Have you recently lost your spare car key? Or do you want to make another copy of your car key just in case you lose it?
Since Walmart is the world’s largest retailer, known for its incredibly low prices, you may be wondering if Walmart can help you with all of your car key needs. Here is what I discovered!
Does Walmart Make Car Keys?
Walmart does offer car key copying services for a limited range of car keys at the MinuteKey kiosks. Walmart can only duplicate older metal car keys that have no electronic transponders or RFID chips in them. Prices for copying car keys at Walmart range from $2 – $6, depending on the key type.
To learn more about what types of car keys Walmart copies, locations, price, returns, and more, keep on reading!
Which Walmart Locations Have Car Key Making Services?
All key copying services at Walmart are done through MinuteKey, a bright green kiosk that can usually be found near the front of the store.
If you are curious if the Walmart near you has a MinuteKey, you can search on the MinuteKey Kiosk locator on the company’s website.
What Kind of Car Keys Does Walmart Copy?
If you have an older car with a metal key that you place in the ignition to start it, then Walmart has you covered. These keys are easy to replace and generally only take a few minutes to complete.
If you drive a newer car, one with an RFID or transponder chip key, Walmart is unable to make these keys in their stores. This is because the car dealerships have made it so that anyone other than them cannot issue these keys.
This is for security reasons because the key must be programmed to a specific code for the car brand, and this specific code could be used to break into a lot of cars if it fell into the wrong hands.
Does your car key still work but perhaps the fob or buttons to unlock the car are broken? Walmart does sell replacement fobs; however, they must be purchased and then programmed by a dealership or locksmith before they will work.
How Much Does It Cost To Copy A Car Key At Walmart?
Generally, the cost of copying your car key will depend on the type and design of the key you choose. The simpler designs start at $2 and go up to about $6 per key.
Additionally, the Walmart MinuteKey kiosks are self-service and can typically duplicate car keys within 5 minutes.
How Can I Pay For My Car Key?
The MinuteKey Kiosk accepts debit/credit cards, and cash, and some even accept Apple Pay. You can check the payments accepted by the kiosk closest to you on the MinuteKey website.
All keys made through the MinuteKey kiosk are refundable for up to 30 days if you attempt to use the key and find it does not work.
Are There Any Car Keys Which Can’t Be Copied?
MinuteKey kiosks can only copy the metal car keys, and no contactless or chip keys can be reproduced at their machines.
These machines also cannot copy any keys which are for restricted properties such as public schools or those which are labeled “do not duplicate.”
How Do I Use The MinuteKey Kiosk?
If you are having trouble locating the MinuteKey kiosk, please ask a Walmart associate for help. Once you have found the machine, press the start button to begin the key-making process.
Next, insert the key you want to be copied into the designated slot. You will be able to select your new key design using the screen.
Then you choose your payment method, pay using that method and pick up your key and go! Don’t forget to grab your original key as well.
To learn more, you can see our other post on cutting house keys, office keys, and duplicate keys at Walmart.
Additionally, there are many other stores that copy car keys, including Home Depot, Kroger, Walgreens, and Dollar General.
