Chase does exchange foreign currency, but only at certain branches and with limits on the amounts and currencies they handle
Chase offers foreign currency exchange at many of its branches, but the service is not available everywhere and comes with restrictions. You cannot order foreign currency online or over the phone at most Chase locations — you have to visit a branch in person, and not every branch keeps cash in every currency. Chase also charges a markup on the exchange rate, meaning you will pay more than the mid-market rate you see quoted online.
Before you go to a Chase branch expecting to exchange money, you need to know whether that specific location handles the currency you need, whether they have it in stock, and what the actual cost will be. The process is straightforward if your branch can help, but if it cannot, you have faster and cheaper alternatives.
Key Takeaways
- Chase exchanges foreign currency at many branches, but availability varies by location and currency — call ahead to confirm your branch handles the currency you need.
- You must visit a branch in person with a valid ID; Chase does not process foreign currency orders by phone or online for most customers.
- Chase charges a markup above the mid-market exchange rate, typically 2 to 3 percent or more depending on the currency.
- Larger Chase branches in major cities are more likely to stock a wide range of currencies than smaller suburban or rural branches.
- If your branch cannot help or the rate is poor, independent currency exchange services and some credit unions often offer better rates for the same currencies.
Which Chase branches exchange currency and what they stock
Chase's foreign currency exchange service is available at many branches, but the network is not complete. Large branches in major metropolitan areas — particularly those near airports or in downtown financial districts — are most likely to have the service and to stock multiple currencies. Smaller branches, especially in rural areas or suburbs, may not exchange currency at all or may only handle the most common ones like Canadian dollars, euros, and British pounds.
The currencies Chase typically stocks include the Canadian dollar, euro, British pound, Japanese yen, Swiss franc, Australian dollar, and Mexican peso. Less common currencies — such as the Thai baht, South African rand, or Philippine peso — may be available at some large branches but not others, and you may need to order them in advance, which can take several business days.
To find out whether your nearest Chase branch exchanges currency, call the branch directly or use the Chase branch locator on their website and then phone to ask. Do not assume a branch handles currency exchange just because it is large; some do not. When you call, ask specifically whether they stock the currency you need and whether you can get it the same day or if you need to order it.
How to exchange currency at Chase and what documents you need
The process is simple once you confirm your branch can help. Visit the branch in person during business hours with a valid government-issued ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Bring the cash you want to exchange or, if you are exchanging a large amount, you may be able to withdraw it from your Chase account at the same time.
Tell the teller you want to exchange currency. They will tell you the rate Chase is offering that day, calculate how much foreign currency you will receive, and complete the transaction. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive the foreign currency in cash, and the transaction will be recorded in your account if you used a Chase debit or credit card to fund it.
If your branch does not have the currency in stock but can order it, you will typically wait three to five business days for it to arrive. You will need to return to the branch to pick it up and complete the exchange. Some branches may require you to place the order and pay a day or two in advance.
Chase foreign currency exchange rates and fees
Chase does not charge a separate transaction fee for currency exchange, but they do charge a markup on the exchange rate itself. This markup is how they make money on the service. The markup typically ranges from 2 to 3 percent above the mid-market rate, though it can be higher for less common currencies or during times of market volatility.
To understand what this means in dollars, imagine you are exchanging $1,000 USD to euros. The mid-market rate (the rate you see on financial websites) might be 1 USD = 0.92 euros, which would give you 920 euros. Chase's rate might be 1 USD = 0.89 euros, which would give you 890 euros. You lose 30 euros because of the markup — roughly 3 percent of your total.
Chase does not publish their exchange rates online, so you cannot compare rates before you visit the branch. You have to call the branch or visit in person to find out what rate they are offering on the day you want to exchange. This makes it hard to shop around, but it also means you can call multiple Chase branches to see which one offers the best rate on your currency.
When to use Chase versus other options
Chase is convenient if you are already a customer and have a branch nearby that stocks your currency. The in-person service means you walk out with cash the same day, and you do not have to set up an account with a new provider. However, Chase is rarely the cheapest option for currency exchange.
Independent currency exchange services, particularly those located near airports, often offer rates closer to mid-market and lower markups than Chase. Credit unions sometimes offer currency exchange to members at better rates than banks. Online currency exchange services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) offer mid-market rates plus a small, transparent fee, though they work best for large amounts or transfers rather than cash pickup.
If you are exchanging a small amount of cash for a trip, Chase is reasonable. If you are exchanging a large amount or need to move money internationally, comparing rates at an independent exchange service or using an online transfer service will likely save you money. For amounts under $500, the difference may be small enough that convenience matters more than rate.
What to do if your Chase branch cannot help
If your branch does not exchange currency or does not stock the currency you need, you have several options. First, ask whether they can order it and how long it will take. If the wait is too long, ask for the phone number or address of the nearest Chase branch that does stock it — some branches will transfer currency to your local branch if you ask.
If no nearby Chase branch can help, look for an independent currency exchange service in your area. These are common in cities and near airports. Call ahead to confirm they have your currency in stock and ask for their rate before you visit. You can also use an online service like Wise if you are willing to wait a few business days for delivery or if you can receive the money into a bank account rather than as cash.
If you need the currency urgently and your branch cannot help, a currency exchange kiosk at an airport (if you are traveling) will have it, though airport rates are typically worse than Chase or independent services. Plan ahead when possible to avoid this option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order foreign currency online from Chase?
Most Chase customers cannot order currency online. You must visit a branch in person. Some business customers with large accounts may have different options, so call your branch to ask if you have a business account or a high-value personal account.
How much foreign currency can I exchange at once?
Chase does not publish a limit, but large exchanges may require advance notice or ordering. If you are exchanging more than $5,000 equivalent, call your branch first. Very large exchanges may trigger reporting requirements under federal law, which Chase will handle but which you should be aware of.
Will Chase exchange currency I already have in cash, or do I have to withdraw it from my account?
Chase will exchange cash you bring in, whether it is from your account or not. You do not need to be a Chase customer to exchange currency at a Chase branch, though having an account may make the process slightly faster.
What if I need a currency Chase does not stock?
Ask your branch if they can order it — many can, though it takes three to five business days. If not, find an independent currency exchange service in your area or use an online service. Specialty services are more likely to stock uncommon currencies than banks.
Is the exchange rate at Chase the same at every branch?
Rates may vary slightly between branches on the same day, so if you have access to multiple Chase branches, calling a few to compare is worth the effort. The differences are usually small, but on large exchanges they can add up.