---
title: "A 600 UAH difference: why exchanging old dollars for new ones is a loss and where it is more profitable to exchange currency"
description: "The difference between buying and selling rates can cost you hundreds of hryvnias: why exchanging old dollars for new ones through a bank is a losing operation. We analyze PrivatBank and Oschadbank tariffs for June 24, 2026, and explain how the spread works during double conversion 💸📉"
date: 2026-06-24T08:58:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/a-600-uah-difference-why-exchanging-old-dollars-for-new-ones-is-a-loss-and-where-it-is-more-profitable-to-exchange-currency
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# A 600 UAH difference: why exchanging old dollars for new ones is a loss and where it is more profitable to exchange currency

![Cashier at an exchange office processing currency, illustrating the rate difference when exchanging old and new dollars](https://xab.info/media/2026/06/24/raznitsa-v-600-griven-pochemu-obmen-starykh-dollarov-na-novye-eto-ubytok/raznitsa-v-600-griven-pochemu-obmen-starykh-dollarov-na-novye-eto-ubytok-1.webp)

The exchange rate grid of Ukrainian banks on June 24, 2026, demonstrates significant differences depending on the chosen method of conducting the transaction. Buying or selling currency through a branch teller and through a mobile app often have different tariffs, which directly affects the final amount in the client's hands.

### Where is it more profitable to buy and sell currency?

An analysis of current quotes shows that for buying currency, PrivatBank offers the most attractive conditions. At the same time, if your goal is to sell foreign currency, Oschadbank offers higher rates.

In PrivatBank, the rate for the US dollar at tellers is 45 UAH for purchase and 44.4 UAH for sale. If using a card, the purchase price increases slightly to 45.04 UAH, but the sale becomes more profitable at 44.55 UAH. The euro in bank branches can be purchased for 51.35 UAH and sold for 50.35 UAH. For card transactions, these figures are 51.54 UAH and 50.64 UAH, respectively.

Oschadbank offers a different rate structure. In the mobile app, the dollar is sold at 45.20 UAH and purchased at 44.65 UAH. Using a card makes the purchase cheaper at 45.10 UAH, and the sale more profitable at 44.70 UAH. The euro in the app costs 51.75 UAH for purchase and 50.90 UAH for sale. The card rate for the euro is 51.60 UAH and 51 UAH, respectively.

### Why you can't simply swap old banknotes for new ones

Many cash holders face the desire to replace banknotes of the old design with new ones. However, the banking system does not provide for a direct exchange of one currency for another of the same denomination but a different design. The only available algorithm of action is double conversion: first, you must sell the old currency for hryvnia, and then buy the new one.

Such a procedure inevitably entails financial losses. The reason is the spread — the difference between the buying and selling rates, which the bank builds into its commission. The client pays this difference twice: when selling old banknotes and when buying new ones.

### Example of loss calculation

For clarity, let's consider a situation with a sum of $1,000. As of June 24, 2026, to receive an equivalent amount in new-design banknotes, the client will have to pay an additional 600 UAH. These funds go towards covering the bank's commission for the double transaction.

Experts remind that this material is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. The currency market involves risks, and it is recommended to consult with professionals before making financial decisions.