Most major banks have coin counters, but availability varies by branch and account type
Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all offer coin-counting services at many of their branches, though not every location has a machine. Some banks count coins for free if you have an account with them; others charge a fee (usually 5 to 10 percent of the total) or require a minimum deposit. A few banks have stopped offering the service altogether as they've removed coin-counting machines from branches.
The fastest way to find out whether your specific branch has a coin counter is to call ahead. Ask whether the machine is currently working—branches sometimes have machines that are broken or out of service for weeks. If your bank doesn't have one, credit unions in your area often do, and some will count coins even if you're not a member.
Coin counters at banks work by pouring your coins into a hopper, and the machine sorts and counts them automatically. You receive a receipt showing the total, which the teller then exchanges for cash or deposits into your account. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how many coins you have and how busy the branch is.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank offer coin counters at many branches, but you should call your specific location to confirm it has one and that it's working.
- Account holders at most major banks get free coin counting, but some branches charge a fee of 5 to 10 percent or require a minimum deposit amount.
- Credit unions often have coin counters available to members and sometimes to non-members, making them a backup option if your bank doesn't have one.
- Coin-counting machines can be out of service for extended periods, so calling before you visit saves a wasted trip.
What to expect when you bring coins to a bank branch
Bring your coins in any container—a bag, jar, or bucket. You don't need to sort them by denomination; the machine does that. Some branches ask you to dump the coins directly into the hopper; others may ask you to pour them into a tray first. There's no limit on how many coins you can count, though branches with high volume may ask you to come back if you have an unusually large amount.
You'll receive a receipt with the total amount. The teller will then either give you cash or deposit the money into your account if you request it. If you have an account at the bank, the deposit usually posts immediately. If you don't have an account, some banks will still count your coins but may require you to open one or may charge a higher fee.
Banks that charge fees versus those that don't
Most banks offer free coin counting to account holders. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo typically don't charge account holders, though policies vary by region and branch. Some branches of these banks have stopped offering the service entirely, so confirmation by phone is essential.
If you don't have an account at the bank, expect to pay a fee. The fee is usually calculated as a percentage of the total—commonly 5 to 10 percent—though some branches charge a flat fee instead. A few banks have moved away from coin counting altogether and now direct customers to Coinstar machines (which charge 10.9 percent) or to their own ATMs, which some newer models can accept coins.
Credit unions and other places with coin counters
Credit unions are often more flexible about coin counting than banks. Many credit unions offer the service to members for free and sometimes to non-members as well. If you belong to a credit union, call your local branch first—they may have a coin counter even if your bank doesn't.
Some grocery stores and retail chains have Coinstar machines in their lobbies. These machines charge a percentage fee (typically 10.9 percent) but don't require you to have an account anywhere. If you want to avoid the fee, Coinstar offers a no-fee option if you choose to receive an e-gift card to certain retailers instead of cash.
When coin counters are broken or unavailable
Bank coin-counting machines break down regularly, and branches don't always repair them quickly. If you call and the machine is out of service, ask when it's expected to be fixed. Some branches have had broken machines for months while waiting for a technician.
If your bank's machine is down, your options are to visit a different branch of the same bank, go to a credit union, use a Coinstar machine, or ask the bank teller to count the coins by hand. Hand-counting is slower and branches are less likely to do it if you have a large amount, but some will do it for a small number of coins as a courtesy.
Bringing coins to banks without an account
Banks are not required to count coins for non-account holders, and many now refuse to do so. If you don't have an account at the bank, call ahead and ask their policy. Some branches will count coins for a fee; others will direct you to a credit union or Coinstar machine instead.
If you want to avoid fees and don't have a bank account, a credit union is your best option. Many credit unions will count coins for non-members at no charge, though you should confirm this by phone before visiting. Bring your ID and ask whether they have a coin counter available for walk-in customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sort my coins by type before bringing them to the bank?
No. Coin-counting machines sort and count all denominations automatically. Just bring your coins in any container and pour them into the machine's hopper.
What if the bank's coin counter is broken?
Call ahead to confirm the machine is working before you visit. If it's broken, ask when it will be fixed or whether another branch nearby has a working machine. Credit unions and Coinstar machines are alternatives if you can't wait.
Will my bank count coins if I don't have an account there?
Most banks will not count coins for non-account holders, or will charge a fee if they do. Credit unions are more likely to count coins for non-members at no charge, so call your local credit union first if you don't have a bank account.
How much does it cost to use a Coinstar machine?
Coinstar charges 10.9 percent of the total amount. You can avoid the fee by choosing to receive an e-gift card to participating retailers instead of cash.
Can I deposit coins directly into an ATM?
Most ATMs do not accept coins. Some newer ATM models can, but they are not yet common. Call your bank to ask whether any ATMs in your area have coin-acceptance capability.