Most banks no longer have coin counting machines on the floor
The short answer: fewer banks offer coin counting than they did ten years ago. Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most regional banks have removed coin counters from branches or never installed them. Some credit unions still have them, but availability varies by location and membership status.
Banks stopped offering this service because coin counting is labor-intensive, the machines break down often, and fewer customers use coins. If your bank does have a machine, it is usually in the lobby and free for account holders. Non-members typically cannot use it.
The real options now are: call your specific branch to ask, use a grocery store or retail coin counter (often free or a small percentage fee), or roll your coins yourself and deposit them at the bank's teller window.
Key Takeaways
- Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most national banks have removed coin counters from most or all branches.
- Some credit unions still operate coin machines, but you usually must be a member and the machine may only be available during business hours.
- Grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods often have coin counters that charge 8 to 10 percent of the total or are free with a purchase.
- You can always roll coins yourself in paper sleeves (available free at most banks) and deposit them at the teller window without a fee.
- Calling your branch directly is the fastest way to confirm whether a machine exists there, since availability changes and branches do not always advertise it.
Why banks removed coin counting machines
Coin machines are expensive to buy, maintain, and repair. A single malfunction can take weeks to fix, and the machine sits idle in the meantime. Banks also discovered that fewer customers need them: digital payments and card use have reduced the volume of coins people carry and deposit.
The cost of staffing someone to empty, count, and verify the machine's output also adds up. For a bank processing millions in transactions daily, the coin counter became a low-priority service that took up floor space.
Some banks phased them out gradually; others removed them all at once during branch consolidations or renovations. A few kept them in select high-traffic locations, but even those are becoming rare.
How to learn about your bank has one
Call your branch directly and ask the main line or a teller. Do not rely on the bank's website or app—they rarely list this detail. A five-minute phone call will tell you whether the machine exists, whether it is free for account holders, and what hours it is available.
If your branch does not have one, ask whether you can deposit rolled coins at the teller window instead. Most banks accept coins in paper rolls (the standard sleeves are 25 coins per roll for pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters). Bring your ID and account information.
If you bank with a credit union, call and ask the same question. Credit unions are more likely to have kept coin machines, especially smaller institutions that serve local communities.
Grocery stores and retail coin counters
Coinstar machines are the most common option outside of banks. They are located in grocery stores, Walmart, Target, and some pharmacies. Coinstar charges 11.9 percent of the total value (as of 2024, though this varies by location and machine). So $100 in coins nets you about $88.10.
Some grocery chains—Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods among them—operate their own coin counters. These typically charge 8 to 10 percent or are free if you make a purchase in the store. Call your local store to confirm they have a machine and what the fee is.
A few retailers offer free coin counting as a customer service with no percentage taken. These are rare and usually small, independent grocery stores or credit unions. It is worth asking at your local store before assuming a fee applies.
Rolling coins yourself and depositing at the bank
Paper coin rolls are free at any bank. Ask a teller for the sleeves you need: penny rolls (50 coins), nickel rolls (40 coins), dime rolls (50 coins), and quarter rolls (40 coins). Fill them, seal them, and bring them to the teller window with your account information.
Most banks accept hand-rolled coins without counting them again, though some reserve the right to verify the count. If the teller finds a discrepancy, they will tell you and adjust your deposit. This process takes a few minutes and costs nothing.
This is the slowest option if you have a large volume of coins, but it is free and works at every bank. If you have more than a few dollars in coins, consider doing this in batches over a week or two rather than all at once.
Credit unions and smaller banks
Credit unions are more likely to have coin counters than national banks, especially if they are community-based and have been around for decades. However, availability still varies widely by location and institution. Some credit unions removed theirs; others kept them as a member perk.
If you are a member, call and ask. If you are not a member but have coins to deposit, ask whether you can open an account or whether the credit union allows non-members to use the machine for a fee. A few do; most do not.
Regional and local banks (not national chains) sometimes still have coin machines. Again, a phone call is the only reliable way to know. These institutions often market themselves on personalized service, so they may be more willing to help with coins than a large chain.
What to do if no machine is available
Your options in order of convenience: roll the coins yourself and deposit them at the teller window (free, takes time), use a Coinstar or grocery store counter (costs 8 to 11 percent, takes minutes), or ask a friend or family member with a coin counter to help you.
Some people also donate coins to charity. Many nonprofits accept coin donations, and you can deduct the value on your taxes if you itemize. This is not a payment solution, but it is an option if you have a small amount of coins you do not want to deal with.
If you receive coins regularly (from a business, for example), consider whether it makes sense to deposit them as-is in rolls rather than using a counter. The time saved may be worth more than the fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a bank customer to use their coin counter?
Almost always yes. Banks reserve coin counters for account holders. If you do not have an account, ask whether you can open one or use a grocery store counter instead. Credit unions may have different policies, so call and ask.
What if I have a lot of coins and do not want to roll them?
Coinstar and grocery store counters are your fastest option. Yes, you lose 8 to 11 percent, but if your time is worth more than that percentage, it may be worth the cost. For very large amounts, call a few banks and credit unions first—some may make an exception or offer a better rate.
Can I deposit coins without rolling them at the teller window?
Most banks will accept loose coins at the teller window, but they will count them and may charge a fee if the count is off or if the volume is very large. Ask your teller what their policy is before you bring in a bag of coins.
Are there any banks that still have coin counters in most branches?
No major national bank guarantees coin counters in most locations. Some individual branches may have them, but you have to call to confirm. Credit unions are your best bet, but even then, availability is not may provide.
What if my bank charges a fee to deposit rolled coins?
Most do not, but some banks charge a small fee for large deposits of rolled coins. Ask your teller about the policy before you roll them. If there is a fee, using a Coinstar or grocery store counter might be cheaper depending on the amount.