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Frequently Asked Questions

You can buy foreign currency online for Home Delivery or reserve foreign currency online for Branch Pick Up. Both offer a convenient way to order foreign currency at any time. Below are some helpful answers about ordering foreign currency for Home Delivery or Branch Pick Up from Currency Exchange International.

Reserving Foreign Currency Online For Branch Pick Up With CXI

Buying Foreign Currency Online For Home Delivery With CXI

Why should I take cash with me and not only take plastic like my credit and debit card when traveling internationally?

While credit and debit cards have continued to gain in use and acceptance internationally, it is simple to overlook the many times in your regular daily life you must use cash. In the United States, more than half of all transactions valued less than $50 are completed with cash. This is the same, if not more prevalent, while traveling around the world where local shops may allow for additional haggling or limited acceptance becomes an issue.

In other cases, we have seen customers come back to our branches with a smile saying they were happy they had the cash ready to go when they landed. Some just for the immediate convenience and others for peace of mind.

One scenario is that the traveler's bank or credit card issuer put a hold on their card for perceived possible fraudulent charges even after the customer had notified them of their trip. This is tough to deal with in different time-zones and hemispheres, not to mention navigating phone support. When this has occurred, our customers were prepared with cash in hand. Being stranded without a payment method outside of the U.S. is easily avoided by purchasing foreign currency.

What is an exchange rate and how does it work?

An exchange rate between two currencies is the price of a country's currency in relation to another currency (called a currency pair). An exchange rate thus has two components, the domestic currency and a foreign currency.

Currencies can be quoted either directly (how much 1 domestic currency unit, for example: $1USD is X amount of Euros, is worth in the foreign currency) or indirectly (how much 1 foreign currency unit, for example: 1 Euro is X amount of USD, is worth in the domestic currency).

What is the difference between an exchange rate for Home Delivery and an indication rate for Reservation?

Branch Pickup Reservations
Please note that the exchange rates at our branch are updated twice every weekday, at 8 AM and 4 PM EST. The rate you receive when you make the online reservation is the exchange rate (indication rate) of that day, so it is good for that day only. The exchange rate you pay will be that of the day when you actually pick up and pay for the currency. The indication rate gives you a good reference point as currency exchange rates typically move less than 3% day to day.

Home Delivery Orders
Please note that the exchange rates at our branch are updated twice every weekday, at 8 AM and 4 PM EST. Home Delivery Orders are paid for when you complete the online checkout at the exchange rate displayed. Home Delivery does not use indication rates.

Why are exchange rates at CXI, banks and airports different from what you see online and in newspapers?

This is one of the most common foreign currency exchange questions out there and it is easy to understand why. The rates posted online and in newspapers is what is called the interbank rate.

The currency market is a decentralized market where there isn't one exchange where every foreign currency exchange trade is recorded. Instead, each market maker records their own transactions and keeps it as proprietary information. The primary market makers who make bid and ask spreads in the currency market are the largest banks in the world. They deal with each other constantly, which is why the market on which banks conduct transactions is called the interbank market. This market contains deals done in the millions and billions of dollars and is not done in a public forum for others to participate in.

This means there is no central entity that governs currency exchange rates. The interbank market is a credit approved system where banks trade based on their credit relationship they share with each other. The larger the forex retail the more favorable pricing it can get from the interbank market.

CXI is unique in that it is a net buyer of foreign currency, the company-owned branches provide an influx of foreign currency that it can in turn make available for sale through its wholesale network relationships. This synergy effectively allows CXI to minimize the currency costs of buying and selling on the interbank market, affording CXI the ability to offer its customers and clients extremely competitive rates while providing its Best Rate Guarantee*.

What is the minimum/maximum I can order?

Branch Pickup Reservations
There are no limitations to the amount of currency a customer is able to reserve at a physical CXI branch. However, the website may only accept up to certain amounts. If you would like to reserve more than the website allows, you may call or go to the local CXI branch to place the reservation. If the customer decides to use debit or credit cards as their method of payment at CXI’s branch, they will be subject to the limitations outlined below.

  • Credit card transaction limit: $2,999.99 per person per day
  • Debit card transaction limit: $4,999.99 per person per day
  • You may split payments between multiple forms of payment

Home Delivery Orders
To qualify for Home Delivery, customers must order a minimum quantity of $100. The maximum that can be sent in one Home Delivery order is $2,999.99 US dollar (USD) worth of Foreign Currency. Additional limits may apply.

Why not exchange foreign currency at my destination country?

International travelers find that its easier and less stressful when they arrive to their destination country with cash in hand. At your destination, you have no easy way to know what your exchange rate or fees will be. Instead of enjoying your travel, you will need to search and shop around for the best rates or safest location. Most importantly, CXI is federally regulated by the Department of Treasury and provides a safe, secure way to exchange currency. Travelers love us - we're highly rated on Trustpilot.

What is CXI’s Best Rate Guarantee?

This guarantee means CXI's company-owned location will match or beat the exchange rate given by any local bank or airport for the same product and service on the same day and time of the exchange. If you find a better rate within the same city and on the same day as the CXI branch you plan to exchange with, notify the CXI branch. Our branch will confirm that the rate you present is for the same amount and currency as you plan to exchange with CXI. Once confirmed with the bank or airport, CXI will match or beat the given rate. This is only valid prior to an exchange and is not valid after an exchange has already been completed.

Best Rate Guarantee cannot be applied to online purchases for Home Delivery

Please note that the policies of affiliate-owned locations listed on our website may vary – please contact affiliate-owned locations at their listed phone number to confirm whether they offer this Best Rate Guarantee.

When do I pay for my currency?

Branch Pick Up Reservations
You will pay for your currency when you arrive to pick up the reservation at the branch you selected. We ask that you do not arrive sooner than the branch has advised to ensure we have the correct amount of currency at the branch. Cash, credit cards and debit cards are all acceptable forms of payment at all CXI locations.

Valid government identification is required for all credit and debit card transactions. Additional cost for credit card transactions apply.

  • Credit card transaction limit: $2,999.99.
  • Debit card transaction limit: $4,999.99.

Payments can be split between multiple payment types. Please be advised that your credit card company may categorize this transaction as a Cash Advance and apply their own fees. CXI has no control over how a credit card company categorizes these transactions.

Home Delivery Orders
When you place a Home Delivery order, you will pay during the online checkout. Payment will be authenticated and taken when you select the “Submit Payment” button on the Contact & Payment page of the online checkout cart. Home Delivery orders can be paid for with most major credit or debit cards issued in the United States registered in the correct name, associated address and with sufficient funds available to cover the order and any applicable fees. CXI does not accept international credit cards or prepaid credit cards. Customers attempting to pay with international credit cards or prepaid cards will automatically be denied by the website at checkout.

Please be advised that your credit card company may categorize this transaction as a Cash Advance and apply their own fees. CXI has no control over how a credit card company categorizes these transactions.

Why is my transaction amount rounding up?

Foreign currency transactions are rounded up to the nearest foreign currency banknote. For example, if you were purchasing euros, your calculation would be rounded up to the next multiple of 5 euro, since that is the smallest paper denomination of euro (smaller denominations of euro are coins and CXI does not exchange foreign coins online).

Can I order specific denominations of foreign currency?

At this time, we do not allow denominations to be requested for Home Delivery or In Branch Reservations as availability can vary. We will ship orders in a best fit scenario.

Is it safe to order foreign currency online?

CXI is proud to provide its customers a secure platform to purchase their currency. We provide for the security of our users by enabling the encryption of data transmitted between Currency Exchange International, Corp and your browser during an SSL/TLS encrypted session. For more information on our online security measures click here.

How does currency reservation work?

First, select your desired currency and a branch location for pick up. On the Cart page, enter how much of that currency you want to reserve (an indication rate will be used for your reference) or the USD equivalent. If you want to add another currency select “Add New Currency” and enter the amount for this as well. Once you have all of the currencies you’d like to reserve, select “Proceed to Checkout”. You will now enter your contact information and select “Reserve Currency”. You will see a confirmation of your order and a confirmation will be sent to your provided email address. CXI's representative will contact with you and confirm when the reserved order will be available for pick up. You will pay for the order when you pick up the reserved currency.

When will CXI contact me about my reservation?

CXI will respond to your currency reservation within one business day (weekdays excluding holidays) with the availability of your currency.

How do I convert my foreign currency to U.S. dollars (USD)?

Branch Pick Up Reservations
There is no need to reserve USD. You can exchange your foreign currency into USD at any CXI branch at any time. We ask that if you do have a large amount of currency, then call ahead to ensure a smooth process upon your arrival.

Home Delivery Orders
At this time, CXI requires all exchanges from foreign currency to USD to be done in person at one of our 30+ retail branches. To find a CXI location near you, click here.

What do I do with the foreign currency I bought at CXI when I get back from my trip?

If you are returning with foreign currency, CXI will be happy to exchange it back to USD at one of our 30+ retail branches. To find a CXI location near you, click here. . The rate will be the buyback exchange rate of the day you bring in the foreign currency. Don't forget it's also covered by our Best Rate Guarantee.

Does CXI exchange foreign coins?

CXI now exchanges the following coins at our branch locations*:

  • 1 & 2 EUR
  • 1 & 2 CAD
  • 1 & 2 GBP
  • 10 & 20 MXN

Unfortunately, CXI cannot sell or buy any foreign coins not listed above at any of its branches. We always recommend using any other foreign coins to pay for any of your last meals or snacks because it will be extremely difficult to get rid of the coins at a good value otherwise. If you do have any other left over foreign coins, you can donate them to the UNICEF Change For Good program. Please note that CXI buys and sells foreign coins at a lesser rate compared to banknotes.

*To help reduce lines and wait times for all customers, all foreign coins must be sorted prior to them coming to the branch to exchange them.

Can I cancel my order?

Branch Pick Up Reservations
If for any reason you need to cancel your order, please contact the branch that you selected via phone or email. Our branch manager will be happy to assist you.

Home Delivery Orders
Due to the inherent volatility of the value of foreign currency and security of the shipment, Home Delivery order details cannot be changed once you have submitted the order. If you have placed an order for Home Delivery, this order can be cancelled (voided) as long as your order has not been marked as processed, and we will refund you the full amount you paid for your order, excluding any applicable card issuer charges. These card issuer charges are separate to any charges made by CXI and as such, are levied directly by your credit card or debit card issuer. CXI, at its discretion, reserves the right to apply a cancellation charge up to the value of $40 per order.

Home Delivery orders cannot be cancelled after the order has been marked as processed. For more information please refer to our Cancellation Policy in our Terms and Conditions

What are CXI's fees?

Branch Pick Up Reservations
CXI has a tiered exchange fee based on the total USD value of the currency exchange transaction:
$0 - $199.99 = $3 fee
$200 - $499.99 = $5 fee
$500 and over = $10 fee

Home Delivery Orders
Order $1,000 or more to receive for an easy, no fee order that includes overnight delivery!

For orders that are smaller in value, CXI has to cover our process and handling costs with a small order fee. The small order fee is based on the total USD value of the currency exchange transaction:
$100 - $199.99 = $10 small order fee
$200 - $299.99 = $5 small order fee
$300 and over = $0 (no) small order fee

CXI ships your order the safest, most secure way with adult signature required for all Home Delivery orders. You can select from the shipping types: 2 Day (2 business days), Standard Overnight (next business day), and Priority Overnight (next business day) shipping. There is no shipping fee for 2 Day shipping and Standard Overnight shipping on transactions $1,000 in USD value or more. For transactions less than $1,000 in USD value, 2 Day shipping is a $15 shipping fee. Standard Overnight shipping is a $30 shipping fee. Priority Overnight shipping for a $40 shipping fee on transactions of any value.

Home Delivery orders can be paid for with most major credit or debit cards issued in the United States registered in the correct name, associated address and with sufficient funds available to cover the order and any applicable fees. CXI does not accept international credit cards or prepaid credit cards. Customers attempting to pay with international credit cards or prepaid cards will automatically be denied by the website at checkout.

How are Home Delivery packages delivered?

All Home Delivery orders are sent by either FedEx, UPS, or another CXI selected carrier. Deliveries are made only to a valid home or business address location and cannot be sent to P.O. Boxes. The home or business address used for shipping must match the credit card or debit card used to pay for the order. Please note that delivery times may vary.

1. All Home Deliveries require a signature by an individual that is 21 years of age or older and be able to present a government-issued photo identification at the delivery address. If no one is at the address, the carrier may reattempt delivery up to three times. For additional details regarding the shipping and regulations for FedEx, please click here and for UPS, please click here.

How long does it take to ship Home Delivery orders and when is the same day shipping cut-off time?

Home Delivery foreign currency orders received before 3 PM EST will be processed that day and use the shipping type selected in the order. Orders received after 3 PM on weekdays or on weekends will be processed the following business day.

CXI offers three shipping types: 2 Day, Standard Overnight, and Priority Overnight (see fees section for costs):

  • 2 Day is delivery in two business day by 8 PM to residences.
  • Priority Overnight is delivery the next business day by noon or 4:30 PM to residences and some rural areas.
  • Standard Overnight is delivery the next business day by 8 PM to residences.

Delivery times are subject to delays and changes based on the carrier. See more details at: FedEx Service Guide and UPS Service Guide

Can you deliver to a P.O. box for Home Delivery?

All currency must be sent to a residential or business address. This address must match the credit card's billing address. Packages require a signature by an individual that is 21 years of age or older and be able to present a government-issued photo identification at the time of delivery, so no delivery to a P.O. box is permitted.

Do you ship to my state?

Please note that Home Delivery orders of Foreign Currency are restricted to the following select states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

We expect additional states to be added in the near future.

What if no one is home to sign for the package?

If no one is at the address, FedEx, UPS, or another CXI selected carrier may reattempt delivery up to three times. For additional details regarding the shipping and regulations for FedEx, please click here and for UPS, please click here

Why I received the message at checkout that CXI is unable to process my order online?

As a Money Services Business ('MSB'), Currency Exchange International, Corp. is required to screen transactions against watchlists to remain compliant with federal regulations to ensure our service is not being utilized by those engaged in money laundering, terrorist financing or other criminal activities. At times, this means we may not be able to move forward with your transaction using our OnlineFX website. If you receive an error message at checkout, you'll need to utilize our branch pick-up option or purchase in-person at one of our locations where in-person verification of your identity may occur.

Who can I contact with additional questions?

Branch Pick Up Reservations
For specific questions, call your local CXI branch or use the Contact Us link and fill out the contact form with your inquiry.

Home Delivery Orders
For specific questions, contact customer support at 1-888-839-8298 (Monday to Friday 8 AM to 7 PM, Saturday 8 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday 11 AM to 8 PM ET) or use the Contact Us link, select "Home Delivery Order", and fill out the contact form with your inquiry. Please do not submit payment information or passwords in the form.

How long will the branch keep my currency reservation?

The branch will keep your currency on hand for 7 business days before putting it back into inventory. If you will not be able to pick it up within 7 business days, please call your local CXI branch.