How to Order Foreign Currency From Chase Bank

How to order foreign currency from Chase

Chase lets you order foreign currency through most of its branches and online through Chase.com if you have a checking or savings account. You can pick up the currency at a branch, have it mailed to you, or in some cases receive it before you travel. The process takes a few days to a week depending on the currency and your location, so you'll want to order ahead of your trip rather than the day before you leave.

You don't need to be a Chase customer to order currency — non-customers can order at a branch — but customers get faster service and can order online. The bank stocks common currencies like euros, British pounds, Canadian dollars, Japanese yen, and Mexican pesos. Less common currencies may take longer or may not be available through Chase at all.

Key Takeaways

• Chase customers can order foreign currency online through Chase.com or by calling 1-800-935-9935, while non-customers must visit a branch in person.
• You'll need your account number, the currency you want, and the amount in U.S. dollars — Chase will tell you how much foreign currency that equals based on the current rate.
• Orders typically take three to seven business days, so place your order at least a week before you travel.
• You can pick up currency at your local branch, have it mailed to your address, or arrange other delivery depending on your Chase location.
• Chase charges a markup on the exchange rate, so the rate you see online will be higher than the mid-market rate you'd find on financial news sites.

Ordering currency online as a Chase customer

Log into Chase.com and look for the "Foreign Currency" or "Travel" section under your account menu. You'll enter the currency code (EUR for euros, GBP for pounds, JPY for yen, and so on), the amount in U.S. dollars you want to spend, and your preferred pickup or delivery method. Chase will show you the exchange rate it's offering and the total amount of foreign currency you'll receive.

After you confirm the order, Chase holds the currency for you and sends a confirmation email with a reference number. You can track the order status on Chase.com. Most orders are ready within three to seven business days. If you need currency faster, call the Chase foreign currency line at 1-800-935-9935 to ask whether expedited ordering is available at your branch.

Ordering by phone or at a branch

Chase customers can call 1-800-935-9935 to order foreign currency over the phone. Have your account number, the currency you want, and the dollar amount ready. A representative will quote you the rate, confirm your order, and tell you when it will be ready.

Non-Chase customers and anyone who prefers to order in person can visit a Chase branch. Bring a photo ID and cash or a debit card to pay. Tell the teller which currency you need and how much. The branch will place the order and tell you when to return to pick it up — usually within a few business days. Some branches keep small amounts of common currencies in stock and can hand it to you the same day, but don't count on this.

Understanding Chase's exchange rates and fees

Chase does not charge a separate ordering fee, but it does add a markup to the exchange rate. This means the rate you pay is higher than the "mid-market" rate you see on financial news sites or currency converters. The markup varies by currency and changes daily, but it's typically 2 to 3 percent above the mid-market rate.

For example, if the mid-market rate for euros is 1.10 U.S. dollars per euro, Chase might offer 1.07 or 1.08 — meaning you get fewer euros for your dollar. This markup is how Chase makes money on the service. Before you order, check what rate Chase is quoting and compare it to rates at other banks or currency exchange services if you're exchanging a large amount.

Pickup, delivery, and timing

When you order online or by phone, you choose how to receive your currency. Most branches offer same-branch pickup, where you return to get the cash during business hours. Some Chase locations also offer mail delivery to your home address, though this takes an extra few days and carries a small risk of loss in transit.

If you're traveling soon, order at least a week in advance. Orders placed on a Friday or weekend are processed starting Monday, so a Friday order might not be ready until the following Thursday. If you need currency in fewer than three business days, call your local branch directly to ask whether they have it in stock or can expedite the order.

What to do if your currency isn't in stock

Chase stocks the most common currencies year-round, but less common ones — like Thai baht, South African rand, or Norwegian krone — may need to be ordered specially and can take two to three weeks. When you try to order, Chase will tell you when ready if the currency needs extra time or isn't available.

If Chase can't get the currency you need, ask whether they can order it from a partner bank or currency exchange service. You can also contact a currency exchange company directly — many operate in major cities and at airports — though their rates may be different from Chase's. Always compare rates and delivery times before you decide where to exchange.

Returning unused foreign currency to Chase

If you return from your trip with leftover currency, Chase will buy it back at the same branch where you ordered it. Bring the bills in their original condition — torn, marked, or damaged bills may not be accepted. Chase will quote you a rate for the return, which will be lower than the rate you paid to buy it (this is normal at any currency exchange).

You don't have to return currency to Chase. You can keep it for a future trip, exchange it at another bank, or use a currency exchange service. Just know that rates fluctuate, so the rate you get on a return may be quite different from what you paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order foreign currency for someone else?

Chase customers can order currency for themselves only through their own account. If you want to order for a family member or friend, they'll need to place the order themselves or visit a branch with you. Non-customers can order at a branch by showing ID and paying in cash or with a debit card.

What if I need currency the day before I leave?

Call your local Chase branch directly and ask if they have the currency in stock. Some branches keep small amounts of common currencies on hand and can give it to you same-day. If not, you may need to use an airport currency exchange or ATM abroad, though those rates are often less favorable than Chase's.

Do I pay the exchange rate when I order or when I pick up?

You pay the rate that Chase quotes when you place the order. That rate is locked in, so even if the exchange rate changes before you pick up the currency, you'll still get the amount quoted to you at ordering time.

Can I order cryptocurrency or traveler's checks instead?

Chase does not order cryptocurrency. Chase does sell traveler's checks, which you can order through a branch or by phone. Traveler's checks are safer than cash abroad because they can be replaced if lost or stolen, but fewer merchants accept them than they used to.

What happens if I cancel my order?

You can cancel an order before it's been processed — usually within one business day of placing it. Call the foreign currency line or visit your branch to cancel. Once the currency has been ordered from the supplier, cancellation may not be possible, and you may be charged a fee. Ask when you call whether your order can still be cancelled.