Yes, you can deposit coins at most banks, but the process and limits vary
Most banks accept coin deposits from account holders, but they do not treat coins the same way they treat bills or checks. Some banks will count and deposit coins directly into your account during a teller transaction. Others require you to use a coin-counting machine first, either at the bank or at a separate location. A few banks have stopped accepting loose coins altogether and only take coins in original bank rolls. The specifics depend on your bank's policies and the amount you are depositing.
Coin deposits are slower than other deposit methods because counting takes time. If you walk in with a bag of mixed coins, expect the teller to either count them by hand (which can take 10 to 20 minutes for a large amount) or direct you to a coin machine. Some banks charge a fee if you deposit coins without rolling them first, while others waive the fee for account holders. A few banks no longer accept any loose coins and will only take coins that are already wrapped in paper rolls from the bank.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank before you go—policies on coin deposits vary widely, and some banks no longer accept loose coins at all.
- Rolled coins (coins wrapped in paper sleeves) are accepted at nearly all banks and usually process faster than loose coins.
- Loose coins may trigger a fee at some banks, typically $5 to $10, though account holders often get the fee waived.
- Coin-counting machines at grocery stores, laundromats, and some retailers offer an alternative if your bank will not accept coins or charges a high fee.
- Deposits made in person at a teller window post to your account the same day, but the coins must be counted first.
How banks handle loose coins versus rolled coins
Rolled coins move through the bank faster because the teller does not have to count them. A roll of quarters, dimes, nickels, or pennies comes in a standard paper sleeve with a set number of coins—40 quarters, 50 dimes, 40 nickels, or 50 pennies per roll. The teller can verify the roll is full and deposit it without opening it. If you bring coins in rolls, most banks treat them like any other deposit and post the money to your account the same day.
Loose coins require hand counting or a machine, which takes longer and creates more work for the bank. Some banks will count loose coins for free if you are an account holder, especially if the amount is under $50. Others charge a fee—typically $5 to $10—to cover the labor. A few large banks have stopped accepting loose coins entirely and will only take coins that are already rolled or will direct you to a coin-counting machine outside the bank.
You can buy empty coin rolls at most banks for free or a small cost (usually under $1 for a pack of 50 rolls). If you roll your coins before you go to the bank, you eliminate the fee and speed up the deposit. Rolls are available in paper sleeves at the teller window, and the bank will show you how to fill them if you ask.
Coin-counting machines and when to use them
If your bank charges a fee for loose coins or does not accept them, a coin-counting machine is often faster and cheaper. Grocery stores, laundromats, arcades, and some retail chains have coin machines that count your coins and either dispense cash or print a voucher you can deposit. The machine typically takes a percentage of the total—usually 8% to 12%—as a fee. So if you deposit $100 in coins, you might receive $88 to $92 in cash or a voucher.
Some banks partner with coin-counting services and offer free or discounted counting to account holders. Chase, for example, offers free coin counting at some locations for account holders, while Bank of America charges a fee at most branches. Ask your bank whether they have a partnership with a coin-counting service before you pay the retail fee.
A coin-counting machine makes sense if your bank charges more than the machine's fee, or if you do not have time to roll coins by hand. If you have a small amount of coins (under $20), rolling them yourself and depositing them at the bank is usually faster and free.
What happens when you deposit coins at the teller window
When you deposit coins in person, bring your account number or debit card and tell the teller you want to deposit coins. If the coins are rolled, the teller will count the rolls, verify they are full, and add the total to your deposit slip. If the coins are loose, the teller will either count them by hand or ask you to use the bank's coin machine if one is available on-site. The deposit posts to your account the same day, just like a cash or check deposit.
Some banks allow you to deposit coins through the ATM using a special envelope, but this is rare and only works at banks that have coin-accepting ATMs. Most ATMs do not accept coins. If your bank has this option, the ATM will tell you to insert coins into an envelope, seal it, and feed it into the machine. The deposit may take one to two business days to post because it has to be counted and verified at the bank's processing center.
If you are depositing a large amount of coins (over $500), call the bank ahead of time. The teller may need to order extra time or have a manager present. Large coin deposits can take longer to count and verify, and the bank may ask you to come back at a quieter time so you do not hold up the line.
Fees and policies that vary by bank
Coin deposit fees are not standard across banks. Some banks waive fees for account holders but charge non-customers. Others charge everyone a flat fee per deposit, regardless of the amount. Still others charge a percentage of the total coins deposited. Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch to ask about their specific policy before you deposit coins.
Credit unions often have more lenient coin policies than large national banks. Many credit unions accept loose coins for free and count them at the teller window without charging a fee. If you are a member of a credit union, ask whether they accept coins before you go to a retail bank.
Some banks have stopped accepting coins altogether as part of a shift toward digital payments. If your bank is one of them, you will need to use a coin-counting machine at a retail location or roll the coins and deposit them at a bank that still accepts them. Ask your bank directly: "Do you accept loose coin deposits?" If the answer is no, ask whether they accept rolled coins or whether they have a partnership with a coin-counting service.
Depositing coins without a bank account
If you do not have a bank account, you cannot deposit coins at a bank. Coin-counting machines at grocery stores and retail locations are your only option. These machines accept coins from anyone and pay out in cash or a voucher. The fee is higher than a bank fee—usually 8% to 12%—but you do not need an account to use them.
Some banks offer free checking accounts with no minimum balance, which might make it worth opening an account if you regularly have coins to deposit. Once you have an account, you can deposit coins for free or at a lower fee than a coin-counting machine charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit coins at an ATM?
Most ATMs do not accept coins. A very small number of banks have coin-accepting ATMs, but they are rare. Call your bank to ask whether any of their ATMs accept coins. If not, you will need to deposit coins at a teller window or use a coin-counting machine.
How long does it take to deposit coins?
Rolled coins deposit the same day, just like cash. Loose coins may take longer if the teller has to count them by hand—anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour depending on the amount. If you use a coin-counting machine, you get cash or a voucher immediately, but you lose 8% to 12% to the fee.
What if my bank charges a fee for coin deposits?
Roll the coins before you go to the bank—most banks waive the fee for rolled coins. If your bank charges a fee even for rolled coins, compare the fee to what a coin-counting machine would charge. Sometimes the retail machine fee is lower than the bank fee.
Do I have to roll coins myself, or can the bank do it?
The bank can provide empty rolls and show you how to fill them, but most banks do not roll coins for you. Rolling coins yourself takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on the amount. If you do not want to roll them, bring them loose and pay the fee or use a coin-counting machine.
Can I deposit someone else's coins?
Yes, as long as you have access to the account. If the coins belong to someone else and you are depositing them into your own account, that is a personal decision. If you are depositing into someone else's account, you will need to be an authorized user or have power of attorney. Ask the teller what documentation you need.