Yes, Bank of America can sell you Japanese yen, but you'll need to plan ahead and understand the costs

Bank of America offers foreign currency exchange, including Japanese yen, but not at every branch and not when ready. You can order yen in person at most full-service branches, by phone, or online through your Bank of America account. The bank charges a markup on the exchange rate — meaning you pay more than the mid-market rate you see quoted online — and the markup varies depending on how you order and how much you buy. Delivery typically takes three to five business days for in-person orders and up to two weeks for mail delivery.

The process is straightforward if you know what to expect: you tell the bank how much yen you need, they quote you a rate that includes their markup, you pay in US dollars from your account, and the yen arrives as cash or a traveler's check. The main catch is that Bank of America's exchange rates are not competitive compared to specialized currency dealers or some online platforms, so if you're exchanging a large amount, comparing costs elsewhere first can save you money.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America sells Japanese yen at most branches, but you must order it in advance — same-day cash pickup is not available.
  • The bank charges a markup on top of the mid-market exchange rate, which means you pay more than the rate quoted on financial news sites.
  • You can order yen in person, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or through your online banking account if you have a Bank of America checking or savings account.
  • Delivery takes three to five business days for in-person pickup and up to two weeks if you request mail delivery.
  • For large amounts, comparing Bank of America's rate to other currency dealers or online platforms may reveal lower costs elsewhere.

How to order yen at a Bank of America branch

Walk into any full-service Bank of America branch and ask for the foreign currency desk or a teller who handles currency orders. Bring your passport or government-issued ID. Tell them how much yen you need and when you plan to travel or need it. The teller will quote you the current rate Bank of America is offering that day — this rate includes their markup and is locked in at the time you place the order.

You pay for the yen from your Bank of America account (checking, savings, or credit card, depending on the branch's policy). The bank will give you a receipt showing the amount you paid in dollars, the amount of yen you ordered, and the exchange rate applied. Most branches can have the cash ready for pickup in three to five business days. Some branches may offer faster service if you're ordering a small amount, but do not assume same-day service is available — call ahead to confirm timing.

Ordering yen by phone or online

Call Bank of America's foreign currency line at 1-800-935-9935 to order yen without visiting a branch. You'll need to be a Bank of America customer with an active checking or savings account. Have your account number and ID ready. The representative will quote you a rate, confirm how much yen you want, and arrange payment from your account. They'll tell you whether the yen will be mailed to you or held for pickup at a nearby branch.

If you prefer to order online, log into your Bank of America account and look for the foreign currency or travel services section — the exact location varies by account type. You can request a quote, specify the amount of yen, and see the rate before you commit. Online orders typically take longer to process than in-person orders, sometimes up to two weeks for delivery by mail. Not all Bank of America accounts have online currency ordering enabled, so if you don't see the option, call the phone line or visit a branch.

Understanding Bank of America's exchange rate markup

Bank of America does not charge a separate fee for currency exchange, but the rate they quote you includes a markup — a percentage added to the mid-market rate. The mid-market rate is the rate banks use to trade with each other and is what you see on financial websites like XE.com or OANDA. Bank of America's markup typically ranges from 2% to 4% above the mid-market rate, though the exact percentage is not published and can vary by currency, order size, and market conditions.

This means if the mid-market rate for US dollars to yen is 1 USD = 150 JPY, Bank of America might quote you 1 USD = 147 JPY or lower, because you're getting fewer yen per dollar. The difference adds up quickly on large orders. For example, if you're exchanging $5,000, a 3% markup could cost you roughly $150 in lost value. Before you order, ask the teller or representative what rate they're quoting and do a quick calculation to see if it's acceptable to you.

When Bank of America currency orders take longer

If you order yen during a weekend or holiday, the clock starts on the next business day. If you request mail delivery instead of branch pickup, add five to ten extra business days to the timeline. If you order a very large amount — typically more than $10,000 equivalent — the bank may need extra time to source the currency or may require additional verification for compliance reasons. During periods of high demand (like before major holidays or travel seasons), all currency orders may move slower.

Call ahead to ask about current processing times before you place your order. If you're traveling soon and need yen urgently, mention the travel date when you order; some branches will prioritize orders for customers leaving within a few days. If the timeline is too tight, ask whether the branch can order a smaller amount faster, or explore whether a currency exchange specialist in your area can deliver more quickly.

Alternatives to Bank of America for buying yen

If Bank of America's rate or timeline doesn't work for you, other options exist. Specialized currency dealers like Travelex, XE, or OFX often offer better exchange rates than banks, especially for amounts over $1,000. Some online platforms let you lock in a rate and have currency delivered to your home or picked up at a local branch within one to three business days. Credit unions sometimes offer currency exchange to members at rates better than large banks.

Airport currency exchanges are convenient but typically charge the highest markups of all — use them only if you have no other option. If you're exchanging a very large amount for business or investment purposes, contact a foreign exchange broker, who can offer institutional rates. Compare at least two or three sources before you commit, especially if you're exchanging more than $2,000. The difference in rate can easily exceed any convenience benefit of using Bank of America.

What to bring and what to expect on pickup day

When you pick up your yen at the branch, bring the receipt or confirmation number from your order and a government-issued ID. The teller will count out the yen in front of you — usually in a mix of bills and coins, depending on the amount. Ask for the denominations you prefer (for example, mostly 10,000 yen notes rather than smaller bills) before you leave, because changing it later is difficult. The yen will be in a sealed envelope or bag; do not open it until you're ready to travel or use it.

If you ordered yen by mail, it will arrive in a find envelope. Open it carefully and count the bills when ready. If the amount is wrong or bills are damaged, contact Bank of America within a few days to report the issue. Keep your receipt and the envelope for your records in case you need to return the currency or file a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return yen to Bank of America if my trip is cancelled?

Yes, most Bank of America branches will buy back yen you haven't used, but they'll quote you a rate that's even less favorable than the rate they sold it to you at — typically another 2% to 4% markup. You'll receive US dollars back into your account. The longer you wait to return it, the more the exchange rate may have moved against you. Return yen within a few days of purchase if possible.

Is there a minimum or maximum amount of yen I can order?

Bank of America typically has a minimum order of around 10,000 yen (roughly $65 to $70 USD depending on the rate) and no strict maximum, though very large orders may require extra processing time or verification. Call your branch to ask about their specific limits, as policies vary by location.

Can I order yen if I don't have a Bank of America account?

No. Bank of America requires you to be a customer with an active checking or savings account to order foreign currency. If you don't have an account, you'll need to use a currency dealer, airport exchange, or open a Bank of America account first.

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

The rate is locked in when you place your order, not when you pick it up. You pay the rate quoted to you at the time of ordering, regardless of how the market moves in the days before pickup. This protects you from rate swings, but it also means you can't benefit if the rate moves in your favor.

Do I pay taxes on currency exchange at Bank of America?

No. Currency exchange itself is not taxed. However, if you're exchanging currency for business purposes and claiming a loss or gain on your tax return, you may need to report it. Consult a tax professional if you're unsure whether your currency exchange has tax implications.