travel money card review

Wise Travel Debit Card Review: Fees, Exchange Rates, Limits and How to Use It

There are many things you need to keep track of as a digital nomad, such as visas , travel documents, and accommodation , to name a few.

But one of the most important things to work out is your finances. As a digital nomad, you are likely constantly moving between countries and switching currencies, so having a travel debit card is imperative .

The Wise debit card is an easy financial solution for frequent travelers, digital nomads, and expats . So, what is the fuss about this Wise travel card? How does it work? And most importantly, should you hop on the bandwagon and sign up for it?

I have been using the Wise Travel Card for quite some time now and, in this article, I will give you my honest opinion about it.

What is a Wise Travel Debit Card?

If you travel often, you have probably used or at least heard of Wise (formerly Transfer Wise) .

This UK-based tech company was founded in 2011 by Estonian businessmen Kristo Käärmann and Taavet Hinrikus on the principle of providing fast and fair exchange rates for international transfers without any sneaky fees or below-par exchange rates.

I have been personally using their Wise multi-currency account for years now, and it is still the primary way I transfer money abroad. But, I recently started using the Wise travel card , which added an entirely new dimension to my travels.

Can I Use The Wise Card For Traveling Abroad?

The Wise travel card it's not a credit card and functions pretty much like a regular debit card. You simply add funds to the account and insert, swipe, or tap to pay for items.

The main difference? With Wise, you can hold money in more than 40 different currencies and pay like a local for items in more than 160 countries worldwide without having to worry about hefty fees or markups on conversion rates.

Your Wise Travel Card is connected directly to your Wise account, so you can spend funds from your balances.

Who is the Wise Travel Card for?

Obviously, this is a “travel” card, so its primary purpose is for spending abroad while traveling . That said, you could totally use this for your day-to-day expenses. Traditional banks aren’t really designed to cater to frequent travelers or digital nomads , and the Wise Travel Card fills this gap.

For example, my wages are paid from the US, but I live abroad permanently, so I can easily transfer from my US-based bank to Wise and then simply use my Wise card for most of my daily expenses.

You should consider using the Wise Travel Card if one or more of the following applies to you:

• You frequently transfer funds from another country that uses a different currency.
• You travel internationally often and need a card with low currency conversion fees.
• You often shop online with international retailers that sell their products in a foreign currency.
• You own a business and need a card for international expenses.
• Your current bank card has high currency conversion fees and you want to get away from a traditional bank account
• Your current bank card has high fees for using international ATMs.

Wise Card Features for Traveling Abroad

If you have used a travel prepaid card like Revolut , Chime , or Monzo in the past, you can expect similar features from the Wise Travel Card. Let's see which ones are those:

• Low fees on conversions with the mid-market exchange rate
• Hold, spend, and exchange more than 40 different currencies in your Wise account
• Available to citizens and residents of more than 30 countries , including the UK, Canada, EU, USA, and Australia
• Manage, top up, freeze, and view your card balance in the Wise App
• Use at over 2 million ATMs with free monthly withdrawals up to certain limits.
• Create up to 3 digital virtual cards for free
• Auto currency convert feature to automatically convert your funds at your set rate
• Ability to make Contactless payments
• Connect to most popular eWallets like Google Pay, Apple Pay, and more
• Free spending of any currency you hold in your Wise account
• Biodegradable and eco-friendly card design

Pros and Cons of the Wise Debit Card for Travel

When I first started my digital nomad journey, I quickly came to a rude awakening when I found that my bank was charging exorbitant markups on foreign exchange and fees for ATM withdrawals .

If the same is happening to you, you’ll want to get your hands on this gem of a travel card . But before you sign up, let’s go over some of the upsides and downsides of the Wise Travel Card.

Pros and cons:

What to love about the wise debit card.

For me, the Wise card's standout features are the app's user-friendliness , the multi-currency account , and the low markup on exchange rates .

Being able to hold more than 40 currencies is a game changer. Transferring funds to different currencies in their app when I travel abroad is super easy. To give you an example, I spend quite a bit of time in Europe, the USA, and New Zealand. And with Wise , I can have separate accounts for USD, EUR, and NZD, which makes my life SO much more manageable when traveling to these countries!

On top of that, while there is a small markup fee on currency exchange, it is extremely minimal compared to other banks I have used .

What Could Be Improved About the Wise Debit Card?

The obvious downsides of the Wise Travel Card lie with ATM withdrawal limits , longer card delivery timeframes , and the lack of a premium option .

I am based in the USA, and my card took more than 2 weeks to arrive. Most digital nomads don’t spend too much time in each place, so this can make it difficult to receive your card initially if you are a frequent traveler .

Also, while card transactions are becoming the norm in many countries, cash is still king in several countries I have traveled to in the past few years. The Wise card is NOT exactly the ideal card for withdrawing cash . You’ll only get two transactions for free , and then you’ll be paying a usage fee as well as a 1.75% to 2% markup . This definitely isn’t a dealbreaker, but I hope Wise will improve this in the future.

What Currencies Can You Use With the Wise Travel Card?

One of the main reasons Wise has kept me on board as a customer all these years is their multi-currency account . This is truly the crown jewel of all of Wise’s features.

You can store 40+ currencies in various wallets in your Wise account , but this doesn’t mean you are limited to spending in those currencies. In fact, you can use the Wise debit card in more than 160+ countries ! If the currency you are spending in doesn’t have a wallet option, the Wise card will simply exchange the money into the payment currency at the time of your purchase .

For example, I was recently in Guatemala, and, unfortunately, I was not able to store Quetzal (the local currency) in my multi-currency account. But when I bought something, my funds were automatically converted from USD to Quetzal at the mid-market rate (plus 0.5%).

There are also 11 currencies for which you get account details to make bank transfers . This means you can transfer funds in the following currency balances directly from your Wise account to another bank account.

This is a feature of Wise that I use often. If I need to transfer funds from my US bank account to one in another country, I almost always use Wise as a “middleman” in order to avoid unexpected transfer fees .

While you won’t be able to make bank transfers in other currencies, you can hold them in your Wise account and spend with your travel card.

How Does the Wise Card Exactly Work?

As you can see, the Wise Travel Card is a wise decision for any traveler (see what I did there?), but how does it exactly work?

As with any new bank account or credit card, there is a bit of a learning curve when first using your Wise travel card . That said, using this card isn’t rocket science, so you’ll be saving money on exchange fees in no time!

How to Use the Wise Travel Card Abroad

The Wise travel card is specifically designed for spending money outside of your home country, so as you would expect, it is pretty easy to use abroad.

All you need to do is order your card , activate it, create a PIN, add money to your account, and you will be all set to use the card in a different country!

The Wise App

There is nothing more annoying than an app that is built for developers and not for the general public. Your banking and financial app should be easy to navigate and access.

I personally find the Wise app to be extremely user-friendly and intuitive . All features are easy to find, and when navigating through the app, I rarely got stuck or failed to find a setting.

I was easily able to change personal settings, connect bank accounts, exchange money, and send transfers from the app.

How to Order Your Wise Travel Card

Ordering your Wise Travel Card can take some time (mine took more than 2 weeks to arrive), so I recommend getting on this as soon as possible to ensure you have the card for your next trip!

These are the 3 simple steps you will need to go through:

Step 1: Create a Multi-Currency Account

If you don’t have one already, your first step will be to sign up for a Multi-Currency Account with Wise

Step 2: Start Using Your Virtual Card Immediately

After making an account and verifying your details, you will then be directed to choose a digital/virtual card or a physical card . Digital cards are free and can be added to Google/Apple Pay or used for online payments immediately!

Step 3: Order a Wise Debit Card (Recommended)

If you want instead a physical card, you can do so by clicking on the “Card” tab on the main page and then click on “ Order a Debit Card ”. Physical cards cost a one-off fee of 7 GBP/7 EUR/10 USD , and it will take 7 to 21 business days for the card to arrive, based on your location.

If you'd like to visualise the entire process, watch the instructional video below:

How to Activate Your Wise Card

Once your Wise travel card arrives, it is time to activate it and start spending ! Luckily, for most Wise account holders, you won’t need to take any steps to activate the card, simply make a chip and PIN payment, and the card is ready to go !

Activate Your Wise Card (for US and Japan Customers Only)

As I mentioned above, Wise customers in the USA or Japan must activate the card separately . This isn’t too much of a headache, just don’t forget you need to be in your home country .

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of activating your card if you are a US and Japan customer.

• Log into the Wise app and tap on “ Card ”.
• Then tap on “ Activate Card ”.
• You’ll then be prompted to enter a 6-digit code that you’ll find on your card.
• After entering the code, you’ll create your PIN .

If you'd like to visualise the steps to activate your Wise card for your region, watch the instructional video below:

How to Change the PIN for Your Wise Card

Did you forget your PIN? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us!

Luckily, if you are a US card holder, you can easily change your PIN in the Wise app :

• Tap on “ Card ” in the Wise app
• Select “ Change PIN ”
• Enter your new PIN 2 times, and you are all set!

If you are a non-US Wise card holder , you cannot change your PIN in the app , unfortunately. Instead, you’ll need to change it using an ATM that supports PIN changes .

My best advice? Choose a PIN you’ll never forget, or keep it written down somewhere secure.

How to Add Money to Your Wise Travel Card

Your Wise travel card is linked to your Wise Multi-Currency account , so you’ll need to top up your Wise account with funds before using the card.

This is a pretty straightforward process:

• Logging into your account
• Choose which currency balance you want to add money to.
• Click “ Add ”.
• Choose which currency you want to use to top up the account.
• Type in the amount of money you want to add.
• Choose your payment method (bank transfer, debit card)
• Confirm the top-up and verify the money arrives in your balance.

Watch the instructional video below to visualise how to top up your Wise balance:

How to Freeze/Unfreeze Your Wise Card

One of the downsides of constant travel is that you put yourself at risk of fraud or losing your card. If you notice potential fraudulent transactions from your Wise card, or you believe your card is lost/stolen, you should freeze your card immediately . This way, you’ll avoid more fraud on your account.

Here are the steps to take to freeze your Wise Travel Card.

• After logging in to your Wise account, tap on “ Card .”
• Then simply click “ Freeze Card ”, or if you want to unfreeze, “ Unfreeze Card .”
• Fill out this transaction dispute form and contact customer support right away. They will be able to help you determine what to do next.

How to Replace a Lost or Stolen Wise Card

If you can confirm that your card has been lost or stolen, you’ll want to cancel the card and then order a new one.

• Log in to your Wise account and click on “ Card .”
• Tap “ Replace Card .”
• You’ll then be prompted to answer why you need a replacement card.
• Wait for the new card to arrive.

How to Use an ATM with Your Wise Travel Card

As mentioned above, ATM withdrawal is not the strongest feature with the Wise card, but you can definitely still use the card to take out cash. Spending with your Wise card is simple since the card can make contactless, chip, and swipe payments and is eligible for Google, Apple, Fitbit, and Garmin Pay. But how do you use an ATM with the Wise card?

Using an ATM with the Wise Travel Card is the same as using any other bank card. Simply insert your card into the machine, enter your PIN, determine how much cash you want to withdraw, and take your cash. Don’t forget to take your card back when you are done (I have made this mistake too many times…).

Wise Card ATM Limits

One of the biggest downsides with the Wise card is that you’ll have limited free ATM withdrawals. For all accounts, you’ll have 2 free ATM withdrawals each month, after which you will be charged an ATM usage fee and a percentage markup on the amount of cash you withdraw.

I use the Wise Travel Card for many of my day-to-day travel expenses, but I use my Charles Schwab Investor Checking account for ATMs. This card not only has a 0% ATM markup, but it also refunds any fees the ATM provider charges. This includes international withdrawals!

Wise Card Delivery Timeframe

Once you order your Wise Travel Card, you can expect it to take between 3 and 21 days to arrive, depending on your location. If you live in Singapore, you’ll get your card SUPER fast. Unfortunately for Americans like me, this isn’t the case.

Wise Travel Card Fees and Exchange Rates

One thing I really love is that using Wise itself is free, and you won’t have to pay an ongoing fee to Wise to use the card. In fact, there isn’t even a Premium account feature, so all users get 100% of the features for free. All this said, there are some charges and exchange rates you should know about before you start using the Wise Travel Card.

Comparison: How Does the Wise Card Holds Up Against Other Travel Cards?

Wise is a leader in the travel account realm, but it still has some major competitors. While all of these different companies vary, they all cater to digital nomads and frequent travelers. The table below will compare some key factors with Wise, Revolut, N26, and Chime.

You may also be interested in:

So, What Travel Card is the Best?

This is a close call and pretty dependent on where you are located. For example, N26 and Chime are awesome choices if you live in the EU or USA (respectively). But, with these options, you can’t hold different currencies like with Revolut and Wise.

For most digital nomads, Wise or Revolut will be the best option. You can hold a huge number of currencies, and they are available to many different nationalities. I have personally used both Wise and Revolut and can say they are both excellent options.

Spending Limits for the Wise Travel Card

The Wise Travel Card has set daily and monthly spending limits for all types of transactions. While these limits won’t be a deal breaker for the vast majority of users, they are still worth noting.

Keep in mind the above limits are for US Wise customers. The amounts will differ slightly for customers based in different regions.

Is It Safe to Use the Wise Travel Card?

Wise is a trusted and safe travel card provider, so you can rest assured that your funds will be protected when using the Wise Travel Card. A licensed and regulated financial institution, your funds are safeguarded in Wise. It is, however, worth noting that since Wise is not considered a bank, it is not FDIC insured. FDIC insures up to $250,000 of bank customer's money, but Wise works a bit differently. Wise safeguards users’ money and is required to ensure all customers have access to all of their funds.

So, is Wise safe to use? Yes, absolutely! We don’t recommend keeping all of your money in Wise, but in general, it is a perfectly secure financial institution.

Additionally, the company uses several security features to protect your data, including HTTPS encryption, a two-step login process, and 24/7 fraud prevention.

What to Do If Your Wise Card Is Lost, Stolen, or Compromised

If you lose your Wise card or suspect it to be stolen or compromised, you’ll need to act quickly to prevent any further fraud. Below, we will go over a step-by-step process for what to do if your card is lost, stolen, or compromised.

• Freeze your card in the Wise app.
• Contact Wise support if you suspect the card to be compromised.
• Cancel the card in the app if you confirm the card is lost or stolen or if fraud charges have been made.
• Order a new card.
• Wait for the new Wise card to arrive.

Bottom Line: Is the Wise Travel Card Worth it?

Time for the 1 million dollar question: Should you get the Wise Travel Card?

If you are a frequent traveler like me and you don’t already have a solid travel card with fair exchange rates, low ATM fees the answer is a resounding yes !

The Wise Travel Card is one of the best cards for digital nomads and expats, as it allows you to seamlessly spend money, withdraw cash, and transfer funds from anywhere around the globe without having to worry about excessive fees. The best part? After paying a one-time card order fee, your Wise account is completely free to use!

Ready To Save Money Abroad with Wise?

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Travelex Money Card Review Australia

The Travelex Travel Money Card replaces the pre-existing Multi-currency Cash Passport with enhanced features and benefits. Learn about the Travelex travel card in this review to help you decide whether this is the card for you.

What is the Travelex Travel Money Card?

The Travelex Travel Money Card is a prepaid Mastercard%C2%AE currency card, designed specially for your overseas adventures. It replaces the Multi-Currency Cash Passport, which is no longer available.

Travelex itself is owned by Finablr, a financial company that owns many well known brands like Remit2India and UAE Exchange.

The company listed on the London stock exchange in 2019 with an implied valuation of about 1.23 billion pounds, making it one of the largest foreign exchange businesses in the world.

Pros and cons of the Travelex Travel Money Card

• Smartphone app and Free Wifi
• $0 international ATM fees
• Lock in exchange rates
• Limited number of currencies
• Expensive - high cross-currency conversion, extra initial loading, inactivity and closing fees
• ATM fees in Australia

When to use (and avoid) the Travelex Money Card for your travels

We think the Travelex Money Card is ideal for an organised traveller going to popular holiday destinations like Europe or the US. It comes with free Wifi, which fantastic for you to keep in touch with family or friends. Travelex has better online rates than your bank so you can lock in a good initial loading rate and save. Plus they don't charge you ATM fees while you're overseas.

Unfortunately, all of these conveniences comes with a high price tag. If you're looking for cheaper travel money options , you can also try the Wise (formerly TransferWise) debit card or Revolut .

Best way to use the Travelex card

The best way to use this card is to take cash from ATMs, because your limit is $3,000 and there are no additional ATM fees. The limit for in-store purchases is only $350 per day, which isn't much.

We also think it's a good idea to get a spare card, kept securely and separately from your main card. This way if your card gets lost or stolen, you won't have the hassle of ordering and waiting for a new card.

Learn more about the Travelex Money Card

Benefits of the travelex money card.

• Chip and PIN
• 24/7 Global Travel Assistance
• Emergency card/cash available if stolen/lost

Convenience

• Easy way to manage, spend and save on multiple currencies
• No bank account required
• Contactless payments

• No international ATM fee
• Lock in exchange rate by loading funds to foreign currencies and avoid fluctuations

Manage Your Money

• Reload and manage your funds easily online
• Redeem your unused funds easily on your return

How does a Travelex card work?

There are three main steps to setting up the travel money card with Travelex Australia, outlined below. You can also watch our video tutorial for a complete guide.

Step 1: Purchase Card

Order your Travelex Money Card online , over the phone or in your local Travelex store. Make an initial load amount of A$100 minimum. Get your travel card.

Step 2: Activate

Register your travel card details through the Travelex website or via the Travelex Money app and activate your card. You can manage your account online or through your app.

Step 3: Top-Up

Top up or reload money onto your travel card online, over the phone or via the Travelex Money app.

How much does the Travelex Money Card cost?

Travel money cards have multiple fees associated with them, which can make it difficult to compare.

For the Travelex Money Card, the initial load fee for Australian Dollars are the greater of 1.1% of the initial amount or A$15.00, but for loads or top-ups into all other currencies it's free. There is also a A$4.00 monthly inactivity fee.

Travelex exchange rates

Travelex provides a currency calculator on their website . However Travelex quotes the market rate, which is not necessarily the rate you will get when you load currencies on your card.

Travelex sets the exchange rate at the time you move your funds from one currency to another. If you don't have enough currency in your account and have made a purchase, Travelex will use the Mastercard%C2%AE exchange rate ("FX Rate") plus a margin of 5.95% of the transaction value to cover the cost.

All prices are in AUD * Foreign currency conversion is charged when you spend in a currency that is not loaded in the card

All prices are in AUD

Does the Travelex Money Card have an App?

Yes. When you have an account with Travelex, you can top-up your card through their website, or through their iOS and Android apps. This means Travelex is available to both Apple and Android users.

Like their website, Travelex's Money Card app is very easy to use. Having the app makes loading currencies and taking out cash on the go when you're travelling much easier.

Travelex Customer Reviews

TrustPilot TrustScore: 8.9/10

On TrustPilot , Travelex have four stars and most customers think it's an "excellent company" to use. Generally customers speak favourably about their experiences with Travelex Australia as a whole.

However customers are more negative when it comes to reviewing Travelex's travel money card. A lot of customers complained about difficulty in using the app and issues with reloading money onto the travel card.

With too many negative user experience stories in online forums, we think a comparison with alternative travel cards for your situation is a good idea.

Is the Travelex Money Card safe to use?

Yes. Travelex is regulated in Australia. They have an Australian Financial Services Licence, and are regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC). They also have strict regulatory guidelines to follow.

How to contact Travelex if you have a problem

Website: https://www.travelex.com.au/travel-money-card/contact

Phone: https://www.multicurrencycashpassport.com/contact-us/card-service-numbers/

Frequently asked questions about Travelex Money Card

How do i get a travelex card.

You can buy a Travelex Money Card from any Travelex store or online and can collect it from any Travelex store in Australia. In-store fees for the card are more expensive than buying online.

Where can I get a Travelex Money Card?

Travelex have plenty of stores all over Australia . They have 1,400 Bureau de Change outlets principally located in airports and tourist locations in over 100 airports, across 26 countries. You can pick up your Travelex Money Card instantly from any Travelex store.

Can I use my Travelex Money Card in Australia?

Yes, you can use your Travelex Money Card in Australia. However if you are withdrawing money from an Australian ATM you will be charged 2.95% of the total amount you are withdrawing.

What currencies can you load on your card?

Your Travelex Money Card can be loaded with Australian dollars, which is your default currency.

You can load up your card with 9 additional currencies, including US dollars (USD), Euro (EUR), Great British pounds (GBP), New Zealand dollars (NZD), Hong Kong dollars (HKD), Canadian dollars (CAD), Singapore dollars (SGD), Thai baht (THB) and Japanese yen (JPY).

Can I still use my Travelex Multi-Currency Cash Passport?

If you're an existing Cash Passport customer with Travelex, you can still use your card until the expiration date on the front of the card. Positively, you can also order and use a Travelex Money Card should you wish to do so. You can even transfer the balance from your existing Cash Passport to your new Travelex Money Card, in the same currencies and at no extra cost.

What happens if I lost my Travelex card?

If you lose or misplace your card you can contact 24/7 Global Assistance. Travelex quickly and securely provides you with emergency cash and a free replacement card.

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International Money Transfer Comparison and Reviews

Find the best international money transfer exchange rates to send money overseas from Australia. Compare the rates and fees from leading banks and money transfer services.

5 Safe Alternatives to Wise

Wise (formerly known as TransferWise) is a transparent and easy-to-use money transfer option. But it can still be worth looking at Wise's competitors to see which is the best option for you.

Editorial note: We may not cover every product in this category. For more information, see our Editorial guidelines .

Best travel money cards in 2024.

Travel money cards are essential when travelling overseas.

They allow you to easily make payments whilst travelling overseas. They make paying easier for shops, restaurants, hotels and ATMs.Travel money cards work in a similar way to ATM cards. They use a pin when you purchase goods or services overseas.

In this guide, we have compared travel money cards to help you make the best selection for your next trip.

Best Travel Money Cards:

• Wise Travel Card Best Exchange Rates
• Revolut Best for Low Fees
• Travelex Money Card Best All Rounder
• Bankwest Breeze Platinum Best Travel Credit Card
• Pelikin Student Traveller Card Best Student Card
• HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card Best Travel Card by Bank
• Qantas Travel Money Card Best Reward Benefits

Wise Travel Card - Great Exchange Rates

• 40+ currencies available
• Best exchange rates globally
• One of the lowest conversion fee on the market
• No international transaction fees
• No annual or monthly fees
• Extremely low costs to send money overseas

Wise Travel Card

• Cross currency conversion fees are between 0.24–3.69%. AUD to USD, EUR or GBP was 0.42%, which is one of the lowest on the market
• Free cash withdrawals up to $350 every 30 days. However after that, Wise charge a fixed fee of $1.50 per transaction + 1.75%
• Daily ATM withdrawal is $2,700
• Issue up to 3 virtual cards for temporary usage
• It takes between 7 to 14 business days to receive your card
• Can be used wherever MasterCard is accepted

The Wise Travel Card is great for frequent travellers as it offers over 40 currencies at the inter-market exchange rate, which is the cheapest rate globally. In addition you can buy goods online from overseas with no transaction fee plus get the best exchange rate. However if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees. Finally Wise Travel Card lets you transfer money to an overseas bank account with extremely low fees and the best exchange rate.

Our Wise Travel Card Review

Revolut - Low Fees

• 30+ currencies available
• One of the best exchange rates globally
• No annual or monthly fees for standard membership
• No initial card fee
• Instant access to a range of cryptocurrencies

Read our Revolut Card Review

Revolut Travel Card

• No fee ATM withdrawals up to A$350, or 5 ATM withdrawals, whichever comes first, per rolling 30 day period and 2% of withdrawal amount (minimum charge of A$1.50) after that
• Exchanging currency on the weekend can incur a 1% mark-up fee
• Fees on international money transfers were introduced in April 2021.
• Can be used wherever Visa is accepted

The Revolut Travel Card is a decent option for those who travel a lot as it offers over 30 currencies at a great exchange rate, which is the cheapest rate globally. However if you exchange currency on the weekend you can incur a one-percent mark-up fee. In addition they have introduced fees for international transfers. Finally if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees.

Travelex Money Card - Best All Rounder

Best features.

• Unlimited free ATM withdrawals
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance
• Initial and replacement card are free
• Lock in up to 10 currencies

Read our Travelex Travel Card Review

Travelex Money Card

• Minimum load of $100 and maximum load of $100,000
• Can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted
• Fees include a $10 closure fee, $5 for an additional card and $4 inactivity monthly fee.
• While Travelex don't charge ATM fees, some ATM operators may charge their own fees.
• Currencies that can be loaded are AU$, US$, EU€, GB£, NZ$, TH฿, CA$, HK$, JP¥, SG$
• If your card is lost or stolen you can access cash in your account through Moneygram or Western Union agents, with no charge
• Boingo hotspots offer free wifi and you can look at their number of free hotspots per country on this map

The Travelex Card is a good all rounder.

You can use it to take money out of the ATM, for merchant purchases like restaurants and even for online shopping in foreign currency. While the exchange rates aren't as good as the Wise or Revolut Card abroad , the support network if the card is lost or stolen is very good.

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card - Lowest Interest Rate

• Lowest interest rate at 9.90%
• No international transaction fees on purchases
• 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months
• Up to 55 days interest free on purchases
• Low annual fee
• Complimentary international travel insurance

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card

• Free annual fee first year, then $69 annual fee
• 55 interest free days
• Free international travel insurance that includes the basics but does not cover cancellation costs, pre existing conditions and travellers over 80
• $6,000 minimum credit card
• 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then reverts to 9.90%
• 21.99% interest rate on purchases and cash advances
• Cash advance fee of the higher of $4 or 2% of cash advance

The Bankwest Breeze Platinum is a great no frills credit card that offers ‘no foreign transaction fees’ and the lowest interest rate on the market, at 9.90%. These two factors alone will save you hundreds of dollars when travelling overseas.

In addition it has a low annual fee and complimentary international travel insurance. Finally for its price point it is a great value credit card that will be accepted most places around the world.

HSBC Everyday Global Debit Card

• No initial card or closure fees
• No monthly or account fees
• No international ATM fees
• No cross currency conversion fees
• Lock in very competitive exchange rates before travel
• No maximum balance
• Earn 2% cashback

• 10 Currencies can be loaded are AUD, USD, GBP, EUR, HKD, CAD, JPY, NZD, SGD, CNY (currency restrictions apply to CNY)
• Awarded 5 gold stars by CANSTAR in 2021 for Outstanding Value
• Very competitive exchange rates on all currencies when you have currencies already loaded on your card
• ATMs within Australia need to be HSBC and overseas they need to display a VISA or VISA Plus logo, not be be charged fees
• Earn 2% cash back when you tap and pay with Visa pay wave, Apple Pay or Google Pay for purchases under $100. With a maximum of $50 cash back per month. In addition you need to deposit $2,000 or more into your Everyday Global Account each calendar month.
• Daily maximum ATM withdrawal is $2,000
• Fraud protection covered by Visa Zero Liability

The HSBC Everyday Global Debit Card is a good option to take travelling and to spend money in Australia with no international transaction fees, international ATM fees and monthly fees. In addition there is no maximum balance on currencies held and a 2% cash back incentive when you tap and pay under $100.

Finally it is one of the only travel cards that offers Chinese Yuan. To avoid ATM fees you need to find HSBC branches in Australia and only use ATMs overseas with a VISA or VISA Plus logo.

Best Student Card

Pelikin student traveller card.

• Use promo code SMONEY10 for a $10 discount
• Up to 15% off international flights
• A globally accepted virtual student ID card
• 2% cash back on food & drinks, transport and accommodation
• Over 150,000 discounts worldwide

• $30 for 12 months
• 20+ currencies available
• Split bills, pay and get paid instantly

Pelikin is one of the only travel cards in Australia specifically for students. While it has a small annual fee, the range of discounts and offers more than make up for it.

The app is relatively easy to use and card arrives in under a week.

Best Rewards Card

Qantas travel money card.

• No monthly fees, purchase fees and currency conversion fees
• No load fees if you pay by bank transfer or BPay
• Locked in exchange rates: 4%+ margin on exchange rates
• Earn 1.5 Qantas points for every AU$1 spent in foreign currency

• 10 currencies offered USD, GBP, EUR, THB, NZD, SGD, HKD, CAD, JPY, AED
• Free Australia ATM withdrawals
• 0.5% fee debit card reload fee
• ATM fees overseas (USD 1.95; GBP 1.25; EUR 1.50; THB 70; NZD 2.50; SGD 2.50; HKD 15.00; CAD 2.00; JPY 160; AED 6.50)
• Minload of $50 and max of $20,000
• Available to 16 year olds, has a lower age restriction than most credit cards (18 year olds)

Qantas Travel card is a great option to spend foreign currency overseas if you are already a loyal Qantas customer and use your frequent flyer points regularly on flights, accommodation or gifts. The fees are low, the exchange rate is average however the ATM fees are expensive and will easily add up.

Other popular travel money cards

Aside of the Top 5 travel money cards, there are many more options to consider. These include well known brands such as the Commonwealth Bank and Travelex and less known services like Up Bank and Revolut.

Here is a rundown of their best features, fees and available currencies:

• 13 currencies available, including Vietnamese Dong and Chinese Yuan
• No issue fee, load fees, closure and card replacement fees
• Additional card offered
• Can be accessed through Commonwealth Bank app

Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card

• $3.50 fee at ATMs overseas
• 13 currencies offered USD, GBP, EUR, THB , NZD, SGD, HKD, CAD, JPY, AED, AUD, VND & CNY
• Minload of $1 and max of $100,000
• Available to 14 year olds, has a lower age restriction than most credit cards (18 year olds)
• When you use your card for a purchase or withdrawal in a currency that is not loaded, or when they automatically transfer funds between the currencies on your card to enable the completion of the transaction at the Visa retail exchange rate plus 4%
• To transfer money between currencies or a transaction account, it will be at the bank rate which is normally 4% above the market value

The Commonwealth Bank travel money card is great if you are already a Commonwealth bank customer who banks online and knows exactly how much money in each country you want to spend. However if you need to transfer between currencies or make a purchase in a currency you don't have funds loaded, then you can get an additional expensive charge. Watch how many withdrawals at ATMs you make as well to keep the costs down.

• Exchange rates most competitive for USD, GBP and THB
• No fee on initial card or load (not BPay)
• No fee on reloads via bank transfers
• No monthly or inactivity fees
• Card is valid for 5 years

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass

• 1.1% reloading fee via Travel Money Oz Login or with debit or credit card
• 1% reloading fee for BPay
• $10 closure fee and replacement card fee
• 2.95% on withdrawals from Australian ATMs is expensive
• Roughly $3.50 on withdrawals from overseas ATMs is expensive.
• $3.99 + 5.95% fee on cross currency transactions
• 10 Currencies can be loaded are USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD, THB & AUD
• Exchange rates for SGD and CAD are the least competitive
• Minload of $20 and max of $10,000
• Only 1 card per account
• According to the website they won't take online orders if you are departing within 14 days as the card can take up to 2 weeks for delivery.

The Travel Money Oz travel money card seems to be an outdated version of the Travelex or Australia Post travel card as it does not offer Global Emergency Assistance or Boingo hotspots. However exchange rates and fees are similar to Travelex, so if you are travelling to the US, UK or Thailand, this is a great card to pay for accommodation and things in shops. We would avoid using it at any ATM, to save costs.

• No ATM fees in Australia or internationally
• No minimum monthly deposit
• No account keeping fees
• Can be used in Australia as an EFTPOS card
• Available to 14 year olds and older

Macquarie Travel Card

• $2,000 daily limit for ATM withdrawals
• Simple and easy to work out costs for account
• Exchange rates are MasterCard exchange rates, which are normally 4%+ market rate.
• 90-day theft and damage protection on eligible purchases and stolen wallet protection up to $500
• Can be used in Australia to buy goods overseas and not pay international transaction fees
• Get discounts of up to 10% on eGift cards to use at over 50 leading retailers

The Macquarie Travel Card is a very good option to take overseas for ATM withdrawals as they are all free. In addition in Australia you can buy goods online and not pay an international transaction fee. Furthermore you can use the card like a normal debit card in Australia with no hefty fees or monthly minimum deposits. However the exchange rate is the MasterCard rate which is normally 4%+ above the market rate. Finally we would recommend this card for cash withdrawals at ATMs internationally but not paying for accommodation due to the added margin on the MasterCard exchange rate.

• Cheapest way to send money overseas through a bank
• UI and UX better than traditional banks making it super easy to use
• Competitive savings interest rate

Up Bank Travel Card

• Backed by Bendigo Bank and Adelaide Bank and partnered with Wise so it has financial backing and access to the cheapest exchange rates to send money overseas
• Nifty online tools to help you track spending, budget and save. These include a detailed transaction history often including a company logo, when you paid down to the minute and the suburb where the transaction was made. In addition it has a ‘Regulars feature that detects regular billers and estimate of upcoming bills so you get a heads-up before they are due
• Good savings account interest rates of 1.85% (0.10% base rate plus 1.75% bonus). Bonus interest is easily unlocked after making five successful card or digital wallet purchases each month

The Up Bank Travel Card is aimed at younger markets who are looking to save on bank costs and receive online tools to help them budget and save for their goals. It is also able to be used overseas at any ATM without fees, no international fees and is the cheapest way to send money overseas through a bank due to their partnership with Wise (the largest money transfer company in the world). In addition the exchange rates are Mastercard rates which are normally 4% above interest rates. Finally, while this card is very useful domestically and for ATMs overseas we would not recommend it for big ticket items overseas as it is an expensive card to use.

• No foreign transaction fees
• No fee on initial card, load, unload or inactivity fees
• No cross currency transactions fees
• Lock in exchange rates before you leave
• Exchange rates most competitive for USD, GBP, EUR and CAD and JPY
• No ATM fee at 50,000 Global Alliance ATMs worldwide
• Free additional card
• Flight delay pass

Westpac Travel Money Card

• 11 Currencies can be loaded are USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD, THB, AUD & ZAR
• $2,000 maximum limit on ATM withdrawals overseas within 24 hours
• $50,000 maximum limit on currencies loaded on to travel card
• $3 roughly for ATMs that are not within the Non Westpac Global Alliance
• If you run out of one currency on the card, you can pay with other currencies without the expensive cross currency transaction fee
• No foreign transaction fees, initial card, load, unload or inactivity fees
• According to the Westpac it can take upto 8 business days to receive the travel card
• Secure from fraudulent transactions with Mastercard Zero Liability protection
• 2 cards per account for free

The Westpac Travel Card is a no frills handy travel card with very low fees, no foreign transaction fees, access to some free ATMs worldwide and competitive exchange rates, especially on USD, EUR, GBP, CAD and JPY. In addition it has the South African Rand (ZAR) which is not common in prepaid travel cards. Finally it has access to a flight delay pass in case your flights are delayed and you need to access airport lounges.

• Linked to ANZ Rewards program
• 7 types of insurance for free
• 55 days interest free
• Good security on card purchases

ANZ Travel Adventure Card

• 20.24% interest on purchases and cash advances
• $120 annual fee
• No international transaction fees in person or online
• Offer 7 types of insurance for free
• ANZ Reward points can be used to buy gift cards, swap for Virgin or Singapore airline points or cash into your account.
• Earn 1.5 Reward points per $1 spent on eligible purchases up to $2,000 per statement period
• ATM fees at non ANZ ATMs
• Minimum credit of $6,000

If you utilize rewards points then the ANZ Travel Adventure Card might be suitable for you. Reward points can be used to buy a wide range of gift cards, swap for Virgin or Singapore airline points or cash into your account. In addition no international transaction fees are charged for purchases online or whilst you travel overseas. Finally this card is not recommended for cash withdrawals as the interest rate of 20.24% will eat up any savings.

• No ATM fees
• Can be used in Australia with no additional costs
• No fees for paying via bank transfer or Bpay
• Transfer limits can be set by user

ING Orange Everyday Account Debit Card

• As long as you you deposit at least $1000 and make at least 5 payments each month ING will waive international transaction fees and refund overseas ATM withdrawal fees
• Can be used in all countries
• Works with Apple Pay and Google Pay
• Visa currency conversion rates apply, which are normally 4% above market

The ING Orange Everyday Account Debit Card is a good card for most Australians travelling overseas for ATM access, with no fees. It also allows you to to buy goods online without an international transaction fee.

Furthermore you can use it in Australia for free and there are no fees to get your initial card, for account keeping or to top up your card. A word of caution however, if you travel overseas for longer than 1 month, you still need to deposit at least $1,000 and make at least 5 payments each month to get the rebates.

• Initial card and replacement cards are free
• Increased protection with Mastercard Zero Liability
• Access to cash from your account through the Global Emergency Assistance, if your card is lost or stolen

Australia Post Travel Money Card - Platinum Mastercard

• 1.1% Admin fee for instore loads, including initial load
• $5 fee for reloads via debit bank card
• $10 closure fee
• $3.50 on withdrawals from overseas ATM is expensive
• Currencies that can be loaded are USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, THB, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD , AED and AUD
• Minload of $100 and max of $100,000
• If your card is lost or stolen you can access cash that is in your account through Moneygram or Western Union agents, with no charge
• Boingo hotspots offer the free wifi and you can look at their number of free hotspots per country on this map

The Australia Post travel money card is a popular option for Australian travellers due to the convenience of stores. However we would recommend the Australia Post travel money card for paying in shops or accommodation as it is costly to withdraw cash from ATMS. As the Australia Post travel money card is fee heavy we recommend not making withdrawals at ATMs or making cross currency transactions to keep additional fees down.

• Up to 11 currencies available
• Manage your account and card online
• 24/7 global assistance
• Access to emergency cash
• Free additional card when ordered at time of purchase
• Can be used at millions of locations worldwide – wherever Mastercard purchase symbol is displayed

Greater Bank Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard

• $5 fee for reloads via debit bank card, FREE reloads via BPAY
• Admin fee of up to the greater of 1.1% of the load/reload amount or $15 for in-store purchases
• Debit card load fee 0.5% of the amount loaded, per Debit Card Load transaction
• Domestic ATM fee 2.95% of value Withdrawn
• International ATM fee USD 2.50, EUR2.50, GBP 2.00,NZD 3.50, THB80.00, CAD 3.50,HKD 18.00, JPY260.00, SGD3.50, AED 10.00, AUD 3.50
• Minimum load of AUD100 and a Maximum of AUD100,000

The Cash Passport is one of the most popular travel cards in the Australian market. With Greater Bank, you can purchase it online and at one of their branches, then download the app or use the website to manage your card. While the card may be useful for international purchases, be mindful when using an ATM both locally or overseas as the fees can add up if you are withdrawing money often.

Learn more about the Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard through Greater Bank .

The best travel card in Australia depends on its use, for ATM withdrawals it is ING Orange , for best exchange rates it is Wise Travel Card, the best credit card is Bankwest Breeze Platinum , for overall best card by a bank its HSBC Global  and the best rewards card is the Qantas Travel card .

A travel money card is safer than cash overseas and if you select a Wise travel card , it is the best exchange rate as well. Most places around the world accept MasterCard or Visa, so you should be able to pay for all your purchases by card.

Yes you can use all travel cards in Australia but you might choose not to due to the fees. ING , Macquarie , Up , Citibank are all good examples of travel money cards that do not charge for ATM withdrawals in Australia. However examples of travel money cards that charge $3.50 per Australian ATM withdrawal include Travelex , Australia Post and Travel Money Oz .

Both if you buy your cash from S Money and pay with a Wise card overseas, as they both use the exchange rate you see online and charge very low fees. However if you buy your foriegn currency at the airport, you are paying top prices so using a card is cheaper.

There are many travel money cards that no longer exist but appear in search engine page results. Travel money cards that no longer exist include 7-11 Just Go, NAB Travel Money Card, Travelex Cash Passport, Australia Post Cash Passport, ANZ Travel Card, Westpac Global Currency Card and the Virgin Velocity Global Wallet program.

Learn more about the best debit, credit and prepaid cards for travel

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Learn more about the best travel money cards for your holiday destination.

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S Money complies with the relevant laws pertaining to privacy, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism finance. This means you are required to provide I.D. when you place an order. It also means the order must be paid for by the same person ordering the currency and you must show your identification again when receiving your order.

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The 6 Best Travel Money Cards for Travelling Overseas 2024

If you’re planning on travelling overseas, getting a travel money card can help you cut the costs usually involved in spending foreign currencies.

Travel money cards can include travel debit, prepaid and credit cards, which each work slightly differently, but which all come with features optimised for reducing the costs of spending and withdrawing cash overseas. This guide covers everything there is to know about the different travel card categories, plus we’ll introduce 6 of our top travel card picks so you can see if any suit you.

Wise - our pick for travel debit card when travelling overseas

Wise accounts can hold and exchange 40+ currencies, and you can get a linked Wise card for a one time delivery fee. Top up your account in GBP and switch to the currency of your choice before you travel. All currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate, with low fees from 0.41%. Here are some of the pros and cons of the Wise travel money debit card, to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Hold and exchange 40+ currencies

No fee to spend any currency you hold, low conversion fees from 0.41%

Mid market exchange rate on all currency conversion

Some fee free ATM withdrawals every month

No ongoing fees and no interest to pay

7 GBP delivery fee

No option to earn points or rewards

Click here to read a full Wise review

What is a travel money card?

Travel money cards work much like any other credit or debit card you might have, but are designed to be easy to use when you’re overseas or spending in a foreign currency. You’ll be able to use a travel money card to spend and make ATM withdrawals while you’re travelling abroad, or when you shop online with foreign retailers. Most cards have contactless technology and can also be added to a wallet like Apple Pay for mobile spending, too.

The features you get with a travel money card can vary a lot, but you’ll often find you can hold a balance in multiple currencies, pay low or no foreign transaction fees, or earn cash back and rewards overseas.

What are different types of travel cards?

Travel cards can broadly be split into the following categories. We’ll walk through the features and benefits of each in a moment:

Travel debit cards

Travel prepaid cards

Travel credit cards

Quick summary: Best travel cards for travelling overseas

UK customers can pick from a good selection of different travel card types and providers. This guide includes an overview and in detail reviews of 2 of our favourites from each travel card category to help you choose. Here’s what we’ll be looking at:

Wise travel debit card : Hold 40+ currencies with no ongoing fees, and spend with the mid-market exchange rate with no foreign transaction fee and low conversion costs from 0.43%

Revolut travel debit card : Hold 25+ currencies in one of 4 different plan types, including some with no monthly fee, and some which come with ongoing costs but which unlock more benefits and no fee transactions

Post Office travel money card : Hold 22 currencies, with no fee to spend a currency you hold - 3% fee applies if you don’t have the currency required in your account

Monese travel money card : Hold a balance in GBP, then spend in foreign currencies with no fees, up to your plan’s limit. Different plans on offer, including Simple which has no ongoing fees to pay

Barclays Rewards Visa travel credit card: Spend with the Visa exchange rate, and earn 0.25% cash back, with no foreign transaction fee and no cash advance fee. Interest and penalties can apply

Halifax Clarity Mastercard travel credit card: No foreign transaction fee, no annual fee, and no cash advance fee if you withdraw money at an ATM. Variable interest and penalties can apply

Travel money cards for travelling overseas compared

Here’s a brief comparison of all the cards we’ve picked out - in a moment we’ll also look at each card in more detail.

The good news is that you’ve got lots of different travel cards available in the UK, from specialist providers, banks and card issuers. The right one for you will depend a lot on the way you like to manage your money - but by doing a bit of research you’ll be able to find a good match for your preferences, even travel cards with no foreign transaction fees .

Generally, travel debit cards can be cheap and flexible, but you’ll need to have your travel money saved in advance, so you can top up your account. Credit cards have the advantage that you can spend now and repay later - but are usually more expensive overall between interest and fees. This guide walks through some key points about each of these travel money card types, and proposes a couple of options you might want to check out and compare.

Travel Debit Cards for travelling overseas

Travel debit cards can be ordered online from specialist providers, and are usually linked to a digital multi-currency account. Add money to your account in GBP and then you can either convert to the currency you need in your destination if the card supports it, or just leave your money in pounds so the card’s autoconvert technology can do the conversion for you at the point of payment.

Travel debit cards are generally cheap, secure and reliable, but the exact range of supported currencies, and the way the card fee structure works, can vary a bit depending on the provider you select.

Travel debit card option 1: Wise

There’s no fee to open a personal Wise account , but you’ll pay a one time card order fee of 7 GBP. After that there’s no minimum balance and no monthly charge. Wise accounts can support 40+ currencies for holding and exchange, with low fees from 0.43% when you convert currencies, and transparent ATM fees when you exhaust the monthly free transactions available with your account. If the Wise card can’t support the currency you need to spend in your destination, you can just leave your money in pounds and the card will convert for you at the point of payment.

No fee to open a personal Wise account, no minimum balance requirement

7 GBP one time fee to get your Wise card

2 withdrawals, to 200 GBP value per month for free, then 0.5 GBP + 1.75%

Hold 40+ currencies, convert between them with the mid-market rate

Get local account details to receive GBP, NZD, EUR, USD and a selection of other major currencies conveniently

Travel debit card option 2: Revolut

Revolut has a selection of different account tiers for personal customers in the UK, from Standard plans with no monthly fee, to the top end Ultra plan which has a 45 GBP/month fee and comes with loads of perks including a fancy platinum plated card. You can hold around 25 currencies, and convert currencies with the mid-market rate to your plan’s allowance. The higher account tiers also come with extras like various different forms of complimentary insurance, discounts, cash back opportunities and travel benefits. If the currency you need can’t be held as a balance in your Revolut account you can still use your card to pay - just let the card do the conversion for you with the live rate at the time you transact, plus any applicable fair usage fee.

No monthly fee for a Standard Revolut account, or upgrade to one of 4 different account plans which have monthly fees running from 3.99 GBP/month to 45 GBP/month

All accounts have some no fee weekday currency conversion with fair usage fees after that which are 1% for Standard plan holders

Standard plan holders can withdraw 200 GBP overseas per month for free

Hold around 25 currencies

Pros and cons of using debit travel cards when travelling overseas

How much does a travel debit card cost.

Travel debit cards are usually free or cheap to order, and often offer low or no cost currency conversion.

To give an example - Wise has a one time fee to get your card, but then no monthly charges or minimum balance requirements. Currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate with low fees from 0.43%. Revolut has 4 different account plans, including one with no ongoing charges, or several different account options with a monthly fee in exchange for extra perks and benefits. Each account has some no-fee currency exchange, but fair usage fees of 0.5% - 1% apply if you exceed your allowance.

How to choose the best travel debit card for travelling overseas?

There’s no single best travel debit card for travelling overseas, the right one for you will depend a lot on the way you prefer to transact and manage your money.

The key things to consider include whether you’re happy to pay a monthly fee for a card or would prefer to have an option with no ongoing fees for occasional use. You’ll also want to look at the transaction costs you’ll need to pay, and what exchange rate is applied when converting currencies.

If you’re struggling to decide whether a travel debit card suits you, the Wise card and the Standard Revolut card both offer no ongoing costs, so are a fairly low risk and low commitment way to test out your options.

Is there a spending limit with a travel debit card when travelling overseas?  

You’ll probably find there’s a spending limit for your travel debit card. However, this limit can vary quite significantly, depending on the provider you pick. You can also usually adjust your spending limits for security in the provider’s app which means you can set the limit you’re comfortable with.

For the providers mentioned above, Revolut UK travel debit card holders have some spending caps based on merchant and transaction type. This applies to things like sending money to others, buying travellers cheques or money orders, and betting. Wise caps monthly card spending at 30,000 GBP but you can also move your limit lower if you’d like to, for security reasons.

ATM withdrawals

ATM withdrawals with a travel debit card are also likely to be subject to limits. Revolut applies a 3,000 GBP limit based on any given 24 hour period. Wise ATM withdrawal limits are 4,000 GBP per month. Both providers allow you to make some no fee ATM withdrawals monthly, but the exact amount you can withdraw will depend on your account type.

Prepaid Travel Cards for travelling overseas

[Prepaid travel cards] ( https://exiap.co.uk/guides/best-prepaid-travel-cards ) work in a similar way to travel debit cards, but may have slightly different features and charging structures. The way prepaid travel cards work varies - for example, with the Post Office Travel Money Card, you can collect your card in person at a branch and add any of 22 currencies to it for spending and withdrawals.

The Monese Travel Money Card only lets you hold GBP, EUR and RON, but allows you to spend in foreign currencies with no fees up to a limit specified in your account plan. This range of different functionalities means you can pick the card that works best for your specific needs.

Prepaid travel card option 1: Post Office Travel Money Card

You can order a Post Office Travel Money Card online or pick one up in person at a branch as long as you have a valid ID on you. You’ll be able to top up and hold in 22 currencies, although bear in mind a fee applies if you add money in GBP. There’s no fee to add foreign currencies. The exchange rate used when you top up or convert may include a markup, but once you hold a currency balance in your account you can spend it with no further charges.

22 currencies are supported for holding and exchange

No fee to spend a currency you hold on your card

3% cross border fee if you spend in an unsupported currency

Small ATM withdrawal fee which varies by currency withdrawn, about the equivalent of 1.5 GBP per withdrawal

Manage your account and card from the Post Office travel money app

Prepaid travel card option 2: Monese Travel Money Card

Monese offers several different account plans which come with linked cards you can use while overseas. Depending on the plan you pick you’ll get some free international spending and some free ATM withdrawals. Simple account plans have no monthly fees, but are more limited in terms of no-fee transactions compared to the other account tiers.

Pick the account plan that suits your needs, including a Simple plan with no monthly costs and some plans which do have a fee to pay every month

Accounts offered in GBP, EUR and RON

Simple account plan holders can spend up to 2,000 GBP a month in foreign currencies with no fees - other account plans have unlimited overseas spending with no extra fees

All accounts have some fee free ATM withdrawals every month, with variable limits based on account plan

Virtual cards available

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards when travelling overseas

How much does a prepaid card cost.

A prepaid travel card could help you save money compared to using a bank debit or credit card when you travel abroad, but the chances are there will still be a few fees to pay. That could be ongoing monthly fees, currency conversion charges, or fees when you top up, particularly if you top up in cash. Weighing up a few different prepaid travel cards is the only way to decide which is the best value for your particular needs.

How to choose the best travel prepaid card for travelling overseas?

The best prepaid travel card for travelling overseas depends on your spending patterns. The Post Office Travel Money Card has the advantage that you can convert your money to the currency you need in your destination and see your budget instantly. However if you don’t do this, you might end up paying a 3% fee. Monese has different plan types, so has the flexibility to allow you to pick the one you want - but you can’t hold a foreign currency balance aside from RON and EUR.

Prepaid travel card spending limit

The Post Office travel card lets you top up to 5,000 GBP at a time, with the maximum balance at any given time set at 10,000 GBP, or 30,000 GBP annually. Monese accounts may have different limits based on the tier you pick - usually set at a maximum holding balance at any time of 40,000 GBP. You may be limited to spending up to 7,000 GBP a day, depending on your account type.

With the Post Office card, you can make up to the equivalent of 300 GBP maximum daily withdrawals and each withdrawal costs the equivalent of 1.5 GBP. Monese accounts may have a maximum ATM withdrawal of 300 GBP a day, depending on the specific account you pick, so it’s worth reading the fee schedule carefully to understand the details.

Travel Credit Cards for travelling overseas

Travel credit cards are like other credit cards in that you’ll be set a spending limit which you can not exceed on a monthly basis. At the end of the month you’ll have to pay back your bill in full to avoid interest and penalties. When you spend overseas your foreign currency transaction is converted back to GBP to add to your monthly charge - often with a foreign transaction fee added, which can be around 3%. Travel credit cards often waive this foreign transaction fee, which makes them better value for foreign currency spending compared to other credit cards. However, as with any other credit card, you might find you have fees to pay in the form of interest, particularly if you use your card in an ATM, making this a relatively expensive way of managing your money internationally.

Travel credit card option 1: Barclaycard Rewards Visa 

The Barclaycard Rewards Visa credit card is a good, straightforward option for UK customers looking for a credit card which does not have foreign transaction fees, and which doesn’t have an annual fee. As with any credit card, some costs can apply including interest fees if you don’t clear your bill monthly, but you’ll be able to earn 0.25% cash back on all your card spending at home and abroad.

No annual fee, with 0.25% cash back on card spending

Currency exchange uses the network rate and no foreign transaction fee

No ATM withdrawal fee - but interest can still apply

28.9% representative APR, with penalty fees for late payments

Secure spending with extra protection on some purchases

Travel credit card option 2: Halifax Clarity Mastercard

The Halifax Clarity Mastercard has a variable interest rate which is based on your creditworthiness, but doesn’t use different rates for different transaction types as some cards do. There’s no foreign transaction fee when you spend or withdraw in foreign currencies, but bear in mind that an ATM operator might charge a fee, and interest accrues instantly for cash advance transactions.

No foreign transaction fee when spending or making a cash withdrawal overseas

Interest applies instantly when making cash withdrawals

Same interest rate applies on all purchase categories

Variable APR based on your credit score - you’ll need to check your eligibility online to see the APR you’d be offered

Spending is covered by the Consumer Credit act which means extra protections for purchases from 100 GBP to 30,000 GBP in value

Pros and cons of using credit cards when travelling overseas

How much does a travel credit card cost.

Credit cards are convenient and secure - but they’ll also often be the most expensive way to pay for things. That’s because you may end up paying an annual fee, interest costs, foreign transaction fees, cash advance charges, and penalties if you’re late to repay. The cards we’ve picked out above have the advantage that they have no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee and no cash advance fee - but if you use your card in an ATM you’ll start to accrue interest instantly, which does mean paying more in the end.

How to choose the best travel credit card for travelling overseas?

The best travel credit card for travelling overseas depends on your preferences and situation. Because there’s an eligibility screening process with credit cards, you may find you can’t get approved for some cards if you don’t have an established and strong credit history. It’s generally worth looking for a card with no annual fee, and the lowest available interest rate, just in case you can’t always repay your bill monthly.

Travel credit card spending limit

Your travel credit card spending limit will be set by the card provider, and will depend on your credit score. You’ll be shown details of your spending limit when you’re approved for a travel credit card.

The cards we’ve looked at earlier don’t charge a cash advance fee, but this is a common cost when using a credit card at an ATM, so worth looking out for when you select any credit card. It’s also worth noting that it’s very common for ATM withdrawals to start accruing interest instantly, so you’ll end up needing to repay some charges whenever you use your credit card in an ATM.

How much money do I need when travelling overseas?

Naturally, the costs of your trip can vary wildly depending on where you’re going, how long for, and what you’ll be up to during your holiday. Costs to consider when budgeting include:

Any visa fees, or travel health costs such as vaccinations, if required

Travel or medical insurance

Flights or other travel costs - don’t forget to buy baggage allowance in advance if you need it

Travel to and from the airport, or parking if you drive yourself

Local SIM or roaming data

Accommodation, plus any local tourist taxes

Food and drinks while you’re away

Activities and entry costs to tourist sites

Travel within the country - taxis or bus rides for example

Kennels or any other requirements to look after pets back home

Conclusion: Which travel money card is best for travelling overseas?

Travelling overseas is exciting but does need a bit of planning. In particular, working out how you’ll manage your money while you’re away is essential if you don’t want to get ripped off by poor exchange rates, pay high fees, or end up having a stressful time with money changers on arrival.

Travel cards can help you avoid all these potential pitfalls, manage your travel budget flexibly, and pay less for your trip in the end. Consider a Wise travel debit card for convenient, low cost spending and withdrawals with ways to pay and get paid in foreign currencies. Or as an alternative, check out a Monese travel prepaid card for free currency conversion to your specific plan limit, or a travel credit card like the Barclays Rewards Visa for cash back opportunities and ways to spread your costs over several months if you need to. No matter what type of travel card suits you best, there’s going to be an option for you - use this guide to figure out which is your perfect match, and your travel money could take you further in the end.

FAQ - Best travel cards for travelling overseas

Can you withdraw cash with a credit card when travelling overseas.

Yes. You can use your credit card to make an ATM withdrawal at any ATM where your card network is accepted when travelling overseas. However, bear in mind you’ll pay interest instantly when you use a credit card in an ATM. Choosing to withdraw with a low cost travel debit card from Wise or Revolut may bring down your overall fees.

Can I use a debit card when travelling overseas?

It’s unusual to find you can’t use a card to pay in tourist areas in more developed countries, towns and cities. However, card usage varies widely and in many places, cash is still king. Because of that, having multiple ways to pay is essential and carrying both a prepaid or travel debit card and some foreign currency in cash is a smart plan.

Are prepaid cards safe?

Yes. Prepaid cards are not linked to your normal UK bank account which means that they’re safe to use. Even if you were unlucky and someone stole your card while you're travelling overseas, they would not be able to access your main account - and you could freeze your prepaid card in the app easily if you needed to.

What is the best way to pay when travelling overseas?

Paying for things with a specialist travel debit, prepaid or credit card when travelling overseas is most convenient. However, having a few options for payment is a good plan, just in case your preferred payment method can’t be used for some reason. Consider getting a travel card from a provider like Wise or Revolut, which has some no fee ATM withdrawals so you can also conveniently get cash as a back up, and for when card payments aren’t offered.

 Get a 3 month Revolut Premium trial.  Click here

I’ve been traveling for almost 20 years, and until this year I hadn’t found a good spending solution.

I’m sure the stress (before I heard of Revolut) sounds familiar. For 20 years I went back and forth with:

Should I exchange money at the airport, or take money out from an ATM?

Why tf is my bank charging me so much more in exchange rate fees?

Wait, the bank charges a conversion fee AND an international transaction fee?!

I’d come to the conclusion that this was what it meant to be privledged to travel overseas – that you had to suck it up and eat the bank fees.

This past year though, I’ve traveled with Revolut in my wallet (both my phsical wallet, and my Apple wallet). And it’s saved me serious money.

Revolut is financial website and digital app used by 35+ million people, with the tools you need to easily spend, transfer, and protect your money overseas. You can set up accounts in multiple currencies, get a debit card for travel, and you can do it for no monthly fee on the Standard plan.

It’s quick to sign up for a standard account, and there is no monthly fee. If you click here you get a 3 month trial of Revolut premium (higher limits on ATM withdrawrals & currency exchange).

There are already a million Revolut reviews (spoiler – it’s trusted), so why bother writing another? Because the look of that sexy black metal card in my wallet ACTUALLY excites me.

So read on to get excited with me – Revolut is now the only way I spend my money. 

Revolut Travel Card Review: Why I Only Spend Money With Revolut

I’m so happy excited using revolut.

All photos in this post are of the metal card, only available on the Metal plan

I didn’t want to write about ‘just another travel card’ until I had very thoroughly tested it and finally found a permanent solution. So since May I have used my Revolut card in the UK, Greece, Spain, Australia, and Morocco.

It’s the best travel card I’ve had, has changed the way I spend money, and I do get a mini adrenalin kick whenever I see the exchange rate they charge me, and realize that I’ve just beaten the banks.

Though I do wonder if it really counts as saving if I buy another mojito with the extra cash?!

Here are 10 quick reasons to love Revolut before jumping into the full details:

• No monthly fee on Standard plan, paid plans available
• Can top-up and hold accounts in several currencies
• Make payments in 150+ countries
• Phsyical debit card
• Withdrawals at over 55,000 ATMs worldwide (Up to plan’s limits)
• Track your spending in the Revolut app
• Quick currency conversions for 30+ currencies
• Great value with the Revolut exchange rate
• Compatible with Google Pay and Apple Pay
• Fantastic security features for travelers

Who are Revolut?

Revolut is a British financial technology company who have built an amazing reputation since starting in 2015.

They offer banking and travel cards , with accounts for multiple currencies, and while these work the same as opening an account with a linked debit card with any other traditional bank, Revolut was specifically created to help you make the most of your money.

They have great features like instant accounts, and virtual cards, unlimited foreign exchange  (fees may apply outside of plan allowance), and cashback on specific purchases. You can convert currencies in an instant and load up to 30+ currencies on your travel money card, without having to exchange money at the airport again.

I’ve made cash withdrawrals in both Morocco, the UK, and Greece, on amazing exchange rates, basically as if my account was local.

After having put it to the test over the course of 6 months, Revolut has saved me a lot of money.

Withdrawing Money from ATMs

Spoiler: no fee withdrawals / great rates / find atms in the app.

When you open an account with Revolut , you instantly get access to virtual cards, which I linked to my Apple Wallet and was using to pay for things the next day (good reason to go through McDonalds for coffee – I needed to test Revolut!).

And I’ve paid for most things using my virtual Revolut card, including the London Tube, which I was incredibly impressed when I found I could just tap my phone on either end without having to fight with a ticket machine.

But despite most of the world being cash free, I still always stop by an ATM.

I’ve  always found I need cash at some point when I’m traveling. There’s always amazing street food, or someone to tip, or your phone battery dies because you’re using it 10 times more than at home, from taking 1,000 selfies, to constantly running Google maps.

And in many countries still, cash is king.

Withdrawing money from overseas ATMs can be expensive using a home bank card, and cost you a lot of money in fees.

But Revolut allows you to withdraw money from ATMs overseas without fees , within limits per month depending on the plan you’re on. I’ve taken money out in both Greece and Morocco, and it was stupidly easy.

Make sure you activate your card, set up your pin number, and turn ATM withdrawrals ON within the mobile app. If you don’t want to make ATM withdrawrals, you can turn this off, which is extra security in case your card is lost.

Pro tip: Within the mobile app is an ATM locator , which allows you to share your locaiton and it will find ATMs nearby.

Fees may apply outside of your plan allowance and ATM operator may charge their own fees.

Best Currency Exchange Rate

Spoiler: it beat the google exchange rate for me.

Revolut offers one of the best exchange rates around which is why they’re one of the most popular options for travel cards.

There’s even a currency converter  on their website (and in the app) where you can check the real exchange rate at that moment in time.

If you  really  want to get the most out of your money, you can set up multiple currency accounts, and convert your money to the local currency you plan to use when the exhange rate is at it’s best. This is called locking in your exchange rate.

Or, if you know it doesn’t really fluctuate too much, you can keep your money in your home currency account (AUD for me), and when you spend on Revolut, it converts your money based on the exchange rate of the day.

I personally leave my money in AUD because I find it simpler. Market exchange rates are changing all the time, almost every day, and I personally don’t find value in spending my time keeping an eye on the rates to decide when I’ll get the most of an exchange.

You can definitely do this, but I found I saved money all the same.

If you’re a digital nomad and you’re recieving payments in multiple currencies, Revolut accounts are also a great way to recieve money in foreign currencies without the crazy foreign currency fees, or PayPal exchange rates.

There is a weekend markup on exchange rates, so keep this in mind.

Track Your Spending in the Revolut App

The Revolut app is seriously good , and it’s very easy to track your spending, and do everything you need to do from your phone.

Keeping in mind that there is no traditional phone or in-branch banking with Revolut, everything is based off the app. Which is fortunately one of the easiest, most well thought-out and use intuitive apps I’ve used.

Through the app, you can see all of your individual transactions, and there are also instant spending notifications – alerts for transactions in and out of your account.

You can add money to your accounts, add new and exchange money between your currency accounts, access your currency converter, pull up your statements, set a monthly budget, set a spending limit on your cards.

If you’re spending one currency, and pulling it from your base currency account (ie me spending Euro in Europe, without having converted my AUD), each transaction shows you both the amount you spent in your currency, and the amount you spent in the foreign.

Choosing the Right Plan for You

Revolut standard – no fee.

The Revolut standard plan is fantastic, and doesn’t have monthly account fees. There are no fees for ATM withdrawals ($350/m limit), it comes with one debit card, and there are no currency exchange fees from Monday to Friday, to a $2,000 per month limit.

• Account fee – $0
• Australian ATM fee – $0 (up to $350/month) and 2% of withdrawal amount after that
• Foreign transaction fee – 0%- 1.5% (depending on amount and when the transfer is made)
• Overseas ATM fee – $0 (up to $350/month) and 2% of withdrawal amount after that

This is an account and card you can use at both home and abroad, with no catches or hidden fees if you use it within the above limits. 

It comes with a Revolut Visa card that connects to their app and your digital wallets, and you can spend money in over 150+ countries.

Honestly, this has everything you need if you want a basic no fills spending solution. But there are also paid plans you can consider, with some great extra features if they better suit your lifestyle.

Revolut Premium – Click here for a 3 month trial

• Account fee: $9.99/month
• Australian ATM fee: $0 (up to $700/month) and 2% of withdrawal amount after that
• Foreign transaction fee: 0%- 1.5% (depending on amount and when the transfer is made)
• Overseas ATM fee: $0 (up to $700/month) and 2% of withdrawal amount after that

With the Premium Revolut account, you pay a $9.99 AUD monthly account fee, and have benefits you don’t get with the standard account.

Premium users have transfers in 30+ major currencies up to a $20,000 monthly limit (Monday to Friday, otherwise an additional 1% fee is charged). The no-fee ATM withdrawal limit is also raised to $700 AUD.

You can choose the color of your Visa card, get priority customer support with the app, and can access disposable virtual cards for greater online security (these cards regenerate after every transaction keeping your card details safe).

You also get discounts to LoungeKey Passes which offer access to over 1,000 airport lounges around the world and can buy these within the app.

Click this link to get a 3 month trial of their premium account.

Revolut Metal – The Plan I’m On Personally

• Account fee: $24.99/month
• Australian ATM fee: $0 (up to $1,400/month) and 2% of withdrawal amount after that
• Foreign transaction fee: 0%-1% (depending on when the transfer is made)
• Overseas ATM fee: $0 (up to $1,400/month) and 2% of withdrawal amount after that

The Revolut Metal account has everything the Premium tier has to offer, but it does also come with a fancy Revolut Metal card. This is the plan I am personally on , and the Metal card is the card you see in my photos.

Metal users are also the only customers able to take advantage of the Revolut’s cashback feature. That includes 1% cashback for card payments made outside of Australia and 0.1% cashback for those made within Australia.

There is a cashback limit for metal plan, up to the cost of the plan.

Comparison of Revolut Account Plans

My travel spending and lifestyle might not be the same as yours, so do make your own decision about the plan which is right for you.

My recommendation:  Check out the standard account for yourself (or take advantage of the  premium trial while it lasts ) and then check out the paid options if you think an upgrade aligns with what you need.

This table is correct as of December 2023, but before deciding which account is right for you, I recommend you  go to the Revolut website to check if anything has changed.

I’ve been seriously impressed with Revolut’s security features , and this is not something I found mentioned in other online reviews, so I think it’s well worth writing about.

The Revolut mobile app is full of security you can tailor to your needs. While I open my online account on my browser with my passcode, I open the phone app using FaceID for extra security.

Their offer of disposable virtual cards for premium account users is fantastic. This is a single use virtual card for online shopping, which is good for one use, and then expires.

If you’re worried about entering your card details into a foreign computer while you’re traveling, or perhaps you’re forced to use public WiFi to buy something, you can use this disposable virtual card and not have to worry about exposing the main.

You can lock or freeze any cards whenever you need. And within each card settings, you have the option to tailor your card security to your needs, turning features on and off like online shopping, swipe payments, ATM withdrawrals, and contactless payments.

These security features  do  work , as the first time I tried to use my Revolut card, it declined my attempt at a contactless payment. I went into the settings, toggled contactless payments ON, and the payment then worked (check your card settings before you use).

I’ve also never had my account frozen or locked because I was spending in a foreign country, as most banks tend to do. That said, spending money overseas is the whole point of Revolut!

How to Sign Up

Offering an efficient foreign currency exchange service, no-fee ATM withdrawals, and no hidden fees when it comes to transfers, Revolut is baggage free!

Signing up to Revolut is all done via their app.

Click here and then you’ll provide your mobile number, name, address, and payment details (if you’re signing up for a Premium or Metal account).

Opening an account is instant, and you can then add money with your account details as you would by making any other domestic transfer.

Revolut will send the corresponding debit card to your given address, which you can then activate (remember to set up your security features) in the app before you start using it.

It’s that simple and easy!

My Australian credit cards have a terrible exchange rate, and have always charged me 3% per transaction overseas.

So now I exclusively travel with Revolut in my wallet.

Check out Revolut’s website to find out more and see if it’s right for you.

I’m home from my last trip and still have $62.07 sitting in my Revolut account. If I had come home with that in cash, I would have lost it to my jars of leftover foreign currency.

While I could transfer it back to my main bank, I’ll leave it sitting there knowing I’m using Revolut again , the next time I travel.

If You Liked This Post You May Also Like:

Things to Know about International Credit Card Payments

Should You Use a Debit Card or Credit Card When You’re Traveling?

How to be Smart When Spending Money Overseas

Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind  Waking Up Wild ; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.

Having visited 100+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.

Charlie Schwab for us Amerikanski’s. Been using their debit across the world for 12 years. No fee ATM’s with unlimited rebates when machines charge, great currency conversion rates pretty much equal to the XE App

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Travelex Money Card Review: Safety, ATM Fees, Usability, and Monito's Verdict

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.

Byron Mühlberg

Monito's Managing Editor, Byron has spent several years writing extensively about financial- and migration-related topics.

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.

Travelex is a good travel card provider (7.8/10) peer-reviewed by the experts at Monito. Serving millions of customers across the globe, Travelex is trusted and highly credible (9.0/10) as well as very well rated by customers (9.3/10). Though it ranks highly for its convenience, the company’s Money Card offers limited and very specialized currency exchange services (7.1/10), where it offers a stress-free way for travellers to enjoy spending abroad but does not provide many of the convenient banking features that its competitors do (5.8/10).

What Monito Likes About Travelex Money Card

• Worldwide availability in airports and popular city centres.
• ATM withdrawals with no transaction fees.
• Travelex services are secure and regulated.

What Monito Dislikes About Travelex Money Card

• Travelex's exchange rates are poorer than the mid-market rate .
• Your travels may be limited by the 10 supported currencies.
• Top up fees are charged if not done through Travelex.

Spend Abroad with a Travelex Money Card

The Travelex Money Card is a reputable travel card for international spending and withdrawing cash. However, we recommend users to read Monito’s comparison guide on travel cards , which also waive ATM fees and offer even better exchange rates.

Key Questions About Travelex Money Card Answered

• 01. Is Travelex safe? scroll down
• 02. How good is the Travelex Money Card? scroll down
• 03. What are Travelex Money Card's fees and costs? scroll down
• 04. What are customers saying? scroll down
• 05. How do I open a Travelex Money Card account? scroll down
• 06. Is Travelex right for you and what are the alternatives? scroll down
• 07. Other frequently asked questions about Travelex scroll down

Last updated: 06/12/2021

Who Is the Travelex Money Card For?

Travelex is ideal for travellers looking for a safe way to spend cash abroad. Being only available to load up in ten currencies, it is particularly aimed at travellers in South East Asia or the Transatlantic region. The card includes a nice bonus to customers with free connection to all Boingo W-Fi hotspots.

Anyone over the age of 18 is eligible for a Travelex Money Card as long as they have been issued a valid government photo ID. Customers in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the 17 other countries that Travelex operates in may purchase a card and top it up online. Non-residents of these countries are still eligible but must go to a Travelex branch with their government ID to buy a Travelex Money Card.

Travelex also announced in 2021 that they have ceased operations in the United States and Canada , which includes their online services and their stores in airports and cities across the two countries. Americans and Canadians will now have to find a Travelex branch abroad to access the Travelex Money Card and its top up services.

We are trusted.

Monito's reviews are trusted by 100,000+ readers every month.

We go the extra mile.

We don't merely research. We probe and verify every statement.

We are independent.

Our recommendations are always unbiased and independent.

We are principled.

We only recommend the products and services we'd recommend to our friends and families too.

How Monito Reviewed Travelex's Services

In order to review the Travelex Money Card, we applied Monito’s rigorous methodology to score Travelex along with 20+ of its most popular competitors, including Wise (formerly TransferWise), Azimo , and WorldRemit , to see how it fared. The scoring process began with setting up a Travelex Money Card account and included thorough testing of its services both on desktop and on its mobile app. Finally, we ran a background check on Travelex, looking at how they were regulated and by which authority, and considering their security practices along with whether they had any publicly known legal, privacy, fraud, or technical issues. As with all Monito reviews, our Travelex score was peer-reviewed by at least one Monito expert.

Reviews are written independently by Monito's editors and recommendations given are our own. Services you sign up with using our links may earn us a commission. Learn more .

Trust & Credibility

Background check.

In compliance with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK.

Security & reliability

During its data breach, Travelex complied with the Criminal Finances Act of 2017 to resolve the case.

Company size

Millions of customers worldwide and £729 million in annual revenue.

Transparent pricing

A full overview of pricing is easily accessible and provides all fees as per the regulator-standard fee schedule.

Is Travelex Safe?

Travelex is a very safe option. It is an experienced currency exchange business that has operated for more than 40 years and they are widely regulated in countries around the world, serving millions of customers a year.

However, the company was victim to a cyberattack in early 2020, compromising both customer and company data. Despite the hit to its reputation, Travelex contacted the competent authorities and filed an official investigation against the infamous Sodinokibi hacker group ¹ . 

With their customer support up and running again, you'll be able to contact Travelex’s customer support team in any of the following ways:

• Website FAQ : The Travelex support page is nicely organized to easily answer your questions about the Money Card.
• Email : You can send an email to [email protected] to send your comments or general queries about your card.
• Card Services : Travelex offers 24/7 phone support for Money Card holders. You may reach them at 0800 260 0355 if you are calling from the UK. If you are calling from other countries, please consult this list of toll-free phone numbers to get in touch. 

Service & Quality

Using the mobile app.

Standard and intuitive interface, although lacking an option to freeze card for emergencies.

Managing the account

Basic travel card features with no international money transfers, joint account, overdraft, or interest.

Making card payments

Contactless and online payments are supported by Mastercard, but Travelex does not support direct debits.

Contacting support

FAQ, email, and 24/7 phone support are offered but live web chatting is not supported.

Travelex Money Card's Product & Service Quality

Travelex was founded in London as a brick-and-mortar currency exchange business, which has expanded to 27 countries with over 1,500 stores. While their traditional services of cash home delivery and cash pickup continue to serve customers worldwide, Travelex’s Money Card pioneered the way for the prepaid travel card industry.

Currency Exchange, ATMs, and Benefits — How To Use the Card

With your Travelex Money Card you will be able to top up in foreign currency, which will be ready in an instant to spend on your holidays abroad. By holding the local currency in your country of travel — New Zealand dollars (NZD) in New Zealand, for example — ATMs and merchants will treat your card as any other local's card. In other words, the teller machine will never prompt you with the option of paying in foreign currency (also called a dynamic currency conversion ).

The Travelex Money Card charges no ATM withdrawal fees, giving you full access to cash on your trip. Its association with Mastercard also allows you to shop online and at stores with any and all merchants who accept Mastercard. If you decide to become a Travelex Platinum member , you will even get access to exclusive discounts at participating businesses.

Travelex Mobile App Review

With the Travelex mobile application, users can top up their cards repeatedly, buy cash for pick up, and even transfer balances between currencies.

While the app interface is simple and intuitive, it does not provide the ability to freeze your card instantly in case of emergency. Mixed reviews on the Apple App Store as well as on the Google App Store may also suggest its functionality does not compare to other travel card providers .

The Travelex app offers you the following features, among others:

• Link your bank account details;
• Top up card in 10 currencies*;
• Transparently lock in exchange rates before purchase;
• Biometric authentication.

* UK users can get: GBP, AUD, USD, EUR, NZD, CAD, SAR, TRY, CHF, and AED. Australian users can get: AUD, GBP, USD, EUR, NZD, CAD, JPY, THB, SGD, and HKD.

Fees & Exchange Rates

Everyday use.

No monthly fees but the card lacks local transfer and direct deposit functionality.

ATM withdrawals

Travelex charges zero fees for all international ATM withdrawals.

Online spending

Transactions that require a currency conversion will be charged a 5.75% foreign exchange fee.

International spending

Travelex applies its exchange rates to your top ups in foreign currency.

How Pricey Is the Travelex Money Card?

The Travelex Money Card can be a very competitive option if customers use it only for its intended purpose: making cash transactions in the local currency of your holiday destination.

Topping Up Your Card

The first step of your holiday — topping up the card in foreign currency — is the most costly party. Travelex converts your home currency into your desired currency at their own exchange rates, which are poorer than the true rate you see on Google (called the mid-market rate ). If we assume that a British traveller uses Travelex to top up £5,000 for their European travels, then Travelex would use their rates* to convert that amount into around €5,732.

Contrast that to using Wise , a London-based global money transfer service, for the same top up. With Wise's multi-currency card , you'd pay only $17.64 in service fees without an exchange rate margin . The rest of your sterling would be converted at the true mid-market rate**, topping your card up with around €5,864. This is €132 more than if you had made your conversion with Travelex.

* Conversion done at 1 GBP to 1.1464 EUR on 07/12/21 13:00:00 GMT. **Conversion done at 1 GBP to 1.1754 EUR on 07/12/21 13:00:00 GMT.

Spending With Your Card

Now with local currency ready to spend on your holiday abroad, you can really take advantage of the Travelex Money Card features. Travelex will never charge you for either domestic or international ATM withdrawals . Although there is a 24-hour withdrawal limit of £500, there is no limit to the number of times you can visit an ATM. This is an advantage when compared to many other travel cards that do begin charging you after your third or fourth ATM withdrawal.

Spend in the Local Currency

Just be sure to use the mobile app to keep track of the amount active on your card. If you only have €30 left on your card but make a purchase of €50, then the transaction will either be declined or you will have to use the other currencies on your card until the transaction is satisfied. Failing to spend in the local currency will be costly because Travelex will automatically apply a 5.75% exchange rate margin to convert your foreign currency into local currency to complete the purchase.

Take a look at the table below to get an idea of the fees that Travelex charges:

Last updated: 25/05/2021

Spending Limits

Travelex has set some spending limits to mitigate against the case of stolen or lost cards. To freeze your current card, you will have to call up a representative . In addition, you can request a replacement card, which is free of charge and can be loaded with emergency cash up to the value that remained on the previous card.

To get a better picture of these limits in action, see the table below:

Last updated: 07/12/2021

The Travelex Money Card is a multi-currency card, which means that you can load up to 10 different currencies all at once. Since you will be limited to carrying £5,000 on the card at any one time, it will be important to plan how you want to divvy up the currencies — if you go on a multi-country trip.

For example, if you go on an east coast trip from Montreal, Canada to New York City, USA, then be sure to load up the right amount of Canadian dollars and US dollars accordingly. Otherwise, you will be penalized with that 5.75% exchange rate margin for spending US dollars in Canada, and vice versa.

Customer Satisfaction

Customer review score.

Rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot.

Number of positive reviews

Around 34,800 four- and five-star reviews on Trustpilot.

What Experiences Do Travelex Customers Report?

In general, Travelex has earned great feedback from users across the board, garnering an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot at the time of writing.

Users frequently comment that Travelex's services are clearly detailed and easy to use. Travelex has a wide reach with brick-and-mortar counters in airports around the world, which all conveniently offer the Travelex Money Card and on-the-spot top ups to customers in a hurry.

However, current users do often complain about the mobile application that comes with your account to manage the card and your top ups. These complaints generally refer to being unable to see the account balance. Other customers have found that Travelex's exchange rate margin can be quite high.

How To Open a Travelex Money Card Account

Opening an account with Travelex and getting their travel Money Card is an easy process, which can be done online, on the phone, or at a physical Travelex counter. If you decide to open a Travelex account, you'll need to go through the following steps:

• Get your card: Order your Travelex Money Card online, over the phone or in-store. You can have it delivered to your home within around 5 days or opt to pick it up at a local branch.
• Activate your card: You will get your PIN immediately if you buy or collect your card in-store. Otherwise, you can activate the card online or on the phone by calling card services at 0800 260 0355 in the UK.
• Register your card online: Register with Travelex to manage your account and keep track of your card activity.
• Top up and spend: You can top up the card either online , over the phone , or via the Travelex Money app .

Is Travelex a Good Travel Card and What Are the Alternatives?

Overall, we at Monito consider the Travelex Money Card to be a standard travel card that may serve travellers well if they spend their holiday in countries that operate mainly in cash, such as Japan or Hungary. For these cases, we like that Travelex charges zero fees on all ATM withdrawals around the world.

The Travelex Money Card charges no fees when you make a purchase in the local currency, which beats using your traditional debit or credit card that may charge foreign transaction fees. However, there are many new multi-currency products on the market that provide this same service without the same exchange rate margins that Travelex charges.

We, therefore, recommend our readers to compare other travel card providers and assess their services and benefits before choosing Travelex. Here's how Travelex fares against N26, Revolut, and Wise:

Best Travel Money Cards for 2022 Compared — Revolut vs N26 vs Wise vs Currensea

See how to Travelex Money Card fares with other travel cards provided by innovative neobanks and digital bank-like alternatives.

Last updated: 07/12/2021 ¹ Germany, Austria and Italy only ² On the first $6,500, up to 2.5% thereafter (Fair usage limits and Terms & Conditions apply.) ³ On the first $300 per month, 2% thereafter (Fair usage limits and Terms & Conditions apply.) ⁴ Free at Allpoint ATMs ⁵ Up to 2 withdrawals or €200 per month, then 1.75% ⁶ 2% FX rate over £500pm

Frequently Asked Questions About Travelex

Protected with a PIN and partnered with Mastercard, your money is safe on the Travelex Money Card. Travelex also offers 24/7 Global Travel Assistance by phone. Upon request, they can provide an emergency card and cash if your card is stolen or lost.

You will have to call up a Travelex advisor to close your account. Please reference this list of official phone numbers .

The Travelex Money Card is a standard travel money card option but will serve you best if you deal primarily with ATM withdrawals and cash transactions on your holiday. Monito recommends that you compare travel cards before you make your decision.

The Travelex Money Card is a travel card product designed by Travelex, one of the world's foremost currency exchange companies in the world. The Travelex Money Card allows users to top up a debit Mastercard with up to 10 different currencies, which are instantly ready for either international ATM withdrawals or holiday spending at local merchants.

References Used in This Guide

1. The Wall Street Journal. Travelex Paid Hackers Multimillion-Dollar Ransom Before Hitting New Obstacles . 9 April 2020.

Also See These Digital Banks That Offer Travel Money Cards

What the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Card offers

• How other travel cards compare to the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card
• 3 key benefits cardholders get from the Autograph Journey 

Move Over, Chase Sapphire Preferred. This New Travel Credit Card Is Turning Heads

Wells Fargo's newest card has one key advantage over the gold standard in travel cards.

Holly Johnson

Contributor

Holly Johnson is a credit card expert and writer who covers rewards and loyalty programs, budgeting, and all things personal finance. In addition to writing for publications like Bankrate, CreditCards.com, Forbes Advisor and Investopedia, Johnson owns Club Thrifty and is the co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You'll Love."

Tiffany Connors

Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card * -- Wells Fargo’s latest and best travel card -- recently launched with an impressive set of features. Its competitive rewards, welcome bonus and redemption options take aim at incumbent travel credit cards from Chase, American Express and Capital One.

What gives Wells Fargo’s first foray into the point-transfer space an edge is that you don’t have to book travel in a portal to earn the highest rewards rates. 

Here’s why we think the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey could go toe-to-toe with some of the best travel credit cards, plus three insider tips to help you decide if you should add it to your credit card lineup.

Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect with the Autograph Journey:

• Earn 60,000 welcome bonus rewards points after spending $4,000 in purchases within three months of account opening.
• Earn unlimited 5x points on hotels, 4x points on airlines, 3x points on other travel and dining and 1x on other purchases.
• Receive an annual statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Other benefits include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, roadside dispatch and cell phone insurance.
• $95 annual fee.

How other travel cards compare to the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

3 key benefits cardholders get from the autograph journey .

Here’s a rundown of four facts we discovered about the Autograph Journey that you should know when deciding whether to apply.

1. You can transfer points with Wells Fargo point-based cards

The launch of the Autograph Journey also marks the first transferable points program from Wells Fargo, which joins other card issuers like Chase and Capital One, which have their own pooling programs .

Autograph Journey will be able to do a points transfer with the no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card . This is especially notable since the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers bonus rewards in different categories than the Autograph Journey. 

For example, the Autograph card earns unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans, plus 1x points on other purchases. So you can maximize your point earning across different categories, then transfer your points to your Autograph Journey account to access premium travel redemptions.

2. It offers more options for earning bonus miles on travel than some competitors

The Autograph Journey will offer more flexibility than many travel rewards cards when it comes to earning more points on travel purchases. For example, cardholders earn unlimited 5x points on hotels booked directly with hotel brands and 4x points on airfare booked with airlines. 

This helps the card stand out from other popular travel credit cards that offer the most bonus points only if you book travel through their portals. For example, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card * and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * only offer the highest bonus rewards on travel booked through Capital One Travel. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also offers its highest rate of 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel℠, whereas other travel purchases earn 2x points.

Autograph Journey cardholders also earn a minimum of 3x points on other travel purchases, which could include rental cars, cruises and travel booked through online travel agencies like Expedia and Priceline.

3. The card may grow in value as more transfer partners join

The Autograph Journey Card will earn flexible travel rewards points that transfer to a selection of airline and hotel partners, similar to Amex Membership Rewards points or Chase Ultimate Rewards . While the list of transfer partners is limited, Wells Fargo stated in its initial press release that “more partners will continue to be added throughout the year.”

Points transfers could dramatically change the value proposition of the Autograph Journey, especially if new partners include domestic airlines and popular hotel loyalty programs. 

Wells Fargo point transfers will be available to new cardholders starting on April 4. For now, Wells Fargo transfer partners include the following:

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After writing about hundreds of credit cards, these two are still my favorite, 6 reasons the chase sapphire preferred should be your next credit card, 3 steps to take when your flight is canceled or delayed, 8 best credit card strategies to maximize earnings in 2024, as a foodie who enjoys a night out on the town, this credit card gives me plenty to savor.

* All information about the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card have been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

CNET editors independently choose every product and service we cover. Though we can’t review every available financial company or offer, we strive to make comprehensive, rigorous comparisons in order to highlight the best of them. For many of these products and services, we earn a commission. The compensation we receive may impact how products and links appear on our site.

• United States
• United Kingdom

In this guide

Restrictions

Your reviews, ask a question, travelex money card review.

The Travelex Money Card lets you carry 10 currencies, with no fees for international ATM withdrawals or top-ups made through Travelex, but a 1% fee for BPAY loads from your bank account.

Travelex Money Card supported currencies

You can load funds and spend them in these 10 currencies:

• Australian dollars (AUD)
• Canadian dollars (CAD)
• Great British pounds (GBP)
• Euros (EUR)
• Hong Kong dollars (HKD)
• Japanese yen (JPY)
• New Zealand dollars (NZD)
• Singapore dollars (SGD)
• Thai baht (THB)
• US dollars (USD)

Features of the Travelex Money Card

• Support for 10 currencies. As well as Australian dollars, you can load 9 supported currencies. This gives you a way to avoid exchange rate changes and manage your travel budget.
• No currency conversion fees for other currencies. If you're paying in a currency not supported by the card, the funds will be converted as part of the transaction, with no currency conversion fee. In comparison, some other cards charge a currency conversion fee of around 2–4%.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi access. This card offers complimentary Wi-Fi access at millions of locations around the world through Boingo. Just pre-load $100 or more on your card, then register via the Boingo website to get up to 3 months of free Wi-Fi. You can also get an additional 3 months free for further top-ups of $100 or more.
• Worldwide acceptance. You can use this card in over 200 countries and regions around the world, wherever Mastercard prepaid cards are accepted.
• Fee-free ATM withdrawals. The Travelex Money Card does not charge a withdrawal fee at overseas ATMs. There's also no ATM fees in Australia if you have Australian dollars loaded on the card. Just keep in mind that some ATM operators charge a fee, which is typically displayed before you make a withdrawal.
• Card management. You can check your balance, load foreign currency, view details of current exchange rates and manage other details for your card through the Travelex website and Travelex Money app. There are also no fees when you top up through the Travelex website or app.

How much does the Travelex Money Card cost?

• Purchase fee. There is no purchase fee when you order the Travelex Money Card online through the website or Travelex Money App. When you get one in-store, you won't pay a fee if you're loading foreign currency directly onto the card but when loading in AUD, you'll pay 1.1% of the initial load or $15 (whichever is worth more).
• Loading AUD in store: 1.1% of the initial load or AUD$15 (whichever is worth more).
• BPAY from a bank account (not through Travelex): 1% of the reload amount.
• Monthly inactivity fee. A fee of $4 per month applies if you have not loaded or made a transaction with this card in the past 12 months. This fee won't be charged if you start using the card again, if the balance on your card is less than the fee or if you cancel the card.
• Closure/withdrawal fee. A Mastercard Prepaid fee of $10 applies when you close your card or withdraw from your card funds.

How to apply

You can apply for the Travelex Money Card online or through the Travelex Money App. You can also get one in a participating Travelex store. Just make sure you meet the following requirements.

• Australian address. You'll need to provide a valid Australian residential address, including if you're not an Australian resident.
• Identification. You need to provide a valid form of government-issued photo ID, such as your driver's licence or passport.
• Age. If you apply online or through the Travelex Money app, you'll need to be at least 18 years of age.

If you get a card in-store, it will be ready to use once you load funds onto it. But keep in mind the exchange rates in-store may be different to those online.

If you order a card online or through the app, you'll just need to activate it and load funds before you can use it.

• Travelex Money Card information PDF
• Travelex Money Card TMD

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December 13, 2023

how to cancel a travelex money card after my holiday has ended

Amy Bradney-George Finder

December 14, 2023

Hi Catherine, You can cancel your card by contacting Travelex online or over the phone on 1800 440 039. You can also arrange to cash-out any remaining funds on the card, but be aware that there is a $10 fee when you close the account or withdraw money (set and charged by Mastercard Prepaid). I hope this helps.

July 23, 2019

I have used Travelex Money Card in the U.S. Travelex Money Card is basically Cash Passport with a “Travelex” logo printed on it. I have found it be fine to use for small transactions, e.g. purchasing meal at an airport, souvenir at gift shop. However, I have not always found it reliable for instances where your address details have to be transmitted with your CC details through the EFTPOS system. Cash Passport uses what’s called the Address Verification System (A/V.S.) as one means to verify the cardholder. All it does is try to match up the numerical components of the cardholder’s address – as stored in Cash Passport’s records – with the billing address provided to the merchant If the system does not recognize a ‘match’ for whatever reason, then the transaction is declined.

I used it a number of times pver the past 5 years with a particular motel in the U.S. with success. But then the last time I used it. the card was rejected because of some formatting error with the address. The staff member serving me didn’t seem very knowledgeable (she wasn’t the manager), and suggested I call Cash Passport. They told me it was an address error, and I asked them to detail me exactly how my address was recorded in their system, right down to lettering, full stops, spaces, abbreviations, etc. Then I instructed the merchant to enter my address again exactly as provided to me by CP. Still no joy. The CP consultant advised me that the only other option with the card was to withdraw from an ATM. On this occasion I did so, and had to withdraw a number of times, because ATM’s in that area had a USD $200 limit, and charged for each transaction. I suspect the merchant I was dealing with could have overridden the decline if she knew how (I provided I.D. and verification of my address). Unfortunately the manager was away for a few days. I did have another card to try, a debit card, and that did not work either.

Unfortunately, I did not get much help from Mastercard in trying to understand exactly why the transaction declined. They just told me it was an A.V.S. failure to do with ‘bad address’. Some cursory research suggests to me that A.V.S. is capable of some false positives, and is not reliable with prepaid cards. Furthermore, U.S. and Canadian providers using A.V.S. don’t seem to ‘handshake’ very well with CC’s issued outside of those countries… in terms of verification of address. (I believe Cash Passport is ‘issued’ by Heritage Bank).

In my case, I suspect the decline was a combination of the merchant’s system and Cash Passport’s AVS.

Moral of the story? Have a contingency plan. Take a mix of money sources (which I did), e.g. backup card, currency. And find out in advance where your nearest ATM’s are, especially in a small town/city. If you are taking your CC linked to your native home account, make sure you advise your bank of your travel plans before you go (which I did). And preferably use a travel card that doesn’t employ A.V.S., which I am doing now.

October 17, 2018

If I have a Travelex money card with Euro and English pounds loaded, can I use it to touch and go on public transport and taxis overseas? Would there be fees attached? Cheers

Charisse Finder

Thanks for reaching out to finder.

You can use the Travelex money card to make contactless payments as long as the public transports and taxis have Mastercard payment terminal (EFTPOS) that has contactless symbol. If you will be using the card to pay in any currency other than the currency available on your card, a foreign exchange margin applies to the transaction amount.

You can visit Travelex’ website to see the full information on their rates and fees.

I hope this helps.

Cheers, Charisse

October 07, 2018

I need to use a travel card to go OS. However, I am going to Switzerland, Hungary, and Austria – I’m not sure if Austria has euro, but the other 2 don’t. What’s the best way for me to work out my money if cards like Travelex don’t hold currency that I want? I have used Travelex before in USA.

October 08, 2018

Thanks for your question.

Apparently, there are no travel money cards that can hold all the currencies of the three countries you’ve mentioned. However, you may want to do deeper research on a practical way of bringing money/cards to those countries. You may need to consider the fees charged for currency conversion and international ATM withdrawals when comparing your options. Furthermore, you may like to check the following guides instead to get an idea of which card you could possibly get and use overseas:

• Travel Money Guide to Switzerland
• Travel Money Guide – General for all other countries.

Best to check the reviews of your chosen card to make sure that it provides you the benefits considering your travel plans and spending habits.

I hope this somehow helps.

Cheers, May

August 02, 2018

I’m trying to sign up for the free wi-if but it says my card is not eligible

Joel Marcelo

Thanks for leaving a question on Finder.

You are supposed to get free WiFi from Travelex. All you have to do is to load at least $100 on your Travelex Money Card, enter your card details at mastercard.boingo.com, and wait 24 hours for it to be verified. If you can confirm that you have the steps I mentioned, you can contact them directly to ask what could be causing this decline. Cheers,

Amy Bradney-George

Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald. See full profile

• Debit cards
• Wise Travel Money Card Review
• Revolut travel account review
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Should You Use a Credit Card Travel Portal?

Unlock the details of credit card travel portals and learn how to maximize your benefits.

Using a Credit Card Travel Portal

Getty Images

Using a credit card portal to book travel could help you save money and help you earn more points or redeem travel credits.

Key Takeaways

• Credit card travel portals search across multiple travel options, giving you the power to compare prices.
• You can use your credit card or rewards to book travel with your credit card issuer's travel portal.
• Some cards may offer travel credits and benefits when you book using the associated travel portal. 

You have many options for booking travel, whether you want to book directly with airlines and hotels, use an online travel agency or book with your credit card's travel portal. Using a credit card travel portal may allow you to take advantage of cardholder benefits and credits and give you additional choices for your booking.

Understand how to use credit card travel portals to save money on your next trip and maybe get some elevated perks along the way – but also recognize when it doesn't make sense.

What Are Credit Card Travel Portals?

Similar to online travel agencies, such as Expedia or Booking.com, credit card travel portals are online travel booking platforms. Cardholders can use credit card travel portals to browse and book travel options, including flights, hotels, rental cars and experiences using your credit card or rewards.

Credit card travel portals include:

• American Express Travel.
• Capital One Travel.
• Chase Travel.
• Citi Travel.

Some credit cards offer cardholder savings or perks when you book travel using the issuer's credit card portal, such as travel credits or cardholder privileges, including free breakfast or late checkout.

How Credit Card Travel Portals Stack Up

When you use a credit card travel portal, the amount and method of payment may be the deciding factors in how you book. Using a credit card travel portal to book travel can save you money, but not always.

We compared a midweek economy flight from Los Angeles to New York and a weeklong stay at a three-star hotel in Manhattan. In some cases, credit card travel portals were competitive, but Expedia had the lowest overall price for flight and hotel costs on this test trip.

Still, this is just one example, and travel prices can fluctuate depending on how you book. It's always a good idea to compare all of your options.

Benefits of Credit Card Travel Portals

Booking your travel with a credit card travel portal can help you earn more points or redeem travel credits. Some examples:

• Cardholders of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card get a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through the Capital One Travel site. When booking on the Capital One Travel site, cardholders earn unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars and 5 miles per dollar on flights. ( See Rates and Fees )
• With The Platinum Card ® from American Express , cardholders get a $200 annual hotel credit for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel and earn five points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. ( See Rates and Fees )
• Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card holders get a $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit and earn five points per dollar on Chase Travel purchases.

"Using the travel credits is huge," says JT Genter, editor in chief of rewards and travel tracking tool AwardWallet. "Card issuers are leaning more towards those only being accessible through the portal."

Credit card travel portal bookings may help your points go further, too. "Because I have a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, when I use the (Chase) portal to book travel, my points get an extra 25% bump," says Chip Chinery, personal finance blogger at Chip's Money Tips. For example, you'd only pay 100,000 points for a flight or hotel that would require 125,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points to book without the points boost.

Helpful features can add up to savings on credit card travel portals. For example, Capital One Travel offers a price match guarantee. Genter used the Capital One Travel price match feature on a flight from Cairo to Marrakech, Morocco. Although he booked with Capital One Travel, an online travel agency had a better price. He was able to price match with Capital One Travel to get a travel credit.

Genter points out that cardholders of The Platinum Card from American Express can take advantage of the International Airline Program for potential savings on international flights in first, business or premium economy.

You may also get benefits for booking with credit card travel portals, particularly when booking hotels. For example:

• Cardholders of The Platinum Card from American Express get elite benefits at participating hotels, including early check-in, room upgrades, breakfast for two, a $100 experience credit, complimentary Wi-Fi and guaranteed 4 p.m. check-out.
• If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve ® , you can book The Edit properties through Chase Travel and receive benefits, including daily breakfast for two, a $100 on-property credit, room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Drawbacks of Credit Card Travel Portals

Travel credits and on-property perks are compelling reasons to use a credit card travel portal. However, it pays to compare pricing among your card's portal, direct booking or an online travel agency, because the lowest-priced option depends on the trip you're taking. Also, you may forfeit some benefits, as credit card travel portals are third-party bookings.

With a third-party booking, you'll have less flexibility in customer service and cancellation than you would if you booked directly. For example, if you're dealing with a delayed flight and need service from the airline, you may be directed to the travel portal customer service. You may have limited options for cancellation and how you get your money or rewards back.

Another major point to consider with third-party bookings: You generally won't be able to earn points or miles with the airline or hotel, though you can earn points with your card. Additionally, you may not be able to use elite benefits for any status you hold. For example, if you have Hilton Honors status that entitles you to a daily food and beverage credit, you're not likely to get it when you book a stay with your credit card travel portal.

When to Use a Credit Card Travel Portal

Booking travel with a credit card travel portal can make sense in some scenarios. For instance:

• You want to compare your travel options across multiple airlines or hotels in the portal.
• You have a travel credit available that can only be redeemed through the issuer's travel portal.
• You have rewards you want to redeem on the portal, and booking this way offers a good redemption value.
• You want to take advantage of benefits, such as elite hotel perks that you can get when using a credit card travel portal.
• Your booking options on the portal are priced lower compared with other options.
• Booking on the portal earns elevated rewards, and the prices and benefits are comparable to those of other booking options.

"It makes sense if you want to take advantage of the credits but also to earn bonus points," says Genter. "And sometimes, they have promotions such as hyper-targeted offers."

Tags: credit cards

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Best no annual fee travel credit cards of April 2024

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Travel rewards cards are a lot like gyms. The best ones may come with tons of added benefits (saunas, yoga class, etc.) but they also cost a lot, usually with a big financial commitment upfront. 

As a result, whether you’re considering a Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card (with its $95 annual fee) or a CrossFit membership, you probably have the same question on your mind: will I really use it enough to justify paying for it? 

While there aren’t any free gyms we know of, there thankfully are plenty of no-annual-fee travel rewards cards that require essentially zero commitment. And just like an ab roller or a Richard Simmons DVD, you can simply use them a few times, forget about them, and put them in a drawer until beach season. Or, you can stick with it and make them part of your daily routine—whatever works for you.

You’re also far more likely to see “instant results” with these cards, too. From 100,000-point welcome bonuses to rewards for paying rent, free travel insurance to 3X on gas, these cards offer way more than you’d expect for a fee of $0 per year. 

The best no-annual-fee travel cards for April 2024

Best overall: bilt mastercard, best for hotel rewards: ihg one rewards traveler credit card, best for airline rewards: united gateway℠ card, best for travel earnings: wells fargo autograph℠ card, best for flat-rate earnings: capital one ventureone rewards credit card.

The Bilt Mastercard allows you to earn points from paying rent and transfer them 1:1 to well over a dozen different travel partners including United MileagePlus and Marriott Bonvoy. Toss in some surprisingly robust travel insurance and you have our unconventional—yet logical—choice for the best overall no-annual-fee travel card of 2024.

Bilt Mastercard®

Special feature.

Rewards Rates

• 1x Earn 1X points on rent payments without the transaction fee, up to 100,000 points each calendar year
• 1x Earn 3X points on dining
• 2x Earn 2X points on travel
• 1x Earn 1X points on other purchases
• Use the card 5 times each statement period to earn points.
• Uniquely earns points on rent
• Rent Day bonus every first of the month offers double points (excluding rent)
• Robust travel transfer partners
• Cash redemption rate is poor
• No traditional welcome bonus
• Travel perks: Trip Cancellation and Interruption Protection, Trip Delay Reimbursement, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver
• See this page for details
• Foreign Transaction Fee: None

Why we like this card: As mentioned, the Bilt Mastercard’s most compelling feature is that it allows you to pay rent with a credit card—even if your landlord doesn’t take plastic—and avoid the transaction fee paying rent by credit card would typically incur. Then, as long as you complete five transactions each month, you’ll trigger 1X rewards on your rent payments. 

Note that rewards on rent are capped at 100,000 points per year.

In terms of earning potential, if you pay the median ~$2,000 rent in the U.S., you could earn approximately 24,000 points per year which can be used to book travel in Bilt’s portal at a value of 1.25 cents per point or transferred to any of Bilt’s airline or hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio. In other words, you could likely earn a domestic flight with United or a weekend stay at Hyatt, all for simply paying rent on time.

The Bilt card also provides trip cancellation and interruption protection, trip delay reimbursement, and primary rental car insurance (terms apply)—perks you wouldn’t typically find on a no-annual-fee credit card.

If you’re looking for a hotel rewards card that offers the most free nights for no annual fee, wait until you read about the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card. With a six-figure welcome bonus, up to 17X on stays and other compelling rewards, it’s currently the gold standard for no-fee hotel rewards.

IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card

Intro bonus.

• 17x Earn up to 17X points when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts 
• 3x Earn 3X points on dining, utilities, internet, cable, and phone services, select streaming services, and at gas stations
• 2x Earn 2X points on all other purchases
• Generous welcome bonus not typically seen in a $0 annual fee card
• Travel protections that are unusual for a no-annual-fee card
• Fourth night free on award bookings
• Limited redemption options outside of IHG
• IHG points are worth less than some other rewards currencies
• Silver status granted with the card has limited benefit
• Additional perks: Trip cancelation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection, ability to spend to Gold status
• Foreign transaction fee:None

Why we like this card: We like calling the IHG One Rewards Traveler card the “Liam Hemsworth” of travel rewards cards because it lives in the shadow of its big brother—the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card —but still delivers plenty of quality and substance in its own right (with no annual fee, to boot). 

For starters, you can get a welcome bonus of 80,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening, potentially worth around $500 to $700 in IHG redemption. 

Plus, enjoy up to 17X points when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts, instant Silver Elite status and a handy bonus where you redeem points for three consecutive nights and get the fourth night in your stay free. So, if you book a three-night stay using your welcome bonus, you’ll essentially be getting a complimentary four-night stay at a nice IHG property for no annual fee. The IHG One Rewards program could be very rewarding for the right traveler.

Check out our full review of the IHG One Rewards Traveler .

As a no-annual-fee airline card, the United Gateway℠ Card currently edges out its rival the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card by offering a more generous welcome bonus and travel insurance that the Delta card does not provide. If you fly occasionally and would like to earn miles, but aren’t willing to make the commitment of $95 or more for a mid-tier airline card with more perks, the Gateway is a strong choice. 

United Gateway℠ Card

• 2x 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, including tickets, Economy Plus, in-flight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, baggage service charges and other United purchases.
• 2x 2 miles per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services, taxicabs, train tickets, tolls, and mass transit.
• 1x 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
• No annual fee or foreign transaction fee
• Reward bonus categories outside of United Airlines
• Robust travel protections for a no-annual-fee card
• No baggage or expanded award availability benefits like with other United cards
• Subject to Chase 5/24 rule.
• United perks: 25% back as a statement credit on purchases of food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights and on Club premium drinks when you pay with your Gateway Card
• Other perks: Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance, Purchase Protection, Extended Warranty
• Foreign transaction fee: None

Why we like this card: The United Gateway card offers 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting plus 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Considering a United Mile is worth roughly around 1.2 cents these days, effectively earning 2.4 cents back on everyday purchases is a solid value proposition. 

You’ll also get a welcome bonus of 20,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. And, you can save with a discount of 25% back on United in-flight and Club Premium drink purchases. 

New cardholders will enjoy a 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months, after 21.99%–28.99% variable applies.

If the United Gateway card has a small lead on the Delta Skymiles Blue Amex at this point, it soars ahead (pun intended) when you look at the included travel and shopping protections. Both cards offer secondary rental car insurance, but only the Gateway includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty protection. 

So, if you’re seeking a no-annual-fee card you can use to rack up miles—and you either tend to fly United most of the time or you’re at minimum not devoted to a competing airline—the United Gateway is the card to beat.

Check out our full review of the United Gateway Card for more info.

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, see this page  

With a generous welcome bonus in exchange for an attainable spend amount, 3X on travel, and a fancy name, you’d think the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card would command an annual fee of at least $95. But it doesn’t, making it a superb candidate for general travel use.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Intro bonus.

• 3X 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans
• 1X 1X points on other purchases
• No annual fee
• 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months (that's a $200 cash redemption value)
• Points transfer to partners
• Car rental insurance is secondary
• No travel insurance
• Transfer partners are limited
• Additional perks: Cell Phone Protection: Provides up to $600 in cell phone protection when you pay your monthly cell bill with your Wells Fargo Autograph card. Coverage is subject to a $25 deductible and limited to two claims every 12-month period.
• Foreign transaction fee: N/A

Why we like this card: The Wells Fargo Autograph offers unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans and even your landline bill too if you have one, plus 1X points on other purchases—all without charging an annual fee. And, to make traveling a little cheaper/less stressful, you’ll also get $600 worth of cell phone protection (minus a $25 deductible) as long as you pay your phone bill with this card and secondary rental car insurance. 

Cardholders can transfer points at a 1:1 ratio to Wells Fargo’s first wave of transfer partners including Air France‑KLM Flying Blue, Avianca Lifemiles, British Airways Executive Club, AerClub, and Iberia Plus and 1:2 to Choice Privileges. 

But even if you aren’t a member of those loyalty programs, earning 3X on dining, travel, gas, and more is hard to pass up. You can redeem points at a value of 1 cent each to offset past purchases on your account, meaning you can wield the Autograph either as a no-annual-fee travel card or as a cash-back card effectively earning unlimited 3% back in a wide swath of useful categories. 

Check out our full review of the Wells Fargo Autograph .

Sometimes, you just want a card that offers a little more than 1X on every purchase—without having to worry about what this quarter’s rotating rewards are, or whether a specific merchant qualifies as “groceries” for the purposes of your card’s rewards. If you value simplicity and the lack of an annual fee in your travel card, you’ll probably be a fan of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card and its straightforward rewards program.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

Reward Rates

• 5x Earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 1.25x Earn 1.25x miles on every other purchase
• Flexible travel rewards
• No foreign transaction fee
• Maximizing Capital One Miles requires a learning curve
• Cash redemption value is limited
• The VentureOne offers travel accident insurance, rental car coverage, extended warranty protection, exclusive access to events through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment

Why we like this card: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards offers 1.25X miles per dollar spent on everyday purchases and 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. That’s pretty much all that you have to remember. You can also get a nice welcome bonus of 20,000 miles after spending $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, which is a solid payout for a very attainable spending target. 

Capital One Miles can be transferred to well over a dozen airline and hotel partners, most at a 1:1 rate. Partners include Air Canada’s Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Choice Privileges, Virgin Red, and Wyndham Rewards, among others. Other ways to book travel include redeeming miles through Capital One’s portal or making the purchase directly, paying with your card like normal, then using miles for a statement credit to cover the transaction. 

The Venture One also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months (after that, the variable APR will be 29.99%). There’s an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account during the first 15 months that your account is open , then 4% per transfer for any promotional APR offered after. 

Come to think of it, provided you have the excellent credit needed to apply, the VentureOne could make a great travel companion for a grad student given its simplicity, lengthy intro APR period and low spending threshold required to trigger the welcome bonus.

Check out our full review of the Capital One VentureOne Rewards .

Frequently asked questions

Which card is best for international transactions without extra charges.

Zero foreign transaction fees is actually a common benefit among travel rewards cards, including many with no annual fee. For example, neither the Bilt Mastercard nor the United Gateway card charges a foreign currency conversion fee. 

What is the best travel credit card for a young person? 

If you’re still paying rent, the Bilt Mastercard is an excellent choice since it can generate points from rent payments which can then be transferred 1:1 to well over a dozen airline and hotel partners. If you’d prefer a card with a welcome bonus, which the Bilt card lacks, the IHG One Rewards Traveler card currently offers a massive welcome bonus for a no-annual-fee card—potentially worth hundreds of dollars toward a future IHG hotel stay. 

Is a travel card with an annual fee worth it?

Using a travel rewards card with an annual fee can be worth it as long as you’re extracting enough points and benefits to justify paying the fee each year. If you travel infrequently or just want one less fee to worry about, consider one of the no-annual-fee cards on our list above. But, the best perks and protections are typically available on cards with annual fees.

For example, the Capital One Venture X card offers a $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel. If you use that every year, you’ve gone a long way toward offsetting the $395 annual fee. You also get 10,000 bonus miles, worth at least $100 toward travel, every year starting on your account anniversary.

Methodology

To bring you our top picks for the best travel rewards cards with no annual fee, the Fortune Recommends surveyed more than a dozen cards currently available from today’s top issuers. From there, we ranked each one based on the following core categories and weights:

• Welcome bonus (10%): Some cards—even those with no annual fee—offer welcome bonuses that you can earn once you make enough purchases within a certain time frame, such as spending $1,000 within three months of account opening.
• Travel earnings (25%): These are the point rewards you’d earn by making travel-related purchases (e.g. 3X on hotels, 2X on airfare).
• Car rental insurance (15%): Many, but not all travel-centric rewards cards include an auto rental collision damage waiver, which allows you to decline a portion of the rental company’s insurance and save potentially up to $30 per day. We gave extra consideration to if a card offers primary rental car insurance versus secondary, because primary kicks in immediately in a covered scenario—whereas secondary only applies after your own, personal insurance. 
• Travel insurance benefits (15%): Some travel rewards cards automatically apply trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost/delayed luggage reimbursement and even travel accident insurance on travel bookings made using the card.
• Gas earning (5%): Since road trips remain a common form of travel, whether or not a card offers points rewards at the pump factored into our rankings.
• Dining earning (10%): If a no-annual-fee travel rewards card offered 2X or more on restaurant purchases it favored well in this category.

The remaining 20% was based on the card’s main focus: hotel, airline or general travel rewards. 

• For general travel—points transferrable to partners (20%): Points are literally worth more if you can transfer them to certain partners, so a card’s ability to transfer rewards to airline and hotel partners factored into our rankings.
• For hotel rewards—free award night with booking (20%): Some hotel rewards cards offer a BOGO-like perk where if you redeem a certain number of nights with points you get an extra tacked on for free.
• For airline rewards—ability to spend towards status (20%): Most airline rewards cards allow you to earn miles, but not all of them count those miles towards your next loyalty status. If a card treated them as “qualifying miles,” it fared better in this category.

Lastly, just keep in mind that virtually every aspect of a travel rewards card—from the rewards to the welcome bonus and fee structure—is subject to change, which could impact how many miles or points you earn. 

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefits guide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.  

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.  

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

Guide to travel rewards credit cards

Best travel credit cards of april 2024, luxury travel for less: your guide to free airport lounge passes, 10 credit card tips to help you avoid disaster when traveling abroad, how credit card travel insurance works—and what it doesn’t cover, insure your adventures: the ultimate guide to credit cards offering travel insurance, how credit card rental car insurance saves money on every rental, chase lga lounge review: luxury at laguardia, chase beefs up new york profile with a new jfk sapphire lounge—here's what you need to know, biggest-ever amex centurion lounge opens in atlanta — with outdoor terraces and bars for both whiskey and smoothies, amex centurion lounge atlanta: what to expect now that it’s open, how to use your credit card to save on travel as airline costs soar, do you have travel rewards saved up these are the best ways to use them, 5 ways your credit card can help you save on spring break travel costs, capital one lounge: what you need to know, how i travel with my wife for less than a date night, best credit cards for cheap airport lounge access in april 2024, best credit cards for airport lounge access in april 2024.

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Credit Cards > Reviews

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card review 2024: Money-saving perks for fans of the startup carrier

Stella Shon

Allie Johnson

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Grace Pilling

Published 6:07 a.m. UTC April 10, 2024

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Breeze Airways remains relatively unknown, but this startup airline is a breath of fresh air for travelers in underserved areas. The airline offers nonstop routes from smaller airports to popular U.S. destinations, allowing flyers to skip connecting through busy airports.

Now, the low-cost airline is launching its first credit card, the Breeze Easy™ Visa® Credit Card * The information for the Breeze Easy™ Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . Cardholders can earn BreezePoints on Breeze flights and everyday expenses and redeem them for flights, bags, seat assignments, and more.

Here’s our full Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card review and our take on whether frequent Breeze flyers should take a closer look. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card basics

• Annual fee: $89.
• Welcome bonus: 50,000 BreezePoints after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Rewards: Earn up to 10 points per $1 on Nicer Bundles, Nicest Bundles and trip add-ons (5 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 5 points per $1 once the flight is completed), up to 4 points per $1 on Nice Bundles (2 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 2 points per $1 when flight is completed), 2 points per $1 on eligible grocery store and restaurant purchases (including inflight food and beverages and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
• APR: 21.24% to 29.99% variable.
• Recommended credit score: Good to excellent.
• Does the card offer preapproval? No.
• Other benefits: Points never expire with the card, Group 1 Priority boarding, complimentary inflight Wi-Fi on Breeze Airbus fleet, 7,500-anniversary points after spending $10,000 in a year and no foreign transaction fees.

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card review

A loyalty program is key to repeat business, and Breeze is offering its frequent flyers even more with the debut of a new travel rewards credit card. While the Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card isn’t for everyone, it provides plenty of value for the right cardholder.

You can earn up to 10 points per $1 on Nicer Bundles, Nicest Bundles and trip add-ons (5 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 5 points per $1 once the flight is completed), up to 4 points per $1 on Nice Bundles (2 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 2 points per $1 when flight is completed), 2 points per $1 on eligible grocery store and restaurant purchases (including inflight food and beverages and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

In other words, you can get up to a 10% return on eligible Breeze purchases.

Your BreezePoints never expire as long as you have the card, and you can redeem them at a flat 1-cent-per-point rate for flights and other traveler extras such as checked bags and seat assignments.

But with an $89 annual fee, you’ll need to crunch the numbers to see if the card will provide enough value to justify the cost.

The card offers benefits you’d expect from any airline credit card , such as access to priority boarding for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation. And cardholders get free inflight Wi-Fi, saving $8 each way. (By the end of the year, Breeze plans to become a fleet of all Airbus A220s, one of the most comfortable regional jets to fly.)

In sum, Breeze offers an economical way to fly to dozens of U.S. destinations, and its new credit card is a natural fit for frequent Breeze travelers.

• Elevated points spent on Breeze flights and trip add-ons: That’s one of the best rewards rates on any airline credit card, giving flyers a generous haul of points for booking Breeze flights. 
• Complimentary Wi-Fi for all travelers on the same reservation: You won’t have to pay for internet connectivity, saving you $8 on every one-way flight.
• BreezePoints won’t expire : BreezePoints normally expire after 24 months, but the card will extend their shelf life for as long as your account remains open.
• Anniversary bonus: You’ll get a 7,500-point bonus every account anniversary, worth $75 for Breeze flights and more, if you spend at least $10,000 on the card each year. 
• No free bags: Airline credit cards typically come with a free checked bag, but this card does not waive the cost of checked bags. 
• BreezePoints are worth 1 cent apiece: While Breezy Rewards is a straightforward program, there’s no opportunity for outsized value, as with other frequent flyer program currencies.
• Full rewards only after your flight : With the card’s earning rate, you’ll earn half of the BreezePoints when purchasing the flight and the other half after the flight is complete. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card rewards

Perhaps the most eye-catching feature of Breeze’s first-ever credit card is the ability to earn huge rewards on eligible Breeze Airways purchases. Let’s take a closer look at how the rewards break down:

Cardholders can earn up to 10 points per $1 on Nicer Bundles, Nicest Bundles and trip add-ons (5 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 5 points per $1 once the flight is completed), up to 4 points per $1 on Nice Bundles (2 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 2 points per $1 when flight is completed), 2 points per $1 on eligible grocery store and restaurant purchases (including inflight food and beverages and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

New applicants can also earn 50,000 BreezePoints after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. 

Using government data and other publicly available information, we estimate that a household in the U.S. that would be in the market for this card has around $25,087 in annual expenses that can be charged to a credit card. 

We assumed the example cardholder purchased flights at the base-level ticket (Nice fare class). Here’s how our sample household’s rewards could break down:

Cardholders will earn BreezePoints through the Breezy Rewards program. In this example, the cardholder earned 37,119 points from card purchases, worth $371.19 for Breeze flights, baggage fees, seat assignments, and more. 

Breeze Airways is not part of an airline alliance, nor does it have any partnerships, except with new partner Priceline. You can only redeem your points for Breeze-related purchases, meaning there’s no opportunity to maximize rewards on other airlines. This is a key consideration if you want to apply for the Breeze card. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card perks

An airline credit card is best suited to those who fly almost exclusively with the carrier, and the Breeze Easy Visa is no exception. Cardholders get the major advantage of free inflight Wi-Fi, saving them and companions on the same reservation $8 each way.

Furthermore, cardholders and their travel companions on the same reservation get Group 1 priority boarding. That means you’ll have first dibs on precious overhead bin space. The more you fly, the more value you’ll get from these benefits. 

In addition, cardholders get the chance to earn 7,500 bonus points each anniversary year after spending $10,000 in purchases. Those BreezePoints are worth $75 — nearly the cost of the annual fee — adding even more ongoing value. 

Although the airline has no international flights, the Breeze Easy card is a keeper for traveling abroad because there are no foreign transaction fees. It’s a Visa Signature card, which comes with complimentary travel insurance perks such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay coverage and more.

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card drawbacks

One crucial feature the card is missing: a free bag benefit. Most airline credit cards will waive the cost of the first checked bag as a cardholder-exclusive perk. This could be a dealbreaker for some travelers.

At the lowest fare classes, Breeze only allows for one free personal item that must fit under the seat. The airline also operates on a dynamic bag pricing model, so the cost of a carry-on and checked bag will vary slightly depending on your flight route. 

While this may disappoint, remember that BreezePoints can be redeemed for extra charges, including bag fees. For instance, you can use 3,500 BreezePoints to wipe out a $35 carry-on bag charge. And, if you’ve booked a higher fare class (Nicer or Nicest), the cost of bags is included in the ticket bundle.

How the Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card compares to other travel cards 

Breeze easy visa credit card vs. chase sapphire preferred® card.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which has a $95 annual fee, is ideal for travelers looking to earn bonus points on travel and everyday purchases. You’ll earn 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® has an enticing list of transfer partners, including United and Southwest. Cardholders can redeem miles at an elevated 1.25-cent rate for travel purchases via the Chase travel portal. Unfortunately, you can’t book Breeze Airways flights on Chase Travel, so this isn’t a fit if you want to redeem points for Breeze flights. 

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome bonus.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s Take

• Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
• $50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
• Valuable travel protections.
• $95 annual fee.
• Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
• Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership ® Rewards and Citi ThankYou ® .

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also has a $95 annual fee and offers the benefit of simplicity with 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 2 miles per $1 on other purchases. You can redeem Capital One miles as a statement credit for any travel purchases made within the past 90 days at a rate of 1 cent apiece. This rewards flexibility is a big plus.

It’s also possible to outsize those rewards with Capital One’s airline and hotel transfer partner roster, especially for international flights. You’ll also benefit from a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $100), a nice added travel perk. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card vs. JetBlue Plus Card * The information for the JetBlue Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

We’d be remiss not to offer a comparison to the JetBlue Plus card to see how the Breeze Easy card stacks up. The JetBlue Plus Card has a slightly higher $99 annual fee. It’s also issued by Barclays and offers similar earnings: 6 points per $1 on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2 points per $1 at restaurants and eligible grocery stores and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. 

You’ll earn TrueBlue points, which can be redeemed for flights on the airline or partner carriers such as Qatar Airways or Hawaiian Airlines. The JetBlue Plus card offers a free first checked bag. This benefit provides at least $35 in savings each way, which helps offset the annual fee. 

Is the Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card worth it?

Between the card’s welcome bonus and ongoing rewards rates, there’s a lot of potential to stockpile BreezePoints. But unless you exclusively fly with the airline, it’s worth shopping around to see if another travel credit card will serve you better in the long term, especially if your goal is to save money on flights with a range of carriers, rather than just Breeze Airways.

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card is right for you if:

• You frequently fly out of the airline’s main hubs .
• You want to earn rewards to save money on Breeze flights and travel purchases.
• You want to save money onboard Breeze flights with the card’s complimentary Wi-Fi.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Airline credit cards, such as the new Breeze Easy card, offer ways for the most loyal flyers to save money on travel. This card is no exception, with plenty of ways to earn BreezePoints, free Wi-Fi and more for ultra-loyal Breeze passengers.

The Breeze Easy card costs $89 per year. This fee is in line with competing travel cards, which you might also want to consider for more flexible rewards earning, redemption and perks.

While the issuing bank, Barclays, does not disclose a specific credit score requirement, you’ll want to have good to excellent credit to increase your chances of qualifying for most travel credit cards. 

Breeze Airways does not offer a true business-class product, but the airline has a spacious recliner seat called “Ascent class” on its Airbus A220 fleet, and extra legroom seats. 

*The information for the Breeze Easy™ Visa® Credit Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and JetBlue Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Stella Shon is a freelance writer that connects the dots between personal finance and travel. Her work has appeared in The Points Guy, ValuePenguin and MoneyUnder30, and she's been interviewed by The New York Times, CNBC and more.

Allie is a journalist with a passion for money tips and advice. She's been writing about personal finance since the Great Recession for online publications such as Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MyWalletJoy and ValuePenguin. She's also written personal finance content for Discover, First Horizon Bank, The Hartford, Travelers and Synovus.

Grace Pilling is a deputy editor for credit cards at USA TODAY Blueprint. She believes credit cards are the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure tools of the financial world and gets excited about helping people discover the best credit card strategy for their unique goals. Prior to joining Blueprint, Grace worked on and led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MoneyUnder30 and MoneyGeek. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and writing and a diploma in editing and publishing.

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Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card review: A foodie’s dream card

The Capital One SavorOne card is an excellent choice for foodies and entertainment enthusiasts who want unlimited 3% cash back in those categories without paying an annual fee, making it a top contender among cash back credit cards in 2024.

Holly D. Johnson

Johnson has been a personal finance contributor for more than 10 years. She focuses on investing, banking products, credit cards and scoring and insurance.

Hanna Horvath

Hanna Horvath is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Bankrate's senior editor of content partnerships.

Updated April 11, 2024, 6:35 PM EDT

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The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a great option for foodies and entertainment lovers who want unlimited cash back on dining and entertainment purchases with no annual fee. 

While the SavorOne offers excellent rewards on dining, entertainment, and at grocery stores, its limitations make it less appealing if you’re looking for premium perks or a large welcome bonus. 

But for those seeking a straightforward, no-annual-fee cash back card that rewards social spending, the SavorOne is hard to beat. Let's take a closer look.

Key takeaway

With lavish cash back rewards for dining, entertainment, and at grocery stores — plus a $0 annual fee — the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a top credit card for everyday spending.

• Unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart and Target)
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee
• Introductory 0% APR offer
• No foreign transaction fees
• Cash back rewards never expire as long as the account remains open and in good standing
• Flexibility to redeem rewards at any time and in any amount
• Complimentary concierge service, extended warranty protection, travel accident insurance, and 24-hour travel assistance services
• 3% grocery store cash back does not include purchases at superstores like Walmart or Target, or wholesale clubs
• 1% cash back on non-bonus categories is lower than other cards
• Not the best choice for those seeking premium travel perks or luxury benefits
• May not provide the most value for those who don't spend significantly on dining, entertainment, and groceries each month
• Lacks some benefits found on other cards, such as cell phone protection
• 3% balance transfer fee

Capital One SavorOne Rewards

Unlimited cash back on dining, entertainment, streaming, and at grocery stores.

The main draw of the Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards is its high cash back rate in popular everyday categories. You can earn an unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores. 

This is one of the best reward rates for these bonus categories, especially for a no annual fee card. 

"Dining" broadly includes purchases at restaurants, cafes, bars, lounges, fast-food chains, and bakeries. "Entertainment" includes purchases like movies, plays, concerts, sporting events, tourist attractions, and more. 

Earning bonus rewards across various purchases is valuable for those who spend significantly in these categories.

Earning 3% cash back at grocery stores is another valuable benefit, though it's important to note that this does not include purchases at superstores like Walmart or Target. Still, if you do the bulk of your grocery shopping at supermarkets, this is a great way to boost your cash back .

Elevated cash back on Capital One Entertainment and Uber

The SavorOne card also rewards certain types of purchases very handsomely. This includes Uber and Uber Eats purchases and spending through Capital One Entertainment or Capital One Travel. 

If you book car rentals or hotels through Capital One Travel, you’ll earn 5% back, boosting the rewards you can earn on travel. Uber purchases earn a whopping 10% back — through Nov. 14, 2024 — and Capital One Entertainment purchases earn 8% back.

If you’re frequently riding with Uber, ordering delivery through Uber Eats, or buying tickets to concerts and sporting events, these categories could help maximize your cash back rewards.

Other rewards

The unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases is standard among cash back cards. While it's nice to have no limit on rewards in this base earning category, other cards offer a higher rate of up to 2% back on non-bonus spending. 

Rewards can be redeemed for a statement credit, check, gift card, and more. Cash back earned with the SavorOne never expires if your account remains open and in good standing. The flexibility to redeem rewards anytime and in any amount is a plus.

Capital One SavorOne Credit Card Benefits

Another benefit of the SavorOne card is its 15-month 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers (regular variable APR of 19.99%-29.99% applies after). 

An introductory APR offer this long can provide a lot of value for cardholders looking to pay off a large purchase or transfer a balance from a high-interest credit card. Just be aware that a 3% balance transfer fee applies. 

The SavorOne Cash Rewards offers a few ancillary benefits through Capital One and Mastercard, including:

• Complimentary concierge service 
• Extended warranty protection 
• Travel accident insurance 
• 24-hour travel assistance services 
• Access to exclusive dining and entertainment experiences 

While these perks aren't super flashy or valuable, they're nice and can come in handy when needed. 

Downsides to the Capital One SavorOne rewards card

The Capital One SavorOne card does have a few notable downsides to consider. 

Lower welcome bonus: This card offers a relatively lower welcome bonus of $200 cash back after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months. Other cash back cards offer bonuses of $250-$300 with the same or lower minimum spending requirement. 

May not offer the best cash back rates for you: The SavorOne card offers the highest cash back on entertainment and Uber purchases. If you spend most on essentials like groceries or gas , you may be better off with a cash back card geared towards those categories. 

Lacks some added benefits: The SavorOne also lacks some benefits on other cash back cards, such as cell phone protection and rideshare credits. If you value those perks, you may opt for a card that provides more lifestyle benefits.

If you love the bonus rewards with the SavorOne card but don't want to settle for earning 1% cash back on regular spending, consider pairing this card with one that earns 2% cash back on everything you buy. That way, you can use the SavorOne for bonus category spending and switch to your other card for everything else.

Alternatives to the Capital One SavorOne card

 If you're looking for alternative cash back or rewards cards, here are a few to consider

Is the Capital One SavorOne Card best for you?

If you're curious if the SavorOne Cash Rewards card is for you, you'll need to decide what you care about the most. This card is a good fit for:

• Foodies who dine out frequently: This card offers an excellent rewards rate on dining and groceries, so it can be a smart choice for foodies of all types. 
• Those who stream and attend live entertainment: If you buy tickets to concerts or live events or are a regular Netflix user, this card's rewards rate could be a good fit. 
• Occasional travelers who want to avoid foreign transaction fees: If you travel overseas and don't want to pay foreign transaction fees, any credit card from Capital One could work. 
• Anyone wanting a no annual fee card with solid rewards: Those who want to earn cash back without paying an annual fee should consider this card alongside other no annual fee cards . 

Conversely, this card is not the best choice if you want premium travel perks like airport lounge access or hotel elite status. The SavorOne is a cash back card, first and foremost, and offers no luxury travel benefits.

This card also may not be the best pick for those who don't spend much on dining and entertainment, as you won't get as much value out of the bonus categories. Likewise, if you do the bulk of your grocery shopping at superstores like Walmart or Target, you'll miss out on earning 3% back in that category.

The bottom line

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card is a top-notch option for foodies and entertainment lovers. The unlimited 3% cash back on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and groceries is extremely generous for a card with no annual fee and makes SavorOne stand out from the competition. 

While it may lack the flashier perks of premium cards, the SavorOne delivers a lot of value through its high cash back earning rate, long introductory APR offer, and flexible redemption options. The fact that rewards never expire is also a huge plus.

Editorial disclosure: Opinions expressed are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.