Most banks will give you change if you have an account there, but policies vary by branch and by how much you need

Yes, you can get change at a bank—but the answer depends on whether you have an account there, how much change you need, and what the individual branch allows. Banks are not required to exchange coins or bills for customers without accounts, and many have stopped doing it altogether. If you do have an account, most banks will exchange reasonable amounts of change at the teller window during business hours, though some branches set limits or charge fees.

The practical reality: your own bank is your best option. Bring your debit card or account number so the teller can verify you're a customer. If you need a large amount of change—say, $100 or more in coins—call ahead. Some branches keep limited coin on hand and may need to order it.

Key Takeaways

  • Banks typically exchange change for account holders at the teller window during business hours, but non-customers are usually turned away.
  • Calling your branch before you go prevents a wasted trip if they don't have the amount or type of change you need in stock.
  • Large coin exchanges (more than $20 or $30 in coins) may require advance notice because branches don't always keep that much on hand.
  • Some banks charge a fee for change exchanges if you're not making a deposit or withdrawal at the same time, so ask before you hand over your money.
  • Credit unions often have the same policies as banks, but smaller branches may have even tighter limits on change availability.

What happens when you ask for change at your own bank

If you have a checking or savings account, walk up to the teller window with your debit card or account number and ask for change. The teller will verify your account and exchange bills for coins, or coins for bills, depending on what you need. This is a routine transaction and takes about five minutes.

The teller will count out what you need from the cash drawer. If they don't have enough of a specific denomination—say, you need $50 in dimes and they only have $20—they may offer to order it for you to pick up in a few days, or they may suggest you come back later when the drawer has been replenished.

Some banks limit change exchanges to account holders only during certain hours or at certain branches. A few charge a small fee ($1 to $3) if the exchange is not tied to a deposit or withdrawal. Ask your teller whether your branch charges before you hand over your money.

Why banks are stricter about change than they used to be

Ten years ago, asking for change at any bank was routine. Now many branches have stopped offering it to non-customers, and some have reduced what they'll exchange even for account holders. The reason is operational: handling coins is expensive. Coins take up space, require sorting and counting, and banks have to pay to transport them to armored carriers. Many branches now order coins only when they run low, rather than keeping large supplies on hand.

The shift accelerated during the 2020 coin shortage, when the Federal Reserve restricted coin distribution and many banks had to ration what they had. Even though the shortage ended, many branches never went back to their old practices. Some large banks now discourage coin exchanges altogether and direct customers to coin-counting machines instead.

Getting change when you don't have an account at that bank

Most banks will not exchange change for non-customers. This is a business decision, not a legal requirement—banks are private institutions and can set their own policies. If you walk in without an account, the teller will likely direct you elsewhere.

Your options are limited. Some credit unions will exchange change for non-members, but policies vary widely. Your best bet is a grocery store or pharmacy with a customer service desk—they often have tellers who can break large bills or exchange coins if you're making a purchase. Laundromats and arcades sometimes have change machines, though they typically charge a percentage (usually 5 to 10 percent) to convert coins to bills.

If you need coins specifically and have no account anywhere, a coin-counting machine at a grocery store or bank lobby (if they have one) will convert your loose coins to a receipt you can cash at customer service. The machine usually takes a cut of 5 to 10 percent, but it's faster than asking a teller.

How much change can you get, and how long it takes

For small amounts—under $50 in coins or a few hundred dollars in bills—most tellers can handle it when ready from the cash drawer. For larger amounts, especially if you need a specific denomination or a lot of coins, you may need to call ahead or wait while the teller checks with a manager.

If your branch doesn't have what you need in stock, they can usually order it. Coin orders typically arrive within one to three business days. Bill orders are faster—often the same day if you call before noon. Some branches charge a small fee for special orders, so ask when you call.

During busy times (lunch hours, Friday afternoons), tellers may ask you to come back when it's slower, especially if your request is large or unusual. This is not a refusal—it's a request to return when they have more time to count and verify.

What to bring and how to prepare

Bring your debit card or account number. If you don't have your card, bring a government-issued ID and be ready to provide your account number or the phone number associated with your account. The teller needs to verify you're a customer before they'll exchange change.

If you need a large amount or a specific denomination, call your branch first. Ask whether they have it in stock and whether you need to order it. This takes two minutes and saves you a trip. When you call, have your account number ready so the branch can look up your account quickly.

Bring the money in a bag or envelope if it's a large amount. Loose coins in your pockets will slow down the counting process and may annoy the teller. If you're exchanging bills for coins, the teller will count the bills, verify the amount, and then count out the coins to you.

Alternatives when your bank can't help

If your bank won't exchange change or doesn't have what you need, consider these options. A grocery store or pharmacy with a customer service desk will often break a large bill or exchange coins if you're a regular customer or making a purchase. Some will do it without a purchase if you ask politely.

Coin-counting machines are available at many grocery stores, banks, and laundromats. You pour your coins in, the machine counts them, and you get a receipt to cash at customer service or a teller window. The machine takes a cut (usually 5 to 10 percent), but it's fast and requires no conversation.

If you need coins for a specific purpose—laundry, parking meters, arcade games—ask the business where you'll use them. Laundromats often have change machines. Parking garages sometimes have attendants who can break bills. Arcades will exchange bills for tokens or coins. These are not ideal solutions, but they work in a pinch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get change at a bank branch that's not my bank?

Most banks will not exchange change for non-customers. Some credit unions have different policies, but you'd need to call ahead. Your best option is a grocery store, pharmacy, or laundromat with a change machine.

Do I need to make a deposit or withdrawal to get change?

No, but some banks charge a small fee ($1 to $3) if you're only exchanging change and not conducting another transaction. Ask the teller before you hand over your money. Many branches waive the fee if you ask.

What if I need $200 in quarters and my bank doesn't have them?

Call your branch and ask them to order it. Most banks can order coins within one to three business days. You may pay a small fee for the order, and you'll need to pick it up in person during business hours.

Can I exchange coins for bills at an ATM?

No. ATMs only dispense bills and accept bills or cards. You must go to a teller window to exchange coins. Some banks have coin-counting machines in the lobby that convert coins to a receipt, which you can then cash at a teller.

What happens if I have a lot of coins and the teller says they're too busy?

The teller may ask you to come back at a slower time, or they may ask you to use a coin-counting machine if the bank has one. This is not a refusal—they're managing their workload. Come back during off-peak hours (mid-morning, mid-afternoon, or early in the week) and you'll likely have better luck.