Chase can order euros for you, but it takes time and costs money

Yes, Chase will get euros for you—but not from a teller window on the spot. You order them in advance through their foreign exchange service, and they arrive in a few business days. Chase charges a markup on the exchange rate (the difference between what they pay for euros and what they charge you), plus a flat ordering fee that varies by branch. You pick up the euros in cash at your local Chase branch, or they can ship them to you for an additional fee.

The process is straightforward if you plan ahead. It is not an option if you need euros today or tomorrow. If you are leaving for Europe in a week, ordering now makes sense. If you are leaving in two days, you need a different approach.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase orders euros through its foreign exchange desk, which takes three to five business days and costs a markup on the exchange rate plus a flat fee.
  • You can pick up euros in cash at your local branch or request they be shipped to your home for an additional charge.
  • Chase's exchange rate is typically worse than what you would get from a currency exchange specialist or ATM withdrawal abroad, so compare costs before ordering.
  • If you need euros urgently, a local currency exchange shop or withdrawing cash from an ATM in Europe usually costs less and moves faster.
  • Ordering online through your Chase account or calling your branch are both options; ask about the current fee and exchange rate before committing.

How to order euros through Chase

Call your local Chase branch and ask for the foreign exchange desk, or log into your Chase online account and look for the currency exchange option under services. You will need to tell them how many euros you want and when you need them. They will quote you the current exchange rate (which includes their markup), the flat ordering fee, and the delivery timeline. Fees and rates vary by branch, so what one location charges may differ from another.

Once you agree to the rate and fee, Chase will hold the euros for you. You pick them up at your branch within a set window (usually a few days after they arrive), or you can request they be mailed to you. If you choose mail delivery, that adds another fee and another few days to the timeline.

Bring your passport or government ID when you pick up the euros. Chase will ask for it as part of their record-keeping for currency transactions.

What Chase's markup actually costs you

Chase does not publish a single exchange rate for euros. Instead, each branch sets its own markup on top of the interbank rate (the rate banks pay each other). That markup is how Chase makes money on the transaction. A typical markup ranges from 2 to 4 percent, but it can be higher depending on the branch and market conditions.

For example, if the interbank rate is 1 euro = $1.10, Chase might charge you 1 euro = $1.13 (a 2.7 percent markup). On a $1,000 order, that difference adds up to roughly $27. Add the flat ordering fee—which can range from $10 to $25 depending on the branch—and your total cost is $37 to $52 just to get the euros.

This is why comparing costs matters. A currency exchange shop or an ATM withdrawal in Europe often costs less, especially if you are exchanging a large amount.

Cheaper alternatives to Chase

ATM withdrawal in Europe is usually the cheapest option. Your Chase debit card works at ATMs across Europe, and you pay only the ATM operator's fee (typically $2 to $5) plus a small foreign transaction fee from Chase (usually 1 percent). You get the interbank rate, which is better than Chase's retail rate. The catch: you have to be in Europe to do it, and you are limited by daily withdrawal limits on your card (often $500 to $1,000).

Currency exchange shops (like Travelex or local exchange houses) often beat Chase's rate, especially for larger amounts. They do not have the overhead of a bank branch, so their markups are sometimes lower. Call ahead to compare rates before you go.

Online currency services like OFX or Wise (formerly TransferWise) let you lock in a rate online and pick up euros at a partner location or have them delivered. These services often have better rates than Chase, though delivery times vary. Wise is particularly useful if you are sending money to someone in Europe rather than just getting cash for yourself.

Timing: when to order euros from Chase

Order at least five to seven business days before you leave. Chase typically needs three to five business days to source the euros, and if you request mail delivery, add another three to five days. If you order on a Friday, the clock does not start until Monday. If you order during a holiday week, expect delays.

If you are leaving in fewer than five days, call your branch directly and ask if they have euros in stock. Some branches keep a small amount on hand for walk-in customers, though availability is not may provide and the rate may be less favorable than an advance order.

Do not wait until the day before your trip. If something goes wrong—the order gets delayed, the euros do not arrive, or you miscalculate how much you need—you will have no backup plan.

What to ask Chase before you order

When you contact Chase, have these questions ready:

  • What is the current exchange rate you are quoting, and does it include your markup?
  • What is the flat ordering fee?
  • How many business days until the euros arrive?
  • Is there a fee for mail delivery, and how long does that take?
  • What is the minimum and maximum amount I can order?
  • Do you have euros in stock, or are you ordering them from another source?
  • What happens if I change my mind after I place the order?

Write down the rate and fee they quote you. Rates change daily, so if you wait a week to order, the rate may be different. Knowing what you were quoted helps you decide whether to lock it in or shop around.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get euros same-day from Chase?

Not through the foreign exchange service. Some branches keep small amounts of euros on hand for walk-in customers, but availability is not may provide and the rate is usually worse than an advance order. Call your branch directly to ask if they have any in stock.

What if I order euros and then do not use them?

Chase will usually let you cancel an order before the euros arrive and refund your money, minus any fees already charged. Once you pick up the euros, returning them is harder—most branches will not take them back. Ask about their cancellation policy before you order.

Is it cheaper to exchange dollars for euros at an airport?

No. Airport currency exchanges charge some of the worst rates you will find anywhere, often 5 to 10 percent worse than Chase. Get your euros before you leave, or withdraw cash from an ATM once you land in Europe.

Can I order euros online through my Chase account?

Some Chase accounts allow you to order currency through the mobile app or website, but not all branches offer this service. Log in and look for the currency exchange option, or call your branch to ask if online ordering is available.

Do I need a Chase account to order euros?

You do not need to be a Chase customer to order euros from a Chase branch, but it helps. Non-customers may face higher fees or longer wait times. Call ahead to confirm what the branch requires.