Bank of America will order euros for you, but you need to call ahead and pick them up in person at a branch

Bank of America does not sell foreign currency online or over the phone. To get euros, you call your local branch, tell them how many euros you need and when you want them, and they order the currency from their wholesale supplier. The branch then holds the euros for you to pick up, usually within three to five business days. You pay the Bank of America exchange rate at the time of pickup, not at the time you order.

The process is straightforward but requires planning. If you need euros for a trip next week, calling today gives the branch time to source the currency. If you walk in asking for euros on the same day, they may not have them in stock and the wait extends.

Key Takeaways

  • Call your local Bank of America branch directly to order euros; there is no online ordering system for foreign currency.
  • You must pick up the euros in person at the branch where you ordered them, using a valid ID.
  • The exchange rate you pay is set on the day you pick up the currency, not the day you order.
  • Bank of America charges a markup on top of the wholesale exchange rate; the exact markup varies and the branch can tell you the rate before you commit.
  • Most branches can source euros within three to five business days, but calling as early as possible reduces delays.

What happens when you call your branch

Find the phone number for your local Bank of America branch and call during business hours. Tell the person who answers that you want to order euros. They will ask how many euros you need, what date you want to pick them up, and whether you have a Bank of America account with them.

The branch staff will confirm the current exchange rate and any fees. Bank of America's foreign currency markup is not published on their website—it varies by branch and by how much currency you are ordering. The staff member can quote you a rate over the phone, but that rate is only good for that call. When you return to pick up the euros, the rate may have moved. Ask them to confirm the rate again when you arrive to collect the currency.

The branch will place the order with their currency supplier. Euros are not kept in every branch at all times, so the supplier ships them to your branch. This usually takes three to five business days, but can be longer if the branch is in a smaller market or if you order a very large amount.

Pickup and payment

Return to the branch on or after the date they told you the euros would arrive. Bring a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license or passport. The branch will verify your identity and confirm the amount you ordered.

At pickup, you pay the exchange rate that is current on that day. This is not the rate you were quoted over the phone. Exchange rates move constantly, so the rate when you pick up may be better or worse than the rate when you ordered. You pay in US dollars from your Bank of America account or with cash or a debit card, depending on the branch's policy. Ask when you call whether they accept cash for large amounts, since some branches have limits.

The branch will count out the euros in front of you and give you a receipt. Check the amount before you leave. Once you have the currency, it is yours—Bank of America does not take returns or exchanges on foreign currency.

Exchange rates and fees

Bank of America does not publish their foreign currency exchange rates or markups online. The rate you see on their website is for informational purposes only and is not the rate you will pay. When you call to order, ask the branch staff for the exact rate they will charge you at pickup. Write it down.

The markup—the difference between what Bank of America pays for the euros and what they charge you—covers their cost to source, transport, and hold the currency. This markup is typically higher than what you would pay through a currency exchange service or a credit card company, but Bank of America offers the convenience of ordering through a branch you already use.

Some Bank of America credit cards offer better exchange rates on foreign purchases than the rate you pay when ordering physical currency. If you are traveling, consider whether using a credit card for most purchases and ordering only a small amount of euros for cash expenses might cost you less overall.

Timing and planning

Order euros at least one week before you need them. This gives the branch time to source the currency without rushing. If you order on a Monday for a Friday pickup, you are asking the branch to move fast, and delays can happen.

If you are traveling internationally and need euros urgently, calling multiple branches in your area may help. A larger branch or one in a city center may have euros in stock and be able to give them to you the same day or next day. Smaller branches in suburban or rural areas are less likely to have foreign currency on hand.

Do not order euros and then cancel the order after they arrive. Bank of America will hold the currency for you, but if you do not pick it up within a set period—usually 30 days—they may return it to their supplier and you lose the transaction. Call the branch if your travel plans change and you need to adjust the amount or the pickup date.

Alternatives to ordering from Bank of America

If you need euros and do not want to wait three to five days, a currency exchange service in your area may have euros in stock. These services are often located in airports, tourist areas, or city centers. Their exchange rates are usually worse than Bank of America's, but the speed may be worth it if you are leaving tomorrow.

Using a credit card for purchases while traveling avoids the need to carry large amounts of cash and often gives you a better exchange rate than ordering physical currency. Many travelers order a small amount of euros—enough for taxis, tips, and small purchases—and use a credit card for hotels and restaurants.

ATMs in Europe dispense euros and often offer exchange rates close to the wholesale rate, better than what you pay when ordering currency in the US. If you have a Bank of America account, check whether your debit card works in European ATMs without a foreign transaction fee. Some accounts do charge a fee; others do not.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring a valid government-issued ID to pick up your euros. A driver's license, passport, or state ID all work. Bank of America will not release foreign currency without verifying your identity.

If you ordered a large amount of euros—more than a few thousand dollars' worth—the branch may ask you to sign a form confirming the amount. This is standard procedure and takes a minute. The branch staff will count the euros in front of you. If you ordered 500 euros, they will count out 500 euros. Watch the count and speak up if the amount does not match what you ordered.

The branch will give you the euros in bills. You can ask for a mix of denominations—some 50-euro notes, some 20-euro notes, some 10-euro notes—to make it easier to use the currency while traveling. Not all branches can accommodate this request, but it is worth asking when you call to order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order euros online from Bank of America?

No. Bank of America does not offer online ordering for foreign currency. You must call your local branch by phone. Some banks offer online currency ordering, but Bank of America does not.

What if the branch does not have euros in stock when I call?

The branch will order euros from their supplier and have them shipped to the branch. This usually takes three to five business days. If you need euros faster, ask whether the branch has any in stock that you can pick up sooner, or call other branches in your area to see if they have euros available.

Can I return euros I ordered if my travel plans change?

Bank of America does not take returns on foreign currency once you have picked it up. If your plans change before you pick up the euros, call the branch when ready to cancel the order. If you have already picked up the currency, you are responsible for it.

Do I need a Bank of America account to order euros?

Most branches will order euros for customers who have a Bank of America account. If you do not have an account, call your local branch and ask whether they will order currency for you. Policies vary by branch.

What if I need euros after the branch closes?

Bank of America branches are not open 24 hours. If you need euros for an early morning flight, order them the day before and pick them up before the branch closes. If you are leaving very early and cannot pick up during business hours, a currency exchange service at the airport may be your only option, though the rate will likely be worse.