Yes, you can deposit coins, but your bank may charge a fee or require you to use a coin counter
Most banks accept coin deposits into your account, but the process and any costs depend on your bank and how many coins you have. Some banks count coins for free at the teller window. Others require you to use a coin-counting machine (sometimes free, sometimes not), roll the coins yourself in paper sleeves, or take them to a separate location. A few banks have stopped accepting loose coins altogether, so your first step is to call your branch and ask what their current policy is.
The reason banks treat coins differently from bills is volume and handling time. Counting and sorting coins takes staff time, and loose coins take up space in the vault. That friction is why some banks now charge a fee—usually between 5 and 10 cents per dollar of coin value—or push customers toward coin-counting machines instead.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank branch before you go; coin deposit policies vary widely and some banks have changed their rules in recent years.
- If your bank charges a fee for coin deposits, the fee is typically 5 to 10 cents per dollar of coins you deposit.
- Some banks offer free coin-counting machines in the lobby; others require you to roll coins in paper sleeves or take them to a separate location.
- If your bank no longer accepts coins, credit unions, Coinstar machines, and grocery store customer service desks are alternatives.
What happens when you bring coins to the teller window
If your bank still accepts loose coins at the teller window, the teller will either count them by hand or direct you to a coin-counting machine. Hand counting is slower but free at most banks. The teller will verify the amount, deduct any fee if your bank charges one, and credit the remainder to your account immediately or within one business day.
Bring your coins in a bag or container that is easy to pour out—not a heavy jar that is difficult to handle. If you have a large amount (more than a few hundred dollars in coins), call ahead and ask if the branch prefers you to come at a specific time when staff can handle the deposit without disrupting the line.
Coin-counting machines: free, paid, and what to expect
Many banks now have coin-counting machines in the lobby. These machines are usually free to use if you are a customer of that bank, though some charge a small fee. You pour your coins into the machine, it counts them, and it prints a receipt or deposits the amount directly into your account. The whole process takes a few minutes.
If your bank does not have a machine, you can also use Coinstar machines at grocery stores and pharmacies. Coinstar charges a fee—typically 10 to 12 cents per dollar—but gives you cash or a gift card code on the spot. If you want the money to go into your bank account, you will need to deposit the cash separately.
Rolling coins yourself in paper sleeves
Some banks ask customers to roll coins in paper sleeves before depositing them. You can buy coin-rolling sleeves at most banks for a small cost, or sometimes free. The standard amounts are 50 pennies, 40 nickels, 25 dimes, and 10 quarters per sleeve.
Rolling coins by hand is time-consuming but costs nothing if you have the sleeves. If your bank requires this method, ask whether they will accept unrolled coins if you pay the fee instead—many will, and it may be worth it depending on how many coins you have.
Banks that no longer accept coins
A small number of banks have stopped accepting coin deposits entirely, citing the cost and logistics of handling them. If your bank is one of them, you have several options: switch to a bank that does accept coins, use a credit union (which often have more flexible coin policies), or convert your coins to cash or a gift card at a Coinstar machine or grocery store customer service desk before depositing the money.
Ask your bank directly whether they accept coins before you make a trip. If they do not, they should be able to tell you which nearby branches or partner institutions do.
Fees and what they cost you
If your bank charges a fee for coin deposits, it is usually calculated as a percentage of the total coin value. A 10-cent-per-dollar fee means you lose $1 on every $10 in coins you deposit. On $100 in coins, that is $10. The fee may be waived if you are a premium account holder or if you deposit coins regularly as part of your business.
Ask your bank whether the fee applies to all customers or only some, and whether there is a way to avoid it—for example, by rolling the coins yourself or using a coin-counting machine instead of the teller window.
Depositing coins from a business or cash register
If you collect coins regularly—from a cash register, laundromat, or vending machine—ask your bank about business deposit options. Some banks have separate procedures for high-volume coin deposits and may waive fees for business customers. You may also be able to arrange a pickup or use a night deposit box.
If you run a small business and coin deposits are frequent, a bank that specializes in business accounts may offer better terms than a consumer branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my bank deposit coins the same day I bring them in?
Most banks credit coin deposits to your account within one business day, though some do it immediately. Ask your teller when you deposit the coins. If you need the money urgently, ask whether they can process it faster or whether you should convert the coins to cash at a Coinstar machine instead.
What if I have a lot of coins—like $500 or more?
Call your branch ahead of time and let them know. They may ask you to come at a slower time of day, or they may direct you to a specific location or process for large deposits. Some banks have a limit on how many coins one person can deposit at once.
Can I deposit coins at an ATM?
No. ATMs accept only bills and checks, not coins. You must go to a teller window, use a coin-counting machine, or convert the coins to cash elsewhere first.
What if my bank charges a fee but I do not want to pay it?
Roll the coins yourself in paper sleeves if your bank accepts them, or use a free coin-counting machine if your bank has one. If neither option works, convert the coins to cash at a Coinstar machine or grocery store and deposit the cash instead.
Do credit unions accept coin deposits?
Most credit unions do accept coins and often have more flexible policies than banks. If your bank no longer accepts coins, switching to a credit union or opening an account at one may be worth it if you have regular coin deposits.