Most banks have coin counters, but not all branches do, and some charge a fee if you're not a customer
Many banks do have coin counters available for customers to use for free. However, the availability varies widely — a large branch might have one in the lobby, while a small branch or credit union might not. Some banks charge a fee to count coins for non-customers, and a few charge even their own customers if the coins aren't rolled or bagged first. Before you haul a bucket of change to your bank, call ahead and ask whether they have a counter, whether it's free for you, and what condition the coins need to be in.
The reason availability varies is practical: coin counters take up space and need maintenance, so smaller branches or those with limited foot traffic often skip them. Banks also make different choices about whether to offer the service free as a customer benefit or charge for it as a revenue stream. There's no industry standard, which means your experience at one branch might be completely different from another branch of the same bank across town.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank's branch directly before visiting — they can tell you whether they have a coin counter and whether there's a fee.
- If your bank doesn't have a counter or charges a fee, grocery stores with customer service desks and Coinstar machines are common alternatives.
- Some banks require coins to be rolled or sorted before counting, so ask what format they need.
- Credit unions are less likely than traditional banks to have coin counters, so check with yours first.
What to expect when you bring coins to your bank
If your bank does have a coin counter and you're a customer, the process is usually straightforward: you bring your coins in any container, hand them to a teller or walk up to a self-service machine, and either get cash back or deposit the amount to your account. Some branches let you do this without an appointment; others ask you to call ahead if you have a large amount. The teller will count the coins (or you'll feed them into the machine) and give you the total.
A few things to know: the bank will count only coins, not bills. If you have a mix, separate them first. Some banks ask that you remove any foreign coins or damaged coins before bringing them in — they can jam machines or be worthless. If the coins are extremely dirty or sticky, the bank might refuse to count them or ask you to clean them first. Ask when you call whether there are any restrictions on the condition of the coins.
When your bank charges a fee for coin counting
Banks that charge fees typically do so for non-customers, but some charge their own customers too — usually a small percentage of the total (like 5 to 10 cents per dollar) or a flat fee (like 50 cents). A few banks have stopped offering the service altogether because the cost of maintaining the machines outweighs the customer benefit. If your bank charges and the fee seems high, it's worth comparing the cost to other options before you decide.
The fee structure varies so much that it's impossible to predict what you'll pay without asking. Some banks waive the fee if you're depositing the coins into an account rather than taking cash. Others charge the same either way. When you call, ask specifically: "Is there a fee for counting coins, and if so, how much?" That way you'll know the exact cost before you go.
Alternatives if your bank doesn't have a coin counter
If your bank doesn't have a counter or charges too much, you have several other options. Grocery stores with customer service desks often have coin counters and let customers use them for free or for a small fee — ask at the desk. Coinstar machines are kiosks found in grocery stores, pharmacies, and some retail locations; they count your coins and give you cash or a gift card (taking a percentage cut, usually around 11 percent). Laundromats sometimes have change machines that can count coins, though they're primarily designed to make change.
Another option is to roll your coins yourself using paper coin wrappers, which you can buy at most banks or office supply stores. Rolled coins are easier to transport and deposit, and some banks will accept them without counting. If you have a very large amount of coins, you could also contact a local coin dealer or numismatist — they have professional equipment and might count them for a small fee or as part of a larger transaction.
How to prepare your coins before taking them anywhere
Before you bring coins to a bank or other location, sort out any that aren't U.S. currency. Foreign coins, tokens, and damaged coins can jam machines or be rejected. If the coins are visibly dirty, wipe them down — you don't need them to be spotless, but caked-on dirt or sticky residue can cause problems. If you're using a self-service machine, coins need to be in good enough condition to roll smoothly through the mechanism.
If you want to speed up the process, you can roll the coins yourself using paper wrappers. Pennies go in rolls of 50, nickels in rolls of 40, dimes in rolls of 50, and quarters in rolls of 40. Rolling them yourself takes time but means the bank doesn't have to, and some institutions give a small discount or waive fees for pre-rolled coins. Ask whether your bank prefers rolled coins when you call.
Credit unions and coin counters
Credit unions are less likely than traditional banks to have coin counters. Because credit unions are smaller and member-focused, they often don't have the same infrastructure as large banks. If you're a credit union member, call your branch and ask directly — some do have counters, but you shouldn't assume. If yours doesn't, the grocery store or Coinstar route is usually faster than trying to find a credit union that does.
Some credit unions will count coins for members as a service even without a machine, though this takes longer because a staff member has to do it by hand. If you have a relationship with your credit union and ask politely, they might be willing to help, especially if the amount isn't huge. It never hurts to ask, but have a backup plan in case they can't.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a bank count coins if I'm not a customer?
Many banks will count coins for non-customers, but most charge a fee — sometimes 5 to 10 percent of the total. Some refuse to serve non-customers at all. Call the branch first and ask their specific policy before you go.
Can I deposit coins directly into my account without counting them first?
Some banks will accept coins in any amount and count them as part of the deposit. Others ask that you count them first or bring them in rolled form. Ask your bank what they prefer — it varies by branch.
How much does a Coinstar machine take?
Coinstar machines typically take around 11 percent of the total value in exchange for counting and converting to cash. You can also choose a gift card to certain retailers, which sometimes has a lower fee or no fee at all.
What if my coins are really old or rare?
A bank's coin counter treats all coins the same — it counts by weight and size, not by age or rarity. If you think you have valuable coins, take them to a coin dealer or numismatist instead of a bank counter, because they can assess their actual worth.
Can I bring coins in a plastic bag or do they have to be in a specific container?
Most banks don't care what container you use — a plastic bag, jar, or bucket is fine. Just make sure the coins are loose or straightforward to pour out. If you're using a self-service machine, check whether it has size limits on the container.