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

You can get quarters from your bank, but the process depends on whether you have an account there, how many you need, and whether that specific branch has them available. Banks do not stock coins the way they stock cash. A teller can order quarters for you, but the order may take a few business days, and some branches charge a fee if you are not a customer.

The fastest way is to visit a branch where you have an account during business hours and ask the teller directly. If you need a small amount—a roll or two—many tellers will hand them over without advance notice. If you need more, or if you do not bank there, you will likely need to place an order and return later, or pay a fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Account holders can usually get quarters same-day if the branch has them in stock, or within a few business days if they need to be ordered.
  • Non-customers may face a fee or be turned away, depending on the bank's policy and how many quarters you need.
  • Calling ahead to confirm the branch has quarters in stock saves a wasted trip.
  • Credit unions often have the same coin exchange service as banks and may be more flexible with non-members.
  • Retail stores like grocery stores and laundromats can exchange bills for quarters without requiring an account.

How banks handle coin orders

Banks order coins from the Federal Reserve, but the process is not when ready. When you ask a teller for quarters, they check the branch's coin supply. If quarters are in stock, you walk out with them. If not, the teller fills out a coin order form, which goes to the bank's regional processing center. That center then requests the coins from the Federal Reserve.

The timeline varies. Some branches receive orders within two to three business days. Others take longer, depending on how busy the Federal Reserve's coin distribution center is and how far you are from it. During high-demand periods—summer months when people use laundromats and parking meters more—the wait can stretch to a week or longer.

You will need to return to the branch to pick up the quarters once they arrive. The bank will call you if you left a phone number, but do not assume they will. Ask the teller when to check back, or call the branch a few days later to confirm the order has landed.

What account holders pay versus non-customers

If you have a checking or savings account at the bank, you can usually exchange cash for quarters at no charge. The bank considers this a routine service for its customers. You hand the teller a $20 bill, they give you 80 quarters. No fee, no questions.

Non-customers face different rules. Some banks will exchange coins for non-customers but charge a fee—typically $5 to $10 for a roll of 40 quarters, or a percentage of the total amount. Other banks refuse non-customers entirely. A few large banks have a blanket policy: coins only for account holders. Call ahead before you visit, because policies vary by branch and by bank.

If you do not have an account and the bank charges a fee, you are usually better off going to a retail store instead. A grocery store, laundromat, or arcade will exchange bills for quarters without a fee and without requiring you to be a customer.

How much you can get and when

There is no hard limit on how many quarters a bank will exchange for you as an account holder. If you need $100 in quarters—400 coins—the bank can order them. The constraint is practical: the branch needs to have them in stock or be willing to order them, and you need to wait for the order to arrive.

If you need a small amount—one or two rolls—ask the teller without calling ahead. Many branches keep a few rolls of quarters on hand for exactly this reason. If you need more than five rolls, call the branch first. The teller can tell you whether they have them in stock or how long an order will take.

Timing matters. If you need quarters on a Friday afternoon and the branch does not have them, you will not get them until the following week at the earliest. Plan ahead if you know you need a large amount.

Alternatives if your bank cannot help

If your bank does not have quarters or charges a fee, a grocery store is usually your fastest option. Customer service desks at supermarkets like Kroger, Safeway, and Whole Foods will exchange cash for quarters, usually without a fee. You do not need to make a purchase. Walk up to the desk, ask for quarters, and hand over your cash. The transaction takes two minutes.

Laundromats and arcades also exchange bills for quarters, though they may limit the amount or charge a small fee. Coinstar machines, found in many grocery stores, do the opposite—they take coins and give you cash or a gift card—so they do not help you get quarters.

Credit unions often have the same coin exchange service as banks and may be more flexible. If you belong to a credit union, ask there first. If you do not, some credit unions will exchange coins for non-members without a fee, though policies vary.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring cash in the denomination you want to exchange. If you want 80 quarters, bring a $20 bill. The teller will count out the quarters and hand them over. You do not need your account number or ID if you are a customer, though the teller may ask for ID as a routine security check.

If you are ordering quarters that are not in stock, the teller will ask for your phone number and when you plan to pick them up. Write down the date you were told to return. Do not assume the bank will hold the order indefinitely—most banks keep coin orders for 30 days before returning them to the Federal Reserve.

Bring a bag or container if you are getting a large amount. 400 quarters weigh about 10 pounds and take up significant space. A small backpack or cloth bag works well.

Why banks sometimes run out of quarters

Banks do not manufacture coins. They order from the Federal Reserve, which distributes coins minted by the U.S. Mint. During periods of high demand—summer, holiday shopping season, or after a long weekend—the Federal Reserve's coin supply tightens. Branches run out of quarters faster than they can reorder them.

This happened notably in 2020, when pandemic-related disruptions slowed coin production and increased demand for coins as people avoided cash. Some branches had no quarters available for weeks. The situation resolved as production ramped up, but it showed that coin availability is not may provide.

If your branch is consistently out of quarters, ask the teller whether they can special-order a larger amount. Some branches can request extra coins from the Federal Reserve if they know demand is coming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a customer to get quarters from a bank?

No, but non-customers may face a fee or be turned away. Call the branch first to ask their policy. If they charge a fee, a grocery store or laundromat is usually cheaper and faster.

How long does it take to get quarters if the bank has to order them?

Usually two to five business days, depending on how busy the Federal Reserve's distribution center is. Call the branch after three days to check whether the order has arrived.

Can I order quarters online and pick them up at the branch?

Most banks do not offer online coin ordering. You have to visit the branch in person or call to place an order. Some banks may allow you to call and order, then pick up later, but confirm this with your branch first.

What if I need quarters urgently and my bank does not have them?

Go to a grocery store customer service desk, laundromat, or arcade. These places exchange cash for quarters on the spot, usually without a fee, and do not require you to be a customer.

Can I get quarters from an ATM?

No. ATMs dispense only bills, not coins. You have to visit a teller or use a retail alternative.