Banks will take loose change, but most have limits on how much and how you deposit it

Yes, your bank will accept loose change. Most banks take coins in any quantity, but they usually require you to either roll them yourself or use a coin-counting machine. Some banks charge a fee if you bring in unrolled coins, and a few have stopped accepting coins altogether—so call your branch first to confirm their policy.

The practical limit depends on your bank and how you deposit. If you roll the coins yourself in paper sleeves (which banks provide free), there is usually no limit. If you dump loose coins on the counter, many banks will ask you to roll them or will charge you a fee ranging from 5 to 10 percent of the total. A few banks have removed coin-counting machines and now refuse loose coins entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks accept rolled coins with no fee, but loose coins often trigger a fee or a request to roll them yourself.
  • Paper coin sleeves are free at any bank teller window—ask for them and roll your coins before you deposit.
  • Some banks have removed coin-counting machines and no longer accept loose change at all, so confirm your bank's policy before you go.
  • If your bank refuses coins, credit unions and grocery store coin machines are alternatives, though grocery machines typically take a percentage.

How to deposit rolled coins with no fee

The easiest way to deposit coins is to roll them yourself. Ask your bank teller for coin sleeves—they are free and come in denominations: pennies (50 coins per roll), nickels (40), dimes (50), and quarters (40). Roll the coins tightly, fold the paper end, and write the total value on the outside if your bank asks.

Bring the rolled coins to the teller and deposit them as you would cash. Rolled coins count as a regular deposit with no fee at nearly every bank. This method takes 10 to 15 minutes at home but saves you money and avoids the awkwardness of dumping loose change on the counter.

What happens if you bring loose coins to the bank

If you walk in with loose change, the teller will usually ask you to roll it or offer to run it through a coin counter. If your bank still has a coin-counting machine, they may charge a fee—typically 5 to 10 percent of the total value. So $50 in loose coins might cost you $2.50 to $5 to deposit.

Some banks have removed their coin machines entirely to cut costs. If yours has, the teller may refuse loose coins outright and ask you to roll them at home or take them elsewhere. A few banks now refuse coins in any form, though this is still uncommon. Call ahead to avoid a wasted trip.

Banks that have stopped accepting coins

A small number of large banks have announced they no longer accept loose coins or have removed coin-counting machines. This happened most notably during 2020 and 2021 when coin circulation dropped sharply. Some banks cited staffing shortages and the cost of maintaining machines; others said they were encouraging digital payments instead.

If your bank is one of them, you have other options. Credit unions often accept coins with no fee. Grocery stores with coin-counting machines (Coinstar and similar services) will count your coins for a percentage—usually 10 to 12 percent—and give you cash or a gift card. Some grocery stores let you deposit coins directly into your bank account through their machines for a lower fee or none at all.

How much loose change can you deposit at once

There is no federal limit on how much coin you can deposit. Banks are required to report cash deposits over $10,000 to the IRS on a Currency Transaction Report (CTR), but this applies to all cash, not coins specifically. Depositing $50 or $100 in coins raises no flags.

The practical limit is your bank's willingness to process it. If you roll the coins, most banks will take any amount. If the coins are loose, the bank may ask you to roll them or charge a fee that makes large deposits expensive. If you have several hundred dollars in coins, rolling them yourself is the cheapest and fastest route.

Alternatives if your bank won't take coins

If your bank refuses coins, a credit union is often the next best option. Credit unions typically accept coins from members with no fee, even if they are loose. You do not need to be a member to open an account at most credit unions—you just need to live or work in their service area or have a family member who is a member.

Coinstar machines are in most grocery stores and some pharmacies. They count your coins and give you cash or a gift card. The fee is usually 10 to 12 percent, so $100 in coins becomes $88 to $90. Some Coinstar machines offer a "no fee" option if you choose a gift card instead of cash—check the machine's screen before you dump your coins in.

A third option is to ask a friend or family member who banks at a different institution to deposit the coins for you. This works if you trust them and if their bank accepts coins. Some people also donate coins to charity—many nonprofits have coin collection jars, and you can deduct the value on your taxes if you itemize.

What to do if your bank charges a coin fee

If your bank charges a fee for loose coins, the best response is to roll them yourself before you deposit. This costs you nothing but time and eliminates the fee entirely. If you do not want to roll them, ask the teller whether the fee applies to rolled coins—it almost never does.

If your bank charges a fee even for rolled coins, that is unusual and worth questioning. Ask the manager whether the fee is standard or whether an exception can be made. If the bank refuses to budge and you find the fee unreasonable, switching to a credit union or a different bank is a reasonable response. Many people keep their main account at a bank but use a credit union specifically for coin deposits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit coins at an ATM?

Most ATMs do not accept coins—they only take bills. A few banks have installed coin-deposit ATMs, but they are rare. Your best bet is to ask your teller whether your branch has one. If not, deposit coins at the teller window during business hours.

Do I have to report a large coin deposit to the IRS?

Your bank reports any cash deposit over $10,000 to the IRS on a Currency Transaction Report. This applies to coins the same way it applies to bills. The report is routine and does not mean you did anything wrong—it is just how banks track large cash movements.

What if I have foreign coins mixed in with US coins?

Most banks will not accept foreign coins. Separate them out before you go to the bank. Foreign coins can sometimes be exchanged at currency exchange services or travel agencies, though the rate is usually poor. Many people donate foreign coins to charity instead.

Can I deposit coins from a deceased relative's estate?

Yes. Bring the coins to your bank along with a copy of the death certificate and proof that you are the executor or beneficiary. The bank may ask for additional documentation depending on the estate's size, but coins themselves are not treated differently from any other cash.

Will the bank give me new bills if I deposit all coins?

Yes. When you deposit coins, the bank counts them, credits your account, and you can withdraw bills immediately. You do not have to wait for the coins to be processed—the deposit is final once the teller confirms the count.