How to order euros at Bank of America
Bank of America lets you order foreign currency, including euros, through most of its branches and online. You place an order through your local branch, online banking, or by phone, and the bank sources the currency and holds it for pickup or delivery. The process takes three to five business days in most cases, though timing depends on the amount you need and current currency availability.
You do not need to be a Bank of America customer to order currency, but you will need a valid ID and a way to pay. The bank charges a markup on the exchange rate — the difference between what it pays for the currency and what it charges you — so the rate you see online is not the rate you will pay at checkout.
Key Takeaways
- Order euros through your Bank of America branch, online banking portal, or by calling 1-800-935-9935 to reach the foreign exchange desk.
- Most orders take three to five business days, but you can request expedited delivery for an additional fee if you need euros sooner.
- Bank of America charges a markup on top of the mid-market exchange rate, so compare the final price before you commit to the order.
- You can pick up euros at your local branch or have them delivered to your home, depending on the amount and your preference.
- Bring a valid ID and proof of funds (a debit card, credit card, or bank account) when you pick up your order at the branch.
Ordering euros online through your Bank of America account
If you have a Bank of America checking or savings account, you can order euros through your online banking portal. Log in to your account, look for the "Foreign Exchange" or "Travel" section — the exact name varies by region — and select euros as your currency. Enter the amount you need, and the system will show you the current rate and total cost.
Review the exchange rate carefully. Bank of America's online rate includes the markup, so what you see is what you will pay. Confirm the order, and the bank will reserve the euros for you. You will receive an email confirmation with your order number and the pickup or delivery details. Most orders are ready in three to five business days.
If your online banking does not show a foreign exchange option, your branch may not offer this service through the portal. Call the foreign exchange desk at 1-800-935-9935 or visit your local branch instead.
Ordering euros by phone or at your branch
Call the Bank of America foreign exchange desk at 1-800-935-9935 to order euros over the phone. Have your account number ready, along with the amount of euros you need and your preferred pickup or delivery method. The representative will quote you the current rate, confirm the total cost, and process the order. You will receive a confirmation number and a timeline for when the euros will be ready.
You can also walk into any Bank of America branch and ask to order euros at the teller window or through the customer service desk. Bring your ID and let them know how much you need and when you plan to travel. The branch staff will place the order and give you a pickup date. Not all branches keep large amounts of foreign currency on hand, so ordering ahead is faster than asking for euros on the spot.
Pickup versus delivery options
Bank of America offers two ways to receive your euros: pickup at your local branch or home delivery. Pickup is free and usually faster — your euros will be ready within three to five business days, and you can collect them during normal branch hours. Bring your ID and the confirmation number or order receipt.
Home delivery costs extra, typically $15 to $25 depending on the amount and your location. Delivery takes an additional two to three business days beyond the standard processing time. If you order a very large amount of euros, the bank may require you to pick up in person for security reasons rather than delivering to your home.
Understanding the exchange rate and fees
Bank of America does not charge an explicit ordering fee, but it does mark up the exchange rate. The mid-market rate is the rate banks pay each other for currency; Bank of America's rate is higher, meaning you pay more euros per dollar than the wholesale rate. The markup typically ranges from 2 to 3 percent, though it varies based on the amount you order and current market conditions.
When you see a rate quoted online or over the phone, that rate already includes the markup. There are no hidden fees added at pickup or delivery. If you order a very large amount — several thousand dollars' worth — you may be able to negotiate a better rate by calling the foreign exchange desk directly, but most retail orders use the standard posted rate.
Compare Bank of America's rate to other sources before you order. Credit unions, online currency services, and other banks sometimes offer better rates, especially if you are ordering a large amount. The difference can add up quickly when you are exchanging hundreds or thousands of dollars.
What to bring when you pick up your euros
When you arrive at your Bank of America branch to pick up your euros, bring your valid ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. The teller will verify your identity against the order you placed and hand over the currency. If someone else is picking up on your behalf, that person will need to bring a signed authorization letter from you and their own ID.
If you paid for the euros with a debit card or credit card during the order, no additional payment is needed at pickup. If you arranged to pay at pickup, bring the payment method you agreed on — cash, check, or card. The branch will process the payment and give you the euros in an envelope or small bag.
Timing and what to do if you need euros urgently
Standard processing takes three to five business days from the time you place your order. Weekends and bank holidays do not count toward this timeline, so if you order on a Friday, your euros will not be ready until the following Wednesday or Thursday at the earliest. Plan ahead if you have a specific travel date.
If you need euros sooner, ask about expedited processing when you place your order. Bank of America can sometimes have euros ready in one to two business days for an additional fee, usually $25 to $50. Expedited service is not always available for all amounts or locations, so confirm it is an option before you count on it.
If you are leaving for Europe in the next day or two and have not ordered yet, your best option is to withdraw euros from an ATM once you arrive in Europe. You will pay a foreign transaction fee and ATM fee, but you will get a better exchange rate than Bank of America's retail rate, and you will not have to wait for processing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Bank of America customer to order euros?
No. You can order euros whether or not you have an account with Bank of America. You will need a valid ID and a way to pay — a debit card, credit card, or cash at pickup. Non-customers may face longer processing times or higher fees at some branches, so call ahead to confirm.
What if Bank of America does not have the amount of euros I need in stock?
The bank will source the euros from its currency suppliers, which takes time. If you need a very large amount — $10,000 or more — tell the branch or the foreign exchange desk when you order. They may need extra time to obtain that much currency, or they may ask you to split the order across multiple days.
Can I return euros I ordered if my travel plans change?
Bank of America will buy back unused euros, but you will receive the bank's buy-back rate, which is lower than the rate you paid. You will lose money on the transaction. If your trip is cancelled, contact the branch or foreign exchange desk as soon as possible to discuss your options.
What is the maximum amount of euros I can order?
There is no hard limit, but very large orders — $50,000 or more — may require advance notice and additional verification. Call the foreign exchange desk to discuss large orders. You may also face reporting requirements if you order more than $10,000 in a single transaction.
Will Bank of America hold my euros if I am not ready to pick them up right away?
Most branches will hold your order for 30 days after it is ready. If you do not pick up within that window, the bank may return the euros to its supplier and cancel the order. Contact your branch if you need an extension.