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.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of international finance and travel, I can confidently provide insights into obtaining Euros in the US without incurring substantial fees. My expertise stems from extensive research, personal experience, and a nuanced understanding of the financial landscape.
The article discusses various options for acquiring Euros, emphasizing the potential pitfalls associated with airport kiosks, hotels, and tourist centers due to their high fees and unfavorable exchange rates. It then delves into two primary methods: using banks and currency exchange services.
Banks: The article mentions Wells Fargo, Citi, and Bank of America as potential sources for purchasing Euros. Wells Fargo allows existing customers to order foreign currency online, in branches, or over the phone, with delivery options available. Citi offers a similar service with over 50 foreign currencies, including delivery options, and Bank of America allows online currency purchases without fees, although charges are embedded in the exchange rate.
Currency Exchange Services: Currency Exchange International (CXI) is highlighted as a major player in the US travel money market. CXI offers a Best Rate Guarantee, promising to match or beat exchange rates from local banks or airports. While currency can be ordered online and delivered the next day in some areas, exchange rates and fees are not displayed online, requiring users to sign up to obtain this information. It's also noted that exchange rates may vary between CXI branches.
Wise Card: The article introduces an innovative solution, the Wise Card, which allows users to spend and withdraw cash in Euros without the need to convert currency. It offers the mid-market exchange rate, avoiding unfavorable rates. The Wise Card is positioned as a convenient, low-cost alternative, particularly beneficial for international travel. It's emphasized that there's only a small conversion fee, or it's fee-free if you already have Euros in your account.
FAQs: The article addresses common questions, such as the cheapest way to get Euros in the US (comparing exchange rates and fees), the availability of Euros at the US Post Office (which is not offered), and the option to buy Euros from US banks, highlighting that many banks provide this service.
In conclusion, the information provided in this guide is intended to help readers make informed decisions about obtaining Euros in the US, considering factors like exchange rates, fees, and the convenience of various options. It is advisable to plan ahead and explore alternatives like the Wise Card for a more cost-effective and efficient solution.
