Got leftover travel money after your holiday? Don’t let it gather dust in a drawer. Currency buyback services let you sell your unused foreign currency and get some of your money back. But how does it work, and what should you look out for? We’ve answered some of the most common questions about currency buyback to help you make the most of your leftover cash.
Currency buyback is a service that allows you to sell your unused foreign money back to a currency provider. In return, you’ll receive pounds (GBP) based on the current buyback exchange rate.
Tip: Rates for buying and selling currency are different, so don’t expect the same rate you paid when purchasing your travel money.
You can sell your leftover travel money to:
Pro Tip: Compare rates at CompareTravelCash.co.uk to ensure you get the best deal on your leftover currency.
Most providers will accept popular currencies like Euros (EUR), US Dollars (USD), and Australian Dollars (AUD). However, less common currencies, like Hungarian Forint (HUF) or South African Rand (ZAR), may not be accepted everywhere.
Tip: If you’re holding onto coins, check with the provider—most only accept notes.
Most online suppliers do not require proof of purchase, however, Some providers may require proof that you purchased the currency, such as a receipt or transaction record. This may also depend on the amount of currency you want to sell—smaller amounts might not require proof, while larger sums may require additional documentation for security and compliance purposes.
A buyback guarantee lets you sell your leftover currency at a pre-agreed rate, avoiding potential losses from fluctuating exchange rates.
Example: If you buy $500 with a buyback guarantee and return with $200, you’ll sell it back at the same rate you originally paid, even if rates have dropped.
The amount you receive depends on the buyback exchange rate, which is usually lower than the rate you paid when buying the currency.
Tip: Use CompareTravelCash.co.uk to compare buyback rates from multiple providers and maximise the value of your leftover money.
Some providers charge fees or commissions for buying back currency. Others advertise “0% commission” but may offer less competitive rates. Always check the total amount you’ll receive before agreeing to a deal.
Yes, many providers offer online buyback services. Simply select the currency and amount you wish to sell, lock in a rate, and post your money to the provider. Once received, you’ll get the equivalent GBP deposited into your account.
Most providers will only accept current legal tender – that is, currency that is presently in circulation. Discontinued notes and coins are generally not accepted by high street or online foreign exchange services. If your currency has been replaced (e.g., the Euro replacing former national currencies in the EU), you may need to visit the issuing country’s central bank or a specialist service to exchange it.
The best time to sell your leftover currency is when the buyback exchange rate is strong. If rates have dropped significantly since your trip, it might be worth holding onto the currency until they improve—especially for stable currencies like the Euro or US Dollar.
Many providers don’t accept coins, so consider these options:
Currency buyback services are a convenient way to make the most of your leftover travel money. Whether you’re selling Euros, Dollars, or something more exotic, planning ahead and comparing rates can help you get the best value.
Visit the CompareTravelCash.co.uk buyback page today to compare buyback rates and turn your leftover currency into pounds hassle-free!
CompareTravelCash.co.uk is a price comparison service that’s designed to help you save money – While we do our best to ensure the site is 100% up-to-date, we cannot guarantee this.
We advise you to carry out your own due diligence before buying or selling travel money.
