Most banks will give you change, but not all will do it for free or without conditions

You can get change at your own bank with no problem — that is what your account is for. If you walk into a bank where you do not have an account, you may still get change, but the teller can refuse, charge you a fee, or ask you to open an account first. The rules vary by bank and by branch, so calling ahead saves a trip.

Banks are not required by law to exchange cash for customers who do not bank there. Some treat it as a courtesy to the community. Others see it as a transaction that costs them time and money — they have to count the bills, verify they are real, and handle the cash handling risk. A few large banks have policies that allow it; many smaller banks and credit unions do not.

Key Takeaways

  • Your own bank will always exchange cash for change at no cost, whether you need bills broken into smaller denominations or coins.
  • Banks where you do not have an account may refuse to give you change, charge a fee, or require you to make a purchase or open an account.
  • Calling the branch before you go is the fastest way to find out their policy and avoid a wasted trip.
  • Retail stores, laundromats, and gas stations often give change more readily than banks and without requiring an account.
  • If you need coins specifically, coin-counting machines at grocery stores and laundromats are faster than waiting for a teller.

Getting change at your own bank

If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, you can walk up to any teller and ask for change — whether you need a $20 bill broken into smaller bills, a $100 bill exchanged for coins, or any other combination. The teller will count it out and hand it to you. There is no fee, no minimum transaction, and no waiting period. This is a basic service included with your account.

You do not need to make a withdrawal or deposit. You do not need to explain why you need it. The teller may ask if you want it in a specific way — "Do you want five twenties or two fifties and a ten?" — but that is just to make sure they give you what you actually want.

Getting change at a bank where you do not have an account

Banks have no legal obligation to give change to non-customers. Some do it anyway, especially if the branch is in a small town or a neighborhood where they want to build goodwill. Others refuse outright. A few charge a fee — typically $1 to $5 depending on the amount and the bank's policy.

Before you go to a branch, call and ask. Tell them what you need: "I need to break a $50 bill into smaller bills" or "I need to exchange $20 in bills for coins." The person who answers can tell you whether they will do it, whether there is a fee, and whether you need to bring anything else (like an ID). Some branches will do it for a customer of another bank in their network, but not for someone with no account anywhere.

If the bank refuses or charges a fee you do not want to pay, try a retail store instead. Most grocery stores, drugstores, and convenience stores will break a bill or give you coins if you ask the cashier, especially if you are a regular customer or if you buy something small.

When you need coins specifically

If you need coins for laundry, parking, or a vending machine, a bank teller can give them to you, but it is not always the fastest route. Many grocery stores, laundromats, and car washes have coin-counting machines where you can dump in bills or loose change and get coins back — usually for a small fee of 5 to 10 percent, though some are free.

Laundromats often have change machines that take bills and give coins with no fee at all. Gas stations sometimes do too. If you are in a hurry and the bank is not on your way, one of these machines will get you coins faster than waiting in line at a teller window.

What happens if the bank thinks the cash is counterfeit

If you hand a teller a bill that looks damaged, worn, or suspicious, they may refuse to exchange it or may hold it to send to the Federal Reserve for inspection. This is rare with everyday cash, but it can happen if a bill is torn, stained, or marked in an unusual way.

If this happens, the teller will explain why they cannot take it and may offer to exchange it for a different bill if you have one. If the bill is genuinely damaged but real, you can contact the Bureau of Engraving and Printing directly to exchange it — they have a Mutilated Currency Division that handles torn, burned, or otherwise damaged bills. The process takes weeks and requires you to mail the bill in, so it is not a quick fix.

Getting change at credit unions

Credit unions often have stricter policies than banks about giving change to non-members. Many will only exchange cash for their own members. If you belong to a credit union, you can get change there just as you would at a bank. If you do not, call first — some credit unions will do it as a courtesy, but others will not.

If your credit union is part of a shared branching network, you may be able to get change at another credit union in the network even if you do not have an account there. Ask your credit union whether they participate in shared branching and which other branches you can use.

Alternatives when banks are closed

If you need change outside of banking hours, a retail store is your best option. Grocery stores, drugstores, gas stations, and convenience stores are open early, late, and often 24 hours. Most will break a bill or give you coins if you ask, especially if you buy something.

ATMs can also help if you need smaller bills. If you have a $100 bill and need twenties, you can withdraw cash from an ATM and it will usually give you bills in smaller denominations — though you will be limited by your daily withdrawal limit and the ATM's cash supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a bank refuse to give me change if I have an account there?

No. If you have an account at a bank, they must exchange cash for you at no cost. This is a basic service. If a teller refuses, ask to speak to a manager — it is a violation of the bank's own policy.

Will a bank charge me a fee to break a large bill?

Not if you have an account there. If you do not have an account, some banks may charge $1 to $5, but many will do it for free. Call ahead to ask about the fee before you go.

What if I need change but the bank is closed?

Go to a grocery store, gas station, or convenience store and ask the cashier. Most will break a bill or give you coins if you ask, especially if you buy something small. Coin machines at laundromats are also open 24/7.

Can I get change at an ATM?

Yes, if you withdraw cash. ATMs usually dispense smaller bills than what you withdraw, so if you need twenties instead of a hundred, you can use an ATM. You will be limited by your daily withdrawal limit and the ATM's available denominations.

Do I need an ID to get change at my bank?

Not if you are a regular customer and the teller knows you. If you are new to the branch or the teller does not recognize you, they may ask for ID to verify your account. Bring your debit card or ID just in case.