How to order yen from Bank of America

If you're traveling to Japan, it's a good idea to get yen before you go. Having local currency when you arrive means you won't have to search for ATMs or exchange offices, and you'll know exactly how much you're paying without worrying about surprise fees.

Bank of America has a foreign currency exchange service that allows customers to order yen online and in person.¹ Here's how to buy yen from Bank of America, and the important fees and limits you should be aware of.

Can you order yen from Bank of America?

Yes, you can get Japanese yen from Bank of America if you're a customer. The currency exchange process you need to follow depends on the type of account you have.

Checking and savings account holders can use Online Banking or the Mobile Banking App to order yen. If you only have a credit card, you must visit a financial center to place your order in person.¹

To pick up the yen, all customers must visit a financial center if they're ordering 1,000 USD or more. If you're ordering under 1,000 USD, Bank of America can ship the cash to your address of record (the address you used to open your account).¹

How to order yen from Bank of America: step by step

The process for ordering yen depends on the type of account you have with Bank of America.

If you have a checking or savings account:

1. Log into Online Banking or the Mobile Banking App
2. Navigate to the foreign currency section
3. Select yen and enter the amount you want to exchange
4. Choose your delivery method
5. Place your order

If you only have a credit card account, you must visit a Bank of America financial center and place your order with a banker. You'll need to bring a valid form of ID with you.¹

You can get the yen via a home delivery or pick it up at a financial center. Note that Bank of America only delivers to US addresses and won't ship to PO boxes or personal mailboxes.¹

You can't choose home delivery if:¹

• Your order is 1,000 USD or more
• Your Bank of America account is less than 30 days old
• You changed your address less than 30 days ago

If you're picking up your foreign currency at a financial center, you need to do it within 5 business days. After 5 business days, Bank of America will send your yen back to the Global Foreign Exchange and refund you (but the exchange rate may be different from the original transaction).²

Costs and fees of ordering yen from Bank of America

The cost of Bank of America's service is worked into the exchange rate you'll get when you place your order.

But you'll also need to pay shipping fees - even if you're picking up your order at a financial center. This is because Bank of America doesn't actually stock foreign currency there so they need to ship it in.

If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you'll get cheaper shipping and better exchange rates. Members get free standard shipping on all online and mobile app orders, saving you 7.50 USD. You also save up to 2% on the exchange rate.¹

What’s Bank of America's exchange rate?

An exchange rate tells you how much of one currency you get for another - in this case, how many yen you get for your USD. Like many other banks, Bank of America adds a markup to the exchange rate.¹

There's no fixed exchange rate for the Japanese yen. It changes depending on market conditions and Bank of America's desired profit margin. So it's important to check how much the bank is charging for the conversion and compare it with other providers.

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How long does it take to order yen from Bank of America?

Ordering is a quick process, but getting your yen takes 1 to 3 business days with standard shipping. If you're in Alaska or Hawaii, it can take an extra 2 to 3 business days to receive your foreign currency.²

With overnight delivery, your yen should get there the next business day (not guaranteed for Hawaii and Alaska).²

Keep in mind that if you place your order after 2 PM, your foreign currency won't ship until the next business day. There's also no shipping on weekends and holidays. So if you order yen after 2 PM on a Friday, the earliest you can get it is on Tuesday if you pay for overnight shipping.²

Ordering yen from Bank of America FAQs

What are the limits of ordering yen with Bank of America?

You can order up to 10,000 USD in foreign currency over 30 days, either as one purchase or multiple transactions. Your total order also can't be less than 100 USD.

If you're ordering multiple currencies, each currency must amount to at least 25 USD.³

Can you order foreign currency on the Bank of America app?

Yes, as long as you have a Bank of America checking or savings account. If you only have a credit card, you'll need to visit a financial center to place your order.

Does Bank of America charge to order foreign currency?

Bank of America charges you an exchange rate markup and shipping fees when you order foreign currency. You'll have to pay the shipping fees (if they apply) even if you pick up your order at a financial center.

Standard delivery (1 to 3 business days) costs 7.50 USD for orders under 1,000 USD. If your order is over 1,000 USD or if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member ordering foreign currency online or through the mobile app, you get standard shipping for free. Overnight delivery costs 20 USD.¹

Can you pay for your yen order with a credit or debit card?

When ordering online, you can only pay using your Bank of America checking or savings account. You can pay cash at a financial center if you're a relationship client.³

You can order yen at Bank of America if you're a customer, but expect to pay shipping fees and possibly visit your local financial center to place your order or get your cash. Bank of America also adds a markup to the currency exchange rate.

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