How to buy dollars: your US dollar travel money guide

From the neon lights of Times Square to the vast beauty of the Grand Canyon, the USA is a country that demands a spot on every travel bucket list. But before you start packing your bags, you need to get your travel money sorted.

How you choose to buy dollars will impact your holiday budget. It's often the difference between an extra meal out or paying unnecessary fees. Whether you prefer the weight of physical notes in your wallet or the convenience of a US dollar card, getting foreign currency is about making informed choices.

We’ve designed our features to take the stress out of currency exchange, helping you buy dollars with clarity and confidence.

Want to learn more about international spending? Explore our guide to travel money cards and start planning your trip’s spending.

18+, T&Cs apply.

Currency exchange in 150+ currencies with the Revolut exchange rate. Exchange, remittance fees, fair usage limits, and weekend fees may apply, depending on your plan.

The information provided's accurate as of 3 February 2026.

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and doesn't constitute financial advice. If you've any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. We're not a financial adviser.

How to buy US dollars: a quick guide

Getting your currency sorted doesn't have to be complicated. Here's the essential info for your exchange:

• Digital accounts: use a multi-currency account like ours to buy dollars instantly and spend like a local
• Exchange rates: check our currency converter to see market rates before you commit
• Compare pricing: compare different providers’ US dollar rates to find the best fit
• Card options: get a card that can handle US dollar spending, and choose between physical cards for withdrawing cash or virtual cards for making secure online bookings
• Automation: set up auto-exchange in-app to swap your money only when the rate hits your target

Where to buy dollars in the UK

You can mainly buy dollars from digital platforms like ours, high-street banks, or specialist bureaus de change. The right choice depends on whether you want a digital balance for card spending or physical cash for smaller purchases.

Multi-currency accounts and apps

Using a digital account like ours is an efficient way to manage your money abroad. You can convert GBP to USD in seconds in-app. This is a helpful option for travellers who want to avoid carrying large sums of cash and use a travel money card instead. It lets you manage your budget from your phone and see updates on your spending.

High-street bureaus and Post Offices

Traditional bureaus and Post Offices are popular for people who want physical cash before they fly. If you choose this method, a cost-effective choice is to use a click and collect service. Ordering online first usually gets you a more favourable rate than simply walking into a shop on any given day.

Bureaus and Post Offices can be less convenient and more time-consuming than digital platforms. You still have to physically go to these locations within their opening hours, which might not always fit your schedule. Some bureaus also charge flat commission fees that can eat into your travel budget.

High-street banks

Some major UK banks provide currency exchange services for their existing customers. While this is a reliable option, they don't always offer competitive exchange rates. You may also need to wait 2–3 business days for your cash to arrive at your local branch.

Finding the most convenient way to buy dollars

The best way to hold dollars is generally a combination of a multi-currency digital account for your main spending and a small amount of cash for emergencies. This approach offers the security of a card and the accessibility of cash.

This is where our multi-currency accounts show their value. You can hold a US dollar balance in your account and use it to pay in local shops, cafes, and restaurants. It means you don't need to do a conversion every time you buy a coffee. You can buy dollars before your trip when they're available at a rate you're happy with, and store them in your main account without additional fees.

Using a travel money card like ours also offers another layer of security for your travel money. If you misplace your card, you can freeze it instantly in-app.

If you need cash for small vendors or rural areas, you can still use your card to withdraw cash up to your plan's limits without fees from us.

No ATM withdrawal fees from Revolut up to your plan’s limits. Third-party ATMs may charge a fee.

How to buy dollars online with the Revolut app

Buying dollars online is straightforward and can be done on your phone in a few simple steps. We've made the process quick so you can focus on your trip:

1. If you don't have it yet, download our app, sign up for Revolut, and verify your identity in a few minutes
2. Add money to your account via bank transfer, a debit card, or even Google Pay or Apple Pay
3. Go to Home and tap Exchange
4. Choose GBP as your 'from' currency and USD as your 'to' currency
5. Enter the amount you want to buy
6. Check the live rate and tap Confirm

Your US dollar balance will be available to use right away.

Can I buy dollars with a credit card?

Yes, you can buy dollars with a credit card, but it's usually an expensive method. Some credit card providers treat currency purchases as cash advances, which trigger a different set of rules and fees.

Using a credit card for currency usually involves:

• Cash advance fees: a flat fee or percentage (often around 3%) charged per transaction
• Immediate interest: this typically begins adding up the moment you buy the currency, with no interest-free period
• No rewards: cards don't always offer points or cash back on these transactions

To avoid these extra costs, using a debit card or a dedicated travel account is a more affordable alternative.

When to buy dollars

The best time to buy dollars is when the pound is strong against the US dollar, though predicting market movements is never certain. Currency markets are influenced by global events, meaning rates change constantly throughout the day.

Consider these tips for timing your purchase:

• Track the rate: keep an eye on the US dollar exchange rate in the 2–4 weeks leading up to your trip
• Avoid weekend exchanges: depending on your plan, we may charge you fees for currency exchange during weekends
• Use auto-exchange: set a target rate in-app and we'll automatically do the exchange for you if the market hits your desired price

Exchange rates are dynamic. Always remember to check the applicable rate in-app before carrying out your exchange.

Countries that use the US dollar

The US dollar is the official currency for the United States, but it's also used as the primary or secondary currency in several other countries. You should check the currency of your specific destination before you travel.

You'll need dollars if you're visiting:

• North America: The United States of America
• Central and South America: Panama, El Salvador, and Ecuador
• The Caribbean: The British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos, and Puerto Rico
• Oceania: Marshall Islands, Micronesia, and Palau

While some countries use the US dollar officially, others accept it alongside their local currency in tourist areas.

You can hold more than 35 currencies in-app with us, so check if the currency you're looking for is supported. If it's not, you can still use our travel money card while you're abroad and pay in 150+ currencies using our competitive exchange rate.

Tips for spending in dollars in the USA

Spending in the US is different from the UK. Here are a few things to keep in mind to manage your money better:

• Tipping culture: tipping is standard in the US, usually ranging from 15–20% for service in restaurants and bars. Having physical dollar notes for smaller tips is helpful.
• Sales tax: the price you see on the shelf isn't the final price. Sales tax is added at the checkout and varies between states.
• Card acceptance: cards are widely accepted, but some smaller vendors or local markets still prefer cash.
• Card machine prompts: when paying by card, always choose to pay in the local currency (USD) rather than GBP to make sure you're getting our competitive exchange rate instead of the merchant's rate.

Managing your US dollar travel money with Revolut

We've built features to make spending abroad as seamless as spending at home. Our app gives you control over your travel budget with a few taps.

Spend in 150+ currencies

You don't always need to pre-exchange your money. If you spend with your Revolut card in the USA and don't have a US dollar balance, we'll automatically convert your GBP at the competitive rate available at that moment. This means you don't need to worry about being stuck without the right currency.

Location-based security

This is a protection feature you can toggle on or off. We use your phone's GPS to help keep your account safe. If your card's used in a different location from where your phone is, we may flag the transaction as suspicious. This helps prevent fraudulent spending if your card details are stolen.

Disposable virtual cards

For booking hotels or rental cars on unfamiliar websites, you can use our disposable virtual cards. The details of these cards are destroyed after a single transaction, and new ones are created instantly. It adds an extra layer of protection for your main account balance.

What to do with leftover dollars

If you get home with leftover dollars, you can sell them back to a bureau or keep them for your next adventure. If you've got leftover physical cash, most bureaus only buy back notes, not coins. This is often at a less favourable rate than the original purchase.

If you've got a digital account like ours, you can simply leave your leftover currency in your USD Pocket, ready for your next trip. If you decide you need the money back in pounds, you can send and receive money or exchange it back to GBP in-app at any time, 24/7, at a competitive exchange rate.

How to get started and buy dollars with Revolut

Ready to start planning your next trip? Getting set up takes only a few minutes and can be done entirely in-app:

1. Download the app: find us on the App Store or Google Play.
2. Sign up: enter your phone number and follow the prompts to create your account.
3. Verify your identity: upload a photo of your ID and take a selfie for our secure verification process.
4. Add money: move some GBP into your account via bank transfer or debit card.
5. Exchange: tap Exchange to buy your dollars right away.
6. Order your card: tap Cards to get your physical travel card or set up a virtual one for immediate use. Delivery fees may apply.

Currency exchange in 150+ currencies with the Revolut exchange rate. Exchange, remittance fees, fair usage limits, and weekend fees may apply, depending on your plan.