Chase does exchange foreign currency, but only at certain branches and with restrictions that vary by location and currency type.
Chase offers currency exchange at many of its branches, but it is not available everywhere and the process is slower and more expensive than other options. You will need to visit a branch in person, bring your passport or government ID, and often wait several business days for the exchange to complete. Chase charges a markup on the exchange rate — typically 2 to 3 percent above the mid-market rate — which means you pay more than you would at a currency exchange specialist or through your bank's wire transfer service.
Not every Chase branch handles currency exchange. Branches in major cities and near airports are more likely to offer it than suburban locations. Before you go, call the branch directly or check Chase's branch locator online to confirm they exchange the specific currency you need. Some currencies are kept in stock; others must be ordered, which adds days to the process.
Key Takeaways
- Chase exchanges foreign currency at select branches, but availability depends on location and the specific currency you need.
- You must visit in person with a government-issued ID or passport, and the transaction typically takes three to five business days if the currency is not in stock.
- Chase charges a markup of roughly 2 to 3 percent above the mid-market exchange rate, making it more expensive than specialist currency exchange services.
- Ordering currency ahead of time and picking it up at a branch is usually faster and cheaper than exchanging cash on the spot at a retail location.
- Wire transfers and international transfers through Chase may offer better rates than over-the-counter currency exchange, depending on the amount and destination.
How Chase currency exchange works
When you exchange currency at a Chase branch, you hand over your cash in one currency and receive cash in another. The teller will ask for your ID, record the transaction, and give you a receipt showing the exchange rate applied and any fees charged. If the branch has the currency in stock, the exchange happens immediately. If not, you place an order and return to pick it up, usually within three to five business days.
Chase does not exchange traveler's checks or damaged bills. The cash must be in good condition. If you are exchanging a large amount — generally over $10,000 — the branch will file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) with the federal government as required by law. This is routine and does not flag your account; it is a standard reporting requirement for large cash transactions.
Which currencies Chase exchanges and where
Chase keeps common currencies in stock at most branches: Canadian dollars, euros, British pounds, Japanese yen, and Mexican pesos. Less common currencies — Norwegian krone, Singapore dollars, South African rand — must be ordered and may take longer to arrive. Some branches do not order certain currencies at all, so you may need to call ahead or visit a different branch.
Major branches in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco are most likely to have a wide selection. Branches near international airports often stock more currencies because they serve more travelers. If your local branch cannot get the currency you need, ask if they can transfer it from another branch or if they can order it for you.
Costs and exchange rates
Chase applies a markup to the mid-market rate — the rate banks use to trade with each other. The markup is typically 2 to 3 percent, though it can be higher for less common currencies. This means if the mid-market rate for euros is 1.10 USD per euro, Chase might give you 1.07 USD per euro. On a $1,000 exchange, that difference costs you roughly $20 to $30.
Chase also charges a flat fee for currency exchange at some branches, though this is less common. Ask the teller or call ahead to find out whether your branch charges a flat fee on top of the markup. The total cost — markup plus any fee — makes Chase more expensive than currency exchange specialists, which typically charge 1 to 2 percent markup and no flat fee.
Alternatives to Chase currency exchange
If you need foreign currency, compare these options before going to Chase. Currency exchange specialists like Travelex or local foreign exchange shops often charge lower markups than banks, especially if you are exchanging a common currency. ATMs abroad give you the mid-market rate plus a small ATM fee — usually $2 to $5 — and are often the cheapest way to get cash in a foreign country. International wire transfers through Chase or another bank let you send money directly to an account overseas, which avoids the need to carry cash at all.
If you are sending money to another country regularly, international money transfer services like Wise, OFX, or MoneyGram often charge lower fees and better rates than banks. For one-time trips, using your debit card at an ATM abroad is usually cheaper than exchanging cash before you leave. The exception is if you are traveling to a country where ATMs are scarce or unreliable — in that case, exchanging cash before departure makes sense, even at a higher cost.
How to order currency from Chase
Call or visit your local Chase branch and tell the teller you want to order foreign currency. Provide the currency type and the amount you need. The teller will place the order and give you a confirmation number and expected pickup date. You will need to return to the same branch to pick up the currency, and you must bring your ID again at pickup.
Ordering ahead is faster and sometimes cheaper than exchanging on the spot, because the branch can order in bulk and may offer a slightly better rate. If you are leaving for a trip soon, order at least a week in advance to allow time for the currency to arrive. If you wait until the day before your trip, the branch may not have time to order, and you will have to exchange whatever they have in stock or go elsewhere.
What to bring and what to expect
Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will not exchange currency without it. Bring the cash you want to exchange in good condition; torn, marked, or heavily worn bills may be refused. If you are exchanging a large amount, bring documentation showing where the money came from, though this is rarely required for routine exchanges under $10,000.
The transaction takes 10 to 15 minutes if the currency is in stock. If you ordered ahead, pickup is usually quick — the teller retrieves your order, counts it, and hands it over. You will receive a receipt showing the amount exchanged, the rate applied, any fees, and the amount you received. Keep this receipt in case you need to dispute the transaction or for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exchange currency at any Chase branch?
No. Currency exchange is available at select branches, usually in major cities and near airports. Call your local branch or use Chase's branch locator to confirm they offer currency exchange before you visit. Some branches may order currency for you even if they do not keep it in stock.
How long does it take to get foreign currency from Chase?
If the branch has the currency in stock, the exchange happens the same day. If you order it, expect three to five business days for delivery to the branch. Ordering ahead is faster and often cheaper than exchanging on the spot, so plan ahead if possible.
Is Chase currency exchange cheaper than other options?
No. Chase charges a 2 to 3 percent markup plus possible fees, making it more expensive than currency specialists or ATMs abroad. For common currencies, a local foreign exchange shop or using an ATM in the destination country will usually cost less.
Do I need to be a Chase customer to exchange currency?
Most Chase branches will exchange currency for non-customers, but policies vary by location. Call ahead to confirm. Some branches may require you to be a customer or may have different terms for non-customers.
What happens if I exchange a large amount of cash?
Exchanges over $10,000 trigger a Currency Transaction Report filed with the federal government. This is routine and legal; it does not affect your account or flag you for anything. You will still receive your currency as normal.