Currency exchange in Chicago: 5 places to compare

Looking for currency exchange in Chicago? Whether you're buying foreign cash before a trip or converting banknotes into US dollars, the right option depends on your currency, timing and total cost.

Chicago has specialist exchange offices, airport counters and bank-order services. But an advertised exchange rate does not show the whole price. Before you hand over cash, compare the amount you'll receive after any commission, service fee or exchange-rate markup.

Quick action: Check the mid-market exchange rate with Wise before you request quotes. It gives you a neutral benchmark for comparing the rates offered by Chicago providers. The rate available for a cash exchange will usually differ, so compare the final amount rather than the headline rate alone.

Currency exchange in Chicago: quick comparison

Rates, fees, inventory and hours can change. Contact the provider before making a special trip, especially if you need a less commonly stocked currency or a large amount.

How to compare Chicago currency exchange options

Different foreign exchange companies will offer you different exchange rates. A provider may charge an upfront fee, build a margin into its exchange rate, or use both.

Use this simple process to compare quotes:

1. Check the mid-market rate for your currency pair.
2. Ask each provider how much currency you will receive for the same amount of money.
3. Confirm every commission, service fee, card fee and delivery or reservation charge.
4. Divide the amount you pay by the amount you receive to find the effective rate.
5. Check whether the quote is locked and, if so, for how long.
6. Ask whether identification, an account relationship or advance ordering is required.

The provider offering the most foreign currency after all costs may not be the one advertising the lowest fee. A "no commission" message does not necessarily mean there is no exchange-rate markup.

Where to exchange currency in Chicago

1. Currency Exchange International at The Shops at North Bridge

Currency Exchange International has a branch at 520 N Michigan Avenue in The Shops at North Bridge. Its official branch page lists the current address, phone number, hours and online reservation option.¹

This location may suit you if you want a central branch and the ability to reserve foreign cash before pickup. The branch page shows which currencies can be ordered, but stock and rates can change. Confirm the pickup instructions, accepted payment method and final amount before placing an order.

2. World's Money Exchange in the Loop

World's Money Exchange is listed by the 203 N LaSalle building as a foreign-currency service on the concourse level. The building directory lists weekday hours and a phone number.²

This can be a practical downtown option for people working or staying in the Loop. Call ahead before visiting: ask whether the business buys, sells or does both for your currency, whether it accepts only banknotes, and whether it has enough stock for your transaction.

3. Seaway Bank currency exchange at O'Hare

Chicago O'Hare International Airport lists Seaway Bank foreign-exchange counters in its terminals. The airport says the service buys and sells more than 200 currencies but does not handle coins, and it publishes counter locations and hours on its banking page.³

Airport exchange can be useful when time matters more than price, but convenience does not tell you whether a quote is competitive. Check the mid-market rate, ask for the full cash amount you will receive and call ahead to confirm the correct terminal counter is open.

If you only need a small amount for immediate expenses, compare the cost of exchanging a limited sum at the airport to withdrawing cash after arrival. Your card issuer and the ATM operator may each charge fees, so neither option is automatically cheaper.

4. Order foreign currency through Chase

Chase says existing customers can order more than 50 currencies at a branch. Its current instructions say to visit a branch at least three business days before departure and allow one to two business days for pickup. Chase also says an existing customer relationship and identification are required.⁴

This option can work if you already bank with Chase and can plan ahead. Ask the branch for the rate, any fee, the minimum or maximum order, and the policy for selling unused paper currency back after your trip.

5. Order through a participating U.S. Bank branch

U.S. Bank lists foreign-currency service at its 6100 N Northwest Highway Chicago branch. The branch page says the service is for customers with an eligible U.S. Bank checking, savings or money market account; buyers order online for branch pickup, generally in one to two business days.⁵

If another U.S. Bank location is more convenient, verify that it participates before ordering. Availability, lead time and accepted currencies can vary.

Does every Chicago "currency exchange" handle foreign cash?

No. In Illinois, the words "currency exchange" often appear on storefronts that focus on services such as check cashing, money orders, bill payment or vehicle registration. Foreign banknote exchange may be available only at selected locations.

Before visiting any neighborhood location, ask these questions:

• Do you buy or sell the currency I need?
• Is the currency in stock today, or must it be ordered?
• Do you accept foreign banknotes, and in which denominations?
• Do you accept coins, damaged notes or older banknote series?
• What amount will I receive after every fee?
• What identification and payment methods do you accept?

Do not rely on a business name or map category alone. A two-minute call can prevent a wasted trip.

Is it better to use a Chicago exchange office, a bank or an ATM?

There is no universal winner. The better option depends on the total cost and what you need the money for.

When an overseas ATM or merchant offers to charge you in your home currency, that is dynamic currency conversion. Mastercard describes it as a choice between the local currency and your billing currency, with the conversion rate supplied by the merchant's provider when you choose your billing currency.⁶ Review both options and the disclosed fees before accepting. You can also read our guide to ATMs in the United States for more planning tips.

How much foreign cash should you exchange?

Think about what you actually expect to pay in cash: transport from the airport, tips, small purchases and any cash-only businesses. Cards are widely accepted in many destinations, but local habits and acceptance vary.

Avoid converting your whole travel budget simply because cash is available. Carrying a large amount of cash can add theft and loss risk, while exchanging unused money back creates another conversion where the rate or fees may work against you.

If you do return with foreign banknotes, compare the provider's buy-back rate. Spend leftover coins where practical or keep them for another trip, because many services do not accept foreign coins.

Using Wise as a digital alternative to cash exchange

If you need to send money to a bank account rather than buy physical cash, compare an international transfer with the cash options above. Wise shows the exchange rate, transfer fee and amount expected to reach the recipient before you confirm a transfer. The exact cost and delivery estimate depend on the currencies, amount and payment method.

US consumer guidance for international transfers says providers generally show the exchange rate, fees and taxes, and recipient amount before payment.⁷ Compare those figures across providers rather than focusing on one fee in isolation.

See the rate, fees and recipient amount for a Wise transfer. Check the live quote and route availability for your transaction before deciding.

If you're arriving in Chicago from abroad, you may also want to read our guide to money, banks, ATMs and currency exchange in the United States.

Currency exchange Chicago FAQs

Where can I exchange currency in Chicago?

Current options include Currency Exchange International on North Michigan Avenue, World's Money Exchange on North LaSalle Street, Seaway Bank counters at O'Hare, and advance-order services for eligible customers at participating bank branches. Confirm inventory, hours and total cost before visiting.

Does O'Hare Airport have currency exchange?

Yes. O'Hare's official banking page lists Seaway Bank foreign-exchange counters across the airport terminals. Locations and hours vary, so check the page and call ahead before relying on a specific counter.³

Where can I get euros or pesos in Chicago?

Start with a specialist office or an eligible bank-order service and ask whether euros or Mexican pesos are available on the day you need them. For less common currencies or larger orders, reserve in advance. Compare the final amount after fees against the mid-market rate.

Can I exchange foreign coins in Chicago?

Policies vary, but many services accept banknotes only. O'Hare's official page specifically says its Seaway Bank exchange service does not buy or sell coins.³ Call before visiting any other provider with foreign coins.

What is the cheapest place to exchange currency in Chicago?

There is no single provider that is cheapest for every currency, amount and day. Request like-for-like quotes, include all fees and compare the final amount you will receive. If you need a bank-account transfer rather than cash, compare the live digital-transfer cost as a separate option.

Should I exchange money before going to O'Hare?

If you have time, comparing downtown offices and eligible bank-order services can give you more choices. If you use an airport counter for convenience, confirm its hours and currency stock and compare the total cost before exchanging.

Sources:

1. CXI The Shops at North Bridge - Currency Exchange in Chicago, IL
2. 203 N LaSalle retail services and foreign currency
3. Foreign currency exchange and banking at O'Hare
4. Chase foreign currency exchange services
5. U.S. Bank 6100 N Northwest Hwy branch services
6. Mastercard Dynamic Currency Conversion Guide
7. CFPB: Send money abroad with more confidence

Sources last checked on 08.24.2026