Yes, most banks accept loose change from account holders, but policies vary widely and some charge fees

Most banks will take loose coins from customers who have an account, but whether they charge a fee, how much change they accept, and whether coins need to be rolled depends entirely on your bank and branch. Some count coins for free. Others charge a percentage fee — typically 5 to 10 percent — or will not take loose change at all. A few banks have coin-counting machines that customers can use at no charge. The fastest way to find out what your bank does is to call the branch directly and ask about their coin policy before you bring in a bag of pennies.

If you do not have an account at the bank, most will turn you away. Banks are not required to accept loose change from non-customers, and most do not because it takes staff time with no account benefit to the bank. A few will count coins for a fee even if you are not a customer, but this is rare.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks that offer free coin counting usually limit it to account holders and may require the coins to be rolled or in a bag.
  • Some banks charge a percentage fee (5 to 10 percent of the total) to count and deposit loose coins.
  • Credit unions often have more lenient coin policies than large banks and may count coins for members at no charge.
  • Coin-counting machines at grocery stores and laundromats charge a fee but work faster than a bank teller if you need cash when ready.
  • Calling your bank before you go saves you a trip — policies vary widely even between branches of the same bank.

What happens when you bring loose change to your bank

If your bank accepts loose coins, a teller will count them by hand or run them through a counting machine. The coins are then deposited into your account or exchanged for bills. The whole process can take 10 to 20 minutes depending on the amount and how busy the branch is. Some banks ask you to put coins in a bag or wrapper first to speed things up; others will count them loose.

Some branches have self-service coin-counting machines that you can use yourself without waiting for a teller. These machines are faster — usually 5 to 10 minutes — and you get a receipt that you can take to the teller to deposit. Not all branches have these machines, so ask when you call.

Banks that count coins for free versus those that charge

Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have different policies at different branches. Some branches offer free coin counting for account holders; others charge a fee or do not count loose coins at all. Call your specific branch to ask, because the policy can differ even between branches of the same bank in the same city.

When a bank does charge, the fee is usually a percentage of the total — often 5 to 10 percent. So if you bring in $20 in loose change, you might pay $1 to $2 to deposit it. Some banks have a flat fee instead, such as $1 per bag regardless of the amount. A few banks have stopped accepting loose coins altogether because the labor cost is too high.

Coin-counting machines at stores and laundromats

Coinstar machines are the most common option outside a bank. They are located in grocery stores, laundromats, and some retail shops. You pour your coins into the machine, it counts them, and you get a receipt. You can exchange the receipt for cash at the customer service desk, or you can choose to get an Amazon gift card or a donation to charity instead — these options usually have no fee, while cash has a fee of about 11 percent.

The advantage is speed and convenience — you do not need a bank account and the machine works 24/7 if it is in a store that is open late. The disadvantage is the fee, which adds up if you have a lot of coins. For small amounts of change, a coin machine might be worth it. For large amounts, a bank is cheaper even if they charge a fee.

Rolling coins yourself before you go to the bank

Some banks prefer coins to be rolled in paper wrappers before you bring them in. Coin rolls are sold at banks, office supply stores, and online — they cost very little, usually less than a dollar for a pack. A penny roll holds 50 coins, a nickel roll holds 40, a dime roll holds 50, and a quarter roll holds 40.

Rolling coins yourself takes time but shows the bank you are organized and makes their job easier. Some banks will waive the fee or count faster if coins are already rolled. Others do not care either way. If you have a large amount of change, rolling it first can actually save you money by making the bank more willing to count it for free or without a long wait.

Credit unions and smaller banks

Credit unions tend to be more flexible about loose change than large national banks. Many credit unions count coins for members at no charge, even in large quantities. If you are a member of a credit union, call and ask about their policy before you go. Some credit unions have coin-counting machines that members can use for free.

Smaller regional banks also vary, but many are more willing to count coins without a fee because they value customer relationships more than large banks do. If you have been with the bank for years, the teller may count your coins as a courtesy even if it is not official policy. It never hurts to ask politely.

What to do if your bank charges a fee or refuses

If your bank charges a high fee or will not count loose coins, you have other options. A Coinstar machine at a grocery store is the fastest alternative, though it costs money. You can also ask friends or family if they want the coins — many people collect them. Some charities accept coin donations and will pick them up if you have a large amount.

Another option is to spend the coins gradually at stores instead of depositing them. This takes longer but costs nothing. Some people keep a jar of coins and use them for vending machines, laundry, or parking meters. If you have a lot of coins and no good way to deposit them, spending them over time is free and painless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a customer to bring loose change to a bank?

Almost always yes. Banks count coins for account holders as a service, but they do not count coins for non-customers because it costs them staff time with no benefit. A few banks will count coins for a fee even if you are not a customer, but this is uncommon. Call ahead to ask.

Will the bank count coins that are dirty or damaged?

Most banks will count coins in any condition as long as they are real U.S. currency. Coins do not have to be clean or shiny. If a coin is so worn that the bank cannot read the date or denomination, they may set it aside, but this is rare. Damaged coins are still legal tender.

How much loose change can I bring to the bank at once?

There is no legal limit, but banks may set their own limits. Some banks will count any amount for free; others may ask you to come back if you have more than a few dollars in coins. Call your branch to ask about their limit before you bring in a large bag.

Is it faster to use a Coinstar machine or go to the bank?

A Coinstar machine is usually faster — it takes 5 to 10 minutes. A bank teller can take 10 to 20 minutes or longer if the branch is busy. However, Coinstar charges about 11 percent if you want cash, while a bank may charge nothing or a smaller fee. For speed, use a machine. For cost, use a bank.

Can I deposit coins without going to the bank in person?

No. You must bring coins to a physical bank branch or use a Coinstar machine or similar service. Banks do not accept coins by mail, and you cannot deposit them through an ATM or mobile app. Some banks have coin-counting machines at the branch that you can use yourself, which is faster than waiting for a teller.