We’ve got you covered!
In this post, we’ll cover the best places where you can get your car key replaced affordably.
Getting a car key replaced can be a slightly more complex process than getting, say, a standard door key replaced. Simply because there are so many different types of car keys, like laser cut keys, chip-embedded keys, and transponder keys.
Getting a car key for a newer car in particular can be difficult because many newer vehicles have laser-cut or chip-embedded transponder keys, which may need to be cut or reprogrammed by a professional locksmith or dealer.
Although getting a spare key or replacing an older car key can be a more complex process compared to your standard door key, many stores and other places still make car key copies.
FreeCash: Earn money testing apps, playing games, and completing surveys. Up to $497.82 per offer! Start earning now!
Earn Haus: Get paid up to $25 per survey, plus enjoy same-day payments via PayPal, Venmo, or check! Join Earn Haus Today!
InboxDollars: Over $57 million paid to members for watching videos, shopping, and completing surveys. Get $5 instantly when you join!
iPsos iSay: If you’re only signing up for one survey site, make it Ipsos – high-paying surveys await! Join iPsos today!
KashKick: Get paid to watch videos, shop, surf the web, and more. Receive PayPal payments directly. Start earning with KashKick now!
Swagbucks: Watch videos, shop online, take surveys, and more. Join now and get $10 instantly to start!
In this post, we’ll cover places where you can get basic, laser-cut, transponder car keys and other types of auto keys made.
Table of Contents
Where to Get Blanks & Car Key Made Near Me!
You can purchase key blanks at the places below, and some of these places may also cut and program them to your car.
Older cars may have traditional keys that just need to be cut to fit the ignition and door lock. Newer cars, though, as I mentioned above, often have laser-cut or chip-embedded transponder keys, so they also need to be programmed to work with your car.
Key-cutting and programming services can vary a lot from place to place. Some stores will simply sell blanks, others will cut keys, some will program them, and then you’ll get stores that will cut and program the keys.
It’s best to call ahead at local stores to ask what car key services they offer, such as whether they can cut and program car keys.
If a store doesn’t cut keys, then you can purchase a blank elsewhere and then bring it to a place that can cut it and program it.
Here are some places where you can buy key blanks, which may also cut and program them.
1. Walmart
Most people have a Walmart store nearby, which is why it can be a convenient option if you’re looking to get a key replaced.
You can get traditional keys and transponder keys there. The cost is around $2 to $6 for traditional keys, and prices vary for transponder keys. It’s a good place to get blank transponder keys.
- Find a store here.
2. Ace Hardware
One place where you can get a cheap car key replacement is at Ace Hardware. At Ace Hardware, you can have car keys cut and programmed. It offers keys for brands like Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, Jeep, Nissan, Dodge, GMC, Hyundai, and Subaru.
Advertisements
Ace Hardware claims that you can get dealership quality at 50% savings. You can get standard mechanical keys from the store for as low as $2 to $3. Transponder keys can cost $40 to $75 depending on the type of car that you have.
Keys must be purchased from Ace Hardware to be cut or programmed.
- Find a store here.
3. Lowe’s
Another place where you can get car keys made is at Lowe’s. You can get blank auto keys and keyless entry remotes from there, with the cost starting at around $40.
- Find a store here.
4. AutoZone
Another place where you can get car keys replaced is at AutoZone. If you don’t have a key with a chip in it, AutoZone states that having your key replaced is as straightforward as copying the key that you still have.
An associate will select the correct key blank for your vehicle’s year, make, and model. Then, the key cutting machine cuts a new key with exactly the same pattern.
This works for ignition keys, as well as for older vehicles that have separate keys for the ignition and the door. It only takes a few minutes for these types of keys to be made at AutoZone.
AutoZone is able to duplicate most transponder keys.
The cost for basic ignition keys starts at around $20, but prices increase for chip-embedded keys.
- Find a store here.
5. O’Reilly Auto Parts
O’Reilly Auto Parts is another place where you can find replacement car keys. It sells basic key blanks, keyless entry remotes, and cylinder-and-lock replacements. The cost varies widely depending on vehicle make and year.
- Find a store here.
6. NAPA Auto Parts
You can get replacement car keys made for cheap at NAPA Auto Parts.
NAPA Auto Parts offers replacement key fobs for hundreds of vehicles. The cost starts at around $50 for keyless entry fobs. Standard car key blanks aren’t available.
- Find a store here.
7. The Home Depot
You can also get car keys at The Home Depot. The cost of transponder keys starts at around $40. Standard mechanical keys cost as low as $2.
- Find a store here.
8. Advance Auto Parts
If you need car keys made, then you may want to try your local Advance Auto Parts store. Keys, including basic ignition keys, door keys, and key fob case replacements cost between $20 and $50.
- Find a store here.
Other Options for Getting a Car Key Replacement
The above stores are great for getting key blanks and they may also cut and program keys too. And they are national retailers, meaning most people have a store near them. They’re not your only options though.
In this section, I want to cover some more places where you may be able to get a cheap car key replacement. This includes things like online car key replacement services and local locksmiths.
9. Car Keys Express
Car Keys Express is a key replacement company. With Car Key Express, you don’t even have to leave your home to replace your key.
Car Key Express gives you three ways to get your key:
- Make keys online with SnapKey: You can make a car key from your phone. Just take photos of your key, and the company will ship you a new key that’s already cut, along with an EZ installer to make it work with your car. SnapKey is compatible with select vehicles.
- On-site installation: You can shop for your key online and then you can choose from one of the following options – meet a technician at one of their shops, schedule a service date, or have a technician come to you the same day.
- Buy from one of the company’s retail partners: Many Car Keys Express products are available in stores and online at leading retailers.
10. Pop-A-Lock
Pop-A-Lock provides locksmith services. The company says that it can duplicate or replace virtually every make and model of smart keys. Pop-A-Lock can duplicate your vehicle key.
The company can meet you wherever you are, and, in most cases, it can create your smart key on the spot.
11. Local locksmith
Calling a local locksmith is a good choice. This can make it easier to get the key that you need.
Key cutting services can vary by location at auto parts retailers and the other stores mentioned above. Locksmiths are able to provide lots of services. They can typically replace traditional keys.
And if you have lost your original and are wondering, “How can I get a replacement car key without the original?“, your local locksmith guy or gal is your answer!
They can make a car key on the spot, even if you don’t have the original. They can also make transponder keys.
Locksmiths have blank keys and the machinery required to make and program a new key. So, you can get the key and have it programmed. This is a convenient option.
You can find local locksmiths by searching the internet for terms like “locksmith near me” or “automotive locksmith near me.” Getting a key made by a local locksmith can be cheaper than going to the dealership to get one made.
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Car Key Replaced?
The cost of replacing a car key depends on the type of vehicle that you have and where you get the key.
Basic car keys for older vehicles typically only cost under $20. These types of keys can be cut quickly.
Transponder keys though are more expensive. This is because, with those types of keys, it’s not as simple as just having the key cut. The key needs to be programmed too.
Transponder keys can cost anywhere from $100 to more than $600 at the dealership, depending on the car make and the key style.
The cost though really depends on where you get the key made. Some places are cheaper than others. So, be sure to shop around to get the best deal.
Key to Savings: Final Thoughts on Car Key Replacement!
As you can see, there are many options for getting a car key made. And whether you need a replacement or just need an extra car key just in case you misplace the original one, you can get everything from basic car keys to transponder keys made.
And with so many places that offer cheap car key replacement options, you can drive on with peace of mind knowing you’ve found a budget-friendly solution!
Share your thoughts