How to Rent a DVD from the Red Box Movie Vending Machine

The Red Box movie vending machines have become increasingly popular over the last couple of years, offering renters the ability to rent DVDs for $1 per day, with the first day free using a promo code. These machines, while offering a great way to rent a movie cheaply without having an account at the local store, are often scary to those who haven't used them before. I have seen too many people look at the machine, wringing their hands nervously, then ultimately leaving because they didn't know how to use them.

If you're nervous about using the Red Box movie vending machine for the first time and are in need of step-by-step instructions, read on to find out how to rend a DVD.

Step 1

Locate a Red Box, which is usually at Wal-Mart and Walgreens. The screen should say "Rent a DVD" or "Return a DVD". Press the button that says "Rent a DVD". The screen will switch to a series of DVD titles. You can scroll through them alphabetically, or sort them by genre (family, horror, etc.), or by release date. To read more about a movie, press it. If you don't want to rent it, press the 'back' button. If you want to rent it, proceed to the next step.

Step 2

If you have a promo code to use, you will get the first night free. You can enter this code by pressing the button that says "Enter Promo Code". Once you enter it, the Red Box will let you know if the code was accepted or not.

If it is accepted, you will be given the option of either checking out or selecting more DVDs to rent. When you are ready to check out, press the button that says "Checkout". The screen will prompt you to slide your credit/debit card in the reader. When you do, you'll be prompted to enter your zipcode on the screen, then your email address (which is optional).

Once you enter your info, the machine will show an image of the DVD being dispensed. Wait a few moments, and the DVD will slide out of the side of the machine. Take it, and rent when you are finished.