Compare US dollar travel money rates

Get the best US dollar exchange rate by comparing travel money deals from the UK's top foreign exchange providers

US dollars
We found 18 travel money suppliers offering £750 worth of US dollars for delivery and accepting payment by debit card
You receive $942.00 Exchange rate 1.256 Insured delivery Free Buy Now
Travel FX
You receive $941.89 Exchange rate 1.2595 Insured delivery Free Buy Now
The Currency Club
You receive $941.81 Exchange rate 1.2594 Insured delivery Free Buy Now
Sterling
You receive $941.63 Exchange rate 1.2555 Insured delivery Free Buy Now
Covent Garden FX
You receive $940.43 Exchange rate 1.2539 Insured delivery Free Buy Now
Currency Online Group
You receive $939.15 Exchange rate 1.2522 Insured delivery Free Buy Now
Waitrose
You receive $938.78 Exchange rate 1.2517 Insured delivery Free Buy Now
eurochange
You receive $938.78 Exchange rate 1.2517 Insured delivery Free Buy Now
NM Money
You receive $937.28 Exchange rate 1.2497 Insured delivery Free Buy Now
John Lewis
You receive $936.15 Exchange rate 1.2482 Insured delivery Free Buy Now
Travel Money Club

Best US dollar exchange rate

It may come as no surprise that the US dollar is the most popular and widely-traded currency in the world. According to the Bank for International Settlements, nearly 90% of all foreign exchange trades involve the US dollar on one side of the transaction, and it's estimated that more than 60% of all the cash reserves held by central banks around the world are stored in US dollars.

If you're travelling to the USA, it's important to shop around and compare currency suppliers to maximise your chances of getting a good deal. We can help you to find the best US dollar exchange rate by comparing a wide range of UK travel money suppliers who have US dollars in stock and ready to order online now. Our comparisons automatically factor in all costs and commission, so all you need to do is tell us how much you want to spend and we'll show you the top suppliers who fit the bill.

Compare before you buy

Some of the best travel money deals are only available when you buy online. By using a comparison site, you're more likely to see the full range of deals on offer and get the best rate.

Order online

Always place your order online, even if you plan to collect your currency in person. Most supermarkets and high street currency suppliers offer better exchange rates if you order online beforehand.

Combine orders

If you're travelling with others, consider placing one large currency order instead of buying individually. Many currency suppliers offer enhanced rates that improve as you order more.

US dollar rate trend

Over the past 30 days, the US dollar rate is up 0.68% from 1.256 on 18 Feb to 1.2645 today. This means one pound will buy more US dollars today than it would have a month ago. Right now, £750 is worth approximately $948.38 which is $6.38 more than you'd have got on 18 Feb.

These are the average US dollar rates taken from our panel of UK travel money providers at the end of each day. You can explore this further on our British pound to US dollar currency chart.

US dollar banknotes and coins

US dollars are governed and issued by the central bank of the United States, the Federal Reserve, while the physical production of US dollar banknotes and coins is managed by the Department of the Treasury. Banknotes are printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington D.C., and coins are minted by the United States Mint which has facilities in various US cities including Philadelphia, Denver and San Francisco.

One US dollar ($) can be subdivided into 100 cents (¢). There are seven denominations of US dollar banknotes in circulation: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 which are frequently used, plus a rarer $2 bill which is not as widely circulated but is still printed and is legal tender.

All US dollar banknotes feature two insignias that are intended to represent different aspects of American culture and history. The first insignia, known as the Great Seal, depicts a bald eagle with a shield on its chest, holding an olive branch and arrows in its talons. Above the eagle's head is a banner with the Latin phrase "E Pluribus Unum" which means "Out of Many, One", and a constellation of 13 stars representing the original 13 American colonies. The second insignia is the seal of the Federal Reserve System. The front of the seal features an eagle holding a key which represents the Fed's role in controlling the money supply, and a scroll which represents the Fed's responsibility to regulate and oversee banks.

There are four US dollar coins in frequent circulation: 1¢, 5¢ (nickel), 10¢ (dime) and 25¢ (quarter). 50¢ and $1 coins are also minted but are not as widely used.

Dollars are colloquially referred to as 'bucks'. The name was originally used as slang term in 19th century poker games, where a 'buck' was a buck-handled knife that was passed from player to player to indicate whose turn it was to deal. If a player didn't want the responsibility of dealing, they could 'pass the buck' to another player. Over time, the term 'buck' came to be used more broadly to refer to a bet or a wager; eventually becoming synonymous with dollars.

US dollar banknote denominations
DenominationSterling equivalent
$1£0.80
$5£3.98
$10£7.96
$20£15.92
$50£39.81
$100£79.62
US dollar coin denominations
DenominationSterling equivalent
£0.01
£0.04
10¢£0.08
25¢£0.20
50¢£0.40
$1£0.80

Tips for saving money while visiting the USA

The USA has a high standard of living, and prices are generally comparable to the UK for things like accommodation, food and transport. Hawaii, New York and California are generally considered to be the expensive states to visit, while Kentucky, Mississippi and Arkansas are among the cheapest.

  • Research your accommodation: One of the best ways to save money is by opting for budget accommodation. Hostels, guest houses and AirBnB can be much more affordable than hotels, especially if you rent a room instead of an entire apartment. Hostel chains like Hostelling International, Freehand Hostels and Selina operate modern, budget-friendly accommodation in most large US cities.
  • Use public transport: Private taxis and rental cars are an expensive way to get around, so make the most of busses, trains and metros wherever possible. Look out for discounted travel passes like CityPASS and Go Card to save even more on standard fares.
  • Eat like a local: The USA is synonymous with fast food restaurants, but diners are another major staple of American dining which offer large portions of classic American dishes at affordable prices. Or, for a healthier option, consider shopping in local grocery stores and cooking your own meals if your accommodation has a kitchen.
  • Plan your itinerary: Research free attractions in whatever city you're staying in and plan your itinerary around these. Many museums, botanical gardens and historical sites offer free entry, and there are over 60 National Parks across the US, many of which are free to enter such as Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee, Olympic National Park in Washington D.C. and Acadia in Maine.
  • Find discount vouchers: Many tourist attractions and activities offer discount vouchers and codes that can save you money on entry fees and other perks. Look for vouchers online; sign up to newsletters and follow the social media accounts of places you're planning to visit.
  • Take cash: Using cash will help you to stick to a budget more easily than paying by card, and you'll also avoid foreign transaction fees. If you do take a card with you, look out for ATMs that are affiliated with your UK bank to avoid ATM fees, and if you're asked whether you want to pay in pounds or US dollars - always choose US dollars. If you pay in pounds the merchant can set their own exchange rate which won't be in your favour.