Chase will order euros for you, but you need to plan ahead and the exchange rate they use is not the best available

Chase will exchange dollars for euros, but not at every branch and not on the spot. You place an order through your Chase branch or online, wait three to ten business days for the currency to arrive, and pay Chase's exchange rate plus a flat fee. If you need euros before a trip, you have to start the process at least a week early. If you need them faster or want a better rate, other options exist — but Chase is straightforward if you have time and already bank there.

The process is simple once you know the timeline and costs. Call your branch first to confirm they handle currency exchange, then place your order by phone, online, or in person. Chase will debit your account immediately and hold the euros for pickup or mail them to you. You pay the rate that was posted the day you ordered, not the day you pick up.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase orders euros through its currency exchange service, but the process takes three to ten business days, so you must plan before your trip.
  • You pay Chase's posted exchange rate on the day you place the order, plus a flat fee that varies by branch but typically ranges from $5 to $15.
  • Not every Chase branch handles currency exchange — call your local branch first to confirm they offer it and whether they have euros in stock.
  • If you need euros faster or want a better rate, airport currency exchanges and online services like OFX or Wise may be alternatives, though each has its own fees and timing.
  • Chase will also exchange euros back to dollars when you return, though again at their rate and with a fee.

How to order euros through Chase

Call or visit your local Chase branch and ask whether they offer foreign currency exchange. Not all branches do — smaller branches or those in areas with low demand may not stock euros or may order them only occasionally. If your branch does offer it, tell them how many euros you need and when you need them by. They will quote you Chase's exchange rate for that day, add their fee, and give you a total cost in dollars.

You can also order online through Chase's website if you have a Chase checking or savings account. Log in, look for the currency exchange option (usually under "Services" or "Travel"), enter the amount of euros you want, and review the rate and fee before confirming. Chase will debit your account and either mail the euros to you or hold them for pickup at your branch. Pickup is faster — usually three to five business days — while mail delivery can take up to ten.

Bring your passport or government ID when you pick up the euros. Chase is required to verify your identity for any foreign currency transaction over a certain amount. If you ordered online and chose pickup, call ahead to confirm the euros have arrived before you go to the branch.

What Chase charges for currency exchange

Chase's fee for ordering foreign currency is a flat amount per transaction, not a percentage. The fee typically ranges from $5 to $15 depending on your branch and the amount you order, though it can be higher for very large orders. On top of that, you pay the exchange rate Chase posts on the day you place the order — not the day you pick up the euros. That rate is usually 2 to 3 percent higher than the mid-market rate (the rate banks use to trade with each other), which is Chase's margin on the transaction.

If you order $1,000 worth of euros at a rate of 1.10 euros per dollar, you will receive 909 euros (before the fee is subtracted). The fee comes out of your dollar account, not the euros you receive. So if the fee is $10, you pay $1,010 total to get 909 euros. The exact fee depends on your branch, so ask when you call.

When to order and how long it takes

Order at least one week before you need the euros. Pickup at your branch usually takes three to five business days; mail delivery takes five to ten. Weekends and bank holidays do not count toward this timeline. If you order on a Friday afternoon, the clock does not start until Monday, and if your pickup date falls on a holiday, add another day.

If you are leaving in fewer than seven days, call your branch immediately and ask if they have euros in stock. Some branches keep small amounts on hand for walk-in customers and can sell you euros the same day or next day without ordering. The rate and fee will be the same, but you will not have to wait. If they do not have euros in stock and cannot order them in time, you will need to use another method.

Alternatives if Chase is too slow or expensive

Airport currency exchanges will sell you euros on the day of your trip, but their rates are typically 3 to 5 percent worse than Chase's, and their fees are higher. Use them only if you have no other option and need cash euros immediately.

Online currency services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) and OFX let you order euros online and have them delivered to your home or picked up at a location near you. These services often have better exchange rates than Chase — sometimes within 1 percent of the mid-market rate — but they charge a flat fee (usually $5 to $15) plus a small percentage fee. Delivery times vary from same-day to five business days depending on the service and how much you order. You must set up an account with these services, which takes a few minutes.

If you are traveling within the eurozone, you can also withdraw euros directly from ATMs using your Chase debit card. Chase charges a flat foreign ATM fee (usually $3 to $5 per withdrawal) plus your bank's ATM operator fee (if any). The exchange rate is Chase's standard international rate, which is usually better than their currency exchange rate. This method works well if you do not need a large amount of cash upfront and are comfortable withdrawing money as you travel.

What happens if you have euros left over

When you return from your trip, you can exchange unused euros back to dollars at any Chase branch that offers currency exchange. Chase will use their posted rate on the day you exchange them back, charge another fee, and credit your account. The rate going back is usually slightly different from the rate you got when you bought the euros, so you will lose a small amount in the round-trip exchange. If you have only a small amount of euros left (under $50 worth), it is often not worth exchanging — the fee will eat most of the value.

Some travelers keep leftover euros for their next trip to Europe, which avoids the fee and the rate loss. If you do this, store the cash in a safe place at home. You can also spend remaining euros at duty-free shops in the airport before you leave Europe, which avoids the exchange altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order euros online and pick them up at a different Chase branch?

Most Chase locations allow you to order online and pick up at any branch, but confirm this with your home branch when you place the order. Some branches have restrictions on where euros can be picked up, especially if they do not normally stock foreign currency. It is safer to order for pickup at the branch where you called or the one closest to your home.

What if Chase does not have euros in stock?

Chase will order them from a currency supplier, which takes three to ten business days. If you need euros faster, ask your branch if they can expedite the order (some branches can for an extra fee), or use an online service like Wise or an airport exchange as a backup plan.

Do I need to be a Chase customer to buy euros there?

Most Chase branches require you to have a Chase checking or savings account to order foreign currency. Non-customers may be able to buy euros at the counter if the branch has them in stock, but you should call ahead to ask. Fees and rates may differ for non-customers.

Is the exchange rate locked in when I place the order?

The rate is locked on the day you place the order, not the day you pick up the euros. If the euro strengthens or weakens between those dates, you still pay the rate from the order date. This protects you from rate swings while you wait for delivery.

Can I order euros through Chase's mobile app?

Chase's mobile app does not currently offer currency exchange ordering. You must order through the website, by phone, or in person at a branch. Check the app's latest features, as this may change, but as of now online and in-branch are your only options.