Yes, Bank of America can exchange dollars for euros, but you need to order in advance
Bank of America branches can provide euros, but not on demand at every location. You must order euros ahead of time through your local branch or online, and the bank charges a foreign exchange rate that is higher than the mid-market rate you see quoted on financial news sites. The actual cost depends on the amount you order and current market conditions.
If you need euros for an upcoming trip, call your branch at least three to five business days before you leave. Some branches keep small amounts of foreign currency in stock, but larger orders require advance notice. You can also order through Bank of America's website if you have an account, though phone or in-person ordering is more reliable for confirming availability.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America charges a markup on the exchange rate, so euros from the bank cost more than the mid-market rate.
- You must order euros in advance—typically three to five business days—rather than walking in and expecting to exchange cash on the spot.
- Your local branch may have small amounts available immediately, but larger orders require a phone call or online request.
- You can pick up euros at your branch or request delivery to your home, depending on the amount and your account type.
- Debit cards and credit cards often offer better exchange rates than cash exchange, so using plastic abroad may cost you less.
How to order euros through Bank of America
Call your local Bank of America branch directly and ask to speak with someone in the foreign exchange or customer service department. Tell them how many euros you need and when you are leaving. They will quote you the exchange rate for that day, confirm whether they can fulfill the order, and tell you when to pick it up or whether they can mail it to you.
If you prefer to order online, log into your Bank of America account and look for the foreign exchange or travel services section. Not all accounts have online ordering enabled, so if you do not see the option, phone ordering is your backup. Write down the confirmation number and the quoted rate so you have proof of what you agreed to.
Pickup is usually free at your branch. Delivery to your home typically costs a fee, which varies by the amount ordered. Ask about both options when you place the order so you can choose the one that makes sense for your timeline and budget.
What the exchange rate actually costs you
Bank of America's foreign exchange rate includes a markup—the difference between what the bank pays for euros and what it charges you. This markup is not published as a percentage; instead, you see it reflected in the rate itself. For example, if the mid-market rate is 1 USD = 0.92 EUR, Bank of America might quote you 1 USD = 0.88 EUR or lower, depending on the amount and current market conditions.
The markup is steeper for small orders and smaller branches. If you are exchanging $500, the rate will be worse than if you are exchanging $5,000. Call ahead and ask for the rate before you commit, so you can compare it to what you would pay using a credit card or debit card abroad.
There is no fee listed separately on most euro orders under $10,000, but the unfavorable rate is the fee. Larger orders may have an explicit transaction fee on top of the rate markup.
Alternatives that may cost less
Using a debit card or credit card at an ATM in Europe often gives you a better exchange rate than buying euros in the United States. Your bank charges a foreign transaction fee (usually 1 to 3 percent), but the exchange rate is closer to mid-market. Some Bank of America accounts waive foreign transaction fees—check your account terms or call to confirm.
If you have a Bank of America account and travel frequently, ask whether you may have access to for a travel rewards card or premium checking account that reduces or eliminates foreign transaction fees. These accounts may also offer better exchange rates on currency orders.
Credit cards typically have worse exchange rates than debit cards or ATM withdrawals, so use them only for purchases, not for getting cash. Peer-to-peer currency exchange services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) offer mid-market rates plus a small flat fee, but they work best for larger amounts and advance planning, not for last-minute cash needs.
What happens if you need euros the day before you leave
Call your branch immediately and explain the situation. Some branches keep small amounts of common currencies like euros in a vault and can exchange them the same day or next morning, but this is not may provide. If your branch cannot help, ask whether another nearby branch has euros in stock.
If no branch can fulfill the order in time, your best option is to use an ATM in Europe once you arrive, or to use your credit or debit card for purchases and withdraw euros from an ATM as needed. This is not ideal, but it is faster and often cheaper than paying a rush fee for last-minute currency exchange.
Do not wait until the day of your flight. The later you order, the fewer options you have and the more you may pay in fees or unfavorable rates.
Limits on how much you can order
Bank of America does not publish a hard limit on foreign currency orders, but very large orders (over $10,000) may require additional documentation for anti-money-laundering compliance. If you need more than $10,000 in euros, call your branch and ask what paperwork they need.
If you are ordering for a group or for business purposes, tell the bank that upfront. They may route your order differently or require you to sign additional forms. The process takes longer for large amounts, so plan accordingly.
For amounts under $10,000, the main constraint is whether your branch has euros in stock or can order them in time. Availability varies by location and season—branches in major cities with international travel typically have better stock than rural branches.
What to do if the bank cannot provide euros
If your branch cannot order euros or the rate is too high, ask them to refer you to another Bank of America location that can help. Larger branches and those near airports or in major cities are more likely to have foreign currency services.
You can also contact Bank of America's customer service line and ask for the foreign exchange department. They can tell you which branches near you offer currency exchange and what rates they are quoting today.
If Bank of America's rates are not competitive, compare them to other banks in your area. Wells Fargo, Chase, and Citibank all offer foreign currency exchange, and rates vary. You are not locked into Bank of America just because you have an account there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order euros online and pick them up at a different Bank of America branch?
It depends on your account type and the branches involved. Some branches allow cross-branch pickup, but you should confirm this when you place the order. If you are ordering online, the system will tell you which locations can fulfill your order. If you are unsure, call the branch where you want to pick up and ask them to process the order directly.
What if I order euros and the exchange rate drops before I pick them up?
The rate you are quoted when you place the order is locked in for a set period—usually three to five business days. If the rate improves after you order but before you pick up, you do not get the better rate. If the rate worsens, you are protected by the original quote. Read the confirmation email or receipt to see how long your rate is may provide.
Do I need to be a Bank of America customer to exchange dollars for euros?
Most Bank of America branches require you to have an account with them to order foreign currency. If you do not have an account, ask your branch whether they make exceptions for large orders or whether you can open an account quickly. Some branches may refer you to another bank or currency exchange service instead.
Is it cheaper to exchange euros at the airport when I arrive?
Airport currency exchange rates are typically worse than Bank of America's rates, and airports charge higher markups. Exchanging money at the airport should be your last resort. If you must do it, exchange only a small amount to cover immediate expenses like taxi fare, then use an ATM to withdraw euros at a better rate.
Can I return unused euros to Bank of America for a refund?
Bank of America will buy back unused euros, but the rate you receive will be worse than the rate you paid when you bought them. The markup works both ways. If you have leftover euros after your trip, you can exchange them back, but expect to lose money on the transaction. It is better to spend or give away any extra currency before you leave Europe.