How to Rent and Return a Redbox Movie
By Travis Garner
Updated September 22, 2017
Redbox was founded in 2002 and since expanded to 42,000 kiosks. Redbox operates like a vending machine that dispenses movies. As of 2015, Redbox charges $1.50 per day for DVDs, $2 per day for Blu-ray discs and $3 per day for video games. You may keep the disc for as many days as you like.
How to Use a Redbox
Locate a Redbox. Redboxes are usually located outside of gas stations, grocery stores and some department stores. To find one close by, go to Redbox.com. Scroll down to the menu at the bottom of the page and select "Redbox Locations." Enter your ZIP code or browse by state to find a Redbox near you.
Decide whether to reserve in advance or choose from what's available. You’ll need to create an account with Redbox.com to reserve any movie or video game the chosen Redbox currently has it in stock.
Alternatively, visit a Redbox to rent your movie or video game. You’ll be presented with three options: “Rent a DVD," “Online Rental Pick up” and “Return DVD.” Select “Rent a DVD.”
Select the movie or game you'd like to rent, or press “More Titles” to see all of the options available. Select “Add to Cart”. Keep browsing if you'd like to rent more.
Select “Check Out” when ready. Enter your personal details and, when prompted, swipe your debit or credit card. Enter your email address to receive a receipt. Press “Done” and your rentals will come out of the slot on the side of the Redbox.
Returning Your Rental
Select “Return a DVD” from the opening screen.
Point the arrow on the case towards the slot on the right side of the machine.
Insert the disc into the slot and the return is completed. Elect to receive a return receipt by email when asked.
Tips
Before you rent, search for promo codes online. You can enter a promo code at the Redbox and receive a discount on your rental.
Always have an email sent as a receipt for your rental and return. While rare, sometimes the DVDs will become stuck in the machine and you will be charged as if it was not returned.
Warnings
Keep track of the red plastic cases that hold the discs. Replacing them will cost a small fee.
The due date for any type of rental is 9:00 p.m. the follow day. If you miss this deadline, the movie or video game is automatically rented for another day. You may continue to rent a movie or video game for as long as you wish. The maximum rental period results in being charged the maximum amount and the disc will be yours to keep. At the time of this publication, the maximum charge is $25 for DVDs, $34 for Blu-ray and $69 for video games, along with tax.
Do not remove the bar code that’s on the center of the disc. It is used to return the disc. If it can’t be read, your return might not be processed.
Writer Bio
Based in Boise, Idaho, Travis Garner has been writing articles about technology since 2012. He has been working with consumer electronics since he was a child and grew up to be an expert in consumer technology.