How to Get Euros in the US: Best Rates & Avoiding Fees (2025 Guide)

So you're heading to Europe? Awesome. But that excitement can vanish real quick when you start thinking about how to get euros in the US. Suddenly you're drowning in options: banks, airports, online services... which one won't leave you with barely enough cash for a croissant? I've been there. Got burned at an airport kiosk once (never again!), and learned the hard way that not all methods are created equal. Let's cut through the noise.

Why You Should Care About Where You Get Your Euros

Getting euros isn't just about getting cash. It's about getting value. The difference between the best and worst ways to get euros in the US can easily be 10%, 15%, even 20% of your hard-earned dollars. That’s lunch in Paris, or a museum entry, gone. Poof. Just because you picked the wrong spot. Think hidden fees, terrible exchange rates, delivery charges... they add up fast.

Your Main Options for Getting Euros Stateside

Alright, let's get practical. Here's the lowdown on where you can actually get euros in the US before you hop on that plane. I'll be honest about the pros, the cons, and the downright ugly.

Your Local Bank Branch (The Classic Route)

This is where most people start. You walk into your familiar bank and ask for euros. Simple, right? Sometimes. Big banks like Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo usually offer this service. But here's the catch:

• Pros: It's familiar. Secure. You get physical cash immediately if they have it on hand.
• Cons: Often requires ordering days in advance (like 1-3 business days). Fees can be sneaky – sometimes a flat fee ($5-$15), sometimes baked into a poor exchange rate. Smaller banks or credit unions might not even offer euros.

My experience? I tried this with my old regional bank. Had to order $500 worth of euros five days ahead. Paid a $10 fee. The exchange rate? Let's just say it wasn't the one I saw on Google Finance that morning. Not the worst, but far from the best.

Online Currency Exchange Services (The Savvy Saver)

This is where things get interesting. Companies like Wise (formerly TransferWise), Revolut, and CurrencyFair specialize in moving money across borders. They've seriously shaken up how to get euros in the US.

• Pros: Usually offer the best exchange rates – much closer to the real mid-market rate you see online. Fees are typically transparent and lower than banks or airports. Convenient delivery to your home or a local pickup point.
• Cons: Requires planning (order 1-3 days ahead). Need to trust an online provider (stick with reputable names!). Delivery fees apply if shipped to home.

Seriously. Wise has saved me a bundle over the years. Their fee structure is clear, and their rate is usually within 0.5% of the real rate. Compare that to the airport's 10%+ markup!

*Revolut charges a small markup on weekends and above certain monthly free limits.

See that Travelex rate markup? Ouch. That's airport convenience for you.

Airport Kiosks (The Last Resort Zone)

Desperate times call for desperate measures? Maybe. Places like Travelex or ICE dominate airport terminals. You can get euros in the US here, but... brace yourself.

• Pros: Unbeatable convenience if you forgot cash. Open late/early for flights.
• Cons: Hands down the worst exchange rates and highest fees. Seriously predatory. You'll lose significantly more money.

Personal story time: Rushed to catch a flight to Amsterdam, forgot euros. Changed $200 at a Travelex in JFK. The rate was so bad, plus a $9.99 "service fee," I got about €155. Online, I should have gotten closer to €180. I paid over $45 extra for that "convenience." Never. Again.

Warning: Avoid airport kiosks unless it's a literal emergency. The cost is astronomically high.

Using Your Credit or Debit Card Abroad (The Plastic Solution)

Getting physical euros isn't the only way. Often, using a card is smarter and safer.

• Pros: Convenience & security (no carrying wads of cash). Potentially good rates if you have the right card.
• Cons: Not everywhere takes cards (small shops, markets). Risk of foreign transaction fees (often 3% per purchase!). Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) scams.

Not all cards are equal for this:

• The Good: Cards specifically advertising no foreign transaction fees (like Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve, Capital One Venture/Venture X, many travel credit cards, and some debit cards from Charles Schwab, Fidelity, Revolut, Wise). These use the Visa/Mastercard network rate, which is usually excellent.
• The Bad: Standard bank debit/credit cards almost always tack on that 3% fee. Killer.

Pro Tip: Always, ALWAYS choose to pay in the local currency (Euros) when prompted at a terminal or online NEVER choose USD ("Dynamic Currency Conversion"). DCC offers a terrible rate and extra fees. It's a rip-off dressed up as a "service".

ATMs Abroad (The Post-Arrival Strategy)

Many frequent travelers skip getting euros before leaving and just hit an ATM when they land. This can be smart... if done correctly.

• Pros: Generally good exchange rates (using the Visa/Mastercard network rate). ATMs are everywhere in Europe.
• Cons: Your bank might charge foreign ATM fees + foreign transaction fees. The ATM operator might charge its own fee. Daily withdrawal limits. Finding a fee-free ATM takes research.

The key is using a debit card that reimburses ATM fees globally and charges NO foreign transaction fees. The undisputed champion here is the Charles Schwab Investor Checking account. They refund all ATM fees worldwide, anywhere, no limits, and charge no foreign fees. Fidelity Cash Management Account is another good option, though fee reimbursement specifics vary slightly. Revolut and Wise debit cards are also strong contenders.

Big Mistakes People Make When Getting Euros (How to Avoid Them)

Okay, knowing how to get euros in the US is half the battle. Avoiding these common traps seals the deal.

• Assuming Your Bank is Best: They're often not! Always check their rate against the mid-market rate (Google "USD to EUR") and factor in fees.
• Using Airport Kiosks (Unless Truly Desperate): Seriously, just don't.
• Not Checking Card Fees: That 3% foreign transaction fee on every purchase adds up shockingly fast. Get a no-fee card.
• Falling for DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion): Paying in Euros at the terminal is always cheaper than letting the merchant convert to USD for you.
• Getting Too Much Cash: Carrying large amounts is risky. Get enough for initial costs (transport, tips, small purchases) and use your fee-free card or ATMs for the rest.
• Forgetting to Order in Advance: Banks and online services need lead time. Don't leave it until the day before!

Your Action Plan: How to Get Euros Smartly

Here's my battle-tested strategy based on years of trial, error, and saving money:

FAQs: Your Burning Questions on Getting Euros Answered

Can I get euros at my local bank without ordering?

Sometimes, but it's a gamble. Large branches of major banks (like downtown Chase or BoA) might keep some euros on hand, especially common denominations. Smaller branches? Very unlikely. Always call ahead. Even if they do, their walk-in rate might be worse than if you ordered. Planning ahead is always better when figuring out how to get euros in the US.

Where can I get euros today?

*Sigh*. This is tough for good value. Your realistic options are limited and usually costly:

• Airport Kiosks: Available, but expect horrific rates and fees (like losing 10-15%). Only for emergencies.
• Some Major Banks (Downtown Branches): Call around frantically. If they have stock, you might get it, but expect a less favorable rate than pre-order.
• Currency Exchange Bureaus in Big Cities: Places like American Express Travel Offices (in some cities) or independent bureaus. Rates vary wildly, often still bad. Call first!

Is it cheaper to get euros in the US or in Europe?

Generally, using a fee-free card abroad or withdrawing euros from a bank ATM in Europe using a fee-free debit card is the absolute cheapest. You get the Visa/Mastercard network rate, which is excellent. Getting physical euros in the US before you go can be cost-effective only if you use a top online service like Wise and avoid delivery fees. Getting euros in the US via banks or, heaven forbid, airports, is almost always more expensive than getting them wisely in Europe. Bottom line: Use your cards smartly over there!

How much cash should I get before going?

Opinions vary, but I recommend €100-€300 per person, depending on the trip length and type. Focus on smaller bills (€5, €10, €20). Why?

• Cover immediate arrival expenses (taxi/bus, maybe a snack, tipping porters).
• Handle small purchases where cards aren't accepted (street food, tiny shops, public toilets!).
• Have a backup if a card glitches.

What's the best travel card for Europe?

Trick question! You should ideally carry two:

1. A No-Foreign-Transaction-Fee Credit Card: For most purchases (protection, points). Top picks: Chase Sapphire Preferred (good points), Capital One Venture X (premium travel perks), or simple no-annual-fee cards like Capital One Quicksilver or Bank of America Travel Rewards.
2. A No-Fee Debit Card with ATM Fee Reimbursement: For cash withdrawals. The king is Charles Schwab Investor Checking. Runners-up: Fidelity Cash Management Account, Revolut debit card, Wise debit card.

What are the current exchange rates? Where do I find them?

The "real" rate is the mid-market rate, used in global trading. You won't get this exact rate anywhere as a consumer, but it's the benchmark. Check it on:

• Google (Search "USD to EUR")
• XE.com
• Reuters or Bloomberg (financial sites)

Key Takeaways: Mastering the Euro Hunt

Alright, let's wrap this up. How do you get euros in the US smartly? Remember these core truths:

• Plan Ahead is Rule #1: Last-minute options are universally terrible. Give yourself a week.
• Online is King for Pre-Trip Cash: Services like Wise and Revolut consistently offer the best rates and transparency for physical euros before you fly. Avoid Travelex Online unless airport pickup is your only option.
• Your Bank is Often NOT Your Friend: Banks frequently offer mediocre rates and hidden fees. Always compare!
• Airport Kiosks are Highway Robbery: Seriously, use them only in utter desperation. The cost is astronomical.
• Cards Are Crucial (The RIGHT Ones): Get a no-foreign-fee credit card AND a fee-free ATM debit card (like Charles Schwab). They are your primary weapons abroad.
• ATM Withdrawal in Europe Rocks (With the Right Card): Using a fee-free debit card at a European BANK ATM is often the absolute cheapest way overall to get euros. This bypasses the entire "get euros in the US" hassle.
• Cash is for Small Stuff: Get enough for initial arrival and incidentals (€100-€300). Use cards for everything else. Don't carry your life savings in cash.
• DCC is a Scam: ALWAYS choose to pay in EUROS on foreign terminals. Reject the USD conversion offer.

Figuring out how to get euros in the US boils down to avoiding laziness and desperation. A little research and planning saves you serious money – money much better spent on pastries in Paris, pasta in Rome, or beer in Berlin. Have an amazing trip!