Capital One does exchange foreign currency, but only at a limited set of branches and with advance notice
Capital One Bank will exchange foreign currency for you, but the process is not available everywhere and requires planning ahead. You cannot walk into most Capital One branches and exchange cash on the spot. Instead, you need to contact a branch that handles currency exchange, request the currency you need, and wait for them to order it — usually three to five business days.
The branches that offer this service are concentrated in major cities and metropolitan areas. If you live in or near a large city, your local Capital One branch may handle it. If you are in a smaller town or rural area, you may need to travel to a nearby major branch or use an alternative method.
Capital One charges a markup on the exchange rate they offer you, meaning you will receive less foreign currency per dollar than the mid-market rate you see online. The exact markup varies and is not published in advance, so you will need to ask the branch for a quote before you commit.
Key Takeaways
- Capital One currency exchange is available only at select branches in major metropolitan areas, not at all locations.
- You must call ahead and request the currency; the branch will order it and you pick it up in three to five business days.
- Capital One charges a markup above the mid-market exchange rate, so you will pay more than the rate you see quoted online.
- If your local branch does not offer currency exchange, you can use a currency exchange service, airport exchange counter, or order through your bank's partner network.
How to order foreign currency through Capital One
Start by calling the branch where you have your account or the nearest Capital One branch in your area. Ask specifically whether they offer foreign currency exchange. If they do, tell them which currency you need and approximately how much.
The branch will give you a quote — the exchange rate they will charge and the total amount of foreign currency you will receive for your dollars. Write down the rate and the expiration date of the quote, which is usually valid for one to three days. Ask whether there is a minimum order amount; some branches require you to exchange at least $500 or $1,000.
If you accept the quote, the branch will order the currency. Delivery typically takes three to five business days, though it can be longer if the currency is less common or if there is high demand. The branch will call you when the currency arrives. You then go to the branch, hand over your dollars, and receive the foreign cash.
What currencies Capital One can order
Capital One can order the major currencies: euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, Swiss francs, Australian dollars, and Mexican pesos. They can also order many others, including Indian rupees, Singapore dollars, Hong Kong dollars, and South African rand, though availability and wait times vary.
If you need a currency that is rarely traded or from a smaller economy, Capital One may not be able to order it, or the wait time may be two weeks or longer. In that case, a currency exchange specialist like OANDA, XE, or OFX may be a faster option, though you will need to arrange delivery or pickup.
Comparing Capital One to other currency exchange options
| Method | Wait time | Exchange rate markup | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One branch | 3–5 business days | 2–3% above mid-market | Customers with accounts; major currencies |
| Airport currency exchange | Same day | 3–5% above mid-market | Last-minute travel; any currency |
| Specialty currency exchange (OANDA, XE) | 1–3 business days | 1–2% above mid-market | Large amounts; better rates; less common currencies |
| ATM withdrawal abroad | Immediate | 1–2% above mid-market | Small amounts; frequent travelers |
If you are exchanging a large amount of money — $5,000 or more — a specialty currency exchange service usually offers a better rate than Capital One or an airport counter. If you need cash the same day, an airport exchange counter is your only option, though the markup is higher. If you are traveling and only need small amounts, using an ATM abroad and withdrawing local currency often costs less than exchanging dollars before you leave.
Fees and exchange rate markups at Capital One
Capital One does not charge a separate transaction fee for currency exchange. Instead, they build their profit into the exchange rate itself. The rate they quote you will be 2 to 3 percent worse than the mid-market rate — the rate you see on financial websites like XE.com or OANDA.
For example, if the mid-market rate for euros is 1 dollar = 0.92 euros, Capital One might quote you 1 dollar = 0.89 euros. That 3-cent difference per dollar adds up quickly on large exchanges. On $1,000, that markup costs you about $30 in lost currency.
The exact markup depends on the currency, the amount you are exchanging, and the branch. Ask for the rate in writing before you hand over your money, and compare it to the mid-market rate on that same day to understand what you are paying.
What to bring when you pick up your currency
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID and the dollars you are exchanging. Bring cash or a cashier's check; Capital One will not debit your account directly for a currency exchange. If you ordered a large amount, bring a check or be prepared to withdraw cash from your account first.
Bring the quote confirmation or reference number the branch gave you when you placed the order. This helps the teller locate your order and confirm the rate you were quoted.
What to do if your branch does not offer currency exchange
If your Capital One branch does not handle currency exchange, you have several options. Call other Capital One branches in nearby cities — larger branches in metropolitan areas are more likely to offer the service. You can also ask whether Capital One has a partnership with a currency exchange service and whether they can order currency through that partner.
If Capital One cannot help, contact a specialty currency exchange service directly. OANDA, XE, and OFX all allow you to order currency online and pick it up at a local branch or have it delivered to your home. These services often offer better rates than banks for amounts over $1,000.
Airport currency exchange counters are available 24 hours and do not require advance notice, but they charge the highest markups — typically 3 to 5 percent above mid-market. Use them only if you need cash immediately before travel and have no other option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I exchange foreign currency at any Capital One branch?
No. Currency exchange is available only at select branches, usually in major cities. Call your branch first to confirm they offer the service. If they do not, ask whether they can refer you to a nearby branch that does.
How long does it take to get foreign currency from Capital One?
Three to five business days is typical for major currencies like euros and pounds. Less common currencies may take one to two weeks. The branch will call you when the currency arrives and is ready for pickup.
Is Capital One's exchange rate better than an airport counter?
Usually yes, by about 1 to 2 percent. Capital One's markup is typically 2 to 3 percent above mid-market, while airport counters charge 3 to 5 percent. However, if you need cash the same day, an airport counter is your only option.
Can I order currency online through Capital One's website?
No. You must call the branch directly. Capital One does not offer online currency ordering through their website or mobile app. Contact your local branch by phone to request a quote and place an order.
What if I need a currency Capital One cannot order?
Contact a specialty currency exchange service like OANDA, XE, or OFX. These companies handle a wider range of currencies and may be faster for uncommon ones. For immediate needs, an airport exchange counter can usually provide any major currency.