Yes, you can get pennies from your bank, but the process and limits depend on your account type and the bank's policies
Most banks will exchange paper money for coins, including pennies, if you have an account with them. You walk in, ask the teller, and they hand you the coins in exchange for the equivalent dollar amount in cash or a debit from your account. No fee, no application, no waiting period. But banks do not keep unlimited supplies of coins on hand, and some branches run low during high-demand periods. A few banks charge a fee if you want a large quantity without depositing an equivalent amount first.
The real constraint is not whether you can get pennies—you can—but how many, how fast, and whether you need to be a customer. If you need a small roll (50 pennies, or $0.50), any teller can hand it over in seconds. If you need $50 worth of pennies for a business or a project, you may need to call ahead or visit during a slower time of day.
Key Takeaways
- Banks will exchange cash for coins at face value with no fee if you have an account, but the teller must have coins in stock.
- Small quantities (one or two rolls) are almost always available; large orders may require a phone call ahead to confirm the branch has enough.
- Some banks charge a fee for coin exchanges if the amount is very large and you are not depositing coins in return.
- If you do not have a bank account, credit unions and some retail stores with customer service desks may exchange coins for cash, though policies vary.
- Coin shortages happen during peak seasons (holidays, tax time) and can delay large orders by a few days.
How to order pennies or other coins from your bank
Call your branch directly and ask the customer service desk or a teller how many pennies they have in stock. Give them a specific number—"I need $10 in pennies" is clearer than "I need a lot." Ask when the best time to pick them up is; many branches are less busy mid-morning on a weekday.
If the branch does not have enough pennies on hand, ask when a coin shipment arrives. Most banks receive coins from their regional Federal Reserve branch on a regular schedule—often weekly or twice weekly. The teller can tell you the next delivery date and may be able to set aside coins for you to pick up then.
Bring your account card or ID when you go in. You do not need to make a special trip; you can order coins when you are already at the branch for another reason. The exchange happens at the teller window just like a withdrawal.
Fees and limits on coin exchanges
Most banks do not charge a fee for coin exchanges if you are a customer in good standing. You hand over the equivalent dollar amount in cash, and the teller counts out the coins. The transaction is treated like a cash withdrawal or deposit.
Some banks do charge a fee—usually $5 to $10—if you want a very large quantity (more than $50 or $100 in coins) and you are not depositing coins at the same time. This is less common at large national banks and more common at smaller regional banks or credit unions. Call ahead and ask about the fee policy before you make the trip.
Banks also have practical limits based on what they have in stock. If you need $500 in pennies, the branch may not have that much available and may need to order it from the Federal Reserve, which can take several business days. For routine needs (a few rolls for a project or a cash register), same-day pickup is normal.
What to do if your bank does not have pennies in stock
Ask the teller when the next coin delivery arrives and whether you can pick up your order then. Most branches receive coins within a few days. The teller can note your request in the system and set aside coins for you.
If you need pennies urgently and your bank cannot help, try a credit union where you have an account. Credit unions follow similar policies and often have good coin supplies. Some also participate in shared branching networks, which means you can visit a different branch and still access your account.
Retail stores with customer service desks—grocery stores, pharmacies, big-box retailers—sometimes exchange coins for cash or vice versa, but this is not may provide. Call ahead. Some will do it only if you make a purchase, and some will not do it at all. Banks remain the most reliable source.
Getting coins without a bank account
If you do not have a bank account, your options are narrower. Some credit unions will exchange coins for cash even if you are not a member, but this is rare and depends on the credit union's policy. Call ahead.
Retail stores are your next option. A grocery store or pharmacy with a customer service desk may exchange a small amount of coins for cash, especially if you are a regular customer. Again, call first—policies vary widely and some stores refuse coin exchanges entirely.
Laundromats and arcades sometimes have change machines that convert bills to coins, but they usually charge a fee (often 5 to 10 percent) and may not have pennies specifically. This is expensive if you need a large quantity.
Why banks sometimes run short on pennies
Coin shortages happen when demand spikes faster than the Federal Reserve can ship coins to banks. This occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when cash use dropped and coins sat in registers and homes instead of circulating. It happens again during holiday shopping season and around tax time when businesses need more coins for registers.
During a shortage, banks prioritize customers who are depositing coins over those who are withdrawing them. If you are turning in a jar of mixed coins and also need pennies, the teller can usually accommodate both. If you are only withdrawing coins, you may face a wait or a limit on quantity.
Shortages are temporary. If your branch is out of pennies, check back in a few days or a week. The Federal Reserve continuously ships coins to banks, and supplies normalize quickly once demand drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order pennies online and have them shipped to my house?
No. Banks do not ship coins to customers' homes because of the cost and security risk. You must pick them up in person at a branch. Some banks allow you to order coins through their app or online banking portal, but you still pick them up at the branch on a date you choose.
Do I have to pay a fee if I want $100 in pennies?
Not usually, if you have an account. Most banks exchange coins at face value with no fee. A few banks charge a fee only if the amount is very large (over $500) or if you are not a customer. Call your branch and ask about their specific policy.
What if I need pennies for a business or a vending machine?
Call your branch and explain what you need the coins for. Businesses often need regular coin supplies, and banks can sometimes set up a standing order. For vending machines, ask the machine operator or the company that services it—they may have a supplier relationship with a bank or coin distributor that is faster than going through your personal account.
Can I exchange damaged or old pennies at the bank?
Yes. Banks accept damaged coins and can send them to the Federal Reserve for replacement. If a penny is bent, corroded, or partially illegible, the teller can take it and order new coins in its place. This may take a few extra days because the bank has to verify the damaged coins before the Federal Reserve replaces them.
What if my bank says they do not exchange coins?
This is rare, but some very small banks or online-only banks do not keep coins on hand. If your bank refuses, try a different branch of the same bank, a credit union, or a local bank. You can also ask whether the bank will order coins from the Federal Reserve for you to pick up later, even if they do not normally stock them.