How Much Does MinuteKEY Cost?
Founded in 2008, MinuteKEY, an automated key copying machine, allows you to copy a home, office or padlock key in less than a minute.
According to the company, the robotics technology used makes minuteKEY “easy to use, convenient and fast.”
Today, you can find the kiosks in popular retailers such as Lowe’s, Menards and Walmart.
How much does MinuteKEY cost?
While the official website does not disclose the prices, the estimates we researched were primarily based upon the type of key you want to be copied and the design of the key since the kiosk offers a variety of designs, such NFL and NBA keys, to name a few. To budget, the average key will cost about $1.49 to $3.99 each to duplicate, but the more keys you purchase at once, the more you can potentially save. UberGizmo.com, for instance, states a trio of keys can cost $3.
The company also offers a VIP program, which can decrease the cost estimates mentioned prior. If you become a member, you will earn discounts and rewards based on the number of keys you copy.
What kind of keys can the kiosk copy?
According to the company’s official FAQ, the machine can copy most office and home keys, including Kwikset, KW1, KW10, Schlage, SC1, Weiser, WR3, WR5, Baldwin, Titan, some padlock keys and clones of the above-mentioned brands. The kiosk, at the time of this publishing, is unable to copy car keys but can identify them if needed.
If the key has “Do Not Duplicate” or “Do Not Copy” imprinted on the key, the kiosk will not be able to copy the key. Refer to the company’s terms of use for more information in regards to what you can and cannot copy at the kiosks.
How does the machine work?
If you’re unsure if the kiosk can copy the key, the company states the machine will be able to automatically identify your key and determine, at the time, if it can duplicate it. If the machine is able to duplicate it, then you will follow the prompts on the screen to place your order, select your key design and allow the machine to do the rest. The company states the machine is more accurate than a retailer as it uses computer technology to create an almost-perfect cut.
By chance, if the key isn’t cut to perfection, then the company does offer a 100% customer satisfaction, in which they will fully refund you within 30 days of purchase.
The machines accept MasterCard, Visa and American Express credit cards and do not accept checks and/or cash payments.
Tips to know
The kiosk, unlike some competitors, will not store your key profile upon completion.
To find a kiosk near you, refer to the company’s official kiosk search feature.
To see the key designs available at your local kiosk, you can do so here.
MinuteKEY coupons are commonly available, so it doesn’t hurt to look for one before you go to a kiosk to see if you can save. For example, if you sign up for the VIP club, the company offers $1 off coupons.
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Average Reported Cost: $6
How much did you spend?
- Elizabeth (Chicago, Illinois) paid $6 and said:
I’ve gotten three keys from three kiosks. The first was rarely used and remained intact longer than the 2 front door keys (from a different location). Of the latter 2, the first did not work. The company quickly issued a credit code to make a replacement.
Both were thin, poor quality metal—bending with the slightest pressure (as one exerts when, say, TURNING A KEY IN A LOCK). The one that did open the door broke off in the lock within a couple of weeks.
The first one purchased, used rarely, broke off in the lock within 10
uses.My son—who fished the fragments from our locks—was only slightly exaggerating when he described the metal as a soda can.
Go to a real hardware store. One where a human grinds keys. Find a key that feels as sturdy as the one that opened your parents’ front door. You’ll spend far less and the key will both work ANd last. And you won’t have to freak out because you have pieces of key keeping you from using a decent key to get into your house.
Was it worth it? Yes
