TD Bank does offer currency exchange, but only at certain locations and with limits on the amounts and currencies available
TD Bank will exchange foreign currency for US dollars and vice versa at most of its full-service branches. The service is not available at all locations — smaller branches and some standalone ATM-only sites do not handle currency exchange. You will need to visit a branch in person; currency exchange cannot be done online or over the phone.
The exchange rate TD Bank offers is not the same as the mid-market rate you see quoted on financial news sites. Banks add a markup to cover their costs and profit. How much markup TD Bank charges varies by currency and changes daily, so you cannot know the exact rate until you ask at your branch or call ahead.
TD Bank typically keeps common currencies in stock — Canadian dollars, euros, British pounds, Mexican pesos, and Japanese yen are usually available. Less common currencies may require a special order, which takes several business days. Some branches have limits on how much of any single currency they will exchange in one transaction.
Key Takeaways
- TD Bank exchanges currency at most full-service branches, but you must visit in person — the service is not available online or by phone.
- The exchange rate includes a markup above the mid-market rate, and the exact markup varies by currency and changes daily.
- Common currencies like Canadian dollars, euros, and British pounds are usually in stock; less common ones may take several business days to order.
- Call your local TD Bank branch before you go to confirm they have the currency you need and to ask about any transaction limits.
What currencies TD Bank stocks and how to order uncommon ones
TD Bank keeps a rotating inventory of foreign currency at each branch. The most frequently exchanged currencies — Canadian dollars, euros, British pounds, Mexican pesos, and Japanese yen — are typically available same-day. Australian dollars, Swiss francs, and Chinese yuan are often in stock but availability varies by location and time of year.
If you need a currency that is not in stock, you can special-order it. The branch will place the order with TD Bank's currency supplier, and the currency usually arrives within three to five business days. You will be notified when it arrives, and you can then visit the branch to complete the exchange. Some branches charge a small fee for special orders, though this is not universal.
The best way to find out what is available at your specific branch is to call ahead. Ask the branch directly what currencies they have on hand and whether they can order what you need. This saves you a trip if the currency you want is not available and cannot be ordered quickly.
How the exchange rate works and what you will actually pay
TD Bank's exchange rate is based on the mid-market rate — the rate at which banks trade currencies with each other — but it is not the same as that rate. The bank adds a percentage markup, typically between 2 and 4 percent depending on the currency. This markup is how the bank covers the cost of sourcing, storing, and handling physical currency.
The markup changes daily and is not published in advance. You can call your branch and ask what the current rate is for the currency you want to exchange, or you can visit in person and ask before you commit to the exchange. Some branches will quote you a rate over the phone; others will only quote rates to customers who are present.
If you are exchanging a large amount, it is worth calling multiple TD Bank branches in your area to compare rates. Rates can vary slightly between branches, and some branches may have better rates on specific currencies depending on their local demand.
Minimum and maximum amounts for currency exchange
TD Bank does not publish a single minimum or maximum for currency exchange across all branches. Most branches will exchange amounts as small as $50 or $100 USD equivalent, but some have higher minimums. Maximum amounts per transaction vary by branch and currency — some branches limit single transactions to $5,000 or $10,000 USD equivalent, while others have higher limits.
If you need to exchange a very large amount, call your branch in advance. They may need to order extra currency or may ask you to split the exchange across multiple days. Some branches will accommodate large exchanges with advance notice; others cannot.
There is no daily or monthly limit on how much you can exchange across multiple transactions, but TD Bank is required to report large currency exchanges to the US government. Any single exchange of $10,000 or more in any currency triggers a Currency Transaction Report (CTR). This is a standard regulatory requirement, not a sign of a problem.
Exchanging currency before you travel versus when you return
Many people exchange currency before they leave the US, but you can also exchange it when you return. The markup is the same either way. Some travelers prefer to exchange a small amount before traveling so they have local currency when they arrive, then exchange the remainder when they return home.
If you are returning from travel with leftover foreign currency, TD Bank will exchange it back to US dollars at the same markup. Coins are typically not exchanged — only bills. Damaged or unusually old bills may be refused.
Credit cards and debit cards often offer better exchange rates than banks do, especially if your card has no foreign transaction fee. If you are traveling and can use a card instead of cash, you may save money on the exchange markup. However, if you need physical currency for a specific reason — to pay for a taxi, tips, or small vendors who do not take cards — exchanging at TD Bank is straightforward.
What to bring and how the exchange works in person
Bring your foreign currency in bills, your ID, and your TD Bank account number if you have one. You do not need to be a TD Bank customer to exchange currency, but the process is faster if you are. Non-customers may be asked for additional identification.
At the branch, tell the teller what currency you want to exchange and how much. They will count your bills, confirm the current exchange rate with you, and process the exchange. The teller will give you US dollars in return. The whole process usually takes 5 to 10 minutes if the currency is in stock.
If you are exchanging US dollars for foreign currency before a trip, bring the US dollars in any denomination. The teller will count them, quote the rate, and give you the foreign currency. Again, the process is quick if the currency is in stock.
Alternatives to TD Bank for currency exchange
If TD Bank does not have the currency you need or the rate is not competitive, you have other options. Currency exchange shops in major cities and airports often have better rates for common currencies, though they may charge a flat fee instead of a percentage markup. Airport exchanges are convenient but typically have the worst rates of any option.
Online currency exchange services like OFX, Wise, and XE allow you to lock in a rate online and receive physical currency by mail or pick it up at a partner location. These services often have better rates than banks for large amounts, but they require advance planning — delivery takes several days.
If you have a checking or savings account at another bank, check whether they offer currency exchange. Some credit unions and regional banks offer this service to members. Your bank may also be able to order currency from a partner service if they do not handle it directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exchange currency at a TD Bank ATM?
No. TD Bank ATMs only dispense US dollars. Currency exchange must be done at a full-service branch with a teller. Some ATMs at international airports have currency exchange functions, but TD Bank ATMs do not.
What if my branch does not have the currency I need?
Call the branch and ask if they can special-order it. Most branches can order currencies that are not in stock, and the order usually arrives within three to five business days. Less common currencies may take longer or may not be available at all — the branch can tell you whether they can source it.
Is the exchange rate at TD Bank better than using my credit card abroad?
Usually not. Credit cards with no foreign transaction fee often have better exchange rates than banks do. However, if you need physical currency for a specific reason, exchanging at TD Bank is more straightforward than trying to find an ATM or exchange shop in another country.
Do I need to be a TD Bank customer to exchange currency?
No. Non-customers can exchange currency at TD Bank branches, but you will need a valid ID. The process may take slightly longer than for account holders, and some branches may ask for additional information.
What happens if I exchange more than $10,000?
TD Bank will file a Currency Transaction Report with the US government, as required by law. This is routine and does not mean anything is wrong. The report is filed automatically and does not affect your account or your ability to exchange currency in the future.