Chase does exchange foreign currency, but only at certain locations and with conditions that vary by branch and account type.
Most Chase branches can order foreign currency for you, but they do not keep large amounts on hand. You typically place an order several days in advance, and the bank charges a markup on the exchange rate — meaning you pay more than the mid-market rate you see online. Some branches exchange currency same-day for common currencies like euros or Canadian dollars, but this is not may provide. The fastest way to find out what your specific branch offers is to call ahead rather than walk in.
Chase also sells traveler's checks and can wire money internationally, which are different services from currency exchange. Each has its own fees and timeline. If you need currency before a trip, ordering early gives you more options and sometimes better rates than waiting until the last moment.
Key Takeaways
- Chase branches can order foreign currency, but you usually need to request it several days in advance and pick it up in person.
- The exchange rate Chase offers includes a markup, so you will pay more than the published mid-market rate.
- Common currencies like euros and British pounds may be available faster than less-traded currencies.
- Calling your branch before you go tells you whether they have the currency in stock and what the current markup is.
- International wire transfers and traveler's checks are separate services with their own fees and timelines.
How Chase currency exchange works
When you order foreign currency through Chase, the bank sources it from a currency supplier and charges you a fee on top of the wholesale rate. This markup is how the bank makes money on the transaction. The exact percentage varies, but it is typically higher than what you would pay through a currency exchange specialist or some online services.
You place the order at a Chase branch, usually by phone or in person. The branch then orders the currency from the bank's supplier, which takes time — often three to five business days for less common currencies. Once it arrives, you return to the branch to pick it up and pay. You cannot have it mailed to you or transferred to another branch in most cases.
Chase requires you to have an account with the bank to order currency, though the account does not have to be a checking account. Some branches may also require you to order a minimum amount, which varies by location.
Which currencies Chase can order
Chase can order most major world currencies, including euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, Mexican pesos, and Australian dollars. Less common currencies take longer to arrive and may have higher markups. If you need a currency that is rarely traded, ask your branch whether they can source it and how long it will take.
The branch should tell you upfront whether they can get the currency you need and what the timeline is. If they cannot, they may refer you to a currency exchange service in your area or suggest you use a wire transfer instead.
Fees and exchange rates at Chase
Chase does not charge a separate ordering fee for currency exchange, but the exchange rate itself includes a markup. This means the rate you pay is worse than the mid-market rate — the rate banks use to trade with each other. If the mid-market rate for euros is 1.10 dollars per euro, Chase might offer you 1.07 or 1.08, depending on the currency and the branch.
The markup changes based on market conditions and the currency. Major currencies like euros and pounds typically have smaller markups than less-traded currencies. You can ask the branch what rate they are quoting before you commit to the order.
If you are exchanging a large amount of money, it may be worth comparing Chase's rate to other options, such as a dedicated currency exchange service or an online provider. Some credit unions also offer currency exchange to members at better rates than banks.
Alternatives to Chase currency exchange
If Chase's rates or timeline do not work for you, several other options exist. Currency exchange specialists like Travelex or local independent exchange services often quote rates upfront and may have better markups than banks. Online currency services like OFX or Wise let you lock in a rate and receive currency by mail or transfer it to a foreign bank account, though these work better for larger amounts.
Credit unions sometimes offer currency exchange to members at rates better than banks charge. If you belong to a credit union, ask whether they offer this service. Some also participate in shared branching networks, which means you can access services at other credit unions nationwide.
For very small amounts — under $100 — using an ATM in the country you are visiting often gives you a better rate than exchanging currency before you leave. You pay an ATM fee, but the exchange rate is usually closer to mid-market than what a bank charges upfront.
International wire transfers through Chase
If you need to send money to another country rather than carry cash, Chase offers international wire transfers. You can initiate a wire at a branch, by phone, or through Chase online banking. The receiving bank gets the money in one to three business days, depending on the country and the receiving bank's processing speed.
Chase charges a fee for outgoing international wires, typically $15 to $25 depending on the destination country. The exchange rate on a wire transfer also includes a markup, similar to currency exchange. You can ask Chase what the rate and fee will be before you send the wire.
International wires require the recipient's bank account number, routing number (or SWIFT code for foreign banks), and the recipient's full name and address. Having this information ready before you go to the branch speeds up the process.
Traveler's checks through Chase
Chase also sells traveler's checks, which are prepaid checks you can cash at banks and merchants in most countries. Traveler's checks are safer than carrying large amounts of cash because they can be replaced if lost or stolen. You buy them at a Chase branch, and the bank charges a small fee — usually around 1% of the amount.
Traveler's checks are less common than they used to be, and not all merchants accept them. Many travelers now prefer ATM withdrawals or credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Ask your branch whether traveler's checks make sense for your trip, or whether another option would be simpler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exchange currency at any Chase branch?
Most Chase branches can order currency for you, but not all keep currency in stock. Some larger branches in major cities may have common currencies available same-day. Call your branch first to ask whether they have what you need or how long an order takes.
What if I need currency the day before my trip?
If you wait until the last moment, you may not have time for a standard order. Some branches can provide common currencies same-day, but this is not may provide. Your best option is to call the branch when ready and ask whether they have the currency in stock. If not, consider using an ATM abroad or bringing a credit card instead.
Is Chase's exchange rate better or worse than other banks?
Chase's markup is typically in line with other large banks, but often higher than currency exchange specialists or online services. For large amounts, comparing rates across a few providers takes a few minutes and can save you money. For small amounts under $200, the difference is usually not significant.
Can I order currency online and have it shipped to my home?
Chase does not ship currency to your home. You must order it at a branch and pick it up in person. Some online currency services do mail currency, but they typically require larger minimum orders and take longer than a branch pickup.
What happens if the exchange rate changes between when I order and when I pick up?
The rate is locked in when you place the order, not when you pick it up. This protects you from rate changes while you wait for the currency to arrive. Ask the branch to confirm the rate in writing when you order.