best prepaid travel card for jamaica

Buying a Sim Card for Jamaica in 2024

Are you planning a trip to Jamaica and looking for the best way to stay connected? This is a complete guide for buying a sim card for Jamaica in 2024 with where to buy a sim card in Jamaica, up to date prices as per January 2024, the best e-sim cards for Jamaica, the best 4G/5G network in Jamaica, my recommendation, a vlog about my experiences and even info about international sim cards for Jamaica.

Wherever I go one of the first things I do is making sure I get instantly connected to the internet. Having data on your phone makes life so much easier. Traveling to Jamaica is more fun if you can get directions from your phone, stay in touch with friends, look up nearby cool things to do, find fun bars and good restaurants, order a taxi through an app, etc.

As I am also traveling to every country in the world and I write a sim card guide everywhere I go you can already find more than 200 sim card guides on Traveltomtom from all over the world: USA , Miami , New York , Newark , Dominican Republic , Mexico , Mexico City , Guatemala , Panama , Colombia , Antigua & Barbuda , UK , London , Europe , Germany , Switzerland , Hong Kong , Dubai and many more.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and e-sim card advice for your holiday destination. Bookmark me! 

Why buying a sim card for Jamaica

First of all we don’t want our Jamaica holiday to be ruined by high roaming charges. Roaming charges on your sim card from home can easily be $3 USD per MB, which means just opening the Instagram app can costs you around $100 USD.

Also keep in mind that overseas data roaming plans from your home provider limit your data speed. Which means you probably will be surfing the internet on 3G.

A smartphone without data is useless these days and getting directions from Google Maps, or finding nearby friends suddenly becomes impossible.

Yes, the resorts and hotels in Jamaica have reliable WiFi and I must say I was surprised with the data speed of the WiFi. However, as soon as you walk out on the beach you will lose connection. 

Also keep in mind that surfing the internet on public WiFi is through an unsecured network. The use of a VPN service is recommended. With a local prepaid sim card or an e-sim card you use a secured network.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends a Digicel sim card for Jamaica. They have the best 3G/4G network and sim cards with data are cheap. The price depends where in Jamaica you buy your sim card.

If you are planning to buy a sim card in Jamaica then keep in mind that you can only get physical prepaid sim cards, there are no e-sim cards available for tourists in stores in Jamaica, only on the internet.

Traveltomtom definitely recommend e-sim cards, but for traveling to Jamaica there are unfortunately very limited options available in 2024. See below for more info.

That said, another great way to stay connected when traveling to Jamaica in 2024 is a world travel sim card. These international prepaid sim cards with data work in sometimes up to 140 countries. Click on the link to find my comparison of the best travel sim cards in 2024.

When using a Jamaica sim card, international or an e-sim card for Jamaica, always make sure your phone is unlocked. In general phones from the USA are locked, phones from other countries around the world are mostly unlocked. When not sure ask your sim card provider from home and unlock your phone before your trip to Jamaica.

Best e-sim cards for Jamaica

The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Jamaica in 2024 is an e-sim card. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. You order an e-sim card for Jamaica online, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within just a couple minutes you have installed your Jamaica e-sim card on your phone.

As soon as you arrive in Jamaica you are automatically connected and can enjoy data on your phone as if you were at home. Pretty much as soon as the plane lands.

Airalo is a reputable e-sim card provider that offers e-sim cards for Jamaica from Jamcomm.

• 1 GB for 7 days = $9.5 USD 

Click here for more info or to order an e-sim card for Jamaica directly online via Airalo .

The above Jamcomm e-sim card operates on the 4G/LTE network of Digicel and is a data-only e-sim card.

SimOptions sells an e-sim card from Ubigi which is valid all over the Caribbean in 28 countries/islands.

• 1 GB data for 30 days = $29.90 USD

The Ubigi e-sim card is basically the ultimate e-sim card for the Caribbean but it is also more expensive than the Airalo e-sim card for Jamaica.

Click here to order this e-sim card for the Caribbean via SimOptions .

Nomad is a trusted e-sim provider that often has amazing e-sim card deals. However, the Jamaica e-sim cards are rather expensive compared to Airalo. At least Nomad has bigger data packages.

• 1 GB for 7 days = $25 USD
• 3 GB for 30 days = $40 USD
• 5 GB for 30 days = $45 USD

Click here for more info or to order an e-sim card for traveling in Jamaica via Nomad .

Make sure your phone is e-sim compatible before ordering an e-sim card for Jamaica.

Mobile internet operators in Jamaica

Jamaica is a relatively small country with a population of 3 million. There are only 2 mobile internet operators: Flow and Digicel. Both mobile internet provider offer prepaid sim cards for tourists in Jamaica.

Both operators only sell physical prepaid sim cards for tourists, e-sim cards are not available. So in case you have one of the newest iPhones from the USA and no physical sim card slot anymore, you can NOT buy a tourist sim card in Jamaica. 

In that case the only option is ordering an e-sim card for Jamaica via either Airalo , Nomad or SimOptions .

Prepaid sim card registration

When buying a prepaid sim card in Jamaica you will need to bring your passport for the registration. A copy of your passport will be taken in the store and you will receive a new prepaid sim card with a Jamaican phone number. Jamaican phone numbers start just like in the USA with +1.

You can buy up to 3 prepaid sim cards with 1 passport. If for some reason you prefer your sim card not to be registered on your passport there is a way out. International sim cards and e-sim cards do NOT require a registration with your passport, just your email address.

Want to stay anonymous then order an e-sim card for Jamaica via  Airalo , Nomad or SimOptions  and you will only need your email address to register.

Where to buy a sim card for Jamaica

The most convenient place to buy a sim card in Jamaica is at the airport on arrival. But prices will of course be much higher. 

Sangster International Airport Montego Bay

At Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay there is a local phone shop called ‘Stay Connected’. Here you can buy a Digicel sim card for Jamaica, but expect tourist prices. They easily charge 3x as much as the original price. Not the cheapest place to buy a Jamaica sim card, but the fastest way to get connected when arriving in Jamaica. 

Normal Manley International Airport Kingston

At Kingston Airport there is an actual Flow and Digicel store now. They recently opened and they replace the representatives in the company t-shirt roaming outside. Expect also here tourist prices. The same as at Montego Bay. Both phone stores are in the arrival hall. 

Official retail stores of Digicel or Flow

The best place to buy a sim card in Jamaica is at an official retail store of Digicel or Flow. Here you will get the best service, the cheapest prices and the staff makes sure you are instantly connected and your Jamaica sim card is registered properly. This is my advice when you are looking for the best sim card for tourists in Jamaica. 

On the streets

Traveltomtom does not recommend buying a sim card on the streets in Jamaica. In tourist hotspots like Negril and Montego Bay I have seen people offering prepaid sim cards for tourist prices. First of all they are overpriced and second, keep in mind that a Jamaica prepaid sim card only works if it is registered on your name.

These ready to use sim cards you buy on the streets in Jamaica are registered on someone else’s name. NOT recommended!

As mentioned before there is the possibility to order an e-sim card for Jamaica via  Airalo , Nomad or SimOptions or buy an international prepaid sim card  that will be delivered to your home address before your trip.

Prices prepaid sim cards Jamaica

Prepaid sim cards for Jamaica are much cheaper at official Digicel or Flow stores. At the international airports they sell sim cards in USD.

Stay Connected - Montego Bay Airport

At the phone store ‘Stay Connected’ at Sangster International Airport you can buy one of the following Digicel prepaid sim card plans:

• 6 GB data + 300 minutes + 10 GB for social media for 3 days = $15 USD
• 14 GB data + 700 minutes + 25 GB for social media for 7 days = $23 USD
• 20 GB data + 2,500 minutes + 50 GB for social media for 28 days = $45 USD 

Opening hours: daily 10.00 am - 6.00 pm - CASH ONLY, credit cards are not accepted.

You can find the same tourist sim cards at Kingston International Airport.

As I mentioned before the best place to buy a sim card in Jamaica is at an official retail store. The prices below are in Jamaican Dollars and as per January 2024: $1 USD = $155 JMD and $100 JMD = $0.64 USD.

A Digicel prepaid sim card costs $750 JMD ($5 USD) and it comes with the following plan:

• 6 GB data + 300 minutes + 10 GB social media

On top of that you can top up with one of the following prepaid data plans:

• 3 GB data + 100 minutes + 5 GB social media for 1 day = $216
• 6 GB data + 300 minutes + 10 GB social media for 3 days = $479 - $3 USD
• 6 GB data + 500 minutes + 25 GB social media for 7 days = $895
• 15 GB data + 2,500 minutes + 50 GB social media for 28 days = $3,349 - $21 USD

All Digicel stores around Jamaica are only open from 09.00 AM till 6.00 PM. Located the nearest one by using Google Maps.

Flow has several prepaid sim card plans that all come with unlimited calls & text as well as international minutes:

• 1 GB data + unlimited social media apps + 1 GB TikTok for 2 days = $315 JMD - $2 USD
• 3 GB data + unlimited social media apps + 2 GB TikTok for 5 days = $585 JMD
• 8 GB data + unlimited social media apps + 4 GB TikTok for 7 days = $830 JMD - $5 USD
• 8 GB data + unlimited social media apps + 4 GB TikTok for 28 days = $2,300 JMD
• Unlimited data + unlimited social media apps + 8 GB TikTok for 28 days = $4,900 JMD - $31 USD

Best 4G/5G network in Jamaica in 2024

Pretty important for staying connected when traveling to Jamaica is the network coverage and therefore I will compare the Jamaica network coverage maps for both mobile internet providers and find the best 4G/5G network in Jamaica in 2024.

Is there 5G in Jamaica?

Unfortunately as per January 2024 there is still no 5G in Jamaica. The best you can get is 4G/LTE. The data speed I experience was pretty solid on my Digicel prepaid sim card with up to 45 Mbps download and 25 Mbps upload.

Flow 3G/4G network coverage map

Digicel 3G/4G network coverage map

Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not completely correct, that said it is a great indication to prove the point. Because from the above mobile data network coverage maps we can clearly see that Digicel has by far the best network coverage in Jamaica in 2024.

For example I went to Negril and I had a pretty good 4G/LTE signal throughout my stay at 7 Mile Beach.

Best sim card for Jamaica in 2024

Traveltomtom is a fan of e-sim cards for traveling the world. However, for Jamaica the e-sim card plans are very limited and I simply need more than just 5 GB data. Therefore if you are a heavy data user I recommend buying a physical prepaid sim card for tourists in Jamaica. But if you just need 1 or 2 GB data to stay connected than an e-sim card is my first recommendation for when traveling to Jamaica in 2024.

Buying a local prepaid sim card in Jamaica is the cheapest way to stay connected on your holiday. Prices for Jamaican sim cards are fairly cheap, but much more expensive when you buy them at the airport. At the international airports of Kingston and Montego Bay you pay tourist prices in USD for the sim cards.

There are two options, a Flow and a Digicel prepaid sim card, but it leaves no doubt that Digicel is the best prepaid sim card in Jamaica in 2024. Have a look at my comparison of the 4G/LTE network coverage maps in Jamaica and you instantly understand why Digicel is the best tourist sim card.

Here is also a vlog about my experiences buying a Jamaica sim card with all my tips and what it looks like arriving at Montego Bay Airport.

Order a sim card for Jamaica online 

Normally Traveltomtom also recommends sim cards that you can order online. Unfortunately for Jamaica there are very limited options and Traveltomtom recommends buying a sim card in Jamaica as the best way to stay connected on your trip. As soon as there are international prepaid sim card deals for Jamaica online I will add them here.

Actually there is a physical international prepaid sim card available for Jamaica but you pay $49.90 USD for just 1 GB data. If that is what you want then you can order this Jamaica prepaid sim card via SimOptions .

For now I am sure all the information about staying connected when traveling to Jamaica was helpful for your upcoming trip. Let me know if you have questions and leave me a message below or reach out to me on social media.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world ? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Traveler & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Enjoy your trip to Jamaica!

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Jamaica SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Apr 23, 2024 | Caribbeans , North America , SIM Cards , Travel Tips

Visiting Jamaica soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing a Jamaica SIM card .

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Jamaica in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.

Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Jamaica. If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you need data to get around or call a cab – you may want to get a Jamaican SIM card for your travels.

Best SIM Cards For Jamaica

If you’re traveling in Jamaica, we recommend using a SIM card from Digicel, Flow, or Airalo. (I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)

That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to the Caribbean, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other Caribbean countries.

How To Buy A Jamaican SIM Card

You can either buy a Jamaica prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.

Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.

That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.

For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.

Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase a Caribbean prepaid SIM card online.

Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by Digicel, and Flow.

Digicel SIM Card

Digicel offers several different types of tourist plans:

• 3 GB valid for 1 day for JMD 195 ($1.27)
• 8 GB valid for 2 days for JMD 325 ($2.12)
• 10 GB valid for 3 days for JMD 435 ($2.84)
• 18 GB valid for 5 days for JMD 595 ($3.88)
• 25 GB valid for 7 days for JMD 895 ($5.84)

Flow SIM Card

Flow has several different prepaid plans available:

• 500 MB valid for 2 days for JMD 285 ($1.86)
• 2 GB valid for 5 days for JMD 530 ($3.46)
• 6 GB valid for 7 days for JMD 775 ($5.05)
• 10 GB valid for 28 days for JMD 2600 ($16.96)
• Unlimited data valid for 30 days for JMD 4900 ($31.96)

Overall, we think Flow is the best option if you plan to buy your prepaid SIM card in person.

That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!

How To Buy A Jamaica Prepaid SIM Card Online

If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.

You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, Orange Holiday World SIM works in more than 100+ countries and gives you up to 10 GB of data for 14 days. Jamaica is included.

But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and make sure the countries you plan on visiting are listed.

Browse your options on Amazon

Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM for Jamaica or, if you’re traveling to multiple countries, an eSIM plan for the Caribbean.

How To Buy A Jamaica eSIM Card

eSIM is a new concept allowing you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone. If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s definitely one of the best options to get data in Jamaica.

Curious? Learn more about eSIMs for travelers on eSIM Roamers .

I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. And I first tried it when visiting my family in Canada. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo .

Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs for Jamaica.

Airalo Jamaica

If you want an eSIM for Jamaica, you could purchase one on Airalo . This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for North America and Jamaica.

I’ve been using Airalo for several months, and it works fine.

Here are the options available :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9.50

Here’s an overview of the plan available for the Caribbean :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $15

The option mentioned above is part of the Island Hopper plan and offers coverage in 24 countries in the Caribbean, including Jamaica.

Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that you’ll need to keep an eye out for the provider in each country.

Suppose you ever have trouble connecting to the Internet during your trip. In that case, it might be because you’re connecting automatically to networks and need to select a network manually instead.

When you purchase the eSIM, you’ll get access to the list of networks supported in each country.

Go to Airalo

Holafly Jamaica

Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly . You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store.

Here’s an overview of their plans for Jamaica:

• 3 GB, valid for 7 days for $37
• 7 GB, valid for 15 days for $44
• 15 GB, valid for 30 days for $54

Go to Holafly

Nomad Jamaica

Finally, Nomad is also a great eSIM provider.

Here’s an overview of the plans available for Jamaica:

• 1GB, valid for 7 days for $20
• 3GB, valid for 30 days for $48
• 5GB, valid for 30 days for $54

Go to Nomad

Final Thoughts On Jamaica SIM Cards

As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Jamaica or even an eSIM for your travels in Jamaica is pretty straightforward.

You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in the Caribbean without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase a Caribbean plan.

I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Jamaica if you wish to have data upon your arrival. This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card.

Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.

Traveling soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Panama SIM card
• Dominican Republic SIM card
• Costa Rica SIM card

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How to Buy a SIM Card in Jamaica in 2024

• May 2, 2024

Traveling to Jamaica, known for its vibrant culture, stunning beaches, and reggae music, is an experience that greatly benefits from reliable connectivity. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the sands of Negril, exploring the Blue Mountains, or enjoying the nightlife in Kingston, having a local SIM card provides convenient and cost-effective access to mobile data and communication. Here’s everything you need to know about buying a SIM card in Jamaica in 2024. We’ll also cover how to buy and use an eSIM in Jamaica .

Table of contents

Mobile carrier stores, electronics stores, convenience stores and supermarkets, benefits of buying before you travel, who are the main operators in jamaica, how to buy a sim card with digicel jamaica, how to buy a sim card with flow jamaica, benefits of buying your sim card in jamaica, how much does a prepaid sim card in jamaica cost, using an esim in jamaica, using esim.net in jamaica, why should i buy a sim card for jamaica, what if i have a problem with my sim card in jamaica, can i use wi-fi in jamaica, what are the mobile operators in jamaica, how much is a sim card in jamaica, how much does roaming cost in jamaica, can a traveler get a sim card in jamaica, where can i get a sim card for jamaica.

Upon arriving in Jamaica, particularly at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston or Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, you’ll find kiosks and retail stores that sell SIM cards. These outlets are conveniently located in the arrivals area, making it easy to purchase a SIM card as soon as you land.

In Jamaican cities and major tourist areas, stores of the main mobile operators offer a variety of SIM card options. These stores are typically found in shopping centers, along main streets, and in popular tourist destinations.

Electronics retailers and mobile phone shops across Jamaica also sell SIM cards. They offer a variety of plans from different providers, allowing you to compare options.

Many convenience stores, supermarkets, and even some pharmacies throughout Jamaica offer prepaid SIM cards. This option is perfect for travelers who need immediate connectivity.

Purchase Before You Travel

Purchasing a SIM card before your arrival in Jamaica offers several benefits:

• Immediate Connectivity : Activate your phone as soon as you land, saving time and avoiding the hassle of finding a store.
• Avoid Language Barriers : While English is the official language, purchasing your SIM in advance can help ensure you understand all terms and conditions.
• Peace of Mind : Start your trip knowing that your communication needs are already taken care of.

Buy Your Tourist SIM Card in Jamaica

The telecom market in Jamaica is primarily served by two key providers, each offering comprehensive coverage and competitive packages:

• Digicel Jamaica : Known for its excellent nationwide coverage and high-quality service.
• Flow Jamaica : Offers robust service with competitive data packages and good customer support.

Visit any Digicel store, which are prevalent throughout urban areas and tourist centers. Digicel offers various plans, including those specifically designed for tourists, featuring generous data allowances and reasonable call rates.

Flow stores are widespread across the island and provide a range of SIM card plans that cater to different needs, including those of international visitors.

Purchasing your SIM card directly in Jamaica ensures:

• Local Rates : Enjoy competitive local rates for data and calls.
• Immediate Support : Access customer service easily if you encounter any issues.
• Flexible Plans : Choose a plan based on your specific travel needs, with options to adjust as necessary.

Prices for prepaid SIM cards in Jamaica are quite affordable, typically starting from around 500 JMD (about 3 USD) for basic packages with limited data and calls. More comprehensive packages, particularly those designed for tourists, can cost up to 3000 JMD (about 20 USD) and include significant data allowances and some international calling options.

For those with compatible devices, opting for an eSIM provides a convenient and flexible way to stay connected:

• Instant Activation : Download and activate your eSIM before you arrive or right after landing.
• No Physical SIM Required : Avoid the hassle of swapping physical SIM cards, while keeping your home number active.
• Flexible Plans : Easily switch between different eSIM profiles to find the best rates and coverage.

Using eSIM.net while traveling in Jamaica offers a seamless and efficient way to stay connected as you explore its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and lush landscapes. Here’s how to make the most of your eSIM.net service during your visit to Jamaica:

Step 1: Choose Your eSIM Plan

Selecting the Right Plan: eSIM.net provides a variety of Jamaica eSIM plans tailored to different needs. For your trip to Jamaica, consider whether a data-only plan is sufficient or if a more comprehensive package including voice and SMS would be better. Data-only plans are ideal for short visits or if you primarily need internet access, while full-service plans are better for longer stays or if you need to make frequent local and international calls.

Step 2: Purchase and Activate Your eSIM

Buying Your eSIM: You can select and purchase your desired eSIM plan directly from the eSIM.net website. The process is straightforward—pick a plan that matches your duration of stay and anticipated data usage, then complete the transaction. You’ll receive an email with a QR code.

Activating Your eSIM: Ensure your smartphone supports eSIM technology and is unlocked. Navigate to the cellular settings on your device, tap “Add Cellular Plan,” and scan the QR code. Follow the setup prompts, ideally while connected to Wi-Fi, as it requires internet access.

Step 3: Manage Your eSIM

Using the MyeSIM Portal: eSIM.net offers an online portal called MyeSIM, where you can manage your account. This portal allows you to check your data usage, top up your plan as needed, and adjust settings to suit your needs during your stay in Jamaica.

Customer Support: If you encounter any issues or have questions regarding your eSIM service, eSIM.net provides robust customer support. Assistance is available via email, or you can access an extensive FAQ section on their website for quick help.

Step 4: Understanding Mobile Usage in Jamaica

Data Roaming: If your itinerary includes visiting other Caribbean islands or countries, check if your eSIM plan includes international roaming. This feature can be beneficial for maintaining seamless connectivity across different regions.

Network Coverage: Jamaica has good mobile network coverage, especially in urban areas and major tourist destinations such as Kingston, Montego Bay, and Ocho Rios. However, coverage can be less consistent in remote or rural areas.

Step 5: Maximizing Your eSIM Benefits

Cost-Effectiveness: Using an eSIM from eSIM.net can significantly reduce your roaming costs compared to traditional mobile services. It offers a straightforward solution for managing data and calls throughout Jamaica without the need for multiple SIM cards.

Flexibility and Convenience: eSIM technology allows easy switching between different plans or carriers without needing to physically change SIM cards. This flexibility is particularly useful if your travel plans are dynamic or if you visit multiple countries during your trip.

Additional Tips for Using eSIM in Jamaica

• Device Compatibility: Before your trip, ensure that your device is compatible with eSIM technology and is unlocked. Most modern smartphones, including recent models from Apple, Samsung, and Google, support eSIMs.
• Emergency Services: In Jamaica, you can dial 119 for emergency police services, 110 for fire, and 112 or 911 for ambulance services, accessible free of charge from any phone, including those using an eSIM.
• Public Wi-Fi Access: Jamaica offers public Wi-Fi in many hotels, cafes, and some public areas. These networks can help save on data usage, but always ensure secure connections when accessing sensitive information.
• Cultural Insights: Familiarize yourself with local customs and mobile usage etiquette to enhance your interactions and avoid any potential misunderstandings. Jamaicans are known for their friendly and relaxed demeanor, so respecting local traditions and engaging with people in a courteous manner will enhance your experience.

SIM Card Jamaica FAQs

To ensure affordable and reliable mobile data and voice communication, enhancing both convenience and security during your trip.

Visit the nearest store of your mobile provider where customer service will help resolve issues promptly.

Yes, free Wi-Fi is widely available in public spaces, cafes, and hotels throughout Jamaica, but a local SIM card provides a more consistent and secure connection.

The main mobile operators are Digicel Jamaica and Flow Jamaica.

Prices for SIM cards start at around 500 JMD, with more comprehensive options available for up to 3000 JMD.

Roaming can be expensive, especially for non-Caribbean travelers. It’s usually more economical to use a local SIM card.

Yes, travelers can easily purchase a SIM card upon arrival in Jamaica by presenting a valid ID at the time of purchase.

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Check out our guide on how to find out if my device is eSIM compatible or contact us on our online chat

If there have been changes in your plans and you no longer need your Holafly eSIM, we will provide you with a full refund .

If you purchased the eSIM and it turned out to be incompatible with your device, we will provide you with a full refund .

If your eSIM doesn't work due to an issue with Holafly or the network infrastructure of the destination country has problems and is unstable, we can offer you a full or partial refund .

eSIM with data in Jamaica

€ 44,00 € 34,00 EUR

Based on 36,973 reviews on

Description

Technical Specs

• Experience Jamaica with 500MB of internet connection / day
• Receive your QR code and connect instantly
• Set up your eSIM in less than five minutes
• Keep your WhatsApp number on your cellphone
• Connect to the best networks in Jamaica
• Forget about roaming and searching for public WiFi networks

Connect to the Internet in Jamaica with a prepaid eSIM with data. Keep in touch with your family and friends through your favorite apps like WhatsApp, iMessage, or Skype. Forget about roaming and start saving on your trip.

It’s easy to activate and use. After your purchase, we will send you a QR code to your email. Scan it to install the eSIM for Jamaica and start using the service. No paperwork or waiting.

• Speed: 4G / LTE
• Tethering / Hotspot : Yes
• Data Packages: 3GB
• Days of use: 7
• Phone number: No
• Plan type: Prepaid
• Analog calls: No, only through apps (VOIP).
• Activation: Automatic, activated when connected to a cellular network.
• Compatibility: all smartphones with eSIM technology enabled. Operation on smartwatches and tablets is not guaranteed.
• Shipping: via email.
• Delivery time: immediate, after purchase.
• Installation: scan a QR code.
• ID required: No
• Technology: eSIM
• Designed for: tourism, backpackers, vacations, digital nomads, and business.
• Networks: Digicel

Choose when your plan starts! Install the eSIM before your trip and activate the data upon arrival.

How many days are you traveling for?

- % discount applied to all plans

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Advantages of using Holafly eSIM in Jamaica

Change of plans? No problem at all!

Purchase your Holafly eSIM with added peace of mind. You have up to 6 months to request a refund.

Conoce por qué nuestra eSIM de viajes internacionales es tu mejor elección de datos móviles para tener internet en el extranjero y mantenerte conectado en tu próxima aventura.

Very easy to use

Set up your data plan by scanning a simple QR code or with the manual installation. Activate the eSIM when you land and you’ll be connected instantly. All products come with thorough instructions.

Share your data with family and friends

You can share data with family, friends or whoever you’re traveling with. Use your cell phone to generate a WiFi network and connect multiple devices.

Keep your WhatsApp number

You can call and message all your contacts on WhatsApp, like you’re in the same country. Don’t lose touch with family and friends.

24/7 customer support

The eSIM is easy to use, but if you have questions or experience technical issues you can reach us by email or our 24 hour chat support. We’re here to help.

Immediate delivery

If you’re in a rush or you’re already traveling, don’t worry about waiting for delivery. We send the Jamiaca eSIM immediately to your email, so you can connect in seconds.

Keep your original SIM for calls

The eSIM is digital, so your original SIM will work as usual if you need it.

How does the Holafly eSIM for Jamaica work?

Check your phone is compatible with esim.

Check if your smartphone is compatible now

Buy your prepaid eSIM

Chose the plan that suits you best and buy your eSIM card from our online store.

Scan the QR code

It’s easy. Just scan the QR code we send you and turn on data roaming from your settings. Now you can enjoy browsing the web.

Fast and reliable connection

• Clear video calls with no delays
• Share stories in just a few seconds
• Enjoy creating video content and super fast uploading
• Find your way wherever you go!

The best performace in all your apps

Discover the freedom of reliable connectivity with high speed 4G and 5G . Holafly keeps you connected, no matter the adventure!

What you should know about eSIMs

No local phone number.

This eSIM only includes data. It does not allow you to make cell phone calls or send SMS messages. You can still use WhatsApp or Skype to call your contacts.

Your phone must support eSIM

Make sure your phone is both unlocked and compatible with eSIM technology.

Install before you travel and take off

Scan the QR code from your smartphone settings and add the data plan. But don’t activate it until you land at your destination. Take the printed QR code on your travels just in case.

We will send you the eSIM to your e-mail

As soon as you complete your purchase, you’ll receive the instructions to install and activate your international travel eSIM and get unlimited internet on your adventure!

Installation instructions with QR code

Manual installation instructions

Holafly eSIM User Reviews

DON’T stress about your phone service when you travel abroad! I used Holafly to travel home to California this year. The instructions were super easy to follow and I had no problems with the service for the whole 20 days that I used it. It was nice not to worry about how much my phone company was going to charge me for service abroad.

I have used your Sim for my trip to the USA! I recommend it 100%. Thank you very much for your service.

I swear that Holafly has a customer service that is to cry with pleasure ;___; In no time will I buy another unlimited data SIM for Japan because the first time it worked wonderfully

A complicated request was solved urgently within 24 hours of traveling. They are wonderful and I recommend it to everyone. Thank you HolaFly team!

Frequently Asked Questions about the Jamaica eSIM

When does my data plan start?

Your data plan starts the moment you activate your eSIM, by turning on data roaming in the Holafly eSIM. You should do this once you arrive at your destination.

Can I make phone calls and send messages with my Holafly eSIM?

The Jamaica eSIM only allows you to use mobile data. It does not include a local phone number for mobile calls or messages. You can still make calls using apps like WhatsApp.

Which devices work with the eSIM card?

You can check if your smartphone is eSIM compatible here.

When will I receive my eSIM?

Once you purchase your eSIM, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions to install it immediately using a QR code or manual code. Remember that once the eSIM is purchased, it cannot be returned.

Can I keep my WhatsApp number?

You don’t need to do anything to keep your WhatsApp number. You’ll automatically keep your number, contacts and conversations.

How quick is the Holafly eSIM?

The Holafly eSIM offers maximum speed coverage (4GLTE). But bear in mind that in some areas of limited coverage there may be a lower speed connection.

Do I have to activate data roaming on my device?

Yes. To ensure that your eSIM gets the best coverage, you must turn on data roaming on your mobile settings. This will not incur any additional charges, as long as you have already set up the Holafly eSIM.

What do I do if I delete or lose my eSIM’s QR code?

If you cannot find the code, please contact our 24/7 customer support team at [email protected] or our online chat function. We will resend the code to your email.

What happens if I use up my data or my days of validity?

If you use all your data or run out of days, your eSIM card will no longer work and you will lose internet connection.

What eSIM data plan should I choose for Jamaica?

You can choose 3GB for 7 days, 7GB for 15 days and 15GB for 30 days. You can contact us at any time if you’re not sure which plan is best for you.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that can be installed directly into your smartphone or other mobile devices. It is an alternative to the physical, removable SIM card you’re used to.

Can I renew or extend the data on my eSIM?

Yes, you can do so by logging into your customer panel on the Holafly Center. You will find the data plans you can purchase there. Once you’ve made your purchase, it will be activated immediately on the eSIM you have linked.

Can I share data with other devices?

Yes, the Jamaica eSIM allow you to share data or use a hotspot with other devices.

How do I set up the eSIM on my device?

After your purchase, we will send a QR code and manual instructions to your email. Either print the QR code or open it on your computer. On your cell phone, go to Settings > Mobile Data > Add Data Plan and scan the QR code. Your phone will allow you to assign a specific name to this data plan. You will now be able to switch between your Holafly data plan and the original plan from your provider. The Holafly data plan will only be operational once you arrive at your destination. Once you land, turn on data roaming on your cell phone settings and activate the Holafly data plan. Consult your phone’s user manual for more details on adding a data plan. All eSIM products come with comprehensive set-up instructions.

When should I set up my eSIM?

Set up your eSIM before your departure. Once you reach your destination, just activate the data plan turning on data roaming. We recommend you print the QR code to take it and manual instructions with you on vacation, just in case. Remember that you need internet access to install the eSIM.

How can I check my data balance?

You can manage your eSIMs and access all purchased data plans by logging into your Holafly Center through the Holafly website.

How many times can I use my eSIM card?

If needed or when changing phones during your trip, you can transfer your eSIM. However, note that you can only transfer the eSIM to two devices—the original one and a new one. Once you’ve installed it on a different device than the original, you won’t be able to reinstall it on the original device and you must deliver the eSIM from the original device to install it in the second device.

Can I delete the Holafly eSIM once I’ve used my data?

Yes! But keep in mind that you don’t need to do so. As soon as your plan expires your eSIM will no longer work.

Can I use my SIM card and Holafly eSIM at the same time?

If you are using an Apple device, you can use your SIM card and your eSim at the same time. Choose the Sim card for phone calls and SMS, and Holafly eSIM for data from your device. Please remember that if you leave your Sim card activated, your network provider may apply data roaming charges to receive or make phone calls as well as SMS.

How do I get a refund?

At Holafly we are aware that our users may have unforeseen events after making the purchase. Therefore, you can request a refund in the following circumstances: – You bought the eSIM without checking the compatibility with your cellphone. – You canceled your trip or you no longer need the eSIM. – Our eSIMs generally work fine, but if you experience connection issues, we can provide you with a full or partial refund. Once the refund is approved, you will receive the money on to the same account with which you made the payment. This process can take between 5 to 10 business days. For more details, terms and conditions, we invite you to read our Refund Policy .

To which mobile network will I connect at my destination?

Your eSIM will connect to all the local phone networks that Holafly partners up with. You can review them in the Technical Specs tab.

15 days 7 GB

Check that your device is compatible with eSIM

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If you have any questions during this process, remember we're here to assist you 24/7 through our Online chat.

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The best Prepaid SIM Card to travel in Jamaica. Choose the best SIM Card for your needs.

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Choose your destination, find your prepaid sim card, they trust simoptions, simoptions ratings, selected posts, the best sim cards for europe, the best sim cards for france, the best sim cards for the usa.

Operating from major hubs in Paris (France), Bangkok (Thailand), and Hong Kong, SimOptions is at the forefront of the international Prepaid SIM Card market. Our mission is to provide global travelers with a reliable solution to completely avoid roaming charges in Jamaica through the use of Jamaica Prepaid SIM Cards. We take pride in our diverse offerings that span continents, including Europe , Asia , Oceania , North America , and South America . When it comes to Prepaid SIM Cards for Jamaica, SimOptions is your go-to provider. Wondering about the shipment? We collaborate with global couriers such as DHL, UPS, FEDEX, ARAMEX, Australia Post, among others, ensuring prompt delivery to your doorstep in over 100 countries. Connect with SimOptions today and keep in touch with your family and friends back home!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do i get a prepaid sim card for jamaica.

You can purchase a prepaid SIM card for Jamaica in person on arrival or online. However, if you wish to have more options, you may want to get an eSIM for Jamaica instead.

Which SIM Card Provider Is The Best For Jamaica?

The best SIM card provider for Jamaica depends on your needs. You'll have more options if you opt for an eSIM plan instead.

What Is Better In Jamaica: SIM Or eSIM?

If your device supports eSIM technology, we recommend using an eSIM. However, a prepaid Jamaica SIM card might suit you better if you need SMS or phone calls.

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• Works in over 200 countries, with a single card & phone number. (And get your card FAST with express delivery).

Find your SIM Card number on the back of the product package or if you no longer have the product package, you can also find the SIM Card phone number from the plastic card .

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Your Worry-Free Trip to Jamaica Starts With a TravelSim Prepaid SIM Card

Talk, text, data with jamaica prepaid sim card.

The Jamaica Prepaid SIM Card is the most convenient and economical solution for staying in touch.

Chat to your friends and family back home by easily connecting to a local Jamaican Digicel network. Your SIM can also be used in over  205  countries  across  340 networks . Use your phone as if you were back home, saving you up to 85% on roaming charges.

The one-size-fits-all Prepaid Jamaica SIM Card is suitable for use in any unlocked cell phone or wifi device. Simply add prepaid credit anytime online. We’ve got you covered across Jamaica + more.

Configure Your TravelSim

Universal SIM size — Mini, Macro & Nano Size

Choose credit for calls & texts

Unlimited USA calls voice package includes unlimited calls from USA to USA and European Union numbers. It does not include calls to voicemail and other TravelSim numbers. You can make unlimited calls from USA to following countries: USA, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech.Rep., Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, St. Barthelemy / St. Martin Island, Sweden, United Kingdom.

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• South Korea
• Cook Islands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
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Your SIM card phone number starts with +372 by default. In addition to that, you can choose to purchase a UK phone number (+44) or a US phone number (+1).

If you purchase a US number, it will become your primary phone number for outgoing calls. Your default +372 number will still work for incoming calls. Data usage is not affected by phone numbers. Incoming call 0.20$ or 0.15€/min. Incoming SMS is free. US numbers can only receive calls, no SMS service available for US numbers. Incoming call 0.20$ or 0.15€/min

Here are all the countries you can travel to when you select this data plan:

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Stay Connected In Jamaica. Buy Prepaid SIM Cards & eSIMs at Negril Airport.

Need eSIM & Sim Card At Negril Airport ? (In Jamaica)

Planning a trip for Jamaica ? Here's the Best 10 eSIM & Sim Card (Compared + Reviewed) to buy at Negril Airport.

Over 12,000+ Reviews across

Best eSIMs & Sim Cards To Buy At Negril Airport

6GB of Data

15 Days of service from activation

Not included

Best 10 eSIM's To Buy Near Negril Airport in Jamaica

Jamaica eSIM By Yoho Mobile - $ 19

Jamaica 1GB - 30 Days By Maya Mobile - $ 24

Jamaica By GlobaleSIM - $ 13

Global - 30 Days - 3 GB By Nomad - $ 40

Jamaica 5GB - 30 Days By Maya Mobile - $ 79

Surf 500MB/month in Jamaica By BNESIM - $ 51.728571428571435

Caribbean 3GB - 15 Days By Maya Mobile - $ 64

Surf 500MB in Jamaica By BNESIM - $ 79.59

Caribbean By GigSky - $ 12.99

Caribbean 5GB - 30 Days By Maya Mobile - $ 92

Need esim + sim card at negril airport .

Need eSIM + Sim Card At Chelinda Airport ? (In Malawi)

Need eSIM + Sim Card At Club Makokola Airport ? (In Malawi)

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Getting a Jamaica SIM Card in 2024: Prepaid SIM Card in Jamaica

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on Published: February 10, 2024  - Last updated: February 12, 2024

Categories Jamaica , Sim Cards

Last updated on February 12th, 2024 at 09:19 am

Looking for the best Jamaica Sim Card for your next trip to Jamaica?

For the best sim card in Jamaica, Flow Jamaica sim card is our favorite for coverage and data packages. Looking at mobile eSIM alternatives? Go for Holafly and Airalo

Table of Contents

What Is The Cheapest Sim Card In Jamaica?

The cheapest Jamaican sim card data for tourists with Flow prepaid sim card in Jamaica for  2600 JMD=$17 USD  with  10 GB  data valid for 28 days. And for 4900 JMD=$33 USD valid for 30 days with unlimited data.

Alternatives to Getting Cheap Data in Jamaica

Read here the best sim card for Caribbean

You can find the cheapest Jamaica eSim with Airalo Jamaica eSim prepaid for  $8 USD with 1 GB  data valid for 7 days ( USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10% ).

Holafly Jamaica eSim for $34 USD  if you use our code  GAMINTRAVELER  coming with 3 GB data valid for 7 days . For $47 USD with 7 GB data valid for 15 days and for $59 USD with 15 GB data valid for 30 days.

WHERE TO STAY IN JAMAICA

There are dormitory rooms that you can rent the bed for as low as  $20 USD a night  if you want the cheapest option .  AirBnb is also available, mostly for about  $30-45 USD  a night. Double-room hostels can cost up to  $30-40 USD  a night while mid-range hotels cost more or less  $80 USD  a night.

Click here if you want to find the best deals

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

Two of our favorite travel insurance:  Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance . You can get for  $135 USD  your  Heymondo   Travel Insurance  with Heymondo discount code  valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of  Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review  and the comparison  Heymondo vs Genki

JAMAICA SIM CARD COMPARED AND PREPAID SIM CARD JAMAICA

First thing we have to say about Jamaican sim card, internet and data connection in Jamaica is great especially in the cities. There are a few places off the beaten path like mountains, beaches and forest where the connection will be weak.

We recommend you to get outside the airport when getting to the city in an official phone shop. There are 2 main phone operators in Jamaica: Flow and Digicel Jamaica .

BUYING JAMAICA PREPAID SIM CARD AIRPORT (JAMAICA SIM CARD MONTEGO BAY AIRPORT)

Getting a Jamaica sim card Montego Bay airport is simple and easy. You can get your sim card in  Norman Manley International Airport . Since it’s easier to check maps and it’s great to check internet while you are going to your hotel.

You can buy a Jamaica sim card in Montego Bay Airport and buy your Jamaica sim card at Kingston airport . This option it will be more expensive but it’s great especially if you are heading outside the city to the beach.

If you aren’t in a hurry you can wait until get to the city to get your Jamaica prepaid sim card. There are kiosks and phone shops where to buy your Jamaica tourist sim card.

WHERE TO BUY JAMAICA SIM CARD FOR TOURIST

You can buy a Jamaica sim card almost anywhere from the airport to cities. There are phone kiosks and local shops willing to sell a Jamaica prepaid sim card. Just make sure that you present your foreign passport.

BEST PREPAID SIM CARD JAMAICA COMPARISON

We will focus in this prepaid sim card Jamaica with Digicel Jamaica the most popular one in the country. We will tell you about Flow Jamaica too. Keep reading below rates and data packages:

Digicel Sim Card Jamaica

Digicel sim card Jamaica is the largest phone operator in the country. You will have the best coverage and we totally recommend this sim card if you are traveling in a few destinations in Jamaica. You can get a Digicel sim card for  600 JMD =$4 USD  in the phone stores. Check here prices and packages in Digicel website !

You can get these packages for  850 JMD=$6 USD  with  6 GB  data and valid for 7 days. You can get a Digicel prepaid sim card in Jamaica for  3000 JMD=$20 USD  with  12 GB  data and valid for 28 days.

All these packages with Digicel Jamaica are coming with unlimited domestic calls and social media ( Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter ).

MORE PREPAID SIM CARD IN JAMAICA

Flow jamaica sim card.

Flow sim card Jamaica is the second largest phone operator. You can get a Flow prepaid Jamaica sim card for  500 JMD =$3 USD in the phone stores. Check here prices and packages in Flow website !

You can get these packages for  775 JMD=$5 USD  with  6 GB  data valid for 7 days. For  2600 JMD=$17 USD  with  10 GB  data valid for 28 days. If you want unlimited data for 4900 JMD=$33 USD valid for 30 days.

All these packages with Flow Jamaica are coming with unlimited domestic calls and social media ( Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter ).

Mobile eSIM Alternatives to Best Sim Card In Jamaica

Holafly jamaica esim discount code.

Holafly Jamaica eSim for $34 USD  if you use our code  GAMINTRAVELER  coming with 3 GB data valid for 7 days. For $47 USD with 7 GB data valid for 15 days and for $59 USD with 15 GB data valid for 30 days.

AIRALO JAMAICA ESIM DISCOUNT CODE

Airalo Jamaica eSim prepaid for  $8 USD with 1 GB  data valid for 7 days ( USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10% ).

Nomad eSim Jamaica

Nomad eSim Jamaica for  $20 USD  with  1 GB  data valid for 7 days. Nomad eSim Jamaica prepaid start at  $48 USD  with  3 GB  data and for  $54 USD  with  5 GB  data valid for 30 days.

MTX Connect eSim Jamaica

MTX Connect eSim Jamaica for  €24  with  4 GB  data valid for 14 days.

UBIGI JAMAICA ESIM

Ubigi Jamaica eSim for $19 USD with 1 GB data valid for 30 days. ( USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10% ).

GIGSKY JAMAICA ESIM

GigSky Jamaica  eSim for  $13 USD  with  1 GB  data valid for 7 days and for  $60 USD  with  5 GB  data valid f

OUR FINAL THOUGHTS AND RECOMMENDATION ON BEST JAMAICA SIM CARD FOR TOURISTS

My Jamaican Sim Card Conclusion is getting a Flow prepaid sim card Jamaica if you are planning to travel around the country since the coverage is similar and it has better packages but there is no big difference.

You can buy Flow Jamaica for  2300 JMD=$15 USD  with  4 GB  data valid for 28 days and unlimited data for 4900 JMD=$33 USD valid for 30 days.

Feel free to use our links for discounts. By using our links, you will help us to continue with the maintenance of the website and it will not cost you anything. Thanks for the love guys. 

Happy Travels!

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

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JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid Card

The JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid Card is a game changer for those who receive funds from friends and family overseas. Why is this card a game changer? With the JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid Card, you can now receive remittances from over 150 countries and able to have access to your funds within minutes, 24/7, without the hassle of visiting a branch or agent location. This card offers you the convenience of accessing your funds instantly and securely.

Not only can you receive money directly to your card, but you can also withdraw your funds at ATMs and make purchases at Point of Sale (POS) terminals island-wide. The card is accepted wherever VISA is accepted, giving you the freedom to shop and pay for goods and services wherever you are.

This prepaid card is easy to use, secure and gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing your money is safe. Whether you're at home or abroad, the JMMB Money Transfer VISA  Prepaid Card is your ideal financial companion.

Features/Benefits 

• Access your remittance from any ATM that accepts VISA
• No Bank Account Needed
• Shop locally or online anywhere VISA payments are accepted
• No POS Fees
• No Annual Fees
• Up to 4 free transaction at the JMMB Bank ATM.  
• The first transaction free at any other ATMs that accept VISA.   

Click here to apply for your JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid Card

Read the Terms & Conditions for the JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid Card Incentive

How to get a JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid Card

Get your jmmb money transfer visa prepaid card in just a few easy steps.

  Step 1 - Visit The Online Application Portal

Online Sign-Up:  Click here to begin the online application process.

  Step 2 - Complete the Application

Fill out the required information, including your personal details, contact information, and identification. Ensure that you provide accurate and up-to-date information.

  Step 3 - Submit Supporting Documents

Upload or provide the necessary supporting documents, such as proof of identity as per the application requirements.

  Step 4 - Await Approval

After submitting your application and the required documents, wait for the approval notification from JMMB. This will take two business days.

  Step 5 - Collect your JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid Card

Once approved, collect your JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid Card from your nearest branch, or await its arrival via courier if you selected that option.

  Step 6 - Activate Your Card

Follow the activation instructions provided with your new prepaid VISA card to ensure it's ready for use.

  Step 7 - Start Enjoying the Benefits

Use your JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid Card to make secure transactions, receive money, and enjoy the convenience of cashless payments.

Sign up for your JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid Card  

JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid Card FAQ

  how can i apply for a jmmb money transfer visa prepaid card.

Clients will be able to apply for the JMMB Money Transfer Visa Prepaid Card online by clicking here to complete the application form.

  What will I need to sign up for the Money Transfer VISA Prepaid Card?

Clients signing up online will need a valid Government issued ID (Driver's Licence, Passport or National ID), TRN, mobile number and the ability to upload a selfie for verification.

  Can a minor sign up for the JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid Card?

Yes, however, minors will have to visit the nearest JMMB branch with their guardian to apply for a JMMB Money Transfer Visa Prepaid Card.

  Can I use my JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid card outside Jamaica?

Yes, you can use your JMMB Money Transfer card at any VISA-certified ATM locally or internationally, at POS terminals and online. 

  Can I attach multiple accounts both local and international to the same card?

No, Only the JMMB Money Transfer Prepaid account can be attached to the JMMB Money Transfer Visa Prepaid Card.

  Are there any transaction fees associated with using the JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid Card?

Yes, please view the fee guide below.  -    Up to 4 free transaction at the JMMB Bank ATM.   -    The first transaction free at any other ATMs that accept VISA.   

  Is there an additional fee for receiving my remittances to the JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid Card?

No, there will be no additional charges to receive remittances to the JMMB Money Transfer Visa Prepaid Card.

  Will I be charged for using a JMMB ATM?

Yes. there will be a charge for using a JMMB ATM to conduct a withdrawal transaction, after your first four free transactions.

  Will I be charged for using another bank's ATM machines?

Yes. However, clients will receive the first withdrawal transaction of the month for FREE using any ATM islandwide.

  My first withdrawal transaction of the month was at a JMMB ATM; will that count as my free withdrawal transaction?

Yes. The transaction will be counted as your first free withdrawal transaction for that month and therefore any withdrawal thereafter from any non-JMMB Bank ATM will attract a cost.  

  Will I be able to use the funds right away? 

Once the funds have been successfully loaded into the Money Transfer VISA Prepaid Card, the funds will be available right away to be used at any VISA-certified ATMs locally or internationally, at POS terminals and online. 

  How can I add funds to my JMMB Money Transfer VISA prepaid card? 

JMMB Money Transfer Prepaid cardholders will be able to fund their cards via inbound remittances as long as they are able to provide the sender with their JMMB Money Transfer account number, at the JMMB Money Transfer Sub-Agent locations. 

  Can I add funds to my JMMB Money Transfer VISA prepaid card via the ATM? 

No, JMMB Money Transfer Prepaid cardholders will not be able to fund cards via the ATM. Adding funding at JMMB Money Transfer Sub-Agent locations is the only available method. 

  How do I view my JMMB Money Transfer statements? 

Statements will be emailed to clients monthly. 

  Will I receive an email or SMS notification when funds are added or deducted from my JMMB Money Transfer VISA prepaid card? 

JMMB Money Transfer prepaid cardholders will receive notifications either via email or SMS when a transaction is done. 

  Can I access my JMMB Money Transfer VISA prepaid account balance online? 

No, balances can only be viewed at any VISA-certified ATM worldwide or via the statements that will be sent monthly to the client’s email address provided. 

  Can I use my JMMB Money Transfer VISA prepaid card to shop online? 

Yes, your JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid Card can be used wherever VISA is accepted; online, at POS terminals in stores, and ATMs worldwide

  What is my JMMB Money Transfer Visa prepaid card daily limit for withdrawals?

You will be able to withdraw up to currency J$100,000 per day using your JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid card. This can be done at any JMMB ATM or any other bank ATMs that accept VISA cards (locally or internationally).

  What currencies can I withdraw from the ATM machines using my JMMB Money Transfer Visa prepaid card?

The currency allowed for withdrawals is dependent on the bank that owns and operates the ATM. However, JMMB Bank only offers JMD currency withdrawals for JMMB Money Transfer Prepaid Card at JMMB ATMs.

  What is my daily limit for POS/Online purchases using my JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid Card?

You will be able to purchase goods valued up to J$250,000 per day using your JMMB Money Transfer VISA Prepaid card whether via a store’s point of sale machine or online. This limit includes both transactions being done online and at the point of sale for the day.  

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Also any other tips welcome!! (staying at Sunset beach.

On the pre-paid card, is there a Visa logo or a MasterCard logo? if so you will be able to use it. Credit and debit cards from Visa and MasterCard can be used at almost all hotels, better shops, better places to eat and drink, etc. that are aimed for tourists. Most other places want cash.

For the other questions see

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g147309-c140152/Jamaica:Caribbean:Which.Currency.Should.Be.Used.html

thank you, the page you suggested is very helpful.

The pre-paid card is master-card so I guess it will be OK to use and take a small mix of US dollars and Jamaican dollars in cash!

thanks again :-)

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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What is a Prepaid Debit Card?

Compare the best prepaid cards, best prepaid debit card reviews, are these companies trustworthy, advantages of using prepaid debit cards.

• Criteria for Selection

How to Choose the Right Prepaid Debit Card

• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Prepaid Debit Cards of 2024

Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate banking products to write unbiased product reviews.

A prepaid debit card can be an overall useful tool for spending. It can also be a useful way to teach kids about money or send money internationally .

We've researched specific features and fees so that you can evaluate the pros and cons of each card and determine the top options for you. Our favorite prepaid debit cards have remained our top picks for the last few months because they continue to stand out for their notable features and perks.

no monthly service fee

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No minimum opening deposit
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No monthly service fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No overdraft fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Get paid up to 2 days sooner with early direct deposit
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. ATM fees are reimbursed every month that you receive $300 in direct deposits
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can deposit cash
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Free customizable debit card
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Access discounts at stores in the app
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. $2.50 ATM fee if you don’t receive $300 in monthly direct deposits
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. $1 fee when you deposit cash at a participating retailer

The Cash App Banking Card has no fees or minimum balance requirements. You can also earn up to 4.50% on Cash App Savings if you meet certain requirements. Cash App is probably not the right choice if you want access to a full-service bank, though.

• The Cash Card is a prepaid debit card issued by Sutton Bank; with a prepaid card, you load money onto it so you don’t need to link it to a bank account
• Deposit cash at a participating retailer, a check with the app, or link an external account to transfer funds
• If you have a Cash Card, your Cash App balance is FDIC-insured for up to $250,000 through partner banks (this does not apply to investments or bitcoin)

With a prepaid debit card, you load money onto a card and use it to spend money. For example, if you put $1,000 on the card, you can spend up to $1,000 before your transaction is denied due to lack of funds. There are several ways to reload the card with more money. Most companies let you put cash on the card at places like Walmart, or you can deposit a check at an ATM and have the funds go onto the card.

Best Prepaid Debit Cards

• Bluebird by American Express Prepaid Debit Card: Best for no monthly fees
• American Express® Serve® Free Reloads Prepaid Debit Card: Best for free reloads
• Famzoo Prepaid Debit Card: Best for kids

No monthly service fees

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No monthly service fee
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No sign-up fee if you sign-up online
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Access to over 30,000 free ATMs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Free early direct deposit
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Free cash reloads at select Walmart or MoneyCenter locations
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. $2.50 out-of-network ATM fees
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Up to $3.95 cash reload fee
• Access to over 30,000 free ATMs in the MoneyPass ATM network
• Register your card online and open a BlueBird Account to be eligible for FDIC insurance through American Express National Bank (Member FDIC)

$6.99 monthly service fee (No fee for residents who live in NY, TX, or VT)

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No sign-up fee if you sign up online
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Free cash reloads at over 45,000 locations at select retailers
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. $6.99 monthly service fee (No fee for residents who live in NY, TX, or VT)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Up to $3.95 cash reload fee at out-of-network retailers
• Free cash reloads at over 45,000 locations at select retailers
• Register your card online and open a Serve Account to be eligible for FDIC insurance through American Express National Bank (Member FDIC)

$5.99 monthly service fee, $25.99 for six months, $39.99 for 12 months or $59.99 for 24 months

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can assign chores
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Can set up a weekly allowance
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Save for individual goals
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Parental monitoring features to limit spending
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Access to over 30,000 ATMs
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No ATMs fees
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Up to four free debit cards are included in the subscription
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. May deposit cash at GreenDot locations
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Don't need a bank account to open a FamZoo card
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Monthly service fee depends on payment plan
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Up to $4.95 in cash reload fees at Green Dot locations
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Doesn't reimburse out-of-network ATM fees
• Access to surcharge-free ATMs through the MoneyPass network
• Minors of any age can get a debit card
• Multiple subscription plans: $5.99 monthly service fee, $25.99 for six months, $39.99 for 12 months OR $59.99 for 24 months
• Reload the prepaid debit card at retailers like Kmart, Rite Aid, 7-Eleven or Walgreens; May have to pay a $4.95 reload fee
• May load paychecks onto the debit card without paying a fee
• Funds secure in an FDIC-insured bank account
• Banking services issued by SouthState Bank (Member FDIC)

Compare Today's Banking Offers

Best Prepaid Debit Cards FAQs

Prepaid debit cards can help prevent overspending, require no credit check, and are relatively accessible.

Yes, prepaid debit cards can be used for online purchases. They are usually accepted at the same places as regular debit cards

Prepaid debit cards do sometimes come with activation fees, reloading fees, ATM withdrawal fees, and monthly maintenance fees. Look into the prepaid debit card you're interested in to see what fees it comes with.

Reload options vary by card. Some let you set up direct deposit, deposit cash at retail locations, transfer money from a bank, or make mobile check deposits.

Most prepaid debit cards don't help your credit score, but they also don't hurt it. If you're looking to build credit, consider secured credit cards or credit-builder loans instead.

The best prepaid debit cards will be easy to use, come with perks, and have low monthly fees. You'll also be able to reload them for free at many locations. And you won't need a checking account in order to use them.

Here are the best prepaid debit cards as picked by Business Insider editors in 2024.

Bluebird by American Express Prepaid Debit Card

There's no fee to open a Bluebird card, and there are no monthly service fees. You may have to pay up to $3.95 to reload your card at certain retailers, but you can reload for free at Walmart. You can also use over 30,000 MoneyPass ATMs for free around the US.

If you set up direct deposits , your paycheck could appear on your card up to two days early. The Bluebird card also gives you access to roadside assistance.

If you deposit a check with your mobile app, it takes 10 days to process. To deposit the check immediately, you'll pay 1% on a government check or paycheck and 5% on other checks, with a $5 minimum fee.

American Express® Serve® Free Reloads Prepaid Debit Card

You can reload your American Express® Serve® Free Reloads Prepaid Debit Card for free at over 45,000 places nationwide, including businesses like CVS, Walmart, and Dollar General. It's also free to add money from a bank account or via direct deposit.

This card charges a $6.95 monthly service fee, and there's no way to waive it. (Fees are not charged for residents of New York, Texas, or Vermont, though.) Before choosing Amex Serve FREE Reloads over another prepaid debit card, check whether you'd actually be saving money by avoiding reload fees but paying a monthly fee.

Famzoo Prepaid Debit Card

The FamZoo card is a good option if you want to help manage your kids' money without adding them to your bank account, and it made Insider's list of the best kids' debit cards. Assign each kid a card and put money for allowance, birthday gifts, or money for other purposes onto their cards. You can also check your debit card's balance and purchases from your app, as well as lock cards.

The family plan is $5.99 per month, or $2.50 per month if you pay upfront.

You can lower your overall costs by paying in advance rather than monthly, but you can't waive the fee altogether.

Prepaid Debit Cards That Didn't Make the Cut and Why

Here are some other prepaid debit cards we looked at and our reasoning for not choosing them as our favorites:

• Venmo Teen Debit Card: Venmo has a debit cards for teens ages 13 to 17. Parents or legal guardians will open the Venmo Teen Debit Card for their child.
• Credit Sesame Cash: Credit Sesame Cash may be a good option if you would like to build credit. The maximum you may deposit into to Cash account is $20,000. 
• Walmart MoneyCard: This is a good option if you shop at Walmart frequently, because you'll earn cash back — but cash back is limited to $75 per year.
• Fifth Third Access 360 Reloadable Prepaid Card: You might like this card if you live near a Fifth Third branch, but branches only exist in 10 US states.
• Greenlight Prepaid Debit Card : This is another worthwhile option for families, but there's no way to deposit cash, and there isn't a free ATM network.
• BusyKid Spend Card: BusyKid has strong parental monitoring features, but FamZoo has a more affordable subscription. 
• GoHenry Card : GoHenry may be ideal if you're looking for platform that offers a kid's debit card and financial literacy resources for kids and teens. The monthly service fee is $3.99 for one child or $6.99 for up to four children, though.
• Netspend Prepaid Debit Card: You can receive your paycheck early with Netspend, but its fees are higher than what you'll pay with our top picks.

Normally, we compare companies' Better Business Bureau trustworthiness grades. But not all of our favorite prepaid debit card companies have been graded by the BBB, so we aren't factoring scores into our trustworthiness review.

None of these companies have any recent scandals, so you may decide you feel comfortable using them. But to figure out whether you'll have a smooth relationship with a company, you may want to ask family or friends about their experiences or read online reviews.

Control Overspending

Prepaid debit cards help you limit how much you spend by giving you limited access to your funds. If your 50/30/20 rule budget leaves you with $1,000 for shopping in a month, for instance, you can load only $1,000 onto your prepaid debit card and not have to worry about accidentally going over that threshold. 

This also helps avoid temptation; if you have a regular debit card and know you're over budget, but see something you really want, you might be tempted to dip into your emergency fund to get it. But with a prepaid debit card, you can't do that without several extra steps, giving you more time to think about whether you really want it or not.

No Credit Check Required

Most bank accounts require some sort of credit check, although there are second chance bank accounts that don't. Prepaid debit cards don't either, so if your credit score is low enough that you're struggling to open a bank account, a prepaid debit card might work for you.

Easy Reloading Options

Depending on the card, prepaid debit cards can come with a lot of different ways to reload them. Using ATMs, reloading in stores like Walmart, or depositing a check through a mobile banking app are all ways you can reload your prepaid debit card, among others. Some prepaid debit cards also let you direct deposit money into them.

Keep in mind, however, that each of these reloading options can come with their own fees.

Criteria for Selecting Prepaid Debit Cards

Fee structure and transparency.

Most prepaid debit cards come with some sort of fee, but the best ones don't have many and are open about the ones they do have. Look for low-fee prepaid debit card options, such as cards with low or no monthly fees, cards with low or no fees for reload methods you're most likely to use, and cards with a clear fee structure so you know exactly when you'll be charged for what.

Ease of Use and Accessibility

The best cards offer several ways to reload them at many different locations. For example, a card that has a large ATM network and also lets you reload for free at Walmart will be easier to reload than a card that only lets you reload for free at a specific local bank's branches.

Additional Benefits and Rewards

Some cards come with bonuses, such as cash-back debit cards , cards that let you get early deposit, or cards with perks focused on helping kids learn how to use them. If those interest you, keep an eye out for prepaid debit cards that come with these rewards — but make sure that the bonuses aren't hiding higher fees than other cards might require.

Matching the Card to Your Spending Habits

Consider how you're planning on using the card. For example, if you want a prepaid debit card for kids to use to help them learn how to manage their finances, there are several cards made for that exact purpose. If you know you'll use the card for online shopping, look into the best prepaid cards for online shopping. And if you know you're not going to use your card very often, prioritize a prepaid debit card with no monthly fees.

Considering Reload Methods and Convenience

You'll want to compare reloadable prepaid card features to choose a card with the reloadable options you plan on doing the most. Do you know you'll want to use direct deposit to reload your card? Look for prepaid cards with direct deposit benefits. Conversely, if you know you almost never travel, a card that's low-fee other than charging for using ATMs outside your local area might still be a good pick for you. 

Convenience is a factor here; if you can reload your card for free, but only at an ATM that's several cities away, there's a good chance you'll end up using a more costly reloading method anyway.

Why You Should Trust Us: Experts' Advice on the Best Prepaid Debit Cards

We consulted banking and financial planning experts to inform these picks and provide their advice on finding the best prepaid debit cards for your needs.

• Sophia Acevedo, banking editor, Business Insider
• Mykail James, MBA, certified financial education instructor,  BoujieBudgets.com

Here's what they had to say about kids' debit cards. (Some text may be lightly edited for clarity.)

What should I look for in a prepaid debit card? 

Mykail James, MBA, certified financial education instructor,  BoujieBudgets.com :

"If I want to buy or put some money on a prepaid debit card, I always like to look for a Visa card. its the most accepted across the board and internationally."

Sophia Acevedo, banking editor, Business Insider :

"I would look for a versatility. Some cards may let you use a certain ATM network for free. You also might be able to set up direct deposits so you can easily add money to your card." 

Is a kids' debit card worth it? 

Mykail James, MBA, CFEI:

"I think that these are great options to get children to start being a little bit more financially focused. It's a wonderful way to help them understand how to stick within a budget. That's actually how my mother taught me how to budget. She would give us a prepaid debit card for Christmas."

Sophia Acevedo, CEPF:

"Kids' debit cards can be useful to teach kids about spending. It's a simple way of teaching them to make financial decisions while still being able to monitor and control their usage. A lot of kids' debit cards have tools or features that let you set limits or alerts for parents."

What should I look for in a kids' debit card? 

"I like the ones that have an app where you can see how much money is in the account."

"I would look at any fees needed to maintain the account. You might have to pay a fee for each time you load money into a card or a monthly service fee. Some debit cards also may also have age requirements."

Methodology: How We Chose the Best Prepaid Debit Cards

We looked at a dozen prepaid debit cards before selecting our favorites. We chose prepaid cards that are relatively easy to use. You should be able to use a card at ATMs and have several convenient options for reloading money onto the card. If a prepaid debit card had a special perk like cash back or a budgeting feature, we took that into consideration, too.

Finally, we picked cards that are relatively affordable. Almost every prepaid card comes with some fees, but we chose ones that are pretty manageable. We looked at monthly service fees and charges for signing up for a card, reloading money, and using an ATM. Check out our bank account rating methodology to see how we generally factor these features into our ratings.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

Here Are the Four Best Travel Money Cards in 2024

François Briod

Co-Founder of Monito and money transfer expert, François has been helping Monito’s users navigate the jungle of money transfer fees, bad exchange rates and tricks for the last ten years.

Jarrod Suda

A writer and editor at Monito, Jarrod is passionate about helping people apply today’s powerful finance technologies to their lives. He brings his background in international affairs and his experiences living in Japan to provide readers with comprehensive information that also acknowledges the local context.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

From the multitude of bank fees and ATM charges to hidden currency conversion fees, there's no question that spending your money abroad while travelling can be costly — and that's saying nothing about the cost of the holiday itself!

As you prepare for your trip abroad, the golden rule is that you'll save the most money by using the local currency of your destination. This means withdrawing local cash at foreign ATMs and using a debit card to pay directly in the local currency. For example, if you're from the UK, using your bank's debit card that accesses your British pounds will likely lose you money to hidden fees at ATMs abroad and at local merchants.

In general, we rate Revolut as the best travel card all around. Its versatile account and card can be used to spend like a local pretty much anywhere in the world. ✨ Get 3 months of free Revolut Premium as a Monito reader with our exclusive link .

If you're from the EU, UK, or US, here are a few more specific recommendations to explore:

• Best for travelling from the UK: Chase
• Best for travelling from the US: Chime ®
• Best for travelling from the Eurozone: N26

If it's not possible for you to spend in the local currency when travelling abroad, then spending in your home currency while using a card that doesn't charge any hidden exchange rate markups from your bank (e.g. only the VISA or Mastercard exchange rates to convert currency) is still a good bet for most people.

In this guide, we explore cards that waive or lower ATM fees and that hold multiple currencies. Spend on your holiday like a local and enjoy peace of mind after each tap and swipe!

Best Travel Cards (And More!) at a Glance

Best travel money cards.

• 01. What is the best best multi currency card? scroll down
• 02. Are prepaid currency cards really it? scroll down
• 03. Monito's best travel money card tips scroll down
• 04. FAQ about the best travel cards scroll down

Revolut: Best All-Rounder

Revolut is one of the most well-known fintechs in the world because it offers services across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania.

• Trust & Credibility 8.9
• Service & Quality 7.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 8.3
• Customer Satisfaction 9.4

Revolut is available in many countries. You can double-check if it's available in yours below:

Here's an overview of Revolut's plans:

Revolut Ultra is currently only available in the UK and EU.

Like Wise, Revolut converts your currency to the local currency of your travel destination at an excellent exchange rate (called the 'Revolut Rate', which, on weekdays, is basically on par with the rate you see on Google), making it a good way to buy foreign currency before travelling abroad. As always though, bear in mind that Revolut's exchange rates might be subject to change.

Revolut's Standard Plan only allows currency exchange at the base mid-market exchange rate for transfers worth £1,000 per month. ATM withdrawals are also free for the first €200 (although third-party providers may charge a withdrawal fee, and weekend surcharges may also apply). These allowances can be waived by upgrading memberships.

N26: Good Bank For EU Travellers

One of the most well-known neobanks in Europe, N26 and its debit card operate in euros only. However, N26 is a partner with Wise and has fully integrated Wise's technology so that you never have to pay foreign transaction fees on your purchases outside of the eurozone. While N26 does not have multi-currency functionality, N26 will apply the real exchange rate on all your foreign purchases and will never charge a commission fee — making N26's card a powerful card for EU/EEA residents who travel across the globe.

• Trust & Credibility 7.9
• Service & Quality 8.0
• Fees & Exchange Rates 9.3
• Customer Satisfaction 8.1

These are the countries in which you can register for an N26 account:

And here is an overview of the various plans and account:

This low-fee option for banking is also ideal for travellers who do not belong to a European bank but frequent the Eurozone. For example, N26 is available for residents and citizens of Switzerland, Norway, and other European Economic Area countries that do not run on the Euro.

These citizens, who are in close proximity to the Eurozone, will save each time they spend with an N26 card while in Europe. N26 provides three free ATM withdrawals per month in euros but does charge a 1.7% fee per ATM withdrawal outside of Europe.

Take a look at our guide to the best travel cards for Europe to learn more.

Wise: Best For Multi-Currency Balances

Load up to 54 currencies onto this card at the real exchange rate, giving you access to truly global travel.

• Trust & Credibility 9.3
• Service & Quality 8.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.6
• Customer Satisfaction 9.6

These are the countries in which you can order a Wise debit card:

Unlike banks, credit unions, airport kiosks, and foreign ATMs, Wise is transparent about never charging a hidden exchange rate margin when you convert your home currency into up to 54 currencies. The live rate you see on Google or XE.com is the one you get with Wise.

An industry-low commission fee per transaction will range from 0.35% to 2.85%, depending on the currency.

Chase: Great UK Bank For Travel

A recent arrival from the USA, Chase is one of the UK’s newest digital challenger banks and comes with a rock-solid reputation and no monthly charges, no currency conversion charges, no withdrawal fees, and no other charges for everyday banking from Chase. It’s a simple, streamlined bank account with an excellent mobile banking app and a great cashback offer. However, it doesn’t yet offer more advanced features like international money transfers, joint accounts, business banking, overdrafts and loans, and teen or child accounts.

• Trust & Credibility 10
• Fees & Exchange Rates 10
• Customer Satisfaction 8.7

Chime: Great Account For US Travelers

Chime  is a good debit card for international travel thanks to its no foreign transaction fees¹. Unlike multi-currency accounts like Revolut (which let you hold local currency), Chime uses the live exchange rate applied by VISA. This rate is close to the mid-market rate, and Chime does not add any extra markup to your purchases, although out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over-the-counter advance fees may still apply.

• Trust & Credibility 9.5
• Service & Quality 8.8
• Fees & Exchange Rates 9.8

While Chime waives ATM fees at all MoneyPass, AllPoint, and VISA Plus Alliance ATMs within the United States, this fee waiver does not extend to withdrawals made outside the country. For withdrawals abroad, Chime applies a $2.50 fee per transaction, with a daily withdrawal limit of $515 or its equivalent. This is in addition to any fees charged by the ATM owner. Therefore, we recommend Chime primarily for card purchases rather than relying on it for withdrawing cash while traveling internationally.

• No  foreign transaction fees ¹;
• Uses VISA's exchange rate ( monitor here ):
• A $2.50 fee per ATM withdrawal made outside of the United States;
• More info:  Read our  Chime review  or  visit their website .

Best Travel Money Cards in 2024 Compared by Country

In the table below, see our comparison summary of the four best travel cards for 2024 by country:

Last updated: 8 January 2024

What's The Best Prepaid Card to Use Abroad?

Travel cards come in many varieties, such as standard credit cards or debit cards with no foreign transaction fees or cards that waive all foreign ATM withdrawal fees.

What is a Multi-Currency Card?

Multi-currency cards are a specific type of travel card that allows you to own all kinds of foreign currencies, which you can instantly access when you pay with your card abroad. By spending the local currency in the region of travel , you bypass poor foreign exchange rates. ATMs and cashless payment machines will treat your card like a local card.

We have already mentioned a few multi-currency cards in this review, but we will also introduce Travelex . Travelex's Money Card also allows you to top up several foreign currencies — albeit at exchange rates slightly poorer than the real mid-market rate .

Wise Account

Wise has one of the best multi-currency cards available on the market.

Read our full review for more details.

Revolut is impressive for its vast options in currencies and its additional services.

Our in-depth review explores Revolut's services in detail.

Travelex offers a prepaid travel money card that supports 10 currencies and waives all ATM withdrawal fees abroad.

• Trust & Credibility 9.0
• Service & Quality 5.8
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.1
• Customer Satisfaction 9.3

Travelex charges fees, which fluctuate according to the exchange rates of the day, in order to convert your home currency into the currencies that it supports. But once the currency is on the card, you'll be able to spend like a local. Learn more with our full review .

Don’t Let Banks, Bureaux de Change, and ATMs Eat Your Lunch 🍕!

Are you withdrawing cash at an ATM in the streets of Paris? Exchanging currencies at Gatwick airport? Paying for a pizza with your card during a holiday in Milano? Every time you exchange currencies, you could lose between 2% to 20% of your money in  hidden fees . Keep reading below to make sure you recognize and avoid them.

Currency Exchange Fees Eating My Lunch? What’s That?

You’re often charged a hidden fee in the form of an alarming exchange rate.

At any given time, there is a so-called “ mid-market exchange rate ” — this is the real exchange rate you can see on  Google . However, the money transfer provider or bank you use to exchange currencies rarely offers this exchange rate. Instead, you will get a much worse exchange rate. They pocket this margin between the actual rate and the poor exchange rate they apply, allowing the bank or money transfer provider to profit from the currency exchange. 

In other words, you or your recipient will receive less foreign currency for each unit of currency you exchange. All the while, the provider will claim that they charge zero commission or zero fees.

So the question now is… how can you avoid them? Thankfully, the best travel money cards will allow you to hold the local currency, which you can access instantly with a tap or swipe. Carrying the local currency avoids  exchange rate margins  on every purchase.

Top Travel Money Tips

• Avoid bureaux de change. They charge between 2.15% and 16.6% of the money exchanged.
• Always pay in the local currency and never accept the  dynamic currency conversion .
• Don't use your ordinary debit or credit card unless it's specifically geared toward international use. Doing this will typically cost you between 1.75% and 4.25% per transaction. Instead, use one of the innovative travel money cards below.

By opting for a travel card without FX fees, you can freely swipe your card abroad without worrying about additional charges. However, saving money doesn't stop there. To make the most out of your travel budget, consider using  Skyscanner , one of the most powerful flight search engines available that allows you to compare prices from various airlines and find the best deals.

With Skyscanner's user-friendly interface and comprehensive search options, you can discover cheap flights and enjoy your holidays with peace of mind and more money in your pocket.

Best Travel Money Card Tips

When you convert your home currency into a foreign currency, foreign exchange service providers will charge you two kinds of fees :

• Exchange Rate Margin:  Providers apply an exchange rate that is poorer than the true  "mid-market" exchange rate . They keep the difference, called an  exchange rate margin .
• Commission Fee:  This  fee  is usually a percentage of the amount converted, which is charged for the service provided.

With these facts in mind, let's see what practices are useful to avoid ATM fees, foreign transaction fees, and other charges you may encounter while on your travels.

Tip 1: While Traveling, Avoid Bureaux de Change At All Costs

Have you ever wondered how bureaux de change and currency exchange desks are able to secure prime real estate in tourist locations like the Champs-Élysées in Paris or Covent Carden in London while claiming to take no commission? It’s easy: they make (plenty of) money through hidden fees on the exchange rates they give you. 

Our study shows that Bureaux de Change in Paris charges a margin ranging from 2.15% at CEN Change Dollar Boulevard de Strasbourg to 16.6% (!!) at Travelex Champs-Élysées when exchanging 500 US dollars into euros for example. 

If you really want cash and can’t wait to withdraw it with a card at an ATM at your destination, ordering currencies online before your trip is usually cheaper than exchanging currencies at a bureau de change, but it’s still a very expensive way to get foreign currency which we, therefore, would not recommend.

Tip 2: Always Choose To Pay In the Local Currency

Don’t fall for the dynamic currency conversion trap! When using your card abroad to pay at a terminal or withdraw cash at an ATM, you’ve probably been asked whether you’d prefer to pay in your home currency instead of the local currency of the foreign country. This little trick is called dynamic currency conversion , and the right answer to this sneaky question will help you save big on currency exchange fees.

As a general rule, you always want to pay in the local currency (euros in Europe, sterling in the UK, kroner in Denmark, bahts in Thailand, etc.) when using your card abroad, instead of accepting the currency exchange and paying in your home currency. 

This seems like a trick question - why not opt to pay in your home currency? On the plus side, you would know exactly what amount you would be paying in your home currency instead of accepting the unknown exchange rate determined by your card issuer a few days later.

What is a Dynamic Currency Conversion?

However, when choosing to pay in your home currency instead of the local one, you will carry out what’s called a “dynamic currency conversion”. This is just a complicated way of saying that you’re exchanging between the foreign currency and your home currency at the exact time you use your card to pay or withdraw cash in a foreign currency, and not a few days later. For this privilege, the local payment terminal or ATM will apply an exchange rate that is often significantly worse than even a traditional bank’s exchange rate (we’ve seen margins of up to 8%!), and of course, much worse than the exchange rate you would get by using an innovative multi-currency card (see tip #3). 

In the vast majority of times, knowing with complete certainty what amount you will pay in your home currency is not worth the additional steep cost of the dynamic currency conversion, hence why we recommend always choosing to pay in the local currency.

Tip 3: Don't Use a Traditional Card To Pay in Foreign Currency/Withdraw Cash Abroad

As mentioned before, providers make money on foreign currency conversions by charging poor exchange rates — and pocketing the difference between that and the true mid-market rate. They also make money by charging commission fees, which can either come as flat fees or as a percentage of the transaction.

Have a look at traditional bank cards to see how much you can be charged in fees for spending or withdrawing $500 while on your holiday.

These fees can very quickly add up. For example, take a couple and a child travelling to the US on a two-week mid-range holiday. According to this study , the total cost of their holiday would amount to around $4200. If you withdraw $200 in cash four times and spend the rest with your card, you would pay $123 in hidden currency exchange and ATM withdrawal fees with HSBC or $110 with La Banque Postale. With this money, our travellers could pay for a nice dinner, the entrance fee to Yosemite Park, or many other priceless memories. 

Thankfully, new innovative multi-currency cards will help you save a lot of money while travelling. Opening an N26 Classic account and using the N26 card during the same US holidays would only cost $13.60.

Need Foreign Cash Anyway?

In many countries, carrying a wad of banknotes is not only useful but necessary to pay your way since not every shop, market stall, or street vendor will accept card payments. In these cases you'll have two options to exchange foreign currency cheaply:

1. Withraw at an ATM

As we've explored in great depth in this article, withdrawing money from a foreign ATM will almost always come with fees — at the very least from the ATM itself, and so it's therefore the best strategy to use a travel debit card that doesn't charge in specific ATM withdraw fees on its own to add insult to injury. That said, if you need cash, we recommend making one large withdrawal rather than multiple smaller ones . This way, you'll be able to dodge the fees being incurred multiple times.

2. Buy Banknotes (at a Reasonable Rate!)

As we've also seen, buying foreign currency at the airport, at foreign bank branches, or in bureaux de change in tourist hotspots can be surprisingly expensive. Still, not all exchange offices are equally pricey . If you're looking for a well-priced way to exchange your cash into foreign currency banknotes before you travel, Change Group will let you order foreign currency online and pick them up at the airport, train station, or a Change Group branch just before you leave for your holiday. A few pick-up locations in the UK include:

• London centre (multiple locations),
• Glasgow centre,
• Oxford centre,
• Luton Airport,
• Gatwick Airport,
• St. Pancras Station.

(Note that Change Group also has locations in the USA, Australia, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Austria, and Finland!)

Although its exchange rates aren't quite as good as using a low-fee debit card like Revolut, Change Group's exchange rates between popular currencies tend to be between 2% to 3%, which is still a lot better than you'll get at the bank or at a touristy bureau de change in the middle or Paris or Prague!

FAQ About the Best Travel Money Cards

Having reviewed and compared several of the industry's leading neobanks, experts at Monito have found the Wise Account to offer the best multi-currency card in 2024.

In general, yes! You can get a much better deal with new innovative travel cards than traditional banks' debit/credit cards. However, not all cards are made equal, so make sure to compare the fees to withdraw cash abroad, the exchange rates and monthly fees to make sure you're getting the best deal possible.

• Sign up for a multi-currency account;
• Link your bank to the account and add your home currency;
• Convert amount to the local currency of holiday destination ( Wise and Revolut convert at the actual mid-market rate);
• Tap and swipe like a local when you pay at vendors.

Yes, the Wise Multi-Currency Card is uniquely worthwhile because it actually converts your home currency into foreign currency at the real mid-market exchange rate . Wise charges a transparent and industry-low commission fee for the service instead.

More traditional currency cards like the Travelex Money Card are good alternatives, but they will apply an exchange rate that is weaker than the mid-market rate.

The Wise Multi-Currency Card is the best money card for euros because unlike banks, credit unions, airport kiosks, and foreign ATMs,  Wise  is transparent about never charging a hidden exchange rate margin when you convert your local currency into euros with them.

The live rate you see on Google or XE.com is the one you get with  Wise . An industry-low commission fee will range from 0.35% to 2.85%. USD to EUR transfers generally incur a 1.6% fee.

Learn more about how to buy euros in the United States before your trip.

There are usually three types of travel cards, prepaid travel cards, debit travel cards and credit travel cards. Each have pros and cons, here's a short summary:

• Prepaid travel cards: You usually need to load cards with your home currency via a bank wire or credit/debit card top-up. You're then able to manage the balance from an attached mobile app and can use it to pay in foreign currencies or withdraw cash at an ATM abroad tapping into your home currency prepaid balance. With prepaid travel cards, as the name indicates, you can't spend more than what you've loaded before hand. Some prepaid card providers will provide ways to "auto top-up" when your balance reaches a certain level that you can customize. On Revolut for example, you can decide to top-up £100/£200/£500 from your debit card each time your balance reaches below £50.
• Debit travel cards: Some innovative digital banks, like N26 or Monzo, offer travel debit cards that have the same advantages than a Prepaid Travel Cards, except that they're debit card directly tapping into your current account balance. Like a Prepaid travel card, you can't spend more than the balance you have in your current account with N26 or Monzo, but you can activate an overdraft (between €1,000 or €10,000 for N26 or £1,000 for Monzo) if you need it, for a fee though.

Note that even if they're Prepaid or Debit cards, you can use them for Internet payments like a normal credit card.

• Credit travel cards: You can find credit cards made for international payments offering good exchange rates and low fees to withdraw money abroad, but you'll need to pay interests in your international payment if you don't pay in FULL at the end of every month and interest on your ATM withdrawals each day until you pay them back.

Why You Can Trust Monito

Our recommendations are built on rock-solid experience.

• We've reviewed 70+ digital finance apps and online banks
• We've made 100's of card transactions
• Our writers have been testing providers since 2013

Other Monito Guides and Reviews on Top Multi Currency Cards

Why Trust Monito?

You’re probably all too familiar with the often outrageous cost of sending money abroad. After facing this frustration themselves back in 2013, co-founders François, Laurent, and Pascal launched a real-time comparison engine to compare the best money transfer services across the globe. Today, Monito’s award-winning comparisons, reviews, and guides are trusted by around 8 million people each year and our recommendations are backed by millions of pricing data points and dozens of expert tests — all allowing you to make the savviest decisions with confidence.

Monito is trusted by 15+ million users across the globe.

Monito's experts spend hours researching and testing services so that you don't have to.

Our recommendations are always unbiased and independent.

14 Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024

Best travel cards main takeaways.

• Money has evaluated hundreds of credit cards, comparing their fees, benefits, welcome offers, travel insurance policies and more.
• The top credit cards for travel offer high rewards on travel purchases, which can be redeemed for airfare, hotel nights, cash back, statement credits or more.
• Our picks feature the best travel cards for every budget and include no-annual-fee, low-annual-fee, premium and business cards.

Why Trust Us?

Our editorial team has spent well over a thousand hours analyzing, evaluating and comparing the top credit card offers in the market. We carefully vet each card’s fine print in order to understand their features, limitations and potential benefits for consumers. We review cards independently, ensuring our content is accurate and guided by editorial integrity. Read our full methodology to learn more.

• 46 travel credit cards evaluated
• 10+ data points used, including ongoing fees, reward programs and welcome offers
• 100+ sources reviewed

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings.com for our coverage of credit card products. Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. O ur top picks are listed strictly in alphabetical order.

Our Top Picks for Best Travel Credit Cards

Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards.

• Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for flat rate rewards
• Bilt Mastercard® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for paying rent
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee card for travel partners
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for domestic travel
• Discover it® Miles – Best no-annual-fee travel card for simple rewards
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for everyday spending

Best low-fee-annual-fee travel credit cards

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – Best travel card for flat-rate rewards
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Best travel card for flexible rewards

Best premium travel credit cards

• American Express® Gold Card – Best travel card for dining
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Best low-cost premium travel card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Best premium travel credit card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express – Best travel card for lounge access

Best business travel credit cards

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express – Best business travel card

Best airline travel credit cards

• United℠ Explorer Card: Best airline credit card

Best Travel Credit Cards Reviews

Our top picks are listed in alphabetical order.

Best No-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Earns 1.5x points on all purchases
• No bonus category for travel
• Few benefits compared to other cards
• Limited redemption options

Why we chose it: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an easy-to-use card best suited for travel reward beginners or those who are already Bank of America customers.

Some cardholders can earn up to 75% more points if they are Bank of America Preferred Rewards members — that’s up to 2.62 points for every dollar spent.

However, the card doesn’t offer hotel and airline point transfer partners, travel insurance or extended warranty and purchase protection. Additionally, you can only redeem your points as statement credit to cover travel and dining purchases.

All information about Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com

• No annual or foreign currency conversion fee (Click herehttps://www.wellsfargo.com/credit-cards/bilt/terms/">here; for rates and fees)
• Use it to pay your rent and earn rewards without incurring any processing fees
• You can earn double points on all purchase categories (except rent payments) on the first of every month (up to 10,000 points)
• Earn 2x points on travel (when booked directly through an airline, hotels, car rental agencies and cruise lines)
• No welcome bonus or introductory APR period
• Points redeemed for statement credits are worth 0.55 cents each
• You must make at least five transactions in a statement period to earn points
• Rent payments can only be made to one rental property per month

Why we chose it: The Bilt Mastercard® lets you earn travel rewards on rent payments without incurring any processing fees — unlike most credit cards that typically charge around 2.5% to 2.9% per rent payment.

You can use the card to pay rent without worrying about surcharges. Once you get approved for the card, all you have to do is set up an account through the Bilt app or website and use your assigned routing and account number to pay rent through your usual payment portal. You can also use your card even if your landlord only accepts checks, and Bilt will send a check on your behalf.

Additionally, Bilt doubles the card’s rewards rates on the first of every month, which means you can earn 6x points on dining, 4x points on travel and 2x points on other purchases (up to 10,000 points per month). However, this bonus doesn’t apply to rent rewards.

On the downside, the Bilt Mastercard® doesn’t offer a welcome bonus, and points redeemed for statement credits are only worth 0.55 cents each.

• Can transfer your miles to 16 travel partners
• Earns 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Doesn't earn bonus points on airfare
• No domestic travel partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great option if you’re looking for a no-annual fee travel credit card with a simple rewards structure.

You can use your miles to book travel through the Capital One Travel portal or as a statement credit to cover travel purchases made from airlines, hotels, rail lines, car rental agencies and more.

You can also transfer your points to one of Capital One’s 16 travel partners, which include international airlines such as Avianca and British Airways. This option is notable since travel credit cards with no annual fee don’t typically offer the option to transfer your reward to airline and hotel partners.

However, the card’s list of bonus categories is limited compared to some other no-annual-fee credit cards, and Capital One doesn’t offer bonus points on airfare booked through Capital One Travel.

• Includes trip cancellation/interruption and car rental insurance
• Features a high flat cash back rate combined and popular bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fee

Why we chose it: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the best credit card for traveling domestically. It offers a 1.5% flat cash back rate on most purchases plus it has several appealing bonus categories, including travel and dining.

This card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, that is, on any transactions made in currency other than US dollars. However, if you mostly travel within the U.S., this card is an excellent option.

For one, you’ll earn an additional 1.5% on each of the card’s bonus categories during the first year of card membership (or up to the first $20,000 spent).

Also, although using this card abroad is not recommended, you can still use it to book international trips while you’re home, and you’ll earn 5% cash back if you book it through Chase Travel℠.

You can redeem your rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and even transfer them to other cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. It’s also worth noting that this card is one of the few no-annual-fee credit cards with rental car coverage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

• No annual or foreign transaction fees
• Discover matches the total miles you earned at the end of the first year
• Earns 1.5x miles on all purchases
• See your FICO score on the Discover mobile app, online and on statements
• Few benefits compared to other travel cards
• Doesn't include extended warranty or purchase protection

Why we chose it: The Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a no-frills card ideal for travelers who don’t want to keep track of bonus categories, earning caps or redemption values.

The card earns a flat 1.5x miles on all eligible purchases without any annual caps. You can redeem your miles for statement credits and account deposits at a rate of 1 cent per mile. You can also use your rewards through Amazon and PayPal checkout with the same value.

Also, the card’s welcome bonus is easily one of the best in the market: Discover matches every mile you’ve earned at the end of your first membership year — without any spending requirements.

However, while the Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a great starter travel card, its lack of bonus categories could hinder your reward-earning potential in the long run. Additionally, Discover cards aren’t as widely accepted internationally as Visa Signature and World Mastercard, for example.

All information about the Discover it® Miles Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

• Earn 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, select streaming services and cell phone plans
• Includes cell phone protection plan
• No airline or hotel transfer partners
• Doesn't include travel insurance
• Netflix and HBO are not eligible for streaming bonus

Why we chose it: The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is the best travel reward card for everyday spending, offering high rewards on several popular spending categories, including travel, dining, gas, streaming services and cell phone plans.

Its travel bonus category is particularly noteworthy because you can earn points regardless of where you make your reservations, whether it’s directly with an airline or through a third-party travel site like Booking.com. (Most travel credit cards limit travel rewards to bookings made exclusively through the card issuer’s travel portal.)

The card also includes rental car insurance and a cell phone protection plan when you use it to pay your monthly bill.

All information about the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

Best Low-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

• Earn 2x miles per dollar on most purchases
• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
• Includes travel accident and car rental insurance
• Fewer bonus categories than other cards with a similar annual fee ($95)
• Doesn't offer travel rewards for flights
• Car rental insurance is secondary

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture Rewards is ideal for those who want to get the most out of their spending without worrying about tracking bonus categories and spending caps.

You can redeem your miles on the Capital One travel portal and as statement credits to cover travel purchases at a value of one cent per mile. Additionally, you may transfer your miles to more than 15 airline and hotel partners.

However, keep in mind that Capital One doesn’t have domestic travel partners, which can be a drawback if you mainly travel within the U.S.

• Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel purchases through Chase TravelSM
• Receive a point bonus each account anniversary
• Includes primary rental car insurance
• Earn 3x per $1 on dining, including eligible delivery and takeout meals, select streaming services and grocery purchases
• $95 annual fee
• Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck(R) application fee credit

Why we chose this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best travel credit card for frequent travelers who want to earn valuable rewards while paying a low annual fee.

The card features six reward categories that offer outstanding rewards on flights, hotels, restaurants and more. You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through the Chase Travel℠ portal, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through Chase Travel℠, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can also transfer your points to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners at a 1:1 ratio (one Chase point equals one hotel point or airline mile). These include popular airlines and hotels like JetBlue, Southwest, United, Marriott and Hyatt.

Best Premium Travel Credit Cards

• Earns 4x points on restaurants worldwide, takeout and food delivery within the U.S.
• Up to $120 in annual dining credits, issued as a $10 statement credit per month for select restaurants (enrollment required)
• Up to $120 as Uber Cash annually ($10 per month) for food delivery orders and rides in the U.S. after you add the American Express(R) Gold Card to your Uber account
• Earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x)
• High annual fee ($250)
• Includes few travel perks and insurance policies compared to similarly priced cards

Terms apply. Please click here for applicable rates and fees.

Why we chose it: The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for foodies, offering a high reward rate at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, takeout and food delivery. (Terms apply.)

The American Express® Gold Card also offers statement credits worth up to $240 combined — almost enough to offset the card’s $250 annual fee. These include:

• Up to $120 every year in dining credits ($10 per month) for select restaurants and food delivery services. The list includes Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and Shake Shack (Enrollment required)
• Automatically get $10 monthly in Uber Cash to use on Uber Eats or Uber rides in the U.S. (after you add the American Express® Gold Card to your account)
• $100 credit for dining, spa services and other activities when you book a two-night minimum stay at a hotel from The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel
• Terms apply

However, note that the American Express® Gold Card offers fewer travel perks than some other premium cards — for instance, it doesn’t offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance or TSA PreCheck® or CLEAR® Plus fee credits.

• 10,000 bonus miles every year
• Statement credit of up to $300 for bookings made through Capital One Travel
• Up to a $100 credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
• Skip the line and get car upgrades when renting a car with Hertz
• High annual fee ($395)
• Fewer bonus categories than other premium cards
• No domestic airline transfer partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture X also includes noteworthy perks such as:

• 10,000 bonus miles every year (starting on your first anniversary)
• $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
• Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select and Plaza Premium Group
• Authorized users at no extra cost (many cards have an annual fee of $75 or more for each additional user)

All in all, the Venture X is a solid option that can easily compete with other premium travel cards, especially considering its more affordable annual fee.

• Up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year to cover travel purchases
• Transfer your points to 14 travel partners (including United, Southwest, JetBlue and Marriott)
• Points worth 50% more when redeemed for travel expenses through Chase TravelSM
• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including emergency dental insurance
• High annual fee ($550)
• Doesn't include a cell phone protection plan

Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the best credit card for travelers looking for a high reward rate on travel and additional benefits like comprehensive travel insurance and airport lounge access worldwide.

Your points are worth 50% more when you redeem them for travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal. This means each point is worth 1.5 cents per point instead of one cent, like most travel cards. Also, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides several high-end benefits such as:

• $300 annual travel credit to cover travel-related purchases like airfare, hotels, car rentals, rideshares, buses, trains, tolls and/or parking
• Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide (after a one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select)
• Statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or Nexus

The Sapphire Reserve does have a $550 annual fee. But if you take advantage of the $300 annual credit and other perks, the benefits can definitely outweigh its cost.

• Access to the widest network of airport lounges of any card
• Complimentary elite status in the Marriott and Hilton hotel loyalty programs
• Hundreds of dollars in annual statement credits for travel, dining and more
• High annual fee ($695)
• Doesn't include baggage delay, travel accident and primary rental car insurance
• Limited bonus categories

Terms apply. Click here for rates and fees.

Why we chose this card: The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a list of premium benefits that no other travel card offers, including the widest network of airport lounges and room upgrades at Hilton and Marriott hotels. (Terms apply.)

The Platinum Card® from American Express features an impressive list of high-end travel benefits, including:

• Complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges, including Priority Pass, Delta SkyClub and Amex’s own Centurion lounges (enrollment required)
• Gold status in the Marriott and Hilton loyalty programs, which makes you eligible for room upgrades, free breakfast and late checkouts (enrollment required)
• $200 back each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel and paid with your Platinum Card® (Hotel Collection bookings require a minimum two-night stay)
• Up to $200 per year when incidental fees, such as checked bags, are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card® (with one selected qualifying airline)
• Complimentary premium status in Avis Preferred®, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®, and/or National Car Rental® Emerald Club (must enroll through your Amex online account using your card)

The Platinum Card® from American Express does have a hefty $695 annual fee. However, for people who travel often and will take advantage of its annual credits and travel perks, it might almost pay for itself.

Best Business Travel Credit Cards

• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
• Around $1,000 in yearly statement credits for select business purchases
• Access to a wide network of airport lounges (terms apply)
• Around $600 in perks in Fine Hotels + Resorts(R) locations booked through American Express Travel (for stays of two nights)
• Secondary rental car coverage**

Why we chose it: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express features an extensive list of benefits that make it an ideal travel and business credit card.

With this card, you can access over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, comprehensive travel insurance and extra amenities at hundreds of hotels, like daily breakfast and free internet access. Additionally, you get a $200 credit to cover baggage fees, in-flight refreshments and more and up to $100 for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck® every four or 4.5 years respectively. (Terms apply.) (Enrollment required.)

The card also offers several yearly statement credits for business-related purchases that include up to $400 per year ($200 between January and June and $200 between July and December) for U.S. purchases with Dell.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express does have one of the steepest annual fees ($695) among travel credit cards, but its extensive list of benefits makes it a no-brainer for business owners who travel frequently.

Best Airline Travel Credit Cards

• Free first checked bag for you and a companion
• Up to $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck(R) or NEXUS every 4 year
• 25% back as a statement credit on food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights
• Complimentary priority boarding for you and companions traveling on the same reservation
• $95 annual fee (after the first year)
• No intro APR period
• Rewards are only valuable when used with United

Why we chose it: The card_name has a low annual fee and gives you valuable benefits that make up for it, such as priority boarding for everyone on the reservation and a free checked bag for you and one companion.

Other perks the card includes are:

• Two one-time passes for United Club℠ airport lounges each account anniversary year
• 25% back as a statement credit on in-flight purchases like food, beverages and Wi-Fi
• Up to $100 every four years to cover the cost of TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or NEXUS
• Comprehensive travel insurance (auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and trip delay reimbursement)

The United℠ Explorer Card earns miles on United purchases, including tickets, inflight food, beverages, Wi-Fi and more. You also earn rewards at restaurants and select hotel stays.

You can use your miles to book flights on United Airlines or its partners, including Avianca, Lufthansa and Air Canada. You can also redeem them for seat upgrades, inflight Wi-Fi passes and more — although United miles are usually more valuable when used for airfare.

Travel Credit Cards Guide

The best credit cards for travel do more than offer high reward rates on flights and hotel stays. They also provide rewards for everyday spending and perks such as travel insurance , airport lounge access and annual statement credits.

Here’s a rundown of how these cards work:

What is a travel credit card?

Travel credit cards offer benefits and rewards geared towards individuals who travel frequently or want to earn travel benefits.

They provide high rewards for travel-related expenses such as flights, hotels, rental cars and dining. You can then use these rewards (in the form of points or miles) to book travel reservations. Some cards also let you transfer your rewards to hotel and airline partners or redeem them for statement credits, cash back, gift cards and more.

On top of the rewards, these cards often feature several travel-related perks, such as no foreign transaction fees, hotel discounts, travel insurance, free checked bags and airport lounge access.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards give you a certain number of points or miles per dollar on eligible purchases. They often offer around 5x points or more for airfare, hotel rooms, rental cars and more. Some cards may also count parking, bus fares, taxis, tolls and ferries as travel purchases.

Besides travel, you’ll typically get bonus points in additional spending categories. For example, some cards may offer 3x points per dollar on dining, groceries, drugstores or streaming services. All other eligible purchases usually get at least one point (1x) per dollar.

You can then redeem your points for flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more. Card issuers also usually let you redeem your points for non-travel options like statement credits, cash back or gift cards.

How to use credit card points for travel

Travel credit cards have rewards programs through which you can earn points (or miles). Well-known point programs include Chase Ultimate Rewards®, American Express Membership Rewards® and Citi ThankYou® Rewards.

To redeem your points, go to your travel card’s rewards program portal. The process may differ across credit card issuers, but you’ll usually be able to access it through your online account on the issuer’s website or app.

Points are usually worth one cent each. However, some issuers increase their value if you redeem them for travel. For example, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card points are worth 1.25 cents when used to book flights through the Chase Travel℠ portal.

Points may also be worth less than a cent, depending on how you redeem them. For example, some cards allow you to use your points at Amazon checkout. While this might sound convenient, this option may bring down the value of points to around 0.8 cents.

Some cards also allow you to transfer your rewards to select airline and hotel partners. Typically, you can transfer rewards to these loyalty programs on a 1:1 ratio, meaning that 1,000 credit card points are worth 1,000 loyalty program points.

Difference between points and miles

You’ll earn points or miles depending on which travel credit card you have. For example, Chase travel credit cards earn points, while Capital One travel cards earn miles. Miles and points typically have similar value (around one cent each) and redemption options.

However, keep in mind that several cards that earn miles are tied to a specific airline — like the United℠ Explorer Card. In this case, you can only use your rewards for purchases with the issuing airline such as flights, seat upgrades, inflight dining and more.

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

• Some cards offer up to 10x points per dollar on travel purchases.
• Many have additional bonus categories for dining, grocery shopping and more.
• They may include travel benefits like priority boarding, airport lounge access and late hotel checkouts.
• Points or miles can also be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, gift cards and more.
• Highest reward rates are usually limited to purchases made through the card issuer's travel portal.
• They might not offer high rewards on spending outside of the travel category.
• Some of the best ones can have steep annual fees and require good to excellent credit
• Redeeming points or miles for anything other than travel can reduce their value to less than one cent per dollar.

Types of travel credit cards

Here’s a rundown of the differences between the three main types of travel credit cards:

Airline credit cards

Airline credit cards are ideal for people who regularly fly with the same airline. These cards earn miles you can redeem for flights, seat upgrades, inflight dining, airport lounge access and other travel-related purchases but typically only with the issuing airline.

Some of the best airline travel credit cards include benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding and discounts on in-flight purchases.

Hotel credit cards

With hotel credit cards, you can only redeem your points for stays, discounts and other benefits with one particular hotel chain.

For example, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns points for Hilton’s loyalty program, which you can redeem for free nights in the company’s properties, including Hilton Garden Inn and Waldorf Astoria hotels.

Hotel credit cards may also offer complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, late checkouts and bonus points for purchases made during your stay.

General travel credit card

General travel credit cards are more flexible than airline or hotel cards. They aren’t affiliated with a single airline or hotel chain, so their points can be used to book flights, hotel stays, rental cars and more from different companies.

These cards may also offer useful perks for frequent travelers, like airport lounge access. They can also cover the cost of a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership, which allows you to skip the long lines at airport security or customs.

How to choose a travel credit card

Picking the best travel rewards credit card boils down to how often you travel, which cardmember perks you’d benefit the most from and the categories you spend the most on.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the best card for you:

• Do you travel often? A travel rewards credit card offers high reward rates on travel spending, and you’ll get the most bang for your buck when you use their points on flights, hotels and car rentals. If you don’t take trips often but want to pile up rewards, a cash-back credit card might be a better fit.
• Assess your everyday spending. Many travel cards have additional bonus categories other than travel, like dining, supermarkets, streaming services and drugstores. Consider your day-to-day spending habits and pick a card with bonus categories that fit your lifestyle.
• Consider the card’s annual fees. No-annual-fee travel cards usually have few travel benefits. The best travel credit cards charge annual fees of at least $90 and can go as high as $700. However, these are often best for those that travel enough to take advantage of their benefits.
• General travel card vs co-branded cards. General travel cards have more flexible redemption options. On the other hand, co-branded cards are often tied to a specific airline or hotel, which can limit your options. Still, they do provide valuable perks like free checked bags, in-flight discounts and hotel upgrades.
• Compare extra travel perks. Some cards offer extras like annual statement credits for flights and hotels or upgrades when renting cars. Take the time to compare each card’s roster of add-ons and pick one that will best suit your travel plans.
• Compare insurance policies. The best credit card travel benefits include insurance policies that cover travel accidents, rental cars, trip cancellations and more. These policies can vary widely based on the issuer and the card’s annual-fee tier.
• Beware foreign transaction fees. Most travel credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Some cash-back cards may offer outstanding rewards for travel purchases but charge around 3% fees on purchases outside the U.S.
• Look beyond welcome offers. A 60,000-point welcome bonus can be enticing. However, it shouldn’t be your deciding factor, especially if you’ll end up paying a high annual fee without getting your money’s worth.

How get the most out of your travel credit card

To get the most out of your travel credit card, you need to use it as often and strategically as possible. This way, you can earn points or miles with each purchase, which you can then redeem for free or discounted flights, hotels and more.

Use your travel card to pay most of your purchases and bills and then pay your card off in full each month. This will help you earn points while avoiding interest charges and high credit card debt , which can impact your credit score.

Here are some other tips to maximize your rewards and benefits:

• Consider adding an authorized user to your account. They’ll earn points with every purchase they make, and those will get added to your overall total. However, make sure to pick someone who will use the card responsibly since you’ll be legally liable if they ever fail to pay their monthly bills.
• Redeem your rewards for travel through the card issuer’s website. This redemption option usually offers the highest value compared to gift cards or merchandise, for example.
• If your card offers travel protections (like travel accident or luggage insurance), use it to pay for your passenger fares. This way, you could be reimbursed in the event of an accident or lost luggage, for example.
• Use your airline or hotel card to sign up for the company’s frequent flyer or frequent guest loyalty program. You’ll often earn extra points or miles when you’re a member and use your co-branded card to pay for flights, hotel stays and more.
• If you can transfer points from other credit cards to your travel card, take advantage of this feature. This way, you can accumulate extra points for travel booking and sometimes even increase their value.

Best Travel Credit Cards FAQs

What is the best travel credit card, what is the best credit card for international travel, how to travel for free with credit cards, what is the best credit card for travel miles, what is a welcome bonus on a credit card, how we chose the best travel credit cards.

We ranked the best credit cards for travel based on their annual fees, benefits, reward rates and redemption flexibility.

Fees: We compared interest rates and foreign, cash advance and balance transfer fees for more than 50 credit cards. We also considered their annual fee, looking for those that offered the most for the money.

Ongoing benefits: Intro APR and bonus offers are attractive, but they can only get you so far. We focused on cards with year-round benefits such as travel insurance or cell phone protection plans.

Reward rates: We preferred cards that allow you to earn extra points from travel expenses, as well as those that provide significant bonus rewards in popular spending categories, like dining, supermarkets or streaming services.

Redemption flexibility: Our picks don’t limit your redemption options to just travel. Some let you use your points for Amazon purchases, for example. We also preferred issuers that allowed cardholders to transfer their points to airline and hotel partners.

Summary of Money’s Best Travel Credit Cards of May 2024

• Discover it® Miles Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for simple rewards

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Money.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

To see rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

* Insurance disclosures for American Express Cards on this page:

Trip Delay Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Baggage Insurance Plan: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Global Assist Hotline: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

*** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

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