moneycorp travel money card

• United States
• United Kingdom

In this guide

Your reviews

Ask a question, moneycorp review.

Make international transfers, or partner your business with Moneycorp to offer foreign exchange services.

Individuals can choose from several types of transfers to get their money abroad, while businesses can become a Moneycorp partner and extend foreign exchange services to their customers in addition their existing products.

Our Verdict

Moneycorp gives you a bank beating exchange rate and a flat fee for regular and express overseas money transfers. It offers travel money services too; however, foreign cash and the prepaid travel money card are available to residents in the UK only.

Moneycorp’s real downfall is its double charge when converting currencies – your dollar payment must first be converted into GBP and then into your desired currency. In addition, MoneyCorp isn’t the fastest, standard deliveries take 2-4 business days and you’ll need to pay for the express option to get your money in less than two business days.

That said, there’s no transfer limit when dealing with Moneycorp on the phone and you can make one-off payments, recurring payments, forward contracts and market orders. Sign up is also easy and can be completed within minutes.

Get your money overseas, at a cost

Whether you’re buying property overseas or sending money to friends and family, Moneycorp can send your money where you need it at a competitive rate with all the help you want. With its free expert guidance, Moneycorp can help you save money by using their experience, market knowledge, technology and focus to get you the most competitive exchange rates.

While Moneycorp offers a lower margin than many banks, you might pay a little more than some online services. Funds will be converted to pounds when a payment is made to Moneycorp from America, and you’re charged for it. Converting a currency twice doesn’t make much sense when there’s a host of US-based money transfer companies, and you’ll pay extra for this two-step process.

What are Moneycorp’s exchange rates?

Exchange rates are typically 3 to 4% better than high street banks, which could equate to a saving of up to $4,000 on an overseas transfer of $100,000.

Moneycorp’s exchange rates are based on the mid-market rate more info button and fluctuate over a general business day. Moneycorp adds its own 1% to 1.2% margin on the mid-market rate.

Make note that the rates quoted by its online calculator are the mid-market rates, not the rate you’ll pay. Even with the small margin Moneycorp adds to this rate, you’ll get a much better rate than you’ll find at your local bank.

How much will it cost to send money with Moneycorp?

Moneycorp charges a flat fee of about $6.50 for standard one-off transfers and about $11 for express service. If you set up regular recurring transfers, you’ll pay $5 or $10 for express.

What types of transfers can I make?

With Moneycorp, you have a few solid options when sending money overseas:

• One-off payments. You can send spot transfers online of about $65 minimum.
• Recurring payments. You can set up regular weekly, monthly or quarterly payments by locking in a rate or choosing to get the rate at the time of the transfer. You’ll need to transfer $315 or more to qualify for recurring payments.
• Forward contracts. This tool allows you to lock in an exchange rate for up to two years in advance of your transfer.
• Market orders. Specify the rate you want to pay, and Moneycorp will execute your transfer when the market hits it.

Your options for transferring money also come with speed options. Standard delivery is 2 to 4 days, or up to 2 days for express delivery.

Pros and cons of using Moneycorp

• Competitive exchange rates. Moneycorp offers bank-beating exchange rates.
• Customer service. Moneycorp earned a 5 star rating with feefo.
• You can transfer money anytime, anywhere. Moneycorp is available online 24 hours a day.
• No maximum. Transfer as much as you need.
• Double currency conversion. Funds will need to be converted to pounds when a payment is made to Moneycorp from America, and you’re charged for it. Converting a currency twice doesn’t make much sense when there’s a host of local based money transfer companies.
• You can’t transfer to all countries. For example, Korea, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines are excluded from Moneycorp.
• Setup can be complicated. The need for ID and phone verification adds time. However, transactions are more secure as a result.
• Calculator’s rates not the rate you’ll pay. Moneycorp’s online calculator uses mid-market rates that don’t accurately reflect the rate you’ll ultimately get.
• Double conversions increase costs. Your dollars will first be transferred into Great Britain pounds before finally being transferred to your target currency.

How does Moneycorp compare to other services?

We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.

Learn how we maintain accuracy on our site.

How do I transfer money with Moneycorp?

To use Moneycorp, you must first register for an account. Follow these steps to get started:

Step 1. Head over to Moneycorp’s website and click “Open a personal account.”

Step 2. Enter your name and email address

Step 3. Create a username and password.

Step 4. Fill out your personal information.

Including your address, Social Security number, phone number and currency requirements. Click Verify my details.

Step 5. Verify who you are

Upload proof of ID and proof of address. After you upload your documents, a representative will be in touch with you to set up your account and answer any questions you might have.

Bottom line

Moneycorp is a secure service that offers options for transferring money overseas, but its transfer times aren’t the speediest. As with any service, be sure to compare your options before making a decision.

Frequently asked questions

How can i pay for a transfer with moneycorp.

Your money is first converted to Great Britain pounds before ultimately transferred to your target currency. Payment is accepted from your bank account, with a debit card or from a Moneycorp account.

What documents will I need to complete an account?

You’ll need to upload a copy of your government-issued ID — like your passport or driver’s license — and a utility or other bill that confirms your home address.

Moneycorp is not currently available on Finder

Have you considered Airwallex?

After spending $15k in your first 90 days, receive a one-time $500 bonus that will automatically be credited to your account on any FX conversion. Airwallex can help you make business payments to 150+ countries in 60+ currencies.

No thanks, compare other money transfer options.

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MoneyCorp Review

Overall score.

Moneycorp foreign exchange and money transfer services are available in different countries. It offers forex solutions for individuals and businesses. Read this Moneycorp review to determine if using its services might work well for you.

Jump to a section

Gavan started iCompareFX in 2014 after discovering the easiest way to wire money internationally was through a specialist provider and …

Personal and business international money transfers

Risk management tools

Multi-currency card for personal customers from the UK

Account managers

Travel money for residents of the UK

Online seller solutions

Multilingual website

Regulated in different countries

Payment options

Bank account transfers

Debit cards

Moneycorp account balance  

Payout options

Bank accounts Transfer options

Over the phone

Moneycorp app  

Regular transfers

Send money to

Online, you may send money to over 190 countries, in 33 currencies including:

AED, AUD, BHD, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, HKD, HRD, HUF, ILS, INR, JOD, JPY, KWD, LTL, LVL, MAD, MXN, NOK, NZD, OMR, PLN, QAR, RON, SAR, SEK, SGD, THB, TNB, TRY, USD, ZAR

Moneycorp provides more currencies over the phone.

Customer service is provided via email and over the phone.

Email - [email protected] and [email protected]

Phone - Phone numbers location: 

https://www.moneycorp.com/en-us/contact-us/

https://www.moneycorp.com/en-gb/contact-us/

Personal Features

Moneycorp is a UK-based foreign exchange and global payment services provider. It offers international money transfer solutions to personal customers from different countries.  

What Moneycorp offers

• International money transfers.
• Regular transfers.
• Forward contracts.
• Market orders.
• FX optimised travel card (for UK residents).
• Moneycorp travel money (for UK residents).
• Account managers.

International money transfers - Carry out Spot Transfers and make use of existing Moneycorp exchange rates.

Regular transfers - Set up regular Moneycorp money transfers according to your requirements, and get to lock existing rates for up to two years.

Forward contracts - Use forward contracts to lock existing Moneycorp rates for up to two years.

Market orders - Target better than existing rates and set up automated transfers by using market orders.

FX optimised travel card (for UK residents) - Use the Red explorer Moneycorp currency card to hold funds in up to 10 different currencies.

Moneycorp travel money (for UK residents) - Get travel money in various currencies delivered to your home, pick it up from a bureaux de change, or get it topped up on your Moneycorp travel card.

Account managers - You may speak with your account manager to set up transfers and to get forex-related information.  

What moneycorp doesn’t do

• Cash pick up.

Business Benefits

Businesses from different countries may use specialist forex services provided by Moneycorp.  

• Moneycorp international payments.
• Currency hedging tools.
• Bulk payments.
• Online seller solutions (through the UK website).
• Business account managers.

Moneycorp international payments - Businesses can use Spot Contracts to transfer funds with existing Moneycorp rates.

Currency hedging tools - These come in the form of forward contracts, market orders and currency options.

Bulk payments - Carry out bulk payments by uploading different types of payment-related files from your accounting system.

Online seller solutions (through the UK website) - Online sellers who register through the UK website get access to unique receiving accounts in EUR and USD. Use these to receive payments from platforms such as Amazon, Rakuten, eBay, Etsy and Cdiscount.

Business account managers - Speak with your dedicated account manager to get forex-related advice and to carry out transfers.  

What Moneycorp doesn’t do

• Moneycorp travel card for businesses.
• Accounting integration with Xero or QuickBooks.

Fees & Exchange Rates

Moneycorp fees.

Moneycorp fees depend on the Moneycorp website you use. A few examples are listed in the corresponding table.

With other countries, you are alerted of any applicable Moneycorp fee before you finalize your transfer.  

Moneycorp exchange rates

Moneycorp rates come with markups/margins added on top of existing interbank rates. The rate you get also depends on the amount you wish to transfer. Some Moneycorp customer reviews on Trustpilot mention receiving less than favorable rates.  

Moneycorp card exchange rate

You are subject to Moneycorp exchange rates when currency conversion takes place on your Moneycorp card. These rates include markups added on top of existing mid-market/interbank rates. You get to lock in exchange rates in advance. You pay no card payment or ATM fees.  

Are there additional Moneycorp fees? 

You might need to pay intermediary bank fees depending on the country from which you make your payment.

Ease of Use

What moneycorp does well.

Express transfers - Depending on where you live, you might be able to carry out Express transfers. While these transfers might go through on the same day, they come at an added cost.

Payment methods - Pay using a bank transfer, a debit card or your Moneycorp account balance.

Phone transfers - Setting up transfers over the phone is simple.  

Where Moneycorp could improve

Sign up and verification - Creating a new account and completing the verification process can seem tedious and time consuming.

Transfer speed - Moneycorp claims to process all transfers in 2 - 3 business days. However, transfers can take longer in some instances. 

Moneycorp app - Moneycorp has apps for Android and Apple. However, a number of Moneycorp reviews on Google Play Store and Apple App Store highlight problems with how both apps work.

Support & Countries

What moneycorp does well  .

Supported registration countries - Moneycorp accepts customers through its dedicated websites for the U.S., the UK, Spain, Ireland, France, Romania and Australia. Global customers need to sign up using the Moneycorp UK website.

Supported destination countries and currencies - Carry out online transfers in 33 currencies to more than 190 countries. AED, AUD, BHD, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, EUR, HKD, HRD, HUF, ILS, INR, JOD, JPY, KWD, LTL, LVL, MAD, MXN, NOK, NZD, OMR, PLN, QAR, RON, SAR, SEK, SGD, THB, TNB, TRY, USD, ZAR. Additional currencies are available over the phone.

Moneycorp travel card currencies - The currencies you can load on your Moneycorp travel card include GBP, EUR, USD, CAD, AUD, NZD, ZAR, CHF, TRY and AED.

Moneycorp customer service - Get local phone support depending on where you live, or get support via email.  

More language support - While Moneycorp provides multilingual website access, increasing the number of languages would benefit its customers.

Trust & Transparency

Regulated - Moneycorp is licensed by financial regulatory bodies in different countries.

Positive feedback for business services - Most business customers appear to be satisfied with the services and support offered by Moneycorp.   

Exchange rate transparency - Customers need to carry out their own research to determine how much markup Moneycorp applies on exchange rates.

Mneycorp Trustpilot reviews - With over 4,600 reviews, Moneycorp gets a score of 9 out of 10 on Trustpilot, and it rates as Excellent. However, several Moneycorp reviews on Trustpilot as well as Google Play Store and Apple App Store complain about receiving poor customer service. While Moneycorp acknowledges customer problems on Trustpilot, its replies don't seem particularly solution-oriented.

Is Moneycorp safe?

Yes. Moneycorp is regulated by government bodies of different countries. One possible drawback is that a number of Moneycorp reviews on Trustpilot, Apple App Store and Google Play Store express concerns about the company's customer service.

UK-based Moneycorp provides international money transfer services for personal and business customers from different countries. Depending on the country in which you live, you might be able to carry out fee-free transfers. However, you still need to account for exchange rate margins. There are cheaper alternatives to send money internationally for individuals. iCompareFX has talked with Moneycorp business customers and they highly recommend Moneycorp for business partnerships. If you are a business customer or an online seller with high volume, Moneycorp is worth considering.

• Personal and business transfers.
• Multi-currency travel card for UK customers.
• Travel money solutions for residents of the UK.
• Solutions for online sellers.
• Multilingual website.
• No cash pick up.
• No Moneycorp travel card for customers outside of the UK.
• No Moneycorp debit card for businesses.
• Functionality of Moneycorp app.

Compare Moneycorp against other money transfer services

Popular send money to destinations.

Discover More

Monito's Definitive Moneycorp Review of 2023

François Briod

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

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.

Moneycorp is a good foreign exchange broker (8/10) which we recommend for transfers where it's the cheapest option. Although its fees and exchange rate are only sometimes the best on Monito's comparison (6.8/10), Moneycorp is nevertheless a very large, established, and highly reputable company (8.8/10) that offers a reliable and multifaceted money transfer platform (8/10) and remains will-liked by its customers (8.2/10).

What Monito Likes About Moneycorp

• In business for over four decades,
• Solid customer reviews on Trustpilot,
• You can transfer over the phone, online, or via the mobile app,
• Bank-beating exchange rates.

What Monito Dislikes About Moneycorp

• Not always the cheapest option on Monito,
• Not as user-friendly as some of its competitors,
• The sign-up process is a bit cumbersome.

Compare Moneycorp to dozens of top providers in real time:

Key facts about moneycorp, moneycorp review.

• 01. Is Moneycorp safe? Can I trust it? scroll down
• 02. Is Moneycorp a good way to send money? scroll down
• 03. How does Moneycorp work? scroll down
• 04. What are Moneycorp's fees and exchange rates? Is it cheap? scroll down
• 05. What are customers saying about Moneycorp? scroll down

How We Review Money Transfer Providers

With more than 50 providers reviewed and 100 test transfers made over the past ten years, we pride ourselves on providing the best reviews of international money transfer services online. Curious how we make them and why you can trust us? Take a look at our process below:

All international money transfer services we review are put through a comprehensive and rigorous scoring methodology, which involves the testing of the platform's functionalities, assessment of customer reviews, fees, pay-in options, customer service, and business metrics. The methodology is also powered by an analysis of millions of searches on Monito's comparison engine to determine each provider's competitiveness in terms of pricing. When the research is done, each Monito Score is then peer-reviewed by at least one Monito expert. Learn more about our scoring methodology here .

Reviews are written independently by Monito's editors, and the recommendations given are our own. We might make money from some links on our reviews to bring you premium content without pesky banner ads and paywalls. We promise you that this never impacts the independence of our recommendations. Learn more about our promise and our business model here .

Is Moneycorp Available in Your Country?

You can use Moneycorp to transfer money from many countries around the world. To double-check if the service works in your country, take a look at the dropdown list below:

Trust & Credibility

Background check.

Validly authorised by the FCA under the Payment Service Regulation 2017 in the UK.

Security & reliability

Secure web infrastructure, HTTPS, segregated user accounts, etc.

Company size

Huge, established company with a service record since 1979.

Transparent pricing

Fees are made in the exchange rates, which is only disclosed in the T&Cs.

Is Moneycorp Safe?

Yes, Moneycorp is indeed a safe foreign exchange company , and you can absolutely trust it with your transfer of any size.

Moneycorp is the trading name of TTT Moneycorp Limited, a company registered in England. Moneycorp is fully authorised and regulated in the UK as an Authorised Payment Institution by the FCA and as a Money Service Business in 49 states and the District of Columbia in the US (in addition to being registered with FinCEN on a federal level). Moneycorp is also registered as a bank in Gibraltar by the Financial Services Commission.

Moneycorp takes regulatory compliance and risk management very seriously. Maintaining the highest levels of compliance is a strategic priority for Moneycorp, and the company continues to invest in both people and technology to enhance its compliance capabilities. As per regulations, all client funds are held in segregated client accounts, meaning that Moneycorp cannot use these funds for anything other than carrying out your transaction.

We like the fact that the company has been around since 1979 and has over 40 years of experience in foreign exchange. Over the decades, the company has transacted hundreds of billions of pounds in currencies worldwide, and over 850 employees work for Moneycorp, providing an outstanding level of customer service. Overall, there is no doubt that Moneycorp is among the safest foreign exchange and international payment companies around.

Service & Quality

Opening an account.

Account activation involves a few steps and takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Making a transfer

Sending money to a new or existing beneficiary is fast, seamless, and smooth.

Contacting support

Phone support is available, but live chat and 24/7 service aren't supported.

What Is Moneycorp, Anyway? Is It Any Good?

Moneycorp is a foreign exchange company and bank that provides various services revolving around foreign currency (FX) to tens of thousands of customers worldwide. It's primarily known for its international money transfers , where, unlike better-known transfer platforms like Wise , Western Union , and WorldRemit , it specialises in offering a high degree of personal support, making it ideal for larger transfer amounts.

Below, we go over Moneycorp's main services and features:

Personal International Transfers

As mentioned above, Moneycorp's dashboard lets you make international transfers. Transfers are facilitated to an impressive 120+ currencies worldwide (i.e., just about all of them!), and setting up a transfer is quick and easy once you've registered a new account.

You can only make transfers that are above £50 (or currency equivalent), and although there's no maximum you can transfer over the phone, in some countries, there is an upper limit of £100,000 that can be made through Moneycorp's online platform. You can also only pay for your transfer by transferring from your bank account to Moneycorp's accounts or client trust accounts, except if you live in the UK, where you can use your debit card, too.

In addition to ordinary international money transfers, Moneycorp's dashboard also offers the following benefits:

• Regular Payments: You can set up recurring payments right from your account.
• Rate Targeting: You can set up an alert for your desired exchange rate to find the perfect time to send your transfer.
• Personal Account Manager: You get an account manager assigned to your account who will be on standby to answer any questions or to help you find the best conditions and exchange rates for your transfer.

Business International Transfers

Moneycorp also caters to businesses needing to exchange currencies and make international payments. This can be used to pay employees or freelancers abroad, settle invoices from international suppliers, make bulk payments, and many other business payments.

In addition to spot transactions, Moneycorp can help businesses set up FX hedging solutions, as well as other services, including forward contracts, which allow you to lock in an exchange rate now but carry out your transaction later. During a period of up to two years, this can protect you from an unfavourable evolution of exchange rates. This is also important if you need specific amounts of a foreign currency (e.g. to pay rent, tuition, etc.), and need to know how much this will cost you for budget planning purposes.

How Does Moneycorp Work?

Open your account

Visit Moneycorp's website and open a free account

Enter your beneficiary's details

Enter how much money you want to send and how you want to pay for your transfer, then enter your beneficiary's bank account details.

Pay for your transfer

Fund your transfer by making a local bank transfer or, in the UK, pay by debit card.

Let Moneycorp do the rest

Moneycorp will convert your money in the recipient's currency and send it to him through the selected pay-out option.

Fees & Exchange Rates

Transfers to a bank account.

Not always the cheapest nor most competitive option on Monito.

What Are Moneycorp's Fees and Exchange Rates?

If you've ever read anything on our site, you'll know that two types of charges are involved when transferring money overseas: fees (i.e. what the company explicitly charges) and exchange rate margins (i.e. what's only sometimes expressly declared). Moneycorp charges the latter, though they're generally very low and unlikely to amount to much compared to the bank, especially if you make a more significant transfer.

We go over these two types of fees below:

Moneycorp Fees

There are no fees when sending money via Moneycorp. This means that no fixed costs or commissions whatsoever will apply to your transfer.

You may incur additional banking fees when sending your money to Moneycorp or receiving your money from them. Moneycorp has local collection capabilities in the UK, the Eurozone (through SEPA), the USA, Australia, Switzerland, Brazil, Sweden and Denmark. You shouldn't pay any additional banking fees when transferring the local currency from these countries to Moneycorp's accounts. Moneycorp sends out all its payments from its London-based bank accounts. If your recipient is not in the UK, you should be aware that the receiving bank may apply additional charges for processing an incoming international transfer.

Moneycorp Exchange Rates

Moneycorp's primary business is foreign exchange, i.e. buying and selling different currencies. It does this much better than banks, which have poor exchange rates. Since Moneycorp trades enormous amounts of currencies yearly, they can offer more attractive exchange rates.

Moneycorp calculates its exchange rates by applying a margin to the prevailing mid-market rate . This margin is determined by your currency pair (which currencies you are selling and buying) and your transfer amount, and in the end, it should be no more than 1 or 2% for most large value transfers (compared to up to 5% or more for most banks!).

Moneycorp isn't always cheapest. Find your best deal in real time:

Customer satisfaction, trustpilot reviews.

4.3 out of 5 stars from over 6,300 reviews.

What Do Customers Think About Moneycorp?

Over 6,000 customers have reviewed Moneycorp on Trustpilot, giving the company an average rating of 4.3 out of 5. The company is, therefore, very highly rated, with 86% of customers being delighted with Moneycorp’s service (giving it either a four- or a five-star rating). Here are a few aggregated customer opinions about Moneycorp:

Positive Moneycorp Reviews

• Customers praised the quality of the customer service that helped them navigate through the process with their first transfer.
• The service was quick, easy, without fuss, and hassle-free. "A couple of clicks and it's done".
• Bank-beating exchange rates were appreciated.

Negative Moneycorp Reviews

• Some customers complained about the time it took to complete their transfer.
• A minority of customers thought they could get a better exchange rate elsewhere.

Compare Moneycorp to Other Top Providers

• Trust & Credibility 10
• Service & Quality 8.7
• Fees & Exchange Rates 9.6
• Customer Satisfaction 9.5
• Trust & Credibility 7.8
• Service & Quality 9.3
• Fees & Exchange Rates 9.7
• Customer Satisfaction 9.4
• Trust & Credibility 8.3
• Service & Quality 8.2
• Fees & Exchange Rates 10
• Trust & Credibility 9.8
• Fees & Exchange Rates 8.6
• Trust & Credibility 8.8
• Service & Quality 7.8
• Customer Satisfaction 8.5
• Trust & Credibility 9.0
• Service & Quality 8.5
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.9
• Customer Satisfaction 8.9
• Trust & Credibility 9.2
• Fees & Exchange Rates 8.2
• Customer Satisfaction 8.2
• Service & Quality 7.7
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.0
• Customer Satisfaction 9.0

See Our Other Money Transfer Guides

Call Our Currency Exchange Broker Now on  +44 207 4594107

Home Guides - FX FX Guides Travel Money Card – Prepaid Currency Card

Travel Money Card – Prepaid Currency Card

• May 30, 2019
• Personal Guides
• FX Guides , Travel

In recent years with the emergence of the FinTech sector, several companies have revolutionized the prepaid currency card market. Just half a decade earlier, travel cards were typically only provided by the main players in the international payments sector and were clunky to load, applied much heavier margins, and had limited coverage, especially in areas slightly off the beaten track.

Travel money cards are prepaid cards that are best suited for international travel. It is safer than carrying money on you or leaving it in your hotel room. You use the money that you have deposited on the prepaid travel money cards. It is the best way to budget as you can spend only up to the amount loaded on the card. Students studying abroad find it useful.

What is an FX Prepaid Card?

When you are off on vacation, your forex card will be your best friend. You can load your fx prepaid card with the currency of the place you are traveling to. It is similar to a debit or credit card. Just use the local ATM to withdraw money in the local currency of the place you are visiting.

With a cash or credit card or a forex card, you can spend money on your travel abroad. The FX prepaid card provides a broad spectrum of services, such as foreign exchange, insurance, visa, passport services, etc.

Where can you use a Prepaid Currency Card?

You can use your travel money card to pay for your everyday purchases, such as in hotels, departmental stores, gas stations, and grocery stores. You can use them to withdraw cash from ATMs, to pay for online shopping, and to transfer to another account, and for international travel.

Your preloaded travel card is usually associated with various card networks like American Express, MasterCard, Visa, etc., used online, in-store or in-app.

Leading Prepaid Currency Cards Explained

However, fast forward a handful of years, and now the FinTech era has provided retail customers with many solutions. It ensures that they get an excellent rate of exchange for travel and to spend during holidays.

There are new applications that allow clients to hold and exchange between a multitude of currencies. It means that you can load your card in multi-currencies, such as the USD and EUR.

Advantages of Prepaid Cards

• It is best for people who are on a budget when traveling.
• It is safer than cash.
• Easy to reload through bank account transfer, direct deposit, or online deposit.
• No need to link card to banks.
• A secure form of payment.

Three Options to Purchase a Prepaid Travel Card

• Single Currency Card
• Multiple Currency Card
• Sterling Prepaid Card

Single Currency Cards

This card is limited to one type of currency. If you load the card with Pounds, it gets converted to local currency. Just choose your chosen currency and load your prepaid travel money card with the required amount.

Multi-Currency Cards

You will have a separate balance for different currencies on a single card. You can load the multi-currency card with pounds of various denominations such as $100, £200, or €300. Choose the best prepaid travel card for Europe, the US, or any country of your choice for your travel. The multi-currency card comes with a variety of benefits to make it a pleasant time.

With cards like the Travelex cash passport for international travel, you can load them with multiple currencies on the same card. A single card can hold the US Dollars (USD), Euros (EUR), Australian Dollar (AUD), Canadian Dollar (CAD), Mexican Pesos (MXN), and Japanese Yen (JPY).

The multi-currency card is also a Borderless Prepaid Card, used for extensive international travel. It provides convenience when you travel to different countries. It comes with a small currency conversion fee, which is slightly higher.

Pound Sterling Prepaid Cards

You can load your card in Pounds and spend it in different currencies. The Pound gets converted into the currency you require at the current rate of exchange.

Foreign Exchange Live – Highly Rated Cards

If you are looking for the best and highly rated cards, you have come to the right place.

To pay for all your travel expenses, such as lounge access, free hotel, free food, or free business class ticket, we suggest highly rated cards, especially suited for these pandemic conditions. You get the best exchange rate for your foreign currency. You can budget your trip as you have already loaded with cash, which means you do not have to risk carrying physical cash.

We give you the specifics of Prepaid Currency cards and how they work. With this detailed guide, you can make the right choice of prepaid card for travel use.

Types of Cash Cards

• Cards not linked to bank account: Prepaid Cards, Payroll Cards, and Gift Cards
• Cards linked to bank account: Debit Card, Credit Card

A Brief Look at Prepaid Cards

Prepaid cards are not linked to your bank account but use an electronic payment system to store cash and make payments.

• You can have a regular bank account and have prepaid cards on the side for your spending.
• You can also have a prepaid card exclusively without a bank account.

Opt for the best travel cash card, load it with cash and use it to meet expenses on your travel, for making gifts, or for retail purchases, in various denominations, without fear of overspending.

With a cash passport prepaid master card, you can load multiple currencies on a single card. There will be no link between your cash passport prepaid master card and your bank account. It has a clever technology that knows the right currency to use.

The Moneycorp prepaid card has partnered with Visa to launch the first multi-currency prepaid card. You can load 14 different currencies into one card with the Moneycorp prepaid card without linking to your bank account.

The Visa travel money card does not link with your bank account. You have to deposit funds into your travel card before leaving on your trip. The Visa travel money card is a prepaid card on which you can access only the funds deposited in it.

The prepaid euro debit card is a great way to manage your spending abroad with multi-currency usage. The prepaid euro debit card is safer than the debit and credit card, where you load your card with euros before traveling abroad. A multi-currency travel card is a prepaid card on which you can load foreign currency for use while traveling overseas.

Cards that Do not Build Credit

• Prepaid Card

Cards that Build Credit

• Credit Cards
• Charge Cards

Choose The Right Prepaid Travel Card

To choose the right prepaid card, you have to consider certain factors

• Exchange rate
• Protection for your money
• Price Comparison

FairFX Currency Card

FairFX ‘Everywhere card’ has some of the lowest fees of many reputable prepaid currency cards. You can load amounts ranging from £10 to £2,500 at any one time, and a maximum of £5000.

The FairFX Everywhere card’s coverage remains second to none with exotic and far-flung locations such as Brazil, Argentina, Slovenia, Ghana, and Iran, where all accept FairFX’s everywhere card. In total, we cover more than 200 locations around the world.

FairFX cards are free to order, and you can load them with multiple currencies via the app or over the phone. Margins remain competitive with a charge/spread between 1.4% and 1.75% on the point of sale or purchases. In the branch, you will have a charge on bank withdrawals. The fee charged is at 1.5%, where they are subject to a local currency minimum fee of €6.25, £5, or $7.50 per withdrawal.

FairFX is a listed company with great online feedback and an excellent Trustpilot rating. 

You can get other services on your FairFX prepaid cards, such as international money transfers and travel cash through to accountancy software, on multiple business currency cards for companies with overseas staff and expenses.

FairFX’s cards also offer many perks, such as 3.5% cashback promotions and offers from numerous companies. The FairFX prepaid card includes Hertz car rental and No.1 lounges, entitling FairFX customers to a 25% off airport lounge access.

WeSwap Travel Money Card

WeSwap affords its clients the ability to swap currency into 15 currencies and allows you to trade these currencies at highly competitive rates.

If you have a balance remaining on your card, it is best to swap them immediately as their rates reduce, as the WeSwap operates on a peer-to-peer model.

When you ‘swap’ or exchange the base currency, the WeSwap finds another client to buy your swap, which improves the price notably. The margin applied to these swaps typically ranges from 2.0% to 1%. It gradually reduces the longer time the money is left on the prepaid currency card.

WeSwap also offers a travel cash service. In particular, it is most useful when you draw large sums of money while on holiday. The WeSwap card only allows 2 ATM withdrawals a day, the maximum withdrawal being £500, although a drawing of £200/€200/$200 or more is free.

Before traveling, ensure that you take the time to swap your currency as if you use the base. You can also load the card with currencies rather than swapping the rate, which will naturally be a lot less competitive. Your borderless prepaid travel card will make your travel a relaxing experience.

In terms of customer services, WeSwap scores highly with a decent, if not exceptional, Trust pilot rating, as per the response from thousands of clients on their review.

WeSwap also offers a complimentary £10 of currency when you load £50 on your WeSwap currency card.

Moneycorp Prepaid Currency Card

Moneycorp has provided private client and business currency services for many decades now. Roughly half a decade ago, Moneycorp ventured into the prepaid travel currency market to launch its explorer card. A few years on, having benefitted from numerous improvements, the explorer card still offers good flexibility and value for travelers. You can also load a multitude of currencies onto a single card. The card is subject to local currency fees for over-the-counter use in a bank, for example, £4.00 or €4.70. FX transfers are at 4.99% and not among the most competitive. However, the card has wallet functionality, which is excellent for those who travel frequently and require multiple currencies.

For those looking to splash the cash while traveling, the Explorer card will appeal with daily limits of up to £10,000 available to be spent in merchants. Clients can also load up to £50,000 per annum, excellent for those fortunate enough to travel a lot or with a well-used home overseas.

You can load the currencies on the card in many ways, via online, telephone, or in any of Moneycorp’s bureaux de changes located in many UK airports and central London.

For those looking to air on the side of caution, Moneycorp’s triple-A credit rating will provide the necessary comfort, combined with the company’s longevity in the marketplace.

As to the best of our knowledge, Moneycorp explorer cardholders do not have access to direct offers or perks.

Travelex Prepaid Currency Card

Travelex money card arguably offers the best value with no FX fee applied to foreign currency exchanges on the card. GBP uploads are at 2%, and it is advisable to exchange currency beforehand. Clients can also order a duplicate second card for just £5, ideal when traveling as a couple.

Using the card internationally at a merchant incurs no fees. If lost or stolen, a replacement can be ordered free of charge. You can load the card with a minimum amount of £50 and a maximum of £5000. The card can hold up to £30,000 of currency annually. Clients can also upload their prepaid currency cards in bureaux and online.

Travelex’s money card has a remarkable around-the-clock customer service, particularly useful in case of difficulty or emergency. Calls are free from the UK when you use the Travelex prepaid card. When you use the best-prepaid travel card for Europe or the UK, you can make your travel abroad fuss-free.

The Travelex prepaid card also offers exclusive deals from merchants and travel agents. Holders of the Travelex money card also are eligible for Boingo WIFI access, available to clients every time they top up their cards. The Travelex cash passport is a prepaid MasterCard that is chip and pin secure.

Best Prepaid Euro Card

With the best prepaid travel cards, you can avoid carrying too much cash. The prepaid currency card keeps you on your budget. The borderless prepaid card makes traveling easier, where you can make payments easily without any hassle. For students studying abroad, a prepaid travel money card for under 18 years will come in handy for making online payments. Young teens can withdraw foreign currencies and make purchases in restaurants and shops. 

• FairFX Prepaid Euro Card  does not charge a card fee or transaction fee but charges a €1.50 ATM fee. The prepaid foreign currency card makes overseas travel for business, academic, or leisure tours memorable. 
• Ice Travellers Prepaid Card  does not charge an FX fee and free ATM withdrawals. You get 1% cash back on purchases on USD and EUR cards.
• Ace-Fx Prepaid Card  is a free card with no transaction fee but has an ATM fee of €1.25. It is best for international travel.
• Easyjet Prepaid Euro Card  is a great way to spend money in Europe. Just transfer from your bank account, and you can use the Easyjet prepaid euro card, just like a Travellers Cheque. 

Best Prepaid USD Card

The best prepaid traveling card is safe and is similar to having cash around you. Just load your fx prepaid card with many foreign currencies. It will be your perfect travel companion for your international travels. 

• The Caxton Prepaid Card  offers free international transactions at competitive exchange rates with good customer service.
• Brinks Prepaid Mastercard  is easily manageable, along with the Brink’s Money Mobile App. The FDIC card is applicable everywhere. 
• Paypal Prepaid Card  provides the best prepaid currency card for the USA for safe and convenient travel. You can also transfer funds to your PayPal prepaid card account via PayPal. 
• NetSpend Visa Prepaid Card does not charge interest or late fees, nor overdraft fees. You need the NetSpend Mobile App to manage the account. A prepaid foreign currency card is more convenient than carrying cash and the best way to manage your holiday currency.

Best Pound Sterling Prepaid Cards

If you have a bank account in Pound sterling and want to add money to a prepaid USD card, you have to pay the Pound to the USD exchange rate. Choose the best Pound Sterling prepaid card that offers the lowest exchange rate for travel.

• FairFX Dollar Currency Card  does not charge for the card or a transaction fee. The ATM fee is $2. We recommend a prepaid travel money card for under 18 years as the best choice, as it is not advisable for a young teen to hold a credit or debit card or have large amounts of cash. It helps children under 18 to learn more about money management. 
• WeSwap Prepaid Currency Cards  have no card fee or transaction fee. But it comes with a variable swap fee on turnaround time. 
• Caxton Mastercard Currency Cards  do not charge a card fee nor a transaction fee abroad, but a £1.50 fee for domestic use. The Caxton prepaid card offers excellent exchange rates for international payment and online transfers.

Best prepaid FX card for frequent travellers

Prepaid travel cash cards have special offers for frequent travellers. It even comes with a travel cash card kit. The kit includes various facilities, such as e-commerce transactions, to make purchases at retail outlets, to get SMS alerts, online account access to your card details, and reload your cad while traveling abroad. With feature-rich fx prepaid cards, you can avoid currency rate fluctuations. 

• The American Express Bluebird  is a prepaid debit card that children studying abroad find very useful. You can load it with money through money transfer, or check, or direct deposit. You cannot get into a negative balance with the card. You can use the best prepaid currency card for the USA to pamper yourself during your travel. 
• PayPal Prepaid Currency Card  is best if you have a PayPal account. Further, they get FDIC insurance coverage. You get a lot of perks and cashback offers. 
• The Brinks Prepaid Card  provides quick activation. To load money into the card, you can directly deposit cash. You can use the mobile app to manage your money. It is insured by the FDIC and ensures that your money is protected. 
• Post Office Prepaid Travel Card  is a safe and easy payment option preloaded travel cash. You can use it to withdraw from ATMs globally with 23 currencies. With the Post Office prepaid travel card, you can buy travel insurance and book your airport parking. To activate your Post Office prepaid travel card, you can use the Post Office Travel app. You can top up your card and view your balance too.
• Thomas Cook  Borderless Prepaid Card is best when you plan to travel to multiple countries. You can load nine different currencies on your Thomas Cook borderless prepaid card. You can avoid currency fluctuation through the advance loading of funds. You can buy a Thomas Cook borderless card from the convenience of your home. When you log on to the website, you get the Thomas Cook borderless card by entering the required details.
• Multi Cash Passport  helps to make international payments. You can travel or shop freely with a multi-cash passport as the card carries multiple currencies in a single card. The cash passport will select the right currency wallet for making payment wherever you are in the world. 

Alternatives To Travel Money Cards

A prepaid card charges a fee for opening and maintaining account. We have other alternatives for buying and selling foreign currency.

Bureaux de changes

It is a currency exchange where customers can exchange one currency for another through a broker. Bureaux de changes are also known as a currency exchange or a foreign exchange. They are located strategically near train stations, airports, and other places frequented by travelers when they enter a country. They provide currency exchange facilities at competitive rates. They charge a commission or fees and add value to the exchange rate.

Online banks

Monzo and Revolute are financial services used in business and personal accounts. They are accessible through mobile banking apps. 

Monzo  is a challenger bank that provides app-based banking. You can withdraw cash in the UK and other countries without paying a fee. 

However, you cannot hold different currencies in the same account. You can withdraw large amounts of money abroad by paying a fee.

Revolute  is a multi-currency account and provides app-based banking. You can hold, spend and transfer 29 currencies in it. 

Though ATM withdrawal is free, you get a low monthly limit. It does not offer protection if you make your deposits through the FSCS. 

Credit card

Travel Credit cards provide many offers and deals for travel, on-air ticket bookings and accumulation, reward points, and discount offers.

However, they have hidden charges and charge a minimum due amount. On average, they charge a high-interest rate of about 3%. You can choose the best travel credit card to make your travel payments easier. Frequent travelers prefer the best travel credit cards for international offers and perks.

Summary on prepaid currency cards

Prepaid cards are popular, convenient, and easy to get.

Whether you are traveling to the US, the UK, or Europe, choose the best prepaid travel card.  You don’t have to carry cash, and you can keep to your budget. It will protect you from theft or fraud, and you get a better exchange rate. As they are not associated with a bank account, you can manage your money with ease. You can directly deposit to the card or use the app to which your account is linked. You can also transfer money from your bank account to a prepaid card. They offer complimentary lounge access, along with frequent flier miles, cashback, and discounts on travel expenses. But you may lose money, when prepaid cards are left idle and inactive.

Though alternative exchange rate systems are available such as credit cards, the bureaux de charges, and online banks, there are hidden costs that charge you a lot.

Prepaid cards work best for those who travel frequently.

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Best prepaid travel money cards 2024

In this article

Which prepaid travel card do you need?

The best multi-currency prepaid cards, the best sterling prepaid cards, what exchange rate do you pay.

• Fees and charges to watch out for

Alternatives to prepaid travel cards

Is it worth getting a prepaid card, prepaid travel cards faqs.

Prepaid travel cards, also known as 'currency cards', allow you to load money in pounds and spend in another currency.

They typically come with no foreign exchange fees on spending or cash withdrawals and usually allow you to lock in competitive exchange rates, saving you money compared with using your everyday debit or credit card.

Here are the different types of prepaid travel cards to consider packing for your next trip:

• Multi-currency prepaid cards allow you to load several currencies onto one card, ideal for visiting multiple destinations. For example, you could have £100, $200 and €300 stored on one card in different 'wallets'. You can lock in rates by converting when you load the cash, or store some money in pounds to convert later.
• Sterling prepaid cards  offer the most flexibility, as you can load your card with pounds and spend in dozens of different currencies. Each time you spend or withdraw cash, the pounds are converted to the required currency at the exchange rate on the day. This may make it harder to forecast how much money you'll have available in any given destination.

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Multi-currency prepaid cards allow you to load a variety of major currencies in one place.

We've analysed the main providers of multi-currency prepaid cards including the type of currency offered, load fees (loading money onto the card), fees for withdrawing cash, and inactivity fees that could catch you out. 

Please note the table is ordered alphabetically, not ranked in order of features.

The Post Office Travel Money Card can load the most currencies, however, charges apply for cash withdrawals at an ATM - so if you're planning on doing this during your holiday, you might be better off with a different card.

Sainsbury's, Travelex and Asda had similar offers with free ATM withdrawals and £500 limits. Nectar cardholders can get better exchange rates at Sainsbury's, so this may be worth considering. 

All the cards allow you to load money that is immediately converted to a foreign currency free of charge. However, more than half of the providers charge a fee of up to 2% for topping up your wallet with pounds to convert at a later date. So if you plan on doing this often you may be better off with one that doesn't charge. 

Sterling prepaid cards offer the most flexible option for travellers and our analysis shows they can be as competitive as single and multi-currency deals.

We looked at the exchange rates offered, as well as the fees you'll pay and maximum balances. 

These cards are convenient as it means you can load as much currency as you want into your account, however, you'll need to download an app to use them.

The Revolut card is free and you will incur no fees on the exchange rate if you convert money Monday to Friday - therefore it's worth loading up and exchanging before the weekend. You'll be charged fees if you withdraw more than £200 a month.

The Wise card uses the interbank exchange rate but charges a smaller 0.45% fee every day of the week. It also has two fee-free cash withdrawals of up to £200 each month. 

Both Wise and Revolut are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and operate under e-money licenses. This means your money is not protected by the FSCS, however, your money is held in ring-fenced client accounts with a bank which means your money can't be lent out. 

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Prepaid card providers offer different exchange rates.

Some use the 'interbank rate' (the rate banks charge one another) and others may use Mastercard or Visa's exchange rates.

In some cases, a provider may pick one of these rates, then apply a percentage on top, usually between 1% and 2.5%.

When picking a prepaid travel card you should compare the exchange rates offered as well as the card's fees.

Fees and charges to watch out for 

Prepaid cards designed for spending abroad are usually cheaper than spending on your everyday debit or credit card.

However, almost all prepaid cards currently on the market come with a variety of fees and charges. Common charges to watch out for include:

• Application fees - some providers apply a one-off charge to open the account ranging from £5 to £10, though most will offset this if you load a certain amount.
• Monthly fees - the worst prepaid cards will charge an ongoing fee just for holding the card. It can range from £2 to £5 a month, which can be hugely expensive over a year.
• Top-up fees  - if you're using a credit card to top up your prepaid card you could be charged a fee by your prepaid card provider. Plus as it counts as a 'cash transaction' your credit card provider could charge you a fee and interest. So it's usually best to use a debit card to top-up your account.
• UK and foreign ATM withdrawal fees - some prepaid cards charge for using ATMs abroad, usually £1.50 to £2 per withdrawal. Some providers will waive the fee if you withdraw a certain amount. You can minimise the risk of being hit with fees by planning how much you want to spend before you travel and taking out cash in one lump sum.
• Cross border fees - if you use your prepaid card for a transaction that's not in your card's currency, you could be charged a fee of around 2.75%.
• Inactivity fees - if you don't use your card you could also face a penalty. Some providers will charge around £2 a month if you haven't spent on the card within 12 months.
• Replacement fees - prepaid cards, like credit and debit cards, come with an expiry date, which can range between one and five years after opening. You'll normally have to pay a renewal fee of around £5 if you want to continue to use the account.
• Redemption fees  - some providers charge a fee to get any money you haven't used back. This can be up to £10 so it's wise to only load what you plan to spend and nothing more.

Prepaid cards also often come with limits on loading and transactions, which could leave you in a tricky situation if you aren't aware of them. 

Prepaid cards are a safe way to carry cash overseas. But you won't be able to spend from your main current accounts or borrow money in an emergency.

A credit card with low fees on overseas spending can work out as the best option for purchases made abroad, as long as the bill is paid off in full each month. For a credit card with low overseas spending fees, check out the best travel credit cards .

Alternatively, many banks offer debit cards with fee-free overseas spending. We round up your options in our guide to the  best debit cards to use abroad .

That said, applying for a credit card or current account for a debit card requires a credit check, whereas applying for a prepaid card doesn't. So if you have a poor or no credit history it will be easier for you to get a prepaid card.

Currensea has launched what it calls the 'first UK direct debit travel card'. This card is linked to your bank account which means you do not need to top up the card, as long as you have money in your account.

It provides a layer over your existing bank account that will allow you to spend in all 180 currencies without charges. It uses the interbank exchange rate for 16 major currencies and Mastercard rates for all other available currencies.

Currensea doesn't charge any non-sterling transaction fees or dormancy fees. For personal accounts, there is a 0.5% markup on the exchange rate. ATM withdrawals are free under a limit of £500 a month. After this, a 2% fee will be applied.

If you're considering getting a prepaid travel card, here are the pros and cons to weigh up.

Each card provider will have its own terms and conditions, so read them carefully before you sign up.

What are the pros of getting a prepaid card?

• Widely accepted around the world.
• Comes with chargeback protection.
• Can help you budget and avoid overspending.
• Could be cheaper for overseas spending and withdrawals.

What are the disadvantages of getting a prepaid card?

• Not accepted for pre-authorised transactions such as hiring a car.
• No Section 75 protection on purchases over £100.
• Low withdrawal limits and no way to borrow money in an emergency.
• Come with a variety of fees including charges for lack of use.

Still have questions about prepaid travel cards? Take a look at our FAQs to see if we have the answer.

Are prepaid cards secure?

Prepaid cards offer a secure way to carry cash when abroad.

They come with the same security features as credit and debit cards, so you need a Pin to withdraw cash or use them in person. However, many are now contactless so you may not need a Pin for smaller purchases.

It's also worth bearing in mind that prepaid cards offer no protection for losses under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act .

However, redress may be possible under the MasterCard or Visa chargeback scheme.

What if the prepaid card provider goes bust?

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme does not cover deposits onto prepaid cards.

Most prepaid providers will deposit customers' cash in a ring-fenced account held in a bank or building society. So, if the prepaid company goes bust, your money should be protected by the bank holding your cash.

However, if the bank or building society fails, your cash won't be protected. So you should never store lots of money on a prepaid card, just what you need to spend in the near future.

Where can I use a prepaid travel card?

Prepaid cards are usually issued by major card networks like Visa or Mastercard, meaning they can be used in millions of places around the world, as well as online, just like a debit or credit card.

You should be able to use your card at most ATMs abroad, and at most retailers that accept card payments.

However, there are some notable exceptions to this, including car hire firms, hotels and petrol stations that require pre-authorisation.

Should I pay in pounds or in the local currency?

When abroad you will sometimes be asked if you want to pay or withdraw cash in sterling or the local currency. This is called dynamic currency conversion and is usually best avoided.

With a specialist prepaid card you'll get a better rate paying in the foreign currency rather than in sterling. In fact, you might be charged a fee for paying in sterling if you don't have a multi-currency card.

What happens if my prepaid card is lost or stolen?

Like travellers cheques , your money is safe and will be replaced if the prepaid card is lost or stolen.

However, you might be charged for calling the customer helpline and for emergency card replacement by courier.

As long as you contact the provider of your prepaid card and get it blocked, you shouldn't lose out on any money, though you may have to pay up to £10 for a replacement card.

Bear in mind that if your prepaid card is contactless it could be used for a series of small, fraudulent transactions, so always alert your card provider as soon as possible. It's also worth alerting local police or security services if there's been a theft - you may need an incident number to claim losses back on your travel insurance.

Why can't I use it for car hire or a hotel room?

Most prepaid cards don't allow you to make pre-authorised transactions. These are often required when you have to pay for something where the final cost hasn't been decided, or where you use the service before paying.

As such, you may not be able to use your prepaid car to pay for petrol at the pump, hire a car, or pay for a hotel room.

What if I have an emergency or run out of money overseas?

You'll be able to load more money onto your prepaid card after you've activated it, usually through the provider website or app.

Most cards have daily withdrawal limits, so make sure you can withdraw enough cash to cover your spending for the full day.

Keep in mind that prepaid cards don't have a borrowing facility, so you won't be able to rely on it for emergency funds. For this reason, it can be wise to bring a travel credit card overseas with you, in case you need to buy flights home or pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses.

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Travel Money Tips From Moneycorp

• Where to go in Europe without the Euro: Our top five Euro-free zones
• Hit the golden trail: Top 10 things to do on the Costa Dorada

At MyTravelMoney.co.uk, we love to interview some of our key travel money suppliers. Today, we took some time out to speak with Tracey Tivnan, Travel Products Marketing Manager at Moneycorp. Our goal was to find out some top travel money tips and understand why online travel money rates are far superior to those offered by airport bureaux.

Should holidaymakers take cash, travelers cheques or simply withdraw from a credit or debit card on holiday? What are some of Moneycorps’ top travel money tips?

Cash is always the easiest option when travelling; it is accepted everywhere – from the taxi driver when you land to the hotel porter when you check out.

Fewer people are using travellers’ cheques these days, as prepaid currency cards increase in popularity. These combine the security of travellers’ cheques with the ease of use of a bank card.

Using your bank’s debit or credit card to withdraw from ATMs while overseas is easy, but is rarely cheap – most charge withdrawal fees.

What are the benefits using Moneycorp’s online travel money service?

Ordering travel money from Moneycorp online is quick and easy, and gives you the very best exchange rate we offer.

Moneycorp’s travel money division offer cash delivered to the front door. Explain how home delivery of currency works?

All orders are dispatched using Royal Mail Special Delivery, meaning your order can be tracked every step of the way and it requires a signature to be delivered.

Is it safe to order travel money online with Moneycorp?

The payment section of our website is encrypted and we do not store your card details for any purpose.

How long before the trip do you advise customers to order? Naturally customers would be worried about the currency arriving in time?

Travel money online allows you to order currency for next day delivery. This service is free for orders of £500 or more. Orders are delivered by 1pm, or you can select a pre-9am delivery service.

Next week, I am travelling on business to Spain. If I want the  best euro exchange rates , h ow much better are the foreign currency rates online versus airport bureaus?

On average, our online rates are 10% better than our airport rates.

Moneycorp online travel money rates are fantastic. The airport bureau rates less so. In general, why is it more expensive to exchange currency at airport versus online?

The chief reason is that it costs Moneycorp more to run its airport bureaux – our overheads there are higher so we have to charge more. Our airport bureaux are first and foremost about convenience. Nothing is easier than buying your currency while you’re waiting for your plane, and many people are willing to pay a small premium for that ease and convenience.

What one piece of advice would you give to holidaymakers managing their holiday money abroad?

To get the best exchange rate for your money, buy before you leave. Using foreign ATMs and bureaux de change can be costly, with poor exchange rates, high commission levels or hidden fees.

And one other practical tip – don’t carry around more cash than you will realistically need. Taking bundles of notes with you for a stroll on the beach is clearly an unnecessary risk. Leave what you don’t need somewhere secure like a hotel safe.

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MyTravelMoney.co.uk is the UK’s leading travel money comparison website. We compare travel money for 165 currencies. Wile providing you with featured reviews, guides and information to bring you the best deal

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Cheap Holiday Money At Your Fingertips

Moneycorp Travel Money Rates

Note : moneycorp travel money offers only airport cash pickup or receiving funds into the explorer card. cash travel money on home delivery isn’t possible anymore with this provider..

MoneyCorp does not offer travel currency services. Known for their expertise in foreign exchange, MoneyCorp delivers a wide range of services focused on currency transfers.

To see a holiday money comparison , visit our homepage where we feature a selection of top-rated providers. If your priority is finding the most budget-friendly online service, consider doing business with Wise .

Refer to the below table for a clear comparison: Wise offers impressive exchange rates that are nearly on par with the interbank exchange rate:

Additional providers:

About moneycorp – a review.

MoneyCorp is one of the oldest companies of its kind by serving its customers for over 35 years. The success in this market for such a long time has allowed the company to develop a bigger and better infrastructure and by this, provide an always improving service. The company specialises at international money transfers , and travel money is more of a secondary business for it.

The advantages of using MoneyCorp are as follows:

• It allows you to lock in exchange rates on preferred currencies and at the time of your convenience.
• Multiple denominations are available to load, including British Pounds, US Dollars, Euros, Australian Dollars and much more.
• Zero fees on transactions made outside the UK. Additionally, Red Explorer Moneycorp cardholders will enjoy no charges on ATM withdrawals.
• The explorer travel card allows you to use it in a similar manner as a debit card
• You can load your card free of charge up to rates of 10,000 British pounds per day, it’s also possible to transfer left-over money on your card to other currency wallets.
• With the prepaid Moneycorp travel money option, you can load multiple currencies in just one card, and use it at 1000s of retail locations worldwide.

The disadvantages:

• The currency exchange app is available on Apple Store only

Best no annual fee travel credit cards of April 2024

Fortune Recommends™ has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fortune Recommends™ and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.  

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.  

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®

See Rates and Fees

Special feature

Rewards rates.

• 1x Earn 1X points on rent up to 100K/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 19.99%–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

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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

Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.