How to Get British Pounds in the USA

Frank Day

Author: Frank Day

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If you’re planning to get away to Britain, you’ll need to exchange your US dollars for pounds. Avoid the fees by planning ahead and avoiding emergency exchanges at the airport. Find the best, cheapest way to get pounds in the US.

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To get British pounds in the US, options include multi-currency accounts (Wise or Revolut) which allow you to exchange and store GBP at low fees, and prepaid travel cards for convenience. Avoid costly exchanges at airports or tourist areas.

Best places to get pounds in the USA

Before you buy your pounds, you should make sure you’re getting the best deal. To save money, consider using cheaper ways to exchange currencies, such as opening a multi-currency account.

  • Best way to save on fees - Wise and Revolut multi-currency accounts

  • Best alternative - Prepaid travel cards

  • Most overrated - Local banks and credit unions

  • Best for emergencies - Banks and ATMs abroad

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Open a multi-currency account

The best and cheapest way to exchange your dollars for British pounds is through multi-currency accounts. With the right service, you can open an account, purchase the amount of pounds you need, and store them in your account.

Wise and Revolut offer the best multi-currency accounts in 2026. You can open an account online. Exchange the pounds you need and save them for your vacation.

Wise

Wise

The Wise multi-currency account lets you purchase pounds and hold them ready to spend. You’re charged the mid-market exchange rate with a fixed fee, and you can order the Wise payment card for a one-time fee of $9.

If you have enough pounds in your account, you can use the card to make payments in the UK without paying any fees for foreign transactions. You can also download the card to send money through Google Wallet or Apple Pay for easy mobile payments.

Read reviewVisit Wise
Revolut

Revolut

Revolut can store up to 28 different currencies in an account at once. Exchange the amount of pounds you’ll need for your holiday and they’ll be ready to spend when you arrive. Revolut also has a free card allowing you to spend like a local in the UK, provided you gave enough pounds in your account.

Tip: Exchange money with Revolut during the week for the best deal, as they add a 1% markup to the exchange rate at weekends.

Read reviewVisit Revolut
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Get a travel money card

Travel money cards are a good way to exchange dollars for pounds, although they can be more expensive than multi-currency accounts. Some cards, like Currensea, link directly to your bank account and deduct payments as you make them. Multi-currency accounts are usually cheaper for money transfers and conversions because they cost less than making multiple exchanges before your holiday.

Alternatively, prepaid travel cards are available, which you can preload with the amount of pounds you’ll need before you travel. Companies like Mastercard offer prepaid travel money cards so you can save on exchange fees by making a single payment.

Use local banks and credit unions

Local banks are often used to exchange money, but they don’t offer the best exchange rate. You’ll find a better deal from multi-currency accounts. Many banks and credit unions claim ‘fee free’ exchanges, but they're often still costly due to higher exchange rates.

Use a foreign currency exchange

Foreign currency exchanges are popular for exchanging money, but they usually charge higher rates than banks. As we explained earlier, a cheaper way of getting pounds is through a multi-currency account.

Tip: Check the exchange rate before you buy

A good way to make sure you’re getting a good deal is to check the current exchange rate before making the purchase. If the current exchange rate is much lower than the one being offered by your bank, you’ll probably find cheaper options elsewhere.

THE CURRENT USD TO GBP EXCHANGE RATE

Mid-market Rate:1 USD = 0.757455 GBP Mid-market rate at: 14:49 UTC

USD GBP Price
1 USD0.76
5 USD3.79
10 USD7.57
20 USD15.15
1000 USD757.46
2000 USD1514.91
GBP USD Price
1 GBP1.32
5 GBP6.60
10 GBP13.20
20 GBP26.40
1000 GBP1320.21
2000 GBP2640.42

Places to avoid when buying British pounds

It’s always better to plan ahead and exchange your money before you travel. Last minute exchanges at the airport or in tourist hotspots are very expensive. Here are some of the places to avoid when buying British pounds.

Currency Exchange at the Airport

Airports have a high exchange rate, so they're not ideal for converting dollars to pounds. Condé Nast Traveler says airport currency exchanges charge fees of $5 to $15, and the exchange rate is usually 7% to 15% higher than the mid-market rate.

Airport exchanges for free? Not quite!

Airports may advertise free currency exchanges, but these don't include the huge markups they add to their exchanges. Most airport exchange rates are between 7% and 15% higher than the usual bank rate.

Foreign currency exchanges in tourist-dense areas

Lots of tourists that don’t prepare in advance find they need to exchange money quickly. This is why currency exchanges in tourist dense areas can charge high fees and high markups on exchange rates. If you need pounds, try to exchange your money before you travel to avoid getting caught by high fees.

Visiting banks abroad

Foreign banks can exchange currency for you, but they usually charge a fee and have high exchange rates. Some banks may also charge for helping non-account holders, so it’s best to avoid this wherever possible.

Exchanging US dollars for British pounds - better deals are out there for those that plan

When you go to the UK, you’ll need to have some British pounds in the bank. If you open a multi-currency account before you travel, you can exchange the money for a low fee and spend without worries when you get to the UK.

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FAQs

What’s the best place to get British pounds before traveling?

A multi-currency account is the best way to get British pounds. Wise and Revolut have excellent multi-currency accounts. If you have sufficient pounds in your account, you can use their cards in the UK without any charges.

What’s the best place to get British pounds after traveling?

If you're in the UK without a multi-currency account, it's best to use your regular debit card.

Check your high street bank’s foreign transaction fees to make sure you’re not going to be charged too much in fees. Avoid exchanging at the airport - the USD/GBP exchange rates will be very high.

Should I buy British pounds when I get to the airport?

No, exchanging currency at the airport is costly. If you've already traveled, it's probably cheaper to use your bank debit card instead.

Despite this, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and open a multi-currency account before you travel, to save on any additional costs when you arrive.

What else do I need to travel to the UK?

Before you travel to the UK, make sure you’ve thought about the following:

  • Make sure your passport is valid and in-date

  • In the UK, you drive on the left hand side of the road

  • The British National Health System is only accessible to UK residents, certain EU nationals, and some Visa holders. Check your medical insurance policy covers you overseas

  • Public transport information is available via the National Rail Enquiries website

Can you get British pounds at the US Post Office?

The US Post Office can transfer money internationally for you, but it doesn’t sell foreign currency. You’ll need to get pounds somewhere else, like a neobank with a multi-currency account, or a travel money card.

Can you get British pounds from US banks?

Popular US banks such as Wells Fargo, JPMorgan, Chase, Bank of America, and Citibank can exchange British pounds for you. However, they might charge a fee and a higher exchange rate than the mid-market rate. To get a better deal, you should open a multi-currency account, or purchase a travel money card.

How far in advance should I buy British pounds for my trip?

It's generally recommended to purchase pounds 1-2 months before your trip if you’re using a multi-currency account like Wise or Revolut. This gives time for the cards to arrive. If you’re using a prepaid travel card, 1-2 weeks in advance is sufficient.

What is the best way to pay when I'm in the UK?

Using a multi-currency debit card like the ones issued by Wise or Revolut to pay directly in pounds is the most cost effective way to pay. You can also withdraw British pounds from an ATM using these cards. Avoid paying in US dollars if possible - you'll get a poor exchange rate.

How much cash in British pounds should I take?

Take enough for the first few days before getting more from an ATM. Many places accept cards now, so cash is less necessary. It’s a good idea to take no more than a quarter of your weekly budget in cash.

For your holiday budget, work out your budget in US dollars, then use our currency converter to find out how many pounds you’ll need.

Should I keep receipts for currency exchanges in the UK?

Yes, keep any receipts for currency exchanges and withdrawals. This helps you reconcile your accounts later.

Are there fees for using my card in the UK?

With a multi-currency account, debit transactions in British pounds are usually free. There may be a small fee for ATM withdrawals after a certain number. Check your card's fee schedule.

How do I check the exchange rate I'm getting for USD/GBP?

Apps like Wise and Revolut show the live exchange rate. For other exchanges, ask the teller for the rate and compare it to online sources. Avoid places that won't disclose the rate.

What's the best way to exchange any leftover British pounds?

You can exchange back to US dollars and deposit them to your US account if you have a multi-currency card. Otherwise, keep the currency as a souvenir or for your next trip. Exchanging pounds back to dollars will often lose you more money in exchange rates.

Contributors

Frank Day
Author

Frank Day

Finance Writer and Editor
Based in London, Frank is a dedicated writer and editor specializing in personal finance, boasting over five years of experience in the field. Frank's professional journey began in the pensions industry, where he developed a keen expertise in this area. He has crafted content for notable organizations like the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, the Environment Agency, and Direct Line.