A box of nickels from most banks costs $20 and contains 400 coins
When you order a box of nickels from your bank, you are paying the face value of the coins inside: $20. A standard box holds exactly 400 nickels, each worth 5 cents. You do not pay a premium or a fee on top of that amount — the $20 is the actual value of the metal and currency you receive.
Most banks will order boxes of coins for you at no extra charge if you have an account with them. Some branches keep a small supply on hand and can give you one when ready. Others need to order from their regional Federal Reserve branch, which usually takes one to three business days. A few banks may decline if you do not have an account or if you are ordering in very large quantities.
Key Takeaways
- A standard box of nickels contains 400 coins and costs $20, which is the face value of the coins themselves with no additional fee.
- Most banks will order a box for you if you have an account, though it may take one to three business days to arrive from the Federal Reserve.
- Smaller rolls of 40 nickels ($2) are available if you need fewer coins or prefer something easier to handle.
- Call your bank branch before visiting to confirm they can order coins and ask how long the process takes at that location.
How to order a box of nickels from your bank
Walk into your bank branch or call the main number and ask to speak with someone at the teller line. Tell them you want to order a box of nickels. They will ask whether you have an account there and may ask why you need them (this is routine, not a barrier — banks track coin orders for inventory purposes).
If the branch has nickels in stock, they may hand you a box on the spot. If not, they will place an order with their regional Federal Reserve branch. You will usually need to pick up the box in person within a few days, though some banks can mail it to you if you ask. Bring your ID and be prepared to pay the $20 at the time of pickup.
Some banks require you to order at least one full box. Others will sell you a roll (40 coins, $2) if you need a smaller amount. A few larger branches keep rolls and boxes on hand for walk-in customers, so calling ahead saves a trip.
What happens if your bank cannot order coins
A small number of banks have stopped handling coin orders altogether, especially during periods when the Federal Reserve has had coin shortages. If your bank declines, ask whether they can refer you to another branch in the same network that still orders coins.
Your other option is a local coin dealer or numismatic shop. They will sell you nickels at face value (or sometimes slightly above if they are sorting or rolling them for you). Some Coinstar machines and arcade suppliers also stock rolls of coins, though their markup is usually higher than a bank.
Why banks keep boxes of nickels in stock
Banks order coins from the Federal Reserve to meet customer demand and to maintain cash on hand for everyday transactions. Nickels are less commonly requested than pennies or quarters, so many branches do not keep large supplies. This is why ordering ahead usually works better than walking in and expecting a box to be available when ready.
The Federal Reserve itself does not sell directly to the public — only to banks and credit unions. Your bank acts as the middleman, ordering from the Fed and passing the coins to you at cost.
Other coin denominations and sizes available from banks
If you do not need a full box of nickels, banks can sell you coins in smaller quantities. A roll of nickels contains 40 coins and costs $2. Rolls are easier to carry and store than boxes, and they work well if you need coins for a specific short-term purpose like laundry or vending machines.
Banks also stock rolls and boxes of pennies, dimes, quarters, and dollar coins. The ordering process is the same — call or visit your branch and ask what denominations they have in stock or can order. Some branches keep a wider variety than others, so asking about availability before you visit saves time.
Returning or exchanging nickels at your bank
If you ordered a box of nickels and no longer need it, you can return it to your bank for a full refund as long as the box is sealed and the coins are in original condition. Some banks may ask why you are returning it, but they will take it back without penalty.
You can also exchange nickels for other denominations or for paper currency. If you have loose nickels you want to roll, some banks will do this for you at no charge, though this service is becoming less common. Call ahead and ask whether your branch offers coin rolling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order nickels online from my bank?
Most banks do not offer online coin ordering. You will need to call or visit a branch in person. Some larger banks have started offering coin delivery through their mobile app or website, but this is still uncommon. Call your bank to ask whether this option is available.
Do I have to be a customer to order a box of nickels?
Most banks require you to have an account. A few will sell coins to non-customers, but they may charge a small fee or require you to order a larger quantity. Call ahead and ask — policies vary by branch and bank.
What if I need more than one box?
Banks can order multiple boxes, but very large orders (10 or more boxes) may take longer or require advance notice. Call your branch and tell them the quantity you need. They will let you know the timeline and whether there are any limits.
Are there any fees for ordering coins?
No. You pay only the face value of the coins ($20 per box of nickels). Banks do not charge ordering fees for standard coin requests from customers with accounts.
How long does it take to get a box of nickels if the branch doesn't have one in stock?
Most banks can order from their regional Federal Reserve branch and have the box ready for pickup within one to three business days. Some branches are faster if they order frequently. Call your branch and ask for their typical timeline.