Bank of America can order euros for you, but you'll pay a currency exchange rate and a delivery fee

Bank of America branches can order foreign currency, including euros, through a service called Visa Travel Money or by special order through their foreign exchange desk. You won't walk out with euros the same day — the bank orders them from a currency supplier and they arrive within a few business days. You pay the bank's exchange rate (which is higher than the mid-market rate you see online) plus a flat fee for the service, usually $15 to $20 depending on your branch.

If you need euros urgently or want to avoid the fee, a currency exchange shop or airport kiosk may be faster, though their rates are typically worse. If you're traveling soon and want the best rate, ordering euros online through a specialist like Wise or OFX before you leave can save you money, but those services take longer to deliver.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America orders euros through its foreign exchange service, and they arrive in three to five business days, not when ready.
  • You pay Bank of America's exchange rate plus a service fee; the total cost is usually 2 to 4 percent higher than the mid-market rate.
  • Ordering online through a currency specialist before your trip often gives you a better rate than ordering at the branch, if you have time.
  • Airport currency kiosks and exchange shops offer euros when ready but charge higher fees and worse rates than Bank of America.
  • If you're staying in Europe, using an ATM there to withdraw euros from your Bank of America account usually costs less than exchanging dollars before you leave.

How to order euros at a Bank of America branch

Call or visit your local Bank of America branch and ask for the foreign exchange desk. Tell them how many euros you need and when you're traveling. They will quote you the exchange rate they're offering that day and the fee. If you agree, they place the order with their currency supplier.

Bring a valid ID and your Bank of America debit or credit card. The branch will charge your account when the euros arrive, not when you place the order. You'll return to pick them up in person, usually within three to five business days. Some branches keep small amounts of euros in stock and can hand them over faster, but this is not may provide — always call ahead.

What the exchange rate and fees actually cost you

Bank of America's exchange rate is not the rate you see on Google or XE.com. Those are mid-market rates — the wholesale price banks pay each other. Bank of America adds a markup, typically 2 to 4 percent, on top of the mid-market rate. On top of that, you pay a flat fee of $15 to $20 per order.

Example: if the mid-market rate is 1 euro = $1.10, Bank of America might offer you 1 euro = $1.13 or $1.14. If you order 1,000 euros, you pay roughly $1,130 to $1,140 plus the $15 to $20 fee. The same 1,000 euros through a specialist like Wise might cost you $1,105 to $1,115 if you order it online ahead of time.

Alternatives that may cost less

If you're traveling to Europe, the cheapest option is usually to withdraw euros from an ATM once you arrive. Bank of America charges a $5 out-of-network ATM fee per withdrawal, but the exchange rate ATMs use is typically better than what you'd get exchanging dollars before you leave. You avoid the ordering delay and the branch service fee entirely.

If you want euros before you leave the United States, online currency services like Wise, OFX, or Remitly often offer better rates than Bank of America, though they take five to seven business days to deliver. Currency exchange shops in your city (not airport kiosks) sometimes beat Bank of America's rate on large orders, but call ahead to confirm they have euros in stock and get a quote.

Airport currency kiosks are the most expensive option — they charge 5 to 8 percent above mid-market rates — but they're open late and you don't have to plan ahead. Use them only if you're leaving in a few hours and have no other choice.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring a valid passport or driver's license and your Bank of America debit or credit card. The branch will ask how much cash you need and when. They may ask where you're traveling and for how long, though this is optional information. They will not ask you to prove you're traveling — banks don't require that.

The branch will give you a receipt showing the amount ordered, the exchange rate, and the fee. Keep this receipt. When the euros arrive, the branch will call you (if you gave them a phone number) or send you an email. You return to pick them up in person during business hours. The euros will be in cash, usually in a mix of bills and coins depending on what the supplier sends.

Ordering euros online or by phone

Some Bank of America customers can order foreign currency through the mobile app or online banking, though this option is not available at all branches. Log into your account, look for the "Foreign Exchange" or "Travel" section, and see if euros are listed. If they are, you can place an order and choose whether to pick it up at a branch or have it mailed to you.

If you don't see the option online, call Bank of America's customer service line at 1-800-432-1000 and ask to speak with someone in the foreign exchange department. They can place an order over the phone and arrange delivery or pickup. This takes the same three to five business days as ordering in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order euros online and have them mailed to my house?

Some Bank of America branches offer mail delivery for foreign currency orders, but not all. Call your branch or check your online banking account to see if this option is available. If it is, expect an additional two to three business days for shipping, and the bank may charge an extra fee for mailing.

What if I need euros the day before my flight?

Call your branch when ready and ask if they have euros in stock. If they do, you may be able to pick them up the same day or next morning. If not, your fastest option is a currency exchange shop or airport kiosk, even though the rate will be worse. Do not wait until the day of your flight.

Do I need a Bank of America account to order euros?

Yes, you must be a Bank of America customer. If you don't have an account, you can open one before ordering, though this adds time. Some non-customers can order through a currency exchange shop or online service instead.

What if the exchange rate changes between when I order and when I pick up?

The rate you're quoted when you place the order is locked in. Bank of America will not charge you a different rate when you pick up the euros, even if the market rate has moved.

Can I return unused euros to Bank of America?

Yes, you can return euros to most Bank of America branches within 30 days of purchase, but you'll get the bank's buy-back rate, which is worse than the rate you paid. You'll lose money on the transaction. It's better to spend the euros or exchange them at your destination.