Yes, Chase can order euros for you, but it takes planning and costs money

Chase Bank can order euros for you through its foreign currency exchange service, but you cannot walk in and leave with them the same day. The bank orders euros from a currency supplier, which typically takes three to five business days. You pay an exchange rate that is higher than the mid-market rate — the difference is how Chase makes money on the transaction — plus a flat ordering fee that varies by branch.

The process works best if you know you need euros weeks in advance, not days. If you are leaving for Europe soon, you have other options that may be faster or cheaper, depending on how much you need and where you are traveling.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase orders euros through its foreign currency service, but the order takes three to five business days to arrive at your branch.
  • You pay both an exchange rate markup and a flat fee per order, so small amounts become expensive relative to the euros you receive.
  • ATMs in Europe usually offer better exchange rates than Chase, even after the ATM operator's fee, if you can wait to withdraw cash abroad.
  • Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees let you pay directly in euros without ordering currency in advance.
  • Airport currency exchanges and online services like OFX or Wise may be faster or cheaper depending on the amount and your timeline.

How to order euros through Chase

Call your local Chase branch or visit in person and ask for the foreign currency desk. Tell them how many euros you need and when you are leaving. They will quote you an exchange rate for that day and tell you the flat fee — this fee is set by Chase but can vary slightly between branches, typically ranging from $5 to $15 per order.

You pay the full amount in US dollars upfront, either from your Chase account or with cash. The bank then orders the euros from its currency supplier. You return to pick up the physical euros three to five business days later. Some Chase branches keep small amounts of common currencies like euros in stock, which can shorten the wait to one or two days, but do not count on this — call ahead to ask.

Bring your passport or ID when you pick up the euros. Chase is required to verify your identity for currency orders above certain amounts under anti-money-laundering rules.

What the exchange rate and fees actually cost you

Chase's exchange rate is not the rate you see on financial news sites. That rate — called the mid-market rate — is what banks pay each other. Chase adds a markup, typically 2 to 3 percent, on top of the mid-market rate. On top of that, you pay the flat ordering fee.

Example: if the mid-market rate is 1 euro = $1.10 USD, Chase might quote you 1 euro = $1.13 USD (a 2.7 percent markup). If you order 500 euros and the fee is $10, you pay $575 total instead of $550. That $25 difference is the cost of convenience — you get euros without leaving the country.

For small orders, the percentage cost is higher. Ordering 100 euros with a $10 fee means you are paying roughly 9 percent more than mid-market. Ordering 1,000 euros with the same $10 fee means you are paying roughly 3 percent more. If you need a small amount, other methods may be cheaper.

When ATMs in Europe are a better deal

If you can wait until you arrive in Europe, using an ATM is usually cheaper than ordering euros from Chase. European ATMs typically charge a flat fee of $2 to $5 per withdrawal, plus your US bank's ATM fee if you are not using a Chase ATM abroad. Even with both fees, the exchange rate you get from the ATM is usually closer to mid-market than Chase's rate.

Chase has ATM partnerships in some European countries, which means you may not pay an ATM fee when you withdraw euros from a Chase partner ATM. Check Chase's website or call your branch to see which countries have fee-free ATM access. If your destination has a Chase partner ATM, this is often the cheapest way to get euros.

The downside: you arrive in a foreign country with no local currency. If you need euros before you land — for a taxi from the airport, for example — you have to order them in advance or use a credit card at the airport.

Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

Many credit cards charge a 3 percent foreign transaction fee every time you use them abroad. Some cards do not. If you have a card with no foreign transaction fee, you can straightforward use it to pay for things in euros while you travel. You never need to order physical euros at all.

The exchange rate you get when you use a credit card is set by the card's issuer — usually Visa, Mastercard, or American Express — and is very close to mid-market. You avoid both Chase's markup and the flat ordering fee. The only cost is the card issuer's processing fee, which is built into the rate and is typically under 1 percent.

Check your Chase credit card's terms to see if it charges a foreign transaction fee. If it does, you can still use a different card abroad if you have one without the fee. Many travel rewards cards and some checking account cards have no foreign transaction fee.

Faster alternatives if you need euros soon

If you are leaving in two days and Chase's three- to five-day timeline does not work, you have other options. Some airport currency exchanges stock euros and can sell them to you the day you travel, though their exchange rates are usually worse than Chase's. You pay for speed.

Online currency services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and OFX let you order euros online and pick them up at certain locations, or have them delivered to your home. Delivery usually takes one to three business days, and their exchange rates are often better than Chase's because they do not add as large a markup. These services work best if you have a few days, not hours.

If you are traveling with someone else, you could also ask them to carry extra euros for you and settle up later. This is free and when ready, though it only works if you trust the person and they are comfortable carrying cash.

What to do if you need a large amount of euros

If you are ordering more than $5,000 worth of euros, call Chase in advance and ask about availability. Large orders sometimes require extra time because the bank has to source that much currency from its supplier. You may also trigger additional verification requirements under federal anti-money-laundering rules — Chase will ask you why you need the euros and may ask for documentation like a plane ticket or hotel reservation.

For very large amounts, it can be worth comparing Chase's rate to an online currency broker or a local currency exchange that serves international travelers. These services sometimes offer better rates on large orders because they have lower overhead than a bank branch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order euros online through Chase's website?

No. You must call or visit a branch in person to order foreign currency. Chase does not offer online foreign currency ordering. Some online banks and currency services do, but Chase requires you to speak with someone at the branch.

What if I need euros on a weekend or holiday?

Chase branches are closed on weekends and federal holidays, so you cannot pick up euros those days. If you need euros before a Monday, order them by Friday at the latest. If a holiday falls on a Monday, order by the Friday before. Plan ahead for holiday travel.

Can I return unused euros to Chase?

Yes, but you will take a loss. Chase will buy back unused euros at a rate worse than the rate they sold them to you at — they explore the same markup in reverse. If you ordered 500 euros and used only 300, you can return the 300, but you will receive fewer dollars than you paid for them. Keep only what you think you will spend.

Do I need to be a Chase customer to order euros?

Most Chase branches require you to have a Chase account to order foreign currency, though policies vary slightly by location. Call your nearest branch to ask. If you are not a Chase customer, you can use an online currency service or visit an airport currency exchange instead.

What currencies does Chase stock besides euros?

Chase can order most major currencies including British pounds, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, Mexican pesos, and others. Availability and wait times vary by currency and by branch. Call ahead to ask whether your destination currency is available and how long an order would take.