PNC Bank does offer currency exchange, but only at certain locations and with limits on which currencies they handle

PNC Bank will exchange foreign currency to US dollars and US dollars to foreign currency, but the service is not available at every branch. You need to visit a PNC location that has a foreign exchange desk — typically found in larger branches in major cities — or call ahead to confirm your local branch offers it. PNC does not exchange currency online or by mail.

The currencies PNC exchanges vary by location, but major ones like euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, and Mexican pesos are usually available at branches with a forex desk. Less common currencies may require special order, which can take several business days. You will pay a spread — the difference between what PNC pays for the currency and what they charge you — which is how the bank makes money on the transaction.

If your local PNC branch does not have a forex desk, you have other options: you can use a currency exchange service like Wise or OFX, visit a dedicated currency exchange shop, or use your credit card or debit card abroad and let your card issuer handle the conversion (though that often carries its own fees).

Key Takeaways

  • PNC Bank exchanges currency at branches with a foreign exchange desk, usually in larger cities, but not all branches offer this service.
  • You must visit the branch in person; PNC does not exchange currency online, by phone, or by mail.
  • The spread PNC charges on currency exchange is not published publicly, so you should ask the branch for the rate before you commit to the exchange.
  • If PNC does not have your currency in stock, you can request a special order, which typically takes three to five business days.
  • For frequent international transfers or better rates, third-party services like Wise often charge lower spreads than banks.

How to find a PNC branch that exchanges currency

Start by calling your local PNC branch and asking whether they have a foreign exchange desk. The branch staff can tell you immediately whether they handle currency exchange and which currencies they stock. If your branch does not offer the service, ask which nearby PNC location does — the staff member can usually direct you to the closest one.

You can also visit PNC's website and use their branch locator tool, though the locator does not always flag which branches have a forex desk. Calling is faster and more reliable. If you are traveling and need currency before you leave, plan ahead — do not wait until the day of your trip, because special orders take time and some branches may have limited stock of less common currencies.

What to bring and what to expect when you exchange currency

Bring a valid government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID) and the cash or funds you want to exchange. If you are exchanging a large amount, PNC may ask you to provide advance notice so they can have enough currency on hand. There is no official minimum or maximum, but very large exchanges may require a few days' notice.

The branch will show you the exchange rate they are offering before you complete the transaction. This rate includes PNC's spread — you will not see the spread listed separately. Ask the teller what the mid-market rate is (the rate you would see on Google or XE.com) so you can understand how much PNC is charging you. The difference between the mid-market rate and PNC's rate is your cost for the service.

The exchange happens on the spot. You hand over your cash or a check, the teller counts it, applies the exchange rate, and gives you the foreign currency in return. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes if the currency is in stock.

Special orders for currencies PNC does not have in stock

If PNC does not have the currency you need, you can request a special order. The branch will place the order with PNC's currency supplier, and the currency will arrive at the branch in three to five business days. You will be notified when it arrives, and you can then visit the branch to complete the exchange.

Special orders lock in the exchange rate at the time you place the order, not when you pick up the currency. This protects you from rate swings while you wait. However, some branches may charge a small fee for special orders — ask before you commit. If you are leaving the country soon, special orders are not practical; you will need to use a currency exchange service instead.

PNC's exchange rates and fees compared to other options

PNC does not publish its exchange rates or spreads online, so you cannot compare rates before you visit the branch. This is typical for banks — they keep rates internal and show them to you only when you are ready to exchange. The spread PNC charges is usually 2 to 4 percent above the mid-market rate, though it varies by currency and location.

Third-party services like Wise, OFX, and Remitly often charge lower spreads — sometimes 1 percent or less — and they show you the rate upfront. However, these services are designed for transfers and online exchanges, not for getting physical cash. If you need physical foreign currency in your hand before you travel, PNC or a dedicated currency exchange shop may be your only option.

Credit cards and debit cards also exchange currency when you use them abroad, but they typically charge a 2 to 3 percent foreign transaction fee on top of the spread. Using your card abroad is often cheaper than exchanging cash at a bank if you are only buying small amounts, because you avoid the spread entirely on the portion you do not use.

When to exchange currency before you travel versus when you arrive

Exchanging currency before you leave the US gives you control and certainty — you know exactly how much foreign currency you will have, and you do not have to find an exchange service in an unfamiliar country. However, you pay PNC's spread, which can be higher than what you would pay abroad in some countries.

Exchanging currency after you arrive often gives you a better rate, especially in countries with competitive currency markets like the UK or Canada. However, you have to find a reliable exchange service, and airport exchanges are notoriously expensive — often 5 to 10 percent worse than mid-market rates. A practical middle ground is to exchange a small amount at PNC before you leave (enough for a taxi and a meal), then exchange the rest at a local bank or ATM once you arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I exchange currency at PNC without visiting a branch in person?

No. PNC does not exchange currency by phone, online, or by mail. You must visit a branch with a foreign exchange desk in person, bring your ID and the cash or funds you want to exchange, and complete the transaction at the counter.

What if I need a currency PNC does not stock?

You can request a special order, which typically arrives in three to five business days. The rate is locked when you place the order. If you need the currency sooner, you will have to use a third-party currency exchange service or wait until you arrive in the country.

Does PNC charge a fee for currency exchange?

PNC does not charge a separate fee, but they make money through the spread — the difference between the mid-market rate and the rate they offer you. This spread is usually 2 to 4 percent, though it varies. Ask the teller for the mid-market rate so you can see how much you are paying.

Is it cheaper to exchange currency at PNC or use a credit card abroad?

It depends on how much you spend. Credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee (usually 2 to 3 percent) but no spread on the portion you use. PNC charges a spread (2 to 4 percent) but no transaction fee. For small purchases, a card is often cheaper; for large cash exchanges, compare the rates first.

Can I exchange currency at any PNC branch?

No. Only branches with a foreign exchange desk offer currency exchange, and these are typically in larger cities. Call your local branch to ask whether they have a forex desk, or ask them to direct you to the nearest one that does.