Most banks will exchange quarters for cash, but not all branches keep them in stock
Yes, you can get quarters from a bank. Walk into any branch of your bank during business hours, tell the teller you want to exchange cash for quarters, and they will usually do it on the spot. You do not need an account at that bank — many will exchange coins for non-customers too, though some branches limit this to account holders. The catch is that not every branch has quarters available at every moment, especially if you need a large quantity.
The process is straightforward: hand over the cash amount you want in quarters, and the teller counts out the coins. If the branch does not have enough quarters on hand, they can order them from their regional Federal Reserve branch, which typically takes one to three business days. Some branches will call you when the quarters arrive; others ask you to check back.
Key Takeaways
- Your own bank's teller will exchange cash for quarters immediately if they have them in stock, and you do not need to be an account holder at most banks.
- If a branch runs out of quarters, they can order them from the Federal Reserve, which usually takes one to three business days.
- Large orders—more than $20 or $30 in quarters—may require advance notice so the branch can have enough on hand.
- Credit unions, grocery stores with customer service desks, and laundromats are faster alternatives if your bank branch is closed or out of stock.
How banks get quarters and why they sometimes run out
Banks order coins from the Federal Reserve, which distributes them to member banks based on demand. Quarters are among the most requested coins because people use them for laundry, parking meters, vending machines, and arcade games. During certain seasons—summer travel, back-to-school, holiday shopping—demand spikes and branches can deplete their stock faster than they reorder.
A teller can check their till and the branch vault in seconds. If they do not have enough, they will ask if you can wait a few days or come back later. Some branches keep a small reserve specifically for customer exchanges, while others order coins only when they run low. The speed of a reorder depends on how busy the Federal Reserve's regional office is and how far your branch is from the distribution center.
What to do if your bank branch does not have quarters
Call ahead before you go. Ask the teller or customer service line whether they have quarters available and how many. If they do not, ask when they expect a shipment. This saves you a trip and lets the branch know demand is coming, which sometimes prompts them to order sooner.
If you need quarters urgently and your bank cannot help, try a credit union in your area—they follow the same Federal Reserve system and often have coins on hand. Grocery stores with customer service desks will sometimes exchange cash for quarters without requiring a purchase, though policies vary by store. Laundromats, arcades, and casinos also exchange bills for coins, though they may charge a small fee or only exchange for their own machines.
Exchanging large amounts of quarters
If you need more than $20 or $30 in quarters, call your branch a day or two in advance. Tellers keep a limited supply in their drawers, and the vault may not hold hundreds of dollars in quarters at once. Giving the branch notice lets them set aside what you need or order extra from the Federal Reserve before you arrive.
Businesses that need quarters regularly—laundromats, arcades, parking garages—often have standing orders with their bank. If you run a business and need a consistent supply, ask your bank about setting up a regular coin order. You may be able to arrange weekly or monthly deliveries of rolled quarters, which saves time and ensures you never run out.
Whether you need an account to get quarters
Most banks will exchange cash for quarters even if you do not have an account there. However, some branches restrict coin exchanges to account holders, especially during busy times or if they have limited stock. Call ahead and ask—it takes 30 seconds and removes doubt.
If you do have an account at the bank, you have a stronger claim on their coin supply. Account holders are prioritized when stock is low, and some branches will even hold quarters aside for regular customers who call in advance. Non-customers may face a longer wait or be turned away if the branch is low on inventory.
Rolled quarters versus loose quarters
Banks can give you quarters loose (counted out and handed over) or rolled in paper sleeves (40 quarters per roll, worth $10). Rolled quarters are faster for large orders because the teller does not have to count individual coins. If you need 100 quarters, asking for 10 rolls is quicker than asking for 100 loose coins.
Rolled quarters come from the Federal Reserve in standard paper wrappers. If you need them rolled and the branch only has loose quarters, they can roll them for you on the spot, though this takes a few extra minutes. Some branches prefer to give you loose quarters and let you roll them yourself at home, especially if you are exchanging a small amount.
What happens if you want to exchange quarters for cash
Banks will also exchange quarters for cash, though the process is the same: bring your coins in, the teller counts them, and you receive bills. If you have a large bag of quarters, call ahead so the teller can set aside time to count them. Some branches have coin-counting machines that speed up the process; others count by hand.
You do not need to roll the quarters before you bring them in, though rolled coins are faster to process. If you have hundreds of dollars in loose quarters, the teller may ask you to come back another time or may count them in batches. Coin exchanges are free—banks do not charge a fee for this service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get quarters from an ATM?
No. ATMs dispense only bills, not coins. You must go inside the branch and speak to a teller to exchange cash for quarters or vice versa.
Do I have to exchange a minimum amount?
No minimum is required by law or standard banking practice. You can exchange $1 for four quarters if you want. However, some branches may decline very small exchanges if they are busy, so it is worth asking first.
What if my bank is closed and I need quarters right now?
Try a grocery store customer service desk, a laundromat, an arcade, or a casino. Many will exchange bills for quarters without requiring a purchase or account. Some charge a small fee, so ask before you hand over your cash.
How long does it take to order quarters from the Federal Reserve?
One to three business days is typical. The exact timeline depends on the branch's location, how busy the regional Federal Reserve office is, and whether the branch places the order immediately or waits until they need more coins.
Can I order quarters online and pick them up at my bank?
Most banks do not offer online ordering for coins. You must call the branch, request the quarters, and pick them up in person once they arrive. Some banks may allow you to order by phone and have them ready for pickup the next business day if they have stock.