Yes, you can deposit coins and change into most bank accounts

Most banks accept coins and change as deposits, but the process depends on whether you're depositing at a branch with a teller or using an ATM. At a branch, you can hand coins directly to a teller and they'll count and deposit them into your account. At an ATM, most machines do not accept coins — they only take paper bills. Some banks offer coin-counting machines in their lobbies that convert your coins to paper money, which you can then deposit or withdraw.

The main thing to know is that banks are not required to accept loose coins poured into an envelope. They will accept coins that are rolled (wrapped in paper sleeves) or in a bag, and they will definitely accept coins if you hand them to a teller in person. If you're unsure what your specific bank accepts, call the branch where you have your account or ask at the counter next time you visit.

Key Takeaways

  • You can deposit coins at a bank branch by handing them to a teller, who will count them and add the amount to your account.
  • Most ATMs do not accept coins, only paper bills, so coin deposits must happen inside the branch during business hours.
  • Rolling your coins in paper sleeves (pennies in rolls of 50, nickels in rolls of 40, dimes in rolls of 50, quarters in rolls of 40) makes the teller's job faster and may be required by your bank.
  • Some banks have coin-counting machines in the lobby that turn coins into paper money you can deposit or withdraw when ready.
  • If you have a large amount of coins, call ahead to let your branch know you're coming, so they can have enough staff available.

Depositing coins at the teller window

The simplest way to deposit coins is to bring them to your bank branch during business hours and hand them to a teller. You'll need your debit card or account number so the teller can credit the deposit to the right account. The teller will count the coins (or weigh them if you have a large amount) and give you a receipt showing the total deposited.

If you have a lot of coins — more than a few dollars' worth — it's considerate to roll them first. Rolled coins are faster to count and some banks prefer them. Standard coin rolls are: pennies (50 coins per roll), nickels (40 per roll), dimes (50 per roll), and quarters (40 per roll). You can buy empty coin rolls at most banks for free or a small fee, or at office supply stores and some grocery stores.

If your coins are not rolled, the teller will still accept them, but it may take longer. Some banks have policies against accepting loose coins in large quantities, so if you have more than $10 or $20 in loose change, it's worth calling your branch first to ask what they prefer.

Using coin-counting machines

Many banks have a coin-counting machine in the lobby, usually near the ATM area. You pour your coins into the machine, it counts them, and it prints out a receipt or voucher showing the total. You can then take that voucher to a teller to deposit the amount into your account, or to an ATM to withdraw cash.

Some machines charge a small fee (usually 5 to 10 percent of the total) to count your coins, while others are free for customers of that bank. Ask at your branch whether they have a machine and whether there's a fee. If your bank doesn't have one, some grocery stores and laundromats have coin-counting machines that charge a fee but give you cash or a voucher you can use anywhere.

Why ATMs don't accept coins

ATMs are designed to handle only paper bills because coins are harder for machines to count accurately and they jam more easily. The mechanical parts inside an ATM are built for flat, uniform objects. Coins vary in size and weight, and they can get stuck or counted wrong. For this reason, every bank's ATMs reject coins.

This is why you always need to go inside the branch to deposit coins. Plan your visit during business hours — most branches are open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and some are open on Saturday mornings. If you work during those hours, you can visit during your lunch break or on a Saturday.

Depositing coins from a different bank

You can deposit coins at your own bank even if the coins came from a different bank. Banks don't track where coins come from — they only care that the coins are real U.S. currency. A dime is a dime, no matter which bank it came from.

The only exception is if you're trying to deposit foreign coins or damaged coins that are hard to identify. U.S. banks will not accept those. If you have coins from another country, you'll need to exchange them at a currency exchange service, which may charge a fee.

What happens if you deposit a very large amount of coins

If you're depositing more than $100 in coins, your bank may ask you to fill out a form or may report the deposit to the federal government. This is not because anything is wrong — it's a standard reporting requirement for large cash deposits. The bank is not accusing you of anything; they're following federal law.

If you're depositing a large amount, bring your ID and be prepared to answer a straightforward question about where the money came from (for example, "I've been saving my change for a year" or "I cashed out my piggy bank"). This takes only a minute and is completely routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit coins at night using the ATM?

No. ATMs do not accept coins at any time, day or night. You must visit the branch during business hours to deposit coins with a teller or use a coin-counting machine if one is available in the lobby.

Do I have to roll my coins before depositing them?

No, but it's faster for the teller if you do. Some banks prefer rolled coins and may ask you to roll them, but most will accept loose coins if the amount is reasonable. If you have more than $20 in loose coins, call ahead to ask your branch's preference.

Will the bank charge me a fee to deposit coins?

Most banks do not charge a fee to deposit coins at the teller window. However, if you use a coin-counting machine, some banks charge a small percentage (usually 5 to 10 percent). Ask your branch whether they charge.

What if I don't have a bank account yet — can I open one with coins?

Yes. When you open a new account, you can make your first deposit in coins. Bring your ID and the coins to the branch, and the banker will help you open the account and deposit the coins at the same time.

Can I deposit coins into someone else's account?

Yes, if you have permission from the account holder. Bring the coins and the account number (or the person's debit card) to the branch, and tell the teller you're making a deposit into that account. The teller will ask for your ID and may ask how you know the account holder.