Yes, Bank of America can order euros for you, but it takes planning and costs money
Bank of America branches can order euros through their foreign exchange service, but you cannot walk in and leave with them the same day. The bank orders currency from a wholesale supplier, which typically takes three to five business days. You will pay a conversion rate that is higher than the mid-market rate — the difference is how the bank makes money on the transaction. The exact markup varies by branch and by how much you order.
If you need euros before a trip, you have to plan ahead. If you need them urgently — say, in two days — Bank of America is not your fastest option. If you have time and want the simplicity of handling it at your regular bank, it works.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America orders euros through its foreign exchange desk, but the order takes three to five business days to arrive at your branch.
- You will pay a conversion rate that includes the bank's markup over the mid-market rate; the exact percentage is not published in advance.
- You must order in person at a branch or by phone with a Bank of America representative — you cannot order online.
- Alternatives like ATMs in Europe, credit cards, and currency exchange specialists may offer better rates or faster service depending on your timeline.
How the ordering process works at Bank of America
Walk into any Bank of America branch with your debit card or account information and ask to order euros. A representative will ask how much you need and when you are traveling. They will quote you a rate on the spot — this is the rate you will pay, locked in at that moment. You pay the full amount in US dollars from your account, and the bank orders the physical euros from its currency supplier.
The euros arrive at your branch in three to five business days. You return to pick them up in person. You cannot have them mailed to your home, and you cannot pick them up at a different branch than the one where you ordered them. Bring your ID when you pick them up.
If you prefer not to visit a branch, you can call Bank of America's customer service line and order over the phone. You will still need to pick up the euros in person at a branch, and the timeline remains the same.
What the conversion rate actually costs you
Bank of America does not publish its foreign exchange markup in advance. The rate you are quoted includes the bank's profit margin on top of the wholesale rate. On a typical day, the difference between what Bank of America charges and the mid-market rate (the rate you see on financial news sites) is usually 2 to 3 percent, but this varies.
For example, if the mid-market rate is 1 USD = 0.92 EUR, Bank of America might quote you 1 USD = 0.89 EUR. If you are ordering 1,000 euros, that difference adds up. On a $1,100 order at those rates, you would pay roughly $30 to $40 more than you would at the mid-market rate.
Larger orders sometimes receive slightly better rates than small ones, but Bank of America does not negotiate. You get the rate they quote you, take it or leave it.
When Bank of America makes sense versus other options
Bank of America is convenient if you already bank there, you have time to wait five business days, and you want to handle everything in one place. It is not the cheapest option and it is not the fastest.
If you are traveling soon and need euros within 48 hours, an ATM in Europe is usually your best bet — you withdraw euros directly from your US account, and the conversion rate is typically better than what a bank will give you. You do pay an ATM fee (usually $3 to $5 per withdrawal), but the rate advantage often makes up for it.
If you want to lock in a rate before you travel but do not have five days, a currency exchange specialist like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or OFX can deliver euros faster and at a better rate than Bank of America. These services can fund a card or deliver physical currency in one to two business days, depending on the service. They charge a flat fee rather than a percentage markup, which makes them cheaper for larger amounts.
Credit cards work in most of Europe without ordering anything in advance. You pay a conversion rate set by your card issuer, which is usually better than Bank of America's rate, though you will pay a foreign transaction fee (typically 1 to 3 percent). This is fine for everyday purchases but not ideal if you need cash.
What to bring and what to expect when you pick up
Bring a valid photo ID and your Bank of America debit card or account number when you pick up your euros. The branch will verify your identity and hand you the cash in an envelope. Count it on the spot before you leave — if there is a discrepancy, report it when ready.
The euros will be in a mix of bills and coins, typically in denominations the bank receives from its supplier. You cannot request specific denominations. If you need mostly large bills or mostly small bills, ask the branch when you order — they may be able to request it, but there is no may provide.
If you do not pick up your euros within a set window (usually 30 days), Bank of America will return them to the supplier and refund your account. Ask the branch what the pickup important date is when you order.
What happens if you change your mind
If you cancel your order before the euros arrive, you get a full refund to your account. Once the euros are in your hands, you cannot return them to Bank of America for a refund. You would have to exchange them back to dollars yourself, which means paying another conversion rate and losing money on the spread.
If you ordered euros and your travel plans change, call the branch when ready and ask to cancel. The sooner you cancel, the more likely the bank can stop the order before it ships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order euros online through my Bank of America account?
No. You must order in person at a branch or by phone with a representative. Bank of America does not offer online foreign exchange ordering.
What if I need euros in two days?
Bank of America cannot help you meet that timeline. Your best options are to withdraw euros from an ATM once you arrive in Europe, or to use a faster currency service like Wise if you need physical euros before you travel. Some currency exchange shops in major US cities can provide euros same-day, but their rates are usually worse than Bank of America's.
Do I pay the conversion rate when I order or when I pick up?
You pay the rate that is quoted to you when you place the order. That rate is locked in and does not change, even if the actual exchange rate moves between the order date and the pickup date.
Can I pick up euros at a different Bank of America branch than the one where I ordered?
No. You must pick up at the branch where you placed the order. If you need euros at a different location, you have to order at that branch.
Is there a limit to how much I can order?
Bank of America does not publish a public limit, but very large orders (over $10,000) may require additional verification or a longer wait time. Ask your branch what their limit is for your account.