A box of nickels from the bank contains 50 coins and costs $2.50
When you order a box of nickels from your bank, you are buying exactly 50 nickels—each worth 5 cents—for a total face value of $2.50. You pay the bank $2.50, and you receive $2.50 in nickels. There is no markup, no fee, and no discount. The bank is simply converting paper money or account balance into coin form.
Most banks will order rolls or boxes of coins for you at no charge if you have an account with them. Some branches keep coin on hand; others order it from their regional Federal Reserve branch, which takes one to three business days. A few banks charge a small fee if you are not a customer or if you order a very large quantity, but standard orders for personal use are free.
Key Takeaways
- A box of nickels holds 50 coins and has a face value of $2.50, which is what you pay.
- Banks do not charge a fee to order coin boxes for account holders, though some branches may keep limited stock on hand.
- If your branch does not have nickels in stock, the order usually arrives within one to three business days from the Federal Reserve.
- You can also ask for rolls of nickels instead of a full box; one roll contains 40 nickels and is worth $2.00.
What comes inside a box of nickels
A standard box of nickels from the bank contains 50 individual coins wrapped in paper rolls. Each roll holds 40 nickels and is worth $2.00. A full box therefore contains one roll of 40 and one partial roll of 10, or sometimes two rolls of 25 each, depending on how your bank's supplier packages them. The exact arrangement does not matter—you are getting 50 coins either way.
The coins themselves are standard U.S. nickels minted by the U.S. Mint. They may be new, circulated, or a mix of both. If you need coins from a specific year or in pristine condition, a bank coin order will not meet that need; you would need to contact a coin dealer or collector instead.
How to order a box of nickels from your bank
Walk into your bank branch and ask the teller for a box of nickels. Tell them whether you want it today (if they have stock) or if you are willing to wait for an order. Most tellers can hand you one immediately if the branch keeps coin on hand. If not, they will place an order with their coin supplier, usually the Federal Reserve regional branch that serves your area.
You will need to provide your account number and the date you want to pick up the order. Some banks ask you to call ahead or submit the request online through your account portal. A few large banks have coin-ordering systems on their website where you can request specific denominations and a pickup date. Check your bank's website or call ahead to see what process they use.
Bring cash or your debit card to pay for the box. You will pay $2.50 at the time of pickup. Some banks may allow you to charge it to your account if you are a customer, but cash is always accepted.
When banks run short on coin
During periods of high demand—such as the weeks before the holiday shopping season or after a major event that drives retail transactions—some banks run low on coin inventory. If your branch is out of nickels, the teller will place an order with the Federal Reserve, and you can pick it up in one to three business days. A few branches may ask you to wait a week or longer if the regional Fed is also experiencing a shortage, though this is rare.
If you need nickels urgently and your bank cannot get them quickly, you can try other banks in your area. Credit unions and smaller community banks sometimes have different suppliers and may have stock when larger chains do not. You can also ask whether the bank will exchange paper money for coin at the teller window without ordering a full box, though most will only do this for small amounts.
Rolls versus boxes
If you do not need a full box of 50 nickels, you can order a single roll of 40 nickels for $2.00. Rolls are useful if you need coin for a specific purpose—like filling a vending machine or a cash register—without buying more than you will use. A roll is also easier to carry and store than a full box.
Banks will order rolls the same way they order boxes: ask the teller, provide your account number, and pick up when ready. There is no additional charge for ordering a roll instead of a box. If the branch has coin on hand, you may be able to get a roll immediately.
What happens if you need to return the nickels
If you order a box of nickels and change your mind, you can return it to the bank for a full refund. Bring the unopened or opened box to the teller, and they will credit your account or give you cash. Banks do not charge a restocking fee for returned coin. The only exception is if you ordered the coin and then damaged it or lost some of it; the bank will count what you return and refund only the face value of the coins you bring back.
If you ordered the nickels and they arrived damaged—for example, the paper rolls are torn or the coins are bent—tell the teller immediately. The bank will replace them at no cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a customer of the bank to order a box of nickels?
Most banks will order coin only for account holders. If you do not have an account, call ahead and ask; some branches will sell you a box of nickels for a small fee, usually $1 to $3 above face value. A few banks refuse to sell coin to non-customers at all.
Can I order nickels online and have them shipped to my home?
Most banks do not ship coin to your home; they require you to pick it up in person at a branch. A few large national banks offer coin delivery as part of their premium checking accounts, but this is uncommon. Check your bank's website or call your branch to ask whether they offer mail delivery.
What if I need a large quantity, like 10 boxes of nickels?
Banks can order large quantities, but they may ask you to place the request in advance and may charge a fee if you are ordering more than a few boxes. Call your branch manager or visit in person to discuss a bulk order. The Federal Reserve can supply very large quantities to banks, but the timeline may be longer than for a standard order.
Are there any fees for ordering nickels from the bank?
No fees for account holders ordering standard quantities. Non-customers may be charged $1 to $3 per box. If you order an extremely large quantity—hundreds of dollars' worth—some banks may charge a handling fee, but this is rare and should be disclosed when you place the order.
Can I exchange paper money for nickels without ordering a box?
Yes, most tellers will exchange a small amount of paper money for nickels on the spot—for example, handing you $2.50 in nickels if you give them a $2.50 bill. For larger amounts, they may ask you to order a box instead. Ask the teller what their limit is for over-the-counter exchanges.