Sell Foreign Currency Online and Compare Buyback Rates

It depends on how much you have and whether you’re likely to return soon.
If you’ve come home with something like €50 or $40, and you’re planning another trip within a year, it may be better to keep it. High street providers often offer very poor exchange rates for small amounts under £100.

If you’ve brought home a larger amount – £200, £300, £500 or more – then it’s definitely worth comparing the best sell-back rates online before selling.

Most foreign currency notes can be sold, but there are a few important exceptions.

You can’t sell coins to any provider. Keep them for next time, or spend them at the airport before flying home.

Large notes such as €500 and 1,000 CHF are often rejected. Some currencies occasionally change legal tender rules, such as Indian rupees, where large denomination notes have been withdrawn with little notice. If you’re travelling somewhere with a history of rapid currency changes, consider using a provider that offers a buy-back guarantee.

In most cases, the best place to sell foreign currency is online, using a comparison site like ours to see who is offering the strongest sell-back rate.

Online providers are normally far more competitive than high street branches, who rely on convenience-footfall rather than pricing. Selling online also helps you avoid the typical “walk-in” margins that eat into your return.

No. Airport bureaux almost always offer the worst exchange rates for selling foreign currency, just as they do for buying. Avoid selling at the airport unless it’s a last resort.

Sometimes, but it depends.

Some providers sell a “buy-back guarantee” when you purchase your travel money. This allows you to sell it back at the same rate you bought it. However, it usually isn’t worth the fee unless:
• you expect to return a large amount
• the currency is especially volatile

If you bought at a high street branch and want to sell back a larger amount, it’s worth haggling. Bureaux do buy currency back to resell and sometimes offer better in-person rates if you ask.

If you’re selling over £500, bring ID – most providers will ask for it.

Yes, and often it gives you the best sell-back rate.
A comparison site like Best Travel Money shows the live sell-back prices, highlights postage costs, and helps you find the best online provider.

Just remember the rate is confirmed on the day your notes are received. If the exchange rate moves, you might get slightly more or slightly less.

If you sell at a high street branch, you’ll usually receive cash, or a bank transfer for larger amounts.
If you sell currency online, you’ll be paid by bank transfer, usually within 24–48 hours. Simply provide your bank details during checkout.