Yes, you can get euros from most banks, but the process and cost depend on which bank you use and how much you need

Most banks in the United States will exchange dollars for euros, either in person at a branch or by ordering currency ahead of time. The exchange happens at the bank's rate, which is usually higher than the mid-market rate you see online—that difference is how the bank makes money on the transaction. Some banks charge a flat fee on top of the exchange rate; others build the markup into the rate itself. You will not know the exact cost until you ask your specific bank.

The practical question is not whether you can get euros, but whether your bank is the cheapest way to do it. For small amounts or last-minute travel, your bank may be your only option. For larger amounts or if you have time to plan, other routes often cost less.

Key Takeaways

  • Most banks exchange currency at their branch, but the exchange rate includes a markup that varies by bank and can range from 2 to 8 percent above the mid-market rate.
  • Ordering euros in advance usually costs less than buying them on the spot, because the bank has time to source the currency at a better rate.
  • Credit unions often charge lower markups than large national banks, so if you belong to one, ask them first.
  • ATMs in Europe typically offer better exchange rates than banks or currency exchange shops, so withdrawing euros once you arrive may cost you less overall.
  • Online currency exchange services and prepaid travel cards can be cheaper than banks for amounts over $500, but require planning ahead.

How to order euros from your bank

Call your bank's main customer service line or visit a branch in person and ask to order foreign currency. Most banks keep euros on hand or can order them within one to three business days. You will need to tell them how much you want and when you need it. The bank will quote you a rate at that moment—write it down, because rates change daily and the quote may not hold for more than a few hours.

You will pay for the euros when you pick them up or when the order is placed, depending on the bank's policy. Some banks require you to pick up the currency at the branch where you ordered it; others will mail it to you for an additional fee. Ask about both options before you commit.

Ordering ahead is almost always cheaper than asking for euros on the spot, because the bank has time to buy them at a wholesale rate. A same-day request forces the bank to pay a premium to source the currency quickly, and that cost gets passed to you.

What the exchange rate actually costs you

The mid-market rate—the one you see on financial websites—is the true value of the euro at that moment. Your bank will not give you that rate. Instead, they will quote you a rate that is 2 to 8 percent higher, meaning you get fewer euros per dollar. A bank charging a 5 percent markup means that if the mid-market rate is 1 dollar = 0.92 euros, you will get roughly 0.87 euros per dollar instead.

Some banks also charge a flat fee—$15 to $25 is common—on top of the markup. Others charge no flat fee but use a wider markup. The total cost depends on how much currency you are buying. For $500, a 5 percent markup costs $25; for $2,000, it costs $100. A flat fee of $20 matters more on a small order than a large one.

Ask your bank for the all-in cost before you commit. Say: "If I order $1,000 in euros, how many euros will I receive, and what is the total fee?" That gives you a concrete number to compare against other options.

When ATMs in Europe are cheaper than your bank

If you are traveling to Europe, withdrawing euros from an ATM once you arrive often costs less than buying them beforehand. ATMs in the eurozone typically offer exchange rates that are much closer to the mid-market rate—usually within 1 to 2 percent—because they are connected to the global banking network and do not have the overhead of a physical currency exchange.

The catch is that your own bank may charge a fee for using an out-of-network ATM abroad. Check your account terms or call and ask: "What do you charge for ATM withdrawals outside the United States?" Some banks charge $3 to $5 per withdrawal; others charge nothing. If your bank charges $5 per withdrawal and you plan to withdraw cash three times, that is $15 in fees. Compare that against the cost of buying euros at your bank before you leave.

For most travelers, withdrawing euros from a European ATM once or twice during the trip costs less overall than buying currency at a U.S. bank, even with the ATM fee. The exception is if your bank charges very high ATM fees or if you need a large amount of cash on your first day and cannot wait to find an ATM.

Credit unions and smaller banks often have better rates

Large national banks like Bank of America, Chase, and Wells Fargo tend to charge wider markups than credit unions or smaller regional banks. If you belong to a credit union, ask them about their foreign currency exchange rate before you ask your main bank. Credit unions often source currency more efficiently and pass the savings to members.

Some credit unions are part of shared branching networks or currency exchange partnerships that let you order euros through a partner institution, sometimes at a better rate than you would get at a large bank. Ask your credit union whether they have partnerships that might help.

If you do not belong to a credit union, it may be worth checking whether a local community bank or regional bank in your area offers currency exchange. Their rates are sometimes better than national chains, though you will need to call and ask.

Online currency services and prepaid travel cards

For amounts over $500, online currency exchange services like OFX, Wise, or XE can be cheaper than banks. These services buy and sell currency in bulk and often offer rates closer to mid-market than banks do. You transfer dollars from your bank account, they send euros to your account or mail you a card, and the whole process takes a few business days.

Prepaid travel cards—cards you load with euros before you leave—work similarly. You buy euros at a set rate, load them onto the card, and use the card like a debit card in Europe. The exchange rate is usually better than a bank's, but the card may charge monthly fees or fees per transaction, so the total cost depends on how much you use it.

These options require planning ahead—usually at least a week. They are not useful if you need euros tomorrow. But if you know you are traveling in a month, comparing an online service against your bank's rate could save you $30 to $100 on a $2,000 order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get euros same-day from my bank?

Some banks keep euros in stock and can give you cash the same day you ask, but the exchange rate will be worse than if you order ahead. Call your branch directly and ask whether they have euros available. If they do, ask for the rate before you commit.

What if my bank does not have euros in stock?

They can order them from a currency supplier, usually within one to three business days. The rate will be better than same-day, but you will have to wait. If you need euros urgently and your bank cannot help, a currency exchange shop in a major city or airport may have them, though their rates are typically worse than banks.

Should I buy euros before I travel or wait until I arrive?

If your bank charges high ATM fees abroad, buying euros before you leave may be cheaper. If your bank's ATM fees are low or free, waiting to withdraw euros from a European ATM usually costs less. Calculate both scenarios using your bank's rate and ATM fee, then decide.

Do I need to tell my bank I am traveling?

You do not need to tell them to buy euros, but you should notify them that you will be using your debit or credit card abroad. This prevents the bank from blocking your card as fraud. Call a few days before you leave.

What if the exchange rate changes between when I order and when I pick up?

The rate you are quoted is usually good for a few hours to a few days, depending on the bank. Once you pick up the euros, the rate is locked in—you cannot return them and ask for a better rate if the market moves in your favor. Ask your bank how long the quote is valid before you order.