Most banks will give you change, but not always from a teller
Yes, you can get change at banks where you don't have an account. The catch is that many banks now limit this to customers only, or charge a fee if you're not one. Your best bet is a bank where you already have an account, or a store that cashes checks — they often have change available and expect the request.
If you need change at a bank that isn't yours, call ahead. Ask whether they give change to non-customers and whether there's a fee. Some banks do it for free as a courtesy. Others charge $1 to $5 per transaction. A few have stopped doing it entirely because of staffing and security concerns.
The reason this matters: if you're new to banking or managing cash carefully, you might need change to pay for something specific — a laundromat, a parking meter, a vending machine. Knowing where to get it without a fee saves you money and frustration.
Key Takeaways
- Banks you have an account with will almost always give you change for free at the teller window.
- Banks where you don't have an account may charge a fee ($1 to $5) or refuse to give change, so call first.
- Grocery stores, pharmacies, and other retailers will often break a bill or give change without requiring a purchase.
- ATMs dispense cash in set amounts and cannot give you change in a different denomination.
- Credit unions sometimes have looser policies than banks and may give change to non-members for free.
Getting change at your own bank
If you have a checking or savings account at a bank, you can walk in during business hours and ask a teller for change. You don't need to withdraw money from your account — you can straightforward exchange bills or coins. This is free and takes less than a minute.
You'll need to show your debit card or ID so the teller can confirm you're a customer. Some banks let you do this at the drive-through window as well, though it depends on the branch. If you're in a hurry, the drive-through is worth asking about.
Getting change at a bank that isn't yours
Banks have no legal obligation to give change to people without accounts. Each bank sets its own policy. Some still do it as a community service, especially smaller local banks and credit unions. Others have stopped because it takes teller time and creates security concerns.
Before you go, call the bank's main number and ask: "Do you give change to non-customers?" If they say yes, ask whether there's a fee. If they say no, don't make the trip. If you get a "maybe" or "it depends on the branch," call that specific branch directly.
If a bank does give you change, you'll typically need to show ID. Bring a bill or coins you want to exchange, and be prepared to wait if the branch is busy.
Stores and retailers that give change
Grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and convenience stores will often break a bill or give you change without requiring you to buy anything. This is usually free and faster than going to a bank. The cashier can do it in seconds.
Larger retailers like supermarkets are your safest bet — they handle cash all day and expect these requests. Small independent stores may be less willing, especially if they're busy or short on cash. If you're unsure, ask politely: "Could I exchange this $20 for smaller bills?" Most will say yes.
Laundromats, arcades, and other coin-heavy businesses sometimes have change machines or will break bills for customers. Again, a quick phone call ahead saves a wasted trip.
What ATMs can and cannot do
ATMs dispense cash in fixed amounts — usually $20, $40, or $100 bills, depending on the machine. You cannot ask an ATM for change or for a specific combination of bills. If you need $15 in ones and fives, an ATM won't help you.
ATMs are useful for withdrawing cash, but they're not a solution for breaking bills or getting specific denominations. For that, you need a person — either a bank teller or a store cashier.
Credit unions and smaller banks
Credit unions sometimes have more flexible policies than large national banks. Many credit unions will give change to non-members for free, especially if the credit union is small and community-focused. It's worth calling your local credit union to ask.
Smaller local banks are also more likely to help than national chains. These banks often see themselves as part of the community and may give change as a courtesy. Again, a phone call first prevents disappointment.
Planning ahead to avoid the problem
If you know you'll need change for something specific — a laundromat, parking, a vending machine — ask for it when you withdraw cash from your own bank. Tell the teller: "I need this in ones and fives" or "Can I get some quarters?" They'll do it for free and you won't have to hunt for change later.
If you use an ATM, withdraw a bit extra and break the bill at a store on your way to where you need the change. This takes one extra minute and saves you a separate trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get change at a bank ATM if I'm not a customer?
No. ATMs only dispense cash in set amounts and only to people with cards for that bank or network. You cannot request change or specific denominations from an ATM.
Do I have to buy something to get change at a store?
No. Most stores will break a bill or give you change without a purchase. A straightforward "Could I exchange this for smaller bills?" usually works. Grocery stores and pharmacies are your best bet.
What if a bank charges me a fee for change?
You can refuse and go elsewhere. Stores, credit unions, and your own bank are all free options. A fee for change is unusual but legal — banks can set their own policies.
Can I get coins from a bank if I don't have an account?
Policies vary. Some banks will exchange coins for bills for non-customers for free. Others charge a fee or refuse. Call ahead to ask. Coin-heavy businesses like laundromats may also help.
What's the fastest way to get change in an emergency?
A nearby store — grocery, pharmacy, or gas station. They can break a bill in seconds without requiring an account or ID. Banks take longer because you may need to wait for a teller.