Exchange and Order Foreign Currency from Bank of America (2024)

FAQs

Can I walk into Bank of America and exchange currency? ›

Bank of America account holders can exchange foreign currency (no coins) for U.S. dollars at a full-service financial center.

Customers with Bank of America checking and savings accounts can order foreign currency through Online Banking or the Mobile Banking App. Customers with credit cards only can order currency at a financial center. Find out how much foreign currency you need for your trip and look up cash exchange rates.

Many U.S. banks will exchange USD for foreign currencies without charging a fee, but there are often stipulations. For instance, Bank of America customers can exchange foreign currencies for free, but only on orders of $1,000 or more. Otherwise, the bank charges a $7.50 delivery fee for foreign currency orders.

Most banks allow you to order foreign currencies, which you can typically pick up at a local branch before your trip.

Orders placed before 2 p.m. (delivery address local time) are shipped the same day. Orders placed after 2 p.m. or on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays are shipped the next business day. With standard shipping, orders generally arrive within 1-3 business days.

Before your trip, it's best to do a currency exchange at your bank or credit union, which likely offers better rates and fewer and/or lower fees. Your bank or credit union may buy back leftover foreign currency in exchange for dollars when you return.

Local banks and credit unions usually offer the best rates. Major banks, such as Chase or Bank of America, often offer the added benefit of having ATMs overseas. Online peer-to-peer foreign currency exchanges. Online bureaus or currency converters, such as Travelex, provide convenient foreign exchange services.

You can usually get cash from ATMs easily, but still it is worthwhile having a backup in cash of emergencies. It's often more cost-effective to exchange a small amount of euros in America for initial expenses and then withdraw euros from ATMs in Europe for a better exchange rate and lower fees.

How to order foreign currency? ›

Purchasing foreign currency through AAA is fast, easy and convenient, with more than 80 currencies all available at competitive rates. And next-day delivery is free with a minimum purchase.

Currency exchange services allow you to buy currency online before you travel. You can create an account and pay using a debit or credit card and your currency will be delivered to your desired location.

HDFC Bank branches have forex services that let you buy foreign cash in 22 major currencies.

Buying currency in branch

Many of our branches keep euros and US Dollars in stock.

Foreign currency orders placed by 2 p.m. local time will be available at the branch you selected the next business day by 4 p.m. unless otherwise noted. Orders placed after the 2 p.m. cutoff time will be available in two business days.

Even if you don't open a foreign bank account, these bank branches still might be able to exchange currency for you. If they are willing to do so you'll likely have to pay a fee, just as you would in the U.S. if you aren't a banking customer.

The best way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to acquire a no-foreign-transaction-fees credit card, if you qualify for one. Next in line are checking accounts or debit cards with no foreign transaction fee. It is also possible to avoid the fee by paying in the local currency for purchases.