Bank of America can order euros for you, but it takes time and costs money

Bank of America does not keep euros in stock at most branches. If you need euros, you can order them through the bank's foreign exchange service, but the process takes several business days and involves a markup on the exchange rate. You will pay more than the mid-market rate — the difference is how the bank makes money on currency exchange.

The bank can deliver euros to your account as a wire transfer, or you can pick them up as physical cash at a branch that handles foreign currency. Not every branch does this, so you will need to call ahead or visit a location that offers the service.

Key Takeaways

  • Bank of America orders euros on request through its foreign exchange desk, but the process takes three to five business days.
  • You will pay a markup above the mid-market exchange rate, which varies by the amount you order and current market conditions.
  • Physical euro cash is available at some branches but not all — call your branch first to confirm they stock it.
  • Ordering online through your Bank of America account is faster than calling, if your account is set up for international transactions.
  • For smaller amounts or frequent travel, a travel card or ATM withdrawal abroad may cost less than ordering euros in advance.

How to order euros through Bank of America

The process depends on whether you want physical cash or a wire transfer to an account abroad. For physical euros, call your local branch and ask if they stock foreign currency. If they do, you can place an order by phone or in person. The branch will tell you the exchange rate they are offering and how many business days the order takes.

For a wire transfer of euros to a bank account in Europe, you can initiate the request through your online banking portal or by calling the international banking department. You will need the recipient's bank details — the IBAN (International Bank Account Number) and the bank's SWIFT code. Bank of America will convert your dollars to euros at their rate and send the money, which typically arrives within one to three business days depending on the receiving bank.

The markup on the exchange rate is not published — it changes based on market conditions and the size of your order. Larger orders sometimes get better rates than small ones. Ask the bank for the specific rate before you confirm the order.

What the exchange rate actually costs you

Bank of America's exchange rate is higher than the mid-market rate you see online. The mid-market rate is what banks charge each other; the rate you get includes the bank's profit margin. On a €1,000 order, the difference might be €20 to €50 depending on the day and the amount, but this varies.

The bank also charges a wire transfer fee if you are sending euros abroad — typically $15 to $45 depending on whether it is a domestic or international wire. If you are picking up physical cash, there is usually no additional fee beyond the exchange rate markup.

Before you order, compare the cost to alternatives. Some credit cards offer better exchange rates than Bank of America, and ATM withdrawals in Europe often have lower markups than ordering currency in advance. A travel card like Wise or OFX may be cheaper if you are moving a large amount or making multiple transactions.

Timing and availability at your branch

Not every Bank of America branch stocks foreign currency. Branches in major cities and near airports are more likely to have euros on hand or be able to order them quickly. Smaller branches may need to order from a regional hub, which adds time.

When you call to order, the branch will give you a specific date when the euros will be ready. This is usually three to five business days from the order date. If you need euros urgently, ask if the branch has any in stock already — some locations keep small amounts of major currencies on hand.

Weekends and holidays extend the timeline. An order placed on Friday may not be processed until Monday, and holidays can delay the entire chain. Plan ahead if you are traveling during a holiday period.

Ordering euros online versus by phone

Bank of America's online banking platform allows you to request foreign currency if your account is set up for international transactions. This is usually faster than calling — you can place the order at any time, and the bank processes it the next business day. You will see the exchange rate and fee before you confirm.

Calling the branch or the international banking department gives you a chance to ask questions and negotiate on larger orders, but it takes longer because you have to wait for someone to pick up and process the request manually. The exchange rate may also be slightly different depending on when you call and how busy the desk is.

If you order online, the euros will be held at your branch for pickup, or they can be deposited into your account if you are ordering a wire transfer. The bank will notify you when the order is ready.

Alternatives that may cost less

If you are traveling to Europe, withdrawing euros from an ATM abroad often costs less than ordering them in advance. Your Bank of America debit card will work at most European ATMs, and the exchange rate is usually better than what the bank offers for advance orders. You will pay an ATM fee — typically $2 to $5 per withdrawal — but on larger amounts this is still cheaper than the markup on a currency order.

Travel cards like Wise, OFX, or Revolut let you load euros before you travel and use them like a debit card abroad. The exchange rates are closer to mid-market, and there are no ATM fees. These work well if you want to lock in a rate in advance or avoid carrying large amounts of cash.

Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees are another option for purchases, though they do not help if you need physical cash. Bank of America's travel cards have foreign transaction fees, so they are not the best choice for frequent international spending.

What documents and information you need

For a physical currency order, you only need your Bank of America account number and ID. The branch will verify your identity and process the order.

For a wire transfer of euros to an account abroad, you will need the recipient's full name, their bank account number or IBAN, and the bank's SWIFT code. If you are sending to a business, you may need their tax ID or registration number. Bank of America will ask for the purpose of the transfer — this is standard for compliance with anti-money-laundering rules.

Have this information ready before you call or log in to order, so the process moves faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order euros online if I do not have an international account?

Most Bank of America accounts can order foreign currency online, but some older accounts or accounts with restrictions may not have this feature enabled. Log into your account and look for the foreign exchange option under transfers or international services. If you do not see it, call your branch to ask if your account is set up for it.

What if I need euros the same day?

Same-day delivery is not standard. If a branch has euros in stock, you may be able to pick them up the same day you call, but this is rare and depends on the location and amount. Call your branch directly and ask if they have euros available now. If not, the fastest option is usually to withdraw euros from an ATM when you arrive in Europe.

Is the exchange rate locked in when I place the order?

The rate is locked when you confirm the order online or over the phone. The bank will not change it after that, even if the market rate moves. This protects you from rate swings while the order is being processed.

Can I cancel an order after I place it?

Yes, but only before the bank has processed it. If you ordered online, you can usually cancel through your account. If you ordered by phone, call the branch or international banking department right away. Once the euros have been ordered from the currency supplier, cancellation may not be possible, and you could lose money on the exchange rate difference.

Do I pay tax on euros I order?

No. Currency exchange is not taxed as a purchase. You only owe tax on any gains if you are buying euros as an investment and later sell them at a profit, but that is a separate issue from ordering currency for travel.