A piggy bank is a container you build or repurpose to hold spare change and teach yourself or a child about saving money

A piggy bank doesn't have to be fancy or store-bought. You can make one from materials you likely have at home—a jar, a plastic bottle, a cardboard box, or even a ceramic pot. The basic idea is the same: create a container with a slot for coins to go in and a way to get them out when you're ready to count or deposit them into a real bank account.

Making a piggy bank by hand takes 15 to 30 minutes and costs nothing if you use materials already in your home. It's a practical way to start building a savings habit, and it works especially well for children who benefit from seeing their money accumulate physically before moving to a bank account.

Key Takeaways

  • A basic piggy bank needs a container, a slot for coins to enter, and a way to open it and remove the money.
  • Glass jars, plastic bottles, and cardboard boxes are the easiest materials to work with and require only a knife, scissors, or drill.
  • The slot should be wide enough for coins but small enough that money doesn't fall out accidentally when you move the bank.
  • Once your piggy bank is full, you can empty it and deposit the money into a savings account at a bank or credit union.

Making a piggy bank from a glass jar

A glass jar is the simplest option because it's transparent—you can see how much money you've saved without opening it. Use any jar with a lid: a mason jar, a pasta sauce jar, or a jam jar.

Cut a slot in the lid using a utility knife or a rotary tool. The slot should be about one-quarter inch wide and one to two inches long—wide enough for a quarter to fit through, but not so wide that coins tumble out when you tilt the jar. If you don't have a utility knife, you can drill a hole instead using a small drill bit, though a slot gives you more control over the size.

Once the slot is cut, screw the lid back on. The jar itself stays intact, so you can unscrew the lid later to pour out all the coins at once. This makes it straightforward to count your savings or take them to a bank.

Making a piggy bank from a plastic bottle

A plastic bottle—from juice, water, or soda—works well and is lighter than glass. Wash it out and let it dry completely.

Using scissors or a utility knife, cut a horizontal slot near the top of the bottle, about one-quarter inch wide and one to two inches long. Make the cut on the side of the bottle so coins slide in easily. If scissors are hard to push through, warm the plastic slightly under hot water to soften it, or use a heated utility knife (be careful not to burn yourself).

To empty the bottle, cut a larger opening near the bottom or along one side, then tape it shut with duct tape or packing tape once you've removed the coins. Alternatively, you can cut a removable panel and use a rubber band to hold it in place until you're ready to open it.

Making a piggy bank from a cardboard box

A small cardboard box—a shoebox, a gift box, or a cereal box cut down—is straightforward to decorate and customize. It's also the lightest option.

Cut a slot in the top or side of the box using a utility knife or scissors. Make it about one-quarter inch wide and one to two inches long. Reinforce the edges of the slot with tape so the cardboard doesn't tear or fray when you insert coins repeatedly.

To open the box and remove the money, either cut a larger opening on the bottom or side and tape it shut, or leave one edge of the box slightly loose so you can lift it open. You can also decorate the box with markers, paint, stickers, or wrapping paper to make it more appealing, especially if you're making it for a child.

Decorating your piggy bank

Once your basic piggy bank is built, you can personalize it. Paint it with acrylic paint, cover it with decorative tape, glue on stickers, or wrap it in fabric. If you're using a jar, you can paint the outside or tie a ribbon around the lid.

For a cardboard box, markers and paint work well. Let any paint or glue dry completely before using the bank so coins don't stick to wet surfaces. If you're making a piggy bank for a child, involve them in the decoration—it makes them more invested in using it.

Moving money from your piggy bank to a real account

Once your piggy bank is full or you've reached a savings goal, empty it and count the coins. Most banks and credit unions accept rolled coins or loose coins, though some have limits on how many coins you can deposit at once.

If you have a lot of coins, you can use a coin-counting machine at many grocery stores or banks—these usually charge a small fee (often 5 to 10 percent of the total) unless you're a customer of that bank. Alternatively, you can roll the coins yourself using paper coin wrappers, which banks provide for free or sell cheaply.

Once the coins are counted and rolled, take them to your bank or credit union and deposit them into a savings account. This teaches the habit of moving money from a physical container into a formal savings vehicle where it can earn interest and be tracked alongside other financial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size slot should I cut for coins?

A slot about one-quarter inch wide and one to two inches long works for most coins. Test it with a quarter (the largest common U.S. coin) before finalizing the size. If the slot is too small, coins jam; if it's too large, they fall out when you move the bank.

Can I make a piggy bank that's completely sealed except for the slot?

Yes. A sealed jar with a slot in the lid is the easiest sealed design. For a bottle or box, you can seal all edges with tape or glue after cutting the slot, then cut a larger opening only when you're ready to empty it. This prevents accidental spills.

How do I make a piggy bank that's straightforward for a young child to use?

Make the slot wide enough that a child can insert coins without frustration—about one-half inch wide. Use a transparent container so they can see the money growing. Avoid sharp edges by sanding or taping any rough spots where you cut.

What if I want to make a piggy bank shaped like an animal?

You can paint or decorate a basic jar or box to look like a pig, cat, or other animal. Add details with markers or paint, glue on googly eyes, and paint a snout or ears. The shape of the container itself doesn't have to change—decoration alone can make it look like an animal.

Can I use a piggy bank for bills as well as coins?

A slot-based piggy bank works best for coins. If you want to save bills, use a box with a larger opening or a removable panel instead of a small slot. Alternatively, keep bills in an envelope inside a drawer and use the piggy bank only for coins.