How Chase handles foreign currency orders

Chase lets you order foreign currency through most of its branches and online, but the process depends on which Chase product you use and how much time you have. If you have a Chase checking or savings account, you can request currency at a branch or through Chase Online. The bank stocks about 80 currencies and can special-order others, though less common ones take longer and may cost more.

The key difference is timing: same-day or next-business-day pickup at a branch is possible for common currencies like euros, pounds, and Canadian dollars if you order early enough. Less common currencies and large amounts typically need 5 to 10 business days. You will pay an exchange rate that includes Chase's markup — this is not the mid-market rate you see online, and the markup varies by currency and order size.

You do not need to be a Chase customer to order currency at a branch, but you will need a valid ID and may face higher fees or less favorable rates. Having an account makes the process faster and sometimes cheaper.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase stocks common currencies for same-day or next-day pickup at branches, but less common ones take 5 to 10 business days.
  • You can order online through Chase Online or by calling your branch directly; online orders must be picked up at a branch.
  • Chase's exchange rate includes a markup that varies by currency and amount — the rate is not negotiable and is set when you place the order.
  • Ordering early in the week and requesting common currencies gives you the best chance of fast pickup and reasonable rates.
  • Non-customers can order at a branch but typically pay higher fees and receive less favorable exchange rates than account holders.

Ordering through Chase Online or your branch

If you have Chase Online access, log in and look for "Foreign Exchange" or "Currency Exchange" under the Services or Transfers section. The exact location varies by account type, but it is usually grouped with travel services. You will enter the currency you need, the amount, and your preferred pickup branch. Chase will show you the exchange rate and any fees before you confirm the order.

Once you place an order online, you cannot cancel or change it through the app — you must call the branch where you want to pick it up. This is why it matters to choose the right branch at the start. The order is held for 30 days, so you have time to retrieve it, but do not wait until the last minute if you are traveling soon.

If you prefer to order by phone or in person, visit or call your local Chase branch and ask for the foreign exchange desk. Bring your ID and let them know how much currency you need and when you are traveling. They will tell you whether the currency is in stock and when you can pick it up. Ordering in person is often faster for same-day or next-day pickup because the staff can check inventory when ready.

Exchange rates and fees Chase charges

Chase publishes its exchange rates daily, but the rate you receive depends on when you place your order and which currency you are buying. The bank buys currency wholesale and marks it up for retail customers — this markup is how they make money on the transaction. For common currencies, the markup is typically 2 to 3 percent above the mid-market rate. For less common currencies, it can be 4 to 7 percent or higher.

Chase does not charge a separate "foreign exchange fee" on top of the rate for most customers with accounts. However, non-customers and customers ordering very large amounts may face additional fees. The exchange rate is locked in when you place the order, not when you pick it up, so if the market moves in your favor between order and pickup, you do not benefit — and if it moves against you, you are locked in at the worse rate.

You can compare Chase's rate to other sources before you order. Credit unions, online currency services like OFX or Wise, and airport currency exchanges all offer different rates. For amounts under $1,000, the difference may be small, but for larger orders it is worth checking. Chase's advantage is convenience and when ready pickup; the trade-off is usually a less favorable rate than you would get from a specialist currency provider.

Timing and availability by currency type

Chase keeps the most common currencies in stock at most branches: US dollars (obviously), euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, Swiss francs, Australian dollars, and Mexican pesos. If you need one of these, you can usually order in the morning and pick up the same day or next business day, depending on the branch's cutoff time and how much you are ordering.

Less common currencies — Thai baht, South African rand, Norwegian krone, Czech koruna, and dozens of others — are not kept in stock. Chase orders these from its currency supplier, which takes 5 to 10 business days. If you are traveling to a less common destination, order at least two weeks ahead. Some very obscure currencies may not be available at all, or only through special order with a longer wait and higher cost.

The amount you are ordering also affects timing. If you need $5,000 or more in a common currency, even branches that normally stock it may need to order from a central warehouse, adding a day or two. Call ahead and ask whether the branch has that amount on hand. Large orders also sometimes trigger additional verification steps, especially if you are a new customer or the order is unusual for your account history.

What to bring and how to pick up your order

When you pick up your currency, bring a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Chase will verify your identity and confirm the order details. If someone else is picking up the currency on your behalf, bring a signed authorization letter and both your ID and theirs. Some branches require the person who placed the order to pick it up in person; call ahead to confirm your branch's policy.

The currency will be handed to you in cash, usually in a sealed envelope or bag. Count it before you leave the branch — if there is a discrepancy, report it when ready. Once you leave with the cash, the bank's responsibility ends. Do not leave large amounts of foreign currency sitting in your car or hotel room; use a hotel safe or carry it on your person in a money belt or divided across pockets.

If you cannot pick up your order within 30 days, call the branch and ask them to hold it longer or cancel it. If you cancel, the funds are returned to your account, but you do not get back any fees you paid. If the order expires unclaimed, Chase will return the currency to its supplier and credit your account, but this takes several weeks.

Alternatives if Chase does not have what you need

If Chase cannot order the currency you need, or if the wait time is too long, consider other options. Credit unions often have better exchange rates than banks and may stock more currencies. Online currency services like Wise, OFX, and Remitly let you order currency online and pick it up at partner locations or have it delivered, often with better rates than Chase. Airport currency exchanges are convenient but almost always charge the worst rates — use them only if you have no other choice.

Another option is to use your Chase debit or credit card abroad and withdraw cash from ATMs in the destination country. You will pay an ATM fee (usually $3 to $5 per withdrawal) and a foreign transaction fee (typically 1 to 3 percent), but the exchange rate is often better than what Chase charges for ordering currency in advance. This works well if you are comfortable carrying a card and the destination has reliable ATM access.

If you are traveling to a country where US dollars are widely accepted — parts of Central America, the Caribbean, and some tourist areas — you may not need to exchange currency at all. Ask your travel guide or hotel whether dollars are usable. This avoids the exchange rate markup entirely, though merchants may give you a poor rate if you try to spend dollars directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order foreign currency online and have it mailed to me?

No. Chase requires you to pick up foreign currency in person at a branch. Online orders must be retrieved at the branch you selected when you placed the order. This is a security measure to prevent theft or fraud in the mail.

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

The rate is locked in when you place the order, not when you pick it up. If the market rate moves in your favor, you do not benefit. If it moves against you, you are stuck with the worse rate. This is why it is worth checking the rate before you confirm the order.

Do I have to be a Chase customer to order currency?

No, but non-customers typically pay higher fees and receive less favorable exchange rates. You will need a valid ID and may face a longer wait. Having a Chase account makes the process faster and usually cheaper.

How much foreign currency can I order at once?

There is no legal limit on how much you can order, but very large orders (over $10,000) may trigger additional verification or reporting requirements under anti-money-laundering rules. Chase will ask you the purpose of the order. Be honest — legitimate travel and business purposes are routine.

What if I ordered currency but my travel plans changed?

Call the branch where you placed the order and ask to cancel. If you have not picked it up yet, they will return the currency to the supplier and credit your account. You will not recover any fees you paid, but your money will be returned.