Yes, Bank of America can order euros for you, but it takes time and costs money
Bank of America does not keep large quantities of foreign currency on hand at most branches. Instead, they order euros through their foreign exchange service, which typically takes 3 to 10 business days depending on the amount and your location. You will pay a conversion rate that is higher than the mid-market rate—the difference is how the bank makes money on the transaction—plus a flat fee that varies by branch but often ranges from $10 to $30.
The process is straightforward: visit your local branch, tell them how many euros you need, and they will place an order. You come back when the currency arrives, pay the conversion fee, and receive your euros in cash. Some branches can order euros same-day or next-day if you are a preferred customer or if they happen to have stock, but do not count on it.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America orders euros through a foreign exchange service that usually takes 3 to 10 business days, not instantly at the teller window.
- You will pay a conversion rate worse than the mid-market rate plus a flat fee, typically $10 to $30, making this option more expensive than alternatives.
- Visit your branch in person to place an order; phone orders are possible but less common and may require you to pick up the euros at a specific location.
- If you need euros urgently, check whether your branch stocks any on hand before placing an order, or consider a currency exchange service or airport kiosk instead.
What the conversion rate and fees actually cost you
Bank of America publishes its foreign exchange rates daily, but those rates are not the same as what you see on Google or XE.com. The mid-market rate—the true wholesale rate between banks—is what you would pay if you had no fees at all. Bank of America's rate is typically 1 to 3 percent worse, meaning you get fewer euros per dollar. On top of that, you pay the flat fee.
Example: if the mid-market rate is 1 euro per $1.10, Bank of America might offer 1 euro per $1.13. On $1,000, that difference alone costs you about $27 in lost euros. Add the $15 flat fee, and you have paid roughly $42 for the privilege of getting euros from your bank instead of elsewhere.
Before you order, ask your branch what their current rate is and what the flat fee will be. Write down the mid-market rate from XE.com or OANDA at the same moment, and do the math yourself. That comparison will tell you whether Bank of America is worth it for your trip or whether you should look elsewhere.
How to order euros at your Bank of America branch
Walk into your local branch during business hours and tell a teller you want to order euros. They will ask how many you need and whether you have a specific date you need them by. Provide both pieces of information clearly—the amount in euros, not dollars, and the date. The teller will check whether the branch has any in stock; if not, they will place an order through the bank's foreign exchange desk.
You will receive a confirmation with the expected arrival date and the fee. Some branches ask you to pay the fee upfront; others charge it when you pick up the euros. Ask which applies to you. Write down the confirmation number and the date you need to return.
When the euros arrive, the branch will call you or send an email (depending on what you set up). Return to the branch, confirm the amount and rate one more time, pay any remaining fees, and take your euros. Do not assume the rate will be the same as when you ordered—rates move daily, and the rate you locked in is the one printed on your confirmation.
Faster alternatives if you need euros urgently
If your trip is in the next few days, Bank of America's 3 to 10 day timeline will not work. Currency exchange kiosks at major airports offer euros on the spot, though their rates are typically worse than Bank of America's. You pay for speed and convenience.
Another option is to use your Bank of America debit card or credit card to withdraw euros directly from an ATM in Europe once you arrive. Most ATMs abroad accept Visa and Mastercard, and Bank of America's foreign transaction fee is usually 1 percent of the amount withdrawn. That fee is often lower than the combination of conversion markup and flat fee you would pay at the branch, especially for larger amounts. The downside: you do not have euros in hand before you leave, and you need to find an ATM when you land.
If you are traveling with someone else or have flexibility on timing, splitting a larger order across multiple people can sometimes reduce the per-person flat fee impact, though the conversion rate stays the same.
What to bring and what to expect when you pick up
Bring your confirmation number and a photo ID. The teller will verify the order, show you the euros, and count them in front of you before you leave. Check the amount against your confirmation—it should match exactly. If the branch ordered €500, you should receive €500, not a dollar equivalent.
The euros will come in a sealed envelope or bank wrapper. Do not open it until you are ready to use it or store it safely. If you are traveling soon, consider whether you want to carry that much cash or whether you should use a travel card or ATM withdrawals instead.
Ordering euros over the phone or online
Some Bank of America branches accept phone orders for foreign currency, but this is not standard across all locations. Call your branch directly and ask whether they take phone orders for euros. If they do, they will likely ask you to confirm the order in person before they place it, or they may require you to pick up the euros at a specific branch location—not necessarily the one you called.
Bank of America does not offer online ordering for physical currency through their website or app. You must visit a branch or call one directly. This is different from wire transfers or other banking services, which you can initiate online.
What happens if the rate changes between order and pickup
The rate you see on your confirmation is the rate you pay, even if the market rate moves between the day you order and the day you pick up. Bank of America locks in the rate when you place the order, not when you receive the euros. This protects you if rates move against you, but it also means you do not benefit if rates move in your favor.
Some banks allow you to cancel an order if the rate moves significantly, but Bank of America's policy on cancellation varies by branch. Ask about this when you place your order—specifically, whether you can cancel without penalty if you change your mind before pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order euros online through Bank of America's website?
No. Bank of America does not offer online ordering for physical foreign currency. You must visit a branch in person or call your local branch to place an order. Some branches may accept phone orders, but you will likely need to confirm in person before the order is placed.
How much will Bank of America charge me in fees?
The flat fee typically ranges from $10 to $30, depending on your branch and the amount you order. On top of that, you will pay a conversion rate that is 1 to 3 percent worse than the mid-market rate. Ask your branch for both numbers before you commit to the order so you can calculate the total cost.
What if I need euros the same day?
Most branches cannot provide euros same-day because they do not stock large quantities. Your best option is a currency exchange kiosk at an airport or in a major city, though rates there are typically worse. Alternatively, plan to use an ATM in Europe to withdraw euros after you arrive.
Can I return unused euros to Bank of America?
Bank of America will exchange unused euros back to dollars, but you will pay another conversion fee and receive a worse rate than you paid when you bought them. It is almost always cheaper to spend the euros or exchange them at your destination than to bring them back to the bank.
Is it cheaper to use my debit card at an ATM in Europe?
Often yes. Bank of America's foreign ATM fee is usually around 1 percent, which is frequently lower than the combination of conversion markup and flat fee you pay at the branch. However, you do not have euros before you leave, and you need to find an ATM when you arrive. Compare the two costs for your specific amount before deciding.