East Hollywood Currency Services logo

East Hollywood Currency Services

2.3/5

LA Currency Exchange operates 7 Los Angeles-area locations specializing in real-time foreign currency exchange with no transaction fees for cash payments.

Editorially reviewed by Harvey Brooks

Free to Use BBB: NR Free Consultation Visit Website

East Hollywood Currency Services Review

East Hollywood Currency Services, operating as LA Currency Exchange, is a foreign currency exchange service with multiple locations across the Los Angeles metropolitan area, including Downtown LA, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Van Nuys, Glendale, and Burbank. The company advertises itself as offering the best foreign currency exchange rates in Los Angeles with real-time rate updates and a rate-matching guarantee.

LA Currency Exchange provides foreign currency buying and selling services across 15+ currencies including major pairs (EUR, GBP, JPY, CAD) and emerging market currencies (CNY, VND, THB, MXN, KRW, IQD). Customers can exchange cash without transaction fees or hidden costs. The company accepts cash and debit card payments, though debit card transactions incur a $3 fee for amounts up to $100 or a 3% fee for larger transactions. Customers are encouraged to call ahead to place orders and reserve currency, with a non-refundable security deposit option available via cash, debit, or credit card that is credited toward the final transaction.

What distinguishes LA Currency Exchange is their emphasis on competitive real-time rates, active market monitoring, and a published rate-matching promise. The company provides free parking at most locations (Van Nuys, Hollywood, Glendale, Beverly Hills via city parking, with paid metered options available). Their website features a transparent real-time currency rate table updated as of April 3, 2026, at 8:29 AM, allowing customers to pre-calculate exchange values before visiting.

The main caveat is that while cash exchanges carry no fees, the company's rates include built-in spreads (reflected in the difference between "we buy" and "we sell" rates), which is standard practice but represents their actual revenue model. Debit card payment options exist but come with notable fees. The rate-matching guarantee includes unspecified exceptions. Currency availability varies by location, making advance phone calls necessary to ensure specific currency availability.

Services & Features

Foreign currency buying (exchanging USD for foreign currency)
Foreign currency selling (exchanging foreign currency for USD)
Real-time currency rate quotes across 15+ currencies
Cash payment foreign exchange transactions
Debit card payment option for currency exchanges
Pre-order foreign currency with security deposit system
Rate-matching service comparing against competitor rates
In-person currency exchange at 7 physical locations
Free parking (with variations by location)
Phone-based consultation and ordering
Security deposit crediting toward final transaction balance
Currency availability verification by phone prior to visit

Feature Checklist

Credit Education
Identity Theft Protection
Score Tracking
Mobile App
Online Portal
Personal Advisor

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • No transaction fees or hidden costs for cash foreign currency exchanges
  • Real-time currency rates published on website with 15+ major and emerging market currencies
  • Rate-matching guarantee if customers provide proof of better rates elsewhere (some exceptions apply)
  • Free parking available at most locations (Van Nuys, Hollywood, Glendale, Beverly Hills)
  • Multiple convenient LA-area locations (7 branches across greater Los Angeles)
  • Pre-order option with security deposit system to ensure currency availability
  • Transparent FAQ addressing common questions about fees, parking, payment options, and ordering process

Cons

  • Debit card payments incur $3 fee (up to $100) or 3% fee (over $100), limiting payment flexibility
  • Security deposit required for pre-orders is non-refundable, though credited toward final balance
  • Currency availability varies by location; advance phone call required to confirm stock for specific currencies
  • Rate-matching guarantee includes undefined exceptions that could limit actual applicability
  • Built-in spreads between buy and sell rates (standard practice but represents actual cost to consumers)

Rating Breakdown

Value
2.0
Effectiveness
1.5
Customer Service
2.2
Transparency
2.0
Ease of Use
3.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Is East Hollywood Currency Services legitimate?

Yes. East Hollywood Currency Services is a registered company headquartered in 2985, 5520 Santa Monica Blvd #103, Los Angeles, CA 90038. They hold a NR rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Quick Facts

Headquarters
2985, 5520 Santa Monica Blvd #103, Los Angeles, CA 90038
BBB Rating
NR
BBB Accredited
No
Starting Price
Free to Use
Setup Fee
None
Free Consultation
Yes
Money-Back Guarantee
No
Visit East Hollywood Currency Services

CreditDoc Diagnosis

Doctor's Verdict on East Hollywood Currency Services

LA Currency Exchange is best for customers who need to physically exchange cash for foreign currency and prefer transparent, fee-free transactions for cash payments. The main caveat is that while they advertise competitive rates and no fees for cash, their actual revenue comes from built-in spreads between buy and sell rates, and debit card payments carry explicit fees—this is standard industry practice but represents the true cost of their service.

Best For

  • Frequent international travelers needing cash in foreign currencies before trips
  • Immigrants and expatriates sending money or exchanging currency to/from home countries
  • Businesses conducting international transactions requiring multiple currency pairs
  • Individuals preferring in-person cash exchanges over online or wire transfer methods
Updated 2026-04-02

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