Roll coins in paper sleeves that match the coin type and amount, then take them to your bank
Most banks accept rolled coins without a fee if you are an account holder. You buy empty paper coin rolls from a bank, grocery store, or office supply store, fill them with the correct number of coins, and bring them to a teller. The teller counts them, credits your account, and you are done. Some banks will also accept coins loose in a bag or jar, though they may charge a fee or ask you to roll them first.
The process takes about five to ten minutes at the teller window. You do not need an appointment. Bring your account card or ID so the teller can identify you and deposit the coins into the right account.
Key Takeaways
- Paper coin rolls come in standard sizes: pennies (50 coins per roll), nickels (40), dimes (50), and quarters (40).
- You can buy empty rolls at your bank, grocery store, pharmacy, or office supply store for a few dollars per pack.
- Fill each roll completely, fold the paper end closed, and stack them by denomination before you go to the bank.
- Most banks count rolled coins for free if you have an account, but some charge a fee for loose coins or non-account holders.
- If your bank does not accept rolled coins, a coin-counting machine at a grocery store or laundromat can convert them to cash or a gift card.
What coin rolls to buy and where to find them
Paper coin rolls are sold in packs at banks, grocery stores, pharmacies, and office supply stores like Staples or Office Depot. A pack of 25 rolls usually costs between $1 and $3. You can also order them online from Amazon or directly from a bank if you have an account there.
Each roll is sized for a specific coin type and holds a standard amount. A penny roll holds 50 pennies ($0.50), a nickel roll holds 40 nickels ($2.00), a dime roll holds 50 dimes ($5.00), and a quarter roll holds 40 quarters ($10.00). The rolls are color-coded — usually red for pennies, blue for nickels, yellow for dimes, and white or green for quarters — so you can sort them quickly.
If you do not want to buy rolls, some banks will give you empty rolls for free if you ask at the teller window. Call ahead to confirm your bank does this.
How to fill and seal a coin roll
Sort your coins by denomination first. Separate all pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters into piles so you can fill the rolls without stopping.
Take one roll and stand it upright on a flat surface. Drop coins into the open end one at a time until the roll is full. You will feel resistance when you reach the correct number — do not force extra coins in. Once the roll is full, fold the paper end closed. Some rolls have a flap you tuck in; others you simply fold over and the friction holds them shut.
Stack the filled rolls by denomination and type them neatly so the teller can count them quickly. If you have 10 quarter rolls, stack them in a single column. This makes the teller's job faster and shows you have done the work correctly.
Taking rolled coins to your bank
Visit your bank during regular business hours. Bring your rolled coins and your account card or ID. Walk up to the teller window and tell them you want to deposit rolled coins.
The teller will count the rolls to verify the amount, then credit your account. This usually takes five to ten minutes. If all the rolls are filled correctly and sealed, the teller will not need to open them — they will just count the stacks and enter the total into your account.
Ask for a receipt showing the deposit amount. Keep it until you see the deposit appear in your account statement, usually within one business day.
What happens if your bank charges a fee or refuses rolled coins
Most banks accept rolled coins for free if you have an account. However, some banks charge a fee for loose coins or coins from non-account holders. Call your bank ahead of time to ask about their policy.
If your bank refuses rolled coins or charges a high fee, you have other options. Many grocery stores, pharmacies, and laundromats have coin-counting machines that accept loose coins. These machines usually take a percentage of the total (often 8 to 10 percent) but convert your coins to cash or a gift card instantly. Coinstar is the largest chain of these machines and has locations in most grocery stores.
You can also ask a friend or family member with a bank account to deposit the coins for you, though this is less direct. Some credit unions are more flexible with coin deposits than traditional banks, so if you belong to one, ask them first.
Common mistakes when rolling coins
The most common mistake is overfilling a roll. If you force too many coins into a roll, the paper will tear or the coins will not fit when the teller tries to verify the count. Fill each roll until you feel resistance, then stop.
Another mistake is mixing coin types in a single roll. A quarter roll must contain only quarters. If you put dimes in a quarter roll, the teller will have to open it and recount, which wastes time and may result in a fee.
Do not seal a roll so tightly that the teller cannot open it. Fold the end closed gently so it stays shut but can be unfolded easily if needed.
If you have a large amount of coins (more than $50 or so), call your bank ahead of time to let them know you are coming. Some branches ask you to schedule a time so they can have enough staff available to count them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit rolled coins into an ATM?
No. ATMs accept only bills and checks, not coins. You must go to a teller window inside the bank during business hours to deposit rolled coins.
What if I do not have an account at the bank where I want to deposit coins?
Most banks will not accept coin deposits from non-account holders. If you do not have an account, use a coin-counting machine at a grocery store or laundromat, or open an account at the bank first.
Do I have to roll coins, or can I bring them loose?
You can bring loose coins in a bag or jar, but many banks charge a fee (usually $5 to $10) to count them. Rolling them yourself is free and faster, so most people roll them first.
How long does it take for rolled coins to show up in my account?
Rolled coins deposited at a teller window are usually credited to your account the same day or within one business day. Ask the teller for a receipt so you can confirm the deposit in your account statement.
What if one of my rolls is short a few coins?
The teller will count the roll and tell you the actual amount. They will deposit what is there. If you are short by a few coins, ask the teller if you can add them before they finish the transaction.