Chase can order euros for you, but not when ready and not at every branch

Chase does not keep euros in stock at most branches. If you need euros, you can order them through Chase's foreign exchange service, but the process takes several business days and involves fees that vary by location and order size. You place the order at a Chase branch or by phone, the bank sources the currency from a wholesale supplier, and you pick it up when it arrives — usually within 3 to 5 business days.

The catch: Chase charges a markup on the exchange rate, meaning you pay more than the mid-market rate you see online. The exact markup depends on your branch and the amount you're ordering. Some branches also have minimum order amounts, typically $500 to $1,000 in euros. If you need euros urgently or in a small amount, this route may not work for you.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase orders euros through a wholesale supplier and takes 3 to 5 business days to deliver them to your branch.
  • You pay a markup on top of the mid-market exchange rate, and the markup amount varies by branch and order size.
  • Some Chase branches have minimum order amounts, so calling ahead to confirm your branch can handle your order size saves time.
  • If you need euros the same day or within 24 hours, Chase's foreign exchange service will not meet that timeline.

How to order euros through Chase

Start by calling or visiting your local Chase branch and asking for the foreign exchange desk. Tell them the amount of euros you need and ask for the current exchange rate and any fees. They will quote you a rate that includes Chase's markup, and you can accept or decline. If you accept, they place the order and give you a confirmation number and an expected pickup date.

You do not need to be a Chase customer to order foreign currency, but you do need to pick it up in person at the branch where you placed the order. Bring a photo ID and the confirmation number. Payment is usually due when you pick up the euros, though some branches may allow you to pay when you place the order. Ask your branch which method they use.

What the exchange rate and fees actually cost you

Chase's markup on foreign exchange is not a fixed percentage — it changes by branch and by how much currency you're ordering. A $500 order may have a different markup than a $5,000 order. The only way to know the actual cost is to call your branch and ask for a quote on the specific amount you need.

For example, if the mid-market euro rate is 1.10 USD per euro, Chase might quote you 1.07 or 1.08, depending on their markup. That difference compounds quickly: on a $1,000 order, a 0.03 difference in the rate costs you roughly $30. There is no way to negotiate the rate or the markup — it is set by the branch.

Alternatives if Chase's timeline or fees don't work

If you need euros faster or cheaper, consider a currency exchange service like Travelex or OFX, which operate at airports and online. Airport exchanges are when ready but charge higher markups than Chase. Online currency services like OFX or Wise often have lower markups than banks, but they also take 1 to 3 business days and require a bank transfer to fund the order.

If you are traveling soon and have time, ordering through an online service may save you money despite the wait. If you leave tomorrow, an airport exchange is faster than Chase, though more expensive. If you are not in a rush and want the lowest cost, compare quotes from your Chase branch, an online currency service, and an airport exchange before deciding.

What happens if your branch can't order euros

Smaller Chase branches or branches in areas with low demand for euros may not offer foreign exchange services at all. If your branch tells you they cannot order euros, ask them which nearby Chase branch does handle foreign exchange. You can then place your order at that branch and pick it up there, or ask if they can transfer the order to your home branch once it arrives.

If no nearby Chase branch offers the service, you will need to use a currency exchange service or airport exchange instead. Call ahead to confirm a branch can handle your order before making a trip.

Timing and what to expect on pickup day

When you place your order, the branch gives you a specific pickup date, usually 3 to 5 business days out. That date assumes the wholesale supplier has euros in stock and the branch receives them on time. If there is a delay at the supplier or a holiday falls in that window, pickup may be pushed back a day or two. The branch will call you if the date changes.

On pickup day, bring your photo ID and confirmation number. The teller will count out your euros in front of you and give you a receipt. Check the amount before you leave. If the count is wrong, report it when ready — once you leave the branch, it becomes much harder to correct.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order euros online through Chase's website?

No. Chase requires you to order foreign currency in person at a branch or by phone with a branch representative. You cannot place the order through Chase.com or the mobile app. Call your local branch's foreign exchange desk to start an order.

Do I have to be a Chase customer to order euros?

No. Chase will order euros for anyone with a photo ID, regardless of whether you have a Chase account. However, you must pick up the euros in person at the branch where you placed the order.

What if I need euros the same day?

Chase cannot deliver euros the same day. If you need them urgently, go to an airport currency exchange or a local Travelex location. Both have euros on hand, though their markups are typically higher than Chase's.

Can I return unused euros to Chase?

Most branches will buy back unused euros, but the rate they offer is worse than the rate you paid. You lose money on the round trip. Keep only the euros you plan to spend.

What if the euro rate drops after I order but before I pick up?

You are locked into the rate you were quoted when you placed the order. If the rate moves in your favor, you still pay the original quoted rate. If it moves against you, you still pay the original rate. There is no adjustment based on market movement between order and pickup.