Yes, you can get euros from most U.S. banks, but the process, cost, and timing depend on which bank you use and how much you need
Most banks with a physical branch or online currency exchange service can order euros for you. The transaction usually takes three to ten business days, costs between $15 and $50 in fees, and the exchange rate your bank offers will be worse than the mid-market rate you see online. If you need euros urgently or want a better rate, you have other options—but ordering through your bank remains the most straightforward route if you already have an account there.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank's foreign exchange desk or visit a branch to order euros; most banks can deliver them within three to ten business days.
- Bank exchange rates are typically 2 to 4 percent worse than the mid-market rate, and you will pay a separate fee of $15 to $50 depending on the amount.
- If you need euros the same day, some bank branches keep small amounts in stock, but availability varies widely by location.
- Online currency exchange services like Wise, OFX, or OANDA often offer better rates and lower fees than banks, though they require a few days to deliver.
- Credit unions sometimes offer better rates than large banks, so check with yours before assuming your primary bank is your only option.
How to order euros through your bank
Call the foreign exchange or international services department at your bank. Have your account number ready and tell them how many euros you need and when you need them. They will quote you an exchange rate, confirm the fee, and tell you the delivery date. Most banks require you to pick up the euros at a branch or have them mailed to your address; some allow you to receive them at an ATM.
If you prefer to order in person, visit a branch with your ID and the amount of U.S. dollars you want to exchange. Smaller branches may not have euros on hand and will need to order them from a regional hub, which adds two to five days. Larger branches in cities with international travel often keep euros in stock and can hand them to you the same day, but call ahead to confirm availability—do not assume.
Some banks let you order euros online through their website or mobile app. Log in, navigate to foreign exchange or international services, enter the amount, and complete the order. You will still wait three to ten business days for delivery, and the rate and fee will be the same as if you called.
What the exchange rate and fees actually cost you
Your bank's exchange rate is not the rate you see on Google or XE.com. That rate—called the mid-market rate—is what banks pay each other. Your bank adds a markup of 2 to 4 percent on top of it. If the mid-market rate is 1.10 USD per euro, your bank might offer you 1.06 USD per euro. On $1,000, that difference costs you roughly $40 in lost value.
On top of the rate markup, your bank charges a separate fee: typically $15 for small amounts (under $500), $25 to $35 for medium amounts ($500 to $5,000), and $40 to $50 for larger amounts. Some banks waive the fee if you are a premium customer or if you exchange above a certain threshold. Ask before you order.
The total cost of getting $1,000 in euros through a typical bank is roughly $65 to $75 when you add the rate markup and the fee together. That is a real cost that comes out of your trip budget.
When your bank cannot deliver euros in time
If you need euros in fewer than three business days, call your bank immediately and ask whether any branch near you has euros in stock. Some branches in major cities keep small amounts ($500 to $2,000) on hand for walk-in customers. If none do, your bank cannot help you meet your deadline.
In that case, look for a currency exchange storefront in your area—the kind you see in airports, tourist districts, or near train stations. These businesses keep multiple currencies in stock and can hand you euros the same day. The rates and fees are usually worse than your bank's, but if you are leaving tomorrow, that trade-off may be worth it. Call ahead to confirm they have the amount you need.
If you are traveling internationally and realize you need more euros after you arrive, use an ATM in the eurozone to withdraw euros directly from your U.S. bank account. The exchange rate is usually better than what you would get at a currency exchange desk, though your bank will charge an international ATM fee (typically $2 to $5 per withdrawal). This is often cheaper than exchanging cash on the ground.
Better rates: online currency services and credit unions
Online currency exchange services like Wise, OFX, and OANDA often offer exchange rates closer to mid-market and charge lower fees than banks. Wise, for example, uses the real mid-market rate and charges a flat fee of around 1 percent; OFX charges between 1 and 2 percent depending on the amount. Both require three to five business days for delivery to your bank account or address.
These services work best if you are not in a rush. You transfer U.S. dollars to them, they convert at their rate, and they send euros to your bank account or mail them to you. The savings add up on larger amounts: exchanging $5,000 through Wise might cost you $50 in fees and rate markup, compared to $150 to $200 through a bank.
If you belong to a credit union, ask whether they offer foreign exchange services. Many credit unions partner with larger networks and can order euros at rates better than big banks, sometimes with lower fees. Credit union rates vary widely, so it is worth a phone call.
Bringing euros back into the U.S.
If you return from Europe with leftover euros, you can exchange them back to U.S. dollars at your bank, but expect the same markup and fees working in the opposite direction. A bank will give you fewer dollars for your euros than the mid-market rate would suggest. If you have a small amount (under $100), it is often not worth the fee; keep the euros for your next trip or donate them.
Online currency services will also buy euros back from you, and their rates are usually better than your bank's. You mail or transfer the euros to them, and they deposit U.S. dollars into your account. Again, this makes sense only if you have a meaningful amount—the fees and delays are not worth it for $50.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order euros online and have them mailed to me?
Yes. Most banks offer online ordering through their website or app. You select the amount, confirm the rate and fee, and the bank mails the euros to your address within three to ten business days. Confirm the mailing address before you complete the order, and allow extra time if you are ordering close to a holiday or weekend.
What if my bank does not offer foreign exchange?
Smaller banks and some online-only banks do not exchange currency directly. Ask whether they partner with another bank or service for foreign exchange. If not, use an online currency service like Wise or OFX, or visit a currency exchange storefront. You can also withdraw euros from an ATM once you arrive in Europe.
Is it cheaper to exchange money at the airport?
No. Airport currency exchange desks charge some of the worst rates and highest fees you will find. Exchange rates at airport desks are typically 5 to 10 percent worse than mid-market. Use an ATM at the airport or in the city instead—your bank's international ATM fee is almost always lower than the airport desk's markup.
Do I need to tell my bank I am traveling before I order euros?
You do not need to tell them to order euros, but you should notify your bank that you are traveling internationally. This prevents your bank from flagging your card as fraudulent when you use it abroad. Call your bank's customer service line or use their app to set your travel dates before you leave.
Can I use a credit card to get euros instead of ordering cash?
Yes. Using a credit card abroad often gives you a better exchange rate than ordering cash, and you avoid the fee. However, many credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee of 1 to 3 percent. Check your card's terms before you travel. Debit cards also work abroad but usually charge the same foreign transaction fees as credit cards.