I've only recently learned that it's hard to get a good exchange rate when in a Western country. I've only traveled in Asia before this year (SE Asia and Taiwan) and a bad exchange rate would be one where there's a 4% spread between buy and sell (i.e the money changer is taking up to about 2%). I have seen spreads of less than 1%.

Since I got to the US, I find that the spread is more like 15%, plus a fee of $5. Not as bad as Europe, but much worse than using a card.

Are there good exchange rates for cash in the USA, or do I just have to stick with using an ATM or credit card?