A new change at this convenience store could leave your pockets a little lighter—literally
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If you’ve ever rummaged through your purse or glove compartment searching for a stray penny, those days may soon be behind you.
Beginning this October, one of America’s most popular convenience store chains is making a change that could alter how millions of people pay for their morning coffee or gas fill-up.
The shift isn’t about prices going up—it’s about saying goodbye to the penny altogether.
For some cash-paying customers, this marks the end of an era in everyday transactions.
And while it may seem like a small change, it’s part of a much larger move toward a future with less loose change in your pocket.
Pennies out, rounding in: what’s happening at Kwik Trip?
Kwik Trip, the beloved Midwest stop known for its fresh coffee, fuel, and bakery treats, is introducing a new policy as part of a national shift away from the penny.
As individual stores run out of one-cent coins, all cash transactions at Kwik Trip and its sister chain, Kwik Star, will now be rounded down to the nearest five cents.
That means if your total comes to $2.98, you’ll pay just $2.95.
This move comes ahead of the federal government’s plan to end penny production by early 2026.
Without formal direction on how businesses should handle the change, Kwik Trip is taking what it calls a “guest-friendly” approach.
“At Kwik Trip, we’re committed to making everyday transactions simple and fair,” said President and CEO Scott Zietlow.
“This change reflects our ongoing focus on guest experience.”
Also read: A grocery favorite dubbed better than Whole Foods is set to open its debut store in the state
Why the penny is disappearing
The penny has been on the chopping block for years.
In 2024 alone, the US Department of the Treasury spent nearly four cents to make each one—resulting in an $85.3 million loss from minting more than three billion new coins.
By halting production, officials expect to save about $56 million annually.
Several countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have already eliminated their smallest coins, and most citizens barely noticed.
In many cases, transactions became quicker and simpler without the need for extra change.
Also read: Store closure shocker: Is your neighborhood favorite one of the last eight left?
How rounding works—and who benefits
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, more retailers will likely adopt “rounding” systems as pennies disappear, adjusting totals to the nearest five cents.
However, not all stores will treat customers equally. Some may round up, resulting in a minor extra cost for consumers over time—a concept known as the “rounding tax.”
The bank estimates this could cost Americans around $6 million a year if businesses choose to round in their favor.
Kwik Trip’s decision to round down gives customers a small financial win.
Other chains, such as Love’s Travel Stops, are also testing rounding policies, though some locations round up while others round down depending on store rules and penny availability.
Also read: Pennies are disappearing—here’s what to do with your old coins
What happens to other coins?
As the penny fades, the nickel becomes the smallest coin in circulation.
Ironically, it’s even costlier to produce—each nickel costs about 13.8 cents to make.
While that raises questions about its long-term future, for now, the five-cent coin remains safe.
Also read: Are pennies on the way out? What the end of the one-cent coin could mean for you
Legal hurdles and calls for clarity
Not everyone supports the rounding approach.
The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and similar organizations are asking Congress to establish nationwide guidelines, as some state and local laws currently prohibit rounding cash transactions.
Without a federal standard, stores risk operating under inconsistent or even conflicting rules.
In a letter to lawmakers, NACS noted that businesses can’t simply change product prices to avoid odd totals.
Sales tax calculations often result in non-rounded amounts, making some form of rounding unavoidable once pennies disappear.
Also read: Savvy shoppers know this Dollar General discount trick. Do you?
What it means for shoppers
If you regularly use cash, you might actually benefit from Kwik Trip’s policy—at least in the short term.
Rounding down means you’ll often pay a few cents less than expected.
Still, as other retailers set their own rules, it’s smart to stay aware of how your favorite stores handle the transition.
And for coin collectors, this might be the perfect time to tuck away a few shiny pennies for nostalgia’s sake.
The end of an era
The penny’s farewell symbolizes more than just a change in loose change—it highlights the nation’s shift toward digital payments and fewer cash transactions.
While the convenience is undeniable, many will still feel a sentimental pull.
After all, who hasn’t pocketed a “lucky penny” or filled a jar one coin at a time?
Read next:
Will you miss the penny, or are you ready to embrace a future without it? Have you noticed similar rounding policies at your local stores? Share your thoughts and penny memories in the comments—no change required.
Beginning this October, one of America’s most popular convenience store chains is making a change that could alter how millions of people pay for their morning coffee or gas fill-up.
The shift isn’t about prices going up—it’s about saying goodbye to the penny altogether.
For some cash-paying customers, this marks the end of an era in everyday transactions.
And while it may seem like a small change, it’s part of a much larger move toward a future with less loose change in your pocket.
A familiar sight at checkout counters may soon change as stores begin phasing out the penny in everyday transactions. Image Source: YouTube / WBAY TV-2 | Green Bay, WI.
Pennies out, rounding in: what’s happening at Kwik Trip?
Kwik Trip, the beloved Midwest stop known for its fresh coffee, fuel, and bakery treats, is introducing a new policy as part of a national shift away from the penny.
As individual stores run out of one-cent coins, all cash transactions at Kwik Trip and its sister chain, Kwik Star, will now be rounded down to the nearest five cents.
That means if your total comes to $2.98, you’ll pay just $2.95.
This move comes ahead of the federal government’s plan to end penny production by early 2026.
Without formal direction on how businesses should handle the change, Kwik Trip is taking what it calls a “guest-friendly” approach.
“At Kwik Trip, we’re committed to making everyday transactions simple and fair,” said President and CEO Scott Zietlow.
“This change reflects our ongoing focus on guest experience.”
Also read: A grocery favorite dubbed better than Whole Foods is set to open its debut store in the state
Why the penny is disappearing
The penny has been on the chopping block for years.
In 2024 alone, the US Department of the Treasury spent nearly four cents to make each one—resulting in an $85.3 million loss from minting more than three billion new coins.
By halting production, officials expect to save about $56 million annually.
Several countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, have already eliminated their smallest coins, and most citizens barely noticed.
In many cases, transactions became quicker and simpler without the need for extra change.
Also read: Store closure shocker: Is your neighborhood favorite one of the last eight left?
How rounding works—and who benefits
According to the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, more retailers will likely adopt “rounding” systems as pennies disappear, adjusting totals to the nearest five cents.
However, not all stores will treat customers equally. Some may round up, resulting in a minor extra cost for consumers over time—a concept known as the “rounding tax.”
The bank estimates this could cost Americans around $6 million a year if businesses choose to round in their favor.
Kwik Trip’s decision to round down gives customers a small financial win.
Other chains, such as Love’s Travel Stops, are also testing rounding policies, though some locations round up while others round down depending on store rules and penny availability.
Also read: Pennies are disappearing—here’s what to do with your old coins
What happens to other coins?
As the penny fades, the nickel becomes the smallest coin in circulation.
Ironically, it’s even costlier to produce—each nickel costs about 13.8 cents to make.
While that raises questions about its long-term future, for now, the five-cent coin remains safe.
Also read: Are pennies on the way out? What the end of the one-cent coin could mean for you
Legal hurdles and calls for clarity
Not everyone supports the rounding approach.
The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and similar organizations are asking Congress to establish nationwide guidelines, as some state and local laws currently prohibit rounding cash transactions.
Without a federal standard, stores risk operating under inconsistent or even conflicting rules.
In a letter to lawmakers, NACS noted that businesses can’t simply change product prices to avoid odd totals.
Sales tax calculations often result in non-rounded amounts, making some form of rounding unavoidable once pennies disappear.
Also read: Savvy shoppers know this Dollar General discount trick. Do you?
What it means for shoppers
If you regularly use cash, you might actually benefit from Kwik Trip’s policy—at least in the short term.
Rounding down means you’ll often pay a few cents less than expected.
Still, as other retailers set their own rules, it’s smart to stay aware of how your favorite stores handle the transition.
And for coin collectors, this might be the perfect time to tuck away a few shiny pennies for nostalgia’s sake.
The end of an era
The penny’s farewell symbolizes more than just a change in loose change—it highlights the nation’s shift toward digital payments and fewer cash transactions.
While the convenience is undeniable, many will still feel a sentimental pull.
After all, who hasn’t pocketed a “lucky penny” or filled a jar one coin at a time?
Read next:
- Do you have these rare pennies? Find out if your spare change could be worth hundreds!
- A new grocery delivery option could help stretch your budget
- How a simple grocery "rain check" can save you big—long after the sale ends
Will you miss the penny, or are you ready to embrace a future without it? Have you noticed similar rounding policies at your local stores? Share your thoughts and penny memories in the comments—no change required.
