I see ebay has some key fobs for $10. They are uncut. Will any local hardware store be able to cut them? Or do I have to go to stealership? And what about programming? I read that you just need to insert the key in ignition a few times and it programs itself.

 

The fob part gets programmed by the car- it's a bunch of buttons to push. You're actually programming the car to recognize the key. Info in the manual.

I had a friend with a 2010 base model. I bought her a key and programmed it to unlock the doors. The key part didn't work in the ignition because we didn't do that part, but the fob worked to lock and unlock remotely.

 

I had a locksmith make me what he called a copy key for $45 about 8 years ago. He said that the transponder in the key was set to the same value as the key I had.

However generally you have them cut and program the key to the car. Those $10 blanks do work as long as you can find a locksmith willing to cut a blank that isn’t his. You will need to call around because not everyone has the tools for cutting honda keys or programming them.

I did learn that a snapon modus scan tool can program new keys if you know a mechanic with one.

EDIT- Yes you can program the fob part yourself but that is not the same as the transponder for starting the vehicle.