Chase does exchange foreign currency, but only at certain locations and with advance notice

Chase will exchange foreign currency into US dollars at most of its branches, but the process is not the same as a regular deposit. You cannot walk in with euros or yen and leave with dollars the same day at every location. Most branches require you to order the currency ahead of time, and some smaller branches do not handle foreign exchange at all. The bank stocks only the most common currencies — euros, Canadian dollars, British pounds, Japanese yen, Mexican pesos, and a handful of others — so if you need something less common, Chase may not have it.

If you already have foreign currency in hand and need to convert it, your best option is to call your local Chase branch first and ask whether they can do the exchange same-day or if you need to order it. If they cannot help you, Chase's customer service line can direct you to a branch that can, or you can visit a Chase branch that handles international services — usually located in larger cities or near airports.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase exchanges foreign currency at most branches, but you should call ahead because many require advance orders.
  • Chase stocks common currencies like euros, pounds, yen, and pesos, but less common currencies may not be available.
  • Smaller Chase branches often do not handle foreign exchange, so you may need to visit a larger location or one near an airport.
  • The exchange rate Chase offers is typically higher than what you would get at an airport kiosk, but lower than the mid-market rate.
  • If you are exchanging a large amount, calling ahead lets Chase prepare the currency and may give you a better rate.

What currencies Chase typically has in stock

Chase keeps the most widely traded currencies on hand at most branches: euros (EUR), Canadian dollars (CAD), British pounds (GBP), Japanese yen (JPY), Mexican pesos (MXN), and Swiss francs (CHF). Beyond these six, availability drops sharply. If you need Australian dollars, New Zealand dollars, or currencies from Asia or South America outside Mexico, you will likely need to order them, which takes several business days.

The exact inventory varies by branch. A Chase location in a major city or near an international airport will stock more currencies than a suburban branch. Before you travel, call your branch and ask what they have on hand. If they do not have what you need, they can order it, but you will need to wait and may face a higher fee for the special order.

How to order foreign currency from Chase

Call your local Chase branch and tell them the currency you need, the amount, and when you need it. They will place the order and tell you when it will be ready — usually three to five business days for common currencies. You will need to go to the branch in person to pick it up and pay for it. Chase will charge you the exchange rate on the day you pick it up, not the day you order, so the rate can move between when you call and when you collect the cash.

For large amounts — typically $10,000 or more — call Chase's international services line rather than your local branch. They can sometimes negotiate a better rate and will handle the logistics. You will still need to pick up the currency in person at a branch, and you will need to provide identification and may need to fill out additional paperwork for amounts over $10,000.

Exchange rates and fees at Chase

Chase's exchange rate is not the mid-market rate you see on financial websites. The bank adds a markup — typically 1 to 2 percent above the mid-market rate — to cover its costs and profit. This markup is standard across banks. You will pay more to exchange currency at Chase than you would if you could trade at the mid-market rate, but you will usually pay less than you would at an airport kiosk or a currency exchange booth.

Chase does not charge a separate fee for exchanging currency at the counter, but the markup is built into the rate they quote you. If you order currency in advance, ask whether the rate is locked in or if it will change before you pick it up. Most banks do not lock rates, so the rate you see when you call may not be the rate you pay when you arrive.

Alternatives if Chase cannot help you

If your local Chase branch does not stock the currency you need and you cannot wait for an order, you have other options. Independent currency exchange shops, often found in downtown areas or near airports, usually stock a wider range of currencies and can exchange them same-day. They typically charge a higher markup than banks, but they are faster. Airport currency kiosks are the most expensive option but are available 24 hours.

Another option is to use your Chase debit or credit card to withdraw cash from an ATM in the country you are visiting. Chase charges a foreign transaction fee — usually 1 to 3 percent — plus the ATM operator's fee, but you avoid the markup on currency exchange. For some trips, this is cheaper than exchanging currency before you leave. Compare the total cost of each method before you decide.

What to bring when you exchange currency at Chase

Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license or passport — and the cash or traveler's checks you want to exchange. If you are exchanging a large amount or ordering in advance, Chase may ask for additional information, such as the purpose of the exchange or proof of travel plans. This is standard anti-money-laundering procedure and applies to all banks.

If you are picking up an order you placed earlier, bring your ID and be ready to pay. The teller will give you the currency in the denominations you requested, if possible. Ask for smaller bills if you are traveling — a $100 bill can be hard to break in some countries, while $20 and $50 bills are more practical.

Exchanging currency you bring back from a trip

If you return from a trip with leftover foreign currency, Chase will exchange it back to US dollars at most branches. The rate will be less favorable than when you exchanged dollars to foreign currency — you will get less because the bank is now buying from you instead of selling to you. There is no time limit on how long you can wait to exchange it, but the longer you wait, the more the exchange rate may move against you.

Bring the bills in good condition. Chase will not exchange torn, marked, or heavily worn currency. Coins are harder to exchange — many branches will not take them at all, so ask first. If you have a small amount of leftover currency and the rate is poor, you may decide to keep it for your next trip instead of exchanging it now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I exchange foreign currency at a Chase ATM?

No. Chase ATMs only dispense US dollars. You can withdraw cash from a foreign ATM while traveling and pay a fee, but you cannot exchange currency at a Chase ATM in the United States.

Does Chase exchange traveler's checks?

Yes, Chase will exchange foreign traveler's checks into US dollars at most branches. Call ahead to confirm, as some smaller branches may not handle them. You will need to sign the checks in front of the teller and provide ID.

What is the best day to exchange currency at Chase?

Exchange rates move constantly during business hours. There is no "best" day, but rates are typically more stable mid-week than on Mondays or Fridays. If you are flexible, order your currency a few days before you need it so Chase has time to source it, rather than rushing an order.

Will Chase exchange currency if I am not a customer?

Yes. You do not need to have a Chase account to exchange currency at a branch. You will need a valid photo ID, and the teller may ask more questions if you are not a customer, but Chase will complete the exchange.

How much foreign currency can I exchange at once?

There is no legal limit on how much you can exchange. Amounts over $10,000 trigger additional paperwork and reporting requirements under federal law, but Chase will still exchange it. Call ahead for large amounts so the branch can prepare the currency and have the right forms ready.