Money & travel
Skip the exchange booth at Memphis International Airport. Use an ATM with a no-fee card — the ATM gives you the real mid-market rate, while airport exchange booths charge 10–20% above it. On a $500 exchange, that difference is $50–100 in hidden costs.
The key rule
Airport currency exchange booths typically charge 10–20% above the mid-market rate.
On a $500 exchange, that is $50–100 in hidden fees. The ATM is almost always better — even with a bank fee. And with a no-fee card, the ATM is unambiguously better.
No exchange booths at this airport
None. MEM's official site states plainly that the airport 'no longer has a Currency Exchange on-site.' This lines up with MEM's current route map: all 41 nonstop destinations are within the United States, with no scheduled international passenger service. This means your in-airport options are limited to ATMs — which is actually a better outcome, since you automatically get the real mid-market exchange rate.
ATMs are located on Terminal B's Baggage Level, in the A-B connector just west of the B security checkpoint near the Regions Bank office, in the B Ticketing Lobby, and in the Concourse B Rotunda.
Regions Bank operates the on-site ATMs and staffs a branch counter in the terminal (Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm, +1 800-734-4667). Using a Charles Schwab, Wise, or Revolut debit card at any MEM ATM avoids foreign-transaction fees and surcharges if you need cash before an international connection elsewhere.
Best cards for ATM use abroad
Recommended for MEM
Since MEM has no currency exchange counter and no international departures, arrange any foreign currency you need before arriving at the airport or at your connecting international gateway. For U.S. dollars, use the Regions Bank ATMs in Terminal B rather than any off-airport exchange storefront.
Pro Tip
MEM is a domestic-only hub (all nonstop routes stay within the U.S.), so there's no need to plan around currency exchange here at all — save that step for whichever international gateway airport you connect through on your itinerary.
Before you leave
Order foreign currency from your bank before departure — Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo all offer currency ordering at branches and online (3–7 business days). Rates are better than airport booths, and you avoid the airport rush entirely.
At your destination
Withdraw from a local ATM at your destination — you get the real mid-market exchange rate, minus a small network fee. A no-fee card eliminates even that. This is almost always the cheapest option.
In transit
Currency exchange at city banks or post offices in your destination country is typically far better than airport rates in both countries. Most major cities have walk-in currency exchange with rates 5–10% better than airport booths.
Is it better to exchange currency at MEM airport or at my destination?
At your destination. Memphis International Airport primarily serves domestic routes and has no dedicated exchange booths. Withdraw from an ATM at your destination using a no-fee card (Charles Schwab, Wise, or Revolut) for the best possible rate.
Where are the ATMs at MEM airport?
ATMs are located on Terminal B's Baggage Level, in the A-B connector just west of the B security checkpoint near the Regions Bank office, in the B Ticketing Lobby, and in the Concourse B Rotunda. Regions Bank operates the on-site ATMs and staffs a branch counter in the terminal (Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm, +1 800-734-4667). Using a Charles Schwab, Wise, or Revolut debit card at any MEM ATM avoids foreign-transaction fees and surcharges if you need cash before an international connection elsewhere.
Which currency exchange is at MEM airport?
Memphis International Airport does not have dedicated currency exchange booths. It primarily serves domestic routes. For foreign currency, use an ATM with a no-fee card and exchange at the real mid-market rate.
What is the best card to use for foreign currency at MEM?
The Charles Schwab debit card is the top choice — it reimburses all ATM fees worldwide and charges 0% on international transactions, giving you the real mid-market exchange rate. Wise and Revolut travel cards are strong alternatives with similar 0% fee structures. Avoid using a standard bank debit card, which typically charges 1-3% foreign transaction fee plus an ATM surcharge of $3-5.
See also: Getting around MEM airport · Live MEM TSA wait times
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