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Post office travel money card was…

Post office travel money card was excellent when I use abroad I can top up freeze unfreeze East to top up online text I manage to withdraw cash from ATM too V good service

Date of experience : April 11, 2024

Reply from Post Office Travel Money Card

Thank you for your great review and feedback!

Didn't get delivered on time. Can't move balances. No online alternatives.

Still haven't received my card after 6 days. Called the help line and was told to order another card in branch to get it instantly but there is no way to transfer a balance from an online order onto a new card. Long and short of it is, if I want the use of this service before my holiday I need to spend more of my money and order fresh again. I also don't live in a town with a branch that can do this so I'd need to travel to even do this. Bad delivery service, no means to swap balances, no online card alternatives (it's 2024 - this could be an online digital app like many other cards), and no "help" from the help line worth the effort of calling. Won't be using the card in future and will continue to just buy cash for travelling from other brokers.

Date of experience : May 02, 2024

Would not recommend

Would not recommend. Loaded with US dollars, as in Barbados that is widely accepted. However, when I used card I was charged a commission fee. My children then said , should have got a Monzo card as they give you the rate on the day with no commission. Another scam from the great institution of the Post Office!!

Date of experience : April 26, 2024

Thank you for your review, we’re sorry to read that the Travel Money Card hasn’t met with your expectations on this occasion, we would like to understand more so we can help resolve this. Could you call us at 0207 937 0280 or email us at [email protected] , Thanks -Aaron

Perfect for saving foreign currency…

Perfect for saving foreign currency through out the year for my holidays.

Date of experience : May 03, 2024

I got a travel card from post office to…

I got a travel card from post office to be delivered i put £50 on there but was charged £50.70 ...post office said it was not them , monzo state it was not them ..so whose took the 0.70..gonna cost a bomb with further instalments on the card ..may have to look elsewhere or just use good old fashioned cash

So easy !!!

Fantastic card ease of use can't see me going back to cash / currency for future holidays

Date of experience : April 28, 2024

Postoffice travel money card is a great…

Postoffice travel money card is a great little card to take away I have used this all over in Europe and worldwide highly reccommend 🎉

Date of experience : April 25, 2024

Easy system to use

Easy system to use, and saves a huge amount of time standing in the PO queue

Thank you for your great review and feedback, it really helps us 🙂

Great card which is very easy to use

Great card which is very easy to use. App keeps you updated on transactions and balance among other things. Used it in USA, UAE and Europe. Topping up is simple via the app

I loaded my new card, which I received today, with £4,000 at a rate of 1.143 euros per £1.00. I changed my pin number, this was accepted. I requested a printed balance which shows only £3,836.00. I have not made ANY withdrawals on this card, what is the Post Office up to now?

Date of experience : April 29, 2024

Hi there, you will have not lost any funds and this is due to exchange rates. To allow us to explain further please contact us on 0344 335 0109 or email us at [email protected].

Post Office Travel Card

Ordered a Post Office travel card and unfortunately loaded a reasonable sum in USD on 08 April 2024, on the expectation that it would arrive in 2-3 days as advertised on the Post Office portal. After 6 days, no card so this is followed by a telephone call. 43 minutes later, following scripted dialogue from the operator, I move on. We're now 12 days on and still no travel card. 14 e-mails, 2 complaints and another 40+ minute phone call and still no travel card or refund or compensation. The Post Office are also unable to evidence actually posting the travel card... Post Office - you should be ashamed of yourselves - your customer service is absolutely appalling at best.

Date of experience : April 08, 2024

I am sorry to hear that we have been unable to assist you when you contacted Customer Services. Please contact us via email on [email protected] and we will be able to take a further look into your account and give assistance.

Just found out that the Post office…

Just found out that the Post office travel card does prize draws. Really good rates when im in thailand/pound to baht. Spend money on the card often when abroad

Date of experience : April 24, 2024

The App is very easy to use

The App is very easy to use, I can check my balance, transactions and top up my card. The card is accepted everywhere. I have used the card in USA (Florida) and in Europe.

Date of experience : April 22, 2024

No fees and easy to use

The Travel Money Card was so easy to use and having the physical card as well as the app meant my husband and I could pay for things from the same account when needed. There are no transaction fees as there are with most bank cards used overseas so would definitely recommend and use next time we go abroad.

Date of experience : March 02, 2024

It is very useful to have a Travel card with you as you know how much money you have to spend !!

It is very useful to have a Travel money card when on holiday. The staff at the Post Office are very helpful to get it loaded and set up. Also the staff at head office are there for you if you need help

Date of experience : April 18, 2024

so far, so good

I am an older person and view apps and phone banking as necessary evils and with great distrust. However it is almost impossible to live without them and some products do help make life easier. This is the premise behind the PO Travel card which allows you to carry foreign currency in the equivalent of a use-abroad deposit account card. While it wasn't entirely pain-free to set up it was bearable with minimal faff, and it worked 100% the small handful of times I tried it in shops abroad. Assuming the remainder of the currency I put in that card does not vanish before I next go abroad I will continue to use it. I'm unsure of the exact advantage it gives over my UK bank account card and using that abroad, perhaps not getting fleeced by fluctuating exchange rates. I was told it is more efficient than just buying a wad of Euros at the Post Office.

Date of experience : April 01, 2024

Useless. Card worked ok until it didn't. Stopped working while on holiday. Tried to check balance at local Spanish ATMs but they would not recognise the card. The app wouldn't open and when I tried opening the account via the browser it would not let me in. Eventually I was locked out. Luckily I also had a TUI money card which was easier to set up and works perfectly. Would advise you get card from a travel agent or bank. Do not rely on the Post Office.

Date of experience : April 20, 2024

Hi there, I am sorry to hear that this. Please contact us via email on [email protected] or telephone 0344 335 0109 and we will be able to take a further look into your account and give assistance.

Best card to travel with

It is a great card. Easy to use almost everywhere with no extra cost. Great rates when topped up. Top it up on the move.

Date of experience : April 05, 2024

Good price compare to other stores

Good price compare to other stores. Easy to buy and sell them back with good rate👍 Sparkhill Post office

Very simple user friendly easy process…

Very simple user friendly easy process to open up new Post Office Money Travel Card account

Date of experience : April 16, 2024

Using the Post Office Travel Money Card: Pros and Cons

Table of Contents

What is the post office travel money card, pros of the post office travel money card, cons of the post office travel money card, user experiences and reviews, how to get and use the card, best practices for cardholders, alternatives to the post office travel money card.

T he Post Office Travel Money Card is a convenient and secure way for UK residents to manage their finances while traveling abroad. This prepaid card allows travelers to load funds in multiple currencies, offering a practical alternative to carrying cash or using credit cards overseas. It’s particularly popular among those who seek a controlled and budget-friendly travel spending method.

The Post Office Travel Money Card is a prepaid, multi-currency card that can be loaded with up to 23 different currencies. It functions similarly to a debit card but is specifically designed for international travel. The card can be used to make purchases at millions of locations worldwide where MasterCard is accepted and to withdraw money from ATMs.

• Convenience and Ease of Use : The card is straightforward to obtain and use. Travelers can easily load funds onto the card online or at a Post Office branch.
• Security Features : The card is not linked to a bank account, reducing the risk of fraud. Additionally, if lost or stolen, it can be easily replaced.
• Wide Acceptance : Being a MasterCard product, it’s accepted at a vast number of outlets and ATMs worldwide.
• Currency Exchange Rates : Users benefit from competitive exchange rates compared to traditional currency exchange services.
• Budget Control : The prepaid nature allows travelers to manage their spending effectively, avoiding the risk of debt.
• Fees and Charges : Although the card offers free purchases, there are fees for certain transactions, such as ATM withdrawals and inactivity.
• Limitations in Usage : Some countries and establishments may not accept the card, limiting its utility in certain situations.
• Reloading Issues : Adding more funds to the card can be less straightforward, especially in remote areas or during non-business hours.
• Customer Service Concerns : Some users have reported issues with customer service, particularly in resolving card-related problems quickly.
• Comparison with Other Travel Money Options : While the card has many benefits, it may not always be the best option compared to other travel money products, like credit cards with no foreign transaction fees.

Feedback from users generally highlights the convenience and security of the card. However, some have noted the fees and reloading issues as drawbacks. It’s essential to consider both the positive and negative aspects to make an informed decision.

Obtaining the card is a simple process, either online or at a Post Office branch. Users need to load the card with the desired amount and can start using it immediately. For reloading, options include online transfers or visiting a Post Office.

To maximize the benefits of the card:

• Keep track of spending and remaining balance.
• Be aware of the fees for different transactions.
• Have an alternative payment method as a backup.

Other options include other brands of travel money cards, credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, and traditional cash exchange. Each has its pros and cons, depending on individual travel needs and spending habits.

The Post Office Travel Money Card is a valuable tool for travelers seeking a secure and convenient way to manage their funds abroad. While it has several advantages, potential users should also be aware of its limitations and fees.

Q: How does the Post Office Travel Money Card work? A: It’s a prepaid card that you load with currency before traveling. You can use it for purchases and ATM withdrawals anywhere MasterCard is accepted.

Q: Are there any fees associated with the card? A: Yes, there are fees for certain transactions like ATM withdrawals, and there may be inactivity fees if the card is not used for a prolonged period.

Q: How do I load money onto the card? A: You can load money online or at any Post Office branch. The process is simple and can be done in multiple currencies.

Q: What should I do if my card is lost or stolen? A: Contact the Post Office immediately to report the lost or stolen card. They will arrange for a replacement and transfer the balance from the old card.

Q: Can I use the card in any country? A: The card is accepted in most countries worldwide. However, it’s always best to check the specific country’s acceptance before traveling.

Q: How does the card compare to using a regular debit or credit card abroad? A: Unlike regular cards, the Travel Money Card is prepaid, which helps in budget management. However, some regular cards might offer better exchange rates or lower fees, so it’s worth comparing options.

Q: Is the Post Office Travel Money Card a good option for all travelers? A: It depends on individual needs. The card is excellent for those who want a secure, budget-friendly way to carry money abroad. However, for those who travel frequently or to less common destinations, other options might be more suitable.

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Post Office Travel Card Review 

Travelling is one of the most exciting and liberating experiences out there. Whether you’re jetting off to a far-off destination or just exploring your own country, having the right travel card can make the whole experience easier and more enjoyable.

Are you planning a trip? If so, you may be wondering if the Post Office Travel Money Card is a good option for you. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the Post Office Travel Money Card, how it works, and what you need to know before using it. 

By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not the Post Office Travel Money Card is right for your next trip.

Table of Contents

Benefits of Having a Travel Card

First and foremost, travel cards are an excellent way to earn miles and points. This can be incredibly valuable if you are a frequent traveller or want to visit somewhere far off where you’ll have to pay high airfare. Plus, you can use these miles and points to book travel, hotels, flights, vacation packages, and more. 

Another major advantage of travel cards is their versatility. As you travel, you’ll have the ability to withdraw cash from ATMs using your card, pay for purchases using your card, and even get roadside assistance on select cards. You’ll also have access to excellent trip cancellation and travel insurance. 

Plus, travel cards are typically easier to qualify for than other types of credit cards. This is because many companies view travel cards as a “safe” type of credit. However, having a travel card can also help to improve your credit score.

Post Office Travel Cards: What Are They?

The Post Office Travel card is a Mastercard prepaid card, which can be loaded with a choice of 23 currencies. ATMs are available in more than 200 countries where you can spend and withdraw money.

You can load your account with any currency before travelling and then use it abroad without having to convert your currency.

Post Office Travel offers a contactless card that can be accessed through its app.

Post Office Travel Cards Benefits and Features

Here’s a quick look at the Post Office Travel card’s main features and benefits:

• Payments for low-value items can be made quickly and conveniently using contactless technology
• Compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay
• With the Travel app, you can manage your card, top it up, transfer currencies, as well as freeze it.
• You can choose from 23 different currencies and top it up whenever you need it
• Accepted everywhere Mastercard is accepted
• Call centre assistance is available 24/7
• Whenever there is currency left over, it can be transferred into another currency by using the wallet-to-wallet feature
• If you use a local currency supported by your card to spend abroad, there are no fees 

Post Office Travel Card Costs

Travel money cards from the Post Office cost nothing to order and no fees apply when you pay for purchases using the currency you hold. Provided your available balance is in a currency accepted by the card, you can shop, dine, and drink without any charges.

When using your card in a country that doesn’t support the currency of your card, you will have to pay a 3% foreign transaction fee. Using your card in Brazil, for example, will result in a 3% foreign transaction fee since the Brazilian Real isn’t a supported currency.

Despite the card’s currency support, you’ll still have to pay ATM withdrawal fees. Each currency has a different ATM fee. 

An example would be:

• Euro – 2 Euros
• Canadian Dollar – 3 Canadian Dollars
• US Dollar – 2.5 United States Dollars
• Swiss Franc – 2.5 Switzerland Francs
• Australian Dollar – 3 Australian Dollars
• Pound Sterling – 1.5 Pounds Sterling plus 1.5% commission

Regarding fees, one final note. There is a three-year validity period on all Post Office Travel cards. After your card expires, you will be charged a maintenance fee of £2 per month.

Exchange Rates

Exchange rates fluctuate based on the demand for currencies at the Post Office. Thus, you’ll receive a particular amount of travel money depending on the current exchange rate.

For travel money cards, you can get exchange rates at Post Office branches and on the website. Be sure to remember that rates may differ whether you are purchasing online, by phone, or in person.

In addition to the margin, the exchange rate at the Post Office will probably include a markup. When you search for the rate on Google or currency websites, you’ll most likely get an accurate one. Consequently, a margin will reduce the amount you receive when exchanging EUR, USD, or another currency.

A Post Office Travel Money company profits by offering its customers a better rate than the base rate. U.K. pounds are converted into U.S. dollars at a rate of 1.23 dollars per pound, for example. 

If you exchange £400 through Post Office Travel Money, you can get 1.18 USD per pound. In this case, there is a difference of £16 or 4%. Exchange rates are better when you exchange large sums of money . 

Exchange Rates for In-Branch Travel Money

According to the Post Office, in-branch exchange rates are determined by many factors, including branch location, competitor pricing, convenience, etc. The company will always strive to offer the best possible rate within these parameters. Online orders/distribution is the cheapest method for many retailers, as they can use centralised packing costs. Because of this, online exchange rates are always better than branch rates.

Comparing Post Office Travel Money Rates to Other Providers

There are several new services that it’s worth comparing directly to Post Office Travel Money.

Online-Only Banks

There have been several purely mobile banks launched in recent years both in the UK and across Europe. With services like Monzo, N26, Revolut, Monese, or Bunq, consumers can access a wide range of banking options. 

Each of these modern financial institutions provides services such as money transfer agencies and international travel cards, and it makes sense to compare them with Post Office Travel Money.

For example, Monzo facilitates international money transfers through the popular exchange company Wise. For example, when sending a thousand pounds to a Swedish account using Monzo/Wise, the recipient receives 12,103 Swedish crowns versus 11,546 with Western Union, a difference of around 5%.

Other Currency Providers

It may also be possible to transfer money at a better rate in some countries. Using Xendpay, you could send 500 pounds to Saudi Arabia, and the beneficiary would receive 2,289 Saudi Riyals instead of 2,158 Saudi Riyals with Post Office Travel Money.

Supported Currencies

Prepaid travel cards from Post Office can be loaded with any of the following 23 currencies:

• CAD – Canadian dollar
• JPY – Japanese yen
• USD – US dollar
• AUD – Australian dollar
• CHF – Swiss franc
• AED – UAE dirham
• CNY – Chinese yuan
• DKK – Danish kroner
• PLN – Polish zloty
• CZK – Czech koruna
• ZAR – South African rand
• GBP – Pound sterling
• TRY – Turkish lira
• HKD – Hong Kong dollar
• THB – Thai baht
• HRK – Croatian kuna
• SGD – Singapore dollar
• HUF – Hungarian forint
• SEK – Swedish kronor
• SAR – Saudi riyal
• NOK – Norwegian krone
• NZD – New Zealand dollar

Sending Money With the UK Post Office

Many Post Office branches and their website offer Post Office Travel Money. They offer convenient and quick foreign exchange services. They are useful for local currency exchanges because they are so widely available. Post Office services like international money transfers and travel cards offer additional options for sending and spending overseas.

How to Get and Use a Post Office Travel Card?

Post Office travel cards are only available to UK residents over 18 years old.

Ordering Your Card

To order a Post Office Travel card, you can do one of three things:

• You can order through the Post Office Travel app
• Visit the Post Office website to apply online
• Get your card at your local Post Office. It will be necessary to bring photo identification, like a passport or driver’s licence

Your card should be available immediately if you apply at a branch. Your card will be delivered within two to three days after you apply online or via the app.

Card Activation

It’s necessary to activate your travel card before you can use it. You’ll find detailed instructions in your welcome letter.

Using Your Card

ATMs and online sites that accept MasterCard accept Post Office travel cards, too. If you are buying something in person, you’ll need your PIN to verify your purchase and possibly your signature if the Chip and PIN system is not widely available in the country.

In some countries, contactless payments are also allowed for small amounts, although the rules and limitations vary.

According to its terms and conditions, you should not use your Post Office card in certain situations. 

Some of them include:

• Tolls on the road
• Petrol pumps with self-service
• Deposits for car rentals or hotels
• Airline or cruise ship transactions

Adding Money to Your Card

With the Post Office Travel app, you can add money to your card easily. Additionally, you can add money at a local branch or on the Post Office website.

Buying Back Currencies

Having unused currency on your card gives you a few options. You may be able to withdraw cash at your local Post Office branch or ATM, but there may be a fee.

Wallet-to-wallet transfers are also available in the app. You can transfer unused balances from one currency to another. In preparation for your next trip to Europe, you can convert unused USD into EUR.

Each currency listed above can be topped up for between fifty pounds and five thousand pounds on your card. Your card can hold up to ten thousand pounds, as well as carry out transactions of up to thirty thousand pounds annually.

Different currencies have different limitations on cash withdrawals. For example, in a single transaction, you may withdraw up to 450 euros or 500 dollars.

App Overview

On Google Play and the App Store, you can download the Post Office Travel app for free. With the app, you can activate and order your card, check your balance, add money to it, and more. 

In addition to transferring leftover currency between wallets, it’s possible to convert it to another currency you prefer by using the new wallet-to-wallet feature.

Furthermore, you can book airport parking, purchase travel insurance through the app, and use other features.

Contacting the Post Office 

If you need assistance, you may reach the contact centre by dialling 0344 335 0109 in the United Kingdom or 0044 20 7937 0280 from abroad. Customer service is available each day of the week at any time of the day.

In addition, you can reach Customer Services at the Post Office in the following ways:

• Postal mail at PO Box 3232, Cumbernauld, G67 1YU, Post Office Travel Card
• Send an email to [email protected]

Post Office Travel Card: FAQs

Here are some common travel card problems you might encounter.

When I lose or damage a card, what do I do?

Post Office currency cards are easy to replace if lost or damaged. Your card will be blocked, and another one will be sent to you. App users can also freeze their cards.

How should I deal with a declined or blocked card?

The first thing you need to do is ensure that you have enough money in your account via the app. If you don’t have enough money in your account to purchase your item, call the customer care centre.

If I forget my PIN, what should I do?

Call the customer service centre if you cannot remember your travel money card PIN. If you need a new one, they can issue it for you.

My card is about to expire. What should I do?

A new card should automatically be sent to you. You can call the contact centre if it hasn’t arrived after the expiration date, and they’ll issue you another.

Post Office Prepaid Travel Card Summary 

Travel cards from the Post Office are handy if you want to keep your money safe while you’re away from home. The convenience of not carrying cash around with you and not having to change money during your trip will make your trip much more enjoyable.

Because it’s a contactless card, you can pay in local currencies quickly and easily. This helps you budget because you can only spend what’s on it.

If you travel frequently or take multi-destination holidays, the card is convenient since you can store 23 currencies on it. A card that supports a variety of currencies might be more useful if you love exploring far-flung areas.

The exchange rate is a drawback to take into account. Post Office rates may be competitive (compared to airport exchange rates, for example), but they will likely include a margin or markup. ATMs also charge fees when you use your card.

Comparing other travel money cards could help you find a better deal, so make sure to shop around.

by Matt Woodley

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The Post Office Travel Money Card Review: Key Features, Rates and Fees

If you’re heading overseas, a travel card could be a handy solution for covering your spending. They tend to be cheaper to use than your ordinary bank debit card, and can even offer better exchange rates compared to buying currency.

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There are lots of travel cards out there, but here we’re going to focus on the Post Office Travel card. We’ll run through what it is and how it works, along with fees, exchange rates, supported currencies and how to apply for one.

You are watching: The Post Office Travel Money Card Review: Key Features, Rates and Fees

And while you’re comparing spending options ahead of your trip, make sure to check out the Wise card. This international card can be used in 175 countries worldwide, automatically converting your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market rate. There’s only a small fee to pay for the conversion¹, or it’s free if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

But for now, let’s focus on the Post Office travel card.

¹ Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing: Only Pay for What You Use for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.

What is the Post Office travel card?

The Post Office Travel card is a prepaid Mastercard that you can load up with up to 23 currencies. You can use it for spending and ATM withdrawals in over 200 countries, in 36 million locations².

Simply top up with your chosen currency before you travel, then spend overseas without needing to convert currency.

The card is contactless and can be managed using the Post Office Travel app.

Key features and benefits

Here’s your quick at-a-glance guide to the main features and benefits of the Post Office Travel card ²:

• Contactless for making fast and convenient low-value transactions
• Available with Google Pay and Apple Pay
• Manage, top up, transfer between currencies and freeze your card using the Travel app
• Reload whenever you need to, with up to 23 currencies available
• Can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted
• 24/7 call centre help is available if you need it
• Wallet-to-wallet feature – where you can transfer any leftover currency to a new currency of your choice
• No charges when you spend abroad using an available balance of a local currency supported by the card (although there are some fees to know about – we’ll look at those next).

Post Office travel card fees and charges

Post Office travel cards are free to order and there are no charges for paying retailers in the currencies held on your travel money card. So, you can spend in shops, bars and restaurants without any charge – as long as you’re paying with an available balance of a currency supported by the card².

If you do use your card in a country with a local currency that isn’t supported by the card, you’ll be charged a cross-border fee of 3%². For example, if you go to Brazil and use your card at a local restaurant, you’ll be charged the cross-border fee of 3% as Brazilian real isn’t supported by the card.

You’ll also be charged for withdrawing cash from any ATM, even in currencies supported by the card. These ATM fees vary depending on the currency used. For example ²:

• Euro – 2 EUR
• US Dollar – 2.5 USD
• Australian Dollar – 3 AUD
• Pound Sterling – 1.5 GBP + commission of 1.5%
• Swiss Franc – 2.5 CHF
• Canadian Dollar – 3 CAD.

One last thing to note on the subject of fees. All Post Office Travel cards are valid for up to 3 years. Exactly 12 months after your card expires, you’ll start to be charged a monthly maintenance fee of £2².

Here is also a list of the European countries that charge the highest ATM fees.

Exchange rates

The Post Office offers exchange rates that move up and down according to the demand for currencies. So, the exact amount of travel money you’ll receive on your travel card will depend on the rate at the time of your purchase.

You can check the Post Office exchange rates on its website, travel money card app and branches. Keep in mind though that rates may vary whether you’re buying online, via phone or in-store.

The Post Office exchange rate is also likely to include a margin or mark-up on the mid-market rate. This is the rate you’ll find on Google or currency sites like XE.com, and is generally considered to be a fair rate. A margin added on top of this makes the rate worse for you, so you’ll get less EUR, USD or whatever other currency you’re exchanging.

Read more : Explosion Cards: How To Make A Pop Up Box

Wise only ever uses the mid-market exchange rate, with no mark-ups or margins. This means that your pounds go further, wherever you’re travelling to.

Currencies supported

You can load your Post Office prepaid travel card with funds in any of these 23 currencies²:

• EUR – Euro
• USD – US dollar
• AUD – Australian dollar
• AED – UAE dirham
• CAD – Canadian dollar
• CHF – Swiss franc
• CNY – Chinese yuan
• CZK – Czech koruna
• DKK – Danish kroner
• GBP – Pound sterling
• HKD – Hong Kong dollar
• HRK – Croatian kuna
• HUF – Hungarian forint
• JPY – Japanese yen
• NOK – Norwegian krone
• NZD – New Zealand dollar
• PLN – Polish zloty
• SAR – Saudi riyal
• SEK – Swedish kronor
• SGD – Singapore dollar
• THB – Thai baht
• TRY – Turkish lira
• ZAR – South African rand

You can top up your card with between £50 and £5,000 in any of the currencies listed above. The maximum you can hold is £10,000, plus you can load and spend up to £30,000 on your card each year².

Cash withdrawal limits vary from currency to currency. For example, you can withdraw a maximum of €450 euros or $500 US dollars² in a single transaction.

App overview

The Post Office Travel app is free to download from the Google Play and Apple App stores. You can use it to order and activate your card, monitor your balance and top up with currencies. Using the new wallet-to-wallet feature, you can also transfer leftover currency to other currencies of your choice in just a few taps.

You can also buy Post Office travel insurance, book airport parking and access other features through the app.

How good is the Post Office prepaid travel card?

The Post Office travel card is handy to have if you’re travelling and want to keep your money safe. You won’t need to carry cash around with you, or have to take time out of your trip to change currency.

Paying in local currencies is quick and easy, especially as it’s a contactless card. Plus, you can only spend what’s on it, so this can help you to budget.

As you can store 23 currencies on it, the card is convenient if you travel regularly or are taking multi-destination holidays. If you love visiting far-flung places, however, you might need a card that supports more currencies.

One drawback to consider is the exchange rate. While rates may be competitive (compared to changing money at the airport, for example), the Post Office is likely to include a margin or mark-up on the mid-market rate. There are also charges for using your card at an ATM.

So, it’s important to shop around and compare other travel money cards, as some could offer you a better deal.

Take the Wise card, for example. With this contactless international card, you can spend in 175 countries and manage over 50 currencies in your Wise account. There are no ATM fees¹ for withdrawing up to £200 a month (2 or less withdrawals) and you’ll get the mid-market exchange rate on every transaction. Note, that Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.

The Wise card will automatically convert your money to the local currency at the mid-market rate when you spend, for just a small conversion fee¹.

How to get and use a Post Office travel card

You can only get a travel card from the Post Office if you’re aged over 18 and a resident of the UK.

Ordering your card

There are three ways to order a Post Office Travel card:

• Download the Post Office Travel app and place an order there.
• Apply online at the Post Office website.
• Pop into a local Post Office branch to apply for a card. You’ll need to take a form of photo ID with you, such as a passport or UK driving licence.

If you’re applying in a branch, you should be able to pick up your card there and then. For applications made online or in the app, you’ll need to wait 2-3 days for your card to be delivered.

Card activation

You’ll need to activate your travel card before you can use it.

Read more : Hallmark Pack of 20 Thank You for Your Sympathy Cards, Cherry Blossom (Funeral Thank You Cards)

You’ll be given instructions on how to do this in the welcome letter delivered along with your new card.

Using your card

You can use your Post Office travel card anywhere that accepts MasterCard, online and at ATMs³.

If you’re buying something in person, you’ll need to enter your PIN. If you’re in a country where Chip & PIN isn’t as widely available (such as the USA), you may be asked to sign to verify your purchase instead.

You can also make contactless payments for small amounts, although different countries have different rules and limits for this.

The Post Office’s terms and conditions list a handful of situations in which you shouldn’t use your card. These include the following³:

• Self-service petrol pumps
• Car hire or hotel check-in deposits
• Transactions on planes or cruise ships.

How to top up your card

The easiest way to top up your Post Office Travel card is using the app. If you prefer, you can also top up at the Post Office website or in a local branch³.

Buying back currencies

If you have unused currency on your card, there are a couple of options available. You may be able to withdraw it at a local Post Office branch or ATM, although fees may apply³.

Alternatively, you can use the new wallet-to-wallet feature in the app³. This lets you transfer unused balance in one currency over to another. For example, you can transfer unused USD to EUR, ready for your next trip to Europe.

How to contact the Post Office about your card

You can call the contact centre on 0344 335 0109 when you’re in the UK or +44 (0) 20 7937 0280 when you’re overseas³. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can also contact the Post Office Travel Card Customer Services department via the following methods³:

• By post at Post Office Travel card, PO Box 3232, Cumbernauld, G67 1YU
• By email at [email protected].

Post Office Travel Card: troubleshooting tips

Here’s how to deal with some common problems you might have with your travel card.

How do I report a lost or damaged card?

If you lose your Post Office currency card or discover that it’s damaged, just phone the contact centre. They’ll block it and send you another. You can also freeze your card using the app.

What should I do if my card is declined or blocked?

Firstly, check your account via the app to make sure you have enough money in it. If you have enough to pay for your item or have less than you should have in your account, call the contact centre.

What if I’ve forgotten my PIN?

If you can’t remember your travel money card PIN, phone the contact centre. They can issue you with a new one.

What happens when my card expires?

You should receive a new card automatically³. If it hasn’t arrived after the expiry date, call the contact centre and they’ll issue you with one.

And that’s pretty much it – everything you need to know about the Post Office Travel card. It’s handy if you don’t want to carry cash around or exchange currency while on holiday. And you can use it in multiple countries, as it supports 23 currencies. The app is another great feature, letting you top up and manage your money on the move.

But just remember to compare exchange rates and fees (especially for those all-important ATM withdrawals) before choosing a travel card for your trip – as you could be getting a better deal elsewhere.

Sources used:

• Wise – terms and conditions & pricing
• Post Office – Travel Money Card
• Post Office Travel card – Terms and Conditions

Source: https://antiquewolrd.com Categories: Cards & Envelopes

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I am a JOIN LENON BLUR - world-leading expert, and I am the admin of Antiqueworld with many years of experience researching antiques and postal publications. I hope to provide the audience with the most accurate and informative information.

Best prepaid travel money cards 2024

In this article

Which prepaid travel card do you need?

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

• Fees and charges to watch out for

Is it worth getting a prepaid card?

Are prepaid cards secure, alternatives to prepaid travel cards.

Your holiday could be ruined by fees on overseas spending if you pack the wrong card to spend with.

Prepaid travel cards, also known as 'currency cards', allow you to load money in pounds and spend in another currency fee-free and usually allow you to lock in competitive exchange rates, saving you money compared with using your everyday debit or credit card.

However, these types of deals can come with their own special variety of hidden fees. In this guide, we take the hard work out of comparing these deals and explain the pros and cons of using a prepaid card for your trip. 

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There are two main ypes 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.

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 and Travelex card can load the most currencies, however, charges apply for some cash withdrawals at an ATM wth the Post Office deal. 

Asda Money,  Caxton, EasyFX, Sainsbury's and Travelex  had similar offers with free ATM withdrawals. While most have £500 withdrawal limits Easy FX allows £1,000 (limited to £500 in a single transaction) and Nectar cardholders can get better exchange rates at Sainsbury's.

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 multi-currency deals.

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

*Rate could be higher depending on currency 

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

The Revolut card uses the interbank rate and you will incur no fees on top of the rate if you convert money Monday to Friday - therefore it's worth loading up and exchanging before the weekend. You'll be charged a 2% fee if you withdraw more than £200 a month.

The Wise card also uses the interbank exchange rate but charges a 0.43% fee on top every day of the week. It offers two fee-free cash withdrawals of up to £200 each month in the UK or Europe.

HSBC-backed app Zing could also be a good option. It has a lower fee when converting currencies, and it uses a third party conversion rate which is typically lower than the interbank rate. 

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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. 

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.

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.

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.

Your prepaid card questions answered

Grace, our prepaid card expert, answers the top questions people have about these types of deals.

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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Advertiser Disclosure

What to know about prepaid travel credit cards

Prepaid travel cards are one more way to access cash while traveling the globe

Published: December 15, 2022

Author: Allie Johnson

Author: Dan Rafter

Editor: Brady Porche

Reviewer: Kaitlyn Tang

How we Choose

Prepaid travel cards can make it easy to access cash while you’re traveling abroad, but remember that convenience comes with limitations.

The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired. Please review our list of best credit cards , or use our CardMatch™ tool to find cards matched to your needs.

Finally ready to take your next international trip? Whether it’s a business meeting in Brussels or a foodie’s tour of Florence, you might consider packing a prepaid travel card for your trip.

Prepaid travel cards let you access cash in your destination’s local currency without the risk of using your debit card. They also let you avoid the high fees of credit card cash advances or the hassles of scrounging up traveler’s checks before you depart.

But, be careful — despite the convenience of prepaid travel cards, they come with their own set of fees and limitations (most notably ATM withdrawal and purchase amount caps that could put a damper on your vacation).

“A prepaid travel card is one tool in a diverse travel wallet,” said Julie Hall, internal communications manager for Hilton Grand Vacations and former public relations manager for AAA, in a previous interview. “It’s one of the most convenient ways to get money while traveling.”

Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about prepaid travel cards — from how they work to the pros and cons of using them for your travels.

• How do prepaid travel cards work?

Prepaid travel cards work much like general-purpose prepaid cards, except that they typically offer special features and perks designed for travel — which can vary based on the issuing bank.

In general, to use a prepaid travel card, you purchase the card and simultaneously load it with the funds you want to spend on your trip, up to the maximum amount allowed on the card. (For example, the PayPal Prepaid Mastercard® , a general prepaid card, allows a maximum balance of $15,000.)

Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you can use your prepaid card to make purchases directly (much like you would with a debit card). You can also use it at an ATM to get cash in that destination’s currency.

Depending on the card issuer, you’ll be able to log in to a mobile app or your online account to check the balance, review your purchases and see any any account charges.

• What are the benefits of a prepaid travel card?

Why not just take cash, your credit cards and your debit card the next time you travel to an international destination? Why would you also take a prepaid credit card?

If you lose your card, thieves only have access to the loaded cash

If a thief gains access to your prepaid card abroad, they’ll only have access to whatever funds are loaded onto the card (unlike debit cards, which can provide thieves access to your bank account, or credit cards, which a thief can charge up to a certain limit).

Further, the network through which a prepaid card is offered may provide a zero liability policy , though, overall, prepaid cards don’t offer the same breadth of protections as debit and credit cards (think chargebacks and fraud alerts).

More convenient than traveler’s checks

Prepaid travel cards also provide more convenience than, say, traveler’s checks (which, yes, still exist). Getting traveler’s checks before you go can be a hassle, and you might also be surprised at how many retailers across the globe no longer accept them. As a result, prepaid cards are often a better option than these paper checks.

• What are the drawbacks of a prepaid travel card?

Like most financial products, prepaid travel cards come with pros and cons. Here are some of the drawbacks of using one:

Foreign transaction fees, among others

Travelers should be wary of the fees connected to prepaid cards, as they can add up to a lot of money during an international trip. Many prepaid cards carry foreign transaction fees. Today, it’s far easier to find credit cards with no foreign transaction fees than to find prepaid cards without them.

Further, prepaid travel cards may also charge a card purchase fee, ATM withdrawal fee, higher foreign ATM withdrawal fee, inactivity fee and a fee to get any remaining balance back by check.

No help for your credit score

If you charge restaurant meals, souvenirs and tickets to a traditional credit card and pay your bill on time, your three-digit credit score will receive a boost. This doesn’t happen with purchases you make with prepaid travel cards, because your prepaid card activity isn’t reported to the national credit bureaus .

If you don’t keep track, you could run out of funds

If you’re used to swiping a credit card without much thought, there’s a chance a prepaid card could leave you high and dry when you go to make a purchase. Just be sure to keep tabs on the amount of money you’ve loaded — and spent — on your card.

Prepaid travel card tips

Prepaid travel cards do come with some potential hurdles. Here are some tips for avoiding the most common downsides of these cards:

• Check the fees associated with your card (or potential card): Prepaid cards can charge fees that existing debit and credit card holders aren’t used to, so it’s important to read the fine print before swiping. For example, the Netspend® Visa® Prepaid Card charges a $5.95 inactivity fee per month after the card has been idle for 90 days.
• Verify the card will work at your destination: Double-check with your issuer that your prepaid card will be accepted where you’re traveling. Even a card that’s designed for international travel might not work in specific locations due to restrictions from U.S. trade sanctions.
• Know the limits: Prepaid travel cards typically have limits that could throw a wrench into your trip if you don’t understand them ahead of time. For example, some cards can have a daily reload limit as low as $500 (or as high as $7,500, in the case of the Netspend Visa card). Again: Be sure to read through your card’s fine print before embarking.
• Avoid holds at all costs: In a sense, prepaid travel cards work like debit cards. Be sure to avoid using a prepaid travel card to reserve a hotel room or a rental car, which can trigger a hold that could tie up hundreds of dollars of your cash for a week or longer. Instead, use a credit card to reserve these items, then use your prepaid card to pay the final charges.

Should you use a travel credit card instead?

If the drawbacks of a prepaid travel card outweigh the benefits, you might be better off signing up for a travel credit card  or using one you already have as your primary payment method while traveling.

Travel credit cards almost always have zero fraud liability, which can set your mind at ease in the event your card is lost or stolen . They also let you earn rewards for your spending, and many offer purchase and trip protection and have no foreign transaction fees. Some even offer perks such as access to airport lounges where you can get complimentary food and drink. And, depending on your credit limit, you may have more spending power with a credit card than a prepaid card.

That said, they can also have pitfalls. Not all travel credit cards are accepted in all countries. For example, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, while American Express and Discover have a smaller international presence. And, depending on your location, some merchants may require chip-and-pin cards or may not accept payment cards at all.

It’s advisable to carry a few different payment methods with you (credit, debit and prepaid) when traveling, along with some local cash. Also, notify your credit card company about your travel plans, lest they flag your card as stolen and cancel it.

Bottom line

A prepaid travel card doesn’t come without downsides, but if you want an easy way to access cash in your destination’s currency — and want a quick way to pay merchants once you arrive at your international destination — the ease of using them might make your trip a less stressful one.

Editorial Disclaimer

The editorial content on this page is based solely on the objective assessment of our writers and is not driven by advertising dollars. It has not been provided or commissioned by the credit card issuers. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners.

Allie Johnson is an award-winning freelance writer covering personal finance, business and lifestyle. She loves tracking down tips, tricks and cautionary tales about credit cards and money.

Dan Rafter has covered personal finance for more than 15 years for publications ranging from The Washington Post and Chicago Tribune to Wise Bread, HSH.com and MoneyRates.com. His work has also appeared online at the Motley Fool, Fox Business, Huffington Post, Christian Science Monitor and Time.

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Currensea vs Post Office review - What’s the best travel money card

Who is the post office .

The Post Office is a well-known high-street brand, trusted by millions for postage, government, and financial services through its wide network of branches. However they are not the ones to deliver your mail, that is the Royal Mail, and is a different business to the Post Office.

What are they offering?

The Post Office offers a prepaid multi-currency travel card allowing you to hold 23 different currencies.  Being a prepaid travel card means you need to load money directly onto it and then reload or top up when you need more money on it. This can be done by their travel app at any time, and it allows you to then spend in any of their available currencies.

The aim is to provide an easy solution to managing your travel money abroad. The Post Office is well known for promoting a 0% commission service when taking physical cash abroad, so has been favoured by travellers for a long time.

*Rates and charges shown are correct as of 30th September 2021

Currensea travel debit card

What travel money card options and plans do the Post Office have?

The Post Office has one simple plan, their basic Post Office Travel Money Card. While the travel money card is free to get, there is a minimum load amount of £50 of whichever of the 23 currencies you choose. 

What are Post Office fees when spending abroad?

Terms such as fee-free, no commission, and zero charges are used a lot by travel money providers, and the Post Office is no different when it comes to marketing their card, which offers 0% commission. But as with most others, there is often a hidden fee under the bonnet. After all, how else would a provider make any money? 

So what fees does the Post Office charge? 

All of the above fees can be found in the Post Office terms and conditions , pages 12-15

We took a look at the EUR exchange rate they offered when loading the card before purchase, when we compare this to the interbank (real) rate we can also see a hidden charge in the FX rate of 3.8%!  

We checked a few currency conversions and there is a maximum hidden FX fee of 3.78% across all when loading up to £499.

A great indicator as to whether there are hidden fees or not, is if a better rate is offered when loading more money as you can see here: 

Even with the better rate there is still a hidden fee of 2.4% when compared to the live interbank rate at the time. 

It’s also worth noting that if you use your Post Office card to withdraw cash abroad, you will be charged at the point of loading your desired currency (the  FX mark-up rate ), you will then be charged a minimum of £1.50 per ATM withdrawal  on top of this. So withdrawing £100 worth of currency could  cost around £5.20.  

Why would you use a Post Office Travel Money Card?

More often than not the Post Office works out more expensive than if you were to use your high-street bank account. However, you may like the functionality of separating your holiday money from your main bank account by preloading the card. 

The Post Office travel card could also be a good solution if you have younger family members travelling abroad and want to help them fund their trip, but don’t want to give access to large amounts of money or for them to use their bank card while abroad. The Post Office travel money card would allow you to top up from afar and smaller amounts (although other card providers do allow limits to be set up on the card or account, which could solve this particular issue). 

Who is Currensea?

Currensea was founded by James Lynn and Craig Goulding in 2018, then launched in 2019 aimed at reducing hidden FX fees for travellers when spending abroad and the hassle of topping up or prepaying. 

Currensea is the UK’s best rated travel debit card. The layer in front of your current bank account, saving you money, giving you extra security and making your bank work that bit harder for you.

Currensea's travel debit card partners with your current bank account to save you at least 85% on the high-street banks fees and charges on all overseas transactions. Unlike other travel cards, there is no need to prepay, no need to top-up and no need for a new bank account. Spend as seamlessly abroad as you do at home, with the money only debited from your existing bank account after you’ve spent.

What are the different charges applied by a Currensea travel debit card?

Currensea offers 15 currencies at the real (interbank) exchange rate and 165 currencies at the Mastercard exchange rate (which is the rate also used by Monzo, Starling and many other FinTechs). When signing up for the free plan, users will be charged at a flat FX mark-up rate of 0.5% over these two base rates - with no extra charges over a certain amount or at weekends, it's that simple.

What card options and plans does Currensea offer?

Currensea's travel debit card currently offers three pricing plans. The Essential plan is free to use, the Premium plan is £25 per year and the Elite plan is £120 per year. The Essential Plan charges 0.5% FX per transaction, whereas the Premium and Elite plan incur no fees. The Elite plan also includes a host of exclusive benefits and memberships, as well as the exclusive Currensea black card. 

Currensea has no additional weekend charges, or fair usage limits on any plan.

So how does Currensea compare to Post Office TMC?

In real terms what is cheaper (and when)?

When comparing Post Office and Currensea, Currensea will always be the cheaper option when spending abroad. This is due to the hidden FX charge when pre-loading and exchanging to your desired currency on a Post Office travel money card. 

More often than not, The Post Office travel money card also works out more expensive than your high-street bank, so it’s definitely important to check the exchange rate before ordering your card. 

Here are the total charges when you spend $5,000 dollars ($500 of that in cash). 

View our comparison table to find out more including how we calculated the above charges.

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Here Are the Four Best Travel Money Cards in 2024

François Briod

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

Jarrod Suda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Travel Cards (And More!) at a Glance

Best travel money cards.

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

Revolut: Best All-Rounder

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

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

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

Here's an overview of Revolut's plans:

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

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

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

N26: Good Bank For EU Travellers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wise: Best For Multi-Currency Balances

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

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

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

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

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

Chase: Great UK Bank For Travel

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

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

Chime: Great Account For US Travelers

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

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

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

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

Best Travel Money Cards in 2024 Compared by Country

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

Last updated: 8 January 2024

What's The Best Prepaid Card to Use Abroad?

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

What is a Multi-Currency Card?

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

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

Wise Account

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

Read our full review for more details.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Travel Money Tips

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

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

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

Best Travel Money Card Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tip 2: Always Choose To Pay In the Local Currency

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

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

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

What is a Dynamic Currency Conversion?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Need Foreign Cash Anyway?

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

1. Withraw at an ATM

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

2. Buy Banknotes (at a Reasonable Rate!)

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

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

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

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

FAQ About the Best Travel Money Cards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why You Can Trust Monito

Our recommendations are built on rock-solid experience.

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

Other Monito Guides and Reviews on Top Multi Currency Cards

Why Trust Monito?

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

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

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

Our recommendations are always unbiased and independent.

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The 6 Best Travel Money Cards for Travelling Overseas 2024

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

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

Wise - our pick for travel debit card when travelling overseas

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

Hold and exchange 40+ currencies

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

Mid market exchange rate on all currency conversion

Some fee free ATM withdrawals every month

No ongoing fees and no interest to pay

7 GBP delivery fee

No option to earn points or rewards

Click here to read a full Wise review

What is a travel money card?

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

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

What are different types of travel cards?

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

Travel debit cards

Travel prepaid cards

Travel credit cards

Quick summary: Best travel cards for travelling overseas

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel money cards for travelling overseas compared

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

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

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

Travel Debit Cards for travelling overseas

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

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

Travel debit card option 1: Wise

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

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

7 GBP one time fee to get your Wise card

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

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

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

Travel debit card option 2: Revolut

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

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

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

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

Hold around 25 currencies

Pros and cons of using debit travel cards when travelling overseas

How much does a travel debit card cost.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ATM withdrawals

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

Prepaid Travel Cards for travelling overseas

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

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

Prepaid travel card option 1: Post Office Travel Money Card

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

22 currencies are supported for holding and exchange

No fee to spend a currency you hold on your card

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

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

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

Prepaid travel card option 2: Monese Travel Money Card

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

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

Accounts offered in GBP, EUR and RON

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

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

Virtual cards available

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards when travelling overseas

How much does a prepaid card cost.

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

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

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

Prepaid travel card spending limit

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

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

Travel Credit Cards for travelling overseas

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

Travel credit card option 1: Barclaycard Rewards Visa 

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

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

Currency exchange uses the network rate and no foreign transaction fee

No ATM withdrawal fee - but interest can still apply

28.9% representative APR, with penalty fees for late payments

Secure spending with extra protection on some purchases

Travel credit card option 2: Halifax Clarity Mastercard

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

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

Interest applies instantly when making cash withdrawals

Same interest rate applies on all purchase categories

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

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

Pros and cons of using credit cards when travelling overseas

How much does a travel credit card cost.

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

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

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

Travel credit card spending limit

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

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

How much money do I need when travelling overseas?

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

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

Travel or medical insurance

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

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

Local SIM or roaming data

Accommodation, plus any local tourist taxes

Food and drinks while you’re away

Activities and entry costs to tourist sites

Travel within the country - taxis or bus rides for example

Kennels or any other requirements to look after pets back home

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

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

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

FAQ - Best travel cards for travelling overseas

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

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

Can I use a debit card when travelling overseas?

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

Are prepaid cards safe?

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

What is the best way to pay when travelling overseas?

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

Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard®

A prepaid travel card with 11 currencies to load from, giving you confidence when spending overseas.

• About Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard
• Fees & limits
• Get started
• Support & FAQs

The ideal prepaid card for overseas travel

Travel smarter with our Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard, a reloadable, multi-currency prepaid card that’s accepted wherever Mastercard is, worldwide 1 . Easily swipe or tap in-store, use online and withdraw money from ATMs 2 .

You could win up to $5000*.

Load between $500 and $5,000 AUD of foreign currency in a single transaction before 31 May 2024 for a chance to win back the value of what you load, up to $5,000! T&Cs apply .

Load up to 11 currencies. Easily switch between USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, THB, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD, AED and AUD on your travels.

Lock in your exchange rates. Know exactly how much you have to spend online or in-store with locked-in exchange rates 3 .

Travel safely. With no link to your bank account and Mastercard’s Zero Liability 4  protection against fraud and other unauthorised transactions. 

Total control.  Manage and load your prepaid travel money card on the go via    ‘ My Account ’ or the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard app. 

24/7 global assistance. Card lost or stolen? Call for a replacement anytime. You may also be eligible for emergency funds assistance 5 .

Managing your travel money just got easier

Our Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard app makes managing your travel money faster and easier. Check your balance, reload in-app, track your spending and switch between currencies.

Mastercard Prepaid Management Services Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 145 452 044, AFSL 386837) arranges for the issue of the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard in conjunction with the issuer, EML Payment Solutions Limited ('EML') ABN 30 131 436 532 , AFSL 404131. Australian Postal Corporation (ABN 28 864 970 579, AR No. 338646), the card distributor, acts as an Authorised Representative of Australia Post Services Pty Ltd (ABN 67 002 599 340, AFSL 457551). You should consider the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard Product Disclosure Statement (PDF 248kB)  and Financial Services Guide (PDF 72kB)  before deciding to acquire the product. Any advice does not take into account your personal needs, financial circumstances or objectives and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Mastercard® is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

View the Target Market Determination (PDF 88kB)  for this product.

If you click on links to Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard you will be leaving the Australia Post site and be directed to a third-party site to place your order and complete your purchase. Please see the terms and conditions of the third-party site for further details.

1 The ATMs and POS terminals are not owned or operated by Australia Post, the Issuer or Mastercard Prepaid Management Services and Australia Post, the Issuer and Mastercard Prepaid Management Services are not responsible for ensuring that they will accept the Card

2 Some ATM operators may charge their own fees and set their own limits.

3 Lock in your exchange rates means the exchange rate is locked in for the initial load only. The exchange rates for subsequent reloads will be set at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the transaction.

4 Further information relating to Zero Liability card protection can be found at the Mastercard website .

5 T&Cs apply. Customers must contact Customer Service to report lost or stolen cards. Emergency cash can be arranged up to the balance of your Australia Post Everyday Mastercard, subject to availability of funds at the approved agent location.

*  Subject to promotion T&Cs (PDF 158kB) and Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard terms. Open to new and existing Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard cardholders who load a minimum of A$500 equivalent in foreign currency in a single transaction between 1 May 2024 and 31 May 2024. Authorised under ACT Permit No. TP 24/00781, NSW Authority No. TP/02973 and SA Permit No. T24/582.

For a full list of Fees & Limits, refer to the Product Disclosure Statement (PDF 258kB) .

Mastercard Prepaid Management Services Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 145 452 044, AFSL 386837) arranges for the issue of the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard in conjunction with the issuer, EML Payment Solutions Limited ('EML') ABN 30 131 436 532 , AFSL 404131. Australian Postal Corporation (ABN 28 864 970 579, AR No. 338646), the card distributor, acts as an Authorised Representative of Australia Post Services Pty Ltd (ABN 67 002 599 340, AFSL 457551). You should consider the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard Product Disclosure Statement (PDF 248kB)  and Financial Services Guide (PDF 72kB)  before deciding to acquire the product. Any advice does not take into account your personal needs, financial circumstances or objectives and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Mastercard® is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Travel smarter with our prepaid travel money card

Buy your Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard® at a participating  Post Office  or online .

Register / Activate

Register  your prepaid travel money card online.

If you purchased your card online, you’ll need to activate it.

Load your card anytime online through ' My Account ', the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard® app or at any participating Post Office .

Use your card wherever Mastercard is accepted 1 .

1 The ATMs and POS terminals are not owned or operated by Australia Post, the Issuer or Mastercard Prepaid Management Services and Australia Post, the Issuer and Mastercard Prepaid Management Services are not responsible for ensuring that they will accept the Card.

More information

• Product Disclosure Statement (PDF 339kB)
• Financial Services Guide (PDF 72kB)
• Target Market Determination (PDF 88kB)

Can't find an answer below? Call Card Services on 1800 549 718  within Australia or +44 207 649 9404  internationally for help 24/7.

If you have a transaction on your card that doesn't seem right, download the  disputed transaction form .

Frequently asked questions

Australia Post acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we operate, live and gather as ​a team. We recognise their continuing connection ​to land, water and community. We pay respect to Elders ​past, present and emerging.

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Manage and top up your Travel Money Card account online. Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or get in touch with our travel team if you still need to.

New-look travel app out now

Our revamped travel app’s out now. It makes buying, topping up and managing Travel Money Cards with up to 22 currencies a breeze. Buying and accessing Travel Insurance on the move effortless. And it puts holiday extras like airport hotels, lounge access and more at your fingertips. All with an improved user experience. Find out what’s changed .

Common Travel Money Card questions

• Before you go
• Currency questions
• While you’re away
• Lost cards and leftover funds

Do I have to pass a credit check to purchase a Travel Money Card?

No. We’ll carry out an electronic address verification check based on the information you provide. This will be stored but will not affect any credit rating.

How long will my card take to arrive?

If you order your card online it will be delivered to your home address in two to three working days. If you require a card in a shorter time please check with your local Post Office branch. Exchange rates vary between online and branch.

What do I need to do before I travel?

Before leaving the UK, make sure you have activated your Travel Money Card. Activation can be done through the free Post Office Travel app – download now from the Apple App Store or Google Play . The app allows you to top up, track spend, view balances and freeze spend.

Activation can also be done by calling our automated line on +44(0) 20 7937 0280. Full details can be found on the letter that comes attached to you your card.

How do I get my PIN / Change my PIN?

To get your PIN, download the free Post Office Travel app from the App Store or Google Play , create an account and you can check your PIN wherever you are in the world.

Alternatively, you can call our automated line on +44 (0)20 7937 0280 and select Option 1. Your change of PIN can only be done at UK ATM’s that accept Mastercard and offer the PIN change facility.

Which currencies can I load on my card?

You can load any of the following currencies on to your card. The card can hold up to 22 currencies at once, but they can only be loaded one at a time:

Euro, US dollars, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, New Zealand dollars, Thai baht, UAE dirham, Turkish lira, South African rand, Swiss francs, Polish zloty, pounds Sterling, Chinese yuan, Czech koruna, Danish kroner, Hong Kong dollar, Hungarian forint, Japanese yen, Norwegian krone, Saudi riyal, Singapore dollar or Swedish krona.

Which currency should I load?

We recommend that you load the currency of the country that you’re travelling to. If we don’t offer that currency we recommend that you load pounds Sterling on to your card.

Should I pay in Sterling if given the choice while abroad?

We recommend that you always pay in the local currency and not Sterling. This will prevent high fees and very poor exchange rates being applied at an ATM or retailer. This is known as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) . We include information about DCC in every card pack.

Using your card abroad

Where can i use my card.

Your card can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted.

Is there anywhere that my card won’t work?

We have to authorise your card immediately which means a small number of locations may not be able to take your card. This includes unmanned petrol pumps, toll booths and on board cruise ships or aeroplanes.

Anywhere I shouldn’t use my card?

We recommend that your card is not used to pay deposits on car hire or used when checking in to hotels that require a deposit. Both of these could lead to funds being held by the retailer, which would prevent you from using them.

Can I withdraw money from ATMs?

Yes you can. You can use any ATM that’s accepts Mastercard. Fees will apply for every cash withdrawal. These fees are detailed online or on your welcome letter. Please be aware that some ATMs may also charge you and this should always be displayed on the ATM screen. We always recommend that you withdraw cash in local currency and don’t choose to pay in Sterling or accept their currency conversion.

Topping up and managing currencies

How can i top up my card with more money.

The easiest way is via our mobile app, which is available to download from the App Store or on Google Play .

You can also top up via our website if you’ve created an account. And you can ask friends or family to top up on your behalf in any UK Post Office branch, too. All they need is your card number.

Can I top up with a different currency to the one I loaded in the first place?

Yes, you can. Our multi-currency card allows you to load any of the 22 currencies we offer.

Do I have to move money from one currency to another?

No, you don’t have to move money. If you have money in one currency and spend in a different currency we’ll automatically move this for you to authorise a transaction. Alternatively, you can move the funds using the "Transfer" icon on the free Post Office Travel app ( App Store , Google Play ) or "Transfer to another wallet" icon if managing your account online .

How can I track my balance?

The easiest way is to use our mobile app. This shows clearly what your remaining balance is in each currency. We do not recommend the use of ATMs to check your balance as they will provide a GBP figure using a different exchange rate. Remember, your balance is held in each currency so is not affected by exchange rates unless you change it to other currencies.

Download the Post Office Travel app from the Apple App Store or Google Play .

What do I do if my card is lost or stolen?

You need to call us immediately on +44 (0) 20 7937 0280. We’re here 24 hours a day.  

We’ll cancel your card and work out the best way to replace it. A fee may be charged if we need to courier a replacement card overseas.

If you think you have misplaced your card and want peace of mind, you can freeze spend on your card using the Post Office Travel app, available on the App Store and Google Play . You can unfreeze just as easily if you find your card again.

I have money left on my card. What do I do?

You have 4 options available to you:

• Leave the money on your card for your next holiday
• Visit any Post Office branch and withdraw the balance over the counter in Sterling. There is a daily withdrawal limit of £300 per day
• Spend your money in the UK as normal. We will move the money to Sterling every time you pay for something. Anything you don’t spend stays in the currency you have on the card. No fees apply, we just use the day’s exchange rate
• Call us to ask for a refund. Please note that you will get a better exchange rate by spending on your card or withdrawing cash from a Post Office branch
• Other sections:

Manage your card with our app

Order, top up and view the balance of your Travel Money Card, and transfer leftover currency funds to a new currency of your choice.

Post Office Travel app

Download our free app for your mobile device:

Lost or stolen cards

If your card’s been lost or stolen, we’re here to help. Lines open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Call us 24/7

Please call our Travel Money card team immediately on: 0207 937 0280

We’ll cancel your card and work out the best way to replace it.

Contact us about using your card

Need help managing your Travel Money Card and transactions and can't find the answer you need in our FAQs above or self-service tools? Our team's here for you.

Transactions and managing your card

For enquiries about transactions or managing your card online or via the app, call: 0207 937 0280

Manage your card online

Log into your online account top up your Travel Money Card, view your transactions and more all in one place.

Top up with currencies, check recent transactions, freeze your card and more online.

Contact Post Office about in-branch services

If you have a question, feedback or a complaint about services provided in Post Office branches, including getting a Travel Money Card there, here's how to get in touch with us.

Send us a message

Please complete our enquiries form to tell us what you’d like to know or share feedback on your experience.

Make a complaint

If you’re not happy with your Post Office experience, please let us know and we’ll do our best to put things right.

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The 6 Best Prepaid Travel Cards for Australians 2024

Here is a list of the 6 best prepaid cards you can take with you on your travels and the positives and negatives for each one:

• Wise - our pick for prepaid cards

Revolut - low fees

• Citibank - good for use at home
• Travelex - no fees for ATM withdrawals
• Australia Post - lock in exchange rates

HSBC - no international transaction fees

Prepaid travel money cards let you load money - either in AUD or the foreign currency you need - in advance, which you can then use as you travel , for spending and withdrawals. Lots of cards let you top up and manage your account through an app, which means you can always keep up with your money, even when you’re away from home.

Picking the right prepaid card can mean you get more convenient ways to spend and withdraw when you’re abroad - and lower overall costs, too. Let’s look at some of the best prepaid travel cards  for Australians , so you can pick your perfect match:

Wise - our pick for prepaid travel card

• Top up for free in AUD using PayID or bank transfer
• No annual fee, hidden transaction fees or exchange rate markups
• No minimum balance requirements
• Allows you to make payments and withdrawals wherever you are in the world in over 40 currencies
• Local bank account details in Australia (AUD), the UK (GBP), the USA (USD), Europe (EUR), Canada (CAD) and New Zealand (NZD)
• Available in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, Singapore, Japan and New Zealand

Find out more about the Wise card .

With this card:

• It's very easy to set up and order
• Available as a  virtual card
• You can receive foreign currency into a multi-currency account linked to the card
• Pay with your Wise card in most places overseas where debit cards are accepted
• You can transfer money to a bank account overseas

It's not all good news though

• There is a 2% ATM withdrawal fee when you withdraw over $350 during a month
• It takes 7-14 days for delivery

Go to Wise or read our review .

• No hidden fees or exchange rate mark-ups (except on weekends)
• Very easy to use app
• Free to set up account and top up
• You can use it to transfer money to a bank account overseas

Read the full review

• No purchase fee, load fee, reload fee, exchange rate margin or minimum balance requirements
• Unlike other Travel Cards, its free and easy to use the balance of your currency or convert it back to AUD
• The exchange rates are unbeatable. They use the same rate you see on XE or Google with no hidden mark-up
• For the free Standard account, there is a 2% ATM withdrawal fee when you withdraw over $350 during a month
• The premium account costs $10.99 a month, which can really add up if you are not using it often
• Additional fees for using the card on a weekend
• 2% ATM fee once you withdraw more than $350 in any 30 day period
• 3-4 business days before you receive your card

Click here to see the full list of cards and how Revolut compares

Australia Post Prepaid Travel card - lock in exchange rates

• Load up to 11 different major world currencies
• Spend and withdraw easily around the world
• Get access to extras like free wifi when you travel
• Manage your card in online and via an app
• Transfer instantly to another Travel Platinum Mastercard

• Load up to 11 different currencies for easy spending and withdrawals
• Lock in exchange rates so you know what your travel money budget is in advance
• Get extra perks like free wifi when you load 100 AUD or more
• Get fraud protections from Mastercard
• 3.5 AUD international ATM fee, or 2.95% domestic ATM fee
• Exchange rates to add money in a foreign currency or spend a currency you don’t hold are likely to include a markup
• Some fees apply depending on how you top up your account

Travelex - no fees for international ATM withdrawals

• Load up to 10 major currencies at a time
• Spend and withdraw anywhere Mastercard is accepted
• Contactless payments so you can just tap and go
• No Travelex fees for international ATM withdrawals
• Free to spend currencies you hold in your account
• Order online and have it delivered to your home - or collect in store

• Top up and hold up to 10 currencies at a time
• View and manage your account online
• Spend online and in person, and make withdrawals as you travel
• No membership or account fees to pay
• Get exclusive Mastercard discounts and perks
• Inactivity fees apply if you don’t use the card for a year
• Not all major currencies are supported for holding - double check they have the currency or currencies you need

Go to Travelex or read our review .

Citibank Saver Plus - best for use at home

• No international ATM or transaction fees
• Fee-free international money transfers to any account worldwide
• SMS notifications through Citi Alert

With this card you can:

• withdraw money for free at over 3000 ATMs Australia-wide and overseas
• take advantage of no foreign transaction fees, monthly fees, or minimum opening balance
• transfer money to friends and family anywhere in the world for free
• Cash deposits available within 24-48 hours
• Can’t have two cards active at the same time
• $5 account closure
• Hold and exchange 10 currencies: AUD, USD, GBP, EUR, HKD, CAD, JPY, NZD, SGD, and CNY 
• No account opening or annual fees to pay
• No foreign transaction fee and no HSBC ATM fee at home or abroad
• Some cashback earning opportunity on local spending 
• Easy online overseas transfers - 8 AUD fee and exchange rate markups apply

• Hold and exchange 10 currencies
• No account opening fee, no ongoing fees 
• Get up to 2% cashback on eligible card spend
• No HSBC ATM fee
• No international transaction fee
• 8 AUD fee for sending money overseas
• Cashback on low value transactions made in Australia only
• Limits apply on how you can use CNY within your account

Read our HSBC Everyday Global Account review .

What are Prepaid Travel Cards?

Prepaid travel cards are a good international card alternatives to carrying cash. They look like credit or debit cards, but they function differently.

You're able to load the card with a set amount of money in the currency you need and can use it to make purchases online, in stores and to withdraw money at ATMs.

Most travel cards allow for multiple currencies to be loaded onto the card. So it's important to know what currency you'll be using on your travels. Airlines also offer prepaid cards so the money you spend can earn you reward points.

Find out how our 5 best prepaid travel cards for Australians compare in our best and worst travel cards article .

Looking for something different?

Read our guides on:

• The best travel debit cards
• The best travel cards for Europe
• The Wise debit card review
• Best virtual debit cards for Aussies

How does a prepaid travel card work?

Order a prepaid travel card online, through a provider app , or - in some cases - pick one up at a physical location or store. Generally to get your card you’ll need to show or upload some ID documents for verification - this is to keep your account safe and is a legal requirement.

Once you have your card account open , you can load funds . Different cards have their own supported methods for topping up, which usually include bank transfer, PayID, credit and debit card, and which may also allow you to deposit cash in some cases. Once you have funds on your card, you can switch to the currency you need for overseas spending. In some cases you can also leave your funds in AUD and just allow the card to convert for you - but do check that no additional fees will apply in this case.

Prepaid travel cards can then be used to tap and pay , make withdrawals and shop online . You can often also add them to mobile wallets like Apple Pay for convenient spending. Because your card isn’t attached to your everyday account it’s secure, and you can only spend the funds you’ve loaded, which means there’s no chance of accidentally blowing your budget.

Advantages and disadvantages of prepaid cards

Prepaid cards can be a handy addition when you’re abroad, as they are secure and convenient to use for payments and withdrawals. However, they’re not the only option. If you’re not sure about whether a prepaid card is right for you, check out these advantages and disadvantages to help you decide:

Advantages:

• More convenient than carrying cash, with easy access to ATMs to withdraw when you need to
• Not linked to your primary day to day account, which can be more secure and make budgeting easier
• Some accounts let you buy currency in advance to lock in exchange rates when they’re good
• You may be able to access better exchange rates and lower fees compared to using a regular bank card

Disadvantages:

• Some prepaid cards have fairly high fees - including charges when you add money to the account. Read more on how to find the best travel cards with no foreign transaction fees
• Not all prepaid cards support a broad range of currencies - check the currencies you need are covered
• Prepaid cards aren’t always accepted for things like paying security deposits - so it’s safest to have a credit card as well

Who is a prepaid debit card for?

A prepaid debit card is handy for many different customer needs. For example, you may choose a prepaid debit card in the following situations:

• You’re planning travel and want to set your budget in advance with no chance of accidentally overspending
• You want to be able to hold and exchange a selection of foreign currencies all in the same account
• You want to increase security by using a payment card that’s not linked to your main everyday account when you travel
• Some cards also offer other perks like ways to receive foreign currency payments conveniently, or cashback 

How can I get a prepaid travel card?

Different prepaid cards have their own order and activation processes. However, to comply with local and international law, providers will usually need to see some ID before you’re able to get a card - this verification step may be available online by uploading images of your paperwork, or in person by visiting a branch. 

Here’s an outline of the basic steps you’ll take to get a prepaid travel card:

• Pick the right card for your needs
• Visit the provider’s website or app - or call into a branch if you’d prefer a face to face service
• Complete a travel card order from, which will include your personal information
• Get verified - usually this involves showing or uploading ID like a passport or driving licence
• Add money to your card, which could be in cash, with a bank card, or by bank transfer
• You can now get your card, and manage your account online or in the app

If you’re ordering a card in person you’ll be able to start using it right away. If you’ve ordered online for delivery, you’ll need to wait a few days, to a couple of weeks, depending on the provider you’ve picked, for your card to be available. You might be able to access virtual card details in the meantime, to start spending right away.

How to choose a prepaid debit card

There are many different prepaid debit cards on the Australian market - so picking the best one for you will require a bit of research. Starting with this guide, compare a few different prepaid debit cards based on features and fees. Here are a few pointers to think about:

• Make sure you know about any opening or card delivery fee which will apply once you order your card
• Check how long it’ll take to get your card if you’re ordering online for home delivery
• Make sure the card you pick can hold a broad selection of currencies, so you can use it for more than one trip away
• Check the fees for adding funds, making ATM withdrawals and converting currencies
• Look to see if there are any account close, cash out or dormancy fees that apply once you stop using the card
• Make sure the card is well rated by other users, and from a trustworthy provider

Where can I get a prepaid debit card?

Generally you can order your prepaid debit card online or by downloading your preferred provider’s app. Some cards, like the Auspost card, can also be collected in physical branch locations.

FAQ - 6 Best Prepaid Travel Cards

Are prepaid cards free.

Prepaid cards may be free to order, or you may pay a small one time fee, depending on the provider and card you pick. Once you have your card you may also pay transaction fees such as exchange rate markups when you switch currencies, and ATM withdrawal charges. Read the card’s terms and conditions carefully so you’re aware of the costs involved.

What are the best prepaid debit cards for international travel?

There’s no single best prepaid debit card - it’ll come down to your personal preferences, where you’re travelling, and the type of transaction you need to make. Pick a prepaid card which is easy to use, which supports the currency you need, and which offers a good balance of low fees and good exchange rates.

What is the best reloadable prepaid card?

There’s no single best reloadable prepaid debit card. Use this guide to compare a few options to pick the one that’s right for you, thinking about features, fees and the range of supported currencies you’ll need.

Should I use a Mastercard or Visa for overseas?

Both Visa and Mastercard are very broadly accepted globally. It’s often a good idea to have a prepaid, debit or credit card on each of these networks, so you’ll always have a backup if for some reason one network isn’t available wherever in the world you are.

Are prepaid currency cards worth it?

Picking the right prepaid currency card can help you save money on currency exchange and access low fee international transaction services. You might also get extra perks like easy ways to lock in exchange rates in advance, so you can get a good deal and fix your travel budget before you go away.

Your currency knowledge centre

5 Best Debit Cards for Australians Travelling Overseas

Travel debit cards are a good alternative to carrying cash. They also offer the convenience of a credit card, but work differently. Here is a list of the 5 best travel debit cards you can take with you on your travels and the positives and negatives for each one.

• Read more ⟶

Wise Debit Card Review

The Wise Debit card give customers an easy way to spend their balances in multiple countries. With interbank rates and low fees, this product is available in Australia for both personal and business customers.

8 Travel Traps to Avoid If You're Heading to Europe

To help you avoid spending money unnecessarily, here are some pretty important travel money traps you want to avoid if you travel to Europe.

What is a Prepaid Debit Card?

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

• Criteria for Selection

How to Choose the Right Prepaid Debit Card

• Why You Should Trust Us

Best Prepaid Debit Cards of 2024

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

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

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

no monthly service fee

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

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

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

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

Best Prepaid Debit Cards

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

No monthly service fees

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

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

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

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

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

Compare Today's Banking Offers

Best Prepaid Debit Cards FAQs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bluebird by American Express Prepaid Debit Card

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

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

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

American Express® Serve® Free Reloads Prepaid Debit Card

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

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

Famzoo Prepaid Debit Card

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Control Overspending

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

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

No Credit Check Required

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

Easy Reloading Options

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

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

Criteria for Selecting Prepaid Debit Cards

Fee structure and transparency.

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

Ease of Use and Accessibility

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

Additional Benefits and Rewards

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

Matching the Card to Your Spending Habits

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

Considering Reload Methods and Convenience

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

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

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

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

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

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

What should I look for in a prepaid debit card? 

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

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

Sophia Acevedo, banking editor, Business Insider :

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

Is a kids' debit card worth it? 

Mykail James, MBA, CFEI:

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

Sophia Acevedo, CEPF:

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

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

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

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

Methodology: How We Chose the Best Prepaid Debit Cards

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

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

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

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

**Enrollment required.

• Main content

REVIEW: Starling Bank – The Best Travel Card For Brits?

Looking for the best UK travel card? Starling Bank offers a great way to bank on a day to day basis but it’s an incredible card for travelling too!

UK based and looking for the best travel card for your next adventure?

Managing money whilst travelling – especially long term travel – can be a bit of a nightmare and even small fees can quickly eat into your hard earned savings.

After 10 years on the road I’ve finally found an awesome solution – in the form of Starling Bank.

Although not marketed as a travel card, it has everything you need to manage your money on the road without hidden fees, rubbish exchange rates or bad customer service.

After testing it out everywhere from Bali and Australia to Mozambique here’s my experience with Starling Bank and why it’s an epic travel card for Brits…

5 Minute Setup

Getting setup with a Starling account is ridiculously quick and easy – as their whole system is app only.

And because of this getting yourself setup is quick, easy and convenient.

In fact the whole process will only take about 5 minutes to complete (as long as you have a couple of documents/ID to hand) so you’ve really got nothing to loose by getting an account setup.

I know what you’re probably thinking though – is it safe?

Well you’ll be happy to discover that Starling Bank is all fully regulated in the UK and is protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) so your deposits are protected up to £85,000 – which is the same as most ‘traditional’ UK banks. Happy days!

They’ve also recently won the title of “Best British Current Account” in 2019 too.

Easy and Informative App

By far the best thing about Starling v other banking apps I’ve used (here’s looking at you HSBC, probably the worst UI I’ve seen in a looooong time!) is the ease of using the app and how simple it makes managing your finances – both home and abroad.

A quick swipe up then shows you a scrolling screen of all your recent transactions – including amount and who it was with – again another great way to be able to track your money.

The real tracking though comes when you hit “spending” which then gives you a monthly overview of where your spending all your cash – with a screen for both individual companies and also categories. So now you can quickly see how those after work pints mount up and how much money you’re wasting on those Starbucks coffees!

Hitting “Card” will take you to your account information, allowing you to manage your spending limits as well as a whole heap of security measures to keep your money safe too – such as temporarily locking your card if you loose/misplace it, ordering a replacement or simply getting a reminder for your PIN.

You can also access your card details here, so if you’re making a payment online you dont need to go and find your wallet to enter everything in!

Saving With Spaces

Another awesome feature of the Starling app for both day to day users and as a travel card is “Spaces” – which effectively create mini savings pots within your same account .

You can setup as many of these as you wish (they take literally a minute to create) and easily move money in or out as needed.

Create targets and labels to manage what you’re saving for an they’ll also give you a percentage breakdown of how close to your target amount you are.

So if you want to start putting money aside for your flights, a surf camp , travel insurance or anything you can think of you can keep them safe from your day to day spending, but also quickly access them if needed.

Alongside this is the “Round Up” saving option too – which allows you to round up you daily spending to the nearest £1 – putting this loose change into a savings pot automatically. You can even increase the amount put into the pot by x 2, x5 or even x 10 if you want to utilise it even more.

I’ve had it set to x 2 for a while now and it’s amazing to see how quickly it can add up!

Travel Card Features – Using It Abroad

Ok so we’ve run through some of the main reason I love banking with Starling from a day to day side of things – but how about what makes it an epic travel card?

• No fees abroad when using chip and pin or tap to pay
• No ATM withdrawal fees
• Awesome (and transparent) exchange rates
• Push notifications to your phone (making it easy to spot fraudulent transactions)
• Ability to lock and unlock your card instantly

Obviously the lack of fees are the key feature here and in comparison to other travel cards available in the UK this is where you’ll save heaps of money – especially on a longer term trip.

I did originally use the STA Cashcard for years and although it was reliable and did the job I dread to think how much I lost on ATM withdrawal fees, loading fees and the exchange rate it used.

Starling strips these out and it’s super easy to see how much you’ve spent on a transaction in both £GBP and local currency.

It’s also super easy and most importantly pretty must instant to transfer money between Starling account users – so if you’re travelling with friends or a partner also banking with Starling you can quickly pay them back or be paid back if you’re splitting bills or anything.

If you are travelling with a partner its also worth looking into setting up a joint account too (it only takes a few minutes if you’re both already with Starling) to cover shared expenses on the road like accommodation, flights or meals.

Unlike some travel cards Starling works across all currencies too – and I’ve used it for the last 2 years on the road, including trips to places like Thailand, Bali , Australia and New Zealand as well as more off the beaten track destinations like Mozambique and the Solomon Islands .

So it’s safe to say I’ve put it through its paces pretty well!

If you want to look into the travel sides of things in more detail check out this page of their website.

Customer Service – Right In The App

If you’re anything like me, getting a card blocked or having any issue with it whilst you’re travelling is one of those nightmare situations.

Legacy banks will have you on hold for hours and lets face it are pretty freaking useless.

Starling Bank have live chat customer service built right into the app, available 247 and they’re really on the ball with fixing anything that goes wrong. As you’re accessing it through the secure app there’s also no need to answer a million questions and security codes to remember before you can get help!

I’ve dipped into it a few times during the last few years and everything has been easily and quickly resolved.

Can You Get A Spare Card?

One of the very few annoyance I have with Starling Bank is the fact you can’t order 2 cards – which I think is an essential for any travel card, so you can keep one safe incase of loss/theft.

However I’ve found a cheeky way around it which I suggest you also do if you are intending on travelling with it!

Simply give their customer service a shout (easily done via live chat in the app) and tell them you’ve lost you need a replacement card. Now this wont block your original card (this is done via the app manually yourself) and you can simply just not activate the new one until you need it!

When you do activate the replacement you will loose access to the old card – so wait until you do.

If you do need a further card be aware they can only post to the UK at the moment – so if you’re elsewhere in the world you will be a bit up sh*t creek – so also keep another backup credit card to, something I’d advise anyway.

Starling v Monzo

When the the app only banks got started in the UK (and even now) the big question has been Starling or Monzo.

And to begin with things were pretty close (they still are if you’re only going looking into day to day banking) but Monzo – despite originally promoting itself as an awesome travel card – has now limited ATM withdrawals abroad to just £200 every 30 days .

For a short trip that might be fine but for those travelling more long term the 3% charge on anything above that means that Starlings no monthly limit makes it a much better travel card.

Admittedly there is a £300 daily ATM limitation and maximum of 6 ATM transactions per day. However this isn’t a huge deal, but do keep in mind.

Am I Being Paid To Say This?

So am I being paid to say this and promote Starling Bank?

Well simply put – NO!

I’m just a big fan of their product and it has been my primary travel card for the last 2 years – saving me heaps on fees and made managing my money on the road a breeze, I’m simply passing on some info which will hopefully make your life on the road easier too!

Are you from the UK?

What travel card have you been using any feedback, related posts.

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How credit cards can help you cope with travel troubles

“Revenge travel” has been a big theme the past couple of years as Americans have been raring to go here, there and everywhere after hunkering down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As a result, the Transportation Security Administration screened a record-high 858.5 million passengers in 2023.

But it hasn’t been a smooth ride for travelers. In fact, if you flew in 2022 or 2023, there was a one-in-five chance your flight was delayed, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.

Cancellations were an especially big problem in 2022, when the airline industry had a tough time ramping back up after the pandemic.

That year, 2.7% of flights were scrapped entirely, often due to staffing and/or equipment shortages.

Last year, however, the cancellation rate was a mere 1.3%. Higher prices – not cancellations or delays – were travelers’ biggest concern last summer and last holiday season, according to Bankrate research.

Still, there can be hidden costs associated with delays, cancellations and other travel snafus.

For instance, my family flew from New Jersey to California last month, and both of our flights were delayed about two hours.

With two young kids in tow, our nerves were strained more than our wallets, though we still ended up spending a bit extra on food (which isn’t cheap when even a basic airport sandwich seems to cost at least $15).

I’ve had a few other travel experiences in recent years which made me wish I had paid with a credit card with strong travel insurance benefits.

These perks wouldn’t have kicked in for my two-hour delay, but they definitely could have helped me out the time my flight from Chicago to New York was diverted to Virginia in the middle of the night and the airline basically just left us there.

Or the two times in 2022 when airlines canceled our flights the night before they were scheduled to leave (seemingly due to operational issues) and couldn’t rebook us for several days – or when I came down with COVID and had to cancel a trip last fall.

Travel insurance benefits

Not all travel insurance benefits cover the same situations, but here are a few of the most common credit card travel insurance policy perks:

• Trip delay reimbursement

• Trip cancellation or interruption insurance

• Baggage delay protection

• Lost or damaged baggage protection

• Medical evaluation

• Travel accident insurance

• Auto rental collision insurance

The Chase Sapphire PreferredⓇ Card is a great example.

For a fairly modest $95 annual fee, it offers a lot of travel insurance (among other perks).

In my estimation, its trip cancellation/interruption benefit (up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip) should have applied to both of my 2022 flight cancellations.

I ended up getting those refunded by the airlines and booked new flights on different carriers (since the original carriers couldn’t accommodate us until nearly a week later), but that cost extra.

If I had paid for my original airline tickets with this card, I believe that Chase would have reimbursed me for the difference between my canceled flights and my new bookings (although I would have had to request that refund through a claims administrator).

But there’s a chance my request would not have been approved, perhaps if the company argued I should have taken the airline up on its offer to fly a few days later, rather than rebooking myself more immediately at a higher cost on a different airline.

These programs aren’t always easy to navigate; a coworker needed to be very persistent and had to submit several rounds of documentation to win a reimbursement claim involving the Chase Sapphire Reserve and a trip disrupted by a hurricane.

I wish it were easier to use, but this coverage can still be very valuable.

For a heftier annual fee ($550), the Sapphire Reserve offers better trip delay insurance, triggering after six hours or an overnight delay, while the Sapphire Preferred triggers after 12 hours or an overnight delay.

Both the Sapphire Preferred and the Sapphire Reserve offer the same primary rental car insurance, trip delay insurance (up to $500 per ticket), delayed baggage insurance, emergency medical coverage and more.

Both cards would have been useful the time I got stranded in Virginia (I ended up renting a car and driving about five hours to get home; my company paid for that since it was a business trip, but if it had been a personal trip, I likely could have gotten a reimbursement from a travel card with good trip cancellation/interruption protections).

The Platinum Card from American Express and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card also made our list of the best credit cards for travel insurance.

It’s also worth asking what the airline, hotel or rental car agency can do for you if you need to cancel.

I lost out on a prepaid rental reservation in 2020 when I was afraid to travel in the early days of the pandemic.

But in 2023, when I had COVID and needed to cancel a hotel stay, the hotel generously refunded my supposedly non-refundable reservation. Perhaps it made a difference that I was actually sick that time instead of worried about potentially getting sick, but it never hurts to ask.

The bottom line

Many airlines and hotel chains have relaxed their change and cancellation policies in recent years.

So if you do encounter an unexpected issue, it’s a good rule of thumb to start with the travel supplier, and then pull in your credit card company as a backup.

For this reason, I think it only makes sense to pay for travel insurance if you have a particularly complicated or expensive itinerary (especially an international trip).

Often, that coverage is comparable to what you may already qualify for between your credit cards and the travel suppliers’ policies.

Paying with a credit card that has strong travel insurance benefits can provide additional assistance without adding to the cost.

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As we embark on a second "Great Electrification," in an effort to decarbonize our economy, it’s worth remembering the first one that occurred 80 years ago.