EasyTicket As of 2026, the four banks tie on USD whenever your app applies a 90% preferential exchange rate. For JPY and EUR, Shinhan Bank’s published rate is 90%, but the best choice comes down to the final amount in won and the convenience of your pickup route.
What a 90% Preferential Exchange Rate Actually Means
It Doesn’t Mean the Entire Fee Is 90% Off
A preferential exchange rate is the percentage discount applied to the spread between the base exchange rate and the rate for buying cash. At 90% off, 10% of the spread remains; at 80% off, 20% remains.
Compare the Final Amount in Won
Quoted rates and cash spreads vary by bank. Enter the same currency and amount in all four apps at the same time, then choose the one with the lowest won amount scheduled to be debited, rather than relying on the preferential-rate percentage alone.
When you line up the rates, comparing only the preferential-rate figures is the easiest way to get confused. Check the payment confirmation screen before focusing on the 90% label.
Comparing Bank App Exchange Conditions
Preferential Rates, Fees, and Pickup Conditions at a Glance
| Bank | Main App/Service | Published Preferential Rate | Remaining Spread | Advance Exchange and Pickup Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hana | Hana 1Q Currency Wallet | Up to 90%, promotion through September 30, 2026 | 10% at the maximum benefit | Requests accepted 24 hours a day, same-day pickup, branch, Incheon Airport, foreign-currency ATM |
| KB Kookmin | KB Star Banking | 90% for members on USD, 80% on JPY/EUR | 10% · 20% | Non-members: 80% on USD, 70% on JPY/EUR; branch and Incheon Airport pickup |
| Woori | Woori WON Currency Wallet | Up to 90% | 10% at the maximum benefit | Requests accepted 24 hours a day, Incheon Airport pickup, check the app for currency-specific rates |
| Shinhan | Shinhan SOL Bank Easy Exchange | 90% on USD/JPY/EUR, up to 50% on other currencies | 10% on major currencies | Pickup at a designated branch or foreign-currency ATM; QR withdrawals supported |
The Hana Bank Currency Wallet promotion runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. KB Kookmin’s preferential rate for major currencies varies by 10 percentage points depending on whether you’re logged in. (Sources: Hana Bank, KB Kookmin Bank)
So Which Is Cheaper?
If your app shows 90% for USD, choose whichever gives you the lower final amount in won. For JPY and EUR, Shinhan’s published rate is 90% versus KB Kookmin’s 80%, so Shinhan leads on the preferential rate. Hana and Woori advertise up to 90%, so check the actual quote for each currency.
Bank Picks by Amount
For USD 500 or Less, Pickup Convenience Comes First
KB Kookmin lets you collect up to USD 500 at a foreign-currency ATM using a pickup confirmation number, without a card or bankbook. If it’s a small amount and the final won totals are close, choose based on the nearest ATM or your departure terminal.
For More Than USD 500 and Up to USD 2,000, Shinhan Is Convenient
Shinhan’s foreign-currency ATM QR pickup limit is USD 2,000. If the 90% preferential rate applies to a major currency and the pickup location fits your route, it’s a good balance of cost and convenience.
For More Than USD 2,000, Branch Pickup Is Safer
For amounts above Shinhan’s QR limit, plan to collect the cash at a branch counter. At EasyTicket, we’d compare the final won total in your app first, then check branches that stock the currency and denominations you want.
Airport Pickup vs. Branch Pickup
Airport Pickup Is Convenient, but Location Matters
By exchanging in advance in the app, you lock in the applicable rate and only need to collect the cash at the airport. KB Kookmin’s Incheon Airport exchange counters are available year-round, but hours vary by counter. After departure screening, you can’t collect currency exchanged in advance inside the duty-free zone.
Hana Bank’s Incheon Airport exchange counters are open 06:00~21:00 on bank business days and 06:30~20:30 on weekends and public holidays. Its foreign-currency ATMs are open 06:00~22:00.
Branch Pickup Makes It Easier to Check Denominations
Pickup hours at regular KB Kookmin and Hana branches are 09:00~16:00 on weekdays. If you want to avoid departure-day crowds or need small denominations, check branch stock and pick up the cash in advance.
How to Exchange in Advance in the App
Compare All Four Apps on the Same Terms
- Enter the same currency and amount in each app at the same time
- Check the preferential exchange rate and the final won amount to be debited
- Check your airport terminal, pickup date, and operating hours
- Prepare your ID and preferred denominations
Check Before Choosing Add-On Services
At KB Kookmin, choosing travel insurance along with the exchange reduces the preferential rate by 15 percentage points, depending on the currency. Once the application is complete, you need a sell-back transaction instead of a cancellation, so exchange-rate movements can cause a loss.
Bank Currency Exchange FAQ
Does KB Kookmin Offer 90% Without Logging In?
No. The non-logged-in rates are 80% for USD and 70% for JPY/EUR. With a member login, the rates are 90% and 80%, respectively.
Can I Still Get the Advance-Exchange Benefit If I Apply at the Airport?
Whether same-day pickup is possible and how much stock is available varies by bank. Hana allows same-day exchange and pickup, but before paying, check the terminal you selected and the exchange counter’s operating hours.
What Happens If I Don’t Collect the Foreign Currency on the Date I Selected?
If you don’t collect it within seven business days of the desired pickup date, KB Kookmin automatically sells it back on the eighth business day. If you don’t collect it within seven business days of the designated date, Shinhan stores it in its mobile vault.
For USD, choose the app actually applying 90% with the lowest final amount in won. For JPY and EUR, start by comparing Shinhan’s quote with Hana and Woori’s. If that also lines up with a convenient pickup point, it’s the best value.