Most banks no longer have coin machines on the floor, but some still do
The short answer: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and some regional banks still have coin machines, but availability varies by branch and is shrinking. You cannot count on finding one at any specific location. Call ahead to confirm your branch has a machine before you go, because many banks have removed them to cut costs.
Banks that do have coin machines typically let customers use them for free if you have an account there. Non-customers usually pay a fee — often 5 to 10 percent of the total value — though some banks waive the fee if you open an account or meet other conditions. A few banks have stopped offering coin services entirely and direct customers to coin-counting kiosks at grocery stores instead.
The machines themselves are usually located in the lobby or near the teller area. Some banks keep them behind the counter and require you to ask a teller to use one. Hours vary: some machines are available during lobby hours only, while others are in the vestibule and accessible 24/7 if your bank card opens the door.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank's branch directly to ask if they have a coin machine before making a trip, because availability changes and many branches no longer have them.
- Account holders at Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and many regional banks can use coin machines for free, while non-customers typically pay a 5 to 10 percent fee.
- Some banks keep coin machines behind the counter and require you to ask a teller, while others have them in the lobby or vestibule.
- If your bank does not have a coin machine, grocery store kiosks (Coinstar) and credit unions are common alternatives, though they charge a percentage fee.
How to find a coin machine at your specific bank
Start by calling the branch you plan to visit. Ask the teller or customer service line directly: "Does this branch have a coin-counting machine?" Do not ask if they "take coins" — that is a different question and may get you routed to a teller who will hand-count them for you, which is slower and not what you want.
If the branch does have a machine, ask where it is located and whether you need to ask a teller to access it. Some banks keep machines in a back room or behind the counter for security reasons. Also ask about hours: if the machine is in the lobby, it may only be available during business hours, even if the bank has a 24/7 vestibule.
If your branch does not have one, ask if another branch nearby does. Many banks concentrate coin machines at a few high-traffic locations rather than putting one in every branch. Your bank's website may also list which branches have coin services, though this information is not always current.
What to expect when you use a bank coin machine
Bring your coins in any container — a bag, a jar, a bucket. You do not need to sort them by denomination beforehand; the machine does that. Dump the coins into the hopper (the opening at the top), and the machine counts and sorts them automatically. Most machines take 5 to 15 minutes depending on the volume.
The machine prints a receipt showing the total value. Take that receipt to a teller, and they will either hand you cash or deposit the amount into your account, depending on what you ask for. Some machines also dispense cash directly, but this is less common.
If you are not an account holder, the teller will deduct the fee (usually 5 to 10 percent) before giving you the cash. For example, if you have $100 in coins and the fee is 10 percent, you receive $90. Ask about the fee before you start, because it varies by bank and sometimes by branch.
Banks most likely to have coin machines
Chase has coin machines at many branches, but not all. Availability is highest in urban areas and at larger branches. Call your local Chase branch to confirm.
Bank of America offers coin services at most branches, though some have removed machines in recent years. Non-customers pay a 10 percent fee.
Wells Fargo has coin machines at many locations, but like other large banks, availability is declining. Account holders use them free; non-customers pay a fee.
Credit unions often have coin machines and may offer them to members for free. If you belong to a credit union, check there first — they are more likely to have one than a large national bank.
Regional and community banks vary widely. Some still maintain coin machines as a customer service; others have phased them out. Always call ahead.
Alternatives if your bank does not have a coin machine
Coinstar kiosks are the most common alternative. These machines are located in grocery stores, pharmacies, and some retail locations nationwide. They count your coins and dispense cash or a gift card. The fee is typically 11.9 percent of the total value, though it varies slightly by location. You can find a Coinstar location using their website or app.
Some grocery stores and pharmacies have their own coin machines separate from Coinstar. These are less common but sometimes charge lower fees or no fee at all. Ask at the customer service desk.
If you have a large amount of coins, some banks will hand-count them for you at the teller window for free, even if you do not have an account. This takes longer than a machine but costs nothing. Call ahead and ask if the branch offers this service.
Coin roll wrappers are another option if you want to deposit coins without a machine. You can buy wrappers at most banks or office supply stores, sort and wrap your coins by denomination, and deposit them at the teller window. This is free but requires time and effort on your part.
Why banks are removing coin machines
Coin machines are expensive to maintain and repair. Banks pay for the machine itself, regular servicing, and the space it takes up. As fewer people use cash and coins, the cost-to-use ratio has become unfavorable for many banks, especially smaller branches.
Security is another factor. Coin machines attract theft and require regular emptying and transport to a secure location. Some banks have decided the liability is not worth it.
The shift toward digital payments has accelerated this trend. Banks see less demand for coin services and have redirected resources to online and mobile banking instead. This means coin machine availability will likely continue to decline, even at banks that currently have them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a customer to use a bank's coin machine?
No, but non-customers usually pay a fee of 5 to 10 percent of the total value. Some banks waive the fee if you open an account or meet other conditions. Always ask about the fee before you use the machine.
Can I deposit coins directly into my account without using a machine?
Yes. You can hand-count coins at the teller window or use coin wrappers to organize them by denomination and deposit them that way. This is free but slower than using a machine. Some banks also accept unwrapped coins at the teller window, though they may count them separately.
What if the coin machine jams or takes my coins and does not count them?
Tell a teller immediately. Banks are responsible for coins that enter their machines. The teller will investigate and either retrieve your coins or credit your account for the amount. Keep your receipt as proof of how much you deposited.
Are Coinstar machines cheaper than bank coin machines?
No. Coinstar charges 11.9 percent, which is higher than most bank fees. Use a bank machine if one is available. Coinstar is useful only if your bank does not have a machine or if you need cash immediately and cannot wait for a bank appointment.
Can I use a coin machine at a bank where I do not have an account?
Yes, but you will pay a fee. Some banks charge 5 percent, others 10 percent or more. Call ahead to ask the exact fee before you go, because it varies by bank and sometimes by branch.