Most banks no longer have coin counters, but credit unions and some regional banks still do

The short answer: fewer banks offer coin counting than they used to. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have mostly removed their machines over the past decade. Your best bet is a credit union — many still have coin counters and often let non-members use them for free or a small fee. Some regional and community banks keep them too, but you have to call ahead.

Why did banks remove them? Coin counters are expensive to maintain, they break down often, and fewer people use coins now. Banks decided the cost wasn't worth it. That said, the machines haven't disappeared entirely — they've just moved to places that still see regular coin traffic.

If you have a large amount of coins, you have other options beyond banks: grocery stores with Coinstar machines (which take a percentage), coin dealers, or your local bank's teller window, where staff can count coins by hand for you.

Key Takeaways

  • Credit unions are your most reliable option for free or low-cost coin counting, even if you don't have an account there.
  • Call ahead before visiting any bank or credit union — coin counter availability varies by location and changes without notice.
  • Some community banks and smaller regional banks still have machines, but national chains like Chase and Bank of America have phased them out.
  • If a bank doesn't have a machine, ask the teller if they can count coins by hand — many will do this for customers at no charge.
  • Coinstar machines in grocery stores count coins when ready but charge a percentage of the total (usually 10 percent or more).

How to find a bank or credit union with a coin counter

Start by calling your own bank's local branch and asking directly: "Do you have a coin counting machine?" Write down the answer and the branch address. If they say no, ask if the teller can count coins by hand — many branches will do this for free if you're a customer.

Next, call credit unions in your area. You can find them through CO-OP Network (a shared branching system) or by searching "credit unions near me." When you call, ask if they have a coin counter and whether non-members can use it. Most credit unions say yes to both questions. Some charge a small fee (usually $1 to $3) for non-members; others charge nothing.

If you have time, visit a local coin dealer or numismatist shop. They count coins as part of their business and usually charge less than Coinstar, though they may only count coins they're interested in buying.

What to expect when you bring coins to a bank or credit union

Bring your coins in whatever container they're in — a jar, a bag, a bucket. You don't need to sort them or roll them first. Walk in during normal business hours and ask for the coin counter or ask a teller where it is.

If the machine is self-service, you'll pour coins into a hopper, and the machine counts and displays the total. Some machines print a receipt; others just show the amount on a screen. A few machines give you cash on the spot. Others print a voucher you take to the teller to exchange for bills.

If a teller counts by hand, it takes longer but costs nothing. They'll count into stacks of ten or twenty and add them up. Ask how long it will take — if you have a very large amount, they may ask you to come back at a slower time or make an appointment.

Coinstar machines: when to use them and what they cost

Coinstar machines are in most grocery stores, some pharmacies, and a few retail chains. They're fast and available any time the store is open. You dump your coins in, the machine counts them, and you get a receipt.

The catch: Coinstar takes a percentage. The fee varies by location but usually runs between 10 and 12 percent. So if you have $100 in coins, you'll get roughly $88 to $90. Some Coinstar machines offer a no-fee option if you choose an e-gift card instead of cash, but the selection of gift cards is limited and varies by location.

Coinstar makes sense if you have a small amount of coins and value speed over cost. For larger amounts, a bank or credit union counter saves you money.

Banks and credit unions that still have coin counters

National banks: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have largely phased out coin counters at most branches. Call your local branch to confirm, but expect the answer to be no.

Credit unions: Most credit unions still have coin counters. Call ahead to confirm, but the odds are good. Examples include Navy Federal Credit Union, Alliant Credit Union, and most local or regional credit unions. Availability varies by branch.

Regional and community banks: Smaller banks are more likely to have machines than national chains. Examples include PNC Bank (some branches), U.S. Bank (some branches), and many local community banks. Again, call first.

The availability of machines changes. A branch that has one today might remove it next year. Always call before you visit.

What to do if no bank near you has a coin counter

Ask a teller to count coins by hand. This is free for account holders at most banks and credit unions. It takes longer than a machine, but it works. Some banks will only do this for a certain amount (like up to $50 or $100) or during slow hours.

Use a Coinstar machine if you're willing to pay the fee and value speed. The fee stings on large amounts, but it's when ready and requires no appointment.

Visit a coin dealer or local numismatist. They often charge less than Coinstar (sometimes 5 percent or less) and may pay more if your coins have collector value. Search "coin dealer near me" or "numismatist near me."

Roll coins yourself if you have time. Coin rolls are cheap and available at most banks. You fill the paper rolls by hand, and the bank accepts them without counting. This works well if you have a small to medium amount and don't mind the time investment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a credit union's coin counter if I don't have an account there?

Most credit unions allow non-members to use their coin counter, though some charge a small fee ($1 to $3). A few require membership. Call ahead to ask. If they do charge, it's usually still cheaper than Coinstar.

Do I need to roll my coins before bringing them to a bank?

No. Bring them loose in any container. If you're using a coin counter machine, just pour them in. If a teller is counting by hand, they'll sort and stack them. Coin rolls are only necessary if you want to deposit coins directly into your account without using a counter.

What's the difference between a coin counter and a coin wrapper?

A coin counter is a machine that counts loose coins and tells you the total. A coin wrapper is a paper tube you fill by hand with coins (usually 40 to 50 coins per roll, depending on denomination). Banks accept wrapped coins for deposit without counting them.

Will a bank count coins if I'm not a customer?

Most banks will not count coins for non-customers. Credit unions are more likely to help. If you don't have a bank account, a credit union, coin dealer, or Coinstar machine is your best option.

How much does it cost to use a credit union's coin counter?

Many credit unions offer free coin counting for members and non-members. Some charge non-members $1 to $3. Call the credit union directly to ask — fees vary by location and institution.