Most banks no longer have coin machines for customers
The short answer: your own bank probably does not have a coin machine you can use. Most major banks removed their coin-counting machines between 2010 and 2020 to cut costs. Even banks that still own machines often restrict them to account holders only, charge fees, or limit how much you can deposit at once.
If your bank does have a machine, it is usually behind the teller counter and available only during business hours. You cannot walk in with a bag of coins and expect to use it without an account or without asking a teller first. Some regional banks and credit unions kept their machines, but the trend across the industry has been toward removal, not expansion.
Key Takeaways
- Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank removed most or all of their coin machines years ago and do not offer coin counting to non-account holders.
- Credit unions are more likely to have coin machines than national banks, but availability varies by location and membership status.
- Grocery stores with customer service desks (Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods) often count coins for free if you shop there, or charge a small percentage fee if you do not.
- Coinstar machines in retail locations charge 10 to 12 percent of the total value, but they are available 24/7 and do not require an account or membership.
- Your local bank branch may hand-count coins at the teller window for free if you have an account, but call ahead to confirm they offer this service.
What the major national banks offer now
Chase removed coin-counting machines from most branches by 2015. A few locations may still have one, but the bank does not advertise it and does not may provide availability. If you have a Chase account, call your branch directly to ask whether they will hand-count coins at the teller window—some will, some will not.
Bank of America phased out coin machines entirely. The bank will not count coins for you, even if you are an account holder. Your only option is to roll the coins yourself or use a third-party service.
Wells Fargo removed coin machines from its branches. Like Bank of America, the bank does not offer coin counting as a service.
Citibank does not have coin machines and does not count coins for customers. Some Citibank branches may direct you to a nearby Coinstar or grocery store.
US Bank varies by location. Some branches still have machines or will hand-count coins for account holders, but you must call ahead. Do not assume your branch has one.
Credit unions and regional banks that may have machines
Credit unions are your best bet for finding a coin machine. Many smaller credit unions kept their machines because their membership is smaller and the machines are less of a burden to maintain. However, availability depends entirely on your specific credit union and your location.
Call your credit union's main branch and ask directly: "Do you have a coin-counting machine, and can I use it?" If you are not a member, ask whether they will count coins for non-members (most will not). Some credit unions charge a small fee—usually 3 to 5 percent—even for members.
Regional banks like PNC, Fifth Third, and Regions Bank have kept coin machines at some locations, but not all. Again, call your branch first. Do not drive there expecting to use one.
Grocery stores and retail locations with free or low-cost coin counting
Many grocery stores will count your coins for free at the customer service desk if you shop there regularly or make a purchase. Kroger, Safeway, Whole Foods, and some Walmart locations offer this service. The process is simple: bring your coins to the customer service desk during business hours, and a staff member will count them and give you cash or a receipt.
If you do not shop at the store, some locations will still count coins for a small fee—usually 5 to 10 percent of the total. Call the customer service desk at your nearest grocery store and ask their policy before you go.
This option is often faster and cheaper than Coinstar, and you do not need an account or membership. The downside is that it only works during store hours, and not every location offers it.
Coinstar machines: 24/7 but with a cost
Coinstar machines are the most widely available option. You can find them in grocery stores, pharmacies, Walmart, Target, and other retail locations. They operate 24/7, so you can use them anytime the store is open.
The catch: Coinstar charges 10 to 12 percent of the total value of your coins. If you have $100 in coins, you will receive $88 to $90 in cash or a gift card. The fee is deducted automatically, and you cannot negotiate it.
To find a Coinstar machine near you, visit the Coinstar website and enter your zip code. The map will show every machine in your area, along with the store location and hours. Some machines offer the option to convert coins to a gift card (Amazon, iTunes, or store-specific cards) instead of cash, which may have a lower fee or no fee at all—check the machine's screen when you arrive.
Hand-counting coins at your bank's teller window
If you have an account at a bank or credit union, your best free option is to ask a teller to hand-count your coins. This takes longer than a machine—a teller may spend 10 to 15 minutes counting a large bag—but it costs nothing and is accurate.
The catch: not every teller will do it, and not every branch offers it. Some banks have policies against hand-counting because it slows down the line. Call your branch ahead of time and ask: "Will a teller hand-count coins for account holders?" If the answer is yes, ask what time is best to come in (usually mid-morning or mid-afternoon, when the branch is less busy).
Bring your coins in a bag or container, not loose in your pockets. Arrive during business hours, and be prepared to wait. Some branches may ask you to roll the coins yourself first, which defeats the purpose—if that is their policy, use Coinstar or a grocery store instead.
Rolling coins yourself as a last resort
If you cannot find a machine or a willing teller, you can roll coins yourself using coin wrappers (also called coin sleeves). These are paper tubes sold at banks, office supply stores, and online. A penny wrapper holds 50 cents, a nickel wrapper holds $2, a dime wrapper holds $5, and a quarter wrapper holds $10.
Once your coins are rolled and wrapped, most banks will accept them as a deposit without counting them again. Some banks require you to be an account holder; others will accept rolled coins from anyone. Call ahead to confirm your bank's policy.
This option takes time—rolling $100 in coins can take 30 minutes or more—but it is free and works at almost any bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a bank's coin machine if I do not have an account there?
No. Banks that still have coin machines restrict them to account holders only. If you do not have an account, use Coinstar, a grocery store, or ask your own bank whether they will hand-count coins for you.
Does my bank charge a fee to count coins?
Most banks do not charge a fee if you have an account and a teller hand-counts your coins. However, some credit unions charge 3 to 5 percent. Call your bank or credit union directly to ask about their policy before you bring in coins.
What is the cheapest way to convert coins to cash?
Hand-counting at your bank (free) or a grocery store (free if you shop there) are the cheapest options. Coinstar charges 10 to 12 percent. Rolling coins yourself is free but takes time.
Can I deposit rolled coins directly into my bank account?
Yes, if the coins are properly wrapped in standard coin wrappers. Most banks accept rolled coins as a deposit without opening the wrappers. Confirm your bank's policy first, as some branches may require you to unwrap them for counting.
Where is the nearest Coinstar machine to me?
Visit coinstar.com and enter your zip code to see all machines in your area, including store locations and hours. Most Coinstar machines are in grocery stores, pharmacies, and big-box retailers.