Most banks no longer have coin counters on the floor, but many will count coins for free if you bring them in a bag or roll
The coin-counting machine you remember seeing in bank lobbies has largely disappeared. Banks stopped installing them because they break down often, take up space, and cost money to maintain. But this does not mean you are stuck with a pile of loose change. Most banks will count your coins by hand or machine at the teller window at no charge — you just need to bring them in, and you may need to be a customer of that bank.
The catch is that policies vary widely. Some banks count coins only for account holders. Some have a limit on how much they will count in one visit. Some banks still have a machine but it is not always working. The fastest way to find out what your bank does is to call the branch directly and ask: "Do you count coins for customers?" If they say yes, ask whether you need to be an account holder and whether there is a limit.
If your bank will not count coins, or you do not have a bank account, a few other places will do it — though the options are shrinking.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank's branch directly to ask whether they count coins for free, because policies differ between branches and between banks.
- Most banks that do count coins will do so only for account holders, and some have a limit on the amount per visit.
- Bring coins in a bag or loose in a container — do not roll them yourself, as tellers often need to verify the count.
- If your bank will not count coins, credit unions, grocery stores with coin machines, and some laundromats offer alternatives, though some charge a fee.
Banks that commonly count coins for account holders
Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all count coins for customers at most branches, though the policy is not the same everywhere. A branch in one city might count unlimited coins while another branch of the same bank has a $500 limit per visit. Call ahead rather than showing up with five pounds of pennies and finding out you have hit the limit.
Regional and community banks are often more flexible than the big national chains. If you bank with a smaller local bank or credit union, ask them directly — many will count coins with no limit for account holders. Some credit unions are stricter than banks, so do not assume they will do it just because they are smaller.
The teller will usually ask you to pour the coins into a counting machine or onto the counter so they can verify the amount. Bring your coins loose or in a bag, not pre-rolled. Pre-rolled coins take longer to verify because the teller has to open each roll and recount.
What to bring and how to prepare
Bring your coins in a bag, bucket, or container that is straightforward to pour. Do not separate them by denomination — the teller or machine will do that. If you have a huge amount, consider calling the branch first to ask whether they want you to come at a specific time when it is less busy.
Bring your debit card or account number so the teller can confirm you are an account holder. If you do not have an account at that bank, ask whether they will count coins for non-customers. Most will not, but some community banks and credit unions make exceptions.
Expect the process to take 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much you have and how busy the branch is. If the branch has a coin machine, it may be faster. If they count by hand, it will take longer.
Alternatives if your bank will not count coins
Credit unions sometimes count coins for members at no charge. Call your credit union first — policies vary as much as they do at banks.
Grocery stores with coin-counting machines are common in most areas. Machines made by Coinstar are in thousands of supermarkets, pharmacies, and other retail locations. These machines charge a fee — usually between 8 and 12 percent of the total value — so a $100 in coins costs you $8 to $12. Some grocery stores offer a way to avoid the fee: instead of taking cash, you can get a gift card for that store at full value. This is useful only if you shop there anyway.
Laundromats sometimes have change machines that will count coins, though they are less common now. Some laundromats will count your coins by hand if you ask the attendant.
Arcade or casino change booths will count coins, but again, there is usually a fee or you have to spend money there first.
Why banks stopped having coin counters
Banks removed coin-counting machines from lobbies because they were expensive to buy, maintain, and repair. A machine that breaks down costs the bank money and frustrates customers. Teller-counted coins take staff time but cost nothing to maintain and work reliably.
The shift also reflects how people use cash. Fewer people carry coins now. Debit cards, credit cards, and digital payments have reduced the number of coins in circulation. Banks decided that the cost of maintaining machines was not worth it for the smaller number of customers who needed them.
How to find out your specific bank's policy
Call the branch where you have your account. Ask: "Do you count coins for account holders?" Write down the answer and any limits they mention. If you get transferred or the person is unsure, ask to speak to a manager or call back during business hours when a teller is available.
You can also visit the branch in person and ask. This is useful if you are already there, but calling first saves a trip if the answer is no.
If you move or change banks, ask about their coin policy before you open an account. It is a small thing, but if you regularly have coins to deposit, it matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a customer to get coins counted?
Most banks count coins only for account holders. Some credit unions and community banks will count coins for non-customers, but you have to ask. Call the branch directly — they can tell you in one sentence whether you need an account.
What if I have rolled coins — do I need to unroll them?
You do not have to unroll them before you arrive, but the teller will unroll them to verify the count. Bringing them loose or in a bag is faster because the teller does not have to spend time opening rolls. If you have already rolled them, just bring them as they are.
Is there a limit to how many coins I can bring?
Some banks have a limit — often $500 or $1,000 per visit — while others have none. Call your branch to ask. If you have more than the limit, you can make multiple trips or ask whether you can bring them on a slower day.
What if the coin machine at my bank is broken?
Ask the teller to count them by hand. It takes longer, but it is still free for account holders. If the branch says they cannot count coins without the machine, ask to speak to a manager — most branches can count by hand if needed.
Can I deposit coins without going to the branch?
Most banks do not accept coins through ATMs or mobile deposit. You have to go to a branch and hand them to a teller. Some banks let you deposit coins at a drive-through window, which is faster than going inside.