PNC Bank does offer currency exchange, but only at certain branches and with limits on the currencies they handle

PNC Bank will exchange foreign currency for US dollars and vice versa, but the service is not available at every location. You need to visit a branch that offers it in person — you cannot do this online or by phone. PNC handles major currencies like euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, and Swiss francs. Less common currencies may require a special order that takes several business days.

The exchange rate PNC offers is not the mid-market rate you see on financial websites. Banks add a markup to cover their costs and profit, so you will receive fewer dollars for your foreign currency than the published rate suggests. The exact markup varies by currency and changes daily. You should compare PNC's rate to other options — credit unions, online currency exchange services, and airport exchanges — before committing to the transaction.

PNC may require you to be a customer to exchange currency, though some branches will serve non-customers for a higher fee. Call your local branch directly to confirm whether they offer the service and what their current requirements are. Availability varies significantly by location.

Key Takeaways

  • PNC exchanges major currencies at select branches only, not online or by phone, and you must visit in person.
  • The exchange rate includes a bank markup that is higher than the mid-market rate, so you lose money on the conversion.
  • PNC may charge a separate fee for non-customers, and some branches do not offer currency exchange at all.
  • You should call your specific branch ahead of time to confirm they handle the currency you need and what documents to bring.
  • Comparing PNC's rate and fees to credit unions and online currency services often saves you money on larger exchanges.

How to find a PNC branch that does currency exchange

Not every PNC branch offers currency exchange. The service is concentrated in larger branches in major cities and near airports. Your first step is to call the branch closest to you and ask directly whether they exchange currency. Have the name of the currency ready when you call.

If your local branch does not offer it, ask whether they can refer you to one that does or whether they can order the currency for you. Some branches will special-order currency even if they do not keep it in stock, though this adds time and may increase the fee. The order typically takes three to five business days.

You can also check PNC's branch locator on their website and filter by services, though the online tool does not always list currency exchange clearly. A phone call is faster and more reliable than searching online.

What currencies PNC will and will not exchange

PNC regularly stocks major currencies: euros (EUR), British pounds (GBP), Canadian dollars (CAD), Japanese yen (JPY), Swiss francs (CHF), Australian dollars (AUD), and Mexican pesos (MXN). These are the currencies you are most likely to exchange without delay.

Less common currencies — Thai baht, South African rand, Indian rupees, and others — may be available through special order. The branch will need to contact their currency supplier, which adds three to seven business days to the process. You will also pay a higher fee for a special order, sometimes $15 to $30 on top of the unfavorable exchange rate.

Some currencies are difficult or impossible for US banks to source. If you need an obscure currency, ask the branch whether they can order it at all before you commit to waiting. If PNC cannot help, a currency exchange specialist like Wise or OFX may be your better option.

Fees and exchange rates: what PNC actually charges

PNC does not publish a single exchange rate or fee schedule online. The rate and any fees depend on the currency, the amount, whether you are a customer, and the specific branch. You must call or visit in person to get a quote.

Expect the exchange rate to be 2 to 5 percent worse than the mid-market rate — that is the bank's markup. On top of that, PNC may charge a flat fee ($5 to $15 for customers, higher for non-customers) or a percentage fee (typically 1 to 2 percent of the transaction). Some branches charge both.

For example, if you are exchanging $1,000 USD to euros and the mid-market rate is 1 USD = 0.92 EUR, PNC might offer you 1 USD = 0.88 EUR (a 4 percent markup) plus a $10 fee. You would receive roughly 870 euros instead of 920 — a loss of about 50 euros. On larger amounts, this difference becomes significant.

Always ask the branch for the total cost before you hand over your money. Request the exchange rate they will use, any fees they will charge, and the total amount you will receive in the foreign currency (or the total USD if you are converting from foreign currency to dollars).

Alternatives to PNC currency exchange

Credit unions often offer better exchange rates than banks. If you belong to a credit union, call them first before going to PNC. Many credit unions exchange currency for members at rates closer to mid-market, with lower or no fees.

Online currency exchange services like Wise, OFX, and Remitly are designed for people who need to move money internationally or exchange currency. They typically offer mid-market rates or rates very close to it, with transparent fees shown upfront. The trade-off is that the money takes one to three business days to arrive, so this does not work if you need cash today.

Airport currency exchanges are convenient but almost always the worst option. They charge the highest markups and fees of any source. Use them only if you have no other choice and are exchanging a small amount.

If you are sending money to another country rather than exchanging cash, wire transfers through PNC may be cheaper than currency exchange, depending on the amount and destination. Ask PNC about wire transfer fees and rates as well.

What to bring when you exchange currency at PNC

Bring a government-issued photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. PNC is required to verify your identity for currency transactions over a certain amount (usually $3,000 or more in any single transaction or $10,000 or more in a calendar year).

Bring the foreign currency itself if you are converting to US dollars. Bring your US dollars if you are converting to foreign currency. Bring a debit card or checkbook if you are a PNC customer and want to withdraw funds from your account to exchange.

If you are exchanging a large amount or an unusual currency, call the branch a day or two ahead to confirm they have it in stock or can order it. This prevents a wasted trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I exchange currency at PNC online or by mail?

No. PNC only exchanges currency in person at a branch. You cannot do it online, by phone, or by mail. If you need to exchange currency without visiting a branch, you will need to use an online service like Wise or contact a different bank or credit union.

Does PNC charge different fees for customers versus non-customers?

Yes. PNC customers typically pay lower fees than non-customers. Non-customers may be charged a higher percentage fee or a larger flat fee, or the branch may refuse to serve them entirely. Call ahead to confirm whether your branch will exchange currency for you if you are not a customer.

How long does it take to exchange currency at PNC?

If the branch has the currency in stock, the exchange takes 10 to 20 minutes. If you need a special order, it takes three to seven business days. Ask the branch for a timeline when you call.

What is the difference between PNC's exchange rate and the rate I see online?

The rate you see online is the mid-market rate — the rate banks use to trade with each other. PNC adds a markup (usually 2 to 5 percent) to that rate when they exchange with you. This markup is how the bank covers its costs and makes profit. The larger your transaction, the more money the markup costs you in absolute dollars.

Will PNC exchange currency if I do not have an account with them?

Some branches will, but not all. Non-customers typically pay higher fees and may face restrictions on the amount or currency type. Call your nearest branch to ask. If they refuse, try a local credit union or an online currency exchange service instead.