Yes, Bank of America can get you euros, but not when ready and not at every branch

Bank of America does exchange euros, but the process takes time and costs money in fees. You cannot walk into most branches and walk out with euros the same day. Instead, you order them ahead, wait several business days, and pay a foreign exchange fee — a percentage of what you exchange that goes to the bank.

The fastest way is to call your local Bank of America branch or visit in person and ask to order euros. Tell them how many you need and when you need them. They will tell you the exchange rate they are offering that day, the fee amount, and when the euros will arrive — usually three to five business days later. You pick them up at that branch or have them mailed to you.

If you need euros urgently — within hours — Bank of America is probably not your answer. Airport currency exchanges and some independent money changers can turn around euros faster, though their fees are often higher.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America exchanges euros but requires you to order them in advance, usually three to five business days before you need them.
  • You pay a foreign exchange fee on top of the exchange rate, which reduces how many euros you receive for your dollars.
  • Call or visit your local branch to place an order; not all branches stock euros on hand.
  • If you need euros within hours, independent currency exchanges or airport services may be faster, though fees vary widely.
  • Using a Bank of America debit card abroad to withdraw euros from ATMs often costs less in fees than exchanging cash in advance.

How to order euros through Bank of America

Start by calling the branch where you have your account or the branch closest to you. Ask to speak with someone in customer service or the foreign exchange desk. Tell them you want to order euros, how many you need, and your important date.

They will quote you an exchange rate for that day and tell you the fee — usually a percentage of the total amount, often between 1% and 3%, though this varies. They will also tell you exactly when the euros will be ready. Some branches can order them to arrive in three business days; others take longer. Ask whether you can pick them up or if they will mail them.

Once you agree, the branch will place the order with Bank of America's currency supplier. You will need to pay for the euros when you pick them up or when they arrive. Bring your ID and be prepared to show proof that you are the account holder.

What the exchange rate and fees actually cost you

The exchange rate Bank of America offers you is not the same as the rate you see on the news or online. Banks buy and sell currency at wholesale rates, then mark up the rate they offer customers. On top of that markup, they charge a separate fee.

For example, if the wholesale rate is 1 dollar = 0.92 euros, Bank of America might offer you 1 dollar = 0.89 euros, and then charge you a 2% fee on the total. That means you lose money twice — once on the worse rate and once on the fee. Over a large exchange, this adds up quickly.

Before you order, ask the branch to give you the exact rate and the exact fee in dollars, not just a percentage. Do the math yourself: multiply the number of euros you want by the rate they quoted, then subtract the fee. That is what you will actually pay.

When using an ATM abroad costs less than exchanging cash

If you are traveling to Europe, using a Bank of America debit card to withdraw euros from an ATM in the country you are visiting often costs less than exchanging dollars for euros before you leave. Here is why: ATM withdrawals use the real wholesale exchange rate, and you only pay one ATM fee — usually between $2 and $5 — rather than a percentage-based foreign exchange fee.

Bank of America charges a $5 fee for using an out-of-network ATM abroad. If you are exchanging $1,000, a 2% foreign exchange fee costs you $20. The $5 ATM fee is cheaper. You also get the better exchange rate at the ATM.

The downside is that you need a debit card and access to an ATM when you arrive. If you are landing late at night or in a small town, you might not find one when ready. Many travelers carry some euros in cash for the first day, then withdraw the rest from an ATM once they arrive.

Other ways to get euros if Bank of America is too slow

Currency exchange shops at airports and in city centers can often turn around euros faster than Bank of America — sometimes within hours. However, their fees are usually higher than bank fees. Airport exchanges in particular charge premium rates because they know travelers are in a hurry.

Some credit unions and smaller regional banks also exchange currency and may have different fees than Bank of America. If you belong to a credit union, call and ask what they charge for euros and how long the order takes.

Online currency exchange services like OFX or Wise (formerly TransferWise) can deliver euros to you or to a pickup location, sometimes faster than a bank. These services often have lower fees than traditional banks, but you need to research each one's rates and delivery times for your specific situation.

What to bring when you pick up your euros

When your euros are ready, you will pick them up at the branch or receive them by mail. If you are picking them up in person, bring your ID and your debit card or checkbook to prove you are the account holder. The branch will count out the euros and give them to you in cash.

If the euros are mailed to you, open the package carefully and count the bills right away. If the amount is wrong, contact the branch when ready. Once you have signed for the package or left the branch with the cash, the bank considers the transaction complete.

Keep your euros in a safe place until you travel. Do not leave large amounts of cash in a car or an obvious location at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order euros online through Bank of America's website?

Bank of America does not offer online currency ordering through their website. You must call your branch or visit in person to place an order. Some banks do offer online ordering, so if this matters to you, ask your branch whether they have plans to add it.

What if I need euros in less than three days?

Tell the branch your important date when you call. Some branches can rush orders, though this may cost extra. If three days is not fast enough, an airport currency exchange or independent money changer may be your only option, even though their fees are usually higher.

Do I have to be a Bank of America customer to exchange euros?

Bank of America primarily exchanges currency for account holders. If you do not have an account, call your local branch and ask whether they will exchange for non-customers. Policies vary by location.

Is it better to exchange dollars for euros before I travel or after I arrive?

For most travelers, withdrawing euros from an ATM after you arrive costs less than exchanging cash before you leave. However, if you want some cash on hand when ready when you land, exchanging a small amount before you travel and the rest at an ATM is a common middle ground.

What happens if the exchange rate changes between when I order and when I pick up?

The rate you are quoted when you place the order is the rate you pay when you pick up. The bank locks in that rate for you, so if the rate moves in your favor or against you, you are not affected. This is one advantage of ordering in advance.