BSP to relaunch coin deposit machines this year, add units in 2027

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) is seeking to deploy reconfigured versions of its 25 existing coin deposit machines (CoDMs) in the Greater Manila area between end-October and early November this year.

BSP Deputy Governor Bernadette Romulo-Puyat also told reporters on Monday that they aim to roll out an additional 25 units by January next year in other highly populated cities and provinces, including Pampanga, Baguio, Cebu, and Davao.

“Based on our current indicative timeline, we are targeting the initial relaunch by the last week of October to early November 2026 for the existing CoDMs,” she said in a Viber message.

“This timeline takes into account the required software enhancements, modifications to the enclosure and hardware components, as well as the calibration, accuracy testing, and end-to-end testing of the existing CoDM units prior to deployment.”

The BSP first deployed the CoDMs in June 2023 in select malls across the Greater Manila area as part of its efforts to promote coin recirculation but suspended their operations in June 2025 to address operational issues like the machines’ first-level maintenance.

The machines were initially installed in select retail establishments of the SM Store, Robinsons Supermarket and Festival Mall.

However, Mr. Romulo-Puyat said the redeployed CoDMs, as well as the additional units coming next year, will only be available at SM malls after the company and BDO Unibank, Inc. partnered with the BSP to support its coin recirculation program.

“We did actually offer it to other (establishments)… but SM was the one that contacted us. And eventually BDO will take it. So, hopefully it helps the coin recirculation program,” she said.

“It will all be in SM. But we did ask them (other establishments). They want the old setup. But I need to admit, that’s a lot.”

Under the old setup, the BSP was the sole institution handling the coin retrieval and verification, which she said used to be manageable cost-wise.

“But when we did it before, the costs were still low. And they became smarter,” she said. “They actually lost money in the first round. They didn’t expect so many people would use it because sometimes it’s already full by midday.”

Customer service agents will also soon be available to man the machines and assist depositors, Ms. Romulo-Puyat added.

The CoDMs accept all denominations of the BSP Coin Series and New Generation Currency Coins Series, but reject unfit and demonetized coins, foreign currency and foreign objects.

Depositors may credit the value of their coins to their electronic wallet or bank account, or they may also convert it into shopping vouchers.

As of mid-March last year, the BSP’s CoDMs have collected nearly 340 million coins worth P1.373 billion, amassed through over 300,000 transactions. — Katherine K. Chan