Yes, Bank of America can order euros for you, but it takes planning and costs money
Bank of America branches can order euros through their foreign exchange service, but you cannot walk in and leave with them the same day. The bank orders the currency from a wholesale supplier, which takes several business days. You will also pay an exchange rate that is higher than the mid-market rate — the difference is how the bank makes money on the transaction. The exact rate and fees depend on the amount you need and current market conditions.
If you need euros soon, ordering through your branch is slower than some alternatives. If you have time and want to use your existing Bank of America account, it works, but you should understand the costs and timeline before you start.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America orders euros through its foreign exchange desk, and the process takes three to five business days after you place your order.
- You pay an exchange rate that includes a markup over the mid-market rate, plus a flat fee that varies by branch and transaction size.
- You must order in person at a branch or by phone with a Bank of America representative — you cannot order euros online through your account.
- Other options like airport currency exchanges, credit unions, and specialty currency dealers may offer different rates and speed, depending on your timeline and location.
How to order euros through Bank of America
Call your local Bank of America branch or visit in person and ask to speak with someone in foreign exchange or international services. Tell them how many euros you need and when you plan to travel. They will quote you an exchange rate and any fees, which you can accept or decline. If you accept, you pay the fee upfront — usually by debit card, credit card, or from your checking account — and the bank orders the euros.
The euros arrive at your branch in three to five business days. You then return to pick them up in person. Some branches may allow you to have the euros mailed to you, but this adds time and may add a shipping fee. Ask your branch what options they offer before you commit to the order.
Bring your passport or government-issued ID when you pick up the euros. The bank is required to verify your identity for any foreign exchange transaction.
What the exchange rate and fees actually cost
Bank of America does not publish a single exchange rate for euros. Instead, the rate you receive depends on the amount you are ordering, current market conditions, and your relationship with the bank. A customer with a long account history and high balances may receive a better rate than someone opening an account for the first time.
On top of the exchange rate, Bank of America typically charges a flat fee for the transaction — this might be $15 to $30, but it varies. Some branches waive the fee for large orders or for customers who maintain high balances. The only way to know your exact cost is to call your branch and ask for a quote. Write down the rate they quote and the fee, because rates change daily.
To understand whether you are getting a fair deal, check the mid-market rate for euros on a financial website like XE.com or OANDA before you call. The mid-market rate is what banks pay each other. Bank of America's rate will be worse than this — that is normal — but knowing the mid-market rate helps you see how much markup you are paying.
When to order euros before your trip
Order euros at least one week before you travel, ideally two weeks. This gives the bank time to receive the currency and gives you time to pick it up. If you wait until the day before your flight, you risk the euros not arriving in time, and you will have no backup plan.
If you are traveling within the next few days and need euros when ready, Bank of America is not your best option. Instead, look for a currency exchange at your airport, or ask whether your destination has ATMs that dispense euros — many travelers find that withdrawing euros from an ATM abroad using a debit card is cheaper than exchanging dollars before they leave.
Alternatives to Bank of America for getting euros
Airport currency exchanges are open late and do not require advance ordering, but their exchange rates are usually worse than Bank of America's. You pay for convenience.
Credit unions sometimes offer foreign exchange services to their members at better rates than big banks. If you belong to a credit union, call and ask whether they order euros and what their fees are.
Specialty currency dealers like Travelex or OFX (formerly OzForex) operate online and by mail. They often have better rates than banks for large orders, but they also take several days to deliver. Some require a minimum order amount.
Using an ATM abroad to withdraw euros directly from your Bank of America checking account is often the cheapest option overall. You pay an ATM fee (usually $3 to $5) plus a small foreign transaction fee (usually 1 to 3 percent), but you avoid the large markup that comes with exchanging currency before you travel. This only works if your destination has ATMs and you are comfortable carrying a debit card abroad.
What to do if you have euros left over after your trip
Bank of America will exchange leftover euros back to dollars, but again at a rate that includes a markup. You will lose money on both the outbound exchange (dollars to euros) and the return exchange (euros back to dollars). For this reason, many travelers try to spend down their euros before they leave Europe, or they keep a small amount as a souvenir.
If you have a large amount of euros left over, it may be worth shopping around. Some currency dealers will buy back euros at better rates than Bank of America offers. Call a few places and compare before you exchange them back.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order euros online through my Bank of America account?
No. You must order euros by calling your branch or visiting in person. Bank of America does not offer foreign exchange ordering through its online banking platform or mobile app.
Do I need to be a Bank of America customer to order euros?
Most branches require you to have an account with Bank of America, though policies vary by location. Call your nearest branch and ask. If you do not have an account, opening one takes about 15 minutes, and some branches will let you order euros the same day.
What if the euros do not arrive before my trip?
Contact your branch when ready. If the delay is the bank's fault, ask whether they can rush the order or whether they will waive the fee. If the euros truly will not arrive in time, you will need to use an alternative — an airport exchange, an ATM abroad, or a credit card.
Is it cheaper to exchange money at my bank or at the airport?
Bank of America's rate is usually better than airport exchanges, but both include a markup. The real savings come from using an ATM abroad or paying with a credit card that does not charge foreign transaction fees. Compare all three options before you decide.
Can I order euros for someone else?
No. The person who will use the euros must be present to verify their identity when they pick them up. This is a regulatory requirement for foreign exchange transactions.