How to Buy Foreign Currency at Bank of America

Bank of America's foreign currency service and how to order it

Bank of America lets you order foreign currency through most of its branches and online, but the process and fees depend on which method you use and how much time you have before you need the money. You can order currency in person at a branch, by phone, or through the mobile app — each route has different wait times and minimum order amounts. The bank stocks the most common currencies (British pounds, euros, Canadian dollars, Mexican pesos, Japanese yen, and others) but less common ones may take longer to arrive or may not be available at all.

The exchange rate you receive is set by Bank of America and includes a markup over the wholesale rate — this markup is not published as a fixed percentage, so rates vary by currency and by the day you order. You will see the exact rate before you confirm the order, so you can decide whether to proceed. Bank of America does not charge a separate fee for the currency itself, but some delivery methods (like overnight shipping) may have costs.

Key Takeaways

• You can order foreign currency in person at a Bank of America branch, by phone at 1-800-935-9935, or through the mobile app, with different wait times for each method.
• The bank stocks major currencies like euros, pounds, and yen, but less common currencies may take several business days or may not be available.
• The exchange rate includes Bank of America's markup and is shown to you before you confirm the order — you can see the exact amount of foreign currency you will receive.
• Orders placed in person at a branch typically arrive within one to three business days; phone and app orders may take longer depending on the currency.
• You can pick up your currency at the branch where you ordered it, or request delivery by mail or overnight shipping, with shipping costs varying by method.

Ordering currency in person at a branch

Walking into a Bank of America branch and ordering at the teller window is usually the fastest way to get foreign currency. Tell the teller which currency you need, how much, and when you need it. The teller will check current availability and the exchange rate on that day, show you the rate, and let you decide whether to proceed. If the currency is in stock, you may be able to pick it up the same day or within one business day; if it is not in stock, the branch will order it and call you when it arrives.

You will need a valid ID and your Bank of America account or debit card. If you are ordering a large amount (the bank does not publish a specific threshold, but amounts over $10,000 may trigger additional documentation), be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of the currency and where you are traveling. This is standard anti-money-laundering procedure, not a reason to worry — the bank straightforward needs to document the transaction.

Ordering by phone or through the mobile app

You can order foreign currency by calling Bank of America's foreign exchange line at 1-800-935-9935. Have your account number ready, tell the representative which currency and amount you need, and ask when it will be available. The representative will quote you the exchange rate for that day. Phone orders typically take three to five business days to arrive, longer than in-person orders, because the currency has to be shipped to your branch or to your address.

The Bank of America mobile app also allows you to order currency if you have a checking or savings account. Open the app, navigate to the foreign currency section (usually under "Transfers" or "More"), select the currency and amount, review the rate, and confirm. App orders follow the same timeline as phone orders — three to five business days — and you will receive a notification when your currency is ready for pickup or delivery.

Pickup, delivery, and timing

Once your order is ready, you have several options for how to receive it. The most common is to pick it up at the branch where you placed the order during normal business hours. If you cannot pick it up in person, Bank of America can mail the currency to your address, though this typically takes an additional five to seven business days. Some branches also offer overnight delivery for an additional fee, usually $15 to $25 depending on the amount and destination.

Plan ahead: if you are leaving for a trip in three days, ordering in person at a branch gives you the best chance of having the currency in time. If you order by phone or app, ask the representative for the expected delivery date before you confirm, so you know whether it will arrive before you need it. If you are traveling internationally and need currency urgently, some Bank of America branches in major cities (New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago) may have larger inventories and faster turnaround.

Exchange rates and how Bank of America sets them

The exchange rate you receive when you order foreign currency at Bank of America is not the same as the wholesale rate you see on financial news websites. Bank of America adds a markup to cover its costs and profit — this markup varies by currency and changes daily. For example, the markup on euros might be 2 to 3 percent higher than the wholesale rate, while the markup on less common currencies might be higher.

You will see the exact rate and the exact amount of foreign currency you will receive before you confirm your order. If the rate seems high, you can decline and try again another day, though there is no may provide the rate will be better. The rate is locked in once you confirm the order, so you will not pay more or less than what was quoted, even if the market rate changes while your order is being processed.

Currencies Bank of America stocks and special orders

Bank of America regularly stocks the following currencies: British pounds (GBP), euros (EUR), Canadian dollars (CAD), Mexican pesos (MXN), Japanese yen (JPY), Swiss francs (CHF), Australian dollars (AUD), and New Zealand dollars (NZD). Most branches can order these within one to three business days. Less common currencies — such as Thai baht, South African rand, or Israeli shekel — may take five to ten business days or may not be available at all, depending on your branch and current demand.

If you need a currency that is not in stock, ask the teller or phone representative whether it can be ordered and how long it will take. Some branches have relationships with currency wholesalers that allow them to source almost any currency, but this takes time and may come with a higher markup. If Bank of America cannot source the currency you need, you may want to explore other options, such as currency exchange services or ATM withdrawals in the destination country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order foreign currency online without going to a branch?

Yes, you can order through the Bank of America mobile app or by calling 1-800-935-9935. However, you will still need to pick up the currency at a branch or arrange delivery by mail or overnight shipping. You cannot have it sent directly to your home without using one of these delivery methods.

What if I need currency the day before my trip?

Order in person at a branch as early as possible — ideally the day before or two days before your trip. Ask the teller if the currency is in stock; if it is, you may be able to pick it up the same day or next morning. If it is not in stock, the branch may not be able to get it in time, so plan further ahead for future trips.

Does Bank of America charge a fee for foreign currency?

Bank of America does not charge a separate fee for the currency itself, but the exchange rate includes a markup. If you choose overnight shipping or mail delivery, those services may have costs ($15 to $25 for overnight, depending on amount). Ask about delivery fees when you place your order.

Can I return foreign currency I did not use?

Yes, you can exchange unused foreign currency back to U.S. dollars at any Bank of America branch. The exchange rate for the return will be different from the rate you received when you bought it — the bank will explore a markup in the opposite direction. Bring your currency and a valid ID to the branch.

What happens if the exchange rate drops after I order?

The rate is locked in once you confirm your order. If the market rate drops after you order but before you pick up the currency, you will still pay the rate that was quoted to you — you will not benefit from the drop. This is why it is important to review the rate carefully before you confirm.