A piggy bank is a container you fill with coins and bills to save money outside a bank account
A piggy bank works by the simplest method possible: you put money in, it stays there until you decide to take it out. Unlike a bank account, there is no interest, no fees, and no record kept by anyone but you. It is physical cash in a physical place, which makes it useful for saving small amounts, teaching children about money, or keeping emergency cash separate from your regular accounts.
You can buy a finished piggy bank at any store that sells toys, home goods, or novelty items. But making one yourself takes about 15 minutes, costs almost nothing, and gives you a container sized exactly to what you want to save. This guide covers how to build one from materials you likely have at home.
Key Takeaways
- A homemade piggy bank can be made from a jar, plastic bottle, or cardboard box with a coin slot cut into the top.
- The simplest version uses a mason jar with a slot in the lid, which you can cut with a rotary tool or hacksaw in under five minutes.
- Plastic bottles are easier to cut than glass and work well for smaller savings goals, though they are less durable over time.
- Decorating your piggy bank with paint, stickers, or markers makes it more appealing and helps you stay motivated to save.
- You will need to break or cut open the bank to retrieve your money, so plan for a permanent or temporary design depending on how often you want access.
Making a piggy bank from a mason jar
A mason jar is the most durable option and requires only one cut. Place the jar on a flat surface and mark a line across the lid where you want the slot to be—typically a straight line about 2 inches long, centered on the lid. A coin slot should be wide enough for a quarter (about 1 inch) but not so wide that bills fall through easily.
Use a rotary tool with a cutting wheel, a hacksaw, or a metal file to cut the slot. If you use a rotary tool, wear safety glasses and work slowly to avoid cracking the lid. A hacksaw takes longer but gives you more control. Once the slot is cut, smooth any sharp edges with a file or sandpaper. Screw the lid back onto the jar, and you have a bank that will hold coins and small bills for years.
To empty the jar, unscrew the lid and pour the money out, or use a butter knife to pry the lid off if it is stuck. If you want the bank to be permanent, you can glue the lid on with epoxy or super glue after the first time you fill it.
Making a piggy bank from a plastic bottle
A plastic bottle—soda bottle, water bottle, or laundry detergent bottle—is faster to modify than glass and safer if you are working with children. Rinse the bottle thoroughly and let it dry. Mark a slot on the side or top of the bottle with a marker, making it about 1 to 1.5 inches long.
Use a utility knife or box cutter to cut the slot. Plastic is softer than glass, so the cut will be easier, but be careful not to slip and cut your hand. Make several shallow passes rather than trying to cut through in one motion. Once the slot is open, smooth the edges by running sandpaper or a file along the cut.
Plastic bottles are lighter and easier to decorate, but they will crack or become brittle after a year or two, especially if exposed to sunlight. To empty the bottle, cut a larger opening at the bottom or side, or cut the bottle in half and tape it back together with duct tape that you can remove later.
Making a piggy bank from a cardboard box or paper container
A small cardboard box, oatmeal container, or paper towel tube can become a piggy bank with just a knife and tape. Cut a slot in the top or side of the box using a utility knife. For a box, make the slot about 2 inches long. For a tube, cut a vertical slot along the length.
Tape the box closed with packing tape or duct tape to keep the money inside. To empty it, cut open one side or the bottom, remove the money, and tape it shut again. Cardboard is the least durable option—it will soften if it gets wet and will eventually wear out—but it is the quickest to make and costs nothing if you use a box you already have.
Decorating your piggy bank
Once the basic bank is built, decorating it makes saving more rewarding and helps you remember what you are saving for. Paint the outside with acrylic paint, which dries quickly and sticks to glass, plastic, and cardboard. Let the paint dry completely before using the bank, or the paint may chip off when you handle it.
Stickers, markers, and washi tape are faster alternatives to paint and work on any surface. You can write the savings goal directly on the bank—"Emergency fund," "Vacation," "New shoes"—so you stay motivated. If you are making a bank for a child, let them decorate it themselves; the personal touch makes them more likely to use it.
For a glass jar, you can also fill the space between two jars with decorative items like beads, dried flowers, or colored sand before sealing them together, though this makes the bank harder to open.
Choosing between a permanent and temporary design
Decide before you build whether you want to open the bank once (permanent) or many times (temporary). A permanent bank—one you glue shut—works well if you are saving for a specific goal and do not want to be tempted to take money out. You break it open or cut it open when you reach your goal.
A temporary design with a removable lid or a section you can tape and retape lets you check your progress and add or remove money as needed. This works better for ongoing savings or if you want to use the same container for multiple savings goals over time.
If you choose temporary, reinforce the opening with duct tape or packing tape so it does not wear out from repeated opening. If you choose permanent, use epoxy or super glue on the lid or seam, and plan to destroy the bank to get the money out.
Keeping your piggy bank safe and accessible
Store your piggy bank in a place where you see it regularly—on a shelf, desk, or nightstand—so you remember to add money to it. If you are saving cash for an emergency, keep the bank somewhere secure but not so hidden that you forget about it. A closet shelf or under a bed works well.
Do not keep large amounts of cash in a piggy bank if you live in a shared space or an area with high theft. A piggy bank is best for small amounts—coins, dollar bills, and loose change—that you do not need immediate access to. For larger savings, a bank account offers protection and interest.
If you are using the piggy bank to teach a child about saving, place it where they can see it and reach it easily. Let them decorate it and decide what they are saving for. The visibility and ownership make the saving habit stick.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for a homemade piggy bank?
Mason jars are the most durable and last for years with proper care. Plastic bottles are easier to cut but become brittle over time. Cardboard is the quickest to make but will not last more than a few months. Choose based on how long you plan to use the bank and how often you want to open it.
Can I make a piggy bank that opens and closes multiple times?
Yes. Use a jar with a removable lid, or cut a section of the bank and seal it with duct tape or packing tape that you can remove and reapply. Reinforce the edges with tape each time you open it to prevent wear.
How do I get the money out without breaking the bank?
If you built it with a removable lid or section, simply open it. If you sealed it permanently, you will need to cut or break it open. Use a hacksaw for glass, a utility knife for plastic, or scissors for cardboard. Plan for this before you seal the bank.
Is a homemade piggy bank safe for storing cash?
A piggy bank is safe for small amounts of cash in a secure location, but it offers no protection against theft or damage. Do not store large sums or money you need quick access to in a piggy bank. A bank account is better for serious savings.
Can I use a piggy bank for something other than coins?
Yes. You can save dollar bills, gift cards, or small items like jewelry or buttons. Make the slot large enough for what you want to store. If you are storing bills, cut the slot at least 1.5 inches wide.