Most banks with physical branches offer coin counting, but policies vary widely by institution and location
Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank all have coin counters at many branches, though not every location carries one. Credit unions often have them too. The catch: some banks charge a fee if you're not a customer, some only let customers use them, and some have removed them entirely in favor of coin-counting machines you can rent at grocery stores. Before you bring in a bag of coins, call your local branch and ask whether they have a working counter, whether you need to be a customer to use it, and whether there's a fee.
If your bank doesn't have a counter or charges too much, you have other options. Grocery stores like Walmart and Kroger often have Coinstar machines that count your coins for a percentage of the total (usually 10 to 12 percent). Some banks partner with Coinstar and let customers use the machines fee-free if they deposit the coins back into their account at that bank. A few credit unions still offer free counting to members. Your local library or community center may also have information about free counting services in your area.
Key Takeaways
- Large national banks like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase have coin counters at many branches, but availability varies by location and some branches have removed them.
- Call your branch before visiting to confirm they have a working counter, whether you must be a customer, and if there is a fee.
- Coinstar machines at grocery stores count coins for a percentage fee, but some banks offer fee-free counting if you deposit the coins back into your account.
- Credit unions are more likely than national banks to offer free coin counting to members with no fee or percentage charge.
What to expect when you bring coins to a bank branch
If your bank has a counter, you typically dump your coins into a machine, it counts them, and you get a receipt showing the total. The process takes a few minutes. Some branches ask you to sort coins by denomination first; others do not. A few banks still have staff who count by hand, which takes longer but is more reliable if your coins are damaged or unusual.
You will usually get the money back as cash or as a credit to your account on the spot. Some branches require you to open an account or have an existing account to use the service. Others allow non-customers to use the counter but may charge $1 to $3 per transaction. A handful of banks have stopped offering coin counting altogether because the machines break down frequently and maintenance is expensive.
Banks that still offer free coin counting to customers
Bank of America allows customers to use coin counters at most branches at no charge. Wells Fargo offers the same to account holders. Chase has counters at many locations but policies on fees and non-customer access vary by branch. Citibank has removed most of its coin counters in recent years, so call ahead.
Credit unions are often your best bet. Many credit union branches have coin counters and let members use them free. Navy Federal Credit Union, for example, offers free coin counting at all branches. Local and regional credit unions vary, so contact yours directly. If you are not a member of a credit union, joining one may be worth it if coin counting is something you do regularly.
Coinstar and other retail coin-counting options
Coinstar machines are found in most Walmart, Kroger, and Target locations. You pour your coins into the machine, it counts them, and you receive a voucher. The fee is typically 10 to 12 percent of the total. So if you have $100 in coins, you pay $10 to $12 and receive $88 to $90 as a voucher.
Some banks have partnered with Coinstar to offer fee-free counting if you deposit the coins back into your bank account. Check with your bank to see if it participates. If it does, you can use any Coinstar machine in the network and avoid the percentage fee entirely. A few grocery stores and pharmacies also have their own coin-counting machines that charge a flat fee instead of a percentage.
When banks removed coin counters and why
Many large banks stopped offering coin counting between 2010 and 2020 because the machines were expensive to maintain, broke down often, and took up valuable branch space. Bank of America and Wells Fargo kept theirs at most locations, but smaller regional banks and some branches of national banks removed them. The shift reflects a broader move toward digital payments and fewer cash transactions overall.
If your bank no longer has a counter, you have a few options: ask if a nearby branch still has one, use a Coinstar machine, or take your coins to a credit union. Some banks will still count coins by hand if you ask a teller, though they may charge a fee or ask you to be a customer. It never hurts to ask.
How to find a coin counter near you
Start by calling your bank's customer service line or visiting the branch directly. Ask specifically whether they have a coin counter, whether it is working, and whether there is a fee. If your bank does not have one, ask if any nearby branches do. Many banks have branch locators on their websites that let you filter by services offered, though coin counting is not always listed.
If you use a credit union, call your branch or check the website. For Coinstar locations, visit coinstar.com and enter your zip code to find the nearest machine. Some grocery stores and pharmacies also advertise coin counting on their websites or by calling ahead. Libraries and community centers sometimes have information about free or low-cost coin counting services in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a bank customer to use a coin counter?
It depends on the bank and branch. Most large banks let customers use coin counters free, but policies on non-customers vary. Some branches charge a fee for non-customers; others refuse to let them use the machine at all. Call ahead to confirm.
What is the Coinstar fee and is it worth it?
Coinstar charges 10 to 12 percent of the total value of your coins. So $100 in coins costs $10 to $12 to count. If your bank offers free counting or a credit union is nearby, those are better options. Coinstar is most useful if no free option is available or if you need the count done immediately.
Can I use a coin counter if my coins are damaged or foreign?
Most coin counters reject damaged, bent, or foreign coins. If you have a lot of unusual coins, ask a bank teller whether they can count them by hand. Some will do it for free if you are a customer; others may charge a small fee.
Do credit unions charge for coin counting?
Most credit unions offer free coin counting to members. Some may charge a small fee if you are not a member. Call your credit union to confirm their policy. If you do not belong to one, joining may be worth it if you count coins regularly.