Does Walmart Make Car Keys in 2026?
The short answer is yes, Walmart does make basic metal car keys in 2022 through their MinuteKey self-service kiosks located in most stores. However, the key types they can copy are limited compared to locksmiths or dealerships.
As your helpful guide, I‘ll explain everything you need to know about getting car keys duplicated at Walmart this year. I‘ll share:
- What types of car keys Walmart can and can‘t copy
- Exact pricing for key blanks and duplication
- Payment methods accepted at the kiosks
- Step-by-step instructions for using the MinuteKey machines
Plus handy tips for ensuring you get the right key made for your vehicle. Let‘s dive in!
Walmart‘s Key Copying Limits
The key deciding factor in whether Walmart can copy your car key is the style and technology of the key:
Traditional Metal Keys
Walmart‘s MinuteKey kiosks can duplicate basic metal keys like:
- Ignition keys
- Door keys
- Glovebox/trunk keys
These keys have no electronic chips and use simple metal cut patterns to operate the locks.
Transponder & Chip Keys
The kiosks cannot copy modern transponder or chip keys. These high-tech keys contain a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip inside the key head that provides enhanced security.
Dealerships and professional locksmiths have special machines to program the electronic codes in chip keys. Walmart‘s kiosks don‘t have this capability.
So if your car came with a plastic transponder key or flip key with a visible chip, Walmart won‘t be able to duplicate it.
Key Copying Prices at Walmart
I know cost is always an important factor when getting keys made. Here‘s a breakdown of Walmart‘s affordable key copying rates:
| Key Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard metal car key | $2 – $4 |
| Fancier decorative key | $4 – $6 |
Prices may vary slightly by location but are generally very low.
Walmart‘s prices often beat local locksmiths by 50% or more. For example, duplicating a basic key might cost:
- $3 at Walmart
- $6 at a locksmith
- $10+ at the dealership
For simple metal key copies, Walmart offers big savings in 2022. Just don‘t expect them to match those rates for high-tech transponder keys – those will cost $50+ at the dealer.
Convenient Payment Options
I don‘t know about you, but I don‘t always carry cash anymore. Luckily, Walmart MinuteKey kiosks offer plenty of payment choices:
- Debit/credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc)
- Apple Pay/Mobile wallets
- Cash (bills and coins)
- Walmart gift cards
Before using the kiosk, check the payment decal on the machine to confirm which options are accepted. If needed, ask a Walmart associate to process the transaction for you.
Step-By-Step Guide
I want to walk you through exactly how to use Walmart‘s key copying kiosks, so you‘re prepared when you need a spare key made.
Here are the simple steps:
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Find the kiosk – It‘s usually near the front entrance, often with a bright green sign. If you don‘t see it, just ask any employee for help locating it.
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Start the transaction – Press the touchscreen to wake up the kiosk. Choose your language if prompted.
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Insert your key – Place the existing key you want copied into the reader slot. Make sure it‘s an uncomplicated metal key.
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Select key type – Browse the blank key options and pick the style you want duplicated.
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Verify key image – Check that the key image on-screen matches your original. This ensures accuracy.
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Pay – Follow the on-screen instructions to insert your payment.
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Retrieve keys – Take both the new copy and your original key from the dispensing slot.
And you‘re done – a quick and hassle-free way to get a basic metal car key copied! I always test my new key in the car right away to confirm it works properly.
If any issues come up, don‘t hesitate to flag down a Walmart employee for assistance with the kiosk. They can walk you through the process if needed.
Helpful Tips for Success
After many years of getting keys made, I‘ve picked up some useful tips for making the process smooth:
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Call ahead – Phone your local Walmart to verify they have a MinuteKey kiosk inside before heading over. This saves you wasted trips!
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Bring the original – The kiosk needs your current working key to scan and copy from. Don‘t forget it at home.
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Know your key type – Be sure it‘s a basic metal key the machine can duplicate, not a transponder key or fob. This determines whether Walmart can copy it.
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Clean keys thoroughly – The cleaner your key, the better the scan. Wipe away grime, dirt and debris for a precise copy.
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Handle keys carefully – Don‘t bend or damage your keys. The kiosk needs the original intact to function properly.
Follow these tips every time for smooth sailing and accurate results!
Alternatives For High-Tech Key Types
As we covered earlier, Walmart‘s kiosks are limited to duplicating old-fashioned metal keys. If you drive a newer car, here are your options:
Transponder Keys
Cars from the mid-1990s onward use transponder keys with an internal chip. To copy them, you‘ll need to visit:
- Your dealership‘s parts department
- An automotive locksmith with key programming equipment
Programming fees start around $50+ but ensures the new key works properly.
Key Fobs
For keyless entry fobs, Walmart sells replacement shells but cannot program the buttons. You‘ll need to have any new fob programmed by:
- Your car dealership
- An experienced locksmith
Fob programming may cost $75-$150. It‘s not cheap but necessary for the fob to operate your locks and security system.
So for later-model cars with chip keys or fobs, professional programming services are required. But Walmart remains a solid option for duplicating old metal keys on a budget.
The Bottom Line
Walmart offers an affordable and convenient way to duplicate basic metal car keys through in-store MinuteKey kiosks. But the kiosks have limitations:
- They can only copy simple metal keys, not modern transponder or chip keys
- Key copy prices are excellent at $2-$6, far below locksmith rates
- Payment is quick with cards, cash, mobile pay and gift cards accepted
- Employees are available if you need help using the self-service kiosks
So for simple metal key copies, Walmart has you covered. But if you‘ve lost the only transponder key for a newer car, you‘ll still want to turn to professional automotive locksmiths or dealerships for prompt chip key replacements.
Hopefully this guide gave you a helpful overview of Walmart‘s key copying services in 2022. Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m always happy to help steer you in the right direction for all your car key needs.
