Philadelphia - Currency

ATMs are available in many parts of Philadelphia - ensure you inform your bank before travelling abroad, and be aware you may be charged for cash withdrawals. It is advisable to exchange some cash before arriving in Philadelphia.

Visit the other Philadelphia city guide sections to get more detailed travel advice, and information on the best Philadelphia attractions and sightseeing activities, recommended shops and restaurants, as well as the best Philadelphia hotels.

Philadelphia - Notes and Coins

Currency Exchange

When arriving in Philadelphia from abroad, you should know that U.S. dollars are the only currency accepted in the city. U.S. currency is in the form of bills (paper) and coins. The most common denominations of bills are $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills. There can be the occasional $2, although it is rarely seen outside collectors’ hands. For the most part, paper currency is all equal in size and coloring. Coins are available in the forms of a penny (1 cent), nickel (5 cents), dime (10 cents), quarter (25 cents), and a half-dollar coin (50 cents). There also may be $1 coins floating about. Be careful if you happen upon these, as their size and shape are similar to a quarter. You don’t want to mistake one for the other.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted. The optimal idea for all travelers is to have a mix of traveler’s checks, cash, and credit/debit cards. Traveler’s checks can usually be more easily replaced if they are lost or stolen. The best exchange rates are going to be, typically, at the banks, as opposed to other currency exchange venues, including ones at the airports.

Philadelphia Banks

Bank hours are typically 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and until 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Many banks are also open for a few hours on Saturday morning. Most banks have automated teller machines (ATMs) that are available 24 hours per day, except in known high crime areas. Beware especially of the BART ATM site at Mission and 16th streets, as it has an unsavory reputation.

Bank of America - (215) 336-2623 - 1950 S Columbus Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
Sovereign Bank - Bell Tower - (215) 854-3722 - 1717 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA
Bank of America - (800) 841-4000 - 8700 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia Arts Bank- University - (800) 616-2787 - 601 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA
PNC Bank - 9th & Walnut St - (215) 873-8073 - 9th St & Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Bank of America - (800) 432-1000 - 1428 Walnut St, #1430, Philadelphia, PA
Deutsche Bank Alex Brown - (215) 563-2300 - 1735 Market St, Fl 24, Philadelphia, PA
Republic First Bank - (215) 564-3300 - 1601 Walnut St, #L1, Philadelphia, PA
Bank of America - Chesnut St - (267) 886-1044 - 923 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Commerce Bank - (215) 387-1000 - 3731 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA