Most banks will give you change, but not all, and the rules vary by branch and account type
Yes, you can get change at a bank. Most banks will exchange bills for coins or coins for bills if you ask a teller. But the transaction is not automatic—some branches refuse it, some charge a fee if you are not a customer, and some have limits on how much they will exchange. The fastest way to know what your bank will do is to call the branch directly or ask at the counter. Do not assume all branches of the same bank follow identical rules.
Banks make money on the spread between what they pay for coins and what they charge customers. Exchanging change costs them time and handling, so they have little incentive to do it for free. This is why policies differ so much from one location to another, even within the same bank.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks will exchange bills for coins or coins for bills at the teller window, but policies vary by branch and institution.
- If you have an account at the bank, you are more likely to get change without a fee than if you do not.
- Some banks charge a fee to non-customers or refuse the transaction entirely, so call ahead before you go.
- Credit unions often have more lenient policies on change exchange than large national banks do.
- If your bank refuses, coin-counting machines, grocery stores, and laundromats are faster alternatives than searching for another bank.
What happens when you ask a teller for change
When you walk up to a teller and ask for change, they will usually ask whether you have an account at that bank. If you do, most tellers will exchange bills for coins or vice versa without hesitation, especially if the amount is small—under $20 or $50. The transaction takes less than a minute. If you do not have an account, the teller may refuse, ask for identification, or tell you the branch does not do that transaction.
Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo generally allow change exchange for account holders. Their policies on non-customers vary by branch. Some branches refuse outright. Others will do it but may charge a fee—typically $1 to $5 depending on the amount. Smaller regional banks and credit unions are often more flexible, especially if you live in the community they serve.
The teller will not ask why you need the change. They will simply count out coins or bills and hand them over. If the amount is very large—say, $200 in coins—they may ask you to come back later so they can gather enough coins from the vault. Banks do not keep unlimited coin supplies on hand.
When banks refuse to exchange change
Some banks have explicit policies against exchanging change for non-customers. A few refuse even for customers, though this is rare. Banks that refuse usually cite security concerns (they do not want to handle large amounts of cash from strangers) or operational costs (the teller time is not worth the transaction). Branches in high-crime areas or those with staffing shortages are more likely to refuse.
If a teller tells you no, ask to speak to a manager. Managers sometimes override the teller's refusal, especially for small amounts. If the manager also refuses, move on—pushing further will not change the outcome and may get you asked to leave.
Fees and limits on change exchange
Most banks do not charge account holders a fee for change exchange. However, some banks charge non-customers a fee, and a few charge everyone if the amount exceeds a certain threshold. Chase, for example, has charged non-customers for coin exchange at some branches, though policies have shifted over time. Bank of America generally does not charge for small amounts but may refuse large requests.
There is no industry standard. Call your specific branch and ask: "Do you charge a fee to exchange $X in coins for bills?" This is the only way to know for certain. Do not rely on what you read online about a bank's national policy—branch managers have discretion, and policies change.
Some banks limit the amount you can exchange in a single transaction. A limit of $100 or $200 is common. If you need more, you may need to make multiple trips or ask the teller to order coins in advance.
Credit unions and smaller banks
Credit unions are often more willing to exchange change than large national banks. Because credit unions are member-owned and community-focused, they tend to prioritize member convenience over strict cost-cutting. If you belong to a credit union, ask your branch about their policy—most will exchange change for free, even in larger amounts.
Smaller regional banks and community banks also tend to be more flexible. They rely on customer loyalty and word-of-mouth reputation, so they are more likely to do small favors like change exchange without complaint. If you are shopping for a bank account and change exchange matters to you, this is one reason to consider a local institution over a national chain.
Alternatives if your bank will not help
If your bank refuses or charges too much, you have other options. Coin-counting machines at grocery stores, laundromats, and some retail locations will convert coins to bills or gift cards, though they typically charge a percentage fee—usually 8 to 10 percent. This is more expensive than a bank but faster if you are in a hurry.
Grocery stores with customer service desks will sometimes exchange coins for bills if you make a small purchase. Walmart and Target customer service counters do this occasionally, though it is not a formal policy. Laundromats and arcades need coins constantly, so they may exchange bills for coins if you ask nicely, though they will not give you bills for coins.
If you need coins specifically, ask at a bank teller window even if you do not have an account—many tellers will give you coins for bills without fuss. If you need bills for coins, a grocery store coin-counting machine is your most reliable option, despite the fee.
How to prepare before you go to the bank
Before you visit a branch, call ahead. Ask the main number and request the teller line. Tell them: "I need to exchange [amount] in [coins or bills] for [bills or coins]. I have/do not have an account with you. Do you do that, and is there a fee?" Write down the name of the person who answers and what they said. If the teller at the counter tells you something different, you have a record of what you were told.
Bring your coins or bills in a bag or container. Do not dump loose coins on the counter—tellers will ask you to put them in a wrapper or container. Coin wrappers are free at most banks, but bringing your own saves time. If you are exchanging a large amount, call a day or two in advance so the branch can prepare.
Go during off-peak hours if possible—early morning or mid-afternoon on a weekday. Tellers are more willing to help with non-standard requests when they are not busy. If the line is long, come back another time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a customer to get change at a bank?
No, but you are more likely to get it without a fee if you are. Many banks will exchange change for non-customers, but some charge a fee or refuse. Call your local branch first to ask their policy.
Can I get change at a bank I do not have an account with?
Yes, many banks will do it. However, they are under no obligation to, and some refuse. Your best bet is to ask at a branch near you. Credit unions and smaller banks are more likely to say yes than large national chains.
What if the bank says they do not have enough coins?
Ask if you can come back the next day or if they can order coins for you. Most banks can get coins from their regional Federal Reserve branch within 24 to 48 hours. For very large amounts, calling ahead gives the branch time to prepare.
Will a bank charge me to exchange coins for bills?
Probably not if you have an account there. If you do not have an account, some branches charge $1 to $5 depending on the amount. Call your specific branch to find out their fee, if any.
Is there a limit to how much change I can exchange?
Most banks do not have a formal limit, but some branches may refuse very large amounts or ask you to come back later. Amounts under $100 are rarely a problem. For larger exchanges, call ahead.