You’re standing there in the front of Walmart, bag of groceries in one hand, staring at that glowing green MinuteKey or KeyMe kiosk. It looks so easy. Quick. Kinda high-tech. You need a spare for the front door because your kid keeps losing theirs, or maybe you just want a backup for the mailbox. But then that little voice in your head asks: Does the Walmart machine make good keys, or am I just throwing five bucks into a metal box for a paperweight?
Honestly, the answer is a messy "it depends." If you're looking for a simple house key, you’re usually fine. If you’re trying to copy a modern car fob with a transponder chip, you might be heading for a headache.
Why that kiosk is basically a giant camera
Most people think these machines work like the old-school grinders at the hardware store where a guy in an orange vest moves a blade along your key. Not anymore. Modern kiosks like MinuteKey or KeyMe are essentially high-resolution scanners. They take a digital "picture" of your key’s biting (those little teeth and valleys).
Then, they compare that image to a massive database of key blanks. Once it finds a match, a laser or a small internal milling bit cuts the new blank to match the digital profile it just made.
It’s fast. Like, 60-seconds fast.
But here’s the rub: if your original key is worn down—like, really smooth and rounded from ten years of use—the machine is just going to scan a bad pattern. It doesn't know what the key should look like; it only knows what it sees. This is why a lot of people end up with a key that fits in the lock but won't turn.
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The real-world success rate
If you ask a locksmith, they’ll tell you these machines are the bane of their existence. Not because they’re "stealing business," but because locksmiths spend half their day fixing the mistakes these kiosks make.
Trustpilot and Reddit are littered with stories of people buying four keys at a Walmart kiosk only to find out zero of them work when they get home. Is it a scam? No. But it is a robot. Robots don’t have "feel." A human locksmith can feel if a key is dragging or if the blank is slightly off. The machine just hits "go."
Does the Walmart machine make good keys for cars?
This is where things get expensive and a bit risky. Walmart has been pushing more "advanced" key services lately, especially for vehicles. Some kiosks can now do basic transponder keys.
Wait.
Don't get too excited.
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A "transponder" key has a little chip inside that talks to your car’s computer. If the chip isn't programmed, the key will turn the ignition, but the engine won't start. Some Walmart machines will cut the metal part and then tell you to "self-program" the chip using a series of steps (like turning the car on and off five times).
Sometimes it works. Often, it doesn't.
For older cars (think pre-2010), you have a much better shot. If you have a 2024 Honda with a push-to-start fob? Forget it. You’re better off going to a local pro or the dealer, even if it hurts your wallet.
The "Upsell" trap and hidden costs
Have you noticed how these machines try to talk you into everything? You start off wanting a $4 basic brass key. By the time you’re done, the screen is screaming at you to buy a "Designer Key" with a sports team logo for $12, or a "Buy 2 Get 1 Free" deal.
- The Basic Key: Usually $3.00 to $5.00.
- The Fancy Key: $8.00 to $15.00.
- The Mail-in Service: If the machine can't cut it on the spot, it might offer to mail it to you. Pro tip: Just say no. If it can't cut it right there, the chances of a mail-order key working without the lock present are slim.
When to use the kiosk (and when to run)
If you just need a spare for a standard Kwikset or Schlage door lock, go for it. It’s convenient. But if you see "Do Not Duplicate" on your key, the machine will usually reject it anyway (it recognizes the head shape).
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Also, keep an eye on the machine's maintenance. If the kiosk looks beat up or the screen is flickering, there’s a good chance the internal cutting bit is dull. Dull bits leave "burrs"—tiny metal shavings—on the key. Those burrs can actually get stuck inside your lock and ruin the pins. If your new key feels "fuzzy" or sharp on the edges, rub it against a piece of cardboard or a coin to smooth it out before you jam it into your front door.
Better alternatives for the picky
If you want a key that works 100% of the time, find an Ace Hardware or a local "mom and pop" shop. They still use manual machines more often than not, and there’s a human being there to check the work. Most of the time, they’re actually cheaper than the Walmart kiosks because they don't have to pay for the "high-tech" overhead.
Making it work
If you do decide to use the machine at Walmart, bring your best copy. Never copy a copy. Every time you duplicate a key, the "tolerance" gets a little looser. By the time you’re copying a third-generation spare, the machine is basically guessing where the pins should sit.
Grab your sharpest, least-worn key, wipe the pocket lint off it, and keep your receipt. Most of these kiosk companies (like MinuteKey) actually have a decent refund policy because they know their machines fail. If it doesn't work, take a photo of the key and the receipt; you can usually get your money back through their website without even going back to the store.
Your next steps
Check your key for a brand name like Kwikset, Schlage, or Weiser. If it's one of those three and the key looks relatively new, the Walmart machine will likely handle it just fine. If the key is for a high-security lock (like Medeco) or a car made in the last decade, skip the kiosk and call a local locksmith instead to avoid wasting your time and money.