Most banks want you to roll coins or use a coin counter before depositing
Banks accept coin deposits, but the process depends on whether you roll the coins yourself or use the bank's machine. If you bring loose coins, most banks will ask you to use their coin counter — a machine that counts and sorts coins automatically — or they will charge you a fee to do it for you. Some banks include coin counting free for account holders; others charge between 5 and 10 cents per dollar of coins deposited. A few banks have stopped accepting loose coins altogether and require rolled coins only.
The fastest route is to call your branch ahead of time and ask what they accept. Tell them whether you have loose coins or rolled coins, and ask if there is a fee. This takes two minutes and saves you a trip back home if your branch does not take what you brought.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank branch before you go to confirm they accept the form of coins you have — loose, rolled, or both.
- Loose coins usually go through the bank's coin counter machine, which may be free for account holders or charge a fee per dollar.
- Rolled coins (coins wrapped in paper sleeves) are accepted at nearly all banks and typically have no fee.
- Bring your account number or debit card and a deposit slip, or ask the teller to print one.
- The coins are counted and added to your account when ready, though the deposit may not show online for a few hours.
How to prepare coins before you go to the bank
If your bank accepts rolled coins, you can buy coin wrappers at any drugstore or supermarket for a few dollars. The standard sizes are: pennies (50 per roll), nickels (40 per roll), dimes (50 per roll), and quarters (40 per roll). Separate your coins by denomination, stack them in the wrapper, and fold the end closed. Some banks prefer the paper wrapper folded and crimped; others do not care. A teller can tell you the preference when you call.
If your bank has a free coin counter for account holders, bring your coins loose in a bag or container. Do not pre-sort them — the machine does that. Arrive during a quiet time if you can; coin counting takes a few minutes and can back up the line. Loose coins are heavier and bulkier than rolled coins, so a sturdy bag or jar works better than your pockets.
What happens when you arrive at the bank
Walk to the teller window with your coins and your debit card or account number. Tell the teller you want to deposit coins. If you have rolled coins, hand them over and the teller will count them (usually by weight, not by opening each roll) and add the total to your deposit slip. If you have loose coins, the teller will direct you to the coin counter machine in the lobby, or ask if you want them to run the coins through their counter for a fee.
If the bank charges a fee for counting loose coins, the teller will deduct it from the deposit total. For example, if you deposit $50 in loose coins and the fee is 10 cents per dollar, you will be charged $5 and your account will be credited $45. Ask the teller to confirm the fee before they process the coins.
Using the bank's coin counter machine
Most coin counters are self-service machines in the lobby. Pour your loose coins into the hopper at the top, and the machine sorts and counts them automatically. The machine prints a receipt showing the total amount. Take the receipt to the teller and hand it over with your debit card or account number. The teller will add the amount to a deposit slip and credit your account.
Some machines dispense a voucher instead of cash, which you must bring to the teller. A few banks have machines that dispense coins back into a cup if you want to keep them, but most banks that offer free coin counting do so only if you deposit the coins into your account. Read the machine's instructions before you start, or ask a teller for help. If the machine seems broken or is not working, do not force it — ask a teller to information you.
Timing and when the deposit shows in your account
Coin deposits are processed when ready at the teller window. The coins are counted, the amount is recorded on your deposit slip, and your account is credited on the same day. However, the deposit may not show in your online banking for a few hours, depending on when the bank's system updates. If you deposited coins at 2 p.m. on a Tuesday, you should see the deposit online by 5 p.m. or by the next morning at the latest.
If you used a coin counter machine and the machine malfunctioned or gave you an incorrect total, tell the teller when ready. They can recount the coins or adjust your deposit. Once you leave the bank, disputes are harder to resolve. Keep your receipt from the coin counter until the deposit shows in your account online.
Banks that do not accept loose coins
A growing number of banks, particularly large national chains, have stopped accepting loose coins from customers. They cite the time it takes to count and sort coins and the cost of maintaining coin counter machines. If your bank is one of them, you have two options: roll the coins yourself and deposit them, or take the coins to a grocery store or pharmacy that has a coin counter kiosk (often branded Coinstar). Grocery store kiosks charge a percentage fee — usually 10 to 12 cents per dollar — but they are open longer than banks and do not require an account.
Some credit unions still accept loose coins free for members. If you belong to a credit union, call and ask before you roll the coins. You may also find that smaller regional banks or community banks are more likely to accept loose coins than large national chains.
What to bring and what to expect
| What You Need | Why |
|---|---|
| Your debit card or account number | The teller needs to know which account to credit. |
| Coins (loose or rolled) | The thing you are depositing. |
| A deposit slip (optional) | The teller can print one, but bringing one speeds up the process. |
| A bag or container for loose coins | Carrying loose coins in your hands or pockets is impractical and slow. |
Expect the process to take 5 to 10 minutes if you have rolled coins and the teller is not busy. If you have loose coins and need to use the bank's counter, add another 5 to 10 minutes. Arrive during off-peak hours — mid-morning on a weekday is usually quieter than lunch or late afternoon.
Bring your coins in a sturdy container that will not spill. A zippered bag, jar, or small bucket works well. If you are depositing a large amount of coins, consider making two trips rather than overloading one container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an account holder to deposit coins?
Yes. Banks deposit coins only into an existing account. You will need to provide your account number or debit card. If you do not have a bank account, you can take coins to a grocery store or pharmacy coin counter kiosk, which accepts coins from anyone for a fee.
What if my bank charges a fee for loose coins but I do not want to pay it?
Roll the coins yourself using coin wrappers from a drugstore. Rolled coins are almost always free to deposit. If rolling is not practical, compare fees at other banks in your area — some offer free coin counting for account holders, and switching banks may be worth it if you deposit coins regularly.
Can I deposit coins at an ATM?
No. ATMs accept only bills and checks, not coins. You must go to a teller window or use a coin counter machine inside the bank lobby.
What if the coin counter machine jams or breaks while I am using it?
Stop using the machine and tell a teller when ready. They will help you retrieve your coins and either fix the machine or direct you to another one. Do not leave coins in a broken machine.
How much can I deposit in coins at one time?
There is no legal limit on the amount of coins you can deposit. However, very large deposits (more than a few hundred dollars in coins) may take longer to process and may require the bank to order additional coin counter supplies. Call ahead if you are depositing more than $500 in coins.