
JFK Airport has multiple currency exchange locations, including Travelex and Currency Exchange International, which are open 24/7.
You can exchange currency at the airport, but be aware that rates may be less favorable than those offered by local banks or online services.
The currency exchange rate at JFK Airport is determined by the interbank rate, which is the wholesale rate at which banks trade currencies.
The airport's currency exchange offices typically charge a commission fee, which can range from 1-5% of the transaction amount.
Currency Exchange at JFK
At JFK Airport, the most purchased currencies vary by branch, but Travelex North America CEO James Hewitt notes that in their New York JFK branches, the Pound, Euro, and most Caribbean and Latin American national currencies are prevalent.
You can find a wide range of currencies at JFK Airport, including the Euro, US Dollar, and Japanese Yen, which are among the most purchased currencies in the UK and Ireland.

Travelex has over 100 currencies in their secure vaults at JFK Airport, so you can rest assured that you'll be able to find the currency you need for your trip.
Whether you're heading to Europe, the Caribbean, or Latin America, you can count on Travelex to have the currency you need, and they can even ship it to your home or office overnight if needed.
For your interest: Do You Need to Exchange Currency in Canada
Understanding Exchange Rates
Exchange rates can be tricky, but the mid-market exchange rate is the one to look out for, as it's the rate you'll see on Google or with a currency converter tool.
The exchange rate you get makes a big difference to the overall costs of your travel money, and airport exchange services often have less favorable rates than those in city exchanges.
The exchange rate is the mathematical rate of one currency to another, dictating how much foreign currency you'll get for each unit of your local currency.
For another approach, see: Capital One Foreign Exchange Rate
Rates and Costs
Exchange rates can be tricky, but understanding how they work can save you money on your travels. The exchange rate you get makes a big difference to the overall costs of your travel money. Generally, the rates offered when you exchange money at airports can be less favourable than those you'd get in a city exchange.
Airport exchange services have a captive market, with limited competitors, while more competition in a town center often drives the cost down. This means that you might get a better deal by exchanging your money in a city center rather than at the airport.
The most important thing to keep an eye on is the exchange rate, which is the mathematical rate of one currency to another. The rate is what dictates how much foreign currency you will get for each unit of your local currency. Most exchange rates are showcased in two ways: how much foreign currency you will get for one unit of your local currency, and how much one unit of foreign currency will cost you in local currency.
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Here are some key things to consider when looking at exchange rates:
Small variations in exchange rates can result in noticeable differences in the money you ultimately have for your trip. Currency exchange rates at airports are very dynamic and can fluctuate frequently, even within the same day.
Today's Most Purchased Currencies by Nationality
The most purchased currencies today vary by nationality and airport. In the UK and Ireland, the top currencies are Euros, US Dollars, Japanese Yen, Canadian Dollars, Australian Dollars, and New Zealand Dollars.
If you're traveling from San Francisco International Airport, you'll likely need Asian currencies like Japanese Yen or Chinese Renminbi. At New York JFK, you'll find more European and Latin American currencies like the Pound, Euro, and Mexican Peso.
Travelex carries over 100 currencies in their secure vaults, so no matter where you're headed, they've got you covered. They can even ship any of these currencies overnight to your home or office.
The prevalence of certain currencies also depends on the air corridors served by the airport. For instance, if you're flying from San Francisco to Asia, you'll need to have Japanese Yen or Chinese Renminbi on hand.
For your interest: Euro to Chinese Yuan Renminbi
Is it a good place?
Whether or not John F Kennedy International Airport is a good place to exchange currency really depends on your priorities. If you’re concerned about arriving at your destination with no travel cash in your pocket, but you’ve left planning too late to make other arrangements, converting at the airport offers peace of mind.
Customers tend to rank exchange places on features such as cost, convenience, and ease of use. As ratings change over time, it’s worth double checking the most up to date details online before you choose the currency exchange service that’s right for you.
It’s unlikely to be the cheapest option available, but you can easily compare costs and make your final decision based on your personal preferences and requirements.
Exchange Process
You can exchange money at JFK Airport through several options. Over-the-Counter Service is one of them, where you can exchange money on the spot by visiting a currency exchange location and paying in cash or with a card for your foreign currency.

This option is fast and convenient, but can be pretty expensive due to high fees and hiked up exchange rates. Online Pre-Order is another option, where you can order your foreign currency online for airport collection, which can give you a better exchange rate compared to an on the spot exchange.
You're guaranteed to get the currency you need with this option. ATMs are also available, where you can withdraw cash in the local currency in your destination, on arrival at the airport.
To use an ATM, make sure your card issuer doesn't impose high fees on foreign currency transactions and withdrawals, to get a good deal in the end.
Here are the options for exchanging money at JFK Airport:
- Over-the-Counter Service: exchange money on the spot
- Online Pre-Order: order foreign currency online for airport collection
- ATMs: withdraw cash in the local currency
Fees and Convenience
Transaction fees can add up quickly, ranging from 1% to 3% depending on the bank and the amount being converted. Some banks even add a percentage to the exchange rate, making it even more expensive.

Convenience is key, especially when traveling abroad. Exchanging money at the airport can be a convenient option, but it's unlikely to be the cheapest.
Transaction fees can be a hidden cost when exchanging money, but there are alternatives like the Wise Multi-Currency Card that offer great rates and increased security.
For another approach, see: Exchanging Currency in India
Convenience
Exchanging money at the airport can be a convenient option, but it's not always the cheapest. You may arrive at the exchange desk and discover they don't have the currency or the amount you need.
Consider using a digital alternative like the Wise Multi-Currency Card, which allows you to manage your money digitally and still make cash withdrawals at your destination. This way, you can have cash whenever you need it.
Convenience is key when it comes to exchanging your money, especially during the busy days leading up to your international trip. You may not have time to stand in line at the bank to exchange your money.
Exchanging money at the airport can be a convenient option because the lines are shorter, and you can make use of the time you're already spending in the airport.
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Transaction Fees

Transaction fees can be a sneaky surprise when exchanging money. Some banks add a fee to every transaction, which can range from 1% to 3% of the converted amount.
These fees can add up quickly, especially if you're converting larger sums. This means you'll end up paying more than the actual exchange rate.
ATMs
JFK houses several ATMs from different banks, making it convenient for travelers to access their cash.
You can find HSBC ATMs near the airport entrance and at Terminal 7, available 24/7 at +1 800 975 4722.
The Cardtronics ATM is located at Terminal 4 and can be contacted at +1 800 986 9666, also open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
J.P. Morgan and Chase Bank ATMs are located at Terminal 5 and Terminal 6 respectively, reachable at +1 800 935 9935 and open 24/7.
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Other Options
You can exchange your money at the bank or airport, but there are other options to consider.
Some banks offer better exchange rates than others, so it's worth shopping around to find the best deal.
You can also exchange your money at a currency exchange office, which is a specialized store that deals in foreign currency.
Using an ATM while abroad can be a convenient option, but be aware that you may be charged a withdrawal fee.
Traveler's checks are another option, but they're not as widely accepted as they used to be and often come with fees.
Services
At JFK Airport, you'll find a variety of currency exchange services to help you manage your finances while traveling.
Travelex Currency Services has several branches at the airport, located at Terminals 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8, with some post-security and some pre-security.
You can reach Travelex at 718 553-2902, but keep in mind that as of 2021, they have ceased operations in the United States and Canada.
Lenlyn Ltd. Ice Currency is another option, located at Terminal 1, post-security, and can be reached at 718 751-2936.
If you're looking for a specific location, Travelex Currency Services also has a branch at JFK Airport Terminal 8 Arrivals, with a phone number of (718) 656-5142.
The Google rating for Travelex Currency Services is 2.6 out of 5 stars.
Here's a list of the currency exchange services mentioned:
- Lenlyn Ltd. Ice Currency: Terminal 1, post-security, 718 751-2936
- Travelex Currency Services: Terminals 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8, 718 553-2902
- Travelex Currency Services: JFK Airport Terminal 8 Arrivals, (718) 656-5142
Banking services are also available at JFK Airport, including withdrawing cash, making deposits, and exchanging foreign currency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you get a better exchange rate at the airport?
No, you typically don't get a better exchange rate at the airport due to higher fees and less favorable rates. Consider exchanging currency elsewhere for a better deal.
Where is the cheapest place to exchange currency?
Exchange currency at your bank or credit union for lower fees, especially if you're a premium account holder
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