Most banks will exchange quarters for cash, but not all branches keep them in stock

You can get quarters from your bank if you have an account there, but the process depends on which bank you use and whether that specific branch has quarters available. Some banks will hand them over without question during business hours. Others require advance notice so they can order them from their regional cash center. A few will only exchange them if you're withdrawing a large amount or if you're a long-standing customer.

The real constraint is inventory. Quarters are physical objects that branches stock in limited quantities. During summer months, laundromat season, and the weeks before school starts, many branches run low. If you need a specific number of quarters on a specific day, calling ahead is the only way to know whether they're there.

Key Takeaways

  • Call your branch before you go—quarters are not always in stock, and you may need to wait for an order to arrive.
  • You will need to exchange cash for quarters; most banks will not give you quarters without a withdrawal or deposit.
  • Large orders (more than $10 to $20 in quarters) usually require at least one business day notice so the branch can request them from a cash center.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks sometimes have stricter limits or longer wait times than national chains.
  • If your branch cannot help you, a coin-counting machine at a grocery store or laundromat can convert bills to quarters without a bank account.

How the exchange works at major national banks

Bank of America, Chase, Wells Fargo, and Citibank all exchange coins for customers with accounts. You walk in during business hours, tell the teller you want quarters, and hand over the equivalent amount in cash or a check. The teller counts out the quarters from the drawer if they have them. If they do not, they note your request and order them from the regional processing center, which usually takes one to three business days.

Most branches keep $50 to $100 in quarters on hand at any given time. Once that runs out, the next batch arrives when the armored car makes its regular delivery, typically twice a week. You do not need an appointment for small amounts—$5 to $10 in quarters—but calling ahead is still the safest move.

Some branches will exchange coins for non-customers, but this is at the manager's discretion and happens rarely. If you do not have an account, your best option is to ask whether they will do a one-time exchange, but expect to be turned away.

What to expect when you call ahead

When you call your branch, have your account number ready and tell the teller or customer service representative exactly how many quarters you need. Say "I need $20 in quarters" rather than "I need a lot of quarters"—this helps them check inventory and decide whether to order.

If they have quarters in stock, you can come in the same day or the next business day. If they do not, they will place an order with the cash center. The order usually arrives within one to three business days, but this varies by region and by how busy the cash center is. Some branches will call you when the quarters arrive; others will not, so ask them to confirm when you should come back.

Bring your ID and be prepared to withdraw cash or move money from savings to checking to complete the exchange. The teller will not hand over quarters without a corresponding transaction.

Credit unions and smaller regional banks

Credit unions handle coin exchanges the same way national banks do, but they often have smaller cash reserves. A credit union branch might keep only $20 to $30 in quarters on hand, so calling ahead is even more important. Some credit unions charge a small fee—$1 to $3—for large coin orders, though this is uncommon.

Regional banks vary widely. Some treat coin exchanges like any other transaction; others have strict policies about the amount or the notice required. A few will only exchange coins if you are depositing coins, not withdrawing them. Call your specific branch to learn their policy rather than assuming it matches a national standard.

When your bank cannot help

If your branch is out of quarters and cannot order them in time, or if you do not have a bank account, you have other options. Grocery stores with customer service desks often exchange bills for quarters, especially if you are a regular customer or if you buy something first. Laundromats and car washes have change machines that accept bills and dispense quarters, though the exchange rate is usually worse—you might get $0.95 in quarters for every dollar you insert.

Coin-counting machines at supermarkets (the kind you dump loose coins into) work in reverse at some locations—you can feed in bills and receive quarters. Check whether your local grocery store has this feature before you go. Some Coinstar machines offer a "no fee" option if you choose to receive quarters instead of a gift card.

If you need quarters regularly—for laundry, parking, or arcade games—ask your bank whether they can set up a standing order. Some branches will set aside a small amount each week so you always have them on hand.

Timing and planning ahead

The worst time to need quarters is Friday afternoon or the day before a holiday, when branches are closing and cash centers are not processing orders. If you know you will need quarters for a specific event or date, call your branch at least three business days ahead. This gives them time to order from the cash center and receive the shipment before you need them.

During summer months (May through August), branches are busier and quarters move faster. Winter months are usually easier—fewer people need them, so branches keep larger reserves. If you can wait, asking in January or February is more likely to result in when ready availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a customer of the bank to get quarters?

Most banks require you to have an account. Some branches will make exceptions for non-customers, but this is rare and depends on the manager's discretion. Your best bet is to ask politely, but be prepared to be told no. If you do not have a bank account, a grocery store customer service desk or coin-counting machine is a faster option.

How much notice do I need to give my bank?

For small amounts ($5 to $10), calling the same morning or the day before is usually enough if the branch has them in stock. For larger amounts ($20 or more), give at least one business day notice so they can order from the cash center. For very large orders (more than $100), call at least three business days ahead.

Will my bank charge me a fee for quarters?

National banks and most credit unions do not charge a fee for coin exchanges. Some regional banks or credit unions may charge $1 to $3 for large orders, but this is uncommon. Ask when you call to confirm your bank's policy.

What if I need quarters on a weekend or holiday?

Banks are closed on weekends and federal holidays, so you cannot get quarters from a branch. Plan ahead and get them on Friday, or use a grocery store customer service desk, laundromat change machine, or Coinstar machine, which operate outside banking hours.

Can I order quarters online and pick them up?

Most banks do not offer online ordering for coins. You must call the branch directly or visit in person. Some banks are beginning to offer this service, but it is not standard. Ask your bank whether they have this option before assuming they do not.