Bank of America does not operate coin counters in its branches
Bank of America stopped offering coin-counting machines in most branches years ago. If you walk into a BofA location with a bag of coins, the teller cannot run them through a machine for you. The bank's official position is that they do not provide this service to customers, and there is no timeline for bringing it back.
This matters because it changes what you actually have to do with loose change. You cannot assume your local branch has the equipment, and calling ahead to ask will usually get you a "no." The real options are different depending on whether you have a BofA account and how much coin you need to convert.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America branches do not have coin-counting machines and do not count coins for customers as a service.
- If you have a BofA checking or savings account, you can deposit coins directly at most branches without counting them first.
- Grocery stores with customer service desks—Whole Foods, Kroger, Safeway, and others—often have coin counters available to shoppers for free.
- Coin-counting kiosks at laundromats, arcades, and casinos charge a percentage fee, usually 8 to 10 percent of the total value.
- Coinstar machines at grocery stores and pharmacies charge a fee unless you convert coins to a gift card instead of cash.
Depositing coins directly at a Bank of America branch
If you have a BofA account, you can bring coins to the branch and deposit them without a coin counter. The teller will accept the coins as part of your deposit. You do not have to count them or roll them yourself—the branch counts them during processing, and the full amount posts to your account within one or two business days.
This works for any amount, from a handful of coins to several pounds. Bring the coins in whatever container you have—a bag, a jar, a bucket. The teller will pour them into a deposit envelope or container, and you will get a receipt showing the deposit amount. The coins are processed in the back office, and you see the credit in your account online.
Non-customers cannot use this route. If you do not have a BofA account, the branch will not accept a coin deposit from you, and they will not direct you to an alternative.
Free coin counters at grocery stores
Many large grocery chains keep coin-counting machines in their customer service areas and allow shoppers to use them for free. Whole Foods, Kroger, Safeway, and some regional chains offer this. The machines are usually near the front of the store, near the customer service desk or money center.
You do not have to be a customer or make a purchase. Walk in with your coins, find the machine, and use it. The machine counts the coins and either gives you a receipt you can cash at the register or dispenses cash directly. Some machines print a voucher that you take to the register; others count and dispense on the spot.
Not every location has one, and availability varies by store and region. Call your local Whole Foods or Kroger customer service desk before you go. Ask whether they have a coin counter and whether it is currently working—machines break down and are not always repaired quickly.
Coinstar kiosks and the fee structure
Coinstar operates coin-counting machines in grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retail locations nationwide. You pour your coins into the machine, it counts them, and you get a receipt. The catch is the fee: Coinstar charges between 8 and 10.9 percent of the total value to convert coins to cash.
If you have $100 in coins, you will receive between $89 and $92 in cash. The fee is deducted automatically, and you see the final amount on the receipt before you decide whether to complete the transaction. You can cancel and take your coins back at any point before you hit the final button.
Coinstar offers one fee-free option: converting coins to a gift card instead of cash. If you choose an Amazon gift card, iTunes card, or another participating retailer, you pay no fee and get the full value. This is useful if you were planning to spend at that retailer anyway, but it does not help if you need actual cash.
Coin-counting machines at laundromats and arcades
Laundromats and arcades often have change machines that will convert bills to coins, but some also have machines that count coins and dispense cash or credit. These machines typically charge 8 to 10 percent, similar to Coinstar. The machines vary widely in quality and reliability—some are old, some malfunction, and some do not accept certain coin types.
Call ahead if you know of a specific laundromat or arcade. Ask whether they have a coin-counting machine, whether it is working, and what the fee is. Do not assume the machine will accept all coins—some reject coins that are too worn or damaged.
Rolling coins yourself and taking them to a bank
If you have time and patience, you can roll coins by hand using coin wrappers (paper sleeves designed to hold a specific number of coins). Penny wrappers hold 50 cents, nickel wrappers hold $2, dime wrappers hold $5, and quarter wrappers hold $10. You can buy wrappers at any bank, most grocery stores, and online.
Once rolled, you can take the wrapped coins to almost any bank—not just Bank of America—and deposit or exchange them. Many banks will accept rolled coins from non-customers, though some require you to have an account. Call ahead to confirm the bank's policy.
This is free but time-consuming. Rolling $100 in coins takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the mix of denominations. It makes sense only if you have a small amount or if you enjoy the task.
What Bank of America will not do
Bank of America will not count coins for non-customers under any circumstances. They will not direct you to a coin counter. They will not exchange coins for bills without a deposit account. If you call the customer service line and ask about coin counting, you will be told the service is not available.
Some older customers remember when banks routinely offered this service. That era has passed. The economics of coin handling changed, and most large banks exited the business. BofA's decision reflects an industry-wide shift, not a temporary policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit coins at a Bank of America ATM?
No. Bank of America ATMs do not accept coins. You must go inside a branch and speak to a teller. ATMs only accept bills and checks.
What if I have a lot of coins—like several hundred dollars worth?
If you have a BofA account, deposit them at the branch. The teller will accept them without counting, and the branch processes them in the back office. If you do not have an account, your best option is a free grocery store coin counter if one is available nearby, or a Coinstar machine if you are willing to pay the fee.
Do I have to roll coins before I deposit them at Bank of America?
No. Bring them loose or in a bag. The branch will accept them as-is and count them during processing. Rolling them yourself is optional and only necessary if you are taking them to a bank that does not have a coin counter.
Will Bank of America ever bring back coin counters?
There is no indication that Bank of America plans to reintroduce coin-counting machines. The decision to remove them was made years ago, and the bank has not signaled any change in policy. If you need coins counted regularly, plan on using a grocery store counter or another alternative.