PNC Bank coin counters are available at most branches, but not all locations stock them
Most PNC Bank branches have coin-counting machines on the lobby floor that you can use for free. These machines accept pennies, nickels, dimes, quarters, and sometimes dollar coins. You feed coins into the hopper, the machine counts them, and it prints a receipt showing the total. You then take that receipt to a teller, who exchanges it for cash or deposits it into your account.
However, not every PNC branch has a coin counter. Smaller branches, newer locations, or branches undergoing renovation may not have one installed. The only way to know whether your specific branch has a machine is to call ahead or visit in person.
If your branch does not have a coin counter, you have other options: you can ask a teller to count your coins by hand (this may take time during busy hours), use a coin counter at a different PNC location, or take your coins to a grocery store or pharmacy that offers coin-counting services.
Key Takeaways
- Most PNC branches have free coin-counting machines in the lobby that accept all standard U.S. coins.
- Not all PNC locations have a coin counter, so calling your branch before you visit saves a trip.
- If your branch lacks a coin counter, you can ask a teller to count coins by hand, though this may involve a wait.
- Grocery stores, pharmacies, and laundromats often have coin counters available to the public, sometimes for a small fee.
How to use a PNC coin counter
Walk into the lobby during business hours and locate the coin-counting machine. It is usually near the teller line or in a visible spot near the entrance. The machine has a large hopper (a funnel-shaped opening) at the top where you pour your coins.
Dump your coins into the hopper. The machine sorts them by denomination and counts them automatically. Once all coins have been processed, the machine prints a receipt with the total amount. Take the receipt to a teller and tell them whether you want the amount added to your account or paid out in cash. The teller will complete the transaction.
The entire process usually takes five to ten minutes, depending on how many coins you have and how busy the branch is. There is no charge for using the machine if you are a PNC customer.
What to do if your branch does not have a coin counter
Call your branch directly and ask whether they have a coin-counting machine. The phone number is on your debit card, on PNC's website, or in your online banking portal. If they do not have one, ask whether a teller can count your coins manually. Some branches will do this at no charge, though it may take longer during peak hours.
If manual counting is not an option, find the nearest PNC branch that does have a coin counter. You can search for branches on PNC's website or use their mobile app to see which locations have coin counters listed in their services.
Alternatively, many grocery stores (including Giant Eagle, Kroger, and Walmart) have coin-counting machines in their customer service areas. Some charge a small percentage of the total (usually 8 to 10 percent), while others offer free counting if you spend money in the store. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens sometimes have coin counters as well. Laundromats always have change machines, though these typically only break bills into coins rather than count loose coins.
Coin counter availability by branch size
Larger PNC branches in urban areas and shopping centers are more likely to have coin counters than smaller branches in rural areas or inside office buildings. PNC has over 2,200 branches nationwide, and the company has been installing coin counters at most locations, but the rollout is not complete.
New PNC branches opened in the last five years are more likely to have coin counters than older branches. If your branch is very small or recently opened, it may not have one yet. Branches that have undergone recent renovation often add coin counters as part of the upgrade.
Preparing your coins before you go
You do not need to sort your coins before using a PNC coin counter. The machine does that automatically. However, coins should be reasonably clean and not stuck together. If you have coins that are heavily corroded, extremely dirty, or damaged, the machine may reject them or count them incorrectly.
Remove any foreign objects from your coin pile—paper clips, rubber bands, or non-coin items can jam the machine. If you have a very large amount of coins (more than a few pounds), consider bringing them in a bag or container rather than loose in your pockets.
Using coin counters at other banks
If you do not have a PNC account or prefer not to visit a PNC branch, other banks also offer coin-counting services. Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase have coin counters at many locations, though availability varies by branch. Some banks charge a fee for non-customers, while others charge a percentage of the total.
Credit unions often have coin counters available to members at no charge. If you belong to a credit union, call ahead to confirm they have a machine and whether non-members can use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a charge to use the coin counter at PNC?
No, PNC customers can use the coin counter for free at any branch that has one. Non-customers may be charged a fee or asked to open an account. Call your branch to ask about their policy for non-account holders.
Can I use the coin counter if I do not have a PNC account?
Most PNC branches allow non-customers to use the coin counter, but some may charge a small fee or percentage. Call the branch first to confirm their policy. If they do not allow it, a grocery store or pharmacy coin counter is usually your best option.
What if the coin counter jams or breaks during my transaction?
Stop using the machine immediately and tell a teller. They can either restart the machine or count your coins by hand. If coins are stuck inside, the teller will retrieve them for you.
How long does it take to count coins at a PNC branch?
Using the machine usually takes five to ten minutes. If you ask a teller to count by hand, it may take 15 to 30 minutes depending on the volume and how busy the branch is. Call ahead during off-peak hours (mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays) for the shortest wait.
Can I deposit coins directly into my account without getting cash first?
Yes. After the coin counter prints a receipt, you can give it to a teller and ask them to deposit the amount directly into your checking or savings account instead of paying it out in cash.