In this guide, we’ll run through how to get Euros in the US without paying huge fees. This includes banks, currency exchange services and clever alternative solutions such as the Wise Card.
The Wise Card lets you spend and withdraw cash in Euros without needing to change any money, and it gives you the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend.
Order a Wise Card today
How to get Euros in the US - your options
There are a few different ways you can buy foreign currency for your trip while still in the US.
But before we run through them, a quick word on what to avoid.
Airport kiosks, hotels and tourist centers are all generally considered to be very expensive places to change currency. They tend to charge high fees, or offer you very unfavorable exchange rates - or both.
So, it’s best to plan ahead to sort out your travel money.
Banks
You can often buy Euros and other foreign currencies from your bank, although be aware that they may not offer the most competitive exchange rates.
The exchange rate makes more difference to the overall cost of buying travel money than you might think. A provider may offer low or no fees, but an unfavorable exchange rate means your money doesn’t go as far. You’ll end up with fewer Euros for your dollars, making it more expensive all round.
So before buying, make sure to compare the rate you’re offered with the mid-market exchange rate. This is the one you’ll see on Google or currency sites like XE.com.
Here are a few options:
- Wells Fargo¹ - if you’re an existing customer, you can order foreign currency cash online, in branch or over the phone. Depending on availability of services in your area, you can have it delivered to your address within 2-7 days.
- Citi² - existing Citi account holders can call to order over 50 foreign currencies to be delivered to your address the next business day. There’s a $5 service fee (waived for Citigold and Citi Priority Account Package customers) and delivery fees starting from $10. Delivery is free to a Citibank branch. Citi carries out currency conversions at what it describes as “competitive currency exchange rates”.
- Bank of America³ - BoA customers can buy currency online for no fees, although it’s important to note that charges are built into the exchange rate offered. You can see exchange rates before buying and orders made before 2pm will be shipped the same day. There may be a fee for delivery for orders over $1,000, or you can collect at a Bank of America branch (if available).
Currency exchange services
Another option is to use a currency exchange or travel money provider, which lets you order online for home delivery or collection.
Just like banks, these may not offer the best exchange rates. However, they could be a decent option if you’re in a hurry and need a quick, convenient way to get hold of travel money.
One of the largest and most popular places to buy travel money in the US is Currency Exchange International (CXI). You can order over 90 currencies online, including Euros. CXI also has around 30 branches in major cities across the US⁴.
Here are the key facts you need to know about CXI⁴:
- It offers a Best Rate Guarantee, which means it’ll match or beat exchange rates given by local banks or airports (conditions apply)
- Currency ordered online can be delivered to your home as soon as the next day, although this service isn’t available in all areas
- Exchange rates and fees aren’t displayed online, so you’ll need to sign up with CXI to find these out.
- Exchange rates may also vary from branch to branch.
Get the Wise card to spend and withdraw in EUR
We’ve looked at providers such as banks and currency exchange services for buying Euros before you travel. But there is another option - the Wise card.
- Spend and withdraw cash in 175 countries, including Europe.
- It converts your US dollars to Euros whenever you spend, using the mid-market exchange rate.
- There’s only a small conversion fee⁵, or it’s fee-free if you already have Euros in your account.
- You can withdraw up to $100 USD for free from international ATMs
With the Wise Card in your wallet, you don’t need to convert currency, carry cash around or get stung on exchange rates. It’s the convenient, low-cost way to spend while you’re traveling.
Order a Wise card today
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to get euros in the US?
You’ll need to compare exchange rates and fees for your bank with currency exchange services such as CXI. But a travel card such as the Wise international debit card can be a cheaper option, offering low fees and fairer, margin-free exchange rates.
Can you get euros at the US Post Office?
The US Postal Service (USPS) offers international money transfer services, but it doesn’t sell foreign currency.
Can you get Euros from US banks?
Yes, you can buy Euros from many US banks, and some will even deliver to your home address (usually for a fee).
Should I exchange money before I travel to Europe?
Unless you have a multi-currency card such as the Wise card, it’s a good idea to buy your foreign currency before you travel. This is because it can be very expensive to change currency at airports and hotels, where you’ll often get poor exchange rates and pay high fees.
Sources used for this article:
Sources checked on 18-Jan-2023.
This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content in this publication. The information in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its affiliates. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
Certainly! The article delves into various ways to acquire Euros in the US without incurring substantial fees. It touches upon traditional methods like banks, currency exchange services, and introduces a clever alternative in the form of the Wise Card. Here's a breakdown of the concepts discussed:
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Banks: The article highlights banks as a conventional option for buying foreign currency, cautioning about potentially non-competitive exchange rates. It mentions specific banks like Wells Fargo, Citi, and Bank of America, detailing their services, fees, and delivery options for purchasing Euros.
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Currency Exchange Services: Similar to banks, currency exchange services offer convenience but might not provide the best exchange rates. Currency Exchange International (CXI) is cited as a major provider, emphasizing their Best Rate Guarantee and various delivery options, albeit with potential variations in rates between branches.
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Wise Card: This stands out as an innovative solution, allowing users to spend and withdraw Euros without physically changing money. It operates by converting USD to Euros at the mid-market exchange rate whenever transactions occur. The Wise Card boasts low conversion fees or even fee-free transactions if Euros are already in the account.
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Comparison: The article suggests comparing rates and fees between banks, currency exchange services, and alternative options like the Wise Card to find the most cost-effective way to obtain Euros in the US.
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Tips: It advises against last-minute currency exchange at locations like airports, hotels, or tourist centers due to their unfavorable rates and high fees.
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FAQs: The piece addresses common queries such as the cheapest method to acquire Euros, availability at the US Post Office (which doesn’t sell foreign currency), purchasing Euros from US banks, and the recommendation to exchange money before traveling to Europe unless using a multi-currency card like the Wise Card.
The sources mentioned provide additional information and disclaimers about the nature of the content, indicating that it serves as general information rather than specific advice. They also warn about the potential costs associated with various methods and urge readers to seek professional advice when necessary.
This comprehensive guide outlines multiple avenues to obtain Euros in the US, emphasizing the importance of comparing rates and fees to make an informed and cost-effective choice.
