Chase does not exchange currency at most branches, but you can order pounds before you travel

Chase Bank does not keep British pounds in stock at regular branches. If you need pounds for a trip to the UK, you cannot walk in and exchange dollars for them on the spot. Instead, Chase offers a service where you order foreign currency in advance — usually three to five business days — and pick it up at a branch or have it delivered to your home.

This service is called Chase Foreign Exchange, and it works through their travel services desk. You place an order by phone, online, or in person at a branch that handles currency orders. Chase charges a markup on the exchange rate, meaning you pay more per pound than the mid-market rate you see on financial news sites. The exact markup varies and is not published in advance — you see the rate only when you request a quote.

Not every Chase branch offers this service. Larger branches in major cities are more likely to handle currency orders than smaller suburban locations. Before you go in, call ahead to confirm your branch can process the order and ask how long it typically takes.

Key Takeaways

  • Chase Foreign Exchange requires you to order pounds in advance; you cannot buy them same-day at most branches.
  • You can order online, by phone, or in person, and pick up at a branch or request home delivery.
  • Chase charges a markup above the mid-market exchange rate, and the exact rate depends on the amount and timing of your order.
  • Smaller branches may not offer currency exchange, so confirm with your branch before ordering.
  • Other options like airport exchanges, credit unions, and online currency services may offer different rates and fees.

How to order pounds through Chase

To order British pounds, start by calling the Chase travel services line or visiting a branch that handles foreign exchange. You will need to tell them how many pounds you want and when you need them. Chase will quote you an exchange rate for that amount — this rate is locked in when you accept the quote, not when you pick up the currency.

Once you accept the rate, you pay for the pounds using your Chase account or a debit card. If you order online through the Chase website, you will see the rate when ready and can complete the transaction there. Delivery to your home typically takes five to seven business days after you place the order. Pickup at a branch is usually faster — sometimes as soon as the next business day, depending on the branch and the amount you ordered.

Bring your ID when you pick up the currency. Chase will give you the pounds in cash, usually in a mix of notes (bills) and coins if you request it. Ask about their minimum order amount — some branches have a floor, often around £100 or £200, though this varies.

What the exchange rate actually costs you

Chase's markup on foreign exchange is not a flat fee — it is built into the exchange rate itself. If the mid-market rate (the rate banks trade with each other) is 1.27 dollars per pound, Chase might quote you 1.22 dollars per pound. That 0.05-dollar difference is how Chase makes money on the transaction.

The markup can range from 2% to 4% depending on the amount you order and market conditions, but Chase does not publish these ranges. The only way to know the exact cost is to request a quote. If the rate seems high, you can shop around — credit unions, online currency brokers, and airport exchanges all quote different rates, and comparing them takes 10 minutes.

For a small order — say £500 — the markup might cost you $25 to $50 in extra dollars. For larger amounts, the percentage cost may be lower, but the dollar amount higher. Always ask Chase for the total amount in dollars you will pay before you commit.

Alternatives to Chase Foreign Exchange

If Chase's rate or timeline does not work for you, several other options exist. Credit unions often offer better exchange rates than banks, especially if you are a member. Call ahead to confirm they have pounds in stock or can order them.

Online currency services like OFX, Wise, and XE allow you to order pounds online and pick them up at a partner location or have them mailed. These services often quote rates that are closer to mid-market than bank rates, though they charge a flat fee instead of a markup. The total cost depends on the amount and the service you choose.

Airport exchanges are convenient if you are traveling soon, but they typically charge the highest markups of all — sometimes 5% to 8% above mid-market. Use them only if you have no other option and are short on time.

ATMs in the UK are another route: withdraw pounds directly using your Chase debit card once you arrive. Chase charges a foreign transaction fee (usually 1% to 3% of the amount) and an ATM fee (typically $2 to $5), but the exchange rate is usually better than what you get buying pounds in advance. This works well if you can wait until you land to get cash.

Timing and planning for your trip

Order your pounds at least one week before you travel if you want pickup at a branch. If you need them faster, ask whether your branch can expedite — some can have pounds ready in 24 hours for larger orders, but this is not may provide. Home delivery takes longer, usually five to seven business days, so plan accordingly.

Exchange rates move every day. If you lock in a rate early and the pound strengthens against the dollar, you will have paid more than you would have if you waited. If the pound weakens, you will have saved money. There is no way to predict this, so order when you are confident about your travel dates and budget.

If your trip is more than two weeks away, you can afford to wait and see whether rates improve. If you are leaving in three days, order now — the cost of waiting is higher than the cost of locking in a rate.

What to bring and what to expect at pickup

Bring a valid photo ID (passport or driver's license) and your order confirmation number when you pick up pounds at a Chase branch. The teller will verify your identity, confirm the amount, and hand you the cash in a sealed envelope or bag.

Ask for the denominations you want — £20 and £10 notes are easiest to spend, while £50 notes can be harder to use at small shops. Some branches may not have every denomination in stock, so mention your preference when you order.

Count the money before you leave the branch. If the amount is wrong, report it when ready. Once you leave, it is your responsibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order pounds same-day at Chase?

Most branches cannot provide pounds same-day. Typical wait times are one to three business days for branch pickup. Some large branches in major cities may be able to expedite to 24 hours, but you must call ahead to ask. If you need pounds when ready, an airport exchange or local currency broker may be your only option, though rates will be higher.

What if I order too many pounds and do not use them all?

You can exchange unused pounds back to dollars at a Chase branch, but you will pay another markup on the return exchange. The rate going back is usually worse than the rate you got going out, so you lose money on the round trip. It is better to order only what you expect to spend.

Does Chase charge a fee on top of the exchange rate?

Chase does not charge a separate fee for ordering foreign currency — the cost is built into the exchange rate markup. However, if you request home delivery, some branches may charge a delivery fee, usually $10 to $15. Ask when you place your order.

Can I order euros, yen, or other currencies at Chase?

Yes, Chase offers foreign exchange for many major currencies including euros, Japanese yen, Canadian dollars, and others. The process is the same: order in advance, lock in a rate, and pick up or receive delivery. Call your branch to confirm they stock the currency you need.

Is it cheaper to use my debit card and withdraw pounds from a UK ATM?

Often yes, depending on the amount. Chase charges a foreign transaction fee (1% to 3%) plus an ATM fee ($2 to $5) per withdrawal. For a £500 withdrawal, that might total $15 to $25. Ordering pounds in advance through Chase might cost $25 to $50 depending on the markup. The ATM route is usually cheaper for larger amounts, but you have to wait until you arrive to get cash.