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.
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.
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).
Branch Pickup Reservations
Please note that the exchange rates at our branch are updated twice every weekday. 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. Home Delivery Orders are paid for when you complete the online checkout at the exchange rate displayed. Home Delivery does not use indication rates.
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*.
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.
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 dollars (USD) worth of Foreign Currency. Additional limits may apply.
International travelers find that it's 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 the Treasury and provides a safe, secure way to exchange currency. Travelers love us - we're highly rated on Trustpilot.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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 branch 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.
CXI will respond to your currency reservation within 24 hours Monday - Friday (excluding holidays) with the availability of your currency.
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.
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.
CXI now exchanges the following coins at our branch locations*:
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.
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 canceled (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 canceled after the order has been marked as processed. For more information please refer to our Cancellation Policy in our Terms and Conditions
Branch Pick Up Reservations
CXI has a tiered exchange fee based on the total USD value of the currency exchange transaction in most areas:
$0 - $199.99 = $3 fee
$200 - $499.99 = $5 fee
$500 and over = $10 fee
CXI has no exchange fees at our California, Massachusetts, and Virginia company-owned locations.
Home Delivery Orders
CXI has no exchange fees for home delivery orders. Order $1,000 USD or more to receive free shipping on 2 Day delivery!
CXI ships your order the safest, most secure way with adult signature required for qualifying 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 on transactions $1,000 in USD value or more. For transactions less than $1,000 in USD value, 2 Day shipping is a $17 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.
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. Qualifying 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.
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):
Delivery times are subject to delays and changes based on the carrier. See more details at: FedEx Service Guide and UPS Service Guide
All currency must be sent to a residential or business address. This address must match the credit card's billing address. Qualifying 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.
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, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, 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.
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
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.
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.
The branch will keep your currency on hand for 5 business days before putting it back into inventory. If you will not be able to pick it up within 5 business days, please call your local CXI branch.
For branch pick-up orders, you must present one of the following valid government-issued photo ID:
Transactions Totaling $750+ USD
Driver’s License/State ID Card
Passport
US Passport Card
US Military ID
US Permanent Resident ID (Green Card)
Trusted Traveler Card1
Transactions Totaling $1,000+ USD
US Passport
US Passport Card and SSN2
US Driver’s License/State ID Card and SSN2
US Military ID and SSN2
US Citizen Trusted Traveler Card1 and SSN2
US Permanent Resident ID (Green Card) and SSN2
Foreign Passport
Foreign Citizen Trusted Traveler Card1
All transactions totaling $3,000 USD or more will require additional information.
1Trusted Traveler Card: Global Entry Card, NEXUS Card, or SENTRI Card
2SSN is the number only - not the card.
For Credit Card and Debit Card transactions, CXI verifies the customer’s name on the card matches a government-issued photo ID and retains ID information such as date of birth.
If you are unsure whether your ID meets the requirements, please confirm with us ahead of your pickup. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in keeping our services secure and compliant.
CXI strictly complies with applicable state and federal regulations, which require us to collect this information. This process is necessary for us to prevent possible money laundering, funding of terrorism, and fraud. Your information is encrypted and kept confidential. Any questions or concerns regarding our compliance policies or procedures can be directed to the compliance department at 888-998-3948.
If you are ever contacted with a request to return foreign currency or provide personal information related to your order, please exercise caution. These types of requests may be fraudulent. For your safety, only respond to communications that you have verified through our official customer service channels. If you receive a suspicious message, contact us directly at 1-888-839-8298. You can also reach us through our General Support Chat or use the Contact Us link and fill out the contact form with your inquiry. We are committed to protecting your security and appreciate your vigilance.