Currency words are the building blocks for talking about money, shopping, and finance in English. This guide covers the most common currency-related words, from the names of different currencies to terms used for coins, bills, and transactions.
Common Currency Names
These are the names of some of the most widely used currencies around the world. Knowing these will help you identify and talk about money from different countries.
| Currency | Example | Currency | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| dollar | dollars | euro | euros |
| pound | pounds | yen | yen |
| rupee | rupees | peso | pesos |
| franc | francs | krona | kronor |
| yuan | yuan | dirham | dirhams |
Coin and Bill Terms
These words are used to describe the different forms that money can take. Coins are usually small and metal, while bills (or banknotes) are paper money.
| Term | Example | Term | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| coin | a 25-cent coin | bill | a $20 bill |
| banknote | a 50-euro banknote | cent | cents |
| note | a 100-pound note | centavo | centavos |
| penny | penny | dime | dime |
| nickel | nickel | quarter | a quarter |
Financial Transactions
These words help you describe the actions involved in using money, such as paying, exchanging, or saving.
| Term | Example | Term | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| pay | I will pay $10. | spend | She spends a lot. |
| save | Save money for later. | exchange | Exchange dollars for euros. |
| withdraw | Withdraw cash from ATM. | deposit | Deposit money in bank. |
| change | Can I have change? | charge | They charged me $5. |
| transfer | Transfer money online. | refund | Ask for a refund. |
Banking and Finance
These words are used in more formal or business contexts, such as banking, investing, or accounting.
| Term | Example | Term | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| account | Open a bank account. | balance | Check your balance. |
| interest | Earn interest monthly. | loan | Apply for a loan. |
| currency exchange | Currency exchange rates vary. | credit card | Pay by credit card. |
| debit card | Use a debit card. | ATM | Withdraw cash at ATM. |
| statement | Bank statement arrives monthly. | fee | There is a service fee. |
What do you call the plastic card used to pay money directly from your bank account?
debit card
A debit card is linked directly to your bank account and withdraws money immediately. A credit card allows borrowing, an ATM card is used for cash withdrawals, and a gift card has a prepaid amount.
What is the word for the amount of money currently in your bank account?
balance
Balance is the amount of money you have in your account. A loan is borrowed money, interest is the extra money earned or paid on a loan, and a fee is a charge for a service.
Useful Phrases
Here are some common phrases that include currency words, which you can use in everyday conversations.
| Phrase | Example | Phrase | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| How much is it? | How much is it? | Take my money. | Take my money, please. |
| Keep the change. | Keep the change. | Can I have a receipt? | Can I have a receipt? |
| It’s on sale. | It’s on sale for $5. | I’m broke. | I’m broke this week. |
| Pay in cash. | I’ll pay in cash. | Charge it to my card. | Charge it to my card. |
| What’s the exchange rate? | What’s the exchange rate today? |
Summary
Currency words include the names of different currencies, terms for coins and bills, words for financial transactions, and vocabulary used in banking and finance. These words help you talk about money clearly and confidently in English.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
