Most banks will give you change without an account, but policies vary by branch and amount
You can walk into almost any bank and ask for change — coins or small bills exchanged for larger ones. Many will do it for free, especially if you're a customer. Banks that don't know you may still help, but some have limits on how much they'll exchange, and a few charge a fee or turn you away entirely. The best approach is to call ahead and ask the specific branch, because policy depends on the bank, the location, and how busy they are that day.
The reason banks vary is that change-making costs them money in staff time, and they're not required by law to do it for non-customers. A teller spending five minutes sorting coins for a stranger is five minutes not spent on account holders. Larger exchanges — say, $100 in dimes — take longer and are more likely to be refused or charged for.
Key Takeaways
- Banks you use will almost always give you change for free, even if you're just a customer with a checking account and no other relationship with them.
- Banks where you have no account may refuse, charge a fee, or set a limit on how much change they'll give you in a single transaction.
- Calling the branch before you go saves a trip — staff can tell you their policy on the spot.
- Credit unions, grocery stores, and retail chains often exchange change more readily than banks and without requiring an account.
What to expect at your own bank
If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, you can almost always get change at any branch of that bank for free. Tellers are trained to do this as a routine service. You don't need an appointment, and you don't need to be there during a specific time — just walk in during business hours with the bills or coins you want to exchange.
Some banks have a limit on how much change they'll give you without advance notice. A few may ask you to come back the next day if you need a very large amount — say, $500 in quarters — because they have to order it from their regional processing center. But for everyday amounts (under $100), you should have no trouble.
Getting change at a bank where you don't have an account
This is where policies split. Some large banks, especially in cities, will exchange change for non-customers as a courtesy. Others have a strict policy: account holders only. A few will do it but charge a fee — typically $1 to $5 depending on the amount.
Before you go, call the branch and ask directly. Say something like: "I need to exchange $50 in bills for quarters. I don't have an account with you — do you do that, and is there a fee?" The teller or manager can give you a yes or no in 30 seconds. If they say no, you've saved yourself a trip.
If you do go in and they refuse, don't argue — just thank them and move on. Retail alternatives are usually faster anyway.
Easier places to get change without an account
Grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers like Target or Walmart will exchange change for you if you make a small purchase. You don't need to spend much — a pack of gum or a bottle of water counts. The cashier will ring it up, and you can ask them to break a larger bill or exchange bills for coins at the same time. This is faster than a bank and requires no phone call.
Credit unions are another option. Many credit unions are more flexible than banks about serving non-members, especially if you live or work in their service area. Call ahead the same way you would with a bank.
Laundromats, arcades, and casinos also exchange change, though they may charge a small fee or only exchange in one direction (bills to coins, not the reverse).
What to bring and how to ask
Bring the bills or coins you want to exchange in a clear container or envelope so the teller can see what you have. Don't dump loose change on the counter — put it in a bag or cup first. If you're exchanging a large amount of coins, let them know in advance when you call, because they may need to weigh it or count it in a back room.
Be straightforward: "I'd like to exchange these five $20 bills for quarters, please" or "Can I trade these coins for bills?" Tellers do this all day and won't judge you. If they say they can't, ask if there's a fee or if you need to be a customer. If the answer is still no, leave politely and try a retail store instead.
Situations where banks may refuse
Banks are most likely to turn you away if you're asking for a very large exchange (more than $500), if you're not a customer and the branch is busy, or if you're asking them to exchange coins that appear to be from a business (like a cash register). Some branches have had problems with people bringing in damaged or counterfeit coins, so they're cautious.
If a bank refuses, it's not personal — they're protecting themselves and their other customers. Move to a retail option, which has fewer restrictions and faster service anyway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a customer to get change at a bank?
No, but it helps. Banks will almost always serve their own customers for free. Non-customers may be refused, charged a fee, or limited in how much they can exchange. Calling ahead takes the guesswork out.
Will a bank charge me to exchange bills for coins?
Not if you're a customer — it's a free service. Non-customers may face a fee at some banks, though many don't charge. Retail stores almost never charge if you make a small purchase at the same time.
What if I need to exchange a large amount of coins?
Call your bank first and let them know. They may ask you to come back the next day or bring it in a bag so they can weigh it. Retail stores are usually faster for large coin exchanges because they have coin counters.
Can I get change at a bank ATM?
No. ATMs only dispense bills in preset amounts, and they don't take coins. You have to go inside and talk to a teller.
What's the fastest way to get change if I'm in a hurry?
A grocery store or pharmacy. Make a small purchase, ask the cashier to break a bill or exchange coins at the register, and you're done in two minutes. No phone call needed, and no account required.