Yes, you can deposit change into your bank account, but the process depends on your bank and how much you have
Most banks accept coin deposits from their own customers, but they do not treat coins the same way they treat bills or checks. Some banks will count and deposit coins directly at a teller window during business hours. Others require you to use a coin-counting machine first, or they may charge a fee if the coins are not rolled in standard paper wrappers. A few banks have stopped accepting loose coins altogether and only take pre-rolled coins or direct you to a coin-counting service.
The fastest way to find out what your bank accepts is to call the branch where you hold your account or ask at the teller window. Do not assume all branches of the same bank follow the same rule — policies can vary by location. If your bank does not accept coins, you have other options: coin-counting machines at grocery stores or laundromats, or a separate coin-counting service.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks accept coin deposits from account holders at the teller window, but some charge a fee or require coins to be rolled first.
- Loose coins may take longer to process than other deposits because tellers or machines must count and sort them.
- If your bank does not accept coins, grocery stores, laundromats, and dedicated coin-counting services are alternatives, though they typically charge a percentage fee.
- Rolled coins (in standard paper sleeves) are usually accepted faster and with fewer restrictions than loose change.
- Call your branch directly to confirm their coin deposit policy before you bring in a large amount of change.
How banks handle coin deposits at the teller window
When you bring coins to a teller, they will either count them by hand, run them through a counting machine, or ask you to use a self-service coin counter in the lobby. The teller then deposits the amount into your account and gives you a receipt. This process is free at most banks for account holders, though some charge a small fee (usually a few dollars) if the amount is large or if the coins are not rolled.
Coin deposits can take longer to post to your account than other deposits. While a check or cash deposit may show up the same day or next business day, coins sometimes take an extra day or two because the bank has to sort, count, and verify them. If you need the money quickly, ask the teller how long the deposit will take before you hand over the coins.
When banks require rolled coins or charge fees
Some banks only accept coins that are already rolled in standard paper sleeves — the kind you can buy at most banks or office supply stores. Quarters go in one roll (40 coins, $10), dimes in another (50 coins, $5), nickels (40 coins, $2), and pennies (50 coins, $0.50). If your bank requires rolled coins, they will not accept loose change, even from account holders.
Other banks accept loose coins but charge a fee if the amount exceeds a certain threshold — often $50 or $100. The fee is usually a flat amount (like $2 to $5) or a small percentage of the total. Ask your teller what the threshold is before you bring in a large bag of change. If the fee seems high, you might save money by using a coin-counting machine elsewhere.
Banks that no longer accept coin deposits
A small number of banks have stopped accepting coin deposits from customers altogether, citing the time and cost of processing. If your bank is one of them, you will need to find another way to deposit your change. Some banks will direct you to a coin-counting machine in a nearby grocery store or laundromat, or they may suggest you exchange the coins for bills at a customer service desk (though this is not a deposit into your account).
If you bank at a large national chain, check their website or call your branch to see if they accept coins. If they do not, you have several alternatives listed below.
Coin-counting machines at grocery stores and laundromats
Grocery stores, laundromats, and some retail locations have self-service coin-counting machines. You pour your coins into the machine, it counts them, and it prints out a receipt or voucher. You can then take that voucher to a cashier and exchange it for cash or a store credit. Some machines also allow you to deposit the counted amount directly into a bank account, though this is less common.
The trade-off is the fee. Most coin-counting machines charge between 8% and 12% of the total value — so if you have $100 in coins, you might receive $88 to $92 in return. This fee is worth it if your bank charges a high fee or refuses coins entirely, but if your bank accepts coins for free, depositing directly is cheaper.
Dedicated coin-counting services and banks
Some communities have dedicated coin-counting services or banks that specialize in handling large amounts of change. These are less common than they used to be, but they still exist in some areas. A quick search for "coin counting near me" or "coin exchange near me" will show what is available in your location. Fees vary, but they are often lower than grocery store machines if you are exchanging a large amount.
Credit unions sometimes have different policies than traditional banks and may be more willing to accept coins. If you are a credit union member, ask whether they accept coin deposits and what their fee structure is.
What to do if you have a very large amount of change
If you have accumulated hundreds of dollars in coins, depositing it all at once may trigger extra scrutiny or reporting requirements. Banks are required to report cash deposits over $10,000 to the federal government (this is standard and not a sign of wrongdoing). If your coin deposit is close to that amount, the bank will file a Currency Transaction Report, which is routine.
For very large amounts, consider spreading the deposit across multiple visits or multiple accounts if you have them. You can also ask the bank whether they prefer you to pre-roll the coins or bring them loose. Some banks will accept a large coin deposit if you give them advance notice so they can arrange for a coin-counting service to handle it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my bank charge me to deposit coins?
Most banks do not charge account holders to deposit coins at the teller window, but some charge a fee if the amount is large (usually over $50 or $100) or if the coins are not pre-rolled. Call your branch to ask about their specific policy and fee threshold before you bring in change.
Can I deposit coins at an ATM?
No. ATMs do not accept coins. You must deposit coins at a teller window during business hours or use a coin-counting machine at a grocery store or laundromat.
How long does it take for a coin deposit to show up in my account?
Coin deposits usually post within one to three business days, though some banks process them the same day. Coins take longer than other deposits because they must be counted and verified. Ask the teller for an estimate when you make the deposit.
What if I do not have an account at the bank where I want to deposit coins?
Banks only accept coin deposits from their own account holders. If you do not have an account, use a coin-counting machine at a grocery store or laundromat, or exchange the coins for bills at a retail store.
Do I need to roll my coins before I deposit them?
It depends on your bank. Some banks require pre-rolled coins, others accept loose coins for free, and some charge a fee for loose coins. Ask your teller what your bank prefers. If they require rolled coins, you can buy empty coin rolls at most banks or office supply stores.