Chase does exchange foreign currency, but only at certain locations and with restrictions that vary by account type and currency

Chase offers foreign currency exchange at most of its U.S. branches, but the process is slower and more expensive than exchanging money before you travel. You cannot exchange currency online or through the mobile app. You must visit a branch in person, and Chase charges a markup on the exchange rate — typically 2 to 3 percent above the mid-market rate, though the exact percentage is not published and varies by currency.

The bank stocks about 80 currencies, but availability depends on your branch location and how much you need. Common currencies like euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars, and Mexican pesos are usually in stock. Less common currencies may require you to order them in advance, which takes 7 to 10 business days. Some smaller branches do not keep cash on hand and will direct you to a larger location.

Chase also exchanges currency when you use your debit or credit card abroad, but that happens automatically at a different rate — the Visa or Mastercard network rate plus Chase's own markup, which ranges from 1 to 3 percent depending on your card type. This is separate from the in-branch exchange and usually costs more.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase exchanges foreign currency at most U.S. branches in person only, not online, and charges a markup of roughly 2 to 3 percent above the mid-market rate.
  • Common currencies are usually in stock; less common ones require 7 to 10 business days' advance notice.
  • You cannot exchange currency through Chase's website, mobile app, or ATM — you must visit a branch and speak to a teller.
  • When you use a Chase card abroad, the bank applies a separate markup to the network exchange rate, which is often higher than the in-branch rate.
  • Exchanging money before you leave the U.S. through a currency specialist or your home bank may cost less than waiting until you arrive or using Chase abroad.

What happens when you exchange currency at a Chase branch

Walk into a Chase branch with your passport or government ID and tell the teller you want to exchange U.S. dollars for a foreign currency. The teller will check whether the currency is in stock. If it is, they will quote you the rate for that day — this is the mid-market rate (the rate banks pay each other) plus Chase's markup. You will not see the markup listed separately; you will see only the final rate you receive.

The teller will count out the cash and complete the transaction on the spot. There is no fee listed as a separate charge; the markup is built into the rate. If you are exchanging a large amount — typically more than $10,000 — Chase will file a Currency Transaction Report (CTR) with the U.S. Treasury Department. This is a legal requirement, not a sign of suspicion, and does not delay the transaction.

If the currency is not in stock, you can order it. Chase will ask how much you need and when you are traveling. The bank will order the cash from a currency supplier, and it usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You will be notified when it is ready, and you return to the branch to pick it up and complete the exchange. Some branches charge a small fee for ordering — typically $5 to $15 — though this varies by location.

How Chase card transactions abroad differ from in-branch exchange

When you use a Chase debit or credit card to pay for something or withdraw cash at an ATM outside the U.S., Chase does not use the rate you would get at a branch. Instead, the transaction goes through Visa or Mastercard's network, which applies its own exchange rate (the mid-market rate at the moment of the transaction). Chase then adds its own markup on top of that.

The markup for card transactions is typically 1 to 3 percent, depending on your card type. Premium cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve may have a lower markup; basic checking cards may have a higher one. You will not see the markup broken out on your statement — you will see only the final amount you were charged in dollars. The transaction posts to your account 1 to 3 business days later, depending on the merchant and the country.

ATM withdrawals abroad work the same way: Visa or Mastercard's rate plus Chase's markup, plus any fee the foreign bank charges for using their ATM (which can be $2 to $5 or more). This means withdrawing cash at a foreign ATM often costs more than exchanging dollars at a Chase branch before you leave.

Comparing Chase exchange to other options

Chase's in-branch rate is usually more expensive than exchanging money through a currency specialist like XE, OFX, or Wise, especially for larger amounts. Those services typically charge 1 to 2 percent markup and can deliver currency to your home or to a pickup location before you travel. If you need currency urgently, this is not an option; if you have a week or more, it often saves money.

Your home bank may also offer foreign currency exchange, sometimes at a better rate than Chase if you are a long-standing customer. Some credit unions and regional banks negotiate better rates with currency suppliers than Chase does. It is worth calling your own bank before assuming Chase is your only option.

Using a credit card with no foreign transaction fee (some Chase cards have this) is cheaper than using a debit card abroad, because the markup is lower. However, you still pay the Visa or Mastercard rate plus Chase's markup — you do not get the in-branch rate when you use a card.

What to bring and what to expect at the branch

Bring a government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, or state ID) and the U.S. dollars you want to exchange. You do not need an appointment at most Chase branches, but calling ahead is a good idea if you are exchanging a large amount or ordering a currency that is not in stock. Some branches have limited hours for currency exchange, so confirm before you go.

The transaction usually takes 5 to 15 minutes if the currency is in stock. The teller will verify your ID, count your dollars, count out the foreign currency, and complete the paperwork. You will receive the cash and a receipt showing the amount exchanged and the rate used. Keep the receipt in case you need to report the transaction for tax or travel purposes.

Limits on how much you can exchange

Chase does not publish a daily or monthly limit on foreign currency exchange for personal customers. However, the bank reserves the right to refuse large exchanges or to require advance notice. If you are exchanging more than $10,000, expect the Currency Transaction Report filing, which is automatic and does not stop the transaction.

If you are exchanging currency regularly or in very large amounts, Chase may ask questions about the purpose — this is part of the bank's anti-money-laundering compliance. Be prepared to explain that you are traveling, relocating, or sending money to family. Having documentation (plane tickets, lease agreements, etc.) can speed up the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I exchange foreign currency at a Chase ATM?

No. Chase ATMs only dispense U.S. dollars. If you use a Chase card at a foreign ATM, the transaction goes through Visa or Mastercard's network and you receive local currency, but you cannot initiate a currency exchange at the ATM itself.

What if I need a currency Chase does not stock?

Call your local branch and ask if they can order it. Chase stocks about 80 currencies, but availability varies by branch. If the currency is not available through Chase, a currency specialist like Wise or XE may be able to deliver it, though this takes longer and may cost more.

Is the rate better if I exchange a larger amount?

Chase does not publish tiered rates, so the markup is the same whether you exchange $100 or $10,000. However, currency specialists sometimes offer better rates for larger amounts, so it is worth comparing if you are exchanging more than a few thousand dollars.

Do I pay tax on foreign currency I exchange?

No. Exchanging currency for travel is not a taxable event. If you are exchanging currency as part of a business or investment activity, consult a tax professional, but personal travel exchange is not reported to the IRS.

Can I exchange currency online through Chase?

No. Chase does not offer online or app-based currency exchange. You must visit a branch in person. Some other banks and most currency specialists offer online ordering with home delivery or branch pickup, which may be faster if you plan ahead.