Finance

# LifeProTips: Maximize Your Change Conversions **Did you know?** Coinstar machines don't charge a fee if you opt for a gift card instead of cash. Checking specific machines on their website can help you find options like Amazon gift cards to get the most value from your spare change. --- ### Tips and Insights: - **Bank change counters:** Some banks used to have free change counters that deposit directly into your account, but they are becoming rare or have been removed. - **Acceptance rules:** Many places prefer rolled coins for larger amounts, but some banks will accept unrolled change over a few dollars. - **Self checkout convenience:** Certain stores have coin slots at self-checkouts with a flap or larger area, allowing you to pour in multiple coins at once for free. - **Casino exchanges:** Casinos will often convert change into cash free of charge. - **Paying with coins:** You can pay with coins at some stores or for traffic citations; however, acceptance may vary. - **Legal tender:** Coins are legal tender and must be accepted by government entities, but private businesses may set their own policies. - **Alternatives:** If your bank doesn't offer free change counting, using Coinstar for gift cards or spending coins directly can be good options. - **Avoid fee surprises:** Always verify whether a machine or store charges a fee before proceeding. - **In Canada & phasing out cash:** In some regions, physical coins are less accepted, but they remain legal tender. Remember, how you turn your change into value can depend on convenience, location policies, and your plans—choose what works best for you!