Yes, you can deposit coins at most banks, but the process and limits vary by institution
Most banks accept coin deposits from their account holders, but they do not treat coins the same way they treat bills or checks. Some banks will count and deposit coins directly into your account at no charge. Others require you to use a coin-counting machine (sometimes free, sometimes paid), roll the coins yourself in paper wrappers, or take them to a separate location. A few banks have stopped accepting loose coins altogether and only take rolled coins or coins in original bank packaging.
The rules depend on your bank, the amount of coins you are depositing, and whether you are a customer in good standing. Before you show up with a bag of change, call your branch or check your bank's website to confirm what they will accept and whether there are any fees or limits.
Key Takeaways
- Most banks accept coin deposits from account holders, but the method varies—some take loose coins, others require rolls or wrappers, and a few do not take coins at all.
- If your bank has a coin-counting machine, you can usually use it for free as a customer, though some banks charge a small percentage fee.
- Rolling coins yourself in paper sleeves (available free at most banks) is often the fastest way to deposit if your bank accepts rolled coins.
- If your bank will not accept coins, credit unions, grocery store customer service desks, and laundromats with change machines are alternatives.
How banks handle loose coins versus rolled coins
Banks distinguish between loose coins and rolled coins because loose coins take longer to process. A teller has to count them by hand or feed them into a machine, which ties up staff time. Rolled coins in standard paper sleeves move faster through the system because the bank can verify the count without opening them.
If your bank accepts loose coins, bring them in a bag or container (not loose in your pockets). The teller will either count them at the counter, run them through a machine, or ask you to use the bank's coin-counting machine yourself. If your bank prefers rolled coins, ask for free coin wrappers at the teller window. Standard rolls hold $0.50 for pennies, $2.00 for nickels, $5.00 for dimes, and $10.00 for quarters. Roll them, seal them, and bring them in during business hours.
Coin-counting machines and fees
Many banks have coin-counting machines in the lobby or at the teller area. If you are an account holder, you can usually use it for free. The machine counts the coins, prints a receipt, and you take that receipt to the teller to deposit the amount into your account. Some machines dispense cash instead of a receipt, which you then deposit or keep.
A small number of banks charge a fee for coin counting—typically 5 to 10 percent of the total. This fee is more common at banks that do not have their own machines and send coins out to a third-party processor. Before you count a large amount of coins, ask the teller whether there is a fee. If there is, you may want to explore other options.
Banks that no longer accept coins
During the COVID-19 pandemic, some large banks temporarily stopped accepting coin deposits to reduce contact and speed up transactions. A few never resumed. Chase, for example, stopped accepting coin deposits at most branches and now directs customers to Coinstar machines or other alternatives. Bank of America and Wells Fargo still accept coins at most branches, but policies vary by location.
If your bank is one that has stopped accepting coins, call ahead to confirm. Do not assume the policy is the same at every branch—some locations may still accept coins while others do not. If your bank will not take them, you have other options.
What to do if your bank will not accept coins
If your bank has stopped accepting coin deposits, a credit union is often the next best option. Most credit unions still accept coins from members and have fewer restrictions than large banks. If you do not have a credit union account, you can open one—many credit unions have low or no minimum balance requirements and accept new members based on where you live or work.
Grocery stores with customer service desks often have coin-counting machines available to customers, sometimes for free and sometimes for a small fee. Coinstar machines are located in grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retail locations nationwide. Coinstar charges a percentage fee (usually 10 to 12 percent) to count and convert coins to cash or a gift card, but the cash or card can then be deposited or used immediately. Laundromats and arcades with change machines are another option if you need cash quickly, though the exchange rate may not be exact.
Limits on coin deposits
Banks do not typically set a hard limit on how much coin you can deposit in a single transaction, but they may flag unusually large amounts for review. If you are depositing more than $10,000 in any form (including coins), the bank is required by federal law to file a Currency Transaction Report. This is routine and does not mean anything is wrong—it is a standard reporting requirement.
If you are depositing coins regularly as part of a business (a laundromat, arcade, or vending operation, for example), tell your bank upfront. They may ask you to use a coin-counting service or bring coins in rolled form to speed up processing. Some businesses use armored car services or third-party coin processors to handle large volumes of coins, which the bank then credits to the business account.
How to prepare coins for deposit
Before you go to the bank, sort your coins by denomination if possible. This is not always required, but it makes the process faster. If you are rolling coins yourself, use the standard paper sleeves your bank provides. Fill each sleeve to the marked line, fold the end, and stack them neatly. Write your account number on a deposit slip or envelope if your bank asks for it.
If you are using the bank's coin-counting machine, simply pour the coins into the hopper and let the machine do the work. If you are bringing loose coins to a teller, put them in a bag or container so they do not spill. Arrive during normal business hours—most banks do not accept coin deposits at the ATM or through drive-through windows, and after-hours deposits are not an option for coins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit coins at an ATM?
No. ATMs do not accept coins. You must go inside the bank during business hours and either use the lobby coin-counting machine (if available) or hand the coins to a teller. Some banks have coin-counting machines in the lobby that are accessible 24/7, but you still need to take the receipt or cash to a teller during business hours to complete the deposit.
Do I have to roll coins before depositing them?
It depends on your bank. Some banks accept loose coins and will count them for you. Others prefer or require rolled coins to speed up processing. Call your branch or check your bank's website to find out their policy. If they accept loose coins, rolling them is optional but can make the process faster.
What if I have a lot of coins—like several hundred dollars?
Call your bank ahead of time and let them know you are coming with a large coin deposit. They may ask you to roll the coins, use a coin-counting service, or bring them at a specific time so a teller can process them without disrupting the branch. If the amount is very large, ask whether they recommend a third-party coin processor.
Can I deposit coins if I do not have an account at that bank?
No. Banks only accept coin deposits from account holders. If you do not have a bank account, use a Coinstar machine, grocery store coin counter, or credit union (which may let you open an account on the spot). Some credit unions have lower barriers to membership than banks do.
Will the bank charge me a fee to count my coins?
Most banks do not charge account holders a fee to use their coin-counting machines or to have a teller count coins. However, some banks charge a small percentage (5 to 10 percent) if they send coins to an outside processor. Ask the teller before you deposit. If there is a fee, Coinstar or a credit union may be a better option.