Can Walmart make a spare car key?

[EvangelineLynn]

Yes, Walmart can make spare car keys for many modern vehicles through its in-store kiosks operated by partners KeyMe (yellow kiosks) and minuteKEY (green kiosks). This service provides a convenient and often cost-effective alternative to dealerships, typically cutting key replacement costs by 50-75%. For example, a basic non-transponder key copy might cost $20-$60, while a dealership could charge over $100 for the same service.

The service’s scope is broad but has clear limitations. KeyMe and minuteKEY kiosks can duplicate standard mechanical keys, basic transponder keys (chip keys), and certain laser-cut keys. They support a vast database covering most major makes and models from the last 25 years. However, they cannot program new proximity key fobs (smart keys), handle all-in-one flip keys, or originate a new key if you have zero existing keys. For those advanced services, a dealership or specialized locksmith is required.

The process is designed for user-friendliness. You insert your existing key, follow the on-screen prompts, select your key type, and pay. The machine cuts the blank while you wait. For transponder keys, the kiosk will also clone the chip’s code onto the new key. The entire process usually takes under 5 minutes.

A comparison of the two primary services available clarifies what to expect:

Feature	KeyMe (Yellow Kiosk)	minuteKEY (Green Kiosk)
Key Types	Mechanical, Transponder (Chip), Laser Cut	Mechanical, Transponder (Chip)
Digital Backup	Yes, scans and stores a digital key profile for future reprints.	No, primarily for immediate duplication.
Price Range	$20 - $70+ depending on key complexity.	Typically $20 - $50, often slightly lower for basic keys.
Service Model	Kiosk-based with optional mobile app integration.	Primarily kiosk-based.

The most significant limitation is key generation. These kiosks are duplicators, not programmers. If your car requires a new, unique code to be programmed into the vehicle’s immobilizer system—a common requirement when all keys are lost—the kiosk cannot complete this task. Market data from automotive locksmith associations indicates that for about 30% of late-model vehicles with advanced security, a kiosk duplication may not be sufficient, and professional programming is necessary.

For a successful visit, ensure your existing key is in good condition, not overly worn, and know your vehicle’s exact year, make, and model. The final cost will be displayed before you confirm the cut. This service is a practical, experience-tested solution for creating a simple spare, but it is not a universal replacement for professional automotive locksmith services.

[McLeonardo]

I just needed an extra key for my old Toyota Camry to give to my teen driver. Heading to the dealer was too expensive. I saw the green minuteKEY kiosk near the Walmart entrance. I popped my key in, tapped the screen to choose my car model, and paid about $25. In three minutes, it spat out a new key. I tested it in the parking lot—it started the car perfectly. It was a no-brainer for a basic spare. Just know it won’t work for fancy keyless fobs.

[VanHarrison]

As someone who manages a small fleet of used cars for my business, I’ve used these kiosks multiple times. The convenience is unmatched for duplicating standard keys. The yellow KeyMe kiosk I used even let me save a digital scan of my key. That means if I lose this physical spare, I can order a replacement from the app without needing the original again. It’s a smart layer of backup. The cost savings versus a locksmith call-out for each vehicle are substantial. But I only use it for cars where I already have a working key. For anything more complex, like programming a new key fob for our newer van, I still have to call a professional.

[LaLondyn]

Think of it this way: Walmart’s kiosks are great copiers, not inventors. If you have one working key and want a cheap duplicate, you’re in luck. The process is fast and self-service. But if your key is a high-security fob with buttons, or if you’ve lost all your keys, the kiosk can’t help. That’s because it clones the signal from your existing key’s chip. No original key, nothing to clone. In those cases, the car’s computer needs new programming, which requires different tools only dealers or specialized locksmiths have. So, for a simple spare, go for it. For anything else, you’ll need a different solution.

[VonKaden]

My experience was mixed, highlighting the importance of checking your key type first. My 2012 Honda Civic has a basic transponder key. The KeyMe kiosk duplicated it flawlessly for $60, half what Honda quoted. However, my partner’s 2020 Subaru has a keyless entry fob with an integrated mechanical key. The kiosk could not duplicate that fob at all. We learned the hard way that the service is specific to the key blade type, not the fob body. The takeaway? Inspect your key. If it’s a simple metal key or one with a thick plastic head (a chip key), you’ll likely succeed. If it’s a sleek fob where the metal part folds out or is rarely used, the kiosk probably won’t support it. Always have a backup plan.