Yes, you can get pennies at the bank, but the process depends on what you need them for
Banks still stock pennies and other coins, but they do not keep large quantities on hand the way they did years ago. If you need a small number of pennies for everyday use — to make exact change or fill a piggy bank — most banks will give them to you for free at the teller window. If you need a large quantity, you may need to order them in advance, and some banks charge a fee for bulk coin orders.
The key difference is between getting coins as a customer with an account and ordering coins as a business. A person with a checking or savings account can usually walk in and ask for a roll or a handful of pennies without any cost. A business that needs hundreds of dollars' worth of coins may face fees or longer wait times.
Key Takeaways
- You can get pennies free at most banks if you have an account and need a small amount for personal use.
- Banks order coins from the Federal Reserve and keep limited supplies, so large orders may take several days.
- Some banks charge fees for bulk coin orders or require you to order through their business banking department.
- If your bank cannot provide coins, a coin-counting machine at a grocery store or laundromat can convert bills into coins.
How to ask for pennies at your bank
Go to the teller window during business hours and tell them you need pennies. You do not need an appointment. If you want a specific amount — say, a roll of 50 pennies or $5 worth — tell the teller that number. Most tellers can hand you coins from the drawer when ready if the bank has them in stock.
Bring your debit card or account information if you have it, though many banks will give you a small amount of coins even if you cannot prove you have an account. If the teller hesitates, ask to speak to the branch manager. Banks are not required by law to give away coins, but most do for account holders as a courtesy.
What happens if the bank does not have pennies in stock
If the teller says they do not have pennies available, ask when they expect the next coin delivery. Most banks receive coins from the Federal Reserve on a regular schedule — often weekly or biweekly — and can tell you the next delivery date. You can come back then, or the bank may be able to set aside coins for you to pick up later.
If you need coins urgently and your bank cannot help, other places stock coins: grocery stores with customer service desks sometimes exchange bills for coins, laundromats have change machines, and some pharmacies will break a bill into coins if you make a small purchase. Coin-counting machines at supermarkets can also convert your bills into coins, though they usually charge a small percentage fee.
Ordering coins in bulk or for a business
If you need more than a few rolls of pennies — for example, if you run a small business or are collecting coins — contact your bank's business banking department or ask the teller about placing a special order. Banks can order coins directly from the Federal Reserve, but the process takes time and may cost money.
Fees vary by bank. Some charge nothing for bulk orders if you are an account holder. Others charge a percentage of the order value or a flat fee per box of coins. The order usually arrives within three to five business days, though it can take longer if the Federal Reserve is experiencing delays. Ask your bank about their specific fees and timeline before you place an order.
Why banks have fewer coins than they used to
During the COVID-19 pandemic, coin circulation slowed dramatically because fewer people used cash. The Federal Reserve had to ration coins to banks, and many branches ran short. Even though coin circulation has improved since then, banks still keep smaller supplies than they did before 2020.
This means that if you need a large amount of coins, you may face a wait or a fee. It also means that if you have coins at home, rolling them and depositing them at the bank is actually helpful — it puts coins back into circulation and reduces the pressure on the Federal Reserve's supply.
Depositing coins you already have
If you have loose pennies or other coins you want to deposit into your account, bring them to the teller in any container. You do not have to roll them first, though some banks prefer rolled coins because they are easier to count and transport. The teller will count them or weigh them and add the total to your account.
Some banks charge a fee to deposit coins if you bring in a very large amount — say, more than $50 in loose change — because counting takes time. Ask your bank about their policy before you arrive with buckets of coins. If the fee seems high, you can roll the coins yourself at home using coin wrappers (which are inexpensive and available at most banks or online) and then deposit the rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have a bank account to get pennies?
Most banks will give a small amount of coins to anyone who asks, but account holders are more likely to receive coins without questions. If you do not have an account, call ahead to ask whether the branch will give you coins, because policies vary by bank and location.
Can I get pennies from a bank where I do not have an account?
It depends on the bank and the amount you need. Some banks give coins only to account holders. Others will exchange a small amount of coins for anyone. Your best option is to call the branch and ask, or visit during a quiet time and explain what you need.
What if I need pennies for a vending machine or laundry?
For small amounts, a grocery store customer service desk, pharmacy, or gas station will often break a bill into coins if you ask. Laundromats have change machines. These are faster than going to a bank if you only need a few dollars' worth of coins.
How much does it cost to order coins from the bank?
Fees vary by bank. Small orders for account holders are usually free. Bulk orders or orders from non-account holders may have fees ranging from a flat amount to a percentage of the order. Call your bank's business banking department to ask about their specific pricing.
Can I return coins to the bank if I do not want them?
Yes. You can deposit coins at the teller window or at an ATM that accepts coins (though not all do). The bank will count them and add the amount to your account. There is no fee for depositing coins you already own.