines provide a convenient way for customers to convert their dollar bills into quarters which can then be used in the laundromat’s machines. 

This solution simplifies the process for customers and ensures they have the necessary change for their laundry needs without having to go elsewhere to get quarters.

8. Fast Food Establishments

You can consider checking fast food establishments if you need quarters. These businesses often engage in cash transactions. 

Although most fast food joints may not have dedicated customer service desks, you can try asking for change at the checkout counter. 

Also, If you notice a tip jar on the counter, you can inquire about exchanging your bills for quarters from the jar. 

Cashiers are likely to agree, as a few bills are more manageable for the staff than a pile of small change. 

9. Old-School Arcades

Do well to explore old-school arcades if you’re on the lookout for quarters. Many modern arcades, such as Fun Factory and Chuck E. Cheese, have transitioned to card-based systems for their machines. 

However, you may stumble upon a more traditional arcade, possibly within a theater or bowling alley. In these places, you might still encounter video games that operate using quarters.

Also, some of these classic arcades may have coin exchange machines on-site. 

These machines provide a convenient way for patrons to convert bills into quarters specifically for use in arcade games that still rely on traditional coins. 

10. Vending Machines

A useful tip, though not guaranteed for all vending machines, is to insert a dollar bill into the machine and press the coin-return button.

Although this might result in the machine returning the bill in some cases, others may convert the bill into coins. 

It’s a simple and quick method that can sometimes provide you with the change you need for various purposes. 

Keep in mind that not all vending machines will respond the same way, so it’s a bit of a hack with varying success.

11. Car Washes

When it comes to payment methods, car washes often still rely heavily on quarters. Moreover, many car wash facilities operate seven days a week, providing accessibility at any time. 

Most of these establishments are equipped with change machines. This allows you to easily convert your bills into as many quarters as you need. 

Simply feed your bills into the machine, and you’re ready to go. 

It’s a convenient option for obtaining quarters, especially considering the widespread use of coins in car wash transactions.

12. Change From a Purchase

When it comes to getting change at places like grocery stores or pharmacies, cashiers may not always be willing or able to provide quarters for your bills. 

However, they are obligated to give you a change if you purchase with cash. Therefore, the most reliable way to obtain a few quarters at a retail store is to buy something.

During your purchase, you can use cash and inform the cashier that you’d prefer to receive as much change as possible in quarters. 

Alternatively, if you’re using a debit card and getting cash back, you can make the same request. 

Knowing where to get quarters can be easy if you know where to look. You can go to regular places like banks, grocery stores, or laundromats. Just pick the way that works best for you. 

Think about what’s easiest and most comfortable. With these options, you’ll be all set to get the quarters you need for parking meters, laundry, or anything else that needs those coins.