Most U.S. bank branches do not have euros on hand for same-day pickup. If you walk in without calling ahead, you will usually be asked to place an order and come back in a few business days to collect the cash. The main exceptions are flagship branches in large cities and bank locations inside international airports, which sometimes stock euros and other common currencies for walk-in customers.
So the practical answer depends on where you bank and where that branch sits. A downtown branch in a major metro or an airport banking desk is worth calling first. A suburban or small-town branch almost certainly will not have physical euros in the vault and will need to order them.
Branches That May Stock Euros for Walk-Ins
A few kinds of locations are more likely to keep euros available immediately:
- Flagship branches in major cities, which serve frequent international travelers and business clients.
- Bank branches inside international airports, which expect a steady flow of departing travelers.
- Dedicated foreign exchange counters at large transit hubs, operated by banks or currency providers.
Even at these locations, supply is limited. Call ahead if you need a specific amount, especially anything larger than a few hundred euros.
How to Order Euros From Your Bank
If your branch doesn’t carry euros, you can place an order through the bank’s online portal, mobile app, by phone, or at a teller window. The bank fills the order from a central cash vault or a third-party currency provider and ships the currency to your branch. Delivery typically takes two to seven business days, and less common currencies or remote branches may take longer.1Wells Fargo. Foreign Currency Cash Questions Order at least a week before you leave to leave room for delays.
You will get a notification by email or phone when the euros arrive. Return to the branch during regular hours with the same ID you used to place the order, verify your identity again, and sign a receipt for the amount and denominations you received.
Euro banknotes come in seven denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, and €500.2Banco de España. Euro Banknotes Most banks let you request small, large, or mixed denominations, though specific bills are subject to availability.3Bank of America. Placing a Foreign Currency Order FAQs Orders are usually rounded to the nearest €5, since that is the smallest euro banknote; anything below €5 exists only as coins. A mix of €5s, €10s, and €20s is practical for tipping, transit, and small purchases on arrival, because many European merchants are reluctant to break large bills.
What You’ll Need to Buy Euros
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID such as a passport or driver’s license. Most banks limit foreign currency exchange to existing account holders, and you’ll provide your name, taxpayer identification number, and the account the funds should be debited from.4eCFR. 31 CFR 1022.410 – Additional Records to Be Made and Retained by Dealers in Foreign Exchange
If your exchange involves more than $10,000 in currency, the bank files a Currency Transaction Report with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network.5eCFR. 31 CFR 1010.311 – Filing Obligations for Reports of Transactions in Currency This is a routine reporting step under the Bank Secrecy Act and creates no tax or legal issue for you.6Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 31 USC 5311 – Declaration of Purpose
What It Costs
Banks make money on currency exchange mainly through the spread, the gap between the mid-market rate and the rate they offer you. At most banks the spread runs about two to four percent. Many also charge a flat service fee, commonly $5 to $15, though some waive it for premium account holders or for orders above a certain size. A delivery fee of around $7.50 may apply if your order falls below a minimum threshold.3Bank of America. Placing a Foreign Currency Order FAQs
Airport currency exchange kiosks are much more expensive. Markups of 8 to 17 percent above the mid-market rate are common, making them one of the costliest ways to get euros. If you have time to order through your bank first, you will almost always come out ahead.
Cheaper or Faster Alternatives
Ordering through your bank isn’t the only option, and for many trips it isn’t the cheapest.
- Foreign ATMs in Europe often give an exchange rate close to the mid-market rate. Expect a foreign transaction fee of one to three percent plus whatever the ATM operator charges. Some checking accounts waive foreign transaction fees, which can make ATM withdrawals abroad one of the cheapest ways to get euros. When the ATM offers to convert the amount to U.S. dollars for you, decline and let your own bank handle the conversion.
- A credit card with no foreign transaction fees avoids conversion costs on purchases almost entirely. You don’t get physical cash, but you’ll pay close to the mid-market rate on everything you charge.
- Credit unions often exchange currency at competitive rates, with flat fees of $10 to $20 on smaller orders, and some waive fees altogether. Membership is typically required.
- Airport kiosks are convenient but costly. Use them only as a last resort.
A common approach: order a small amount of euros from your bank before the trip for taxi fare, a meal, and transit tickets on arrival, then rely on a no-foreign-transaction-fee card for the rest.
Selling Back Leftover Euros
Most banks will buy back unused euro banknotes and credit U.S. dollars to your account.3Bank of America. Placing a Foreign Currency Order FAQs The rate is less favorable than the one you got buying them, because the spread applies in both directions. Some banks charge the same flat fee on sell-backs; others waive it. Coins can’t be exchanged at most banks, so spend those before leaving Europe. For small amounts of leftover bills, the fee may eat most of the value, and it can make more sense to save them for a future trip.
One Thing to Know Before Traveling With Cash
If you carry more than $10,000 in currency or other monetary instruments into or out of the United States, you must report it on FinCEN Form 105 at the port of entry or departure.7Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 31 USC 5316 – Reports on Exporting and Importing Monetary Instruments The threshold applies to the combined total across all currencies, cash, traveler’s checks, and money orders.8Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. FinCEN Form 105 – Report of International Transportation of Currency or Monetary Instruments Carrying that much is legal; failing to report it is not, and the currency can be seized.9Office of the Law Revision Counsel. 31 USC 5317 – Search and Forfeiture of Monetary Instruments The rule applies only to physical transport across U.S. borders, not to electronic transfers.