Yes, you can still get pennies from most banks, but the process and availability depend on the bank and how many you need

If you need pennies for a cash register, a vending machine, or just to have on hand, most banks will exchange them for you at face value. You don't need an account at that bank. Walk in with a dollar bill or larger denomination and ask the teller for pennies, and they'll usually hand them over without question. The catch: if you need a large quantity—say, $50 worth or more—call ahead first. Some branches keep limited penny stock and may need to order them from their regional distribution center, which takes a few business days.

The real friction happens when you're trying to deposit pennies rather than withdraw them. Banks still accept pennies as deposits, but many now charge a fee if you bring in loose coins without rolling them first. Some branches have stopped accepting loose coins altogether and direct customers to coin-counting machines instead. A few large banks, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo, still take rolled coins without fees at most locations, but policies vary by branch. Call your specific branch before you show up with a bag of pennies.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks will exchange paper money for pennies on the spot without an account, but call first if you need more than a few dollars' worth.
  • Depositing loose pennies often triggers a fee or is refused entirely; rolling them yourself or using a coin-counting machine avoids the charge.
  • Bank policies on coin deposits vary by location and institution, so confirm with your specific branch before bringing in a large quantity.
  • If your bank won't take pennies, credit unions and some grocery stores with customer service desks may accept them without fees.

Why banks are stricter about pennies now

The penny has become a cost problem for banks. Processing loose coins is labor-intensive—tellers have to count, verify, and bag them, then the bank has to transport them to a regional processing center. The Federal Reserve charges banks for coin processing based on weight and volume. For pennies, which are worth almost nothing individually, the labor cost often exceeds the face value of what's being processed.

This is why many banks have shifted the burden to customers. Some require coins to be rolled in paper sleeves (which you can get free from the bank). Others direct you to automated coin-counting machines, which take a percentage cut—usually 8 to 10 percent—but handle the sorting and counting when ready. A few banks have stopped accepting coins from non-account holders entirely.

Where to get pennies if your bank won't help

If your primary bank refuses to exchange paper money for pennies or charges a fee, you have other options. Credit unions typically have more lenient coin policies than large commercial banks, especially if you're a member. Call ahead to confirm, but most credit unions will exchange coins at face value without fees.

Grocery stores and pharmacies with customer service desks sometimes exchange coins for customers, particularly if you're making a purchase. Walmart, Target, and other large retailers with money services desks may also do this. Your best bet is to ask at the customer service counter rather than the checkout line. Some will do it, some won't—it depends on store policy and how busy they are.

If you need a large quantity of new pennies and your bank can't provide them, you can order them directly from the Federal Reserve. You'll need a business account or a relationship with a bank that can place the order on your behalf. This is impractical for small personal needs but is an option if you run a business that handles significant cash.

Rolled coins versus loose coins: the fee difference

Rolling your own coins takes time but saves money. A standard coin roll holds 50 pennies and costs nothing if you get the paper sleeves from your bank. If you bring in rolled coins, most banks waive the processing fee. Some banks will even accept pre-rolled coins from non-account holders, though this varies.

Loose coins almost always trigger a fee or outright refusal. The fee typically ranges from 5 to 10 percent of the total value, though some banks charge a flat fee of $5 to $10 per deposit. A few banks, particularly smaller regional institutions and credit unions, still accept loose coins without fees, but you need to ask first.

What to do before you go to the bank

Call your branch and ask three specific things: whether they exchange paper money for pennies, whether they accept loose coins as deposits, and if there's a fee. Ask for the name of the person you spoke with in case the teller gives you different information. This takes five minutes and saves you a wasted trip.

If you're depositing pennies, ask whether they need to be rolled. If they do and you don't have sleeves, ask if the bank will provide them free. Most will. If you're withdrawing pennies, ask how many you can get on the spot and whether you need to order ahead for larger amounts.

Coin-counting machines as an alternative

Coin-counting machines are available at most grocery stores, Coinstar kiosks, and some banks. You dump your coins in, the machine counts them, and you get a receipt or voucher. The catch is the fee: Coinstar charges 11.9 percent of the total value, though some grocery stores offer free counting if you convert to a gift card instead of cash.

If you have a large quantity of pennies and your bank won't take them, a coin-counting machine might be worth the fee just to avoid the hassle. But if you only have a few dollars' worth, rolling them yourself is free and takes less time than driving to a store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get pennies from a bank where I don't have an account?

Yes. Most banks will exchange paper money for pennies without requiring an account. Walk in, ask a teller, and they'll usually hand them over. If you need a large amount, call ahead so they can have them ready or order them if necessary.

Do I have to roll coins before I deposit them?

It depends on the bank. Many banks now require coins to be rolled in paper sleeves to avoid a fee. Some accept loose coins but charge a processing fee of 5 to 10 percent. Ask your specific branch what their policy is before you bring coins in.

What if my bank charges a fee for loose coins?

Roll them yourself using free paper sleeves from the bank, or use a coin-counting machine at a grocery store. Rolling takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs nothing. Coin-counting machines charge a percentage but do the work when ready.

Can I order pennies directly from the Federal Reserve?

Only through a bank account. You can't order directly as an individual. If you need a large business quantity, ask your bank whether they can place a Federal Reserve order on your behalf.

Will a credit union take pennies if my bank won't?

Usually yes. Credit unions tend to have more flexible coin policies than large commercial banks. Call your local credit union and ask about their coin deposit policy before you visit.