Yes, Chase Bank exchanges currency, but availability and fees vary by branch and the currency you need

Chase offers currency exchange at most of its branches, but not all locations stock every currency. You can exchange U.S. dollars for foreign currency before a trip, or exchange foreign currency back to dollars when you return. The bank charges a fee for this service — typically a percentage of the amount you exchange — and the exchange rate it offers is usually less favorable than rates you would find online or at a currency specialist.

The process is straightforward: you visit a branch with cash or a traveler's check, tell the teller which currency you need, and they process the exchange. Some branches can order currencies they do not have in stock, though this takes several business days. You do not need to be a Chase customer to exchange currency at a Chase branch, though the teller may ask for identification.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase exchanges currency at most branches, but you should call ahead to confirm they have the specific currency you need in stock.
  • The exchange rate Chase offers includes a built-in fee that makes it less favorable than online currency services or airport exchanges.
  • Ordering a currency Chase does not have on hand takes several business days, so plan ahead if you need an uncommon currency.
  • You can exchange currency whether or not you hold a Chase account, but you will need a valid ID.

How to exchange currency at a Chase branch

Walk into any Chase branch during business hours with the cash you want to exchange. Bring a valid photo ID — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card. Tell the teller which currency you need and how much you want to exchange. The teller will check whether the branch has that currency available.

If the currency is in stock, the teller will show you the exchange rate, calculate the total, deduct the fee, and give you the foreign currency. The entire transaction usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. If the branch does not have the currency, ask whether they can order it. Most branches can order common currencies like euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, and Mexican pesos within three to five business days.

What currencies Chase typically stocks

Chase keeps the most common travel currencies on hand at most branches: euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, Mexican pesos, Swiss francs, and Australian dollars. Less common currencies — Thai baht, South African rand, Indian rupees, or currencies from smaller countries — are usually available by special order only.

Availability depends on the branch location and local demand. A branch near an airport or in a city with high international travel may stock more currencies than a suburban branch. Call your local Chase branch before you go to confirm they have what you need, or ask whether they can order it and how long it will take.

Fees and exchange rates

Chase does not publish a single fee for currency exchange. Instead, the bank builds a markup into the exchange rate it offers you. This means the rate you receive is worse than the mid-market rate — the rate at which banks trade currency with each other. The difference between the mid-market rate and Chase's rate is how the bank profits on the exchange.

The markup typically ranges from 2 to 3 percent, though it can be higher for less common currencies or smaller transactions. For example, if the mid-market rate for euros is 1.10 dollars per euro, Chase might offer you 1.07 dollars per euro. On a $1,000 exchange, that difference costs you roughly $30. You can ask the teller what rate they are offering before you complete the transaction, and you can decline if you think it is too high.

Alternatives to Chase currency exchange

Online currency services like XE, OFX, and Wise often offer better exchange rates than Chase, with lower markups or flat fees. These services deliver currency to your home or let you pick it up at a partner location, though they usually require ordering several days in advance. If you are leaving for a trip soon, this may not work, but if you have time to plan, online services can save you money.

Airport currency exchanges are another option, though they typically charge higher markups than banks. Currency exchange kiosks in tourist areas often have the worst rates of all. If you are traveling internationally, using your debit card to withdraw cash from an ATM in the destination country often gives you a better rate than any exchange service, though you will pay an ATM fee.

Exchanging foreign currency back to dollars

When you return from a trip with leftover foreign currency, Chase will exchange it back to dollars using the same process. Bring the bills to a Chase branch with your ID. The teller will count the currency, explore the same markup to the exchange rate, and deposit dollars into your account or give you cash.

Chase will not exchange coins, damaged bills, or very old currency. If your foreign bills are torn, heavily marked, or from a currency that is no longer in circulation, the branch may refuse them. Ask the teller before you hand over the money.

Planning ahead for currency exchange

If you know you will need foreign currency, call your local Chase branch at least one week before your trip. Ask whether they have the currency in stock and what the current exchange rate is. If they do not have it, ask how long a special order takes and whether you can reserve a specific amount. This prevents you from arriving at the branch the day before your flight and finding out they cannot help you.

For trips to countries where Chase does not stock currency, order online from a currency service as soon as your travel dates are set. This gives you time to receive the currency by mail and compare rates across providers. If you are traveling on short notice, plan to use ATMs in the destination country instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Chase account to exchange currency?

No. Chase exchanges currency for anyone with a valid photo ID, whether or not you hold an account with the bank. You can pay with cash or a traveler's check.

What if my branch does not have the currency I need?

Most Chase branches can order common currencies within three to five business days. Call ahead to confirm they can order it and ask when it will arrive. For very uncommon currencies, the branch may not be able to order at all, and you will need to use an online currency service or wait until you arrive in the destination country.

Can I exchange currency online through Chase?

Chase does not offer online currency exchange. You must visit a branch in person. However, you can order currency for pickup at a branch through some Chase locations — call your branch to ask whether this option is available.

Is the Chase exchange rate better than what I see online?

Usually not. Online currency services and ATMs in the destination country typically offer better rates than Chase. Use Chase for convenience if you need currency the same day, but if you have time to plan, compare rates online first.

What happens if I exchange too much currency and have leftovers?

Bring the leftover bills back to Chase and exchange them for dollars. The same markup applies, so you will lose money on the round-trip exchange. To avoid this, estimate conservatively how much cash you will need and use a debit card for larger purchases.