Yes, Wells Fargo exchanges foreign currency, but only at certain locations and with advance notice
Wells Fargo will exchange foreign currency for you, but the process is not the same at every branch. Most branches do not keep foreign cash on hand. Instead, they order it for you, which takes three to five business days. Some larger branches and all Wells Fargo financial centers can exchange currency same-day if they have the currency in stock, but you cannot count on this.
The exchange happens at the teller window during regular business hours. You bring U.S. dollars or a Wells Fargo debit card, and the bank converts it to the currency you need. Wells Fargo charges a markup on the exchange rate — the rate you receive is worse than the mid-market rate you see online. The markup varies by currency and changes daily.
If you are a Wells Fargo customer, you can order foreign currency through your online banking account or by calling the Foreign Exchange department. Non-customers can walk into a branch and request an exchange, but they may face longer wait times and higher fees.
Key Takeaways
- Most Wells Fargo branches require three to five business days to order foreign currency, so plan ahead if you need cash before a trip.
- Larger branches and financial centers sometimes have currency in stock for same-day exchange, but availability depends on the currency and branch location.
- Wells Fargo charges a markup on the exchange rate that is higher than the mid-market rate published online.
- You can order currency online through your Wells Fargo account, by phone, or in person at a branch.
Which currencies Wells Fargo can exchange
Wells Fargo exchanges the major currencies: euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, Swiss francs, Australian dollars, and others. The exact list of available currencies changes by branch and by season. Branches in major cities and near airports tend to stock more currencies than rural branches.
If you need a less common currency — Thai baht, South African rand, or Philippine pesos, for example — your branch may not have it in stock and may take longer to order it. Some branches cannot order certain currencies at all. Call your branch or the Foreign Exchange department before you assume they can get what you need.
How to order foreign currency from Wells Fargo
If you have a Wells Fargo account, log into your online banking portal and look for the Foreign Exchange or Currency Exchange option. You enter the currency you need, the amount, and the date you want to pick it up. The system will show you the exchange rate and any fees. You confirm the order, and the branch holds the currency for you.
If you do not have online access or prefer to call, phone the Wells Fargo Foreign Exchange department at the number on the back of your debit card. A representative will take your order over the phone, confirm the rate and fees, and tell you when to pick up the currency at your branch.
Non-customers can walk into any Wells Fargo branch and ask a teller to exchange currency. The teller will check what is available and quote you a rate. If the currency is not in stock, the teller can place an order for you, though the process may take longer than for account holders.
Exchange rates and fees Wells Fargo charges
Wells Fargo does not publish a single exchange rate. The rate you receive depends on the currency, the amount, the day, and whether you order online or in person. The bank buys currency from wholesale markets and marks it up before selling it to you. This markup is how the bank makes money on the transaction.
On top of the markup, Wells Fargo may charge a flat fee or a percentage fee for the exchange. Fees vary by branch and by account type. Premium accounts sometimes receive better rates or lower fees. Call your branch or the Foreign Exchange department to ask what fee applies to your transaction before you confirm the order.
The exchange rate you see online at xe.com or OANDA is the mid-market rate — the rate banks pay each other. You will never receive this rate as a customer. Wells Fargo's rate will always be worse (lower if you are selling dollars, higher if you are buying them). Compare the rate Wells Fargo quotes you to rates from other banks or currency exchange services before you commit.
Pickup and payment for foreign currency orders
Once your currency order is ready, you pick it up at the branch you selected when you placed the order. Bring your ID and the confirmation number or reference number from your order. The teller will count out the cash and hand it to you.
Payment happens at pickup. If you ordered online, you can pay with a Wells Fargo debit card, a linked bank account, or cash. If you ordered by phone, ask the representative which payment methods the branch accepts. Most branches accept all three, but some may have limits.
Wells Fargo holds the currency for 30 days after it arrives at the branch. If you do not pick it up within 30 days, the bank may cancel the order and return the currency to its supplier. Call the branch if you need to extend the pickup window.
Alternatives to Wells Fargo for exchanging currency
Other banks offer foreign currency exchange, and some charge lower markups than Wells Fargo. Bank of America, Chase, and Citibank all exchange currency, though availability and fees vary by branch and account type. Call ahead to compare rates before you decide.
Currency exchange shops — standalone businesses that specialize in foreign exchange — often offer better rates than banks, especially for larger amounts. These shops are common near airports and in downtown areas of major cities. Bring your ID and cash or a debit card. Rates change throughout the day, so call or visit in person to get a quote before you commit.
Credit card companies and online money transfer services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) offer exchange rates closer to mid-market, with lower markups than banks. These services work best if you are transferring money to an account overseas rather than getting cash. If you need physical currency in your hand, a currency exchange shop or bank is your only option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get foreign currency from Wells Fargo?
Most branches need three to five business days to order currency. Some larger branches have common currencies in stock and can exchange same-day. Call your branch to ask if they have the currency you need available now, or order online to see estimated pickup dates.
Can I exchange foreign currency back to U.S. dollars at Wells Fargo?
Yes. Bring the foreign cash to a Wells Fargo branch, and a teller will exchange it for U.S. dollars at the current rate. The bank will charge a markup and possibly a fee, just as it does when you buy foreign currency. The teller will count the bills to make sure they are genuine before completing the exchange.
What if Wells Fargo cannot get the currency I need?
Some currencies are difficult or impossible for Wells Fargo to order. Call the Foreign Exchange department or your branch to confirm whether they can get the currency before you plan around it. If they cannot, try a currency exchange shop, which may have access to more obscure currencies, or use an online transfer service if you are sending money rather than getting cash.
Do I need to be a Wells Fargo customer to exchange currency?
No. Non-customers can walk into any Wells Fargo branch and request a currency exchange. However, account holders can order online and may receive better rates or lower fees. Non-customers typically have to order in person or by phone and may wait longer for the currency to arrive.