Most banks provide coin wrappers for free, but availability depends on your account type and the branch
Yes, banks do provide coin wrappers. The catch is that not every bank gives them away to every customer, and some branches run out. If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, walk in and ask the teller for rolls in the denominations you need—pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters. Most will hand them over at no cost. If you don't have an account, or if the branch says they don't have any on hand, you have other options that cost almost nothing.
The reason banks sometimes hesitate is that coin wrappers cost them money to stock, and some branches get requests faster than they can reorder. A few banks—particularly smaller regional ones—may ask you to order them in advance or charge a small fee if you're not a customer. But the major chains (Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, Citibank) typically hand them out free to account holders without a fuss.
Key Takeaways
- Banks provide coin wrappers free to account holders, though availability varies by branch and denomination.
- If your bank doesn't have wrappers in stock, ask when they expect a new shipment or request them to be ordered.
- Grocery stores, pharmacies, and office supply stores sell coin wrappers in bulk packs for $2 to $5.
- Some banks will exchange rolled coins for cash without requiring you to have wrapped them yourself.
- If you deposit coins regularly, ask your bank whether they have a coin-counting machine or will accept loose coins in a bag.
How to ask your bank for coin wrappers
Go to the teller window during business hours and say you need coin wrappers. Be specific about which denominations: penny rolls (50 coins), nickel rolls (40 coins), dime rolls (50 coins), quarter rolls (40 coins), or half-dollar and dollar rolls if you have those. The teller will either hand them to you on the spot or tell you they're out and when they'll have more in stock.
If the branch is out, ask whether you can pick them up in a few days or whether they can order a larger quantity for you. Some branches keep a small supply at the teller station; others order them as needed. If you're a regular customer and you know you'll need wrappers monthly, mention that to your branch manager—they may set aside a pack for you or order extras.
Non-customers should expect to be turned away or charged a fee. A few banks will sell wrappers to non-customers for 25 cents to $1 per roll, but this is not standard. Your better bet is to buy them elsewhere.
Where to buy coin wrappers if your bank doesn't have them
Office supply stores (Staples, Office Depot) stock coin wrappers year-round in bulk packs of 100 to 1,000 rolls. A box of 100 assorted rolls typically costs $3 to $5. Walmart and Target carry them in the office supplies section, usually in smaller packs of 25 to 50 rolls for $2 to $3. Amazon and eBay sell them in bulk if you need large quantities.
Grocery stores and pharmacies sometimes stock coin wrappers near the checkout or in the office supplies aisle, but selection is spotty. Call ahead if you need them urgently. Dollar stores occasionally carry small packs, though quality varies and they may not have all denominations.
If you only need a few rolls and don't want to buy a pack, ask a grocery store cashier whether they have extras behind the counter. Some will give you a handful for free or a few cents per roll.
Banks that accept loose coins without wrappers
Many banks will take loose coins directly without requiring you to wrap them first. Bring your coins in a bag or container, and the teller will either count them by hand (slow) or run them through a coin-counting machine (fast). The machine sorts and counts automatically, and you get the total in cash or deposited to your account.
Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have coin-counting machines at most branches. Smaller regional banks may count by hand or direct you to a Coinstar machine. Ask your bank whether they offer this service before you spend time wrapping coins yourself.
Some banks charge a small fee (1% to 2% of the total) if you deposit loose coins, especially if you're not a customer. Others charge nothing. Call your branch to confirm their policy.
Coinstar machines as an alternative to wrapping
If your bank doesn't have a coin counter or charges too much, Coinstar machines are located in most grocery stores, Walmart, and Target locations. You dump your coins into the machine, it counts them, and you get a receipt. You can exchange the receipt for cash at the customer service desk, or choose to donate the amount to charity (which avoids the fee).
Coinstar charges a fee—typically 10% to 12% of the total—to convert coins to cash. So if you have $10 in coins, you'll get roughly $8.80 to $9 back. There is no fee if you choose a gift card instead (Amazon, iTunes, etc.), but that only helps if you want to spend the money that way. For large amounts of coins, the fee adds up, so wrapping and depositing at your bank is cheaper.
What to do if you need wrappers regularly
If you deposit coins weekly or monthly, buy a bulk pack of wrappers once and keep them at home. A box of 100 rolls costs less than one Coinstar transaction on $20 in coins, so it pays for itself quickly. Office supply stores sell assorted packs with all denominations, so you won't run out of one type.
Alternatively, ask your bank whether they'll accept loose coins in a bag on a regular schedule. Some branches will waive the fee or count them faster if you're a loyal customer who does this often. Building a relationship with your teller makes the process smoother.
If you're a business that handles cash regularly, talk to your bank about a commercial coin-wrapping service. Some banks provide free wrappers and faster processing for business accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to wrap coins before depositing them at a bank?
No. Most banks accept loose coins and will count them for you using a machine or by hand. Wrapping them first is optional and mainly saves the teller time. Some banks charge a small fee for loose coins, so ask first.
Can I get coin wrappers from a bank I don't have an account with?
Rarely. Most banks reserve free wrappers for account holders. Non-customers may be charged 25 cents to $1 per roll or turned away. Buying them at an office supply store is faster and cheaper than negotiating with a bank teller.
How many coins go in each wrapper?
Penny rolls hold 50 coins, nickel rolls hold 40, dime rolls hold 50, and quarter rolls hold 40. Half-dollar rolls hold 20, and dollar rolls hold 25. The wrapper itself is printed with the denomination and coin count.
Is Coinstar worth it if I have a lot of coins?
No, if you have more than $20 in coins. The 10% to 12% fee means you lose $2 to $2.40 on every $20. Wrapping coins and depositing at your bank costs nothing and takes 10 minutes. Coinstar is useful only if you have a small amount and no bank access.
What if my bank says they don't have coin wrappers in stock?
Ask when they'll have more or whether they can order a pack for you. If they can't help, buy wrappers at an office supply store or ask the bank whether they'll accept your coins loose instead.