Most banks will exchange paper money for coins, but the rules depend on whether you're a customer

If you have an account at a bank, you can almost always get change at that bank's teller window during business hours. Walk in with a $20 bill and ask for coins, and they'll do it. If you don't have an account, most banks will still exchange money for you, but some have limits or require you to make a purchase first. A few banks refuse non-customers entirely. The fastest way to know what your specific bank does is to call the branch directly and ask.

No law requires banks to change money for non-customers, so each branch sets its own policy. What matters is the specific location you plan to visit, not just the bank's name—two Chase branches a mile apart might have different rules.

Key Takeaways

  • Account holders can get change at their own bank's teller window without restriction during business hours.
  • Non-customers can usually get change at most banks, but some branches limit the amount or require a minimum purchase.
  • Calling ahead is the fastest way to confirm your local branch's policy rather than showing up and being turned away.
  • If a bank refuses, credit unions, grocery stores with customer service desks, and laundromats are reliable alternatives.
  • Some banks charge a fee for non-customers requesting change, though this is uncommon.

What account holders can do

If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, you have the right to change at that bank. You don't need to make a purchase, meet a minimum amount, or explain why you need it. Walk up to any teller, hand them your bill or bills, and tell them what denominations you want. They'll count it out and hand you the coins. This works at any branch of your bank, not just the one where you opened your account.

Some banks process this faster if you use the ATM first to withdraw cash, then ask the teller to break it into coins. Others will do it directly. Either way, there's no charge and no questions asked. The whole transaction takes two to five minutes during normal hours.

What non-customers face at different banks

Banks have no legal obligation to change money for people without accounts. What they actually do varies by branch, by bank, and sometimes by the manager on duty that day. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks will usually change money for non-customers, but they may set limits—some will only change up to $20 or $50 without an account. Others ask that you make a purchase at a store in the same building first (many banks sit inside grocery stores or pharmacies).

Some smaller banks and credit unions have stricter policies and will refuse non-customers outright. A few charge a small fee—usually $1 to $3—for the service. The only way to know what your nearest branch does is to call and ask. When you call, give them the specific address of the branch you plan to visit, because policies can differ between locations even within the same bank.

How to ask for change at a bank where you don't have an account

Call the branch first. Ask for the customer service desk or a teller and say: "I don't have an account with you, but I need to exchange a $20 bill for coins. Do you do that for non-customers?" They'll tell you yes, no, or yes with conditions. If they say yes, ask whether there's a limit on how much you can change and whether you need to do anything else—some branches ask you to show ID.

If they say yes, go during normal business hours (usually 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, shorter hours on Saturday). Walk to the teller window, not the loan desk or investment desk. Hand them your cash and say what you need. If they ask why, you don't have to explain—but "I need coins for laundry" or "I need quarters for parking" is fine if you want to say it.

When a bank says no

If your bank refuses or has limits you can't work with, credit unions are usually more flexible. You don't need to be a member—most will change money for anyone, and they rarely set limits. Call ahead the same way you would with a bank. Credit unions often have looser policies than large commercial banks because they operate as member-owned cooperatives rather than for-profit institutions.

Grocery stores with customer service desks (Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, Trader Joe's, and most regional chains) will change bills for coins if you ask politely. Some require a small purchase; others don't. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens will do it too, usually without a purchase. Laundromats, arcades, and casinos also have change machines or attendants who can break bills. If you need quarters specifically, a laundromat is often the fastest option.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring the cash you want to change. You don't need your ID unless the teller asks, but having it ready speeds things up. The whole transaction takes two to five minutes. If the branch is busy, you may wait longer, so go during off-peak hours if you can—mid-morning on a Tuesday is usually quieter than Friday afternoon.

Be prepared for the teller to ask what denominations you want. If you say "I need quarters," they'll give you quarters. If you say "I need coins," they may ask which kind or just give you a mix. If you're particular about what you get, specify: "I need ten dollars in quarters and five dollars in dimes." Most tellers will accommodate specific requests without hesitation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get change at a bank ATM instead of talking to a teller?

No. ATMs only dispense bills, not coins. You have to go inside and ask a teller. Some banks have coin-counting machines in the lobby that you can use if you bring a bag of loose coins, but those machines don't give you change—they count what you already have.

Do I need to be a customer to use a bank's coin-counting machine?

Policies vary. Some banks let anyone use the machine; others restrict it to account holders. Call your branch and ask. If they say yes, bring your loose coins in a bag or container and follow the machine's instructions.

What if I need a lot of change—like $100 in quarters?

Call ahead and tell the branch how much you need and what denominations. Large requests sometimes require the teller to order coins from the vault or from another branch, which can take a day or two. Account holders usually get priority, but non-customers can often still do it if they ask in advance.

Will a bank charge me a fee for getting change?

Account holders are never charged. Non-customers are rarely charged, but a few banks do charge $1 to $3 for the service. This is uncommon enough that you should ask when you call. If they say yes, you can decide whether it's worth it or whether to try a credit union or grocery store instead.

Can I get change at a bank on the weekend or after hours?

Only during the hours the branch is open. Most banks are open Saturday morning but closed Sunday. Some branches stay open until 6 or 7 p.m. on weekdays. Check your branch's hours online or call to confirm before you go.