The best places to get Euros in the USA: Full guide

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 Multi-Currency Card.

The Wise Multi-Currency 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.

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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 Multi-Currency 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 Multi-Currency 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 Multi-Currency 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.

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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 Multi-Currency 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 Multi-Currency 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.