Most large banks no longer have coin machines for customers, but credit unions and some regional banks still do

The short answer: Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have largely removed coin machines from their branches. If you need to deposit coins, your best options are credit unions (which often have them), smaller regional banks, and grocery store customer service desks. Some Coinstar machines at grocery stores will convert coins to cash for a fee, or to a gift card with no fee.

Banks stopped installing coin machines because they are expensive to maintain and fewer people use them. The machines that remain are usually at branches in areas with high foot traffic or at institutions that prioritize customer service over cost-cutting. If you have coins to deposit, calling ahead to confirm a machine exists at your specific branch takes five minutes and saves a trip.

Key Takeaways

  • Credit unions are more likely to have coin machines than national banks, and many let non-members use them for a small fee.
  • Regional and community banks often keep coin machines because they serve local customers who still use cash regularly.
  • Coinstar machines at grocery stores convert coins to cash (with a fee) or to a gift card (no fee), but you lose a percentage either way.
  • Calling your specific branch before visiting is the fastest way to confirm whether a coin machine is actually there.
  • Some banks will accept coins in a bag or roll during a regular deposit, though this is slower and not may provide at every location.

Where to find a coin machine at a bank

Credit unions are your strongest bet. Most credit unions have coin machines, and many allow non-members to use them for a fee of $1 to $3 per transaction. Call your local credit union first—ask specifically whether the machine is in the lobby (accessible during business hours) or behind the teller line (you may need to ask staff to use it). If you are a member, the service is usually free.

Regional and community banks—institutions that operate in one state or a few states rather than nationwide—tend to keep coin machines because their customers still use cash. Banks like PNC, SunTrust, Regions, and Fifth Third have them at many locations, though not all branches. Again, call ahead. National chains have phased them out almost entirely, but a few older branches may still have one.

Some banks will accept coins in paper rolls or a bag during a regular deposit, even without a machine. This is slower and requires the coins to be counted by hand, so staff may ask you to come back during a slower time or to roll the coins yourself first. This is not a may provide—policies vary by branch and by manager.

How to search for a coin machine near you

Start with your own bank's branch locator. Go to the bank's website, find the branch locator tool, and look for a filter or search option that mentions "coin counting" or "coin machine." Most banks do not have this filter, which tells you the answer before you call.

Call the branch directly. Ask for the customer service desk or a teller and say: "Do you have a coin machine I can use to deposit coins?" Be specific about whether you are a member or customer. If they say yes, ask whether it is in the lobby or behind the teller line, and what the hours are. If they say no, ask whether they accept rolled coins or coins in a bag.

Search online for "coin machine near me" or "[your bank name] coin machine [your city]." You will get results for Coinstar locations and some bank branches, though the results are often outdated. Cross-check with a call to the branch.

Coinstar machines: the fee structure and alternatives

Coinstar machines are at most grocery stores, pharmacies, and some retail locations. They count your coins and give you cash or a gift card. If you choose cash, Coinstar takes a percentage—usually 11.9% as of 2024, though this varies by location. If you choose a gift card (to Amazon, iTunes, Starbucks, or other retailers), there is no fee.

Example: $100 in coins becomes $88.10 in cash, or $100 in gift card value. The fee is steep if you need actual cash, but it is free if you can use a gift card. You can also donate coins to charity through Coinstar with no fee—the machine will print a receipt for tax purposes.

Coinstar is convenient if you have a lot of coins and no bank with a machine nearby, but the fee makes it expensive for regular use. If you only have a few dollars in coins, rolling them yourself and depositing them at a bank (even without a machine) is usually faster and costs nothing.

Rolling coins yourself and depositing them at any bank

You can buy coin wrappers at any drugstore or office supply store for a few dollars. Pennies go in penny wrappers (50 coins per roll), nickels in nickel wrappers (40 coins), dimes in dime wrappers (50 coins), and quarters in quarter wrappers (40 coins). Roll them tightly so they do not fall apart.

Bring the rolled coins to any bank branch where you have an account and deposit them like you would cash or a check. Most tellers will accept them without comment. If you do not have an account at that bank, you cannot deposit coins there—you would need to open an account first or use a Coinstar machine.

Rolling coins takes time if you have a large amount, but it costs nothing and works at any bank. Many people find it easier than driving to find a coin machine or paying a Coinstar fee.

What to do if your bank has no coin machine and you do not want to roll coins

Find a credit union near you. Search online for "credit union near me" or visit CO-OP.org, which is a network of credit unions that share services. Many credit unions let non-members use their coin machine for $1 to $3. Call first to confirm the machine is there and ask about the fee.

Ask your bank whether they have a partnership with a credit union or another bank that offers coin machines. Some banks refer customers to partner branches. It is worth asking, especially if you are a long-term customer.

If you have a large amount of coins and need cash urgently, Coinstar is the fastest option despite the fee. If you can wait a few days and do not mind rolling coins, that is the cheapest route. If you need a gift card instead of cash, Coinstar with no fee is reasonable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deposit coins at a bank without a machine?

Yes, if you roll them in coin wrappers and have an account at that bank. Most tellers will accept rolled coins during a regular deposit. Some banks accept coins in a bag, but this is slower and not may provide—call ahead to ask.

Do credit unions charge non-members to use their coin machine?

Most do, usually $1 to $3 per transaction. Some credit unions waive the fee if you open a basic savings account, which may be free. Call your local credit union to ask about their policy and whether membership is worth it for your situation.

Is Coinstar worth the fee?

Only if you have a lot of coins and no bank or credit union with a machine nearby. The 11.9% fee adds up quickly—$100 in coins becomes $88.10 in cash. If you can use a gift card instead, there is no fee, which makes it a better deal.

What if I have coins but no bank account?

Use a Coinstar machine (with a fee for cash, or free for a gift card), or open a basic savings account at a credit union or bank and deposit rolled coins there. Some banks offer free checking or savings accounts with no minimum balance.

Can I deposit coins at a bank ATM?

No. ATMs only accept bills and checks. You must use a coin machine, deposit rolled coins at a teller, or use a Coinstar machine.