Most banks will accept loose change, but the method and any fees depend on whether you have an account there
If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, you can almost always deposit loose change directly into your account at a teller window or through an ATM that accepts coins. No sorting, rolling, or counting required on your end — the bank does that work. If you don't have an account, most banks will still exchange coins for cash or a check, though some charge a fee for non-customers and a few refuse the service entirely.
The real barrier isn't whether banks accept coins. It's that most branches have reduced their hours, closed teller windows, or eliminated coin-counting services to cut costs. You may find that your nearest branch no longer takes loose change, or only takes it during certain hours. Calling ahead saves a wasted trip.
Key Takeaways
- Account holders can deposit loose change at the teller window or coin-accepting ATM without rolling it first.
- Non-customers can exchange coins for cash at most banks, but some charge fees ranging from 5 to 10 percent of the total.
- Many branches have stopped offering coin services or limited them to specific hours, so call before you go.
- Grocery stores, laundromats, and coin-counting machines offer faster alternatives if your bank won't take loose change.
Depositing coins if you have an account
Walk into any branch where you hold an account and ask to deposit your coins at the teller window. Bring them in any container — a bag, jar, bucket, or the original roll. The teller will count them, credit the amount to your account, and give you a receipt. No fee. This is the simplest path if your bank still staffs teller windows during hours you can reach them.
Some banks also have coin-accepting ATMs, though these are less common than they used to be. The machine counts the coins as you feed them in and adds the total to your account balance. Check your bank's website or call to find which branches near you have this feature.
Exchanging coins if you don't have an account
Most banks will exchange coins for cash or a check even if you don't hold an account there. Walk in during business hours, ask to speak to a teller, and explain that you want to exchange loose change. They will count it and give you the equivalent in bills or a check. This is free at many banks.
However, a growing number of banks now charge non-customers a fee — typically 5 to 10 percent of the total value. A few large banks have stopped taking coins from non-customers altogether. Call the branch first and ask their policy. If they charge a fee, you may find a better option elsewhere.
When your bank won't take coins
If your bank has stopped accepting loose change or charges a steep fee, a grocery store is often the fastest alternative. Most supermarkets have customer service desks that will exchange coins for cash at no charge, especially if you're a regular customer. Some require you to make a small purchase first, but many don't.
Laundromats and arcades sometimes take coins, though they typically exchange them only for tokens or quarters rather than cash. Coin-counting machines — the kind you see in grocery stores and laundromats — will count your coins and give you cash or a voucher, but they usually take a cut of 8 to 12 percent. Use them only if you have no other option.
What to bring and how to prepare
You don't need to sort or roll coins before taking them to a bank. Bring them loose in a bag, jar, or container. If you have a very large amount — more than a few pounds — consider splitting it into multiple trips or calling ahead to make sure the branch can handle the volume that day.
Bring your ID and account information if you have an account. If you're a non-customer, bring ID anyway — most banks will ask for it before exchanging coins. Arrive during regular business hours, and expect the process to take 5 to 15 minutes depending on how busy the branch is and how much coin you have.
Why some banks stopped taking coins
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many banks reduced coin services because of supply chain disruptions and staffing shortages. Some never brought the service back. Others eliminated coin-counting machines and teller coin services to push customers toward digital banking and reduce operating costs.
This shift has been uneven. Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo still accept coins from account holders at most branches, but policies vary by location. Credit unions and smaller regional banks are more likely to accept coins from non-customers without a fee. Call your specific branch to confirm what they offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to roll my coins before taking them to the bank?
No. Banks prefer loose coins because they run them through counting machines anyway. Rolled coins save you time but don't speed up the process at the bank. Bring them however is easiest for you.
Will the bank charge me a fee to exchange coins?
Not if you have an account there. If you don't have an account, fees range from zero to 10 percent depending on the bank. Call ahead to ask. Grocery stores and credit unions often exchange coins for free even if you're not a customer.
What if I have a very large amount of coins?
Call the branch first and let them know how much you're bringing. Some branches ask you to come during slower hours or to split large deposits across multiple visits. This helps them manage the workload without holding up other customers.
Can I deposit coins at an ATM?
Only if the ATM is specifically designed to accept coins. Most ATMs take only bills. Check your bank's website or call to find coin-accepting machines near you. These are becoming rarer, so don't count on finding one.
What's the fastest way to turn loose change into cash?
If you have a bank account, the teller window is fastest and free. If you don't, a grocery store customer service desk is usually quicker than a bank and often free. Coin-counting machines are fastest but take a percentage cut.