Does Walmart Make Keys? (Prices & Guide)

Yes, Walmart does make keys.

The company offers key cutting services at most locations, with competitive prices and quick turnaround times.

If you need a spare key for your home, car, or other locks, Walmart’s key making service is an accessible and affordable option available in their hardware or customer service departments.

Key Highlights

• Walmart cuts standard house keys and some car keys for $2 to $6 per key at most locations.
• Key making is available at the hardware department or customer service desk during store hours.
• Turnaround time is typically immediate or within minutes, making it faster than many competitors.

Does Walmart Actually Make Keys?

The machines are located in the hardware department or sometimes at the customer service counter, depending on your store layout.

Not every Walmart carries key cutting equipment, however. Smaller format stores or certain locations may not have the service available.

If you’re unsure whether your local Walmart makes keys, call ahead or check their website to confirm.

Types of Keys Walmart Can Cut

House and Door Keys

Walmart can cut standard residential keys for doors, cabinets, and padlocks. These are the most common key type and are always available at locations with key cutting services. The machines handle most standard house key profiles without issue.

Car Keys

Walmart’s key cutting service covers some car keys, typically older models with simple mechanical cuts. However, modern car keys with chips, fobs, or electronic components cannot be cut at Walmart. These require specialized equipment and programming that locksmiths handle.

Keys That Walmart Cannot Cut

Walmart does not cut:

• Transponder keys or chip keys for newer vehicles
• Smart keys or keyless entry fobs
• Master keys or restricted keys requiring authorization
• Specialty keys with complex or unusual profiles

For these types of keys, you’ll need to visit a professional locksmith or your vehicle’s dealership.

Walmart Key Cutting Prices

Walmart’s key making prices are straightforward and generally lower than independent locksmiths:

Prices vary slightly by location and may change over time. Always ask the associate at your local Walmart for their current pricing before bringing in your key for duplication.

Bulk orders sometimes receive small discounts, so if you need multiple keys cut, mention it when you arrive. There’s no harm in asking, and some stores offer deals for customers making more than one copy.

How to Get a Key Made at Walmart

Step 1: Find the Key Cutting Service

Locate your nearest Walmart with a hardware department. Most Super Walmarts and regular Walmart locations offer this service. Smaller format stores may not have key cutting machines available.

Step 2: Go to the Hardware Department or Customer Service

Head to the hardware aisle or customer service desk. An associate there will help you. If you don’t see anyone immediately, ask a staff member where the key cutting machine is located.

Step 3: Present Your Original Key

Bring the key you want duplicated. The key must be in good condition and not worn down too much, or the machine may not cut it accurately. If your key is damaged or very old, mention this to the associate.

Step 4: Pay and Wait

Pay at the hardware counter or customer service desk. The actual cutting takes just a few minutes. In most cases, your new key is ready before you finish the transaction.

Timeline for Key Duplication

One of Walmart’s advantages is speed.

This makes Walmart significantly faster than ordering keys online or waiting for a locksmith to visit your home or business.

How Walmart’s Key Cutting Compares to Other Retailers

Walmart vs. Home Depot

Home Depot also offers key cutting services with similar pricing (usually $2 to $4 per key). Both retailers cut standard house and car keys at comparable speeds. Service quality is generally equivalent.

Walmart vs. Lowe’s

Lowe’s provides key duplication as well, typically in the $2 to $5 range. Availability varies by location. Walmart’s advantage is its wider store network in many areas, making it more accessible.

Walmart vs. Professional Locksmiths

Locksmiths charge $5 to $15 or more per key and typically require a service call fee. However, locksmiths can handle complex keys, repairs, and emergency situations that Walmart cannot. For simple duplicates, Walmart saves time and money.

Walmart vs. Hardware Stores

Independent hardware stores often offer key cutting with pricing similar to Walmart. The trade-off is that hardware stores may have limited hours and fewer machines, while Walmart’s extended hours and store density make it more convenient for most people.

Common Questions About Walmart Key Services

Can Walmart Make Keys Without the Original?

No. Walmart’s machines require the original key to cut a duplicate. The machine scans the profile of the existing key and reproduces it on a blank. Without the original, duplication is impossible.

Does Walmart Make Keys for Cars?

Walmart can cut basic car keys for older vehicles with simple mechanical cuts. Modern cars with transponders, chips, or smart keys require specialized equipment and programming that Walmart doesn’t provide. Contact your dealership or a locksmith for these keys.

Can You Get a Key Made if You’ve Lost All Copies?

If you’ve lost all keys to a lock, Walmart cannot help. You’ll need to call a locksmith, who can open the lock and make new keys. Alternatively, if it’s a door lock, you may need to replace the lock entirely and get new keys for it.

Does Walmart Copy Restricted Keys?

No. Restricted keys, which are marked with restrictions and require authorization to duplicate, cannot be copied at Walmart. These are often used in commercial buildings, offices, or secure facilities. Only authorized locksmiths or the key’s issuer can duplicate them.

Are Walmart Keys Good Quality?

Yes. Walmart uses standard blank keys and quality cutting machines. The duplicates work just as well as keys made elsewhere for the same price. There’s no quality difference between a key cut at Walmart and one cut at a hardware store or locksmith for standard duplication.

Does Walmart Sell Blank Keys?

Yes, Walmart sells blank keys in the hardware department. You can buy uncut blanks for a dollar or two and have them cut at the same location. This is useful if you want extras or prefer to choose your own blanks.

Issues and Limitations

➤ Not all Walmart locations have key cutting machines, so always confirm your store offers the service before heading over.

➤ If your original key is worn or damaged, the machine may not reproduce it accurately. A locksmith with manual cutting skills may be a better option in that case.

➤ Walmart handles standard keys well but struggles with complex or unusual profiles. Ask the associate before paying if your key looks unconventional.

➤ There is no formal guarantee that a cut key will work perfectly, but if it does not, return immediately and most stores will re cut it for free.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

• Bring your original key in the best condition possible.
• Clean it if it’s dirty and avoid keys that are bent or extremely worn.
• Tell the associate if your key is for something valuable or important so they give extra attention to accuracy.

If the first cut doesn’t work, return immediately and ask the associate to try again. Most will re-cut it for free or adjust the machine. Don’t leave the store without testing the key if possible.

Security and Privacy Considerations

Walmart does not require proof of ownership when cutting standard house keys, which makes the process quick but also means anyone can duplicate a key without authorization.

If you are concerned about unauthorized copies, consider switching to restricted keys or using a professional locksmith who may ask for documentation before cutting.