uk travel debit cards

The UK's best rated travel debit card

Currensea is the layer in front of your current bank account, saving you at least 85% on every transaction, giving you extra security and making your bank work that bit harder for you.

Our connected banks

We work with all the major uk high-street banks.

What our customers think

What is currensea.

Pay safer and faster with Apple Pay

See how much you can save

Save in 180 currencies vs high street banks, prepaid travel cards and travel debit cards.

Find out more

Super-Convenient

Currensea works with your current bank account to make your holiday money go further.

No new bank account needed

Forget having to set-up and manage multiple accounts

Better than a pre-paid travel card

Currensea connects to your bank account, removing the hassle of pre-loading another card

Use your card globally

Spend abroad in 180 currencies without the normal bank fees!

Advanced Security

Currensea is the layer over your bank account, giving you increased security when you spend abroad..

All purchases are protected by Mastercard Chargeback Protection

Authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority

Secured with the latest bank security and encryption technology

All purchases protected by Mastercard Chargeback Protection

Pricing plans

Our plans are simple and transparent. we give you the best live exchange rate so you can spend in confidence, without the hidden fees. .

Essential Card - Free

0.5% FX Rate

For all transactions & ATM

Fee free ATM abroad

£500pm, 2% FX rate over

Spend in 180 currencies

Get the best live exchange rates

Market beating Money Transfer 

Send £100 - £20,000 per transfer

Advanced security

Spend notifications, set spend limits & freeze/unfreeze card

Purchase protection

Mastercard 120-day chargeback protection

Spend in all 180 currencies

Get the best live interbank exchange rates

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer air miles

Convert savings into air miles

Free card delivery

Mastercard travel debit card

Premium - £25/year

£500pm, 1% FX rate over

Premium Benefits

Hertz 5* status, Preferred Hotels discounts, and much more...

Market beating Money Transfer

Purchase protection 

120-day Mastercard chargeback protection

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer air miles Convert savings into air miles

Free card delivery 

Premium offers 

Access our latest offers for Premium travel debit card users

Car hire benefits

Including Hertz Gold Plus Rewards with complimentary Five Star Status and a 20% worldwide discount with Avis

Preferred Hotels & Resorts 

Complimentary night's stay when booking a trip of 4 nights or more

• More about Premium

Elite - £120/year

Unbeatable 0% FX rate

£750pm, 1% FX rate over

Elite Benefits

Avis & Hertz president's club, concierge, hotel price guarantee, lounge access...

Elite offers 

Access our latest offers for Elite travel debit card users

Exclusive car hire benefits

Exclusive membership to Avis President's club and Hertz's President's Circle

Complimentary night's stay when booking a trip of 4 nights or more and other exclusive benefits with 'Elite I Prefer Member Status'

 World-class concierge by “Ten”

24/7 travel concierge giving you truly luxurious benefits

Worldwide airport lounge access

LoungeKey TM warmly welcomes you to access 1100+ airport lounges

Luxury hotels and resorts perks

Explore 3,000+ locations with extravagant benefits incl, complimentary breakfast, room upgrades and much more

• More about Elite

No hidden fees

Currensea has no weekend charges, no foreign currency purchase fee, no dormant card fees, and no non-sterling transaction fees.

How does Currensea make its money?

Currensea pricing plans

Our plans are simple and transparent. we give you the best live exchange rate so you can spend in confidence, without the hidden fees..

Saves 85 % on bank charges*

Across card spend & ATM withdrawals

2% FX rate over £500pm

Mastercard chargeback protection

Saves 100 % on bank charges*

1% FX rate over £500pm

£ 120 /year

1% FX rate over £750pm

Send £100 - £20,000 per transfer 

Mastercard World Elite travel debit card

Enjoy 4 nights for the price of 3 and other exclusive benefits with 'Elite I Prefer Member Status'

Explore 3,000+ locations with extravagant benefits incl complimentary breakfast, room upgrades and much more

*Terms and conditions apply

So, how does Currensea make its money?

How Currensea works

Giving back

We know our cards contain plastic, and we are working on different solutions to reduce this. In the meantime, we're focussed on reducing our impact and have committed to removing 2.5 times the plastic we produce every year from the world's oceans, by supporting Plastic Bank.

You may also want to offset part of your travel, so we've provided you the option to contribute a % of your savings to removing ocean plastic, and/or planting trees every time you spend.

Find out more about our commitment

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Travel Cards: What are the best options in the UK? 2024

If you’re expecting to spend overseas - on holiday, when shopping online with international retailers, or even because you’re relocating to sunnier climes - you’ll want to find the cheapest and most convenient way to manage your money.

One option is to pick an international debit card - but are they really worth it? This guide covers all you need to know about:

How international debit cards can help cut bank fees and get a better exchange rate

What advantages there are to having an international debit card compared to a regular bank card

How international debit cards work

Which are the best travel and international debit cards available in the UK

Let’s dive right in.

Our Top 4 Travel Debit Cards in the UK:

Wise Travel Card

Post Office Travel Card

ASDA Travel Card

Sainsbury's Travel Card

Travel debit cards: the best options in the UK

How do travel cards work.

Travel debit cards allow you to spend and make withdrawals in a foreign currency easily - and often, for a lower fee compared to using a regular bank debit or credit card.

That means you can use your travel debit card when you travel internationally, to pay for your accommodation, food, shopping - and whatever else you plan to do. You can use your card to make cash withdrawals overseas to make sure you always have a ready supply of foreign currency for when cards aren’t accepted. And finally, you can use your travel card when you shop online with international retailers, to cut the costs of foreign transaction fees.

Types of travel card

You’ll find that there are 3 main types of travel cards that traditional banks offer : prepaid cards, debit cards, and credit cards. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages - make sure you research carefully to find the cheapest option for your spending. Here’s a rundown of some common travel card options for UK customers.

1. Prepaid travel card

Prepaid travel cards - also often known as travel money cards - are offered by a wide range of providers. You’ll top up your card in pounds before you travel, and then you can use your card to spend or make withdrawals when you’re away. Some cards also allow you to add funds online, so you can top up your card after you leave too.

Different prepaid travel cards have their own fee structures, with some charging for top ups, or having ongoing maintenance fees. Check out all the details, including the exchange rates available before you pick one.

2. International card with traditional banks

Most UK based banks which offer a linked debit card will allow you to spend and make withdrawals around the world. However, it’s extremely common to find that there are some extra fees to spend in a foreign currency - often including an exchange rate markup or foreign transaction fee of around 3%.

In the UK you can find the occasional bank or building society which offers a linked debit card with no foreign transaction fee - like the Virgin Money M Plus account, or the Cumberland Building Society Plus Account. However, these specialist accounts do often have other restrictive terms such as minimum balance requirements, or high transaction fees for other services.

You can also choose to spend internationally with your bank issued credit card - but this does risk higher overall fees once you take into account credit costs and any cash advance fees you run into, on top of foreign transaction charges.

3. Travel card with neobanks

You’ll often find that a travel card from a modern online provider - often called a neobank - is the cheapest and most convenient option. Accounts are usually simple to set up, and it’s easy to order your card online or in the provider app. Once you’re up and running you’ll often find you get a better exchange rate than the rate offered by your normal bank - or even the mid-market exchange rate with no markup at all.

Because neobanks are often specialists which operate online and don’t have the same overheads as traditional banks, you can often net a better deal, including no minimum balance requirements, ongoing charges or maintenance costs.

Best travel debit cards: a comparison

Shopping around is the best way to get the right travel card for your needs. There are several travel card providers in the UK which can offer a better deal compared to traditional banks, including online specialist services like Wise. Here’s a more detailed look at some of our top picks.

The Wise card allows you to make payments in more than 200 countries and in more than 150 currencies. Your card is linked to a handy Wise multi-currency account, which lets you hold, convert, send and spend in dozens of currencies, and manage your money on the go from your smartphone.

Pros of the Wise card

No minimum balance or ongoing charges

Hold and exchange 50+ currencies in your Wise account

Auto convert feature will make sure you always get the best possible deal on currency conversion

Manage your card in the Wise app, to freeze and unfreeze the card and get instant transaction notifications

Physical and virtual cards available

Cons of the Wise card

5 GBP fee for your first card

ATM fees apply if you make frequent withdrawals

Spending limits apply

No option to top up account in cash

Post office travel card

Apply for a Post Office travel card online, or by visiting your local Post Office branch with a government issued ID document. You’ll be able to hold 23 currencies in your account, and it’s free to spend any supported currency. Contactless and mobile payments are supported - but there are some fees you’ll need to watch out for, including ATM withdrawal charges.

Pros of the Post Office travel money card

Apply online or in person

Hold and exchange 23 currencies

No fee to spend currencies you hold in the account

Cons of the Post Office travel money card

3% foreign transaction fee if you spend in an unsupported currency

Cash withdrawal fees apply which vary by currency

Monthly maintenance fees apply from 12 months after your card applies

Read our full Post Office travel card review .

ASDA Money Travel Card

You can order an ASDA Money Travel Card online or by visiting a store which has an ASDA Money bureau. Your travel card can hold 16 currencies, and it’s free to spend in any of these currencies, including making ATM withdrawals. It’s worth noting that topping up your account in pounds comes with a fee, and there’s a steep charge for spending in a currency not supported by the card, so you’ll want to double check the currencies you require are all covered.

Pros of the ASDA travel card

24/7 global assistance

Hold up to 16 currencies

Contactless payments supported

No fee for ATM withdrawals

Cons of the ASDA travel card

2% fee to top up in pounds

High fees of 5.75% if you spend in a currency not supported by the card

Inactivity fees of 2 GBP/month apply after 12 months

Sainsbury Bank travel money card

It’s free to get the Sainsbury’s travel card, and it’s free and easy to make contactless payments in any of the 10 supported foreign currencies. You can also make ATM withdrawals in supported currencies without being charged a fee by Sainsbury’s. There are a few costs to watch out for though, including a GBP reload fee, and a high foreign transaction fee if you’re spending in any currency other than the 10 supported currencies.

Pros of the Sainsbury Bank travel money card

Hold up to 10 foreign currencies

Free to spend any currency you hold

Card will deduct funds from the correct balance when you spend in a supported currency, to avoid unnecessary fees

Cons of the Sainsbury Bank travel money card

Inactivity fees of 2 GBP/month apply after 18 months

Advantages of the travel debit cards

Getting an international debit card can be a good alternative to using traditional bank cards to spend money abroad. Advantages include:

Top up your account or card in advance to set a travel budget

Know the exchange rates in advance so there are no surprises

No need to tell your bank you’re travelling

Manage your money online or in an app for convenience

Overall costs are often far lower compared to using a bank

Are there any limitations on travel debit cards?

Travel debit cards aren’t right for everyone - here are a few drawbacks to consider:

Spending currencies not supported by the card can incur fees

You can’t always use your travel card for car rental as it’s not likely to have a credit facility

Some transactions - like paying at the pump for petrol - may result in a hold on funds within your account

Adding funds to your account may not be instant

How does a travel card work?

A travel debit card works similarly to a normal bank debit card in some ways:

Pay with your card directly with merchants - often with contactless functionality

Withdraw cash when you need it from ATMs

Check your balance online, in an app, or via an ATM easily to keep an eye on your money

Funds are deducted from your balance so there’s no worry about running up credit charges

However, travel debit cards have a few distinct advantages compared to regular bank cards:

Cards can often be ordered easily online or by phone

Top up your account whenever you like, to create a separate travel budget

Convert your pounds to foreign currencies in advance so you know the exchange rate before you spend

You’ll often get a better exchange rate compared to a bank, with lower transaction fees

There’s no need to tell the card issuer that you plan to travel

How can I use a travel debit card abroad?

Once you have your travel debit card, you’ll be able to start spending. You’ll need to double check that the merchant or ATM accepts the card network your card uses - Visa and Mastercard are most common, and are widely accepted internationally. You’ll also need to read through the card terms and conditions to make sure you’re aware of any fees that the card issuer applies when you spend or make withdrawals

One other important point when using an international travel card is to watch out for dynamic currency conversion (DCC). That’s when you’re asked by a merchant, or at an ATM terminal, if you’d rather pay in pounds or the local currency wherever you are. If you choose to pay in pounds you’ll usually be hit by high fees and a poor exchange rate - well worth avoiding if you want to make the most of your travel money. Always choose to pay in the local currency to get the best possible deal when spending or withdrawing with your travel card.

How to request a travel debit card

If you’re looking for a specialist travel debit card which lets you spend conveniently while cutting your costs, you may find the best available deal from an online provider such as Wise or Revolut . Signing up for an account is pretty painless, and can be done entirely online or through an app - and you’ll usually find the fees are lower compared to a traditional bank, too.

To show how easy it is, let’s take a look at how to sign up for a Wise card - we’ll cover Wise and a few other top UK travel debit card options in more detail, later:

Download the Wise app or head to the Wise desktop site

Sign up for a Wise account with just an email address, Google, Facebook or Apple ID

Get verified by uploading a photo of your ID documents

Order your card online or in the Wise app for a one time 5 GBP fee

Your physical card will arrive within a few days - or you can access your card details in the Wise app right away for mobile payments

What are the transaction fees which apply to a travel card?

Travel debit cards can offer a better deal when you spend in foreign currencies - but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re entirely free. Here are a couple of the key costs to consider.

Exchange fee

Some travel debit cards will convert your money from pounds to the currency you need with an exchange rate that includes a fee. This may be described as a foreign transaction fee, or a currency conversion charge, for example. For traditional banks this can often be in the region of 3% of the transaction value, although modern online providers do often offer a better deal, and may even skip this fee entirely.

Withdrawal fee

If you plan on making cash withdrawals you’ll also need to check the costs applied by your own bank, and keep an eye on the ATM to make sure the ATM operator won’t also levy a fee. ATM withdrawal fees do vary pretty widely. Some banks offer low, or fee free withdrawals at selected ATMs, but out of network charges can be steep. Again, online travel debit cards may have a more flexible approach to withdrawal fees which can save you money.

Conclusion: is the travel debit card worth it?

Picking the right travel debit card can mean cutting the costs of spending in a foreign currency, with lower transaction fees and a better exchange rate. However, different travel debit cards have their own advantages and disadvantages, with varying fee structures and a range of supported currencies. Compare a few cards, including travel debit cards from online specialist providers like Wise , to find the right one for you.

An international debit card lets you spend and make cash withdrawals in a range of foreign currencies - often with lower fees than using your normal bank card.

Many online and specialist providers allow you to apply for a card easily through a desktop site, app or call centre.

Use your travel debit card just like you would your regular card, to spend and make cash withdrawals around the world.

Travel debit card fees do vary based on the provider, and can include a foreign transaction fee when spending in an unsupported currency, top up charges and inactivity fees. Compare a few providers to get the best available deal for your needs.

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The Ultimate Guide To The Best Debit Cards For Traveling

This page may contain affiliate links which means I get a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase with them. This helps keep the site running and the travel tips coming! For more info, check out my Privacy Policy & Disclosure .

Having the right debit card for traveling is extremely important as it can mean the difference between:

• A stressful experience because your card doesn’t work in your destination / you blew your budget because you didn’t account for hidden fees most banks charge you.
• Being able to pay for things easily both online as well as in person while also saving hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year on fees that you don’t need to pay.

The second option sounds much better, right?

Well the truth is that most banks will charge you fees for foreign transactions, foreign currency conversions, and foreign ATM withdrawals, and if you only travel once a year, the amount you lose on them might not be that much, but if you travel more often than that, you could be losing hundreds or even thousands of dollars a year on these fees!  

In addition, some banks still haven’t caught up to the 21st century and the debit cards that they give you might not even work in other countries because they lack basic functionalities such as a chip & 4-digit number PIN, contactless payments, and Visa or Mastercard integration.

However, there are banks out there that offer no-fee 21st century debit cards that are perfect for traveling.  When it comes to finding the right one for you, it depends on where you live.  

If your current bank offers a card that has all those functionalities and also none of the fees I mentioned earlier, then great!  But most standard banks won’t so you might have to look for a different one.

Luckily for you, I have put together a guide to the best debit cards and bank accounts you can get no matter where you live in the world!

Important information about debit cards:

• Try to limit the amount of payments you make with your debit card since it’s your money that is lost if something happens.  Use it to take out cash and use credit cards for payments if you can as they are safer since you aren’t technically paying with your own money when you use a credit card.
• If you do choose to make payments, always choose to pay in the local currency because the exchange rate offered by Visa & Mastercard will always be better than the one offered by foreign merchants.  The same goes for ATMs.  I go into more detail about this in my Guide to Getting Cash While Traveling .
• If your bank offers this feature, lock your card using the mobile app when you’re not using it to prevent fraud.
• Keep a backup debit card hidden in your luggage in case something happens to your main one and know what to do if your card is lost, stolen, or copied.  See #6 in my Guide to Money Management While Traveling for all the steps you should take.

Table of Contents

Best Travel Debit Card in the USA

Charles Schwab Bank

Charles Schwab Bank’s debit card is often recommended by travelers because of its lack of fees and the fact that any fees you have to pay when using any ATM in the world get refunded to you!  

This is a feature that not many banks offer so this is why they stand out above the rest.  If you’re a US resident, you definitely need to look into getting your hands on this bank account and debit card.

Note: if preventing fraud is a priority and you are looking for a card that has instant notifications for transactions + the ability to freeze & unfreeze your card instantly from the mobile app, check out N26 below .

• No monthly account fees
• No foreign transaction fees
• No foreign currency conversion fees
• No foreign ATM withdrawal fees
• ATM fees imposed by ATMs themselves worldwide get refunded to you by the bank (huge benefit)
• Visa debit card & a US Dollar checking account
• Can sign up online

Eligibility

• You need to be a US resident (with proof of residence) and have a US address (no P.O. boxes) to open an account.
• If you are outside the US when opening an account, you must do it using a VPN or else risk requiring a visit to a branch in person.
• You also have to open a brokerage account with them at the same time to use the checking account.  However, it’s free and you don’t even have to touch it if you don’t want to.

Best Travel Debit Card in Canada

While not technically a bank, what STACK offers is the best option for Canadian travelers since there is no Canadian bank that has a similar offering.  

Signing up with STACK gets you a free reloadable Canadian Dollar Mastercard that doesn’t have any foreign transaction, currency conversion, or ATM withdrawal fees.  You can also fund it quickly and easily with e-transfers. Think of it kinda like a prepaid debit card. 

• Sign up using this link and receive $5 for free! (You must click the link with a mobile device to get your $5).
• No foreign transaction fees (max 15 in-person transactions per day)
• No foreign ATM withdrawal fees (max 2 withdrawals per day, max $500 per withdrawal, max $2,000 a month)
• Instant push notifications for any transactions
• Instantly freeze and unfreeze your card anytime from the app
• Contactless Mastercard with a chip & PIN
• Digital wallet compatible
• Easily load the card instantly using e-transfers
• Discounts at certain Canadian retailers
• You need to have a Canadian address (no P.O. boxes) to open an account.  You might be able to use a friend’s address.
• It is not available in Quebec (yet). Use a friend’s address in another part of Canada until they offer it in Quebec

Best Travel Debit Card in the UK

Starling Bank

There are a few different options available in the UK, but the absolute best option is Starling Bank thanks to the fact that it doesn’t charge you any fees whatsoever for your travel needs.  

Other similar UK banks like Monzo and Monese have limits to the amount of ATM withdrawals you can make, charging you extra fees for going over those limits. This is why Starling Bank stands out as the best choice for UK residents.

• In addition to British Pounds, you can also hold Euros in your account and even make purchases in Euros using the same card 
• Contactless Mastercard debit card with a chip & PIN
• You need to have a UK address (no P.O. boxes) to open an account.  They may also ask for proof of address information so you might not be able to use a friend’s account.

Best Travel Debit Card in Australia

HSBC Everyday Global Account

There are a few decent banking options in Australia, but the HSBC Everyday Global Account takes the cake not only because there are no fees to use it, but also thanks to the fact that it lets you hold a total of 10 different currencies in your account!  

You can choose to pre-load your account with a certain currency before traveling or use your main currency and benefit from no foreign currency conversion fees.

• In addition to Australian Dollars, you can hold 9 other currencies in your account: US Dollars, British Pounds, Euros, Hong Kong Dollars, Canadian Dollars, Japanese Yen, New Zealand Dollars, Singapore Dollars, and Chinese Yuan
• Contactless Visa debit card with a chip & PIN
• You need to have an Australian phone number and address (no P.O. boxes) to open an account.  If you don’t live in Australia, you might be able to open an account by visiting the nearest HSBC bank to you or by simply using a friend’s phone number and address. 

Best Travel Debit Card in Europe

If you live in Europe (or even if you don’t, see below), you gotta go with N26 .  They don’t offer completely free accounts, but compared to all the others available, they are the best.

You are able to open a Euro account with N26 in any one of the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.  

Note: they used to be available in the UK, but have left ever since Brexit.  

And even if you don’t live in any of those countries, you can ask a friend living in one of them if you can use their address to receive the card, after which you can change the address no problem!

*N26 has also expanded to the US, but Charles Schwab  is still the better travel bank account and debit card for Americans to use for the time being unless your priority is fraud prevention, in which case N26 is best since it has instant notifications for transactions + the ability to freeze & unfreeze your card instantly from the mobile app.

• No monthly account fees for the standard account (9.90 EUR for N26 You & 16.90 EUR for N26 Metal)
• Free ATM withdrawals in Euros* (See Eligibility)  
• Foreign currency ATM withdrawals come with a 1.7% fee (this fee is waived if you pay for a premium account)
• Free cash withdrawals and deposits at select stores across Germany, Austria, and Italy using their CASH26 feature (deposits over 100 EUR a month get charged a 1.5% fee)
• TransferWise integration for cheaper transfers than most banks
• Online account and customer support also available in Spanish, French, German, & Italian
• Premium accounts come with Travel Insurance, Car Rental Insurance, and even Mobile Phone Theft Insurance!
• The number of free ATM withdrawals in Euros that you get depends on the country you sign up in.  Signing up in Austria or Italy gets you unlimited free withdrawals in Euros, whereas signing up in any of the other countries gets you 5 free ATM withdrawals in Euros in Eurozone countries (and only 3 of them if you sign up in Germany), after which they will cost you 2 EUR per withdrawal.
• You need to have an address (no P.O. boxes) in one of the eligible countries to open an account.  You can easily use a friend’s address when creating your account to receive the card and then change the address in your account once you get it without any issues.  Try to get a friend in Austria or Italy for the unlimited free withdrawals!

Best Travel Debit Card in the Rest of the World

TransferWise Borderless Account

Even if you don’t live in any of the countries I just mentioned or you just want another alternative, you should consider opening a TransferWise Borderless Account.  

In addition to super low international transfer fees, you can keep money in more than 50 different currencies in your account as well as have real bank accounts for the USA, UK, Eurozone, Australia, New Zealand, and Poland which also let you receive payments in those currencies like a local!

You also get a contactless Mastercard debit card which you can use to make purchases and take out cash anywhere in the world.  Whenever you use that card, if you already have the currency in your account, you don’t get charged any fees and if you don’t have it, you only get charged a small conversion fee, making it a great option for travelers.  

Sign up  using this link  and get a no-fee international transfer of up to £500!

Keep in mind that TransferWise is only able to send cards to residents of Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, or the USA (but you can always use a friend’s address to get the card as well).

• Foreign currency conversion fees range from 0.24% – 3.69% depending on the currencies involved, but are typically under 2%
• Free ATM withdrawals up to $250 USD (or your currency’s equivalent) per month if you have the currency you’re withdrawing on your balance.  After that, a 2% withdrawal fee will be charged
• Can keep money in 50+ different currencies in your account
• Real bank account details for the USA, UK, Eurozone, Australia, New Zealand, and Poland
• Online account and customer support also available in Mandarin, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian, Russian, Turkish, Polish, Romanian, and Hungarian.
• You need to have an address (no P.O. boxes) in one of the eligible countries to open an account.  You can easily use a friend’s address when creating your account to receive the card and then change the address once you get it without any issues.
• The Mastercard debit card is free, but you need to have a minimum of $20 USD (or the equivalent in another currency) in your account before you can order it unless you’re in Australia, in which case you don’t need a minimum balance to get the card.

And that’s all there is to it!

Having the right debit card while traveling can make a world of difference when it comes to all those annoying fees that most banks charge.  Don’t be afraid to get a debit card from more than one bank on this list either! It doesn’t hurt to have the best option for every currency possible.

Let me know in the comments below if this guide helped you find the right debit card for your travels and if there are any similar or better cards or banks in your country, let me know so I can update the list!  

And if you want to add a credit card to your wallet as well, check out my Guide to the Best Credit Cards for Traveling .

About The Author

Hi there,  I’m Sebastian , founder and creator of Travel Done Simple. Since I turned 20, I have lived in 5 different countries and traveled to over 40 others! You can learn more about me on my  About page   and find me on social media.

Hi there, I’m Sebastian , founder and creator of Travel Done Simple. Since I turned 20, I have lived in 5 different countries and traveled to over 40 others! You can learn more about me on my About page   and find me on social media.

I’m Sebastian , the founder and creator of Travel Done Simple! I was born in Europe and raised in Canada, but I now consider myself to be a citizen of the world. When I’m not busy exploring new destinations, I’m here giving you the best travel tips so you can do the same! 

You can learn more about me on my About page and if it’s your first time on my site,  start here !

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6 Best Travel Cards for the UK

Getting an international travel card before you travel to the UK can make it cheaper and more convenient when you spend in British Pound Sterling. You'll be able to easily top up your card in USD before you leave the US, to convert seamlessly to GBP for secure and flexible spending and withdrawals.

This guide walks through our picks of the best travel cards available for anyone from the US heading to the UK, like Wise or Revolut. We'll walk through a head to head comparison, and a detailed look at their features, benefits and drawbacks.

6 best travel money cards for the UK:

Let's kick off our roundup of the best travel cards for the UK with a head to head comparison on important features. Here's an overview of the providers we've picked to look at, for customers looking for ways to spend conveniently overseas when travelling from the US:

Each of the international travel cards we’ve picked out have their own features and fees, which may mean they suit different customer needs. Keep reading to learn more about the features, advantages and disadvantages of each - plus a look at how to order the travel card of your choice before you head off to the UK.

Wise travel card

Open a Wise account online or in the Wise app, to order a Wise travel card you can use for convenient spending and withdrawals in the UK. Wise accounts can hold 40+ currencies, so you can top up in USD easily from your bank or using your card. Whenever you travel, to the UK or beyond, you’ll have the option to convert to the currency you need in advance if it’s supported for holding a balance, or simply let the card do the conversion at the point of payment.

In either case you’ll get the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees whenever you spend in GBP, plus some free ATM withdrawals every month - perfect if you’re looking for easy ways to arrange your travel cash.

Wise features

Wise travel card pros and cons.

• Hold and exchange 40+ currencies with the mid-market rate
• Spend seamlessly in GBP when you travel
• Some free ATM withdrawals every month, for those times only cash will do
• Ways to receive payments to your Wise account conveniently
• Manage your account and card from your phone
• 9 USD delivery fee for your first card
• ATM fees apply once you've exhausted your monthly free withdrawals
• Physical cards may take 14 - 21 days to arrive

How to apply for a Wise card

Here’s how to apply for a Wise account and order a Wise  travel card in the US:

Open the Wise app or desktop site

Select Register and confirm you want to open a personal account

Register with your email, Facebook, Apple or Google ID

Upload your ID document to complete the verification step

Tap the Cards tab to order your card

Pay the one time 9 USD fee, confirm your mailing address, and your card will be on the way, and should arrive in 14 - 21 days

Revolut travel card

Choose a Revolut account, from the Standard plan which has no monthly fee, to higher tier options which have monthly charges but unlock extra features and benefits. All accounts come with a smart Revolut card you can use in the UK, with some no fee ATM withdrawals and currency conversion monthly, depending on the plan you pick. Use your Revolut account to hold and exchange 25+ currencies, and get extras like account options for under 18s, budgeting tools and more.

Revolut features

Revolut travel card pros and cons.

• Pick the Revolut account plan that suits your spending needs
• Hold and exchange 25+ currencies, and spend in 150 countries
• Accounts come with different card types, depending on which you select
• All accounts have some no fee currency exchange and some no fee ATM withdrawals monthly
• Some account tiers have travel perks like complimentary or discounted lounge access
• You need to upgrade to an account with a monthly fee to get all account features
• Delivery fees may apply for your travel card
• Fair usage limits apply once you exhaust your currency conversion and ATM no fee allowances
• Out of hours currency conversion has additional fees

How to apply for a Revolut card

Set up your Revolut account before you leave the US and order your travel card. Here’s how:

Download and open the Revolut app

Register by adding your personal and contact information

Follow the prompts to confirm your address and order your card

Pay any required delivery fee - costs depend on your account type

Chime travel card

Use your Chime account and card to spend in the UK with no foreign transaction fee. You’ll just need to load a balance in USD and then the money is converted to GBP instantly with the Visa rate whenever you spend or make a withdrawal. There’s a fee to make an ATM withdrawal out of network, which sits at 2.5 USD, but there are very few other costs to worry about. Plus you can get lots of extra services from Chime if you need them, such as ways to save.

Chime features

Chime travel card pros and cons.

• No Chime foreign transaction fees
• No ongoing charges for your account
• Lots of extra products and services if you need them
• Easy ways to manage your money online and in app
• Virtual cards available
• You'll need to inform Chime you're traveling to use your card abroad
• Low ATM limits
• Cards take 7 - 10 days to arrive by mail

How to apply for a Chime card

Here’s how to apply for a Chime account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the Chime website or download the app

Click Get started and add your personal details

Add a balance

Your card will be delivered in the mail and you can use your virtual card instantly

Monzo travel card

Monzo cards can be ordered easily in the US and used for spending in the UK and globally. Monzo accounts are designed for holding USD only - but you can spend in GBP and pretty much any other currency easily, with no foreign transaction fee. Your funds are just converted using the network exchange rate whenever you pay or make a withdrawal.

Monzo doesn’t usually apply ATM fees, but it’s worth knowing that the operator of the specific ATM you pick may have their own costs you’ll need to check out.

Monzo features

Monzo travel card pros and cons.

• Good selection of services available
• No foreign transaction fee to pay
• No Monzo ATM fee to pay
• Manage your card from your phone conveniently
• Deposits are FDIC protected
• You can't hold a foreign currency balance
• ATM operators might apply their own fees

How to apply for a Monzo card

Here’s how to apply for a Monzo account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the Monzo website or download the app

Click Get Sign up and add your personal details

Check and confirm your mailing address and your card will be delivered in the mail

Netspend travel card

Netspend has a selection of prepaid debit cards you can use for spending securely in the UK. While these cards don’t usually let you hold a balance in GBP, they’re popular with travelers as they’re not linked to your regular checking account. That increases security overseas - plus, Netspend offers virtual cards you can use to hide your physical card details from retailers if you want to.

The options with Netspend vary a lot depending on the card you pick. Usually you can top up digitally or in cash in USD and then spend overseas with a fixed foreign transaction fee applying every time you spend in a foreign currency. You’ll be able to view the terms and conditions of your specific card - including the fees - online, by entering the code you’ll find when your card is sent to you.

Netspend features

Netspend travel card pros and cons.

• Large selection of different card options depending on your needs
• Some cards have no overseas ATM fees
• Prepaid card which is secure to use overseas
• Manage your account in app
• Change from one card plan to another if you need to
• You may pay a monthly fee for your card
• Some cards have foreign transaction fees for all overseas use, which can be around 4%
• Selection of fees apply depending on the card you pick

How to apply for a Netspend card

Here’s how to apply for a Netspend account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the Netspend website

Click Apply now

Complete the details, following the onscreen prompts

Get verified

Your card will arrive by mail - add a balance and activate it to get started

PayPal travel card

PayPal has a debit card you can link to your PayPal balance account, to spend in the UK as well as locally, in person and online. One advantage of PayPal is that there are lots of easy ways to add money in USD - but bear in mind that when you spend in GBP you’ll likely pay a foreign transaction fee of 2.5%. ATM fees apply when you make out of network withdrawals, too, which can push up the costs depending on how you use your card.

PayPal travel cards aren’t connected to your checking account which makes them a handy and secure way to spend, particularly if you already have a PayPal balance account.

PayPal features

Paypal travel card pros and cons.

• Globally accepted card
• Easy ways to top up your PayPal balance including cash and check
• Popular and reliable provider
• Use your card for spending online easily as well
• 2.5 USD fee for out of network ATM withdrawals
• 2.5% fee when you spend in a foreign currency
• Other charges may apply depending on how you fund and use your account

How to apply for a PayPal card

Here’s how to apply for a PayPal account and order a travel card in the US:

Visit the PayPal website or download the app

Click Get Sign up or log into your existing account

Add your personal details to create an account, or tap Request a card if you already have a PayPal account

Follow the prompts to order your card

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card is a card you can use for secure and convenient payments and withdrawals overseas.

You can use a travel money card to tap and pay in stores and restaurants, with a wallet like Apple Pay, or to make ATM withdrawals so you'll always have a bit of cash in your pocket when you travel.

Although there are lots of different travel money cards on the market, all of which are unique, one similarity you'll spot is that the features and fees have always been optimised for international use. That might mean you get a better exchange rate compared to using your normal card overseas, or that you run into fewer fees for common international transactions like ATM withdrawals.

Travel money cards also offer distinct benefits when it comes to security. Your travel money card isn't linked to your United States Dollar everyday account, so even if you were unlucky and had your card stolen, your primary bank account remains secure.

Travel money vs prepaid card vs travel credit card

It's helpful to know that you'll be able to pick from several different types of travel cards, depending on your priorities and preferences. Travel cards commonly include:

• Travel debit cards
• Travel prepaid cards
• Travel credit cards

They all have distinct benefits when you head off to the UK or elsewhere in the world, but they do work a bit differently.

Travel debit and prepaid cards are usually linked to an online account, and may come from specialist digital providers - like the Wise card. These cards are usually flexible and cheap to use. You'll be able to manage your account and card through an app or on the web.

Travel credit cards are different and may suit different customer needs. As with any other credit card, you may need to pay an annual fee or interest and penalties depending on how you manage your account - but you could also earn extra rewards when spending in a foreign currency, or travel benefits like free insurance for example. Generally using a travel credit card can be more expensive compared to a debit or prepaid card - but it does let you spread out the costs of your travel across several months if you'd like to and don't mind paying interest to do so.

What is a prepaid travel money card best for?

Let's take a look at the advantages of using a prepaid travel money card for travellers going to the UK. While each travel card is a little different, you'll usually find some or all of the following benefits:

• Hold and exchange foreign currencies - allowing you to lock in exchange rates and set a travel budget before you leave
• Convenient for spending in person and through mobile wallets like Apple Pay, as well as for cash withdrawals
• You may find you get a better exchange rate compared to your bank - and you'll usually be able to avoid any foreign transaction fee, too
• Travel cards are secure as they're not linked to your everyday USD account - and because you can make ATM withdrawals when you need to, you can also avoid carrying too much cash at once

Overall, travel cards offer flexible and low cost ways to avoid bank foreign transaction and international ATM fees, while accessing decent exchange rates.

How to choose the best travel card for the UK

We've picked out 6 great travel cards available in the US - but there are also more options available, which can make choosing a daunting task. Some things to consider when picking a travel card for the UK include:

• What exchange rates does the card use? Choosing one with the mid-market rate or as close as possible to it is usually a smart plan
• What fees are unavoidable? For example, ATM charges or top up fees for your preferred top up methods
• Does the card support a good range of currencies? Getting a card which allows you to hold and spend in GBP can give you the most flexibility, but it's also a good idea to pick a card with lots of currency options, so you can use it again in future, too
• Are there any other charges? Check in particular for foreign transaction fees, local ATM withdrawal fees, inactivity fees and account close fees

Ultimately the right card for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.

What makes a good travel card for the UK

The best travel debit card for the UK really depends on your personal preferences and how you like to manage your money.

Overall, it pays to look for a card which lets you minimise fees and access favourable exchange rates - ideally the mid-market rate. While currency exchange rates do change all the time, the mid-market rate is a good benchmark to use as it’s the one available to banks when trading on wholesale markets. Getting this rate, with transparent conversion fees, makes it easier to compare costs and see exactly what you’re paying when you spend in GBP.

Other features and benefits to look out for include low ATM withdrawal fees, complimentary travel insurance, airport lounge access or emergency cash if your card is stolen. It’s also important to look into the security features of any travel card you might pick for the UK. Look for a card which uses 2 factor authentication when accessing the account app, which allows you to set instant transaction notifications, and which has easy ways to freeze, unfreeze and cancel your card with your phone.

For the UK in particular, choosing a card which offers contactless payments and which is compatible with mobile wallets like Apple Pay could be a good plan. Card payments are extremely popular in the UK - so having a card which lets you tap and pay easily can speed things up and make it more convenient during your trip.

Ways to pay in the UK

Cash and card payments - including contactless, mobile wallet, debit, credit and prepaid card payments - are the most popular ways to pay globally.

In the UK card payments are common in most situations. You’ll be able to make Chip and PIN or contactless payments or use your favourite mobile wallet like Apple Pay to tap and pay on the go. It’s still worth having a little cash on you just in case - and for the odd situations where cash is more convenient, such as when tipping or buying a small item in a market.

Which countries use GBP?

If you have GBP, you should be able to use it in a few countries. You may decide to keep your travel card topped up with a balance for this trip to the UK or for the next time you’re headed somewhere which uses GBP.

What should you be aware of when travelling to the UK

You’re sure to have a great time in the UK - but whenever you’re travelling abroad it's worth putting in a little advance thought to make sure everything is organised and your trip goes smoothly. Here are a few things to think about:

1. Double check the latest entry requirements and visas - rules can change abruptly, so even if you’re been to the UK before it’s worth looking up the most recent entry requirements so you don’t have any hassle on the border

2. Plan your currency exchange and payment methods - you can change USD to GBP before you travel to the UK if you’d like to, but as card payments are common, and ATMs widely available, you can actually leave it until you arrive to get everything sorted as long as you have a travel money card. Top up your travel money card in USD and either exchange to GBP in advance or at the point of payment, and make ATM withdrawals whenever you need cash. Bear in mind that currency exchange at the airport will be expensive - so hold on until you reach the UK to make an ATM withdrawal in GBP if you can.

3. Get clued up on any health or safety concerns - get travel insurance before you leave the US so you have peace of mind. It’s also worth reading up on any common scams or issues experienced by tourists. These tend to change over time, but may include things like rip off taxis or tour agents which don’t offer fair prices or adequate services.

Conclusion - Best travel cards for the UK

Ultimately the best travel card for your trip to the UK will depend on how you like to manage your money. Use this guide to get some insights into the most popular options out there, and to decide which may suit your specific needs.

FAQ - best travel cards for the UK

When you use a travel money card you may find there’s an ATM withdrawal fee from your card issuer, and there may also be a cost applied by the ATM operator. Some of our travel cards - like the Wise and Revolut card options - have some no fee ATM withdrawals every month, which can help keep down costs.

Travel money cards may be debit, prepaid or credit cards. Which is best for you will depend on your personal preferences. Debit and prepaid cards are usually pretty cheap and secure to spend with, while credit cards may have higher fees but often come with extra perks like free travel insurance and extra reward points.

There’s no single best prepaid card for international use. Look out for one which supports a large range of currencies, with good exchange rates and low fees. This guide can help you compare some popular options, including Wise, Revolut and Monzo.

Yes, you can use your local debit card when you’re overseas. However, it’s common to find extra fees apply when spending in foreign currencies with a regular debit card. These can include foreign transaction fees and international ATM charges.

Usually having a selection of ways to pay - including a travel card, your credit or debit card, and some cash - is the best bet. That means that no matter what happens, you have an alternative payment method you can use conveniently.

Yes. Most travel debit cards have options to make ATM withdrawals. Check the fees that apply as card charges do vary a lot. Some cards have local and international fees on all withdrawals, while others like Wise and Revolut, let you make some no fee withdrawals monthly before a fee kicks in.

Both Visa and Mastercard are globally accepted. Look out for the logo on ATMs and payment terminals in the UK.

The cards you see on this page are ordered as follows:

For card providers that publish their exchange rates on their website, we used their USD / GBP rate to calculate how much British Pound Sterling you would receive when exchanging / spending $4,000 USD. The card provider offering the most GBP is displayed at the top, the next highest below that, and so on.

The rates were collected at 15:54:21 GMT on 19 February 2024.

Below this we display card providers for which we could not verify their exchange rates. These are displayed in alphabetical order.

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What's the Best Debit Card to Use Abroad For British Travellers?

Byron Mühlberg

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

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

Are you planning to use your debit card on your next trip abroad from the UK? Well, depending on your bank or card provider, get ready for a few potential headaches: many debit cards out there come with unexpectedly high fees for tapping and withdrawing cash while travelling overseas.

Fortunately for you, there are a few alternatives to choose from if you prefer low-cost holiday spending. In this post, we walk you through the fees and exchange rates you'll meet when using your debit card abroad and offer savvier alternatives to use instead. So, no matter whether you're planning a weekend getaway to Paris, a business trip to Singapore, or a dream vacation to Mauritius, read on to learn how to make the most of your card spending while abroad!

According to our analysis, Starling Bank 's debit card is the cheapest debit card to use while travelling outside of the UK, charging no currency conversion fees or cashpoint fees whatsoever. In our opinion, it's worth opening a bank account, even if just for travel purposes! On the other hand, if you don't want a new current account altogether and are just looking for a low-cost multi-currency travel debit card, then you can't go wrong with Revolut , which offers one of the best traveller's debit cards on the planet.

Best Debit Card to Use Abroad

• 01. Starling Bank scroll down
• 02. Revolut scroll down
• 03. Wise scroll down
• 04. Monzo scroll down
• 05. Monese scroll down
• 06. FAQ about the best debit cards to travel from the UK scroll down

Starling Bank: Best All-Round

Starling Bank is a fully-authorised, FCA-regulated bank in the UK that's well known for its fee-free current account. According to our analysis and experience, Starling's debit Mastercard is the best UK debit card to use abroad because it charges no fees for foreign currency spending. It also provides an excellent current account, ranked as the  best online bank in the UK in our rankings.

• Trust & Credibility 9.3
• Service & Quality 8.5
• Fees & Exchange Rates 10
• Customer Satisfaction 9.3
• Account fee: £0 /month
• Multi-currency balances: No
• Foreign exchange margin: 0%
• Foreign exchange: 0%
• ATM withdrawal fee: 0%
• What it's good for: A complete bank account alternative
• More info: See our reviews of the bank , the card , or visit the site

Revolut's debit card is another useful one to use abroad outside of the UK because it allows you to pay in over 150 currencies with no hidden fees, real-time exchange rates, and additional features like budgeting tools and, on paid plans, travel insurance. Take a look at our explainer to using Revolut's card abroad to learn more.

• Trust & Credibility 8.9
• Service & Quality 7.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 8.3
• Customer Satisfaction 9.4
• Account fee: £0 /month (not a bank)
• Multi-currency balances:  Yes (available in 35 currencies)
• Foreign exchange margin:  0%
• Foreign exchange fee:  0.5%
• ATM withdrawal fee:  2%
• Best for:  Foreign cash withdrawals, especially under £200 per month
• More info: See our Revolut review or visit the website

Wise's  fee-free debit card  is an excellent way to spend money abroad from the UK because it allows you to pay in foreign currencies with no hidden fees and offers competitive exchange rates. It's almost always a far better deal than debit cards from high street banks for overseas spending, and you can use it next to your primary bank account whenever you leave the UK.

• Service & Quality 8.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.6
• Customer Satisfaction 9.6
• Multi-currency balances:  Yes (available in 56 currencies)
• Foreign exchange fee:  0.2% - 1%
• ATM withdrawal fee:  1.75%
• More info: See our Wise review or visit the website

Like Starling, Monzo  is an FCA-regulated UK bank and probably the country's most famous online-only account. An excellent choice if you're looking to escape the high fees of traditional banks, Monzo charges no fees for day-to-day card use, including on cashpoint withdrawals (with limits) and card payments in the UK and abroad.

• Trust & Credibility 8.3
• Service & Quality 8.4
• Fees & Exchange Rates 9.8
• Multi-currency balances:  No
• Foreign exchange fee:   0%
• ATM withdrawal fee: £0 up to £200 (3% thereafter)
• More info: See our Monzo review or visit the website

Monese  is a mobile-only fintech offering fully-fledged checking accounts to more than two million European and UK customers. Because Monese  doesn't require you to prove your residence  to meet creditworthiness standards to open an account in the UK, we think Monese is especially well-suited for new arrivals to the UK from the European Economic Area (EEA) and offers excellent low-cost card spending options for converting between the British pound and three European currencies: the euro, the Swedish krona, and the Romanian leu.

• Trust & Credibility 7.6
• Service & Quality 9.0
• Fees & Exchange Rates 6.6
• Customer Satisfaction 8.7
• Multi-currency balances:  Yes (available in GBP, EUR, and RON)
• Foreign exchange fee:  0%
• ATM withdrawal fee:  0.5%
• More info: See our Monese review or visit the website

FAQ About the Best UK Travel Cards

Yes, in most cases you can use a debit card from the UK overseas. Debit cards are typically linked to your bank account, allowing you to access funds and make purchases internationally.

It depends. Credit cards are traditionally regarded as being better to use abroad, but these days debit cards are becoming increasingly popular to use across borders, and there's less and less difference between their use for travellers. Whether you're using a credit or debit card abroad, the two most important factors to consider include the card provider's availability in your destination country (VISA and Mastercard are ubiquitous around the globe, but Amex and Diner's Club might have limited availability in some countries), and the currency conversion fees for transacting abroad.

Starling Bank 's debit card is the cheapest debit card to use while travelling outside of the UK, charging no currency conversion fees or cashpoint fees whatsoever.

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Travel money card

Spend like a local with a travel debit card for exploring the globe. Whether it's a virtual or a physical card, we've got all your travel money needs covered.

Need an international travel card? Take us all around the world

Exchange currencies, send money abroad, and hold 36 local currencies in-app. These are just some of the reasons why our customers love their travel debit cards.

Built-in security features

Set spending limits, get payment notifications, and freeze or unfreeze your card in-app.

Add it to Google Pay or Apple Pay

No need to wait for your physical card to arrive — spend instantly with a virtual card.

Withdraw without ATM fees

Get fee-free ATM withdrawals, up to £2,000 per rolling month, depending on your plan type.*

Manage travel money in-app

Manage everything for your holiday money card in the Revolut app, from top-ups to transfers.

*No ATM withdrawal fees within plan limits on a rolling monthly basis. 3rd-party providers may charge a withdrawal fee and ATM fair-usage fees. Weekend markups will apply. Currency exchange fees may apply.

Spend like a local in 150+ currencies

No ATM fees up to £2,000 per month*

*No ATM withdrawals fees within plan limits on a rolling monthly basis. Third-party providers may charge a withdrawal fee and ATM fair-usage fees. Weekend markups will apply.

Spend right away with Apple Pay or Google Pay

How to get your travel money card in the UK

Get your currency debit card in 3 steps

Get revolut.

Join 40+ million people worldwide saving when they spend abroad with Revolut.

Order your card

Order your free travel money card to spend in 150+ currencies. Delivery fees may apply.

Spend like a local

Start spending around the world. That's your travel money, sorted.

Get instant payment notifications

Spend with confidence

Built-in security measures

How to save money with travel currency cards

Tips for saving with a money travel card

Don't exchange at airports or at home.

Don’t exchange cash before you travel — use your travel money card to spend or withdraw money from an ATM (just watch out for ATM fees).

Always choose the local currency

Choose the local currency when spending with your card in shops and restaurants.

Save on travel spending with a Revolut card

Spend in the local currency at competitive rates on your next trip from the UK.

For life, not just for holidays

We're not a prepaid card you just throw away after your trip. Trust us, you’ll want to use Revolut for future adventures and everyday spending.

Rating as of 7 May 2024

708K Reviews

2.8M Reviews

Spend your holiday money in 150+ currencies

Need a little more help?

Holiday money card FAQs

What is a travel money card, what currencies can i spend with a travel money card, what are the limits for spending with a travel card, how can i manage my travel money card, is a travel money card safe and secure, how can i order a travel money card.

• Download the Revolut app : find it in Apple or Google Play Store
• Sign up to Revolut : apply for an account and verify your identity
• Add a debit card : go to Cards and follow the instructions to start your order
• Set your PIN : choose a PIN that you'll remember
• Arrange delivery : enter your delivery address, and select your delivery method before proceeding to checkout (Delivery fees may apply)

Is a travel money card better than travel money?

• Don’t exchange cash at the airport: it’s much cheaper to withdraw money from an ATM with your travel money card
• Don't carry more cash than you need: when you return home from your trip, you’ll need to re-convert this cash back to GBP, which can take time and cost you in fees
• Always choose the local currency when spending with your card in shops and restaurants
• Sign up to Revolut so you can manage your balance and get instant notifications on what you spend

What is the best bank to use when travelling abroad?

• Exchanging currency before you go, or while you're there
• Withdrawing money from ATMs
• Using your card in shops, restaurants, and more

What's the difference between using prepaid travel cards or travel debit card for spending abroad?

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The 6 Best Travel Money Cards for the UK - 2024

If you’re visiting the UK, a specialised travel money card can make it cheaper and more convenient to access British pounds for spending and withdrawals. There are various options available, such as travel debit cards, prepaid travel cards, and travel credit cards, which cater to different types of customers. The right one for you will depend on your personal preference and how you like to manage your money.

Read on for all you need to know, including a closer look at travel money card types, some great options to consider, and the sorts of fees you need to think about when you choose.

Wise - our pick for travel debit card for the UK

Before we get into details about different travel money card options, let's begin with the Wise card as a versatile travel money debit card that can hold and spend GBP , as well as a diverse range of other currencies.

Hold and exchange over 50 currencies alongside GBP

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 costs and no interest to pay

ATM fees apply once you exceed your plan limits

No option to earn points or rewards

Click here to read a full Wise review

What is a travel money card?

Just like your normal bank card, a travel money card can be used for online and in-store purchases, as well as for cash withdrawals. However, with a travel money card, the features and fees are tailored for global usage. This may mean you get a better exchange rate, or fewer charges, in comparison to using your regular card abroad. Some travel cards - particularly travel credit cards- also offer opportunities to earn cashback and rewards for using your card internationally.

6 travel money cards for the UK compared

Before we get into each card option in more depth, here’s a summary of how six of the best travel money cards for the UK compare to each other.

The features of various travel money cards can differ significantly. Generally, travel debit cards can be convenient and relatively inexpensive to use, while travel credit cards may offer extra benefits such as cashback or rewards. However, they also come with the risk of incurring interest and late payment fees, if you don’t pay off your bill in full every time.

Travel debit cards usually allow you to easily add funds online or via a mobile app, which helps you stick to your budget and avoid overspending. Conversely, travel credit cards enable you to spend up to your credit limit, and you can pay off the balance over several months. Which is best for you will come down to how you like to manage your money - we’ll dive into a few more details about each card type, next.

What are different types of travel cards?

Broadly speaking, Canadian customers can pick a travel money card from either a traditional bank or a specialist provider, from a selection including travel debit cards, travel prepaid cards or travel credit cards. We’ll walk through what each travel money card type is, and pick out a couple of good card options, so you can compare and choose.

1. Travel debit cards

2. Travel prepaid cards

3. Travel credit cards

1. Travel Debit Cards

Specialist providers typically offer travel debit cards, which are accompanied by digital accounts that allow you to top up, hold, and exchange currency balances. While these cards may have different features, they usually provide a user-friendly online platform and mobile app for effortless balance top-ups. With the convenience of viewing your balance and receiving transaction notifications on your phone, it’s easier to manage your finances no matter where you are in the world.

Travel debit card Option 1: Wise

Wise is our pick for travel debit card for the UK . There’s no fee to open a Wise account, and no delivery fee for your Wise card, with no minimum balance and no monthly charge. You just pay low Wise fees from 0.41% when you convert currencies, and transparent ATM fees when you exhaust the monthly free transactions available with your account.

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

No fee to get your Wise card, free to spend any currency you hold

2 withdrawals, to 350 CAD value per month for free, then 1.5 CAD + 1.75%

Hold GBP  and 50+ other currencies, convert between them with the mid-market rate

Get local account details to receive CAD, GBP  and 7 other currencies for free

Travel debit card Option 2: Canada Post Cash Passport

You can pick up a Canada Post Cash Passport in your local Post Office, and top up your account in CAD. You can then switch your balance to any of the 7 supported major currencies - or you can just allow the card to convert to the currency you need, although there is a foreign exchange fee of 3.25% for doing so. You can use your Canada Post Cash Passport card in ATMs and wherever the network is supported. ATM fees apply which vary by currency.

Supports 7 major currencies, including GBP

No fee to spend currencies you hold in your account

Variable ATM fee, 1.7 GBP when in the the UK for example

1.5% fee for using your card in Canada - plus any applicable fee to convert funds back to CAD if you hold a foreign currency

Pros and cons of using debit travel cards in the UK

Avoid interest costs and late payment fees

Hold and exchange currencies in advance or at the time of spending

Accounts can be topped up, viewed and managed using just your phone

Safe to use, as accounts aren’t linked to your main Canadian bank account

Travel debit cards are issued on popular global payment networks

Transaction and currency conversion fees may apply

Cash back and rewards may not be available

How to choose the best travel debit card for the UK?

Choosing the best travel debit card for the UK depends on your personal preferences and financial management style. If you travel often - and not just to the UK - it's smart to consider an account that offers mid-market currency exchange rates and a wide selection of supported currencies, including GBP, like Wise.  Other providers like Canada Post also support GBP alongside a handful of other major world currencies, and the Cash Passport can be conveniently collected in your local Post Office.

Is there a spending limit with a travel debit card in the UK?  

Card use limits are determined by individual providers and can vary depending on the transaction type. Limits may apply on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. For instance, there may be a cap on the number or value of ATM withdrawals allowed per day or a limit on the value of contactless payments you can make. These limits are set for security reasons and can often be adjusted using the provider's app.

2. Prepaid Travel Cards

With a prepaid travel card you’ll usually need to first order a card and then add funds in CAD from your bank account or card. Once you have a balance you can then pay merchants and make cash withdrawals at home and abroad. While prepaid travel cards are usually issued on large global networks - and can therefore be used pretty widely - you may find you pay a foreign transaction fee when overseas, depending on the specific card you select.

Prepaid travel card option 1: BMO Reloadable Mastercard

The BMO Reloadable Mastercard can be topped up in CAD and used when you travel in the UK. You’ll pay a 2.5% foreign transaction fee when overseas, but you’ll still have the advantage that - as with other prepaid and travel cards - this card is not linked to your primary bank account, so it can increase security when spending abroad. There’s a 6.95 CAD annual fee, but as this is a purchase card rather than a credit card, there’s no interest to worry about. You just top up and you can spend up to your account balance freely.

6.95 CAD annual fee, 2.5% foreign transaction fee

5 CAD ATM fee

No interest to worry about

Manage your card online or using your phone, to top up and view balance

Add funds from BMO or other Canadian banks directly

Prepaid travel card option 2: Koho Premium Mastercard

You can get up to 2% cash back with the Koho Premium Mastercard, and there’s no foreign transaction fee to worry about. Instead, you pay a monthly card fee of 9 CAD. The basic card is free to get, or you can upgrade to a Koho metal card for 159 CAD if you want a fancier way to pay when you’re at home and abroad.

9 CAD/month premium fee

No foreign transaction fee

Earn cash back on your spending

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards in the UK

Manage your account, add more money or convert funds online or with an app

Accounts with no monthly fees are available

Issued on globally popular networks for good coverage

ATM withdrawals supported globally

Some accounts have extras like options to earn cash back or reward points

Typically only CAD supported - watch out for foreign transaction charges

Transaction fees apply to most accounts

How to choose the best travel prepaid card for the UK?

There’s no single best travel prepaid card for the UK - it’ll come down to your personal preference. If you don’t mind paying a monthly fee you might like the Koho Premium card which waives foreign transaction fees, and other charges like ATM withdrawal fees. Otherwise, if you just want a simple prepaid card and don’t mind the foreign transaction fee when you’re in the UK, the BMO prepaid card might suit you.

Is there a spending limit with a prepaid card in the UK?

Prepaid travel cards usually have different spending and withdrawal limits that can vary depending on the currency. To find the right card for you, you’ll want to carefully review the terms and conditions of each card provider you’re considering. This way, you’ll be confident you’ve picked a provider that meets your specific needs and requirements.

3. Travel Credit Cards

Travel credit cards often come with additional benefits not found in regular credit cards. These benefits can include lower or no fees for foreign transactions and the chance to earn extra rewards when using the card abroad. While travel credit cards offer safety and convenience, it's worth noting that they may be more expensive than using a debit card.

Before choosing a travel credit card, it's essential to consider factors such as fees, rates, eligibility criteria, and interest rates. Take the time to compare different options and select the one that suits you best.

Travel credit card option 1: HSBC World Elite Mastercard

The HSBC World Elite Mastercard has been optimised for overseas use, with extra rewards on international spending and travel, plus no foreign transaction fees to pay. There are lots of ways to earn rewards, including variable new customer bonus offers - the downside is that there’s an annual fee of 149 CAD, so you’ll need to check if the benefits outweigh the costs. As with any other credit card, you’ll also need to pay off your bill in full every month to avoid interest charges.

149 CAD annual fee, 5 CAD ATM withdrawal fee

Variable interest rate

Options to earn rewards, including enhanced benefits for travel spending

Travel credit card option 2: Home Trust Preferred Visa Card

The Home Trust Preferred Visa Card is a credit card with a variable interest rate, no foreign exchange fees and 1% cash back on all eligible purchases. There’s no annual fee to pay, although the ATM withdrawal fees can run pretty high - 1% or 1.5% depending on the ATM type, and the maximum cap is 15 CAD for some withdrawals.

No annual fee, no foreign transaction fee

1% cash back on all eligible purchases

ATM fees apply, which are set as a percentage, and can run pretty high

Pros and cons of using credit cards in the UK

Enjoy peace of mind with zero liability policies offered by some cards

Spread the cost of your travel expenses over several months

Some cards have no foreign transaction fees, saving you money on international purchases

Exchange rates typically offered by card networks are usually fair

Earn cash back and rewards on your spending with select cards, making your travel even more rewarding.

Interest charged if you don’t repay in full every month

Eligibility rules apply

How to choose the best travel credit card for the UK?

Selecting the best travel credit card for the UK largely depends on individual preferences. If you aim to earn rewards and cashback on your foreign transactions, the Home Trust Preferred Visa may be a suitable option as it does not have a foreign transaction fee and provides cash back on all purchases. Whichever card you’re considering you’ll want to weigh up the potential fees you’ll need to pay against the rewards you can earn to make sure it’s worthwhile.

If you regularly travel to the UK or further afield, getting a travel money card which supports the currencies you need frequently can help you save money. Travel money cards have different features, and can be picked up via regular banks, online specialists and even the Post Office.

You could opt for a low cost travel debit card which comes with a linked account to hold a selection of currencies - like the Wise account. Or you might prefer a prepaid travel money card like the Koho Premium Mastercard which has monthly fees in exchange for features like no foreign transaction charges - handy if you use it abroad often. Finally, another option is to get a travel credit card either to earn cashback and rewards, or to avoid foreign transaction fees.

The good news is that the Canadian market is well served for all types of travel money cards - use this guide to start your research and pick the right option for your specific needs.

FAQ - Best travel cards for the UK

You can usually make cash withdrawals with a credit card in the UK at any ATM that supports your card network. You’ll often find that a fee applies, and you may start to accumulate interest on the withdrawn amount immediately. Travel money debit cards from providers like Wise and Canada Post can be a lower cost option for cash withdrawals overseas.

You can use your debit card anywhere you see the card network’s logo displayed. Visa and Mastercard networks are very well supported globally, including in the UK, making these good options to look out for when you pick your travel debit card for the UK.

Prepaid cards from reputable providers are safe to use at home and abroad. They aren’t linked to your main bank account which can offer extra peace of mind, and may also make it easier to manage your travel budget. However, you’ll need to check the card features and fees carefully to make sure you're getting the best match for your needs.

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• Travel Prepaid Cards

Compare our best prepaid travel cards

Simplify your spending abroad with a prepaid travel card, find a prepaid travel card, what is a prepaid travel card.

A  prepaid travel card , also known as a 'travel money card', is  a debit card that you preload with money  and take on holiday. It's a good way to stick to your holiday budget and avoid carrying a lot of cash. 

Prepaid travel cards  can be used at cashpoints, in shops and restaurants , or anywhere that accepts Mastercard or Visa debit or credit cards.

However, a prepaid travel card is  not the same as a  credit card  for two key reasons:

You can only spend the amount you have put on the card; the pre-loaded limit prevents you overspending and getting into debt 

You can choose which currency to preload your travel money card with depending on where you're going, which often means you can secure a better exchange rate

Pick a card with fees that suit how you plan to use it, e.g. choose one with no withdrawal fees if you'll be withdrawing cash often while travelling.”

What are the different types of prepaid travel cards?

Multi-currency prepaid cards.

These can be loaded with several different currencies , making them ideal for both frequent travellers and those taking trips to multiple destinations. For example, you holiday in Europe but often visit the US on business, you could use a prepaid travel card to cover your everyday spending wherever you are by topping it up with say £600 then exchanging £200 into euros and £200 into US dollars. The different currencies will then be stored in separate “wallets” , allowing you to switch currencies when you like.

Sterling prepaid cards

These can be used at home and abroad , making them even more flexible than the best travel cards offering multiple currencies. You don’t need to worry about setting up a wallet for the currency you want to use; the card provider simply converts your pounds to the required currency each time you make a purchase . However, this can make holiday budgeting harder and may increase your costs, depending on the charging structure.

Euro prepaid cards

As well as multi-currency cards, you can take out prepaid cards designed to hold a specific currency . This can work out excellently if you're trying to lock in a good rate now by loading your euro prepaid card, but if you then use the card to buy things in a country that isn't in the eurozone. That's because if you spend in a country that does not use the euro, it converts to the local currency each time you make a purchase, which can work out more expensive.

Prepaid US dollar cards

These keep your balance in dollars . If you spend in countries that use a different currency, the card will exchange your dollars to the local currency, and you might well be charged a fee. The currency exchange takes place as soon as you load your card . If the pound strengthens afterwards, you won’t be getting the best value for money, but it if weakens you'll do well.

How to get a prepaid travel card

Compare cards.

Use our table below to find prepaid travel card that offers the features you need with the lowest fees

Check your eligibility

Make sure you fit the eligibility criteria for your chosen travel money card and can provide the required proof of ID

Apply for the card

Click 'view deal' below and fill out the application form on the provider's website with your personal details

What are the eligibility requirements?

Anyone can get a prepaid travel card. There's no need to have a bank account, and  no credit checks are required . Some providers have a minimum age of 18, but many will let you have a prepaid card from the age of 13 with parental consent. 

Sometimes parents like to use travel money cards to give their children a set amount of  holiday money , and to help teach them about budgeting and financial responsibility. 

Pros and Cons

What exchange rate do you get.

Exchange rates vary over time depending on what is happening in the wider economy. That means the exchange rate you get on a US dollar travel card today, for example, might not be the same as you get tomorrow or next week.

What prepaid cards offer is the ability to lock in today's rate to use later on. That could see you better off if the pound weakens, but might also mean you get a poor deal if the pound strengthens.

That offers is certainty - you'll know exactly how many dollars, euros, lira or whichever currency you load onto the card you have to spend on holiday.

Today’s best exchange rates

At what point is the currency exchanged with prepaid travel cards.

Some prepaid travel cards hold the balance in pounds sterling. These convert the required amount to the local currency every time you spend on them .

The exchange rate isn’t fixed, so you’ll only know how many pounds you have on the card - not what it will buy you while overseas.

But the cards in our comparison table convert your money when you add it onto the card. This means you know the exchange rate used and your card's exact balance before you go away.

Compare the rates before you choose a prepaid card. Although rates can change several times a day, some travel cards will be more competitive than others.

Using a card with competitive exchange rates will mean you get more local currency for your pound.

You also need to watch out for fees as well as withdrawal limits when choosing a card, as these can vary between providers.

What are the alternatives to prepaid travel cards?

Travel credit card.

A travel credit card works just like a regular credit card, with which you can make purchases by borrowing money. The main difference is that travel credit cards don't charge foreign transaction fees for spending abroad. 

Travel money

For many people, cash is the most comfortable form of payment when travelling. It's hassle-free and universally accepted. But it’s riskier, as you'll lose out if it’s lost or stolen and you’ll need to budget carefully to ensure your foreign currency lasts the length of your trip. 

Travel debit card

These days, there are plenty of specialist banks and providers that offer bank accounts that don't charge foreign transaction fees when used abroad. This offers you a chance to take advantage of the best exchange rates. And if it's your main current account, you won't have to worry about topping up your account before you go.

What other costs or fees are there with prepaid travel cards?

As well as the exchange rate, you might have to pay several other charges on your prepaid travel card.

These could include:

A fee to buy the card

A monthly or annual fee for keeping the account open

Cash withdrawal fees

Transaction fees when you pay for anything on the card

Inactivity fees

Loading fees when you add money onto the card

Some cards also charge fees for withdrawing cash or making purchases inside the UK .

But some of the cards in this comparison do not charge fees in countries that use currencies loaded on the card - just make sure the right one is selected before spending on them.

Check carefully for fees before you pick one.

Read our full guide on how much it costs to use a travel prepaid card and how to choose one .

"With multi-currency cards, check you've selected the right currency before you arrive."

How long does it take to get a prepaid travel card?

You can apply online and get a decision immediately. However, it can take up to two weeks before your card arrives in the post.

Can I use any prepaid card abroad?

Yes, you can use prepaid Visa or Mastercard cards in most destinations worldwide.  Travel prepaid cards  are usually cheaper to use overseas than a standard credit or debit card. 

Can I withdraw cash abroad?

Yes, you can use a travel money card in a cash machine outside the UK. Some cards  charge fees  for this, so always check if you want to use your prepaid travel card to make cash withdrawals.

What currencies can my card hold?

All the travel money cards in our comparison can hold a balance in popular currencies such as euros or dollars, while some support more than 50 different currencies.

Can I make international payments?

Yes, some providers let you send or receive money from abroad by logging into your online account, which works in the same way as standard internet banking.

Who sets the exchange rate?

This depends on the company that processes the transactions. Typically, it’s down to  Visa or Mastercard , as well as your card provider, which may take an additional cut.

Can I use my prepaid card in the UK?

You can use prepaid cards to withdraw cash or buy things in the UK or online. However, you may pay fees or even an exchange rate if your card is loaded with a foreign currency.

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The Best Travel Credit and Debit Cards with No Foreign Transaction Fees (Updated 2022)

No matter where you go or how long you travel, using a credit or debit card with no foreign transaction fees is one of the easiest ways to save money while travelling, period.

Currency exchange booths at airports and banks can be convenient, but a lot of your money goes towards exchange fees (e.g. $10 per exchange) and hidden commissions padded into poor exchange rates (especially the booths advertising “no commissions”). With a bit of research and planning, you can save  hundreds , if not thousands of dollars in fees over the long-term!

Credit and debit cards with no foreign transaction fees are the cheapest, easiest ways to get money and make payments overseas.  Credit cards are accepted worldwide, and ATMs are internationally networked through the Visa/Plus and Mastercard/Cirrus networks. You enter your PIN and withdraw your cash just like you would at home, while the exchange rates are automatically handled by the banks.

However, some credit and debit cards are better than others!  For the majority of cards, banks still try to add commissions and fees to each payment or ATM withdrawal made abroad. Even if you don't travel a lot, these fees add up quickly.

We've rounded up the best credit and debit cards around the world that minimize or eliminate these fees, putting more money back into your adventure funds!

NOTE: These are cards to be used overseas to avoid foreign transaction fees. For the best all around travel points cards, check out the travel rewards cards section of CardRatings , as well as our free guide “ How to Get Free Flights with Travel Credit Cards and Points “!

The best travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

Credit cards have various features that can make or break your travel savings. Ideally, these are the features to look for in a credit card:

• Foreign transaction fee of 0%
• Competitive points or cash-back rewards program (at least 1% of the purchase price)
• Extra perks, like free car or travel insurance

Our top U.S. credit cards with no foreign transaction fees

Not only do the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve cards have no foreign transaction fees, but they offer major sign-up bonuses that can already cover a free domestic flight. You also earn 2x-3x the points when spending on travel and dining worldwide, making them essential cards for travelling.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

• 60,000 reward points (worth $750 ) after meeting the minimum spend of $4,000 in the first 3 months
• $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, 5x points for purchases on Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3x points on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, and 2x points on all other travel purchases.
• Points are worth 25% more on airfare, hotels, car rentals, and cruises when booking through Chase Ultimate Rewards (e.g. 60,000 points worth $750 toward travel)
• Includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, lost luggage insurance and more.
• Can transfer your reward points to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• No foreign transaction fees
• Annual fee: $95

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

• 75,000 bonus miles (worth $750 ) once you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months
• Up to $100 credit for  Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• 2 complimentary lounge visits per year to Capital One Lounges or to 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges
• Earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Miles don't expire. Book flights, hotels, or transfer points to 10+ travel loyalty programs.

Americans have the cream of the crop when it comes to credit card options, and they're constantly improving. We highly recommend checking out the No Foreign Transaction Fees section on CardRatings.com for up-to-date card comparisons and sign-up bonuses.

Not from the U.S.? Check your country below to see what's best for you!

The best travel debit cards with no foreign transaction fees

These are the ideal features to look for in a debit card:

• Foreign transaction rate of 0%
• International ATM withdrawal fee of $0
• Refund of third-party ATM withdrawal fees (This is rare, but it exists!)
• Competitive points or cash-back rewards program (at least 1% of the purchase price)

Many banks around the world have come together to establish the Global ATM Alliance . If your card belongs to a bank in the alliance, you can make withdrawals from banks at other alliance member ATMs around the world without paying additional fees . Here's our roundup of the best debit cards for travel.

Essential tips for using debit and credit cards while travelling

1. pay using a credit card whenever possible..

Foreign ATMs can still inflate their exchange rates and charge withdrawal fees, but a direct credit card payment only involves the credit card you signed up with in your home country. And with a good points or cashback program, this beats any other method of foreign payment.

Bottom line? Always pay with a credit card, but  NEVER withdraw cash from an ATM with one. Credit cards charge interest on cash advances from the moment you withdraw it at the ATM.

2. Never take the option of paying in your own currency

Card terminals at shops and hotels will often detect that your card is from another country and offer to bill you in your home currency. Never choose this option – always pay in the foreign currency!  The exchange rate offered will be inflated by the card terminal, so if you’re using one of the credit cards recommended above, you will receive a much better exchange rate.

3. Inform your debit and credit card providers of your travels

Credit and debit cards are frequently being monitored by security departments for suspicious activity. If you're from the U.S. and you make an ATM withdrawal in Thailand when they don’t know you’re overseas, this could appear suspicious to your bank, and your card might be locked the next time you withdraw. Give your bank or credit card provider a call and let them know when and where you’ll be travelling. Take it from us – you  do not want to be stuck without cash and a useless card!

4. Obtain at least one debit and credit card on each of the Visa/Plus and MasterCard/Cirrus networks.

Even if you follow the advice in tip #3, it’s possible your card could get locked anyway. On top of that, it’s easy to find yourself in a situation where an ATM accepts only one network and not the other. For example, when we travelled in Japan, the only ATMs we could find that would even accept international cards were at 7-Eleven, and they only worked with cards on the Visa/Plus network. I speak from experience – there’s nothing more stressful than needing more cash and not being able to withdraw it, so be prepared and bring multiple cards on multiple networks .

5. Consider a credit card with included insurance

The jury is still out on whether it's safe to rely on car and travel insurance that is sometimes provided by credit cards, and unfortunately, the only way to know for sure is to file a claim after the accident has happened. If you're concerned about insurance, its best to be safe and purchase it from the car rental company, but if not, you might as well pay with a credit card that offers car insurance and hope for the best if you do end up in an accident. We generally try to use American Express cards when thinking about insurance, as they are managing the insurance on the cards worldwide, whereas Visa/Mastercard insurance is often handled by the card's issuing bank, and may not be as straightforward to redeem.

6. Keep backup cards in your hotel room

If you lose all your credit and debit cards while overseas, you're going to be in quite the pickle. Always keep at least one extra card back at your accommodation in case your main card or entire wallet is lost or stolen while you're out.

7. Bring $100 USD as backup cash

When all else fails, U.S. dollars are the closest thing to a global currency that we have today. It's the most commonly accepted currency, not only at exchange booths, but even at shops and restaurants in other countries. If there are no ATMs in sight or your cards have been stolen, an emergency backup of U.S. dollars will get you out an emergency situation.

Do you have another card recommendation? Know something we don't? Write it in the comments below!

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Thrifty Nomads has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Thrifty Nomads and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions expressed here are author's alone. Responses are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser's responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.

Nice! This is really helpful thanks!

Great tips for travelers!

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What are the best U.S. debit and credit cards to use overseas?

Just got off a long phone call with HSBC Canada. They are unable to tell me what their card issuer exchange rate surcharge. I had just come back from Mexico and used my HSBC ATM card on a HSBC ATM machine and I calculated the fee to be about 2.1% based on that days interbank rate. Shouldn’t this fee be in the disclosure statements? There was a class action lawsuit I believe many years ago because the credit card companies failed to state their foreign exchange surcharge. From what I’m reading on the Global ATM website is that Visa is involved with the foreign exchange when using an ATM and it states they add a 2.5% foreign exchange fee. You didn’t show this in your nice graphics above. Is it berried in the base exchange rate?

We use Visa Avion, which is good in all categories but I believe they do charge a slight foreign transaction fee. But we have claimed through their default insurance, both car, health, and travel. All minor things, but ya, no issues. The card is not free however, and unless you spend a lot each month or travel frequently it’s not worth it. For us, the points for the business transactions transfer to personal, so it really adds up! (Currently we have more than enough to fly the entire family pretty much anywhere. ) When abroad we usually only use the card for car rental or nicer hotels and of course flights or trains and such (to access insurance benefits one must book the flight etc on that card…) But read the fine print, confirm with the agent. For example, usually to get car insurance you have to wave the rental companies insurance. (This saved us a ton in Africa!) The rental agencies will even phone and confirm if they don’t know the card. These cards were set up for frequent business travelers originally. But read the fine print too, I know our card covers 30 days from home, but you can add insurance to the card for longer trips too. It’s all through RBC, and like any blood sucking corporation there are advantages for the savvy but their ultimate goal is to get you to pay twice for the same thing. Read the fine print, phone your card agent, etc… But we honestly have found the Avion worth it for us because of the company points.

This info is super helpful! For Canadians, what about the Marriott Rewards® Premier Visa® Card? I’ve been looking into credit and debit cards for an upcoming trip to Southeast Asia, and came across this card today. From what I can tell, it seems pretty good (no foreign currency transaction charges and has perks). Anyone have any experience or thoughts on this card? Thanks!

so where do you find that tangerine thrive chequing account info? I have an account with tangerine and I can find no info on this animal on their website

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Disclosures Many of the listings that appear on this website are from companies which we receive compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). The site does not review or include all companies or all available products. Thrifty Nomads has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Thrifty Nomads and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.

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• Travel Money

A safe-to-use, prepaid, reloadable, multi-currency card that’s not linked to your bank account

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*Exclusive to travel money cards. Promotion runs 4 March to 12 May 2024. 1 x £5,000 prize available to be won each week. Minimum equivalent spend of £50 applies.

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Carry up to 22 currencies safely.

Take one secure, prepaid Mastercard® away with you that holds multiple currencies (see ‘common questions’ for which).

Accepted in over 36 million locations worldwide

Use it wherever you see the Mastercard Acceptance Mark – millions of shops, restaurants and bars in more than 200 countries.

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Top up, manage or freeze your card, transfer funds between currencies, view your PIN and more all in our free Travel app .

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No need to carry lots of cash abroad. Order a Travel Money Card today for smart, secure holiday spending.

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Order online, via the app or pick one up in branch and load it with any of the 22 currencies it holds.

Activate it

Cards ordered online and in-app should arrive within 2-3 working days. Activate it by following the instructions in your welcome letter.

It’s ready to use

Spend in 36 million locations worldwide, and top up and manage your card in the app or online.

Stay in control

Manage your holiday essentials together in one place on the move, from your Travel Money Card and travel insurance to extras like airport parking.

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 .

Order a Travel Money Card

Order your card online – or through the Post Office travel app – and we'll deliver it within 2-3 days. Just activate it and go.

Need it quick? Visit a branch

Pick up a Travel Money Card instantly at your local Post Office. Bring a valid passport, UK driving licence or valid EEA card as ID. 

Need some help?

We’re here to help you make the most of your Travel Money Card – or put your mind at ease if it’s been lost or stolen

Lost or stolen card?

Please immediately call: 020 7937 0280

Available 24/7

To read our FAQs, manage your card or contact us about using it:

Visit our Travel Money Card support page

Common questions

How can i order my card.

There are three ways that you able to obtain a Travel Money Card, each very simple.

Please note, you must be a UK resident over the age of 18 to obtain a Travel Monday Card.

• Via our travel app: you can order and store up to three Travel Money Cards in our free travel app . Delivery will take 2-3 working days.
• Online: follow our application process  to order your card online. Your card will take 2-3 working days to be delivered. Once it arrives you can link it to our Travel app to manage on the go. 
• In branch: simply find a nearby Post Office branch and pop in to get your Travel Money Card there. Please remember to take a valid passport, UK driving licence or a valid EEA card in order to obtain your card, and you can take it away the same day.

Whichever way you choose to order your card, don't forget to activate it once it arrives. Full details of how to activate your card will be provided in your welcome letter, to which your card will be attached if it’s been sent in the post.

How do I use my card?

Travel Money Card is enabled with both chip & PIN and contactless, so you can make larger and lower-value value payments with it respectively. For convenience, you can also add it to Apple Pay and Google Wallet.

You can load it with between £50 and £5,000 (see more on load limits below). You can use it to pay wherever the Mastercard Acceptance Mark is displayed. And you can withdraw cash with it at over 2 million ATMs worldwide (charges and fees apply, see 'Are there top-up limits?' below).

Your Travel Money Card is completely separate from your bank account so it’s a safe and secure way to pay while you’re abroad.

How can I manage my card?

After you've activated your card, you can manage it using our travel app or via a web browser. You can check your recent transactions, view your PIN, transfer funds between different currency ‘wallets’, top up your card, freeze your card and more.

Our travel app brings together travel essentials including holiday money, travel insurance and more together in one place. As well as managing your Travel Money Card you can buy cover for your trip, access your policy documents on the move, book extras such as airport parking and hotels, and find your nearest ATM while overseas or Post Office branches here in the UK.

Which currencies can I use?

The Post Office Travel Money Card can be loaded with up to 22 currencies at any one time. You can top up funds on the card and transfer currencies between different ‘wallets’ for these currencies easily in our travel app or online.

Currencies available:

• 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 krone
• GBP – pound sterling
• HKD – Hong Kong dollar
• HUF – Hungarian forint
• JPY – Japanese yen
• NOK – Norwegian krone
• NZD – New Zealand dollar
• PLN – Polish zloty
• SAR – Saudi riyal
• SEK – Swedish Krona
• SGD – Singapore dollar
• THB – Thai baht
• TRY – Turkish lira
• ZAR – South African rand

What are the charges and fees?

Full details of our charges and fees can be found in our   Travel Money Card terms and conditions .

The Post Office Travel Money Card is intended for use in the countries where the national currency is the same as the currencies on your card. If the currency falls outside of any of the 22 we offer on your card, you’ll be charged a cross-border fee. For example, using your card in Brazil will incur a cross-border fee because we do not offer the Brazilian real as a currency. 

Cross border fees are set at 3% and are only applicable when you use your currency in a country other than the ones we offer. 

For more information on cross border fees, please visit our cross border payment page.

There are no charges when using your card in retailers in the country of the currency on the card. This means that a €20 purchase in Spain would cost you €20 and will be deducted from your euro balance. 

To avoid unnecessary charges to your card, wherever asked, you should always choose to pay for goods or withdraw cash in the currencies of your card. For example, if you are using the card in Spain you should always choose to pay in euro if offered a choice; choosing to pay in sterling (GBP) in this example would allow the merchant to exchange your transaction from euro to sterling. This would mean your transaction has gone through two exchange rate conversions, which will increase the total cost of your transaction. 

For loads in Great British pounds, a load commission fee of 1.5% will apply (min £3, max £50). A monthly maintenance fee of £2 will be deducted from your balance 12 months after your card expires. Expiration dates can be found on your TMC; all cards are valid for up to 3 years. 

A cash withdrawal fee will be charged when withdrawing cash from a UK Post Office branch or from any ATM globally that accepts Mastercard.  

We have listed all available currencies and their associated withdrawal limits and charges below: 

EUR – euro Max daily cash withdrawal: 450 EUR Withdrawal charge: 2 EUR

USD – US dollar Max daily cash withdrawal: 500 USD Withdrawal charge: 2.5 USD

AED – UAE dirham Max daily cash withdrawal: 1,700 AED Withdrawal charge: 8.5 AED

AUD – Australian dollar Max daily cash withdrawal: 700 AUD Withdrawal charge: 3 AUD

CAD – Canadian dollar Max daily cash withdrawal: 600 CAD Withdrawal charge: 3 CAD

CHF – Swiss franc Max daily cash withdrawal: 500 CHF Withdrawal charge: 2.5 CHF

CNY – Chinese yuan Max daily cash withdrawal: 2,500 CNY Withdrawal charge: 15 CNY

CZK – Czech koruna Max daily cash withdrawal: 9,000 CZK Withdrawal charge: 50 CZK

DKK – Danish krone Max daily cash withdrawal: 2,500 DKK Withdrawal charge: 12.50 DKK

GBP – Great British pound Max daily cash withdrawal: 300 GBP Withdrawal charge: 1.5 GBP

HKD – Hong Kong dollar Max daily cash withdrawal: 3,000 HKD Withdrawal charge: 15 HKD

HUF – Hungarian forint Max daily cash withdrawal: 110,000 HUF Withdrawal charge: 600 HUF

JPY – Japanese yen Max daily cash withdrawal: 40,000 JPY Withdrawal charge: 200 JPY

NOK – Norwegian krone Max daily cash withdrawal: 3,250 NOK Withdrawal charge: 20 NOK

NZD – New Zealand dollar Max daily cash withdrawal: 750 NZD Withdrawal charge: 3.5 NZD

PLN – Polish zloty Max daily cash withdrawal: 1,700 PLN Withdrawal charge: 8.5 PLN

SAR – Saudi riyal Max daily cash withdrawal: 1,500 SAR Withdrawal charge: 7.50 SAR

SEK – Swedish Krona Max daily cash withdrawal: 3,500 SEK Withdrawal charge: 20 SEK

SGD – Singapore dollar Max daily cash withdrawal: 500 SGD Withdrawal charge: 3 SGD

THB – Thai baht Max daily cash withdrawal: 17,000 THB Withdrawal charge: 80 THB

TRY – Turkish lira Max daily cash withdrawal: 1,500 TRY Withdrawal charge: 7 TRY

ZAR – South African rand Max daily cash withdrawal: 6,500 ZAR Withdrawal charge: 30 ZAR

Are there top-up limits?

Yes, all currencies have top-up limits and balances. See full information below, which is applicable to all currencies available on the Travel Money Card.

• Top-up limit: minimum £50 – maximum £5,000
• Maximum balance: £10,000 at any time, with a maximum annual balance of £30,000
• Read more Travel Money Card FAQs

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Find out more information by reading the  Post Office Travel Money Card's terms and conditions .

Post Office Travel Money Card is an electronic money product issued by First Rate Exchange Services Ltd pursuant to license by Mastercard International. First Rate Exchange Services Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with number 4287490 whose registered office is Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, TW8 9DF, (Financial Services Register No. 900412). Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Post Office and the Post Office logo are registered trademarks of Post Office Limited.

Post Office Limited is registered in England and Wales. Registered number 2154540. Registered office: 100 Wood Street, London, EC2V 7ER. 

These details can be checked on the Financial Services Register by visiting the  Financial Conduct Authority website  and searching by Firm Reference Number (FRN).

Travel warning issued over 'hidden' charge that could ruin your holiday

UK tourists are being urged to stay cautious over over 'hidden' charges that could ruin holiday budgets

• 07:00, 5 MAY 2024
• Updated 20:35, 5 MAY 2024

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Brits heading overseas this year are being warned of a hidden charge that could massively impact their holiday spending. It comes as many forget that when using a card abroad or taking out cash, you can sometimes be charged unexpectedly.

Experts from card payment provider, Dojo , are sharing a warning to holidaymakers on being charged for using the wrong card abroad. They are urging holiday-goers to avoid additional fees that can quickly rack up costs with some simple steps.

If you use your debit or credit card abroad or take cash out from an ATM you can be charged a fee from your bank. This can easily add up into the hundreds, depending on how many transactions you make.

As standard, many banks charge a 2.99% fee but this can vary by provider. This means if you’re spending £100, you’ll be charged an additional £2.99 which can quickly add up for a large family or group of friends.

Make sure you take a card with you that doesn’t charge a fee

When heading abroad, make sure you take a debit card with you that doesn’t charge these additional fees. Banks like Monzo and Starling offer cards with no abroad charges, whilst household UK banks such as Lloyds, Halifax and Barclays will charge you for using your card overseas.

Delete debit cards off your Apple Pay and Google Wallet

Digital wallets, like Apple Pay and Google Wallet for Android, make spending easy with just a tap. If you have your main debit or credit card as your main payment form on your digital wallet, remove it for your holiday and add a non-charging bank account instead so you can’t get caught out by accident.

To remove a card from your digital wallet, simply head to your Google or Apple wallet app and remove it directly from your listed payment options.

Take cash with you for small purchases

Using cash as your holiday budget is an easy way to keep an eye on your spending. Knowing your budget and having it physically means you can ensure you don’t overspend. Use cash for smaller purchases to keep additional costs down.

Be sure to only carry a small amount and keep the rest locked away and secured either in your hotel safe or another secure location.

Don’t take cash out of an ATM abroad

Not only will you be charged your bank's rate for taking money out abroad, you could be charged an additional fee by the ATM itself. ATMs abroad use different conversion rates and languages, so it can also be easy to take out more than you need by accident (and be charged for it).

According to Which? , due to conversion rates, some ATMs could cause as much as a £25 difference in your withdrawal amounts, so take cash with you in the country's currency to avoid this from happening.

Always use the local currency option

When paying on card or withdrawing from a cash machine, you’ll be given the option to convert to pounds or the local currency. It’s best to choose to pay in the local currency, otherwise the ATM or card terminal provider can set its own exchange rate which is likely to be less favourable than your bank or card provider’s rate.

• Most Recent

If Your Debit Card Expires While You’re Traveling, Do These 7 Things

T raveling can be an exciting adventure, full of new experiences and memories to cherish. However, it can quickly turn into a stressful situation if you find your debit card has expired. Being far from home without immediate access to your funds can be worrisome, but don’t panic. Here are some important steps to take if your debit card expires while you are on vacation.

Read More: 6 Genius Things All Wealthy People Do With Their Money

Sponsored: Owe the IRS $10K or more? Schedule a FREE consultation to see if you qualify for tax relief.

1. Contact Your Bank Immediately

The moment you realize your debit card has expired, contact your bank or card issuer. Most banks have international toll-free numbers specifically for travelers who have issues with their debit cards. Inform them about your situation and verify your identity. Banks are familiar with handling these situations and can quickly help you find a solution.

2. Request an Emergency Card Replacement

Ask if your bank can expedite a new debit card to your current location. Many banks offer an emergency card replacement service for travelers. While this might come with a fee, it’s worth the peace of mind. Provide a secure and verifiable address, like your hotel, where the card can be delivered.

3. Use Digital Wallet Services

In today’s digital age, accessing your funds without needing the physical debit card is often possible. If your bank supports it, you can add your debit card to a digital wallet like Apple Pay , Google Pay or Samsung Pay. This way, you can continue to make purchases and pay for services with your smartphone or a smartwatch.

4. Explore Wire Transfer Options

If getting a replacement card is not feasible, consider having money wired to you. You can use wire transfer services like Western Union or MoneyGram to receive cash without needing a debit card. You’ll need to provide identification and the transaction details, but it’s a reliable way to access your money.

5. Use Other Cards

Always travel with more than one form of payment. If you have a credit card or another debit card , now is the time to use it. This reduces the inconvenience of having a single expired card and ensures you’re not stranded without access to your funds.

6. Withdraw Funds Through a Partner Bank

Some banks have international partnerships with other banks. In such cases, you might be able to withdraw cash directly from a partner bank’s branch. You’ll need to present your passport and possibly answer security questions, but it’s an effective way to access your money.

7. Precautionary Measures for the Future

To avoid a situation like this in the future, make a note of your card’s expiration date before you leave on vacation. Most banks send out new cards a few weeks before the old one expires, so ensure your address is up-to-date. Additionally, consider setting up travel alerts on your account and inform your bank of your travel plans. That way, you’ll cut down any risk of fraud alerts or blocks issued on your account.

If your debit card stops working while you’re traveling, it can be a hassle, but it’s not a huge disaster. If you act quickly and check out other options, you can still get to your money and have an enjoyable and relaxing time on your trip. Make sure to have a second way to pay ready and the phone number for your bank with you, just in case you need it while you’re on the go.

Editor's note: This article was produced via automated technology and then fine-tuned and verified for accuracy by a member of GOBankingRates' editorial team.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : If Your Debit Card Expires While You’re Traveling, Do These 7 Things