Bank of America can order euros for you, but not instantly and not at every branch
Bank of America does not keep euros in stock at most branches. If you need euros, you can order them through your local branch or online, but the process takes several business days and involves a currency exchange rate that Bank of America sets. The bank charges a fee on top of the exchange rate — this fee varies depending on how you order and how much you exchange.
The most practical route is to call your branch directly and ask whether they can order euros for you. Some branches handle foreign currency orders; others do not. If your branch cannot, they can usually refer you to a nearby branch that can, or you can order through Bank of America's online banking platform if you have an account.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America orders euros through a currency supplier, which takes three to five business days after you place the order.
- You pay the exchange rate Bank of America quotes you on the day you order, plus a foreign exchange fee that the bank does not publicly list in advance.
- Not every branch handles foreign currency orders, so call ahead to confirm your branch can process the request.
- You must pick up the euros in person at the branch where you ordered them; Bank of America does not mail foreign currency.
How to order euros through Bank of America
Call your local Bank of America branch and ask to speak with someone in the foreign exchange department or at the customer service desk. Tell them how many euros you need and when you plan to travel. They will quote you an exchange rate and fee, and you can decide whether to proceed. If you agree, the branch will place the order with Bank of America's currency supplier.
You can also order through online banking if you have a Bank of America account. Log in, navigate to the foreign exchange or currency exchange section, and follow the prompts to request euros. The process is the same — you will see the rate and fee before confirming the order.
Once you place the order, Bank of America typically receives the euros within three to five business days. The branch will call you when the euros arrive. You must pick them up in person at the branch where you ordered them, during business hours. Bring your ID and be ready to pay the full amount in US dollars.
What the exchange rate and fees actually cost
Bank of America's exchange rate is not the same as the mid-market rate you see on financial news sites. The mid-market rate is what banks charge each other; Bank of America marks up that rate to make money on the transaction. The markup varies depending on market conditions and the amount you are exchanging, but it is typically between 1% and 3% above the mid-market rate.
On top of the marked-up exchange rate, Bank of America charges a foreign exchange fee. This fee is not published on the bank's website and varies by branch and transaction size. Call your branch to ask what the fee will be for your specific order before you commit. Some branches quote a flat fee (for example, $15 to $25); others charge a percentage of the amount you are exchanging.
Example: If the mid-market rate is 1.10 USD per euro and you want to exchange $1,000, Bank of America might quote you a rate of 1.07 USD per euro (a 3% markup) plus a $20 fee. You would receive roughly 900 euros instead of 909 euros at the mid-market rate. The difference is the cost of using the bank.
Alternatives that may cost less
If you have time before your trip, compare Bank of America's rate and fee to other options. Currency exchange services like XE, OFX, or Wise often offer better rates than banks, especially for larger amounts. These services deliver euros to your home or let you pick them up at a partner location, though delivery takes longer than a bank order.
Credit unions sometimes offer better foreign exchange rates than large banks. If you belong to a credit union, call and ask what they charge for euros. Some credit unions are part of shared branching networks and can order currency for you even if your local branch does not stock it.
ATMs in Europe charge a fee, but if you are only withdrawing a small amount of euros for immediate use, an ATM in your destination country may be cheaper than ordering euros before you leave. Check with your bank about ATM fees in the country you are visiting.
What happens if you need euros urgently
If you are leaving for Europe in one or two days and have not ordered euros yet, Bank of America may not be able to help. The standard order takes three to five business days, and some branches cannot expedite. Call your branch immediately and explain your timeline — they may be able to tell you whether an expedited order is possible, though this usually costs more.
If your branch cannot get euros to you in time, ask whether they have any euros on hand that you can purchase immediately. Some branches keep a small supply for walk-in customers, though the rate and fee may be worse than an advance order. You can also visit a currency exchange storefront in your area — these are often found in airports, tourist areas, or downtown business districts — though their rates are typically the worst of all options.
Returning unused euros to Bank of America
If you return from your trip with leftover euros, Bank of America will exchange them back to US dollars, but the rate will be different from the rate you paid when you bought them. You will lose money on the round trip because the bank marks up both directions. The markup on the return exchange is usually similar to the markup on the original purchase.
You do not have to return euros to the same branch where you bought them, but you do have to return them within a certain timeframe — typically 30 days, though this varies by branch. Call ahead to confirm the deadline and any conditions. Bring the euros in their original packaging if possible; some branches will not accept loose bills or coins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order euros online and have them mailed to me?
Bank of America does not mail foreign currency. You must order through your branch or online banking and pick up the euros in person at the branch where you placed the order. This is a security measure to prevent loss or theft in the mail.
What if my branch does not have euros when I go to pick them up?
Call the branch before you go to confirm the euros have arrived. If there is a delay, the branch will contact you when they are ready. If the euros do not arrive within the promised timeframe, ask the branch what happened and whether they can expedite the order or refund your money so you can order elsewhere.
Do I need a Bank of America account to order euros?
You do not need an account to order euros at a Bank of America branch, but you will need to show ID and have the cash or a debit card to pay for them. If you order online, you must have an account. Call your local branch to confirm their specific requirements.
Can I order euros in advance if I know my travel dates months ahead?
Yes, but the exchange rate you receive will be the rate on the day you place the order, not the day you pick up the euros. If the euro strengthens against the dollar between when you order and when you travel, you will have locked in a worse rate. Most people order euros one to two weeks before travel to balance convenience against rate risk.
What if the exchange rate changes between when I order and when I pick up?
The rate you are quoted when you place the order is the rate you pay, even if the market rate changes before you pick up the euros. Bank of America locks in the rate at the moment of the order to protect both you and the bank from sudden swings.