Where to find a coin counting machine at your bank
Most large national banks offer coin counting machines, but availability varies by branch and location. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and US Bank typically have machines at many branches, though not every location. Credit unions often have them too, especially larger ones. The fastest way to know if your specific branch has one is to call ahead — machines break down, get removed during renovations, or may be available only during certain hours.
If your bank doesn't have a machine, you have two options: ask the teller to count your coins by hand (most will, though some branches charge a small fee), or use a retail coin counter at a grocery store or pharmacy. Coinstar machines are the most common retail option and operate in supermarkets, Walmart, and Target locations nationwide. Coinstar charges a percentage of your deposit — typically 10 to 12 percent — so it costs more than a bank machine, but it's faster and doesn't require you to be a customer.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank branch directly to confirm they have a working coin counting machine before you bring in your coins.
- Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and US Bank have machines at many locations, but not all branches.
- If your bank doesn't have a machine, ask a teller to count your coins by hand — some branches do this free for customers, while others charge a fee.
- Retail coin counters like Coinstar are available at grocery stores and pharmacies but charge 10 to 12 percent of your deposit.
How bank coin counting machines work
Bank coin machines sort and count your coins automatically, then either deposit the total into your account or give you cash or a receipt. You pour your coins into a hopper, the machine sorts them by denomination, counts them, and displays the total on a screen. The process usually takes a few minutes depending on how many coins you have.
Most bank machines are free for account holders. Some banks require you to use a special bag or container provided by the branch, while others let you pour coins directly into the machine. A few banks charge a fee if you're not a customer or if you're depositing a very large amount, so ask before you start. The machine gives you a receipt showing the total, which you can take to a teller to deposit into your account or exchange for bills.
What to do if your bank branch doesn't have a machine
Ask a teller to count your coins by hand. Most banks will do this for account holders at no charge, though it takes longer than a machine and ties up teller time. Some branches charge a fee — usually a flat amount like $5 or a small percentage of the total — so confirm the cost before you hand over your coins. Bring your coins in a bag or container to make the teller's job easier.
If you don't want to wait or your bank charges too much, Coinstar machines are the alternative. You'll find them in most grocery stores, Walmart, Target, and some pharmacies. You pour your coins in, the machine counts them, and you get a receipt. You can then take the receipt to the customer service desk to exchange it for cash, or some machines let you convert your coins to a gift card for retailers like Amazon or Starbucks (this option charges no fee). The cash option costs 10 to 12 percent of your total.
Preparing your coins for counting
Sort your coins before you go to the bank if you want the process to move faster. Separate pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters into different containers or bags. This isn't required — the machine will sort them — but it can speed things up and shows respect for the teller's time if you're asking them to count by hand.
Remove any foreign coins, tokens, or damaged coins before you bring them in. Coin machines can jam on foreign currency or coins that are bent or corroded. If you have a small number of unusual coins mixed in, pick them out by hand. If you have a large pile and aren't sure, ask the teller to sort through it first.
Banks known for having coin machines at most locations
Chase has coin counting machines at the majority of its branches nationwide. Bank of America offers them at most locations but availability varies by region. Wells Fargo has machines at many branches, though some smaller locations may not. US Bank and PNC Bank also have them at most of their branches.
Credit unions vary widely. Larger credit unions like Navy Federal, Alliant Credit Union, and regional credit unions often have machines, but smaller ones may not. Call your credit union's main branch to ask whether your location has one. If you're not sure which bank or credit union to call, start with wherever you have an account — they'll know their own machines and can tell you if another branch nearby has one.
When coin machines are down or unavailable
Bank machines break down or get taken offline for maintenance. If you arrive at your branch and the machine is out of service, ask a teller when it will be back up. Sometimes it's a day or two; sometimes it's longer. Ask whether another branch nearby has a working machine, or whether the teller can count your coins by hand.
Some branches remove coin machines during renovations or if they're in a location with low demand. If your branch no longer has one, ask whether it's permanent or temporary. If it's permanent, find out which nearby branch has a machine, or decide whether to use Coinstar instead. Keep in mind that branch hours matter — if you work during the day, an evening or weekend Coinstar location may be more convenient than waiting for the bank to open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a customer to use a bank's coin machine?
Most banks require you to have an account to use their coin machines free. Non-customers may be charged a fee or turned away. Call your bank to confirm their policy. If you don't have an account there, Coinstar at a retail location is usually your best option.
What happens if the coin machine jams on one of my coins?
Tell a teller immediately. They can usually clear the jam and retrieve your coin. If the machine is damaged, the bank may ask you to come back when it's fixed or offer to count your coins by hand instead. Don't try to fix it yourself.
Can I deposit coins into my account without using a machine?
Yes. A teller can count your coins by hand and deposit them into your account. This is slower than a machine but works fine. Some banks charge a fee for this service if you have a large amount, so ask first.
Is Coinstar cheaper than a bank machine?
No. Bank machines are free for account holders. Coinstar charges 10 to 12 percent of your deposit. However, Coinstar is faster and available at more locations, so it may be worth the cost if convenience matters more to you than the fee.
What if I have rolled coins instead of loose change?
Most coin machines accept rolled coins and will unroll them automatically. Some machines have a separate slot for rolled coins. Ask the teller or check the machine's instructions. If the machine won't take them, the teller can unroll them and count them by hand.