I had no idea there was a trick to getting a shopping cart at Aldi even it you don't have a quarter! You'll never need a quarter again after this.

How to Do It:

1. Find a round-key: Look at your keychain for a key with a round, circular top (often called the bow of the key). Square or triangular-topped keys won't fit correctly.

2. Insert the top: Insert the round top of the key straight into the quarter slot, just as you would with a coin.

3. Release the chain: Push the key firmly into the slot until the chain from the cart in front of you pops out.

4. Shop away: Leave the key sitting in the slot while you do your grocery shopping.

⚠️ Important Safety Warning: Do not force a key that feels too tight, and never try to twist the key once it's inside the slot, or you risk breaking it off. If your key doesn't slide in smoothly, try a different item from the list below.

Alternate Hacks (If You Don't Have a Round Key)

If your keychain only consists of electronic fobs or square keys, don't panic. A few other everyday items double as a perfect Aldi quarter substitute:

• The Key Ring Itself: If you have a standard, stiff metal split-key ring on your keys, you can often slide the round edge of the ring directly into the quarter slot to release the mechanism.

• The Tab from a Soda Can: Keep a clean pop-tab from a soda or sparkling water can in your glove box. The rounded top of an aluminum can tab is almost the exact width of a quarter and easily triggers the mechanism.

• An Every-Cart Key Fob: If you want a permanent solution, you can find small, 3D-printed plastic or metal "trolley tokens" on sites like Etsy or Amazon. They clip directly onto your keychain and are specifically engineered to pop into a cart slot and slide right back out so you don't have to leave your keys attached to the cart while you shop.

The Ethics of the Aldi Cart Swap

While this trick is a lifesaver, there is one major piece of Aldi etiquette to keep in mind: The Parking Lot Cart Swap.

Part of the joy of shopping at Aldi is the community culture of handing your cart off to an incoming shopper in exchange for their quarter. If a friendly shopper approaches you with a shiny 25-cent piece and asks to take your cart, you have to politely decline! Explain that your house key is trapped inside the mechanism.

To return your cart and retrieve your key, simply wheel it back to the corral, plug the chain from the neighboring cart back into the slot, and your key will pop right back out. Happy, stress-free shopping!