Yes, you can still order pennies from most banks, but the process and availability depend on your bank and account type

Banks still distribute pennies, but they do not keep large quantities on hand the way they did twenty years ago. Most banks will order pennies for you if you have an account with them, though some charge a fee for orders under a certain amount, and a few have stopped handling penny orders altogether. The order typically arrives within three to five business days, and you usually need to request it in person or by phone rather than online.

The reason pennies are harder to find now is simple: fewer people use them. Businesses round transactions, people leave pennies in jars, and the U.S. Mint produces far fewer pennies than it once did. This means banks have to special-order them from their Federal Reserve branch, which takes time and costs money to transport.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks will order pennies for account holders, but you need to call or visit in person to request them.
  • Some banks charge a fee for penny orders, especially if you want a small quantity, so ask about the cost before you order.
  • Pennies typically arrive within three to five business days because banks order them from the Federal Reserve.
  • A few banks have stopped ordering pennies entirely, so confirm your bank still offers this service before making a trip.

How to order pennies from your bank

Call your bank's customer service line or visit a branch in person and tell them you want to order pennies. Have your account number ready. Ask how many pennies you can order at once—most banks will let you order a full box (5,000 pennies, or $50) or smaller quantities. Confirm whether there is a fee and when the order will arrive.

Some banks require you to order at least $25 or $50 worth of pennies to avoid a handling charge. Others charge a flat fee of $5 to $10 for any penny order. A few large banks like Chase and Bank of America still order pennies for free if you have a checking or savings account, but policies vary by branch and region, so ask your specific bank.

When the pennies arrive, you will pick them up at your branch. They come in a sealed box or wrapped roll. If you need pennies urgently and your bank cannot order them fast enough, some coin dealers and laundromats sell penny rolls, though usually at a markup.

Banks that have stopped ordering pennies

A small number of banks have decided not to order pennies anymore because the cost of handling them exceeds the value. This is more common at smaller regional banks and credit unions than at national chains. Before you make a trip to your bank, call ahead and confirm they still order pennies.

If your bank will not order pennies, you have other options. Credit unions often order coins for members even if they are not your primary bank. Coin dealers in your area will sell penny rolls, usually for face value plus a small fee. Some laundromats and arcades sell penny rolls to customers. The U.S. Mint does not sell pennies directly to the public, only to banks and authorized distributors.

Why banks charge fees for pennies

Banks charge for penny orders because the cost to order, transport, and handle them exceeds their value. A box of 5,000 pennies weighs about 27 pounds and costs money to ship from the Federal Reserve to your bank. The bank staff also spend time processing your order. For a large order like a full box, banks often waive the fee because the transaction is worth their time. For small orders—say, $5 or $10 in pennies—the fee makes sense from the bank's perspective.

This is different from ordering other coins. Banks typically order quarters, dimes, and nickels for free because they circulate more and are in higher demand. Pennies are the exception because so many people do not want them.

What to do if you need pennies urgently

If your bank cannot order pennies in time for what you need them for, try a coin dealer or numismatic shop in your area. They usually have penny rolls in stock and will sell them to you for face value or a small markup. Call ahead to confirm they have pennies available.

Some laundromats and arcade game suppliers also sell penny rolls. You can also ask a retail business—a grocery store, pharmacy, or restaurant—whether they will sell you a roll of pennies. Many will, especially if you ask during a slow time and offer to pay a small fee.

If you need a very large quantity of pennies, contact a coin wholesaler or the Federal Reserve branch in your region directly. They can tell you which banks in your area order pennies regularly and may be able to expedite an order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a customer of the bank to order pennies?

Most banks require you to have an account with them to order coins. A few will order coins for non-customers for a higher fee, but this is uncommon. If you do not have a bank account, a credit union, coin dealer, or laundromat is your faster option.

Can I order pennies online?

Most banks do not let you order pennies through their website or mobile app. You need to call customer service or visit a branch in person. A few online banks do not have physical branches, which means they cannot order coins at all—check your bank's policy before opening an account if coin orders matter to you.

How much does it cost to order pennies?

Fees vary widely. Many large national banks order pennies for free if you have a checking or savings account. Others charge $5 to $10 per order, especially for small quantities. Some charge a percentage of the order value. Call your bank and ask for their specific fee before you order.

What if my bank says they do not have pennies in stock?

Banks do not keep large quantities of pennies on hand. When you order, they special-order from the Federal Reserve, which takes three to five business days. If you need pennies faster, a local coin dealer is your best option.

Why are pennies disappearing?

The U.S. Mint produces fewer pennies each year because fewer people use them. Businesses round transactions, people save or discard pennies, and the cost to produce a penny is higher than its face value. This low demand means banks do not stock them, which makes them harder to get.