Quick answer: The best money exchange in Stratford is Travel Cashier, located on the Lower Ground Floor inside Westfield Stratford City (E20 1EH). Open 8am–10pm Monday to Saturday, 11am–7pm Sunday. 0% commission, 30+ currencies in stock.
If you are looking for a money exchange in Stratford, you are at the right place, the city has more options than most people realise. But not all of them are worth your time, and some will cost you significantly more than others. This guide covers every realistic option available to people in Stratford and East London, with honest comparisons on rates, opening hours, and convenience.
Whether you're seeking euros for a European getaway, dirhams for a trip to Dubai, dollars for a visit to New York, or any other significant currency, this guide tells you exactly where to go and what to avoid.
Why the Right Money Exchange Choice Matters
The difference between a good and a bad exchange rate sounds small but adds up quickly. When converting £500 to euros, the gap between the best rate in Stratford and the worst can be as much as £40 to £60. For a family budget of £2,000, that is £150 or more lost before your trip has even started.
The three factors influencing your total amount are : the headline exchange rate itself, any commission added on top, and hidden margins built into the rate. The ideal bargain includes a favorable rate with no commission and no extra charges.
Option 1: Travel Cashier | Currency Exchange | Westfield Stratford City | London
Travel Cashier is the specialist currency exchange bureau located on the Lower Ground Floor in the Arcade at Westfield Stratford City. It is the only dedicated currency exchange bureau inside the shopping centre and the closest specialist option to Stratford station.
- Address: 40A The Arcade, Lower Ground Floor, Westfield Stratford City, London E20 1EH
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 8am–10pm, Sunday 11am–7pm
- Commission: 0% on all currencies — no hidden fees
- Currencies: 30+ including EUR, USD, AED, TRY, JPY, INR, PKR, AUD, SAR
- Services: Walk in, Click & Collect online, buy-back of unused currency
- Award: MSB of the Year 2025 — Brit Fintech Awards
The primary benefits of Travel Cashier as a currency exchange in Stratford are its operational hours and its commission structure. Open from 8am to 10pm Monday through Saturday, it remains convenient for those needing to make exchanges before or after their work schedule, as well as for early morning travelers heading to Stansted. The 0% commission policy ensures that the rate displayed on the board is the exact rate you receive with no extra charges at the time of exchange.
Looking for a full overview of all services? Visit our Westfield Stratford store page for directions, opening hours, and a full list of available currencies.
Option 2: High Street Banks in Stratford
There are several high street banks within walking distance of Stratford station, including Barclays, HSBC, NatWest, and Lloyds. However, most UK banks have reduced their in-branch currency exchange services significantly over the past decade.
For most banks in the Stratford area, you will need to pre-order currency in advance, sometimes up to five working days and walk-in exchange is not available. When rates are available, they are typically 3–5% worse than a specialist bureau, and transaction fees may apply on top.
Banks are not a practical option for most people looking for a money exchange in Stratford, unless you are an existing customer with specific account benefits that include favourable exchange terms.
Option 3: Post Office Near Stratford
The Post Office does offer currency exchange services and is a familiar, trusted option for many people. Rates are generally better than airport exchanges, and there is no commission on most transactions.
However, the exchange rate itself is usually not as competitive as a specialist bureau, and most Post Office branches close by 5:30pm on weekdays. For anyone who works standard hours and needs currency in the evening or at the weekend, the Post Office is often not a practical choice.
Option 4: Online Travel Money , Delivered to Your Door
Services like FairFX and Caxton allow you to order currency online and have it delivered to your home within two to three working days. Rates can be competitive and commission is often low or zero.
The main limitation is the delivery wait. If you are travelling within the next 48 hours, home delivery is not an option. For planned trips, it is worth comparing online rates with what is available at a specialist bureau in Stratford; the rates are often similar, and walking in removes the delivery risk.
Honest Comparison: Money Exchange in Stratford
| Option | Rate Quality | Commission | Open Until | Walk-in? |
| Travel Cashier Westfield | Excellent | 0% | 10pm Mon–Sat | Yes |
| Post Office | Average | None | 5:30pm | Yes (limited) |
| High Street Banks | Average | 2–5% | 5pm | Pre-order only |
| Online Delivery | Good | Low | 3-day wait | No |
| Airport Exchange | Poor | High | All day | Yes (last resort) |
Tips for Getting the Best Rate When Exchanging Money in Stratford
- Never exchange money at the airport. Airport rates are consistently the worst available, sometimes 10–15% worse than a specialist bureau in Stratford.
- Exchange the full amount in one visit. Splitting your exchange across multiple visits can mean paying per-transaction costs more than once.
- Use Click & Collect if you want to lock in your rate. Travel Cashier's Click & Collect lets you order online and collect at a time that suits you , no queuing on the day.
- Check the rate online before you visit. Travel Cashier publishes indicative rates on its website so you can compare before making a trip to the store.
- Go before the airport, not after. If you are flying from Stansted, the National Express coach departs from Stratford station directly connected to Westfield Stratford City. Exchange your money at Travel Cashier first, then head to the coach.
Ready to exchange? Visit Travel Cashier to check today's live rates and order online with Click & Collect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the best money exchange in Stratford?
Travel Cashier at Westfield Stratford City is the best option for money exchange in Stratford. Located on the Lower Ground Floor in the Arcade, it offers 0% commission, rates on 30+ currencies, and is open until 10pm Monday to Saturday longer than any other bureau in the area.
Q: Is there a currency exchange near Stratford station?
Yes. Travel Cashier at Westfield Stratford City is approximately 5–7 minutes' walk from Stratford station through the shopping centre. It is the closest specialist currency exchange to Stratford Tube, DLR, Overground, and National Rail.
Q: What time does the money exchange open in Stratford?
Travel Cashier opens at 8am Monday to Saturday and 11am on Sundays. It closes at 10pm Monday to Saturday and 7pm on Sundays. These are the longest opening hours of any money exchange bureau in the Stratford area.
Q: Does the money exchange in Stratford charge commission?
Travel Cashier charges 0% commission on all currency transactions. There are no hidden fees or charges added to any exchange. The rate shown is the rate you receive.
Q: Can I sell leftover foreign currency in Stratford?
Yes. Travel Cashier offers a buy-back service where you can sell unused foreign currency at competitive rates when you return from your trip.
