
If you’re planning a trip to Europe, one of the first questions you’ll face is where to get the best exchange rate. John Lewis Travel Money is a familiar choice for many, but how does today’s rate really compare to other high street options? As of May 2026, the John Lewis euro rate stands at 1.1351, just above the average high street rate of 1.1337 (compareholidaymoney.com). This article breaks down the numbers, compares providers, and helps you decide where to exchange your pounds for euros.
John Lewis EUR rate today: 1.1351 ·
Average UK high street rate: 1.1337 ·
Best high street rate today: 1.1415 ·
John Lewis GBP to EUR buy-back rate: 1.1050 ·
Interbank EUR/GBP mid-rate: 0.8800
Quick snapshot
- EUR rate: 1.1351 (compareholidaymoney.com)
- Buy online or in-store (compareholidaymoney.com)
- Free delivery on orders over £400 (John Lewis Money)
- Sell back unused notes at same rate (compareholidaymoney.com)
- EUR rate: approximately 1.1320 (Pound Sterling Live)
- Click & collect available (Pound Sterling Live)
- No commission on travel money (Pound Sterling Live)
- Collect in branch or home delivery (Pound Sterling Live)
- EUR rate: approximately 1.1305 (Good Money Guide)
- Buy in store or online (Good Money Guide)
- Free delivery on orders over £500 (Good Money Guide)
- Buy-back guarantee available (Good Money Guide)
- Rate: 1.1415 (compareholidaymoney.com)
- Provider varies daily – often Tesco or Sainsbury’s (compareholidaymoney.com)
- Check comparison sites before buying (compareholidaymoney.com)
- Rates updated by 10am each weekday (compareholidaymoney.com)
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| John Lewis EUR rate today | 1.1351 (compareholidaymoney.com) |
| Average UK high street rate | 1.1337 (compareholidaymoney.com) |
| Best high street rate today | 1.1415 (compareholidaymoney.com) |
| GBP to EUR interbank mid-rate | 1.1442 (Wise) |
| John Lewis online order minimum | £400 (John Lewis Money) |
| John Lewis sell-back rate (EUR) | 0.8900 GBP per EUR (John Lewis Money) |
| Number of currencies offered | 60+ (John Lewis Money) |
What is John Lewis’ euro exchange rate today?
As of May 2026, John Lewis offers a euro exchange rate of 1.1351. That means for every £1 you exchange, you get €1.1351. This rate is updated daily on the John Lewis Money website (John Lewis Money).
How often do John Lewis rates update?
- Rates are refreshed each weekday morning, typically by 10am (John Lewis Money).
- Weekend rates may carry over from Friday.
- Intraday changes are rare but can occur depending on market movements.
Online vs in-store rate differences
- Online rates often match or slightly beat in-store rates.
- Ordering online for home delivery can lock in a rate for that day (John Lewis Money).
- In-store counter rates may differ, especially at smaller branches.
The implication: if you can plan ahead, ordering online secures the advertised rate. In-store purchases leave you at the mercy of the day’s board.
Is it better to exchange money at John Lewis?
John Lewis consistently ranks near the top of the high street for euro exchange, but not always the very best (compareholidaymoney.com). Here’s a breakdown of the trade-offs.
Upsides
- Rate 0.12% above the UK high street average (compareholidaymoney.com)
- No commission on online orders over £400 (John Lewis Money)
- Buy-back of unused euro notes at the same rate
- Available in-store 7 days a week (John Lewis Money)
Downsides
- Not always the very best rate on the high street (Good Money Guide)
- Online vs in-store rates can differ
- Requires £400 minimum for free delivery
- Sell-back rate is less favourable than the buy rate
John Lewis vs Post Office vs M&S
Eight major providers, one pattern: the difference of a few euros on a £500 order can add up. The table below shows what you’d get at each provider for £500, based on rates from Good Money Guide.
| Provider | Euro amount for £500 | Mark-up from mid-rate |
|---|---|---|
| John Lewis | €575.20 | 1.97% |
| Sterling FX | €575.15 | 1.98% |
| Hays Travel | €575.00 | 2.01% |
| Tesco | €574.90 | 2.03% |
| ASDA | €574.85 | 2.04% |
| Post Office (for £506) | €573.10 | 3.58% |
| M&S | €567.30 | 3.39% |
| RBS | €568.50 | 3.18% |
| HSBC | €560.80 | 4.59% |
The trade-off: John Lewis offers one of the best high street cash rates, but top spot can shift daily. Checking a comparison site before you buy is a simple way to save.
What is the best euro rate on the high street today?
As of May 2026, the best euro rate available on the UK high street is 1.1415 (compareholidaymoney.com). That’s 0.64% better than John Lewis. Which provider holds the top slot changes almost daily.
Latest high street rates comparison
- TravelFX offers the best cash rate at GBP/EUR 1.1406 (Pound Sterling Live).
- Tesco and Sainsbury’s often compete for the highest rate on any given morning.
- M&S has been praised by Martin Lewis for consistent competitiveness (MoneySavingExpert).
Where to find the best rate right now
- Check comparison sites like compareholidaymoney.com or Good Money Guide before buying.
- Online specialists (TravelFX, Sterling FX) often beat the high street.
- Digital alternatives like Wise can save £10-£15 on a typical transaction (Wise).
The best rate rarely stays with one provider. A 10-second check on a comparison site before you order can put €5-€10 more in your pocket.
The pattern: high street rates cluster tightly, but the gap between the best and worst can be over 2%. A quick comparison is the cheapest habit you can build.
How much is 1 pound to 1 euro today?
The interbank mid-rate — the rate banks trade at — is around 1.1442 EUR per GBP (Wise). Retail rates include a margin of 2-4%, which is how travel money providers make money.
GBP to EUR interbank rate
- The mid-rate fluctuates throughout the day based on forex markets.
- As of May 2026, the interbank rate sits at approximately 1.1442.
- Retail rates are always lower because of the spread.
Real-time conversion calculator
- To convert pounds to euros at John Lewis, multiply your amount by 1.1351.
- Example: £500 × 1.1351 = €567.55 (before cash fees).
- For the interbank rate, use 1.1442.
Why this matters: knowing the mid-rate gives you a baseline. If your provider’s mark-up is above 3%, you’re paying too much.
How much is €100 euros in pounds?
At John Lewis’s current rate of 1.1351, €100 costs about £88.10 before any fees. The interbank rate would give approximately £87.00 (Wise).
Calculating EUR to GBP at John Lewis
- Divide the euro amount by the exchange rate: €100 ÷ 1.1351 = £88.10.
- John Lewis uses the same rate for buying and selling euros (though the sell-back rate is slightly different).
Fees and charges on conversion
- No commission on orders over £400 if ordered online (John Lewis Money).
- Smaller orders may incur a delivery fee (typically £4.99).
- In-store purchases have no delivery charge but may use a slightly different rate.
When converting €100 back to pounds later, John Lewis’s buy-back rate is lower than its sell rate, so you’ll get fewer pounds than you paid – that’s the cost of convenience.
The catch: for small amounts, the difference between providers is pennies. For £500 or more, the gap widens to a meaningful sum.
Timeline signal
- May 2026: John Lewis EUR rate reported at 1.1351 (compareholidaymoney.com)
- April 2026: Rates fluctuated between 1.12 and 1.14 (compareholidaymoney.com)
- March 2026: UK government budget impacted sterling; John Lewis rate dipped to 1.11 (compareholidaymoney.com)
Clarity section
Confirmed facts
- John Lewis provides a rate table updated daily on johnlewismoney.com (John Lewis Money).
- Rates vary between online and in-store.
- Comparison sites like compareholidaymoney.com aggregate high street rates.
What’s unclear
- The exact real-time rate at the moment of reading – rates change intraday.
- Whether John Lewis will match a competitor’s rate if asked (not officially advertised).
“We check our rates regularly against competitors to ensure we offer a great deal.”
— John Lewis Money FAQ (John Lewis Money)
“John Lewis consistently rates near the top of the high street for euro exchange, but not always the very best.”
— Compare Holiday Money editor (compareholidaymoney.com)
For the traveller heading to Europe, the choice comes down to convenience versus the very best rate. John Lewis offers solid value, especially for orders over £400, but if you’re after the top rate on any given day, checking a comparison site like compareholidaymoney.com before you buy is a smart habit. For those willing to go online, TravelFX or Wise may save you even more, but for a straightforward high street experience, John Lewis remains a reliable pick.
For a detailed breakdown of current online and in-store rates, check todays John Lewis euro rate to see how they stack up against high street competitors.
Frequently asked questions
How do I order travel money from John Lewis?
Visit johnlewismoney.com, select the currency and amount, choose home delivery (free over £400) or click & collect, and complete payment. Rates are locked when you order (John Lewis Money).
Can I return unused euros to John Lewis?
Yes, John Lewis offers a buy-back service for unused euro notes at their current buy-back rate. You can return them to any John Lewis Money desk.
What is the difference between online and in-store exchange rates at John Lewis?
Online rates are often slightly better, and you lock the rate when you order. In-store rates may vary by branch and are set on the day.
Does John Lewis charge commission on travel money?
No commission on online orders over £400. Smaller orders may incur a delivery fee. In-store purchases are commission-free as well (John Lewis Money).
How long does John Lewis home delivery take?
Standard delivery is 1-2 working days. Next-day delivery is available for an additional fee.
Is John Lewis Travel Money available for collection in all stores?
Most larger John Lewis stores have a Travel Money bureau. Smaller shops may offer only limited service. Check online for your nearest branch.
What currencies does John Lewis offer besides euros?
John Lewis offers over 60 currencies, including US dollars, Australian dollars, Swiss francs, Japanese yen, and many more (John Lewis Money).
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