How to Get Euros From Chase Bank
Chase offers euros through its foreign exchange service, but the process and fees depend on whether you order in advance, exchange at a branch, or use an ATM abroad
Chase can provide euros in three ways: you can order them before you travel through Chase's currency exchange service, exchange dollars for euros at a Chase branch in person, or withdraw euros directly from a Chase ATM while you're in Europe. Each method has different costs, timing, and limits. The exchange rate you receive varies by method — ordering ahead typically locks in a rate, while ATM withdrawals and branch exchanges use rates that change throughout the day.
Chase is not a currency dealer, so euros are not always in stock at every branch. Availability depends on your location and how much you need. If you want euros and your local branch does not have them, Chase can order them from a regional distribution center, which usually takes three to five business days.
Key Takeaways
- Chase can order euros for you in advance through its currency exchange service, which typically takes three to five business days and locks in an exchange rate.
- You can exchange dollars for euros at any Chase branch in person on the day you need them, though the rate and availability vary by location.
- Withdrawing euros from a Chase ATM in Europe usually costs less than exchanging at a branch, but you pay an out-of-network ATM fee plus a foreign transaction fee.
- Chase charges a currency conversion markup on top of the interbank rate for all three methods, so the rate you receive is never the wholesale rate banks use with each other.
Ordering euros in advance through Chase
If you know you need euros before your trip, you can order them through Chase's currency exchange service by visiting a Chase branch or calling the number on the back of your debit or credit card. Tell the representative how much you need and when you plan to travel. Chase will quote you an exchange rate and a delivery timeframe — usually three to five business days for a standard order.
When you order in advance, Chase locks in the rate you see at the time of your order. This protects you from rate swings between the day you order and the day you pick up the euros. You pick up the physical currency at your local Chase branch. There is no separate fee for ordering; the cost is built into the exchange rate Chase quotes you, which includes their markup over the interbank rate.
Chase has limits on how much foreign currency you can order. The limit varies by branch and account type, but it is typically several thousand dollars' worth. If you need more than your branch can order, ask whether a larger order can be placed through a regional center, which may take longer.
Exchanging dollars for euros at a Chase branch
You can walk into any Chase branch and exchange US dollars for euros the same day, without ordering ahead. The branch will quote you the current exchange rate at that moment. Rates change throughout the day as currency markets move, so the rate you get depends on when you arrive.
Not every Chase branch keeps euros in stock. If your branch does not have the amount you need, they can order euros from a regional distribution center and have them ready for pickup in three to five business days. Ask the teller whether euros are in stock before you leave; if they are not, you can decide whether to wait for an order or use one of the other methods.
Like advance orders, branch exchanges include Chase's markup over the interbank rate. There is no separate transaction fee, but the rate you receive is lower than what you would see on a financial news website, because that rate is the wholesale rate between banks — Chase's rate includes their profit margin.
Withdrawing euros from Chase ATMs in Europe
If you have a Chase debit card, you can withdraw euros directly from ATMs in Europe. Chase has partnerships with certain ATM networks in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom and some other countries, though coverage is not universal. When you insert your card, the ATM converts your US dollar account balance to euros at the ATM operator's exchange rate and dispenses the cash.
This method usually costs less than exchanging at a branch because you avoid the currency exchange markup that Chase adds. However, you pay two fees: an out-of-network ATM fee (typically $3 to $5 per withdrawal) because the ATM is not a Chase machine, and a foreign transaction fee (typically 1% to 3% of the withdrawal amount) that Chase charges for any transaction outside the United States. Together, these fees can add up quickly if you make multiple small withdrawals.
The exchange rate you receive from the ATM is set by the ATM operator, not by Chase, so it may be better or worse than Chase's branch rate on any given day. You have no control over the rate and cannot lock it in ahead of time. If the ATM declines your card or runs out of cash, you have no backup plan in a foreign country, so most travelers use this method as a supplement to euros they already have, not as their only source.
Understanding Chase's exchange rates and markups
Chase quotes exchange rates that include a markup over the interbank rate — the rate at which banks trade currencies with each other. The markup is how Chase makes money on currency exchange. The exact markup varies by method and by how much currency you are exchanging, but it is typically 2% to 4% above the interbank rate.
You cannot negotiate Chase's markup or ask for a better rate. The rate Chase quotes is the rate you receive. If you want to compare, you can check the interbank rate on a financial website like XE.com or OANDA, then calculate what Chase's markup is by dividing the Chase rate by the interbank rate. This shows you the cost of using Chase rather than a currency specialist.
The interbank rate changes constantly — multiple times per minute during market hours. When you order euros in advance, Chase locks in the rate at the moment you place the order. If you exchange at a branch or ATM, you receive the rate at the moment of the transaction. You cannot request a rate from an earlier time or ask Chase to wait for a better rate.
Comparing the three methods side by side
| Method | Timing | Where you get euros | Rate locked in? | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Order in advance | 3–5 business days | Chase branch pickup | Yes, at time of order | Included in exchange rate markup |
| Exchange at branch | Same day | Chase branch | No, rate at time of transaction | Included in exchange rate markup |
| ATM withdrawal in Europe | when ready | ATM in Europe | No, rate set by ATM operator | $3–$5 ATM fee + 1–3% foreign transaction fee |
What to bring when you exchange currency at Chase
If you are exchanging dollars for euros at a Chase branch, bring your government-issued photo ID and your Chase debit card or account number. The teller will verify your identity and pull up your account to confirm you have sufficient funds. If you are exchanging a large amount — typically $10,000 or more — Chase is required by federal law to file a Currency Transaction Report, which is a standard reporting requirement and does not indicate any problem with your account.
If you ordered euros in advance, bring your ID and the confirmation number or receipt from your order. The teller will retrieve your euros from the vault or from a find holding area and count them in front of you. Check the amount before you leave the branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order euros online through Chase's website?
Chase does not offer online currency ordering through its website. You must visit a branch in person or call the phone number on the back of your card to place an order. Some Chase branches may have different policies, so call your local branch to confirm their process.
What if I need euros on a weekend or holiday?
Chase branches are closed on weekends and federal holidays, so you cannot order or exchange currency on those days. If you need euros urgently and a branch is closed, your only option is to withdraw from an ATM in Europe if you are already there. Plan ahead and order euros before the weekend if you know you will need them.
Does Chase charge a fee if I exchange only a small amount of euros?
No, Chase does not charge a per-transaction fee for currency exchange at a branch. The cost is built into the exchange rate markup, which applies whether you exchange $100 or $5,000. ATM withdrawals in Europe do charge a flat fee per transaction, so small withdrawals are proportionally more expensive.
Can I return unused euros to Chase and get dollars back?
Yes, you can exchange unused euros back to dollars at any Chase branch. Chase will quote you the current exchange rate at the time of the return exchange. Because you are exchanging in the opposite direction, the rate will be different from the rate you received when you bought the euros, and Chase's markup applies again. You will receive fewer dollars back than you spent on the euros due to the markup on both transactions.
What is the difference between the rate Chase quotes and the rate I see on the news?
The rate on the news is the interbank rate — the wholesale rate banks use to trade with each other. Chase's rate includes a markup of typically 2% to 4% on top of that rate. The markup is how Chase makes money on the exchange. You cannot receive the interbank rate at a retail bank; the markup is standard across the industry.
This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.