Chase does exchange foreign currency, but only at certain branches and with limits on the amounts and types of currency they handle

Chase Bank will exchange foreign currency for you, but the process is not available everywhere and comes with restrictions. Not every Chase branch offers this service — you need a branch that has a foreign exchange desk, which is typically found only in larger cities and at major travel hubs. The bank exchanges currency for customers who hold Chase accounts, though some branches may serve non-customers for a higher fee.

The currencies Chase handles are limited to the most common ones: euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, Mexican pesos, Swiss francs, Australian dollars, and a handful of others. If you need a less common currency, Chase will likely have to order it, which takes several business days. The exchange rate Chase offers is not the mid-market rate you see online — it includes a spread that favors the bank, typically 2 to 3 percent above the rate you would get elsewhere.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase exchanges foreign currency only at branches with a foreign exchange desk, usually in major cities and airports, not at every location.
  • You must call ahead to confirm the branch has the specific currency in stock, because common currencies may run out and less common ones must be ordered.
  • Chase charges a spread on top of the mid-market rate, and non-account holders pay an additional fee on top of that spread.
  • You can exchange currency in person at the branch or order it by phone and pick it up, but you cannot do it online or by mail.
  • Alternatives like airport currency exchanges, credit unions, and online currency services often offer better rates than Chase, especially for large amounts.

Which Chase branches offer foreign exchange and how to find one

Chase maintains a list of branches that offer foreign exchange services on their website. You can search by location or call the branch directly to confirm they have a foreign exchange desk. Major branches in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, San Francisco, and other large cities almost always have this service. Branches in smaller towns or suburbs typically do not.

If you are near an airport, the Chase branch there is more likely to have foreign exchange available. Airport branches handle more international travelers and stock a wider range of currencies. However, airport branches often charge higher fees than non-airport locations, so compare before you exchange.

How to order and pick up foreign currency at Chase

Call the branch with the foreign exchange desk and tell them which currency you need and how much. The staff will check whether they have it in stock. If they do, you can come in the same day or the next day to exchange your dollars. If they do not have it, they will order it from Chase's currency center, which usually takes three to five business days.

Bring your passport or government-issued ID and the U.S. dollars you want to exchange. Bring more dollars than you think you need, because the exchange rate Chase quotes over the phone is only good for that day — if you come back later, the rate will have changed. You cannot reserve a rate in advance.

What Chase charges for foreign exchange

Chase charges two separate costs. The first is a spread — the difference between the mid-market rate (the real-time rate you see on financial websites) and the rate Chase gives you. This spread is typically 2 to 3 percent, meaning if the mid-market rate is 1.10 dollars per euro, Chase might give you 1.07 dollars per euro. The spread is built into the rate and is not listed as a separate fee.

The second cost applies only if you do not have a Chase account. Non-customers pay an additional flat fee, usually between $15 and $25, on top of the spread. If you are a Chase customer, you pay only the spread. Neither cost is negotiable, and Chase does not waive fees for large exchanges.

When to exchange currency before you travel versus after you arrive

Exchanging at Chase before you leave the United States is usually cheaper than exchanging at an airport in a foreign country, where the spreads are often 5 to 10 percent or higher. However, Chase's rates are not the best available in the U.S. — online currency services and some credit unions offer tighter spreads, especially if you exchange a large amount.

If you need currency the same day and do not have time to order online or visit a credit union, Chase is a reasonable option. If you have a few days before your trip, compare rates at other providers first. For amounts under $500, the difference in fees may not matter much. For amounts over $1,000, shopping around can save you $20 to $50 or more.

Alternatives to Chase for exchanging foreign currency

Credit unions often offer better exchange rates than Chase, especially if you are a member. Some credit unions exchange currency for non-members as well, though usually at a higher rate. Call ahead to confirm they have the currency you need.

Online currency exchange services like OFX, Wise, and XE allow you to lock in a rate online and either pick up currency at a local location or have it delivered to your home. These services typically offer rates closer to mid-market than Chase does, though they charge a small fee. Delivery usually takes one to three business days, so you need to plan ahead.

Airport currency exchanges are convenient if you are already at the airport, but their rates are almost always worse than Chase's. Use them only if you forgot to exchange currency before you left and need cash immediately.

What to do if Chase does not have the currency you need

If the currency is not in stock, Chase will order it from their currency center. The order usually arrives in three to five business days, though it can take longer during peak travel seasons or if the currency is uncommon. You will be charged the same spread as if you exchanged in person, plus any applicable fees.

If you cannot wait for Chase to order the currency, contact a local credit union or an online currency service. Some online services can deliver currency faster than Chase's order process, especially if you live in a major city. Check their delivery times before you order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I exchange foreign currency at any Chase ATM?

No. Chase ATMs dispense only U.S. dollars. You must visit a branch with a foreign exchange desk to exchange currency.

Does Chase exchange currency for people who do not have a Chase account?

Yes, but they charge an additional fee on top of the spread. The fee varies by branch but is usually $15 to $25. Call the branch first to confirm they will serve non-customers.

What if I already traveled and came back with foreign currency I want to exchange?

Chase will exchange foreign currency back to dollars using the same process — call ahead, bring your ID and the currency, and pay the spread. The rate will be different from the rate you got when you exchanged dollars to foreign currency, because exchange rates move constantly.

Is Chase's exchange rate better than what I would get at an airport in another country?

Almost always yes. Airport exchanges in foreign countries typically charge spreads of 5 to 10 percent or higher. Chase's 2 to 3 percent spread is better, though still not the best rate available in the U.S.

Can I lock in an exchange rate at Chase before I travel?

No. Chase quotes rates on the day you exchange. If you want to lock in a rate in advance, use an online currency service like Wise or OFX, which allow you to reserve a rate for a set number of days.