Most banks will take coins, but the method depends on the bank, the amount, and whether you're a customer

Yes, banks accept coins. However, the process is not always as simple as walking in with a jar of change. Some banks will deposit coins directly into your account if you're a customer. Others require you to use a coin-counting machine first, either at the bank or elsewhere. A few banks have stopped accepting coins altogether, especially in large quantities. The fastest and most reliable option depends on which bank you use, how much coin you have, and whether you want to do the work yourself or pay someone else to do it.

The key is to call your branch before you go. Rules vary by location, and what one branch accepts another may refuse. Knowing the specific policy at your branch saves a wasted trip and helps you decide whether rolling coins yourself, using a coin-counting machine, or depositing at the bank makes the most sense for your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks that still accept coins usually require you to be an account holder and may ask you to roll the coins yourself or use their machine.
  • Large deposits of unrolled coins may be refused or charged a fee, even at banks that normally take coins.
  • Coin-counting machines at grocery stores and laundromats charge a percentage fee (typically 8 to 10 percent) but work for anyone and take minutes.
  • Some banks have stopped accepting coins entirely due to coin shortages and staffing costs, so call your branch before you go.
  • Rolled coins in standard paper sleeves are accepted more readily than loose coins and may avoid fees.

What your bank will and won't take

Most national banks — Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank — still accept coins from their own customers. However, the rules vary by branch and by the amount. A small handful of coins mixed into a deposit is usually no problem. A five-gallon bucket of loose pennies is another story. Many branches now require coins to be rolled in standard paper sleeves (the kind you buy at the bank or office supply store) before they'll accept them. Some branches will count and roll coins for you, but this service is becoming less common.

Call your bank's customer service line or visit your local branch before you go. Ask specifically whether they accept loose coins, whether they accept unrolled coins, and whether there's a limit on the amount. The answer may differ between branches of the same bank, so ask about your branch in particular. If you're not a customer, most banks will refuse coins altogether. Getting this information first prevents you from making a trip only to be turned away.

How to prepare coins for deposit

If your bank says yes to coins, ask whether they want them rolled. Standard coin rolls are sold at most banks for a small fee (usually under a dollar for a pack of 50 rolls) and at office supply stores. 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). You can roll them by hand or use a coin roller tool, which costs $5 to $15 and makes the job faster.

If your bank accepts unrolled coins, bring them in a bag or container that's easy to pour. Loose coins in a plastic bag are fine. Do not bring coins in a jar you want back — the bank will not return it. Arrive early in the day if you have a large amount; coin counting takes time, and some tellers will ask you to come back during slower hours. Rolling coins yourself before you go speeds up the process and makes it more likely the bank will accept them without hesitation.

Coin-counting machines and their costs

If your bank won't take coins or you're not a customer, a coin-counting machine is the fastest option. These machines are found in most grocery stores (near customer service), laundromats, arcades, and some pharmacies. You pour your coins in, the machine counts and sorts them, and you get a receipt or cash. The catch is the fee: most machines charge 8 to 10 percent of the total value. On $50 in coins, that's $4 to $5 gone.

Some banks operate their own coin-counting machines and waive the fee for customers. Chase, for example, offers free coin counting at many branches for account holders. Bank of America also provides free coin counting at most locations. Call your bank to ask whether they have a machine and whether it's free for you. If you have a lot of coins, the fee adds up quickly, so it's worth checking this first before you use a third-party machine.

Banks that no longer accept coins

A growing number of banks have stopped accepting coins from customers, at least temporarily. This happened during the 2020 coin shortage, when the U.S. Mint could not produce enough coins to meet demand. Some banks never resumed the service. TD Bank, for instance, stopped accepting coins at most branches and directed customers to coin-counting machines instead. Coinstar machines (the most common brand) are now the default option at many banks.

Before you make a trip, call your branch and confirm they still take coins. If they don't, ask where the nearest coin-counting machine is. Some branches will direct you to a machine in a nearby grocery store or give you a list of options. This information is usually available on the bank's website or through their customer service line, so you can find out without visiting in person.

What to do with large amounts of coins

If you have more than a few dollars in coins, rolling them yourself or using a coin-counting machine is usually faster than asking the bank to do it. A coin-counting machine can process a gallon jug of mixed coins in under five minutes. Rolling coins by hand takes much longer — expect 30 minutes to an hour for $20 to $30 in mixed coins.

If you have a very large amount — say, $200 or more — and your bank won't take it, you have two options. First, use a coin-counting machine and accept the fee. Second, contact a local coin dealer or numismatist; they may buy the coins outright or count them for a flat fee rather than a percentage. Look for "coin dealers" or "rare coins" in your area. This option makes sense only if you have a truly large amount, because the dealer's fee may be higher than a machine's percentage, but it can be worth exploring if the machine fee would be substantial.

Coins that banks may refuse

Banks will refuse coins that are damaged, foreign, or no longer in circulation. Bent, corroded, or heavily worn coins may be rejected. Foreign coins (Canadian, European, etc.) are not accepted at U.S. banks and must be exchanged at a currency exchange or specialty dealer. Coins from discontinued U.S. mints or very old coins may be worth more than face value; if you suspect you have rare coins, have them appraised before you deposit them.

Coin-counting machines will also reject damaged or foreign coins. If a coin gets stuck or rejected, the machine will usually spit it out into a separate slot. Collect these and set them aside. If you have a large number of rejected coins, it may be worth having them examined by a coin dealer to determine whether any have collector value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit coins at an ATM?

No. ATMs do not accept coins. You must go inside the bank during business hours and speak to a teller. Some banks are testing coin-deposit ATMs, but they are not yet widely available at most locations.

Do I have to be a customer to deposit coins at a bank?

Yes, almost all banks require you to have an account with them. If you don't have an account, use a coin-counting machine at a grocery store or laundromat instead. Some currency exchanges will also take coins, though they may charge a fee.

What if the bank charges me a fee to deposit coins?

Most banks do not charge customers a fee to deposit coins, but some do if the amount is very large or the coins are unrolled. Ask your bank about their policy before you go. If they charge a fee, a coin-counting machine may be cheaper, depending on the amount.

Can I exchange coins for bills at the bank?

Yes. If you don't want to deposit the coins into an account, you can ask the teller to exchange them for paper money. This is treated the same as a deposit — you must be a customer, and the same rules about rolled vs. unrolled coins apply.

What should I do with foreign coins?

U.S. banks will not take foreign coins. Currency exchange services, travel agencies, and specialty coin dealers will exchange them, usually for a fee. Some banks with international services may exchange them for customers, so call ahead and ask.