Most major banks no longer have coin machines for customers
If you're looking for a coin machine at a bank, you'll likely find that most large chains have removed them in the past decade. Banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank stopped offering coin-counting services to the public, partly because the machines were expensive to maintain and partly because fewer people use coins. Some regional and community banks still have them, but availability varies widely by location and branch.
Your best option depends on where you live and what you need to do with the coins. If you want to deposit coins into your own account, many banks will still accept them at the teller window during business hours—no machine required. If you want to convert coins to cash or deposit them without going to a teller, you'll need to find a bank or credit union that still operates a coin machine, or use an alternative service.
Key Takeaways
- Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most national banks removed their coin machines years ago, though some branches may still have them—call ahead to confirm.
- Credit unions are more likely to have coin machines than banks, and many offer them free to members.
- Coinstar machines at grocery stores and retailers charge a percentage fee (typically 10 to 12 percent) but are widely available.
- Most banks will accept coins at the teller window during business hours for free if you have an account with them.
- Some banks charge a fee to count coins even for account holders, so ask about your bank's policy before you bring in a large amount.
Where to find a working coin machine
Credit unions are your strongest bet. Many credit unions still maintain coin machines for members at no charge. Call your credit union's main branch or check their website to confirm they have one before you visit. If you don't belong to a credit union, some will let you join based on where you work, where you live, or your membership in certain organizations—it's worth asking.
A few regional banks and community banks still operate coin machines, but this varies by institution and location. Call your bank directly and ask whether the specific branch you plan to visit has a coin machine. Don't assume all branches of the same bank have one; some locations may have removed theirs while others kept them.
Coinstar machines are the most widely available option. You'll find them in grocery stores, pharmacies, and some retail locations. They count your coins and dispense cash or a voucher on the spot. The trade-off is a fee: Coinstar typically charges between 10 and 12 percent of the total value. If you have $100 in coins, you'll receive roughly $88 to $90. Some Coinstar machines offer a no-fee option if you choose a gift card instead of cash.
Using your bank's teller window instead
If your bank no longer has a coin machine but you have an account there, you can still deposit coins directly with a teller. Bring your coins in any container—a bag, jar, or roll—and ask to deposit them into your account. The teller will count them (or run them through a machine behind the counter) and credit your account. This service is free for account holders at most banks.
Some banks do charge a fee for coin deposits, especially if the amount is large or if you're not a regular customer. Call your bank ahead of time and ask about their coin deposit policy. If they charge a fee, you'll want to know the amount before you bring in a large quantity of coins.
Teller deposits work best if you have a small to moderate amount of coins and you're comfortable going into the branch during business hours. If you need to convert coins to cash without depositing them into an account, or if you need service outside of business hours, a Coinstar machine or credit union coin machine is your better option.
Rolled coins and bank deposits
Some people roll their coins in paper sleeves before taking them to the bank. Banks have no obligation to accept pre-rolled coins, and many won't—they prefer to count coins themselves to verify the amount. If you do roll your coins, ask the bank first whether they'll accept them rolled. If they won't, you'll need to unroll them before you go in.
If you're depositing a very large amount of coins, call ahead and let the bank know. Some branches may ask you to schedule an appointment or bring the coins in at a specific time so they can process them without disrupting the regular teller line. This is especially true if you have several hundred dollars in coins.
Alternatives if your bank won't help
Beyond Coinstar, some laundromats and arcades have change machines, though these typically only dispense bills or tokens, not the reverse. A few local businesses—pawn shops, coin dealers, and some convenience stores—will exchange coins for cash, though they may charge a fee or offer a rate slightly below face value.
If you're looking to sell coins that have collector value (rare dates, mint marks, or special editions), a local coin dealer or numismatic shop is the right place. They'll pay based on the coin's rarity and condition, not just its face value. For everyday circulating coins, this option doesn't make sense unless you have a very large quantity.
What to do before you go
Call your bank or credit union first. Ask whether they have a coin machine, whether it's free to use, and whether you need to be a member or account holder. If they don't have a machine, ask if they'll accept coins at the teller window and whether there's a fee. Get the branch address and hours while you're at it.
If you're using Coinstar, check their website or app to find the nearest machine and confirm it's still in operation. Locations change, and some machines are removed or relocated without notice. You can also see the fee percentage before you go in.
Sort your coins before you leave home if you're depositing at a bank teller. Separate pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters into different containers or bags. This makes the teller's job faster and may reduce the chance of a fee for large deposits. If you're using a Coinstar machine, sorting isn't necessary—the machine handles mixed coins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Chase have coin machines?
Chase removed coin machines from most branches years ago. Some older branches may still have them, but it's not may provide. Call your local Chase branch to ask, or visit in person and inquire at the teller window. If they don't have a machine, they'll accept coins at the teller window for free if you have an account.
Do I have to be a customer to use a bank's coin machine?
Most banks and credit unions require you to be a member or account holder to use their coin machine. Some credit unions allow non-members to join based on employment or location, which may be worth exploring if you need regular coin services. Coinstar machines are open to anyone and don't require membership.
How much does Coinstar charge?
Coinstar typically charges between 10 and 12 percent of the total coin value. The exact percentage varies by location. Some machines offer a no-fee option if you choose a gift card to a participating retailer instead of cash. Check the machine's display before you insert coins to see the fee for that specific location.
Can I deposit coins without rolling them?
Yes. Most banks prefer unrolled coins because they count them themselves to verify the amount. Bring your coins in a bag or container, and the teller will count them at the window or run them through a machine. Ask your bank first if they have a preference.
What if I have a very large amount of coins?
Call your bank ahead of time and let them know. They may ask you to schedule an appointment or bring the coins in at a specific time. Some banks have limits on how much loose change they'll accept in one transaction, so it's better to ask before you show up with several hundred dollars in coins.