Bank of America lets you order foreign currency in person at a branch, by phone, or online through their website — the method you choose depends on how much you need, how soon, and whether you have a Bank of America account.
If you have a Bank of America checking or savings account, you can order currency through your online banking portal, by calling 1-800-935-9935, or by visiting a branch in person. Non-customers can order at a branch only. The bank stocks major currencies like euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, and Mexican pesos on hand at most locations. For less common currencies, Bank of America orders them from a currency supplier, which takes three to five business days.
You will pay an exchange rate that includes a markup — Bank of America does not publish this markup in advance, so the actual cost depends on the currency, the amount, and current market conditions. The bank also charges a flat ordering fee for some currencies and delivery methods. Understanding which route costs least and arrives when you need it requires knowing the real steps involved.
Key Takeaways
- Bank of America customers can order currency online, by phone, or in person; non-customers must order at a branch.
- Major currencies like euros and pounds are usually in stock; uncommon currencies take three to five business days to arrive.
- The exchange rate you pay includes a Bank of America markup that is not disclosed until you complete the order.
- Ordering in person at a branch avoids shipping fees and lets you walk away with cash the same day if the currency is in stock.
- Phone and online orders for in-stock currency typically arrive within one to two business days if you choose standard delivery.
Ordering currency online through your Bank of America account
Log into your Bank of America online banking portal and look for "Foreign Currency" or "Travel" under the Services or Tools section — the exact location varies by account type. Select the currency you need, enter the amount, and the system will show you the exchange rate and any fees before you confirm. You can choose to pick up the currency at a branch or have it shipped to your address.
If you choose branch pickup, you will typically receive a notification within one to two business days that the currency is ready, and you can collect it during branch hours. If you choose shipping, the bank charges a delivery fee (usually $15 to $25 depending on the amount) and the currency arrives in three to five business days. The online system will tell you the exact fee before you place the order.
Ordering by phone with a Bank of America representative
Call 1-800-935-9935 and tell the representative which currency you need and how much. They will quote you the exchange rate and fees, answer questions about timing, and process the order over the phone. You can arrange pickup at a branch or delivery to your address. The representative will also confirm your identity and the delivery address before finalizing the order.
Phone orders for in-stock currencies typically ship within one business day if you choose standard delivery. If you need the currency urgently, ask the representative whether your local branch has it in stock and whether you can pick it up the same day — this depends on the branch location and the time of day you call.
Ordering in person at a Bank of America branch
Visit any Bank of America branch with your government-issued ID and tell the teller you need foreign currency. If the branch has the currency in stock, you can walk out with it the same day at no shipping cost. If they do not have it, they will order it from their supplier, and it will arrive at the branch in three to five business days. You will receive a call or email when it is ready for pickup.
In-person ordering avoids shipping fees entirely and is the fastest option if the currency is in stock. Bring your ID and be prepared to pay in US dollars from your account or with cash. The teller will show you the exchange rate and any fees before processing the transaction.
Understanding the exchange rate and fees
Bank of America's exchange rate includes a markup above the mid-market rate (the rate you see on financial news sites). The markup varies by currency and is not published in advance — you will see the exact rate only when you place the order. For major currencies like euros and pounds, the markup is typically 2 to 3 percent. For less common currencies, it can be higher.
In addition to the exchange rate markup, Bank of America may charge a flat fee for ordering certain currencies or for delivery. Pickup at a branch has no shipping fee. Delivery to your address costs $15 to $25 depending on the amount and currency. Some accounts or customer tiers may have reduced or waived fees — ask the representative or check your account benefits.
Timing: when you will have the currency
| Method | In-stock currency | Special order currency |
|---|---|---|
| Branch pickup | Same day | 3–5 business days |
| Shipping to address | 1–2 business days | 5–7 business days |
| Phone order, branch pickup | 1–2 business days | 3–5 business days |
The timing depends on whether the currency is in stock at your branch and which delivery method you choose. In-stock currencies (euros, pounds, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, Mexican pesos) arrive fastest. If you need a currency Bank of America does not keep on hand, the order goes to an external supplier and takes longer. Business days do not include weekends or bank holidays.
When you order online or by phone, the bank processes your request the next business day. If you order in person at a branch and the currency is in stock, you leave with it when ready. Plan ahead if you need an uncommon currency, since the three- to five-day window means you should order at least a week before your travel date.
What to do if you do not have a Bank of America account
Non-customers can order foreign currency at a Bank of America branch in person only. You will need a government-issued ID and US dollars to pay. The branch teller will process the order the same way they do for customers — if the currency is in stock, you leave with it the same day; if not, they order it and you return to pick it up in three to five business days.
Non-customers cannot order online or by phone. If you need currency regularly or plan to travel frequently, opening a Bank of America checking account gives you access to phone and online ordering, which is faster and more flexible than branch-only ordering. You can open an account online or at any branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order currency for pickup the same day?
Yes, if you visit a branch in person and the currency is in stock. Major currencies like euros, pounds, and Canadian dollars are usually available. Call your local branch before you go to confirm they have the specific currency and amount you need.
What currencies does Bank of America stock?
Bank of America keeps euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, and Mexican pesos in stock at most branches. They can order other currencies from a supplier, which takes three to five business days. Call 1-800-935-9935 to ask whether a specific currency is available.
Is the exchange rate better if I order online versus in person?
No. Bank of America uses the same exchange rate and markup regardless of how you order. The rate you see online, by phone, or at a branch reflects the same pricing. The only difference is the delivery method and any associated fees.
What happens if I need currency urgently and it is not in stock?
If the currency is not in stock, the standard order time is three to five business days. There is no expedited option through Bank of America. If you need currency faster, consider exchanging money at an airport currency exchange or using a currency exchange service outside the bank.
Do I pay a fee if I pick up currency at a branch?
No shipping fee applies to branch pickup. You pay only the exchange rate markup and any flat ordering fee for that specific currency. Ask the teller about the total cost before you confirm the order.