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Best Cash Boxes

Updated January 2022
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Jssmst Locking Medium Steel Cash Box
Jssmst
Locking Medium Steel Cash Box
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Portable Convenience
Bottom Line

Lockable model with multiple slots and steel construction to store valuable items.

Pros

Portable and lockable, this model is easy to use and secure. Mechanical key lock to keep items safe. You can detach its tray to create more space. Extra storage under the tray. Lightweight for easy transportation. Can hang on wall. Can also be used to store other personal valuables.

Cons

Not enough rooms for plenty bills. No clips to keep bills in place.

Best Bang for the Buck
SentrySafe Locking Cash Box With Money Tray
SentrySafe
Locking Cash Box With Money Tray
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

Inexpensive and serves as an efficient way to organize smaller amounts of money.

Pros

Has 2 areas for larger bills and checks. Includes 6 compartments for keeping change organized. Locks. Money tray removable and comes with 2 keys. Serves purpose well at a low cost. Small handle on top for carrying. Keys for multiple units will not be keyed the same.

Cons

Lid does not latch completely unless it is locked. Could open in transport.

Jssmst Large Cash Box with Lock
Jssmst
Large Cash Box with Lock
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Sturdy Build
Bottom Line

Sturdy, with enough compartments to organize denominations of bills and change neatly.

Pros

Locks. Has firm hinged clips to secure bills in compartments. Coinage lifts automatically when lid is opened. Heavy metal construction. Comes with 2 keys. Clamps make this good for outdoor use. Does not burst open even if dropped. Plenty of room but not too large.

Cons

The springs holding the bills can be a little more firm than practical.

Decaller Cash Box with Combination Lock
Decaller
Cash Box with Combination Lock
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Colorful Option
Bottom Line

A combination design that works well for keeping extra money handy at home.

Pros

A good home option. Locks with a combination and has a handle. Can store coins, bills, and some other small valuables. Code on the combination lock is easy to set. Sturdy yet lightweight. Will be perfect to use even in the outdoors. Comes in several colors.

Cons

Smaller than others available. Cannot store larger items.

INFUN Cash Box with Money Tray
INFUN
Cash Box with Money Tray
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Spacious Choice
Bottom Line

Sturdy unit for storing valuable items. Comes with spring-loaded tray that keeps money in place.

Pros

Durable design with high-quality steel construction. Multiple compartments to hold different items and keep safe organized. Back slot to attach security cable. Spring action to hold paper money down. Stays closed even when dropped. Wide handle for easy carriage.

Cons

Does not come with fix locks or a flip latch.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
119
Consumers
Consulted
20
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for best cash boxes

Even in today’s digital world, there are many instances in which a paper money transaction is practical and easy, if not essential.

A cash box is a simple metal box in which you can organize and store bills and coins. You might store a cash box at home, or you might take it with you to an event. Cash boxes have compartments for paper bills and spots for various coins. A lid closes down on the box, secured by a clasp or lock. The box may have also have a drawer that resembles a till.

Many cash boxes are meant for temporary, transitory use. A foldable handle can make the box easy to transport, but most handles aren’t designed for everyday carrying. The boxes offer some security, but they aren’t completely impenetrable.

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The underneath space in cash boxes is great for “hiding” large bill denominations. If you don’t have such a space, slip them to the bottom of another till stack.

Key considerations

Uses

When do people use cash boxes? Most often, they are used at events where cash and coins are flowing: fundraisers, concerts, raffles, and the like. In addition to storing bills and coins, cash boxes can be used to contain tokens, receipts, stubs, and other trinkets or small paperwork that such events may call for. 

A cash box could find a similar purpose at a smaller vending station, such as a farmer’s market booth or bar. Because these boxes don’t have built-in computers, you’ll need to perform some basic arithmetic to calculate totals and change. However, if you choose, you could stash a calculator in your cash box for easy use.

Cash boxes can also be used as temporary monetary storage at home. Family members could use it to drop off change or grab some quick cash on the go. 

A cash box is not meant to take the place of a safe. Cash boxes are not resistant to elements and can easily be grabbed and taken. As such, it’s wise to avoid putting large sums of money in a cash box.

Lock type

Most cash boxes feature a lock with a key; a new cash box will likely come with two keys. Remember, however, that a cash box is not meant to be a personal safe. Instead, it’s a convenient money holder with minimal security. In fact, many people opt to simply leave the key in the slot and use it as needed.

If you want something a little more secure, look for a cash box with a combination lock. Bear in mind that manually entering a combination every time you want access may be a bit labor intensive. 

Size

Most cash boxes are 8 to 10 inches deep, 3 to 4 inches high, and under 1 foot wide. The small size makes transport, setup, and storage easy. Most cash boxes feature a removable till that allows access to a space underneath, but smaller options may not have a till.

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Caution
Make sure the lid is secure before moving your cash box. The contents could easily spill if the lid isn’t latched properly.
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Features

Two-tiered layout

You can opt for a cash box that reveals two money-sorting tiers when opened. The upper tier is the shorter of the two and is designed for coins, while the lower tier is designed for bills. This setup is useful for those who make frequent transactions. 

Coin wrappers

Some cash boxes come with paper coin wrappers. You can use the wrappers to collect coins and trade them in at the bank, or you can simply use the wrappers to hold your money. Coin wrappers come in handy if you’re amassing a lot of coins and want a precise count of the money you have. 

Color

Most cash boxes are black: it’s utilitarian and discreet, and blemishes are less likely to show. However, there are companies that offer other color options, including white, silver, blue, and even pink. Of course, color has no effect on the function of a cash box, but you may enjoy a particular color because it reflects your taste or personality. Bear in mind that a colorful cash box may catch the eye more easily than a neutral one, which could pose a security hazard.

Slot

Some cash boxes feature a slot into which you can insert coins or money. This is useful if you’ll be performing lots of quick transactions over the course of a night where, more often than not, you won’t be retrieving change. Inserting money in the slot not only saves time, it can also help keep your money safe. Money goes in — but not back out — without opening or unlocking the box.

Accessories

Money belt: Eagle Creek Undercover Money Belt
A money belt is safe and useful, especially in conjunction with a cash box. For example, you may want to use a money belt to transfer money from your cash box to the bank. This option from Eagle Creek is inexpensive, durable, and discreet.

Coin sorter: Cassida Coin Sorter, Counter, and Roller
Your cash box may be where you amass and store your coins, but you’ll want to sort and roll them eventually. This machine from Cassida quickly and accurately counts coins.

Personal safe: AmazonBasics Security Safe
Cash boxes are useful for sorting, transporting, and temporarily storing money, but a long-term solution is a personal safe. This heavy-duty option from AmazonBasics is durable and secure.

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Did you know?
Some cash boxes have spring-loaded clips in the bill trays to prevent bills from mingling and receipts from falling out or blowing away.
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Cash box prices

Inexpensive: For under $15, you can find a small cash box or a larger option that is functional but offers few extras. If you’re not particular about size or details or are getting something for a child, an inexpensive box like this may be perfect for you.

Mid-range: Most cash boxes cost between $15 and $20. These boxes may come in a variety of colors, offer space under the till, and possibly have a money slot.

Expensive: Cash boxes that cost $20 or more may be larger in size. For the extra cost, you may get a more secure lid as well as features for easy and convenient use, such as a money slot or till drawer.

Tips

  • Keep extra money on hand. When using your cash box for transactions at an event, make sure you start off with extra cash and coins. You may need it when people initially require change.

  • Make deposits over time. If using a cash box over the course of a busy night, it may be worthwhile to remove some money in order to deposit or secure it separately from the cash box.

  • Keep the box close by. When using a cash box in public, don’t let it out of your sight. It is easy to carry, and while secure, it may not be able to withstand someone who is intent on getting into it.

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As you use your cash box during an event, calculate the amount of money you’ve collected every so often. A running inventory is useful to make sure you have all the money you’re supposed to have.

FAQ

Q. Are any cash boxes fireproof or waterproof?
A. Almost all cash boxes are not resistant to fire and water. Cash boxes are primarily designed to be quick and convenient money storage solutions that are easily transportable. Personal safes, on the other hand, are often resistant to fire and water. These boxes are heavier but still may be portable. However, a personal safe is less likely to have a till organizational system, as many are designed to hold documents and other valuables.

 

Q. Can I store documents, jewelry, or other items in a cash box?
A. Some cash boxes have space underneath the till to store larger items that don’t fit in coin or bill slots. The space may fit envelopes, smartphones, or keys. The entire till needs to be lifted out to reveal and access this space. If you want to store important documents or valuable items in your cash box, make sure they fit first, and note that they may get jostled inside the box.

Q. What happens if I lose the key?
A. Most cash boxes open with a key, and they should come with two keys. Do not keep the two keys together. If you’re transporting the cash box, consider leaving one key at home. Another option is to give one of the keys to a trusted person whom you can contact should you lose the key. If you misplace both keys, you will need to contact your manufacturer. Most companies have options for ordering replacement keys.

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