Walking into your bank and asking a teller for quarters is the fastest, simplest way to get them. Most banks will exchange cash for rolls of quarters on the spot for account holders, and many will do it for non-customers too. Here’s how the process works and what to expect depending on how many quarters you need.
What to Do at the Teller Window
Go to any bank branch, walk up to the teller, and ask to exchange cash for quarters. You don’t need to fill out a form or make a withdrawal from your account. Just hand over the bills you want converted. A standard roll of quarters contains 40 coins and is worth $10, so handing the teller a $20 bill gets you two rolls.
If you’re an account holder, this is almost always free and straightforward. Tellers at most branches keep rolls of quarters in their drawer and can hand them over immediately. If you need a larger amount, say $100 or more in quarters, it helps to call ahead. The branch may not have that many rolls on hand and can order them for you, which typically takes a day or two.
Getting Quarters Without a Bank Account
Banks set their own policies on whether they’ll exchange cash for coins for non-customers. Some branches will do it without hesitation, especially for small amounts like a roll or two. Others will decline or ask you to open an account first. There’s no federal rule requiring a bank to make the exchange.
If you don’t have a bank account, your best approach is to start with a smaller request. Asking for $10 or $20 in quarters is more likely to get a yes than asking for $200. Credit unions, which tend to have more flexible service policies, are another good option. You can also try multiple branches if the first one turns you down.
Alternatives When the Bank Isn’t Convenient
ATMs won’t help here. Even ATMs that let you choose bill denominations only dispense paper currency, not coins. Wells Fargo’s ATMs, for instance, offer $20s, $50s, and $100s, with some machines adding $1 and $5 bills. No major ATM network dispenses quarters.
Instead, consider these options:
- Grocery store customer service desks: Many supermarkets will break a $10 bill into a roll of quarters if you ask at the service counter. This works especially well if you’re already shopping there.
- Laundromats: Most laundromats have change machines that convert bills into quarters, and you don’t need to be doing laundry to use them.
- Self-checkout machines: If you pay with cash at a self-checkout register and the purchase total is small, you’ll often get quarters back in your change.
- Car washes: Like laundromats, many car washes have bill-to-coin change machines near the entrance.
Ordering Quarters in Bulk
If you run a business and need large quantities of quarters regularly, your bank can place a bulk order for you. Banks order their coin supply from the Federal Reserve, where quarters come in standard bags worth $1,000 each. The Fed delivers coin to banks roughly once a week, so expect a few business days of lead time for a large request.
You can’t order directly from the Federal Reserve yourself. The Fed only works with financial institutions, not individual consumers or retail businesses. Your bank acts as the middleman. For business accounts, most banks are happy to set up a recurring coin order if you need a steady supply. Some banks charge a small fee for coin orders on business accounts, so ask about pricing when you set it up.
How Many Quarters to Ask For
Quarters come in standardized rolls of $10 (40 quarters). If you need a specific number, it helps to think in terms of rolls so the teller doesn’t have to count out loose coins. Here’s a quick reference:
- 1 roll: $10 (40 quarters)
- 5 rolls: $50 (200 quarters)
- 1 box: $500 (50 rolls, 2,000 quarters)
For personal use, like feeding parking meters or doing laundry, one to five rolls is plenty and any branch should have that available. If you need a full box or more, call the branch a day or two ahead so they can make sure the supply is there when you arrive.