Chase can order euros for you, but not when ready—the process takes three to five business days and requires a trip to a branch

Chase does not keep large quantities of foreign currency on hand. When you want euros, you order them through your local branch, and the bank sources them from a currency supplier. The euros arrive at your branch, you pick them up, and you pay the exchange rate Chase was charging on the day your order was placed—not the day you pick them up. This matters because exchange rates move daily.

You cannot order euros online or by phone. You have to walk into a Chase branch, speak to someone at the desk, and place the order in person. Some branches handle foreign currency orders more often than others; a branch in a major city or near an airport will be faster and more familiar with the process than a rural location.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase orders euros through a currency supplier, and the process takes three to five business days from the day you place the order at a branch.
  • You pay the exchange rate that was in effect when you placed the order, not when you pick up the euros.
  • You must order in person at a Chase branch; there is no online or phone ordering for foreign currency.
  • Larger branches and branches near airports typically have more experience with foreign currency orders and may have euros in stock.
  • You need a valid ID and a Chase account to order, though you do not have to withdraw the euros from your own account.

What to bring to the branch

Bring a valid government-issued ID—a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bring your Chase debit card or account number so the teller can confirm you are a customer. You do not have to be a Chase customer to order foreign currency, but the process is simpler if you are.

You do not need to bring cash. You can pay for the euros by debit card, credit card, or by drawing from your Chase account. If you are paying by credit card, ask the teller whether Chase charges a cash advance fee; some cards do, and some do not.

How the ordering process works

Tell the teller you want to order euros. They will ask how many euros you need. Be specific—say "500 euros" rather than "some euros." The teller will tell you the exchange rate, calculate the dollar amount you will pay, and ask when you want to pick them up. Three to five business days is standard, though some branches can do it faster if they have euros in stock.

The teller will write down your order, take your payment method, and give you a receipt with a reference number. Write down that reference number. When you return to pick up the euros, you will give that number to the teller, and they will hand you the cash in a sealed envelope. Count the bills before you leave the branch.

If you change your mind before the euros arrive, call the branch and ask to cancel. If the euros have already been ordered from the supplier, you may not be able to cancel, and you may be stuck with them. Ask about the cancellation policy when you place the order.

Exchange rates and fees

Chase publishes its foreign exchange rates daily, but the rate you get is not the same as the mid-market rate you see online. Chase adds a markup—typically 1 to 2 percent above the mid-market rate. This is how the bank makes money on currency exchange. You will not see this markup broken out separately; it is built into the rate the teller quotes you.

Chase does not charge a separate fee for ordering foreign currency, but the markup is your cost. If you order 500 euros at a rate of 1.10 dollars per euro, you pay 550 dollars. If the mid-market rate that day was 1.08 dollars per euro, you are paying the difference.

The rate you pay is locked in when you place the order, not when you pick up the euros. If the exchange rate moves in your favor between the order date and the pickup date, you do not benefit. If it moves against you, you do not lose more. This is why timing matters if you are watching the market.

Alternatives if Chase cannot deliver in time

If you need euros in fewer than three days, a Chase branch may not be able to help. Call ahead and ask whether they have euros in stock. Some high-traffic branches keep small amounts of major currencies on hand and can sell them when ready at the same markup rate.

If your branch does not have euros in stock and you need them urgently, consider a currency exchange service at an airport or a standalone currency exchange shop. These services often charge higher markups than Chase—sometimes 3 to 5 percent—but they have cash on hand and can complete the transaction when ready. Airport exchanges are convenient but expensive; independent currency shops in cities are sometimes cheaper.

Credit cards that do not charge foreign transaction fees are another option if you are traveling to Europe. You can use the card to withdraw euros from ATMs in Europe, and the exchange rate will be closer to mid-market than what Chase charges. This works only if you have time to explore for a card before your trip.

What happens if you need a large amount

If you want more than 10,000 dollars worth of euros, Chase may ask you to place the order further in advance—sometimes a week or more. Large orders take longer to source. The teller will tell you the timeline when you ask.

Orders over 10,000 dollars also trigger reporting requirements. Chase will file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) with the federal government. This is routine and legal; it does not mean anything is wrong. The bank is required to report large currency transactions. You do not need to do anything—Chase handles the filing.

After you pick up the euros

Count the euros in the envelope before you leave the branch. If the count is wrong, tell the teller when ready. Once you leave, the branch will not take the euros back or exchange them for dollars unless you return within a very short window—usually the same day.

Keep the euros in a safe place. If you lose them or they are stolen, Chase will not replace them. They are cash, and cash is not insured. If you are traveling, consider carrying only what you need for a few days and leaving the rest in a hotel safe or your accommodation.

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. You cannot place the order online, by phone, or through the mobile app. Some other banks offer online foreign currency ordering, but Chase does not.

What if my branch does not have euros in stock?

The branch will order them from a currency supplier, and they will arrive in three to five business days. You can ask the teller to call other nearby branches to see if any have euros available for when ready pickup, though this is not may provide to work.

Do I pay a fee on top of the exchange rate?

Chase does not charge a separate fee, but the exchange rate includes a markup of 1 to 2 percent above the mid-market rate. This markup is how Chase makes money on the transaction. You will not see it listed separately on your receipt.

Can I return euros to Chase if I do not use them?

Chase will exchange unused euros back to dollars, but only at the rate in effect on the day you return them—which may be worse than the rate you paid. You will also pay the markup again. It is usually not worth returning euros unless the exchange rate has moved significantly in your favor.

What if I need euros for a trip that is coming up soon?

Call your branch now and ask if they have euros in stock. If they do, you can pick them up the same day or the next day. If they do not, ask how long an order would take. If three to five days is too long, look into airport currency exchanges or consider using a credit card without foreign transaction fees to withdraw euros from ATMs once you arrive in Europe.