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Commonwealth Travel Card Review – [2023]

The Commonwealth Travel Money Card is a prepaid Visa debit card you can top up in 13 different currencies, for global spending and ATM withdrawals. That can be handy for managing your budget when you’re overseas, as you can lock in exchange rates in advance so you know exactly what you have to spend.

This guide covers the Commonwealth travel card in detail, including how the card works and the fees that you’ll pay to use it. We’ll also touch on a couple of Commonwealth travel card alternatives from Wise and Revolut , which support more currencies and may come with lower fees.

Commonwealth travel card: key features

The Commonwealth Travel Money Card has a good selection of supported currencies, and is globally accepted wherever you see the Visa logo. However, there are currency conversion fees to pay when you use the card to spend unsupported currencies, or when you don’t have enough balance to cover the cost of your purchase in a particular currency. Plus, you’ll pay an ATM fee at home and abroad.

This guide walks through the Commonwealth Travel Money Card in detail – to kick off, here’s a quick look at the key pros and cons of using the card on your travels.

Travel money cards can be handy when you’re away. They let you convert funds to the currency you need in advance, so you know your budget before you leave – plus, they’re not linked to your normal bank account which can increase security and offer peace of mind when you travel. However, the features and fees you find in travel money cards from different banks and providers can vary pretty widely. Shopping around is essential to make sure you get the best deal for your specific needs – this guide should tell you all you’ll need to know to help you pick.

Who is the Commonwealth travel card for?

The Commonwealth travel card supports 13 currencies including those used in popular holiday destinations like Thailand, Japan, Vietnam and New Zealand, plus major global currencies like US dollars, euros and British pounds. That can mean it’s a handy card to have for people travelling for business or pleasure, or for anyone shopping online with overseas retailers.

What is the Commonwealth travel card?

The Commonwealth Travel Money Card is a Visa debit card you can load in advance in AUD or any of the other supported currencies, for international spending and withdrawals. You can use your Commonwealth travel card when you travel, and also for online shopping in foreign currencies.

Is the Commonwealth Travel Money Card a multi-currency card?

Yes. You can add AUD to your Commonwealth card, and convert to any of the following supported foreign currencies:

• United States dollars (USD)
• Euros (EUR)
• Great British pounds (GBP)
• Japanese yen (JPY)
• New Zealand dollars (NZD)
• Hong Kong dollars (HKD)
• Canadian dollars (CAD)
• Singapore dollars (SGD)
• Thai baht (THB)
• Vietnamese dong (VND)
• Chinese renminbi (CNY)
• Emirati dirham (AED)

There is a fee – in the form of an exchange rate markup – added when you switch to the currency you need from AUD. However, it’s then usually free to spend the currencies you hold in your account.

If you’re looking for different currencies – or you’re planning on travelling more widely – you can also consider a travel card from a specialist service like Wise or Revolut. Wise supports 50+ currencies, while Revolut covers 25+ – more on that, including some other important features of Wise and Revolut, next.

Alternatives to Commonwealth travel card

The Commonwealth travel card has some handy features, but there are also some fees you’ll need to think about before you order one. One important cost is rolled into the price of switching from one currency to another. There’s a markup added to the exchange rate used when you initially switch from AUD to the currency you need, and if you use your card to spend an unsupported currency, or if you run low on the currency you need while you’re away, extra fees of 3% kick in too.

To weigh up whether the Commonwealth card is best for you, take a look at our comparison against alternative providers Wise and Revolut:

Information taken from CommBank Travel Money Card desktop site and Fees , Wise pricing page , Revolut international transfer fees and Revolut Australia ; correct at time of writing, 24th May 2023

As you can see, Wise and Revolut both support a broader selection of currencies compared to the Commbank card, which can be helpful if you’re travelling more widely. Plus, you may find you get lower overall currency conversion costs with a specialist service. Revolut has some fee free currency conversion which uses the mid-market rate for all account holders – even if you’re using a standard account plan with no monthly fees. And Wise has mid-market rates for all currency exchange, with low fees based on the currencies you need, starting at 0.41%.

There’s a quick introduction to Wise and Revolut next, to help you decide if either may suit your needs.

Read a full Wise review here

Wise accounts can hold and exchange 50+ currencies, and come with an optional linked Wise card to spend with the mid-market rate and low fees from 0.41%, in 170+ countries. You can apply, and manage your account, from your smartphone, and get extra perks like fast payments to 70+ countries, and local bank details for 9 currencies, to get paid easily from 30+ countries.

Get a Wise travel card

Revolut accounts come with linked debit cards, and can hold 25+ currencies. You can either get a standard plan which has no monthly fees, or pay a monthly charge to access extra features and perks. Revolut currency exchange uses the mid-market exchange rate to plan limits, with fair usage fees after that. Out of hours fees may also apply if you switch currencies when the global markets are shut.

Go to Revolut

Commonwealth travel card fees & spending limits

Let’s take a look at the fees and limits that apply to the Commbank travel card. First, here are some important limits to know in advance:

And what about the charges involved with using a Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card? Here’s a rundown of the key costs:

Information correct at time of writing – 24th May 2023

Exchange rates

When you top up your card in AUD and convert to a foreign currency for overseas spending, the Commbank retail exchange rate applies. This rate can be found online, but it’s handy to know it won’t be the same as the mid-market rate you find using a Google search or currency conversion tool, as it includes a margin – which is a fee. The margin used by Commonwealth Bank can vary depending on the currencies in question, so you’ll need to take a look on their website to see the rate for your currency pair, and then compare it back to the rate you get from a conversion tool, to spot the margin that’s been added.

If you’re spending a currency you don’t hold in your account, the exchange rate applied is set by Visa, and there’s then an extra 3% fee to pay. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but it can mount up quickly if you’re travelling for a while.

As an alternative, you might want to check out prepaid international debit cards which offer the mid-market exchange rate – like those from Wise and Revolut.

How to get Commonwealth travel card

You can order a Commonwealth Travel Money Card if you fulfil the eligibility criteria:

• You must be at least 14 years old
• You must be a Commonwealth Bank customer, registered to use NetBank
• You’ll need an Australian residential address

Assuming you fit these criteria you can order in a Commonwealth Bank branch, or online. Once you have your card in your hands, you then need to activate it in NetBank or the Commbank app. You can also set a PIN for security.

What documents you’ll need

To open a Commonwealth Travel Money Card account you’ll need to be registered with NetBank. That means you’ll also need a valid Commbank account and card to get started. If you already have a Commonwealth Bank account you can open your travel card account with no new documents – just log into NetBank or visit a branch to get started.

If you don’t have a Commbank account yet, the process is a bit more involved as you’ll have to first select and open a bank account. This normally means you also need to provide proof of ID and address, which you can upload online or show in a branch.

What happens when the card expires?

The Commonwealth Travel money Card is valid for 4 years. Once it expires it’s not automatically replaced with a new card. You’ll need to request a new card in NetBank. If you don’t do this within 3 months of the card expiry date, you’ll lose access to your account – so make sure you open a new card in time, or remove any remaining funds from the account to avoid extra hassle.

How to use a Commonwealth travel card?

The Commonwealth travel card is a Visa debit card you can use online and in person for spending and withdrawals. You can also send money from the card account to other Commbank cards and accounts, although fees may apply for this service if you’re switching currencies as part of the transfer.

How to withdraw cash with a Commonwealth travel card?

Once you have funds on your Commbank card you can make withdrawals around the world, just as you would with your regular debit card. There’s a Commonwealth ATM limit of 2,500 AUD per day – although most ATMs have their own limits which are likely to be lower than this. You’ll also pay a fee of 3.5 AUD or the currency equivalent when you make a cash withdrawal, plus any applicable currency conversion fee if you’re withdrawing in a currency you don’t hold in your account.

Is the card safe?

Yes. Commonwealth Bank is a trusted and regulated bank, making it a safe provider to use. Plus, using a prepaid travel card when you’re abroad can be safer than using your normal card. As it’s not linked to your main day to day account, even if you’re unlucky enough to have your travel card stolen, thieves don’t have access to your primary account balance.

How to use the Commonwealth travel card overseas?

The Commbank travel card is issued on the Visa network, which means you can use it in millions of ATMs and with merchants worldwide. If you’ve got a balance in the currency you need, there’s no extra fee for paying at a merchant abroad. However, it’s useful to know that a 3% fee applies if you spend in a currency you don’t hold in your account, or if the balance you have in that currency isn’t enough to cover the purchase. This can push up costs significantly, so it’s worth keeping an eye on your balance in the Commbank app, so you don’t run low without realising.

Conclusion: is the Commonwealth travel card worth it?

The Commonwealth Travel Money Card is a helpful card for travel to any of the countries and regions covered by the 13 supported currencies. Using a prepaid card can help you set your travel budget in advance as you’ve locked in exchange rates before you leave. However, the Commbank card isn’t free to use. There’s a fee to switch currencies – either a 3% conversion cost for direct spending, or a margin added to the exchange rate when you convert within your account. Plus, there’s a 3.5 AUD fee for ATM withdrawals overseas.

Compare the costs and flexibility of the Commbank travel card against alternatives like the international debit cards from Wise and Revolut. Both offer a broader selection of currencies, and use the mid-market exchange rate to switch over your funds from AUD to the currency you need. This can cut the costs overall, and it’s more transparent as you can easily see all the fees involved in currency exchange.

Commonwealth travel card review FAQ

How does the Commonwealth travel card work?

The Commonwealth Travel Money Card is a prepaid international Visa card you can use for spending and withdrawals around the world. You’ll need to add money in AUD and can then convert to any of the 13 supported currencies within NetBank.

Is the Commonwealth travel card an international card?

Yes. The Commonwealth Travel Money Card can hold 13 different currencies, and as it’s issued on the Visa network you can use it more or less anywhere in the world. There’s a 3% fee to spend currencies you don’t hold in your account though – so if your currency isn’t supported by the Commbank card you might be better off with an alternative like the multi-currency cards from Wise and Revolut.

Are there any alternatives to the Commonwealth travel card?

Commonwealth Travel Money Card alternatives are available from banks and specialist digital providers. Compare the options from Wise and revolut as an example – both offer dozens of supported currencies, with low, transparent fees and great global acceptance.

Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card

AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, HKD, JPY, CAD, THB, AED, VND, CNY, RMB

Mozo editorial review Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card - last updated: 20 May 2022

• Load up to 13 currencies on the one card
• No monthly inactivity fee
• 5.35% cross currency conversion

Mozo snapshot

The Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card is a handy prepaid travel card if you are visiting multiple countries on your holiday as it allows you to load up to as many as 13 currencies. You can also transfer funds between the currencies for free while travelling and monitor your balance online or over the phone 24/7.

Key features

The Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card is accepted wherever Visa is and can be used internationally at shops, restaurants, at overseas ATMs and for online purchases.

The card has no purchase fee, whether you order it online or in a branch and it is one of the few prepaid travel cards on the market that does not have an inactivity fee so you can keep the card until your next trip if you have money left on the card (but make sure you check the cards expiry date as they do expire at some point.)

You can store up to 13 currencies at any one time, the most of any prepaid card on the market. This is one of the only prepaid travel cards to preload Vietnamese Dong, Chinese Reminbi and it is one of the few to also have Thai Baht as an option. The smart card feature means that it will always use the currency of the country in which the transaction is made first, as long as that currency is loaded on the card.

The Travel Money Card does have a 3.00% cross currency conversion charge if you make a purchase in a currency other than the one on your card so make sure you have the right currency loaded before you spend.  

There's also a flat AUD $3.50 cash withdrawal fee for ATM withdrawals and over the counter withdrawals made outside of Australia. The fee is charged in the currency you're making the withdrawal with though, so if that's not AUD, the Visa exchange rate (at that time) will be used to calculate whatever that foreign currency equivalent of $3.50 AUD is. 

Who is it good for

Prepaid travel cards are great for the budget conscious traveller as they allow you to set a travel budget and stick to it without the temptation of going into debt over that 'must do' romantic sunset cruise with 50 other tourists.

You don't have to be a Commonwealth Bank account holder to get a Travel Money Card, which makes this a good prepaid card choice for anyone who is visiting more than one country on their trip.

If you want to use your travel card solely for online international shopping you can load the travel card up in several currencies and then go on a global shopping spree knowing exactly what exchange rate to use when comparing costs.

Any catches

Make sure you've loaded the correct currencies onto your card before you start spending, because if you spend in a currency you don't have loaded, you'll be stung by the 3.00% cross currency conversion fee.

Atm withdrawal fee

Minimum load, upper limit, monthly inactivity fee, customer reviews.

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How to claim the money left on your travel card

Home from your holiday with cash left on your travel money card here's how to get it back..

In this guide

How to get the remaining funds off your travel money card

A comparison of prepaid travel money cards, some mistakes to avoid with leftover funds in your travel card.

Travel Money Cards

If you've still got foreign currency on your travel money card after a trip or your card's about to expire, it's still possible to get your money back. Use this guide to learn how to get funds back and what mistakes to avoid so you can get as much value as possible from your prepaid travel card.

Finder survey: What do Australians do with leftover funds on their travel card?

More than half of the Australians we surveyed simply transferred leftover money from their travel money card to their bank account.

The way you get your unused money varies depending on the travel money card. In some cases, it can be as easy as Internet banking, while in others it might require a trip down to the bank. Here's how it works with the major Australian prepaid travel cards.

Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard

If you have a Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard, you can get your funds off it by logging in to your account at auspost.com.au/cashpassport or by visiting a participating Australia Post outlet and presenting the card along with a valid form of photo ID. You can get funds even if the card has expired (check the expiry date on the front).

Just take note that the Cash Passport charges a monthly inactivity fee of $0 if you haven't used your card in 12 months. So if you want to cancel your card instead of keeping it for another trip, you can move the remaining balance to your bank account for a fee of $10 by calling Customer Service at +44 20 7166 7822.

The Travelex Travel Money Card

The card attracts a monthly inactivity fee of after 12 months of no usage, which can whittle away at your balance. It also charges a 2.95% withdrawal fee on domestic withdrawals within Australia. You can close your card at any distribution outlet and move remaining funds to your nominated bank account for an extra fee of .

If your card has expired, you can still get your funds through one of these options. Or, if you want to continue to use the account, you can request a new and have the money transferred over to it.

CommBank Travel Money Card

Valid for up to 3 years with no monthly inactivity fee, you can use the CommBank Travel Money Card on your next holiday or close it off and empty the remaining funds into your account at no charge. If you have an everyday CommBank account, you can transfer the money in real-time through NetBank. You can do this up to three months after the card has expired.

If you don't bank with CommBank, you can get your money off the travel card by visiting a branch. You can also withdraw the funds from any CommBank ATM free-of-charge after converting the foreign currency to Australian dollars.

With the , you can withdraw your remaining funds from a local ATM or close your account and have the funds transferred into your nominated account. Do note that withdrawals within Australia incur a 2.95% fee. A fee is also charged for account closures and cashing out any remaining value. You can do this by logging into the Suncorp Bank Multi-Cash Currency portal.

Qantas Travel Money

The Qantas Travel Money card doesn't incur an inactivity fee or ATM withdrawal fees, but a foreign exchange rate will apply when withdrawal is made in Australia on funds that are not in Australian dollars. You can close your card at any time at no cost by calling Mastercard Qantas Cash Global Support on 1300 825 302.

Australia Post

If you have funds remaining on your , you can either exchange the money back into your Australian dollars currency wallet and withdraw the funds from an ATM or fill out the Load&Go balance redemption form to have the funds sent to you via an Australia Post Money Order. It doesn't cost anything to close the account, but you will be charged $1 every month a balance remains in your account following expiry.

If you have money left over on your travel card, be sure to take note of and avoid the following possible pitfalls:

• Leaving your card open. If you're not travelling anytime soon, you might want to close the card once you've withdrawn your funds. Otherwise, you may still have to pay any inactivity fees or annual maintenance fees attached to the card.
• Expired cards. Most providers send a goodwill email to remind you of an impending expiry date. You can then request for closure, but failure to do so will unfortunately result in "Unclaimed Monies".
• Unclaimed monies. While banks previously forfeited your money once your card expired, unclaimed monies legislation now dictates that balances above $500 (which are left untouched after three years or unclaimed after card expiry) must be transferred to the Commonwealth Bank and held in trust. You can run a free search of all unclaimed monies through the MoneySmart website. Amounts below $500 are essentially forfeited if you don't close your account and claim them.
• Spending foreign currencies in Australia. Some banks charge domestic ATM withdrawal fees on your travel card, so be very careful reading the fine print. Since all fees are debited in Australian dollars, if you only have foreign currency on your card, that will incur more foreign currency conversion fees.

It is important to know the rules and conditions around your travel card. Depending on the fees and exclusions set by your provider, it may be wiser to withdraw remaining funds and close the account instead of keeping it for your next vacation. It is also worthwhile to factor in things like the card's loading and reloading fees as well as foreign currency trends when comparing your options.

Sally McMullen

Sally McMullen was a creative content producer at Finder. Sally wrote about credit cards for almost 5 years, authoring almost 900 articles on Finder alone. She has also been published in Yahoo Finance, Dynamic Business, Financy and Mamamia, as well as Music Feeds and Rolling Stone. Sally has a Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies majoring in Journalism (Hons) from the University of Wollongong.

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Want to avoid fees and charges when using your card overseas? This guide explains the most common pitfalls when using travel cards.

Use this guide to understand foreign currency exchange and discover how to get the best deal.

Spend in up to 13 major currencies, lock in exchange rates and manage your account with the CommBank app when you use the Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card.

With Qantas Travel Money cards (previously Qantas Cash), you can carry multiple currencies using a single card and earn rewards points.

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2 Responses

what about Post Office purchased travel Vis card?

Hi Heather,

Thanks for your question!

I’ve added some information regarding the Australia Post Load&Go card to this page.

If you have money left on your Australia Post Load&Go card when you return from your holiday, you can either exchange the money back into your Australian dollars currency wallet and withdraw the funds from an ATM or fill out the Load&Go balance redemption form to have the funds sent to you via an Australia Post Money Order.

Please note that while you won’t be charged for closing the account, you will be charged $1 every month a balance remains in your account following expiry.

I hope this has helped.

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Travel Money Card

Features & benefits, $0 issue fee.

Order a Travel Money Card online or in branch for free. Load up to 13 currencies in NetBank and the CommBank app.  Order online now .

Easy to budget

Lock-in the exchange rate   for up to 13 currencies . Always know how much you have to spend, no matter how the Dubain dollar moves.  Reload now .

Online, in-store, phone payments

Use your Travel Money Card to pay for items at over 61 million locations anywhere in the world (wherever Visa is accepted) – online, in-store or over the phone.  Check the fees .

Alerts when your balance is low

We’ll tell you when your balance is low, so you can reload currency before it runs out.  Opt in for free alerts .

Extra card security

Lost or temporarily misplaced your card, or had it stolen? Lock it then let us know. Keep the money on your card secure,  discover how .

Your purchases, covered

Lost or stolen personal belongings? We may be able to cover the cost to repair or replace them up to 90 days after you’ve bought them.  Here's more on that .

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Exchange rates

No reload fees

You can  load up to 13 currencies  on your Travel Money Card. When you’re ready to pay for something, the applicable currency will automatically be used for the country you’re in. 

Make sure you have enough of the correct currency on your card to avoid additional fees. If you don’t, we’ll use the next available currency instead, so long as there’s enough of it loaded on your card.

If you load multiple currencies on your Travel Money Card, you can  change the order  (the next available currency) anytime. 

Rates & fees

See all fees and charges

Who can apply

To get your Travel Money Card, you’ll need to:

• Be at least 14 years old;
• Be registered to use NetBank;
• Provide a valid email address; and
• Have an Dubain residential address

How it works

Before your trip.

• Order a Travel Money Card in  NetBank  (or at your  nearest branch ) and load at least AUD 50 or the foreign currency equivalent to get started
• Once you’ve got your card,  activate and set PIN online  in NetBank or under Cards in the CommBank app
• Lock-in the rate by  loading currency on your card in NetBank  or the CommBank app

During your trip

• Keep your Travel Money Card and back-up card somewhere safe
• The  local currency is automatically selected  when you pay for something, if it’s loaded on your card
• Stick to daily transaction limits. Maximum value of purchases per day: Unlimited, however no more than your available balance. Maximum amount you can withdraw from over the counter per day: AUD 2,500 or foreign currency equivalent. Maximum amount you can withdraw from ATMs per day: AUD 2,500 or foreign currency equivalent. However, most ATM operators have a limit on how much you can withdraw from an ATM per transaction which may be less than our maximum
• Reload in real time , fee free if your balance gets low

When you’re home

• Got leftover currency? Exchange it for another currency or back into your CommBank account from  NetBank  or the CommBank app
• Top up  your Travel Money Card (it’s valid for two years) in preparation for your next trip
• Donate  your foreign (and local) currency to any CommBank or Bankwest branch and every cent will go to UNICEF

Planning an overseas trip?

Discover travel tips to help make the most of your European summer holiday.

See travel tips

Managing your Travel Money Card

You’ve got your new card, here’s how to get the most out of it.

Detailed info on getting started, loading and re-loading currencies, setting a currency order, checking the balance and tracking your spend. Plus info on Purchase Security Insurance Cover.

Discover more

Emergency support & tools

What to do if you’ve lost your card or it’s stolen.

If you’ve lost your Travel Money card, or you think it might’ve been stolen, we can have an emergency replacement card sent to you anywhere in the world.

You may also be eligible for an Emergency Cash Advance, giving you access to cash within 24-48 hours (often on the same day).

Call us in an emergency on:

• 1300 660 700  within Dubai
• +61 2 9999 3283 from overseas (reverse charges accepted). 

When calling from overseas using your mobile, standard roaming charges may apply. To avoid roaming charges, call the international operator in the country you’re in from a landline and give them our reverse charges number +61 2 9999 3283.

Tools & calculators

• Saving calculator
• Budget planner
• How to use a Travel Money Card
• Managing multiple currencies on your Travel Money Card
• Travelling overseas: 10-step money checklist  
• Beginners guide to exchange rates
• Online banking while overseas  
• Planning an overseas holiday

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Things you should know

1  The cash withdrawal fee will not apply to cash withdrawals made in Dubai.

As this advice has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs, you should before acting on this advice, consider its appropriateness to your circumstances.  The Product Disclosure Statement and Conditions of Use  (PDF) issued by Commonwealth Bank of Dubai ABN 48 123 123 124 for Travel Money Card should be considered before making any decision about this product.  View our Financial Services Guide  (PDF).

For more information relating to the complimentary Purchase Security Insurance refer to Travel Money Card Complimentary Insurance Information Booklet  (PDF).

To raise a dispute related to your Travel Money Card please complete  this form for transactions  (PDF) or  this form for ATM disputes  (PDF).

BPAY is a registered trademark of BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518.

Any withdrawal or balance enquiry fee will come from the currency for which you are using your card. If this currency is not loaded on your card, the fee will be taken from the first (or sole) currency loaded on your card. Any SMS balance alert fee will come from the first (or sole) currency loaded on your card.

The target market for this product will be found within the product’s Target Market Determination,  available here .

Commonwealth Bank scraps cash withdrawals and deposits across many branches

The Commonwealth Bank has opened several "cashless" branches where customers will not be able to access their money over-the-counter

By Georgina Cutler

Published: 18/07/2023

Updated: 18/07/2023

Cash transactions are unavailable at several branches

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The Commonwealth Bank has opened several "cashless" branches where customers will not be able to access their money over-the-counter.

Cash transactions are unavailable at branches including Commonwealth Bank Place in the centre of Sydney, South Eveleigh, Barangaroo, Penrith and University of Sydney.

Other "specialist centres", located in Brisbane and Melbourne no longer permit over the counter cash withdrawals and deposits.

Deposits and withdrawals can still be made via on-site ATMs but not without a bank card.

Deposits and withdrawals can still be made via on-site ATMs but not without a bank card

"Cardless cash" withdrawals of up to $500 a day are available using the CommBank app, but for those who need more funds or don't have their phone with them, their money can't be accessed.

Customers will need to locate a branch that still offers teller transaction.

It comes after GB News launched the Don't Kill Cash campaign to protect vulnerable Britons who rely on cash.

The petition has now reached more than 200,000 signatures and has received political support.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Don’t Kill Cash: Poppy Appeal 'could lose £20MILLION in donations' in cashless society
• Post Office backs Don't Kill Cash campaign: 'We're the last counter in town!'
• Pressure mounts on Rishi Sunak as cash-dependent Britons risk being 'unbanked' by digitised economy

** DON'T KILL CASH - SIGN OUR PETITION NOW **

More than five million adults, including those most vulnerable in our society, still rely on cash in the UK.

GB News is putting pressure on the Government to protect the status of cash as legal tender and as a widely accepted means of payment.

Last week, the Post Office backed the Don’t Kill Cash petition with Banking Director, Martin Kearsley telling GB News that a recent flurries of bank branch closures have caused the Post Office to step up and take on the role of last bastion of local cash banking.

Kearsley said: “With 5,500 bank branch closures since 2015, 500 more this year, and many more to come - quite often the post office is the last counter in town.

GB News is putting pressure on the Government to protect the status of cash as legal tender and as a widely accepted means of payment

“We’re the last face-to-face transaction that can be done in any village and increasingly small businesses are turning to the Post Office to bring us their cash, bank it safely and securely into their bank accounts."

Far from a dying transaction form, Kearsley has seen demand for cash from the Post Office “grow significantly” over the past few years, as bank branches close and customers return to cash in the cost of living crisis.

Kearsley claims that £3.5billion is still transacted through the Post Office on a monthly basis, with many families “returning to cash” for its benefits as a “very controllable budgeting tool.”

The Post Office still operates around 11,500 branches across the country, but Kearsley conceded that it is “under pressure like never before.”

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Best places to exchange currency in Santa Clara

You've got a few options if you want to exchange currency in Santa Clara. Whether you’re buying travel money in cash, looking for secure ways to cut the costs of making ATM withdrawals abroad, or sending money to someone overseas, we’ve got options for you.

You might decide to pop into a physical currency exchange store in Santa Clara - but many customers will find it more convenient to pick up a low cost travel card instead, for on the go payments, cash withdrawals and easy to convert currencies with great exchange rates.

Wise travel card - A low cost alternative to exchange shops

Order and get your Wise travel card in Santa Clara for convenient spending and withdrawals during your trip.

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate with no markup or margin when converting your money to any currency you need. This may work out cheaper than most currency exchange shops in Santa Clara.

1 best places to exchange money in Santa Clara

The best place to exchange currency in Santa Clara does depend a lot on where in the city you are, and which currencies you need. You'll need to do a bit of your own research - but to start you off, we've detailed 1 of the top rated exchange services in Santa Clara, according to Google.

Orlandi Valuta

• Phone : (408) 882-0117
• Website : http://locations.orlandivaluta.com/?locale=en
• Address : Arteagas Food Center, 1003 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125, USA
• Monday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Tuesday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Wednesday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Thursday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Friday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Saturday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Sunday: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

How we rated the currency exchange shops in Santa Clara

We've taken into account the Google ratings at the time of research, looking at exchange services in popular Santa Clara areas. As ratings are dynamic, and things change all the time, you’ll want to also do your own research before you head out to exchange your money.

How to exchange currency in Santa Clara

Depending on your needs and preferences, you may want to choose between banks, currency exchange shops and online platforms to exchange currency conveniently in Santa Clara. It’s worth noting that to keep customers safe, and to comply with the law, it’s common for exchange services to ask for ID when you buy foreign currency. Get ready by having your photo ID, such as a passport or driving license, with you when you arrange your exchange.

If you’re planning on exchanging currency with a bank, you’ll need to double check the travel money and exchange options available. Many banks only offer exchange to customers who already have an account - plus you might have to order online in advance, particularly if you’re looking for a more exotic currency. If your local bank offers currency exchange to people who aren’t customers, bear in mind that you’ll need to take an ID document along with you to collect your cash.

To exchange currency in Santa Clara using a bank:

• Check that the bank you've picked offers currency exchange
• Make sure the currency you need is available - you may need to order ahead
• Visit a branch with cash, or order online, depending on the bank's process
• Take your travel money instantly, or collect in branch later - remember your ID document if you're not a customer

As an alternative you could choose to visit a currency exchange service or travel money specialist which offers online or on the spot exchange. Currency specialists usually have a very good selection of foreign currencies available, although smaller branches may not hold everything in stock at one time. It’s also useful to know that the exchange rate you get for an on the spot exchange in a store may be different to the one you’ll get when ordering online for collection - usually online orders get a better rate.

To exchange currency in Santa Clara using a currency exchange service:

• Decide if you'll visit a currency exchange store in person to exchange, or order ahead
• Place your order online and pay by card or with BPAY, or visit a branch with cash
• Take your travel money instantly, or collect in branch later - you'll need to take along your ID document when you visit the branch to place a collect your order

Finally, you might choose to order your travel money online. There are a few ways to do this. Some providers will let you order online and either have the cash delivered to home, or you can collect at a branch or in the airport. Other options offer a travel money card which you can order online, top up, and then use for spending and withdrawals while you’re away. This can be an especially convenient option as it’s often possible to complete the whole process without needing to leave home.

To exchange currency in Santa Clara online:

• Choose an online currency exchange service which suits your needs
• Order your travel money or travel money card, following their specific process
• You'll normally need to upload an image of your photo ID document for verification
• Your money or card can be delivered to home or collected, depending on the provider you pick

Things to look at before exchanging money

Before you decide how to exchange money it’s worth shopping around to compare a few different available options. That can mean your money goes further. Here are a few more important tips:

Avoid airport currency exchanges

Airports often have currency exchange services - but they’re not usually good value. Services at the airport know that customers have few options left, which means they can crank up the costs. You may not see any fee displayed, but there are likely to be charges rolled into the exchange rate used to convert your dollars to the currency you need, which can be very high.

Check the mid-market rate

Not sure what a good rate looks like? Check the mid-market rate for your specific currency. The mid-market rate is the one used on global markets, and when banks buy and sell currencies. However, it’s not usually passed on to customers. Instead extra fees are added - a markup, margin, or spread. Compare the rate you’re being offered to the mid-market rate for your currency - which you can get from Google - to see this.

Beware of ATM rates

If an ATM in a foreign country asks if you’d prefer to pay in dollars, say no. If you agree, the ATM will manage the currency conversion for you - and that ATM will not give you as good a rate as the one your bank or card network offers. Pay at ATMs and with merchants using the local currency wherever you are, to avoid this.

Get a travel money card from Wise

Travel money cards can help you avoid costs and hassle when exchanging money. Order a card online, add a balance in dollars, and either convert to the currency you need in advance or at the point of payment. Providers like Wise support 40+ currencies for holding and exchange, and often use better exchange rates and lower fees compared to physical currency exchange stores.

Factors to consider when choosing an exchange provider in Santa Clara

Before you pick the right Santa Clara currency exchange option for your needs, do a little shopping around. Compare the available options, looking at the costs involved, how safe they are, and what customers say about them.

When considering costs make sure you check both the exchange rate and the fees charged. It's common for services to state there's no commission, when the costs have simply been added into the exchange rate being used.

Double check safety by picking a reputable and licensed provider. If you're exchanging money at a major bank you can rest assured it's licensed. If you're using physical currency exchange stores it's worth asking how they're regulated - and with online providers you can usually find everything you need in a footnote on the website, including licensing details.

Finally, ask around for personal recommendations from friends and family in Santa Clara, and use online resources like Google reviews and Trustpilot to make sure previous customers are positive about any service you might pick.

Best foreign currency exchange rates in Santa Clara

Exchange rates can be confusing. It can often seem like every bank, exchange store or online service has their own rate - and choosing can feel daunting.

The key to getting the best currency exchange rate in Santa Clara is to understand the mid-market exchange rate for your currency pair. The mid-market rate is the rate used when trading on global markets - the one banks and currency exchanges get when they buy or sell currencies themselves. However, providers usually don't pass on this rate to customers - they'll add a percentage markup or margin, which is a fee, to the rate offered to retail customers buying or selling relatively small amounts of currencies.

You can take the mid-market rate for your currency as a good benchmark when measuring up your options for currency exchange in Santa Clara. Find the mid-market rate on Google, and then look for a provider which offers this or as close as possible to it.

Another good bet is to pick a travel money card from a service like Wise which offers currency exchange which uses live mid-market rates, with the fees split out for clarity and transparency.

When is the best time to exchange currency

Exchange rates change a lot, based on the demand in global markets. That means that there's no best time for currency exchange, but tracking the market can certainly help you spot a good deal when one becomes available.

Keep an eye on the mid-market rate for your currency, using any of our handy tools, and watch how it's changing over time. It's also possible to set up rate alerts online which can help you learn when a rate hits the level you're looking for. If you're planning on converting cash - or if you have a travel money card - you can lock in the rate by buying your foreign currency at that point.

No matter how good a deal you think you're getting, be sure you're picking a safe and reputable provider for your exchange. If it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

Tips for finding the best currency exchange rates in Santa Clara

Here are a few final ideas on how to find the best exchange rates in Santa Clara, no matter which currency you need to buy:

• Compare the available rates across different providers close to you and online - and be sure to check for any additional fees or commissions which can push up costs significantly
• Use online currency converters or mobile apps to stay updated on the current exchange rates for your currency pair, and buy when the time's right
• Consider using an online alternative such as Wise or https://revolut.ngih.net/c/2840549/1471653/9626(https://revolut.ngih.net/c/2840549/1471653/9626?subid1=exiap-com&subid2=guides&subid3=guides%2Fcurrency_exchanges_best_in_santa_clara_california ) so you can instantly convert currencies using just your phone, wherever you're ready

Why buy foreign currency in Santa Clara?

Getting your foreign currency in Santa Clara may offer a better deal compared to buying it from the airport or in your destination country. Airport exchange services know they have a captive audience and can add in extra fees and exchange rate hikes, pushing up the price you pay. Exchanging money in your destination eats into your precious holiday time - plus you may be targeted by unscrupulous money changers with bad rates.

Here are a few good reasons to exchange your currency in Santa Clara:

• As you have time to shop around, you may find you can get better exchange rates
• Buying currency close to home (or even without leaving home) offers speed and convenience
• It's far easier to check the safety and reputation of a provider you know, rather than picking one at your destination
• You won't need to waste your holiday standing in line in a currency exchange store - you can get on with your trip instead

There are a few different ways you might want to currency in Santa Clara. You could head to a bank, choose a physical currency exchange service, or go for an online option.

There are also some great travel money cards from providers like Wise and Revolut which allow you to order a card online or in an app, top up remotely, and spend or make withdrawals overseas easily. Travel money cards are secure and often offer better exchange rates and lower overall costs compared to switching currency at the airport or in a physical location in your destination.

Use this guide to figure out which currency exchange in Santa Clara might be best for you, and don't forget to also take a look at travel money cards to see if popping one in your wallet can help you save.

FAQ - Best places to exchange currency in Santa Clara

There's not one single best place to exchange currency for travel, but converting your currency online before you head off can save time - and often money. One convenient option is to get a travel money card from a provider like Wise or Revolut, to add and exchange money with just your phone.

The cheapest way to get foreign currency in Santa Clara will depend on the currency you need and the value you want to exchange. This guide gives some good pointers to locations you may want to compare, but shopping around is still essential. Compare the exchange services in Santa Clara with online and digital services to get the best deal overall.

Exchanging cash on arrival is inconvenient and can leave you vulnerable to scams and unscrupulous money changing services in your destination. You can exchange money before you go conveniently - or get a travel money card which you can top up digitally and use for spending and withdrawals when you're away, often with great rates and low fees.

Yes. If you get a bad exchange rate - or high commission costs - you'll end up with less money in the end for your trip. Before you exchange money, shop around and compare both on and offline options to make sure you get a good deal without excessive fees.

Banks and currency exchange stores can exchange your foreign currency back to US Dollar - but the rate is unlikely to be as good as it was when you converted in the first place, which means you get less back than you spent. Instead, consider a travel money card like the Wise card which lets you leave your money in dollars and convert on the spot when you make a payment or withdrawal overseas.

More places to exchange currency in the US

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Best way to take money overseas

Before you take off on your next overseas trip, it’s essential to plan how you’ll pay for things when you’re away.

There’s no single right or wrong way – but a combination of a few methods is usually best, both for convenience and security.

Related articles

Taking cash overseas

Ideal for:  Your day-to-day expenses, such as food, transport, tipping and shopping at markets.

Try to have a useful amount with you when you arrive to avoid being stung by international ATM fees at airports – it will help you with that first train or taxi to your hotel.

For security, avoid carrying large amounts of cash on you, but try to keep a bit of spare cash handy at all times just in case you find yourself without access to an ATM or in a place that doesn’t accept cards.

You can purchase a selection of foreign cash on the spot at designated branches. Once you’re overseas, you can also withdraw cash (fees apply) using your credit or debit cards, or a pre-paid travel card.

Using prepaid travel cards

Ideal for:   Withdrawing cash, locking in exchange rates, controlling your spend and travelling through multiple countries.

Re-loadable prepaid cards (such as our  Travel Money Card ) are a secure and convenient way to pay for things. Simply buy one before you go, load funds in foreign currency to lock in an exchange rate (you’ll know exactly how much you have to spend), then use it like you would a debit card to withdraw cash, pay in person or over the phone, all without transaction fees.

With our Travel Money Card, you’ll automatically receive two cards that are smart chip, PIN and signature protected. This is so you have a spare in case one is lost or stolen. The cards have different card numbers and separate PINs. The spare is only a back-up card and shouldn’t be given to anyone else to use.

As soon as you receive both cards make sure you sign the back of them.

You can reload and view your balance and transaction history in NetBank and the CommBank app. They’re also a handy option if you’re travelling through different countries because you can load up to 13 currencies on your card at any one time.

Find out more about the  Travel Money Card, including fees and charges .

Using credit cards overseas

Ideal for:  Big expenses such as accommodation (particularly when you have to pay a ‘holding’ fee), large purchases or for online bookings.

A convenient and secure option when travelling, they are widely accepted, allow you to make cash withdrawals at ATMs and you can link them to a debit account so you can transfer funds.

They have some other handy features, for example some come with  international travel insurance  included, and you can also earn points as you spend if you have an  awards credit card .

Make sure you learn about  international fees  before you go, such as conversion fees for purchases and the costs involved if you use credit cards to withdraw cash. These fees can start to add up over time so it’s worth considering credit cards that don’t charge international transaction fees.

Remember to keep a close eye on your account for any unusual transactions while you’re away – credit cards can be more prone to fraud when used overseas.

Learn more about our range of  credit cards .

Using debit cards overseas

Ideal for:  Controlling your spend, paying for things without cash and withdrawing cash from ATMs.

Debit cards are ideal for controlling your cash flow, to avoid coming home to a nasty credit card bill.

They are widely accepted. Use your debit cards to pay in-store and withdraw cash using your Debit Mastercard (look for the Mastercard symbol) or Keycard (look for the Cirrus symbol) to withdraw up to the equivalent of $2,000 AUD a day in local currency. Keep in mind that  international ATM and EFTPOS  fees may apply.

Learn more about our Debit Mastercard  and Keycard.

Top travel money tips

• Get organised early, particularly if you need to pre-order cash, or order prepaid cards. It helps your budgeting too - you can monitor the exchange rate and if you have a travel card, lock in your foreign currency when the exchange rate is strong.
• Don’t forget to notify us before you travel. You can conveniently do this in  NetBank  or the  CommBank app . That way we won’t be surprised by foreign transactions on your account and we can keep an eye out for anything unusual.
• Carry your cash and a mix of credit/debit/travel cards in a few places throughout your luggage, for example, a spare card safely hidden in your suitcase just in case you lose your main travel wallet.
• Some countries only accept PIN for card payments, so make sure you set yours before you go.
• Control your security and spending – you can instantly lock international payments, block ATM cash advances and limit your spending through either the CommBank app or NetBank 1
• Have any leftover currency? You can sell it back to us at selected CommBank branches.

What to do in an emergency

• Lock, Block, Limit  your CommBank credit card or lock your Travel Money Card for added security
• Cancel and order replacement CommBank cards in NetBank or the CommBank app
• Call us on +61 2 9999 3283 to report lost or stolen CommBank cards

For 24-hour travel insurance emergency assistance, call Cover-More in Australia direct and toll free on +61 2 8907 5641. You can also call from:

• Canada on 1844 345 1662
• New Zealand on 0800 632 031
• UK on 0808 234 3737
• USA on 1844 345 1662

Charges apply if calling from a pay phone or a mobile phone.

Things you should know

1 Excludes transaction flagged as recurring (e.g. direct debits) and transactions not sent to us for authorisation. Please refer to our Electronic Banking Conditions of use and CommBank app Terms and Conditions for details.

This article is intended to provide general information of an educational nature only. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as financial product advice. As this information has been prepared without considering your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should, before acting on this, consider the appropriateness to your circumstances.