Heading abroad and wondering, “does the post office do foreign exchange?” The short answer is a resounding yes. For decades, it has been a familiar cornerstone of UK foreign exchange services on the British high street, helping travellers pick up Euros or Dollars with ease. However, in 2026, with digital-first platforms reshaping UK foreign exchange, the real question is no longer if the Post Office offers currency exchange, but how competitive it truly is.
Is the convenience of your local branch quietly costing you more through post office foreign exchange rates? Is the post office travel money card still a practical solution, or has it been overtaken by modern alternatives? These questions matter just as much as platform selection matters in regulated financial environments such as Ultima Markets, where transparency and efficiency directly affect outcomes.
This guide cuts through the marketing noise. We examine cash exchange, online ordering, post office currency buy back policies, and compare them directly with today’s leading digital options to determine whether the Post Office remains the most “抵” choice in UK foreign exchange for 2026.
📊 Understanding The Post Office’s Foreign Exchange Services
The Post Office provides a structured ecosystem within the broader UK foreign exchange market. It is more than a simple counter for “唱錢”; it is a multi-channel system with distinct pricing and operational differences.
A Breakdown of Core Offerings
- Foreign Currency Cash: The most traditional service. You can buy over 60 currencies, either by walking into a branch or ordering online for collection or delivery. This is the bedrock of their travel money business.
- Travel Money Card (TMC): A prepaid, reloadable Mastercard that allows you to load up to 22 currencies. It’s pitched as a safer alternative to carrying large amounts of cash. You can manage it via an app or online.
- Click & Collect: This service bridges the gap between their online and branch offerings. You can order your currency online to secure the typically better online rate and then pick it up from your chosen branch.
- Currency Buy-Back: Got leftover holiday money? The Post Office will buy back foreign notes (not coins, except for the Euro 1 and 2 coins). The rate you get, however, can depend heavily on whether you have the original purchase receipt.
Online vs. In-Branch Rates: The Critical Difference
One of the most important realities of UK foreign exchange is that Post Office online rates are almost always better than walk-in branch rates. The gap may appear modest, but over larger sums, the cost difference becomes meaningful.
Online systems operate with lower overheads, enabling more competitive post office foreign exchange rates. Walk-in rates, by contrast, prioritise immediacy over value.
Pro Tip:
Always use Click & Collect. It mirrors the efficiency logic seen in professional financial systems that emphasise streamlined processes and fund security, similar to the principles outlined in Ultima Markets fund safety.
📈 Post Office Exchange Rates: A 2026 Deep Dive
An exchange rate is never just a number; it’s a price. And like any price, it includes the provider’s profit margin, known as the ‘spread’. The spread is the difference between the ‘interbank rate’ (the rate at which banks trade currencies with each other) and the rate you, the consumer, receive. A wider spread means more profit for the provider and less foreign currency in your pocket.
How Competitive Are They Really?
The Post Office positions itself as a competitive and convenient option. While it’s certainly convenient, its price competitiveness can vary. Generally, the Post Office is more competitive than high street banks like Lloyds or Barclays for walk-in exchanges. However, it is often significantly less competitive than online-only specialists like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Revolut, which operate much closer to the interbank rate.
Comparative Analysis: Post Office vs. The Market
Let’s simulate a typical scenario: exchanging £500 into Euros (€). The rates below are illustrative for 2026 and demonstrate the typical market hierarchy.
As the table clearly shows, for the exact same £500, you could be over €40 better off by choosing an online specialist over an airport counter. The Post Office’s online service sits comfortably in the middle ground—a significant improvement on the banks, but not the absolute best rate on the market.
💳 The Post Office Travel Money Card: Is It for You?
The post office travel money card was designed to address safety and budgeting concerns. It allows travellers to preload currencies and lock in exchange rates ahead of time.
Key Features and Potential Fees
- Multi-Currency Wallet: Hold up to 22 currencies on one card, from EUR and USD to THB and AED.
- Lock-in Your Rate: You lock in the exchange rate on the day you load or reload the card. This can be a benefit if you believe the pound is likely to ‘轉勢’ (weaken), but a disadvantage if it strengthens.
- Security: It’s chip and PIN protected and not linked to your bank account, reducing risk if it’s lost or stolen.
- Watch for Fees: While the Post Office often advertises ‘0% commission’, be aware of other potential charges. These can include ATM withdrawal fees, inactivity fees (if you don’t use the card for 12 months), and a cash-out fee to reclaim your balance. Always read the terms.
Although advertised as commission-free, costs are embedded within the exchange rate. This mirrors how hidden friction can appear in financial operations without transparent structures—an issue often highlighted in professional platform reviews such as Ultima Markets Reviews.
Compared to challenger bank debit cards that use near-interbank rates, the post office travel money card prioritises control over cost efficiency.
Pros and Cons vs. Challenger Bank Cards
The TMC’s main competitors are not other prepaid cards, but the debit cards from challenger banks like Starling, Monzo, or Revolut. These banks have revolutionised travel spending.
- Advantage of TMC: Good for budgeting. You can only spend what you’ve loaded. It provides a sense of security for those wary of using their primary bank card abroad.
- Disadvantage of TMC: You’re locked into a rate that’s worse than the interbank rate. Challenger banks, in contrast, typically pass on the Mastercard or Visa wholesale rate, which is very close to the interbank rate, for card purchases. They offer fee-free ATM withdrawals up to a certain monthly limit.
💰 Selling Back Your Leftover Currency
Returning from a trip with a wallet full of foreign notes is a common scenario. The Post Office’s Buy-Back service offers a convenient way to convert this back into pounds.
The Buy-Back Scheme: How It Works
You can take your leftover foreign banknotes to any Post Office branch that offers the service. They will assess the notes and offer you a GBP equivalent based on their ‘buy rate’ of the day.
Crucially, the buy rate will always be worse than the sell rate. This is how all currency exchanges make money on both sides of the transaction. For example, if you bought Euros at £1 = €1.15, they might buy them back at £1 = €1.22. This wider spread is their profit.
The Original Receipt Advantage
Some Post Office buy-back promotions offer a better rate if you can present the original receipt from your currency purchase at the Post Office. If you bought your currency there, always keep the receipt. It could save you a few quid on the buy-back transaction. If you don’t have the receipt, or if you bought the currency elsewhere, you’ll be subject to the standard (and less favourable) walk-in buy-back rate.
Is it Worth Selling Back?
This depends on the currency and the amount. For major currencies like the Euro or US Dollar that you’re likely to use again, it might be better to hold onto smaller amounts for your next trip to avoid losing money on the double exchange (buy and sell). For more exotic currencies or larger amounts, selling back makes sense despite the poor rate, as the cash is more useful as GBP.
🧭 Strategic Alternatives for the Savvy Traveller
While the Post Office offers a reliable and accessible service, it is rarely the cheapest. For those looking to maximise their travel funds, exploring alternatives is essential.
- Specialist Online Brokers: Platforms like Wise and Revolut are built for international finance. They offer the best exchange rates, transparent fees, and powerful apps that let you manage money on the go. They are the undisputed champions for value.
- Challenger Banks: Banks like Starling and Monzo offer debit cards that are fantastic for travel. They don’t charge fees for spending abroad and use the Mastercard exchange rate, which is far superior to any rate offered by traditional currency exchange services.
- Credit Cards for Travel: Certain credit cards are designed for overseas use, offering 0% fees on foreign transactions. The Halifax Clarity card has been a long-standing favourite. This can be a great option, provided you pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
These alternatives consistently outperform post office foreign exchange rates for value, especially for frequent travellers or larger transactions.
Conclusion: The Post Office’s Place in 2026
So, does the post office do foreign exchange? Absolutely. It remains one of the most accessible and trusted providers in UK foreign exchange, offering nationwide reach and familiar service.
However, convenience comes at a cost. In 2026, post office foreign exchange rates are no longer market-leading. The post office travel money card serves budgeting needs but sacrifices rate efficiency, while post office currency buy back is practical yet rarely optimal.
Final recommendation:
Use the Post Office for small, urgent cash needs via Click & Collect. For better rates, flexibility, and long-term value, digital-first platforms now define best practice in UK foreign exchange.
FAQ
1. Can I get foreign currency from the Post Office on the same day?
Yes, for major currencies like Euros and US Dollars, most larger Post Office branches hold stock and you can purchase them over the counter. For less common currencies or large amounts, it’s best to use the Click & Collect service, which can often be available for next-day pickup, or sometimes same-day if ordered early.
2. Is the Post Office Travel Money Card free?
The card itself is free to obtain. However, the cost is built into the exchange rate when you load it, which is less favourable than the interbank rate. There can also be other charges, such as for ATM withdrawals or a monthly inactivity fee after a year of non-use, so always check the latest terms and conditions.
3. Does the Post Office buy back foreign coins?
Generally, no. The Post Office only buys back foreign banknotes. The only exception is for Euro 1 and Euro 2 coins. Any other foreign coins you have are effectively souvenirs unless you plan to use them on a future trip.
4. How much cash can I order from the Post Office?
There are limits. For home delivery or branch pickup, the maximum online order is typically £2,500. For in-branch purchases, the limit may vary, and for very large amounts, you will likely need to provide identification for anti-money laundering regulations.
*This article represents the author’s personal views only and is for reference purposes. It does not constitute any professional advice.*
