What is the cheapest way to convert coins to cash?

The cheapest way to convert coins to cash is at your bank or credit union — most will exchange rolled or loose coins for free for their own customers. Some banks have coin counting machines in branches. If your bank doesn't, roll the coins yourself using free paper coin rolls from the bank, then deposit them. This is always free and gives you 100 cents on the dollar.

What does Coinstar charge?

Coinstar charges approximately 12.5% of the coin value as its processing fee. On $100 in coins, you pay $12.50 and receive $87.50 in cash. However, Coinstar offers free processing (no fee) if you take your payout as a gift card or e-certificate from select retailers (Amazon, Lowe's, DoorDash, etc.). If you shop at those retailers regularly, the gift card option is free.

Do banks still accept coins?

Yes, most banks accept coins from their customers, though policies vary. Many banks require coins to be rolled in paper coin wrappers (available free from the bank). Some banks have coin counting machines that accept loose coins. A few larger banks have reduced or eliminated coin counting services. Call your branch before visiting to confirm current policy.

Can I deposit coins directly at an ATM?

Most ATMs do not accept coin deposits — ATMs are designed for bills and checks. To deposit coins, you typically must visit a branch in person, use your bank's coin counting machine, or roll coins and deposit them as you would a check or cash. Some credit unions have drive-through coin counting services.

What is the best free alternative to Coinstar?

The best free alternatives to Coinstar: 1) Your own bank's branch or coin machine (free for customers); 2) Credit union coin counters (often free for members); 3) TD Bank Penny Arcade (coin counting machine, free for customers, small fee for non-customers); 4) Roll coins yourself — free paper rolls from any bank, then deposit rolled coins. The TD Bank option is notable because it's free for anyone with a TD account.

Best Ways to Change Coins Into Cash in 2026 — Free and Paid Options

Best Ways to Change Coins Into Cash in 2026

The average American household has about $90 in loose change. Here is how to convert coins to cash without losing a significant chunk to fees.

Free Methods (100 Cents on the Dollar)

1. Your Own Bank or Credit Union

The best option for most people. Banks and credit unions offer free coin exchange for their customers in several ways:

In-branch coin counting machine: Many banks have machines that count your loose coins and print a receipt to deposit or exchange. No fee for customers.
Manual teller exchange: Some branches accept manually rolled coins or count loose coins at the teller window.
Roll and deposit: Get free paper coin rolls from your branch, roll coins at home, and deposit the rolls as you would cash.

Tip: Call ahead. Coin services vary by branch and have changed at many institutions since 2020, when the US experienced a coin shortage.

2. TD Bank Penny Arcade

TD Bank operates coin counting machines (“Penny Arcades”) in many branches that are free for TD customers and charge a small fee for non-customers. TD Bank has approximately 1,200 US branches.

3. Roll Coins Yourself

Free paper coin wrappers are available at any bank or credit union. Rolling coins at home takes 30–60 minutes for a large collection and eliminates all fees.

Coin roll amounts:

Pennies: 50 per roll = $0.50
Nickels: 40 per roll = $2.00
Dimes: 50 per roll = $5.00
Quarters: 40 per roll = $10.00
Half dollars: 20 per roll = $10.00

Bring rolled coins to any bank — most accept them from customers; some even from non-customers.

Paid Methods

4. Coinstar Machines

Located in: Grocery stores, Walmart, Target, CVS, Kroger, and many other retailers.

Fee: Approximately 12.5% of total coin value.

$100 in coins → $87.50 cash
$50 in coins → $43.75 cash

Free gift card option: Coinstar waives the fee entirely if you choose a gift card or e-voucher. Available retailers include Amazon, DoorDash, Lowe’s, and others (varies by machine and location). If you regularly shop at these stores, this option gives you full value — just in store credit, not cash.

Best use: Convenience factor when you have a large jar of coins and a Coinstar-partner retailer you shop at anyway.

Where NOT to Exchange Coins

Airport coin exchange kiosks: Typically charge 15–20% fees. Avoid.

Generic change machines: Some convenience stores have change machines with fees of 5–10%. Check before using.

Payday loan shops: Some offer coin counting as an ancillary service, often with high fees and predatory upsell.

What to Do With a Large Coin Collection

For very large coin collections ($500+):

Sort by denomination first
Get a large supply of coin rolls from your bank (free)
Roll over several sessions
Deposit rolled coins in batches — large amounts in a single deposit may trigger a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) at $10,000+

What to Do If You Lose Your Wallet — banking safety
Banking Basics Hub — complete banking guide

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.

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