Most major banks no longer have coin machines for customers
The short answer: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and most other large national banks have removed coin-counting machines from their branches over the past decade. If you have a coin jar you want to convert to cash or deposit, you cannot walk into most bank branches and use a machine to do it.
Banks stopped offering this service because coin machines are expensive to maintain, take up floor space, and create operational headaches. The machines jam, require regular servicing, and handle a transaction type that represents almost no profit. Some regional banks and credit unions still have them, but you need to call ahead—availability varies by location and changes without notice.
Your actual options are narrower than they used to be, and the path forward depends on whether you want to deposit coins into an account you hold or convert them to bills.
Key Takeaways
- Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have removed coin machines from nearly all branches; calling your local branch first is essential because policies vary by location.
- Credit unions are more likely to have coin machines than national banks, but you typically must be a member to use them.
- Walmart, Kroger, and other grocery chains with customer service desks offer coin-counting for a fee, usually 8 to 10 percent of the total.
- If you bank with a smaller regional or community bank, ask whether they accept coin deposits directly at the teller window without a machine.
- Coinstar kiosks in grocery stores and pharmacies charge a percentage fee but convert coins to cash or gift cards when ready.
What the major banks actually offer now
Chase stopped providing coin-counting machines at most branches around 2015. Bank of America followed suit. Wells Fargo removed them gradually between 2016 and 2018. Citibank phased them out earlier. If you call your local branch of any of these banks and ask whether they have a coin machine, the answer is almost always no.
Some branches may still accept coin deposits directly from customers at the teller window, but this is not may provide. The teller will count the coins by hand or run them through a portable counter, and the transaction may take 10 to 15 minutes. You need to be a customer of that bank, and you need to ask—do not assume the service exists. Call ahead and confirm that your specific branch will accept a coin deposit before you bring a bag of coins in.
A few Chase branches in smaller towns or rural areas may still have machines, but these are exceptions. The policy is not to have them, and finding one requires calling multiple branches in your area.
Credit unions and regional banks that still have coin machines
Credit unions are more likely to have coin machines than national banks, but membership is required. If you belong to a credit union, call your branch and ask whether they have a coin-counting machine available to members. Many do, though not all. Some credit unions charge a small fee (usually $1 to $3) for non-members to use the machine, but policies differ widely.
Smaller regional banks—those with branches in only a few states—sometimes keep coin machines because they have lower overhead and want to retain customer loyalty. Examples include USAA (for military members and their families), Ally Bank (though most Ally branches are limited), and various community banks. Again, call first. Do not assume your bank has one.
If you do not bank with a credit union or regional bank, joining one specifically to use a coin machine is not practical. The setup time and paperwork outweigh the benefit unless you have coins regularly and want a long-term solution.
Coinstar kiosks: when ready conversion with a fee
Coinstar machines are the most accessible option if you want to convert coins to cash or a gift card without a bank account. These kiosks sit in grocery stores, pharmacies, and some retail locations. You dump your coins into the machine, it counts them, and you receive either cash or a gift card code.
The fee is typically 8 to 10 percent of the total value. So if you have $100 in coins, you receive $90 to $92 in cash or a gift card. The fee is higher if you choose a gift card (sometimes 10 to 12 percent), but the transaction is when ready—you walk out with money or a code in your pocket.
To find a Coinstar kiosk near you, visit the Coinstar website and enter your zip code. The map shows every location in your area. Most Coinstar machines accept U.S. coins but not foreign currency or damaged coins. If your coins are very dirty or stuck together, the machine may reject them.
Grocery stores and retail customer service desks
Walmart, Kroger, Target, and other large retailers with customer service desks sometimes offer coin-counting services. The fee is usually 8 to 10 percent, similar to Coinstar. You bring your coins to the desk, they run them through a counter, and you receive cash or a store credit.
Not every location offers this service, and policies vary by store and region. Call your local Walmart or Kroger customer service desk and ask whether they count coins. If they do, ask what the fee is and whether you need to be a customer or member. Some stores limit the amount of coins you can bring in at one time.
This option is useful if you already shop at the store and want to avoid a separate trip to a Coinstar kiosk or bank branch.
Depositing coins directly without a machine
If you have a bank account and want to deposit coins without using a machine, ask your bank whether the teller can accept them. Many smaller banks and some credit unions will count coins by hand or with a portable counter and deposit them into your account. This service is free if you are a customer.
The process is slower than a machine—expect 10 to 20 minutes depending on the volume of coins and how busy the branch is. You may need to roll the coins in paper rolls first (the bank may provide these or ask you to bring your own). Call your branch ahead of time and ask what they need from you before you arrive.
This is the best option if you want to avoid fees and you have a relationship with a bank that will do it. It costs you time, not money.
What to do if you cannot find a coin machine
If you have tried calling banks and credit unions in your area and none have machines, your realistic options are Coinstar, a retail customer service desk, or rolling the coins yourself and depositing them at a teller window.
Rolling coins yourself takes time but costs nothing. You can buy coin rolls at most banks for free, or at office supply stores for a few dollars. Quarters go 40 to a roll, dimes 50, nickels 40, and pennies 50. Once rolled, you can deposit them at any bank where you have an account, or exchange them for bills at the teller window.
If you have a very large amount of coins and do not want to roll them, Coinstar or a retail desk is worth the 8 to 10 percent fee. The time you save usually outweighs the cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deposit coins at a bank teller if I do not have an account there?
No. Banks only accept coin deposits from account holders. If you do not have an account, you need to use Coinstar, a retail customer service desk, or exchange the coins for bills at a bank where you do have an account and then deposit the bills.
Do I have to roll coins before I deposit them?
It depends on the bank. Some tellers will accept loose coins and count them by hand or with a portable counter. Others require coins to be rolled first. Call your branch and ask what they need before you bring the coins in. Coin rolls are free at most banks.
What happens if the Coinstar machine rejects my coins?
Coinstar machines reject coins that are too dirty, damaged, foreign, or stuck together. If this happens, the machine returns the coins to you. Try cleaning the coins with a soft cloth, or separate any that are stuck. If the machine still rejects them, you can exchange them for bills at a bank teller window or roll them yourself.
Is there a limit to how many coins I can bring to a bank teller?
Most banks do not have a hard limit, but very large amounts (more than $500 in coins) may require advance notice. Call your branch and tell them how much you plan to bring. They may ask you to come at a slower time of day so the teller has time to count without holding up the line.
Can I use a Coinstar machine if I do not have a bank account?
Yes. Coinstar machines accept coins from anyone and convert them to cash or a gift card code on the spot. You do not need a bank account or membership. The fee is 8 to 10 percent of the total value.