Yes, Bank of America will exchange dollars for euros, but you need to order ahead and pay a conversion fee
Bank of America branches can provide euros, but not from the teller drawer on demand. You must order them in advance—usually 7 to 10 business days—through your local branch or online banking. The bank charges a foreign exchange fee on top of the mid-market rate, meaning you pay more per euro than the wholesale rate you see in financial news.
The exact fee varies by branch and account type. Some accounts with higher balances or premium status may receive better rates. You should call your branch directly or log into your Bank of America account to see the current euro rate they're quoting before you commit to an order.
If you need euros urgently—within a day or two—a Bank of America branch may not be your fastest option. Airport currency exchanges and some ATMs abroad often move faster, though they also charge fees. The trade-off is convenience versus cost.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America requires you to order euros at least 7 to 10 business days before you need them; same-day delivery is not available at most branches.
- You will pay a foreign exchange fee on top of the market rate, so the cost per euro is higher than the wholesale mid-market rate.
- Call your local branch or check your online banking portal to see the current rate Bank of America is quoting before you place an order.
- If you are traveling within days, using an ATM abroad or a currency exchange at the airport may be faster, though fees still apply.
How to order euros through Bank of America
Start by calling your local Bank of America branch directly. Ask to speak with someone in the foreign exchange or teller department. Provide the amount of euros you need and your travel date. They will quote you a rate, explain the fee structure, and tell you the exact date the euros will be ready for pickup.
If you prefer not to call, you can also initiate an order through your Bank of America online banking account. Log in, navigate to the foreign exchange or currency services section, and follow the prompts to request euros. The online system will show you the current rate and fee before you confirm the order.
Once your order is placed, the branch will hold the euros for you. You pick them up in person at your branch with a valid ID. Some branches may require you to pick up within a certain window—usually 30 days—so confirm the deadline when you place the order.
What the foreign exchange fee actually costs you
Bank of America does not publish a single fixed percentage for foreign exchange fees. The fee is built into the rate they quote you, meaning the euros per dollar they offer is lower than the mid-market rate. If the mid-market rate is 1 dollar = 0.92 euros, Bank of America might quote you 1 dollar = 0.88 euros, with the difference covering their fee and margin.
The size of that gap depends on the amount you're exchanging, your account type, and current market conditions. Larger orders sometimes receive slightly better rates. Premium account holders—those with higher balances or specific account packages—may see tighter spreads than standard customers.
To understand what you're actually paying, ask the branch to show you both the mid-market rate and the rate they're quoting. The difference, multiplied by the amount you're exchanging, is your cost. This number lets you compare Bank of America to other options like airport exchanges or online currency services.
Alternatives if Bank of America's timeline or rate doesn't work
If you need euros faster than 7 to 10 days, consider withdrawing cash from an ATM once you arrive in Europe. Most ATMs abroad charge a flat fee per withdrawal plus a small percentage, and you get the mid-market rate or close to it. This is often cheaper than exchanging large amounts before you travel, especially if you're only staying a few days.
Airport currency exchanges in your departure city or arrival city will exchange dollars for euros on the spot, with no advance order needed. The rates are typically worse than Bank of America's, but the speed may be worth it if you're leaving tomorrow. Compare the rate they quote to what Bank of America quoted before you decide.
Online currency services like Wise (formerly TransferWise), OFX, or XE allow you to lock in a rate online and receive euros by mail or bank transfer before your trip. These services often have lower fees than banks, but delivery still takes several business days. If you have a week or more before travel, this route can save money.
What to bring when you pick up your euros
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID—a passport, driver's license, or state ID card. Bank of America will not release the euros without it. If someone else is picking up the order on your behalf, that person will need their own ID and a written authorization from you, though policies vary by branch. Call ahead to confirm what your branch requires.
Bring your debit card or account information so the branch can debit your account for the euros and the fee. If you're paying cash, confirm with the branch beforehand that they accept cash payments for currency orders, as some branches may not.
Fees and limits on euro orders
Bank of America does not publish a minimum or maximum order amount for foreign currency. In practice, branches can usually handle orders from a few hundred euros to several thousand. If you need a very large amount—tens of thousands of euros—call ahead to confirm the branch can source that volume within your timeframe.
Some branches may charge a flat fee for the order itself, separate from the foreign exchange spread. This fee is not standard across all branches, so ask when you call. A few dollars in flat fees is normal; if a branch quotes you $50 or more, that's high and worth comparing to other branches or services.
Bank of America may also limit how much foreign currency you can order based on your account history and the amount of notice you provide. Longer notice periods usually allow larger orders.
What happens if your travel plans change
If you cancel your euro order before the branch has obtained the currency, you should be able to cancel with no penalty. Once the branch has already exchanged dollars for euros on your behalf, cancellation becomes more complicated. Some branches will buy the euros back from you at the rate they sold them to you, meaning you absorb the spread again—you lose money twice.
To avoid this, do not place an order until your travel dates are firm. If your plans are uncertain, wait until you're sure before ordering. If you do cancel, ask the branch whether they will buy back the euros at the rate they sold them, or whether you'll take a loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order euros online and have them mailed to me?
Bank of America does not mail foreign currency to your home. You must pick up euros in person at a branch with a valid ID. Some online currency services like Wise or OFX do mail currency, but delivery takes several business days and fees apply.
What if my branch doesn't have euros in stock?
Most Bank of America branches can order euros from a central distribution center within 7 to 10 business days. If your branch is very small or in a remote area, they may need extra time or may refer you to a larger nearby branch. Call your branch to ask whether they can source euros and how long it will take.
Do I pay the foreign exchange fee even if I cancel my order?
If you cancel before the branch obtains the currency, there should be no fee. If you cancel after they've already exchanged your dollars for euros, you'll pay the spread twice—once when they sold you the euros, and again if they buy them back. Confirm the cancellation policy with your branch before you order.
Is the rate Bank of America quotes me locked in, or can it change?
The rate is usually locked in when you place the order, but confirm this with your branch. Some branches may reserve the right to adjust the rate if market conditions shift dramatically before your pickup date, though this is rare. Ask for the lock-in policy in writing if the amount is large.
Can I use my credit card to pay for euros at Bank of America?
Most Bank of America branches require you to pay with cash or a debit card drawn on your Bank of America account. Credit card payments for foreign currency orders are uncommon. Call your branch to confirm what payment methods they accept.