Chase does not operate coin counting machines in most branches

Chase stopped installing coin counting machines—called Coin Counters or CoinStar machines—in the majority of its branches several years ago. Some older branches may still have them, but you cannot count on finding one at your local Chase location. If you have a Chase account, the bank will count coins for you at the teller window during business hours, but this service is not available at all branches and may take longer than a machine would.

The shift away from in-branch machines reflects a broader banking trend: fewer people use coins, and the cost of maintaining the machines outweighs the demand. Chase has not published a complete list of which branches still have machines, so calling ahead is your only reliable way to know.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase tellers will count coins for account holders at the counter, but availability varies by branch and this service may take 10 to 15 minutes.
  • You cannot rely on finding a coin machine at Chase; most branches removed them years ago.
  • Calling your local Chase branch is the fastest way to confirm whether they have a machine or offer teller coin counting.
  • Grocery stores, laundromats, and standalone CoinStar kiosks are more reliable alternatives and often charge a small percentage fee.

How to get coins counted at Chase if you have an account

If you hold a Chase checking or savings account, you can bring your coins to any Chase branch during business hours and ask a teller to count them. The teller will count the coins, verify the total, and deposit the amount directly into your account. This service is free for account holders.

The catch is that not all branches offer this service consistently, and some tellers may decline if the branch is busy or if the coin volume is very large. A typical coin count takes 10 to 15 minutes. If you have more than a few dollars in coins, call ahead to confirm the branch can handle it and to ask when they are least busy.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring your coins in whatever container you have—a jar, a bag, a bucket. You do not need to sort them by denomination; the teller will do that. Bring your account card or ID so the teller can verify your account and deposit the funds.

The teller will count the coins by hand or, at some branches, use a small counting machine. Once the total is confirmed, the amount goes into your account when ready. If you do not have a Chase account, the teller will not count the coins for you, and you will need to use an alternative method.

Alternatives to Chase coin counting

If your local Chase branch does not have a machine or does not offer teller counting, or if you do not have a Chase account, several other options exist. CoinStar machines are the most common; they sit in grocery stores, pharmacies, and some retail locations nationwide. CoinStar charges a percentage fee—typically 10 to 12 percent—but counts coins quickly and gives you cash or a gift card on the spot.

Local banks and credit unions often count coins for members at no charge. Some laundromats have coin machines that can count as well as dispense. Arcade and casino locations sometimes offer coin counting. Call ahead to confirm the service and any fees before you go.

Finding a CoinStar machine near you

CoinStar operates thousands of machines across the United States. You can search for locations on their website by entering your zip code. Most machines are located in grocery stores like Safeway, Kroger, and Whole Foods, as well as in Walgreens and CVS pharmacies. The machines accept all U.S. coins and typically process them in under two minutes.

The fee is deducted from your total before you receive the cash. If you choose a gift card option instead of cash—for retailers like Amazon or iTunes—CoinStar waives the fee. This can be a good option if you were planning to shop at that retailer anyway.

Why Chase removed most of its coin machines

Large banks including Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo removed coin machines from most branches over the past decade for several reasons. The machines are expensive to maintain and repair. Fewer customers use coins as payment methods, which means lower demand for the service. The machines also require regular servicing and coin transport, which adds to operational costs.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many banks temporarily suspended coin services due to supply chain disruptions and staffing shortages. Some branches never reinstalled the machines after reopening. Chase has not announced plans to bring them back to most locations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I count coins at Chase if I do not have an account?

No. Chase teller coin counting is only for account holders. If you do not have a Chase account, you will need to use a CoinStar machine, visit another bank or credit union where you have an account, or find a local business that offers the service.

Does Chase charge a fee to count coins for account holders?

No. Coin counting at the teller window is free for Chase account holders. There is no charge to deposit the coins into your account.

How much coin can a Chase teller count at once?

Chase does not publish a limit, but most branches will count reasonable amounts—a few dollars to perhaps $20 or $30 in coins—without issue. If you have a large volume, call ahead and ask whether the branch can handle it or whether you should bring it in smaller batches.

What is the CoinStar fee, and is it worth it?

CoinStar charges 10 to 12 percent of the total coin value. On $10 in coins, you would pay about $1 to $1.20. If you choose a gift card instead of cash, the fee is waived. Whether it is worth it depends on your time and whether you were planning to shop at that retailer anyway.

Can I roll my own coins and deposit them at Chase?

Yes. If you roll your coins yourself in standard coin wrappers, you can deposit them at Chase like any other cash deposit. Bring them to the teller or use an ATM if your branch has a coin deposit slot. Check with your branch first to confirm they accept rolled coins.