Most banks will exchange coins and bills for you, but the rules depend on whether you have an account there

If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, that bank will almost always exchange coins and bills for you at no charge. Walk in during business hours, bring your coins or bills to a teller, and ask for the exchange. You do not need an appointment. The teller will count what you have and give you back the same value in the denominations you request.

If you do not have an account at the bank, the answer is less certain. Some banks will still exchange coins and bills for non-customers, but many have stopped this practice or limit it. A few banks charge a fee for non-account holders. Your best move is to call the specific branch ahead of time and ask whether they exchange for non-customers and whether there is a fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Account holders can exchange coins and bills at their bank for free during regular business hours without an appointment.
  • Non-account holders should call the branch first, because policies vary widely — some banks refuse to exchange, others charge a fee, and some still do it free.
  • Bring your coins in a bag or container; do not dump loose coins on the counter.
  • Large exchanges (more than a few hundred dollars in coins) may take longer or require you to come back later while the teller counts.
  • Credit unions often have the same exchange policy as banks and may be more willing to help non-members.

What happens when you walk in with coins or bills

Go to any teller window and tell them you want to exchange coins or bills. If you have coins, bring them in a bag, jar, or container — do not pour them loose onto the counter. The teller will either count them by hand or use a coin-counting machine. Hand-counting takes longer but is more accurate. Machine-counting is faster but occasionally jams or miscounts.

Once the teller has counted your coins or bills, they will ask what denominations you want back. You can ask for all ones, all fives, a mix, or rolled coins. The teller will give you the exact value you brought in. The whole process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes for a typical exchange, longer if you have several hundred dollars in coins.

Banks that charge fees for non-account holders

A growing number of large banks now charge non-customers a fee to exchange coins. Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have all introduced or expanded these fees in recent years. The fee is usually between $5 and $10 for a single exchange, though some branches waive it for small amounts. Other banks, including many regional and community banks, still exchange for free even if you do not have an account.

Before you go to a bank as a non-customer, call the branch directly and ask about their policy. Do not rely on the bank's website, because policies can differ between branches. Ask specifically: "Do you exchange coins for non-customers?" and "Is there a fee?" Write down the name of the person you spoke to and the date, in case you need to reference it later.

Credit unions and other places that exchange coins

Credit unions often have more flexible policies than banks. If you belong to a credit union, you can exchange coins there just as you would at a bank. Some credit unions will also exchange for non-members, though you should call ahead to confirm. The process is identical to a bank exchange.

Grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers sometimes have coin-exchange machines in the lobby. These machines take your coins and give you a receipt that you can cash at the register. The machines usually charge a fee of 5 to 10 percent of the total value. This is more expensive than a bank exchange but faster if you are already at the store.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring your coins in a container — a bag, jar, bucket, or even a plastic cup works. If your coins are very dirty or sticky, rinse them gently and let them dry before you go. Banks will refuse coins that are damaged, counterfeit, or so dirty that the machine cannot read them. Coins from other countries cannot be exchanged at a U.S. bank.

For bills, just bring them as they are. Torn or damaged bills can usually be exchanged, but if more than half the bill is missing, the bank may refuse it. If you have a large amount of bills or coins — say, more than $500 in coins — call ahead and ask whether the branch can handle it that day or whether you should come back when they have more staff.

Timing and what to expect on busy days

The best time to exchange coins is mid-morning on a weekday, when the bank is less busy. Avoid lunch hours and late afternoons, when tellers are handling customer transactions and may not have time for a long coin count. If you come in on a Friday or Saturday, expect a longer wait.

If you have a very large amount of coins — several hundred dollars or more — the teller may ask you to leave them and come back the next day. This is normal. The teller will count them after hours or during a slower time and hold the exchanged bills for you. Ask for a receipt or confirmation number so you can pick up your money later.

When a bank will refuse to exchange

A bank can refuse to exchange coins or bills if you do not have an account and they have a policy against it. They can also refuse if the coins are damaged, foreign, or counterfeit. If a teller suspects counterfeit bills, they may keep them and report the matter to the Secret Service, though this is rare.

Some banks refuse exchanges during certain hours or on certain days due to staffing. If you are turned away, ask whether another branch in your area has a different policy, or ask whether you can come back at a different time. If you have an account at the bank, they cannot refuse you — it is part of the service they provide to account holders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a customer to exchange coins at a bank?

No, but policies vary. Account holders can always exchange. Non-account holders should call the branch first. Some banks refuse non-customers, others charge a fee, and some still do it free. A quick phone call saves you a trip.

What if the bank charges a fee and I do not want to pay it?

Try a different bank, a credit union, or a grocery store coin machine. If you have an account at a bank that charges non-customers, you can exchange for free as an account holder. Some community banks and smaller regional banks still exchange for free even for non-customers.

Can I exchange damaged or foreign coins?

U.S. banks will not exchange foreign coins. Damaged U.S. coins may be refused if they are too worn or broken. If your coins are just dirty, rinse and dry them first. Coins that are bent, cracked, or missing pieces will likely be refused.

How long does a coin exchange take?

A typical exchange of $50 to $100 in coins takes 5 to 15 minutes. Larger amounts take longer. If you have several hundred dollars in coins, the teller may ask you to leave them and return the next day while they count after hours.

Can I exchange coins at an ATM?

No. ATMs only dispense bills and accept bills and cards. You must go inside the bank and speak to a teller to exchange coins. Some banks have coin-counting machines in the lobby that non-customers can use, but these are becoming less common.