Bank of America can order euros for you, but not all branches stock them and the process takes several days

Bank of America does not keep euros on hand at most branches. If you need euros before a trip or for a business transaction, you can order them through any Bank of America branch, but you will need to place the order at least a few business days in advance. The bank sources the currency from a third-party supplier and charges a conversion rate plus a service fee.

The exact fee and exchange rate vary by location and current market conditions. You should call your local branch or visit in person to ask what they charge and how long delivery will take — this is not something you can look up online or over the phone without speaking to a currency specialist at the branch.

If you need euros the same day or within 24 hours, Bank of America branches cannot help you. In that case, you would need to find a currency exchange service in your area or use an ATM abroad after you arrive at your destination.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America orders euros through a third-party supplier, so you must request them several business days before you need them.
  • Each branch sets its own fees and exchange rates for currency orders, so call ahead to compare costs before you commit.
  • You will need to visit the branch in person to place the order and pick up the euros when they arrive.
  • If you need euros within 24 hours, a local currency exchange shop or an ATM abroad may be your only option.

How to order euros at Bank of America

Walk into any Bank of America branch during business hours and ask to speak with someone in the currency services department. Tell them how many euros you need and when you plan to travel or need the money. They will quote you an exchange rate, explain the fee, and tell you how many business days the order will take.

Once you agree, the branch will place the order with their supplier. You will receive a confirmation and a pickup date. Return to the same branch on or after that date with your ID and the confirmation to collect your euros. Bring cash or a debit card to pay for the order at pickup — the bank will charge your account at the rate quoted when you placed the order.

Some branches may ask you to bring a passport or travel itinerary to confirm you are traveling, though this is not always required. Call your branch beforehand to ask what documents to bring.

What affects the cost of ordering euros

Bank of America's exchange rate for euros is usually higher (worse for you) than the mid-market rate you see online. The difference between what the bank charges and the true market rate is called the markup. On top of that, the bank adds a flat service fee, which typically ranges from $10 to $25 per order, though this varies by branch and order size.

Larger orders sometimes have lower per-unit fees, so if you are ordering a significant amount, ask whether the branch offers a volume discount. The total cost — markup plus fee — can add up to 3 to 5 percent of your total order, depending on the branch and current market volatility.

You have no way to negotiate the rate or fee. If the cost seems too high, you can decline the order and explore other options, such as a standalone currency exchange service or withdrawing euros from an ATM abroad using your Bank of America debit card.

Alternatives to ordering euros at Bank of America

If Bank of America's timeline or fees do not work for you, consider these other routes. A local currency exchange shop (search "currency exchange near me") may have euros in stock and can often serve you the same day, though their markups are sometimes higher than Bank of America's. Check a few shops and compare rates before you decide.

If you are traveling abroad, using an ATM in the country where you are going is often the cheapest way to get local currency. Your Bank of America debit card will work at most ATMs worldwide, and the exchange rate is usually closer to the true market rate than what a currency exchange service charges. You will pay an out-of-network ATM fee (typically $2 to $3), but this is often less than the combined markup and service fee for ordering currency in advance.

Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees are another option if you plan to spend euros while traveling. You avoid the currency conversion fee entirely, though the card issuer still applies an exchange rate (usually a fair one). Check your Bank of America credit card terms to see whether it charges foreign transaction fees.

How long it takes to receive your euros

Most Bank of America branches quote 3 to 5 business days for a euro order, though some may take longer depending on the amount and current demand. Business days do not include weekends or bank holidays. If you order on a Friday, for example, the clock does not start until Monday, and a 3-business-day order would be ready by Thursday.

If you are traveling soon, ask the branch for their fastest option. Some locations can expedite orders to 1 or 2 business days, but this may come with an additional rush fee. Always confirm the exact pickup date in writing before you leave the branch.

What to bring when you order euros

Bring a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). The bank may also ask for proof of travel, such as a flight confirmation or hotel reservation, though this is not always required — call your branch first to ask. Bring the cash or have your debit card ready to pay for the order at the time you place it, or confirm with the branch whether you can pay when you pick up the euros.

If you are ordering a large amount (generally $10,000 or more), the bank may ask additional questions for compliance reasons and may require more documentation. Ask your branch about their threshold for large orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order euros online and pick them up at a Bank of America branch?

Bank of America does not offer online currency ordering through their website. You must visit a branch in person to place the order. Some branches may allow you to call ahead and start the process by phone, but you will still need to visit to finalize the order and pay.

What if I need euros but my local branch does not have them in stock?

All Bank of America branches can order euros for you through their supplier, even if the specific branch does not stock them. The timeline is the same — a few business days — and you can pick them up at that branch once they arrive.

Does Bank of America charge a fee if I change my mind and return the euros?

Return policies for currency orders vary by branch. Some branches will buy back unused euros at a rate worse than what you paid (because they have to resell them), while others may not accept returns at all. Ask about the return policy before you place your order.

Can I order euros using a Bank of America credit card instead of cash?

You can pay for your euro order using a Bank of America debit card or cash. Using a credit card to pay for a currency order may trigger a cash advance fee, which is typically higher than a regular purchase fee. Ask the branch which payment methods they accept before you place the order.

Is it cheaper to exchange dollars for euros at Bank of America or at an airport?

Airport currency exchange services almost always charge higher markups than Bank of America branches. If you have time to order euros in advance through Bank of America, that is usually cheaper than waiting until you reach the airport. However, if you are already at the airport and need euros when ready, you have no choice but to use the airport exchange service.