Most banks will exchange quarters for cash, but not all locations keep them in stock
Yes, you can get quarters from a bank, but the process depends on which bank you use, whether you have an account there, and how many quarters you need. Most banks will exchange paper money for coins at the teller window during business hours, though some branches run low on quarters during high-demand periods and may ask you to come back later or order them ahead. If you don't have an account at the bank, policies vary—some will still exchange currency with you, others will only serve account holders.
The easiest path is to visit your own bank during regular hours and ask a teller to exchange bills for quarters. Bring the exact amount of cash you want converted, since tellers will exchange it one-to-one. If your branch doesn't have enough quarters on hand, they can usually order them from their regional processing center and have them ready within one to three business days.
Key Takeaways
- Your own bank's teller window is the most reliable place to get quarters, and most branches will exchange cash for coins at no charge.
- Banks sometimes run short on quarters during peak seasons (summer, holidays) and may need a day or two to restock or order more.
- If you need a large quantity—say, $100 or more in quarters—call ahead to confirm the branch has that much available.
- Credit unions, which many people overlook, often have coins available and may exchange them even if you're not a member.
- Grocery stores with customer service desks and laundromats can also provide quarters without requiring a bank account.
How to exchange cash for quarters at your bank
Walk into your bank during business hours and go to the teller line. Tell the teller you want to exchange cash for quarters. Hand over the bills—$5, $10, $20, whatever amount you need—and the teller will count out the equivalent in quarters and hand them to you. The exchange is one-to-one; you get exactly what your dollars are worth in coin form. This takes about five minutes.
If the teller says the branch is low on quarters, ask when they expect the next coin shipment. Most banks receive coins from their Federal Reserve branch or regional processing center on a regular schedule, often weekly. If you're in a hurry, ask if another nearby branch has quarters available, or if the teller can call ahead to confirm stock before you travel there.
When banks run out of quarters and what to do
Quarters are in high demand during summer (when people use laundromats and parking meters more) and around holidays. A busy branch can deplete its quarter supply in a single day. If your bank is out, you have three options: wait for the next shipment, order quarters ahead, or go elsewhere.
To order quarters, call your branch and ask the manager or head teller to set aside a specific amount for you. Provide your name and phone number, and ask when they'll arrive. Most banks can order $50 to $200 in quarters within one to three business days. When they call you back, go in during business hours to pick them up. Some banks may ask you to come in person to verify your identity before releasing a large order.
Getting quarters without a bank account
If you don't have an account at a particular bank, policies differ. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo will often exchange coins for non-account holders, though some branches may decline. Smaller regional banks and credit unions are more likely to help anyone who walks in. Your best bet is to call ahead and ask: "I don't have an account with you, but can I exchange cash for quarters?"
Credit unions are worth trying even if you're not a member. Many credit unions have looser policies about coin exchange and will help non-members. If you belong to a credit union, that's often faster and friendlier than a commercial bank.
Alternatives when the bank is closed or out of stock
Grocery stores with customer service desks will often exchange cash for quarters, especially if you're a regular customer. Walmart, Target, and other big retailers with service counters do the same. You don't need an account or membership; just ask at the desk. The exchange is free, and they usually have quarters available because they handle so much cash.
Laundromats themselves are another option. The attendant or change machine operator can exchange bills for quarters on the spot. Some laundromats have change machines that take bills and dispense coins automatically. Arcades, parking garages, and car washes also keep quarters on hand and will exchange cash for them.
If you need quarters urgently and it's after hours, a 24-hour laundromat with a change machine is your fastest option. Bring a $5 or $10 bill and feed it into the machine; it will dispense quarters immediately.
Ordering large quantities of quarters in advance
If you need $500 or more in quarters—for a business, a vending machine, or a large event—call your bank's main branch or business services line and speak to a manager. Explain how many quarters you need and when you need them. Banks can order large quantities from the Federal Reserve, but this takes longer than a standard coin shipment, usually five to ten business days.
You may be asked to provide a reason for the large order, especially if you're not a business customer. Be straightforward: "I'm stocking a laundromat" or "I'm running a fundraiser" works fine. Some banks charge a small fee for large coin orders, though many waive it for account holders. Ask about fees upfront.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring cash in any denomination—ones, fives, tens, twenties. The teller will exchange it for quarters at face value. You don't need to bring your ID or account card for a small exchange, though having your debit card or account number handy speeds things up if you're an account holder. For large orders, the bank may ask for ID to verify your identity.
Expect to receive quarters in paper rolls (40 quarters per roll, worth $10) or loose in a bag or coin wrapper, depending on the bank's preference and how many you're getting. If you need them rolled, ask the teller; most will do this for free, though it takes a few extra minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a customer to get quarters from a bank?
No, but policies vary by bank and branch. Large national banks often exchange coins for anyone, while smaller banks may serve account holders only. Call ahead to ask. Credit unions are usually more flexible about helping non-members.
Will the bank charge me a fee to exchange cash for quarters?
No. Standard coin exchange at the teller window is free for account holders and usually free for non-account holders too. Large orders (hundreds of dollars) may carry a small fee, but the bank will tell you upfront.
How long does it take to get quarters if the bank doesn't have them?
One to three business days for a standard order. Larger quantities ordered through business services may take five to ten business days. Call your branch to ask when the next coin shipment arrives, or request they set aside quarters for you.
Can I get quarters from an ATM?
No. ATMs dispense only paper bills. You must go to a teller window inside the bank during business hours to exchange cash for coins.
What if I need quarters right now and the bank is closed?
Go to a grocery store customer service desk, a 24-hour laundromat with a change machine, or a retail store like Walmart or Target. All will exchange cash for quarters without requiring an account or membership.