Two Services for Free Currency Exchange Within the USA

If you're planning a trip outside of the country, you'll need to get your money converted. This can be an expensive task, especially if you've got quite a bit to exchange. Doing it all at once is dangerous, as you'll have to carry around quite a bit of cash. Withdrawing small amounts from an ATM will add up over time, and will end up costing even more.

Luckily, there are methods to get currency converted that doesn't cost much of anything, if anything at all. Some methods require an initial membership, but that price is generally far less than you'd end up paying in conversion rates over the course of your vacation.

AAA

When most people hear AAA, they think of car crashes and tow trucks. In reality, AAA offers many more services, one of which is currency exchange.

AAA members get free currency conversions. Common currencies for the US, such as Euros, Pesos, and Canadian dollars are generally available in office. Less common ones, such as Rupees or Yen, will have to be ordered, and you'll have to wait for them to be shipped to your location. You can usually pay ahead of time and pick the money up. Some places require you to pay with cash, but others will let you pay with a credit or debit card.

A 'AAA' membership usually costs about $35.

HI USA and Travelex

If you become a Hostel International member, you can get free currency exchange through Travelex, who has partnered with HI USA. You must convert a minimum of $200, however, so make sure you need at least that much.

Getting the money is simple. You can either pick it up at a local location or you can have it shipped overnight to your door, whichever you prefer. To get the money, simply go to the Travelex website, chooser 'Personal Customer' and choose the currency to wish to exchange to. Once finished, enter you credit card information or debit info and pay for it that way. Either pick up the money the next morning or have it shipped to your door.

These two methods are easy to use and offer full money value, something that is rare and hard to find. If neither of these methods work out for you, then consider seeking out a bank that doesn't charge a lot per transaction, or that offers a certain amount of free exchange. Never exchange at the airport, as you'll pay quite a bit in fees and will get a poor exchange rate.