Most banks no longer have coin machines for customers, but credit unions and some regional banks still do

The short answer: major national banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have largely removed coin-counting machines from their branches. If you have a large amount of coins to convert to cash or deposit, your best options are credit unions (which often keep machines for members), local or regional banks, and Coinstar machines in grocery stores and pharmacies—though Coinstar charges a fee.

Banks removed most coin machines over the past decade because they are expensive to maintain, take up floor space, and require regular servicing. The shift accelerated during the pandemic when branches reduced their hours and services. Some banks still offer coin-counting at the teller window, but this is slow, requires you to be a customer, and many branches now refuse to do it at all.

Your path forward depends on whether you are a bank customer, how many coins you have, and whether you want to avoid fees. This guide walks you through what actually exists and where to find it.

Key Takeaways

  • Credit unions are your most reliable option for free coin-counting machines, especially if you are a member or can join one.
  • Regional and community banks are more likely to have coin machines than national chains, and some still offer teller coin-counting for customers at no charge.
  • Coinstar machines are widely available in grocery stores and pharmacies but charge between 10 and 12 percent of the total value you deposit.
  • If you have a small amount of coins and are a bank customer, calling your branch ahead of time to ask if they will count coins at the teller window may save you a trip.
  • Some banks will count coins for non-customers, but this is rare and varies by location and branch manager discretion.

Credit unions almost always have coin machines

Credit unions kept coin machines longer than banks because they operate on a membership model and view the service as part of member retention. Most credit unions have at least one coin-counting machine on-site, and many offer the service free to members. If you are not yet a member, you may be able to join based on where you work, where you live, your school, or your employer—credit union membership rules vary widely.

To find a credit union near you, use the CO-OP Network locator or the Alliant Credit Union branch finder. Call ahead and confirm the branch has a working machine before you go. Some smaller credit unions share machines with other branches, so availability can be spotty. If you do not have a membership and want to join, the process process takes 10 to 20 minutes and usually requires a small deposit (often $5 to $25) to open an account.

Regional and community banks sometimes still have machines

Banks with fewer than 100 branches—often called community banks or regional banks—are more likely to have kept coin machines than national chains. Examples include PNC Bank (in some regions), Truist, Fifth Third Bank, and various local institutions. However, availability is inconsistent even within the same bank's branches, so you cannot assume your local branch has one.

Call your branch directly and ask whether they have a coin machine available to customers. If they do, ask whether you need to be a customer to use it and whether there is a fee. Some branches will count coins at the teller window for customers at no charge, though this service is becoming rarer. If your branch does not have a machine, ask if they know of another nearby branch that does.

Coinstar machines charge a fee but are widely available

Coinstar operates thousands of coin-counting kiosks in grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail locations across the United States. You dump your coins into the machine, it counts them, and you receive a receipt. You can then exchange the receipt for cash at the customer service desk or, with some machines, convert the value to a gift card for retailers like Amazon or Starbucks at no fee.

The catch: Coinstar charges between 10 and 12 percent of the total value as a fee. If you have $100 in coins, you will receive between $88 and $90 in cash. The fee is lower (or zero) if you choose a gift card instead of cash. To find a Coinstar machine near you, use their location finder on the Coinstar website and enter your zip code. Most machines are in grocery stores like Safeway, Kroger, and Whole Foods, and in pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens.

What to do if you cannot find a machine

If no credit union, regional bank, or Coinstar is accessible to you, you have a few remaining options. Some banks will count coins for customers if you call ahead and make an appointment—this is rare but worth asking. Bring your coins in a bag or container, not loose in your pockets, and be prepared to wait while the teller counts them.

Another option is to ask a friend or family member who belongs to a credit union whether they will count your coins for you. Many credit unions allow members to bring in coins on behalf of someone else. You can also roll your coins yourself using coin wrappers (available at most banks and office supply stores) and deposit them directly into an ATM or at a teller window—many banks accept rolled coins without counting them first, though policies vary.

Banks that have removed coin machines entirely

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, and US Bank have all removed coin machines from most or all of their branches. Some of these banks still offer coin-counting at the teller window for customers, but you must call ahead to confirm your specific branch does this. Do not assume it is available—many branches have stopped this service entirely.

If you are a customer at one of these banks and have coins to deposit, your best bet is to call your branch and ask what options exist. Some branches will count coins for you if you make an appointment. Others will direct you to a Coinstar machine or suggest you roll the coins yourself. A few will refuse to handle coins altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a credit union coin machine if I am not a member?

Most credit unions restrict their machines to members only. However, some credit unions allow non-members to use the machine for a small fee (usually $1 to $3). Call ahead and ask. If you use coins regularly, joining the credit union may be worth it—membership is often free or requires only a small deposit.

Will my bank count coins for me at the teller window?

It depends on the bank and the specific branch. Call your branch and ask. If they say yes, ask whether you need an appointment and whether there is a limit on how many coins they will count. Bring them in a bag or container, not loose.

Is there a way to avoid the Coinstar fee?

Yes. Coinstar machines allow you to convert your coins to a gift card (for Amazon, Starbucks, or other retailers) at no fee. You lose the fee but get the full value in store credit. If you need cash, this is not an option, but if you were planning to spend money at those retailers anyway, it is a way to avoid the percentage charge.

Can I deposit rolled coins directly into an ATM?

Many banks accept rolled coins at ATMs and teller windows without counting them first, but policies vary by bank and branch. Call ahead and confirm your bank accepts them. Bring coins in standard coin wrappers (penny rolls, nickel rolls, dime rolls, quarter rolls) with the correct number of coins per roll.

What if my branch says they cannot count coins anymore?

Ask whether another branch nearby still offers the service. If not, your options are a credit union, a regional bank, Coinstar, or rolling the coins yourself. If you have a large amount of coins, a credit union membership may be worth the effort—the fee savings will add up quickly.