hays prepaid travel card review

•   Argentina
•   Australia
•   Deutschland
•   Magyarország
•   Nederland
•   New Zealand
•   Österreich
•   Singapore
•   United Kingdom
•   United States
•   繁體中文 (香港)
•   简体中文 (中国)

Hays travel card review

You can pick up a Hays Travel Mastercard in a branch of Hays travel in the UK, or you can order a card online for convenience. Once you’ve got your card you can hold up to 16 different currencies in different currency ‘wallets’, for spending and withdrawals when you’re overseas.

This guide works through all you need to know about the Hays travel card, including the Hays travel card key features, benefits, fees and limits. To help you decide if the Hays card is right for you, we'll also look at the Wise international prepaid card and the Revolut debit card for comparison.

Hays travel card: key features

The Hays Travel Mastercard lets you hold and exchange a good selection of currencies which cover popular holiday destinations from the UK. However, if you’re spending a currency you don’t hold, there are fairly high fees to consider - plus some extra charges and limits you’ll want to know about.

Let’s start with a quick overview of the pros and cons of the Hays Travel Mastercard:

The Hays card has a few key benefits. It’s not connected to your regular GBP account which can be safer compared to using your regular bank card when you’re abroad - and you’ll be able to use it to make ATM withdrawals when you’re away, which is also more secure than carrying a large amount of cash. However, there are fees you’ll need to know about - including exchange rate markups and a foreign transaction fee if you’re spending a currency you don’t hold in the account.

Travel debit cards from providers with broader multi-currency account options, like Wise and Revolut, can make it easier and cheaper to spend when you’re abroad. With Wise for example, instead of a foreign transaction fee when you spend a currency you don’t hold overseas, you’ll just pay a low conversion charge which can be as little as 0.41% - and Revolut accounts may qualify for some currency conversion with no fee at all, depending on your account tier.

Who is the Hays travel card for?

The Hays Travel Mastercard supports up to 16 different currencies, which cover many popular holiday destinations from the UK. Supported currencies include euro (EUR), pound sterling (GBP), US dollars (USD), Australian dollars (AUD), New Zealand dollars (NZD), Canadian dollars (CAD), South African rand (ZAR), Turkish lira (TRY), Swiss franc (CHF), UAE dirham (AED), Mexican peso (MXN), Polish zloty (PLN), Czech koruna (CZK), Swedish krona (SEK) and Japanese yen (JPY).

 If you’re headed to any of these countries or regions, the Hays travel card may suit you - although it’s worth reading on to check out the fees and limits you’ll need to bear in mind if you do decide to get one.

What is the Hays travel card?

The Hays Travel Mastercard is a prepaid Mastercard which can be used to hold and spend a selection of currencies. There’s no fee to spend a currency you hold - although you may pay a fee in the form of a currency exchange markup when you switch from pounds to the currency you need on your travels.

Is the Hays travel card a multi-currency card?

The Hays travel card is a multi-currency card which lets you hold a balance in multiple foreign currencies. Around 16 currencies are supported, although it’s worth remembering when you top up you may pay a fee to switch from GBP to the currency you need.

We’ll compare the Hays Travel Mastercard with a couple of other cards including the Wise card and the Revolut card a little later. Both of these providers have a broader selection of supported currencies, which means you can easily add money in pounds and switch to the currency you need in advance, or just let the card do it for you, with relatively low overall fees and a fair exchange rate.

Alternatives to Hays travel card

The Hays travel card supports a good range of popular currencies, but it’s also got quite a few fees to consider before you pick one up.

To help you decide if the Hays travel card is right for you, let’s look at it alongside a couple of other popular alternatives:

Information taken from Hays Travel Mastercard desktop site and Terms and conditions , Wise pricing page , Revolut international transfer fees .pdf) and Revolut UK ; correct at time of writing, 16th May 2023

You’ve got a pretty strong range of options for travel cards if you’re planning on picking one up in the UK. Comparing a few is the best way to make sure you get the best available based on your specific needs. The Hays Travel Mastercard is a handy option as you can collect one in store, and add any of the 16 or so supported currencies, but it may not be the absolute best value out there. Shopping around is the smart way to make sure you get a good deal.

Create a Wise account online or through the Wise app to access a range of convenient features, including the option to securely hold and exchange over 50 currencies. You can also use your Wise card in over 170 countries , allowing you to spend with confidence wherever you go, with the mid-market exchange rate and low fees starting at just 0.41%.

Read a full Wise review here .

Revolut offers a range of accounts with different features and pricing options. You can choose a basic account with no monthly fees or opt for higher tier plans that come with monthly charges but provide additional benefits and free transactions. Regardless of the account type, you will receive a linked card and can hold more than 25 currencies .

When it comes to currency exchange, Revolut uses the mid-market exchange rate to the limits set out in your account plan, with fair usage charges after that.

Read a full Revolut review here

Hays travel card fees & spending limits

First, the limits associated with using your Hays travel card:

Let’s look at the costs of using the Hays card when you’re travelling:

Information correct at time of writing - 16th May 2023

Exchange rates

When you get a Hays Travel Mastercard you can top up in pounds or in a foreign currency supported by the card. When you top up in pounds, there’s a 2% fee - and when you add money in a foreign currency, the chances are that there’ll be a markup added to the exchange rate used to switch your pounds to the required currency. That’s also a fee, but it’s a bit trickier to spot. Compare the rate offered by Hays against the mid-market rate you can get from Google, to see how much markup is added.

Once you have a balance in a foreign currency it’s free to spend it. However, if you’re spending in an unsupported currency, or if you don’t have enough balance in the currency required to cover the costs of your purchase, you’ll pay a 5.75% foreign transaction fee.

How to get a Hays travel card

To get a Hays Travel Mastercard you’ll need to be over 18 and a UK resident. You can collect a card in a Hays store or order online.

What documents and information you’ll need

When you apply for a Hays travel card you may be asked to show some proof of identity and address. This is part of the verification process - it’s required by law, and used to keep customers and their accounts safe.

How to use a Hays travel card?

Top up your Hays card online or in a Hays branch, to make sure you have the currency you need when you’re away. You can then spend on your Hays travel card anywhere you see the Mastercard symbol. You may also be able to add your card to your preferred mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

You can also make cash withdrawals, with variable fees based on the currencies involved.

How to withdraw cash with a Hays travel card?

Withdraw cash with your Hays travel card as you would with any other debit or credit card. There are variable fees based on the currency you’re withdrawing:

Is the card safe?

Yes. Hays issues travel money cards through a partnership with PrePay Technologies Limited, which is an Electronic Money Institute overseen by the FCA in the UK. The card is also issued under licence from Mastercard. By using an FCA regulated provider you’ll know the Hays travel card is covered by all relevant protections, and safe to use as long as you take normal common sense precautions like never sharing your PIN.

How to use the Hays travel card overseas?

To use your Hays card you’ll first need to add funds in the currency of your choice. Don’t forget, there’s a 5.75% fee if you don’t hold the currency you need to spend, so make sure you’ve got everything you need loaded into your account before you start shopping.

You can use your Hays travel card internationally, anywhere you see the Mastercard symbol. Mastercard is well supported globally, so the chances are that you’ll be able to use it wherever you’re headed. There are a few unsupported countries and regions, usually due to international sancthions - at the time of writing this includes Iran, North Korea and Crimea.

Conclusion: is the Hays travel card worth it?

The Hays Travel Mastercard is convenient as you can collect one in a Hays store, or order online. It also supports a pretty solid range of currencies which are commonly used by Brits when they travel. However, it’s worth comparing the fees and rates available with Hays to a few other providers before you sign up, as you may find it’s not the absolute best value travel card in the UK.

As a comparison, take a look at the flexible multi-currency accounts available from alternatives like Wise and Revolut. You can add funds in pounds and switch to the currency or currencies you need, often with the mid-market rate and low fees. If you don’t have the currency you need in your account there’s no high foreign transaction fee - instead your card will just autoconvert with the lowest available fee, based on the provider. With Wise that’s as little as 0.41%, while Revolut offers some fee free conversion, with 0.5% fair usage fees once you hit your plan limits.

Hays travel card review FAQ

The Hays travel card can hold and exchange 16 currencies. You can spend and make withdrawals anywhere you see the Mastercard logo - but it’s worth bearing in mind that a high 5.75% fee applies to spend a currency you don’t hold in your Hays account. If you want to compare your options to look for lower fees, check out alternatives from providers like Wise and Revolut.

The Hays travel card can be used at home and abroad anywhere you see the Mastercard symbol. It’s free to spend any currency you hold, with a 5.75% fee to spend an unsupported currency, or if you don’t have enough balance in the required currency to cover your purchase. If you want more currencies and a different fee structure which can work out cheaper, check out the multi-currency accounts from a service like Wise or Revolut.

If the Hays travel card isn’t right for you, there’s lots of choice out there. Have a look at travel debit cards from a provider like Wise or Revolut as a different option that can come with a broader selection of supported currencies - and, often, lower overall fees.

Siri Stafford/Getty Images

Advertiser Disclosure

What to know about prepaid travel credit cards

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

Published: December 15, 2022

Author: Allie Johnson

Author: Dan Rafter

Editor: Brady Porche

Reviewer: Kaitlyn Tang

How we Choose

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• How do prepaid travel cards work?

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

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

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

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

• What are the benefits of a prepaid travel card?

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

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

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

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

More convenient than traveler’s checks

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

• What are the drawbacks of a prepaid travel card?

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

Foreign transaction fees, among others

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

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

No help for your credit score

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

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

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

Prepaid travel card tips

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

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

Should you use a travel credit card instead?

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

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

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

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

Bottom line

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

Editorial Disclaimer

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

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

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

On this page

• Prepaid travel card perks
• Stick with travel credit card?

Essential reads, delivered straight to your inbox

Stay up-to-date on the latest credit card news 一 from product reviews to credit advice 一 with our newsletter in your inbox twice a week.

By providing my email address, I agree to CreditCards.com’s Privacy Policy

Your credit cards journey is officially underway.

Keep an eye on your inbox—we’ll be sending over your first message soon.

Learn more about Education

Best credit cards for international travel

The best credit cards for international travel can make traversing the globe a more comfortable and rewarding experience. Compare our top picks to see how they work for your travel style and goals.

Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards of 2023

Looking for the best travel rewards with no annual fee doesn’t have to be hard. There are plenty of great credit cards you can explore to help you earn and redeem rewards for travel.

Best credit cards for trip cancellation

10 credit and money tips for travel abroad

TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry vs. Clear: Which is best for you?

How do travel rewards credit cards work?

Explore more categories

• Card advice
• Credit management
• To Her Credit

Questions or comments?

Editorial corrections policies

CreditCards.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which CreditCards.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval also impact how and where products appear on this site. CreditCards.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers. CCDC has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.

Since 2004, CreditCards.com has worked to break down the barriers that stand between you and your perfect credit card. Our team is made up of diverse individuals with a wide range of expertise and complementary backgrounds. From industry experts to data analysts and, of course, credit card users, we’re well-positioned to give you the best advice and up-to-date information about the credit card universe.

Let’s face it — there’s a lot of jargon and high-level talk in the credit card industry. Our experts have learned the ins and outs of credit card applications and policies so you don’t have to. With tools like CardMatch™ and in-depth advice from our editors, we present you with digestible information so you can make informed financial decisions.

Our top goal is simple: We want to help you narrow down your search so you don’t have to stress about finding your next credit card. Every day, we strive to bring you peace-of-mind as you work toward your financial goals.

A dedicated team of CreditCards.com editors oversees the automated content production process — from ideation to publication. These editors thoroughly edit and fact-check the content, ensuring that the information is accurate, authoritative and helpful to our audience.

Editorial integrity is central to every article we publish. Accuracy, independence and authority remain as key principles of our editorial guidelines. For further information about automated content on CreditCards.com , email Lance Davis, VP of Content, at [email protected] .

• Home   ›  
• Reviews   ›  
• Hays Travel

Hays Travel reviews

Hays Travel are rated Great in 1,043 reviews

UK’s Largest Independent Travel Agent Voted British Travel Awards 2023 favourite Foreign Exchange provider.

Reviews by day

Showing reviews 1-15 of 1,043

Walter Brown

Bought £351 worth of Euros

I just needed some holiday Euros and got the normal excellent service we have always had from the staff at the Bury St Edmund branch. First class service.

Hays Travel replied

Good afternoon Walter

Thank you for your 5* review.

This means a lot - Thank you for taking the time to let us know. I am glad you are happy with the service of our staff at Bury St Edmonds.

We appreciate your custom.

Kind regards

Bought £350 worth of Euros

Website needs a little adjustment especially when you’ve applied it doesn’t say if successful, done, submitted it goes straight to your inbox. Leave’s blank till you go to inbox

Ordered a currency card

Have Hays travel card which will let me load it in the travel agency but won't when I try it through the app for some reason it won't allow it to happen. Hopefully someone will be able to get it sorted for me soon

Hello there Peter.

I am sorry to read this. Thank you for your feedback - this is so important to us.

Please do contact Card Services if this problem persists.

You can also load money on the online portal:

https://travelprepaid.mastercard.com/hays/login/

Also please check if your phone/device requires an update and try and download the app again or do contact Card Services.

Beverley Ingram

Bought £95 worth of Euros

Requested euros online received call following day to advise the rate for what I had requested as online system being a bit silly. Popped in the same day and all ready to go. Great customer service on this and same when we booked a holiday previously.

Thank you for your 5* review, Beverley!

Sue Bardwell

Bought £150 worth of Canadian dollars

Excellent service. When my local Hayes did not have the currency I wanted they arranged for me to collect from another store.

Thank you for your 5* review, Sue!

7 June 2024

Sold Bulgarian leva

Excellent click and collect service. Buy back guarantee meant no problem exchanging currency back on return. Friendly, helpful customer service, definitely recommend.

Good Morning Julie,

I am so pleased to hear that you had a great experience with us.

Thank you for choosing Hays Travel - we value your custom.

Kindest Regards,

Bought £750 worth of Euros

Great service really easy to order, received a call to ask what notes i preferred and got just that. Brilliant service great staff, will use them again next time.

Good Morning Mark,

Thank you for your lovely 5* review.

I am delighted to hear that you received great service from us.

We hope that you will use Hays Travel again in the future.

Barry Evans

Bought £500 worth of Euros

Excellent help from the Oswestry staff.

Good Morning Barry,

Thank you for your lovely 5* review - we really value your comments and custom.

6 June 2024

Bought £100 worth of Euros

Great and friendly service at Hays.

Would recommend.

Good Morning Rob,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a 5* review.

I am so happy to hear that you had a great experience and as a result, you would recommend Hays Travel.

GAIL SABOURNE

Bought £300 worth of Euros

Great rate and friendly staff.

Good Morning Gail,

We appreciate the feedback you have provided, and we are so pleased that you had a great experience with us.

Joanne jamieson

Bought £200 worth of Mexican pesos

I ordered lower denomination of Mexican pesos. When I arrived to collect the girl said oh we have rang you loads of times we couldn’t get the denomination’s ordered . No one rang me to inform of this , I even showed the girl my missed call lost . Yet she was adamant that she has rang me . Not one to complain like a Karen , but if you didn’t telephone me to advise please accept your mistake instead of making out I was at fault !

Good Morning Joanne,

Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review - we value your feedback.

I am very sorry to hear this.

Please rest assured that your feedback has been passed across, so that we can continue to improve the standard of service that we strive to deliver.

Bought £1,600 worth of US dollars

Order on Thursday and got a call back that the money was ready to collect on Friday, great service and the staff in Galashiels were really helpful

Good Morning Ian,

We are thrilled that you had a positive experience with us and we appreciate your kind comments.

Bought £700 worth of Euros

Ordered one day to collect got phone call next morning to say they were there very quick and easy to use great rates too

Good Morning Carol,

We value the comments that you have provided.

Bought £1,500 worth of Euros

Excellent service polite staff

Good Morning Ann,

I am so pleased that you had a positive experience with us.

Thank you for choosing Hays Travel.

Bought £200 worth of Euros

Ordered one day picked up next…lovely staff great rate

Good Afternoon, Sandra

I am glad you are happy with the rate.

Thank you so much for your feedback.

Kind Regards

Write a review of Hays Travel

Rate your experience.

Click or tap a star to rate

Write your review

What product or service are you reviewing.

These last questions are optional, but your answers will appear with your review and will help to give it some context.

What currency did you buy?

How much did you spend.

We use cookies to improve your experience on our website. Please confirm you're happy to receive these cookies in line with our Privacy & Cookie Policy .

Get your Hays Travel Money Prepaid Mastercard ® Currency Card

• Choose your currencies
• Tell us about you
• Make your payments

Ready to start?

Hays Travel Money Prepaid Currency Card is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Exchange Rates

Suggested companies

Loveholidays, trailfinders.

Hays Travel   Reviews

In the Travel agent category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Pick a location to see its reviews

Write a review

Reviews 4.9.

142,795 total

Most relevant

It’s holiday booking time and that means…

It’s holiday booking time and that means only one thing, contacting Hays Travel and Steph Barwick. Steph is always helpful with her calm and assuring manner and there is never any pressure or hard selling! Steph goes the extra mile and caters for all our family requirements and finds us the best deal possible. We are repeat customers and as sure as night follows day we will be contacting Steph again next summer to book our holidays 😊.

Date of experience : 01 June 2024

Reply from Hays Travel

Thank you Idris for those kind and lovely words and the continued support of my small business. Stephanie Barwick at Hays Travel.

Very happy with service, lovely staff, helpful and friendly, haven't booked through travel agents for dacades, usually book seperatly on line but thought we'd have a look. After looking on line and researching area and cost we asked Sue to have a look what deals she had, we came out one hour later having booked what we wanted in an apartment we had already seen on line for £300 less than I'd managed to price up, great decision to try Hays

Date of experience : 09 June 2024

Booked a holiday to Albufiera

We had been looking for a holiday to Albufiera,Algarve . We found one we liked and took a screen shot on my phone . Maureen at Hayes Travel got the holiday on her system but the price had gone up , however she was able to price match our holiday and book our flight seats together. She also gave us advise on excursions . Great friendly staff and good experience.

Highly recommend!

After a colleague recommended me to go to Hays Travel in Bramhall, my partner and I went along to book a much needed, long overdue holiday. Sue was fantastic. She listened to what our requirements were and was knowledgeable about lots of different areas. She was patient with us and offered recommendations. The whole process was stress free and enjoyable, and she saved us some money. Will definitely be back in the future to book our next holiday!

Date of experience : 08 June 2024

Nial was fantastic, Park Centre, Belfast

Nial was fantastic, nothing was too much trouble for him and as a result booked two holidays with him instead of one. Very professional, efficient and came back in a timely fashion. An absolute pleasure to book with. He needs a huge bonus or pay rise, it would be money well spent as he is an absolute asset to your company. One particular female member of staff was so disobliging and unhelpful, it was a pleasure to ring back and deal with Nial.

Prague City break booking

We booked city break, sent all details and within days booked. The most efficient, quick and consideration given to detail holiday service we have ever experienced. Can not thank Geraldine enough. We shall without doubt be booking all future holidays through Geraldine 5 star plus service. THANK YOU 😊 🙏.

Date of experience : 31 May 2024

Absolutely the best stress free booking…

Absolutely the best stress free booking experience I have ever come across. Sent over my details once we had confirmed the holiday and price etc then left Rachel to it once it was done I had confirmation in my inbox (in around 20mins!) . Will not go elsewhere from start to finish this was a breeze and a great deal 2 both times 🙌 thank you ladies xx

Hays travel agency Killingworth has a…

Hays travel agency Killingworth has a very relaxed atmosphere. Lauren sorted everything for me and my husband, from health insurance, to finding the exact destination, hotel and surrounding areas where we wanted to holiday in Spain, also explaining about the currency. Nothing was a bother to Lauren, she was very kind, caring and thorough in helping us find our dream once in a lifetime holiday. Lauren also provided us with a lovely cup of complimentary coffee.

Gillian is amazing

As always Gillian from the Bromborough branch has been wonderful from the start to the finish of my booking. Nothing is too much trouble for her she goes above and beyond with all my travel information and booking. She’s truly amazing and has become a friend she is so very kind and caring and extremely helpful . I would not go anywhere else to book my holidays she’s simply the best.

Really pleasant customer service and…

Really pleasant customer service and made us feel at ease. Haven't booked a foreign holiday for almost 20 years and all questions we asked were answered professionally and clearly. Would happily go there again in the future.

Don’t often use a travel agent, but great service & quick!

Fiona found the holiday on Jet2’s website very quickly I had saved in my phones history the holiday I wanted & it had gone up in price by a few pounds so the price I had seen originally was honoured. Booked and documents sent and printed very quickly. Fiona was competent and courteous and we managed a few laughs as well. Offered money exchange service too so in the next few weeks I will probably change money at Hays also for good exchange rates hopefully, also offered to check me in if reqd if any issues online. Although I doubt that will be reqd. Would go to Hays again

Holiday enquiry and booking

Welcomed by a charming female travel agent representing Hays Travel at the Heswall branch nothing was too much trouble , made you feel at ease whilst booking a holiday, even a coffee was offered , just attention paid by to small detail . Kind , helpful and very friendly but professional at the same time .

Once again I can highly recommend Hays travel

Once again I can highly recommend Hays travel to book your holiday you receive first class customer service. With this my 3rd booking my agent was the lovely Laura who helped me she was very knowledgeable as all staff at Hays are they cannot do enough for you Laura went above and beyond to sort out my booking. She is a great asset to the Hays family I would recommend any one to visit Hays you won't be disappointed.

Sian helped me with booking a holiday…

Sian helped me with booking a holiday to Australia for me and my husband. She rang me back on time and was very helpful, she got me a great discount and did not make me feel any pressure. Didn't want to fly from London so she was able to ammend the deal. Great experience booking my holiday, Thanks to Sian at Heys Travel

Jake (travel agent) was excellent.

Jake (travel agent) was excellent with us, he showed great patience and understanding throughout our meeting. Glad to say, all got sorted with some good advice given. Big thanks to all concerned.

We have been to Hays many times for our…

We have been to Hays many times for our travel arrangements now and they are always so helpful and welcoming. We have booked with them again and would never hesitate to recommend them to any of our friends. Thank you all again for booking a fabulous holiday!

Date of experience : 06 June 2024

Polite and helpful, friendly

I was very happy with Mia TM at the Halesowen branch, she went through it all with me and double checked it all to make sure that all was correct and that I was happy

Excellent service

Abigail could not be more helpful along with another colleague who's name we didn't get. Both very knowledgeable, friendly and made the whole experience enjoyable. Got us exactly what we wanted

Great Service

Great service, Jane totally got the kind of last minute holiday we wanted and found us a fabulous hotel, local flights and sorted our airport parking too. Will definitely be back for our next holiday.

Kerry is amazing.

Kerry is amazing. Nothing is too much trouble. She Is always friendly and approachable. I have booked all my holidays with Kerry at Hays Travel for several years now and would not book with anybody else. I have recommend Kerry to my family and friends who now contact Kerry for their holidays.

Date of experience : 04 June 2024

Advertiser Disclosure

Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. The offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Bankrate.com receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and the likelihood of applicants' credit approval, also impact how and where products appear on this site. Bankrate.com does not include the entire universe of available financial or credit offers.

Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.

The Best Prepaid and Debit Cards of 2024

• • Business credit cards
• • Credit card debt

India Davis is an editor specializing in credit cards and updates. She believes in putting the reader first and carrying out a brand’s voice to its fullest potential. She has lived and worked in three different countries and hopes to explore more of the world post-pandemic.

• • Credit scores
• • Building credit

Courtney Mihocik is an editor at Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com specializing in credit card news and personal finance advice. Previously, she led insurance content at Reviews.com and worked as the loans editor at The Simple Dollar.

• • Credit cards
• • Rewards credit cards

Jason Steele is a professional journalist and credit card expert who has been contributing to online publications since 2008. He was one of the original contributors to The Points Guy, and his work has been appearing there since 2011. He has also contributed to over 100 of the leading personal finance and travel outlets.

The listings that appear on the website are from credit card companies from which Bankrate receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers. Here's an explanation for how we make money.

How we make money

You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey.

Bankrate follows a strict editorial policy , so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers.

We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money.

Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories, except where prohibited by law for our mortgage, home equity and other home lending products. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range, can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service.

If you need to limit spending or use an alternative to bank accounts, the best prepaid cards available can help you with your goals. You can load and reload prepaid cards with funds and then use them like a debit card, avoiding checking accounts and some bank-imposed fees in the process.

At Bankrate, our staff has reviewed and rated hundreds of today's top credit cards, with independence and transparency, so you'll have an easier time making an informed decision. When reviewing the best prepaid cards of 2024, we considered accessibility, affordability and extra benefits, among other factors, to help you decide which prepaid card is best for you.

View card list

Table of contents

Why choose bankrate.

We helped put over 115,000 cards in people's wallets in 2023

Match to cards with approval odds and apply with confidence

Over 47 years of experience helping people make smart financial decisions

The Bankrate Promise

At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money  and  how we rate our cards  .

Best prepaid and debit cards of 2024:

• Netspend® Visa® Prepaid Card
• Self Lender — Credit Builder Account

What is a prepaid card?

Tips on choosing the best prepaid card for you, expert advice on prepaid cards, how we assess the best prepaid cards.

• Frequently asked questions

Best for no activation fee

Netspend® Visa® Prepaid Card

Bankrate score

Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.

A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

Regular APR

What we love : If you want the convenience of a debit card without opening a traditional bank account, the Netspend Visa Prepaid Card may be worth a look. You can have your paycheck, tax refund or government benefits deposited directly to your Netspend Visa and can use the card anywhere Visa cards are accepted. Alternatives : If you’re a fan of this card’s savings account option, Brink’s Armored™ Account offers a similar benefit and the ability to earn some ongoing cash back rewards.

• There are no application fees and no minimum balance required for this card, so you can start an account with relatively little hassle.
• When you start your card account, you’ll get access to a high-yield savings account that offers 5 percent APY on the first $1,000 you save.
• The card's monthly fee is $9.95 (it lowers to $5 if you receive at least $500 in payroll checks in any one month).
• While it may not have an application fee, this card is associated with several other fees — an ATM withdrawal fee, an inactivity fee and a cash reload fee, just to name a few.
• With Direct Deposit, you can get paid faster than a paper check.
• No late fees or interest charges because this is not a credit card.
• Use the Netspend Mobile App to manage your Card Account on the go and enroll to get text messages or email alerts (Message & data rates may apply).
• Card use is subject to activation and ID verification. Terms and Costs apply.
• Card issued by Pathward N.A., Member FDIC. Card may be used everywhere Visa debit card is accepted.
• See additional NetSpend® Prepaid Visa® details.

Best for no credit check

What we love : This prepaid card could be a good fit for someone who wants a convenient way to spend without having to worry about a credit check. The Netspend Visa Prepaid card also comes with select cash back and personalized offers that can help you save on purchases. Alternatives: Since this prepaid card does not offer overdraft protection, you might consider the Walmart MoneyCenter debit card , which has an overdraft feature (fees may apply). 

• There's no credit check required when opening the card, so your credit score won't be impacted.
• The card does offer some cash back rewards which are personalized based on your spending.
• This card doesn't report to any of the three credit bureaus, so it won't help improve your credit score.
• Like most prepaid cards, this card offers no overdraft protection.

Best for building credit

Self - Credit Builder Account with Secured Visa® Credit Card

What we love : The Self - Credit Builder Secured Visa® serves both as a traditional credit card and a savings account — payments made into this account are reported to the three major credit bureaus, helping you build savings and establish a positive credit history at the same time. The credit limit on this card is also equal to the amount you have saved in your Credit Builder Account. Learn more : Is the Self – Credit Builder Account with Secured Visa Credit Card worth it? Alternative : If you’re seeking access to a physical card immediately, the Netspend® Visa® Prepaid Card is a solid choice that offers potential rewards, albeit one that carries a series of fees.

• This card reports to all three credit bureaus, helping you to achieve any credit-building goals.
• Since no hard credit inquiry is required for application, your credit score won't be impacted.
• If you're looking for a card to use immediately, this isn’t a fit as it takes three months of on-time loan payments totaling at least $100 before you’re eligible for the secured card.
• You’ll pay an annual fee for this card, which is unusual for a secured card.
• Start with a Credit Builder Account* that reports to all 3 credit bureaus. Each on-time monthly payment builds credit history and savings. Choose the plan that works for you.
• Make at least 3 monthly payments on time, have $100 or more in savings progress in your Credit Builder Account, and be in good standing.** Then, you’ll be eligible for the Self Visa® Credit Card, without a hard credit check.
• Your savings progress from your Credit Builder Account acts as your security deposit for your secured Credit Card.
• Get the savings plan that helps build credit today.
• No credit score is needed to get started.
• Your money is secured and protected in a bank account.
• *Credit Builder Account Sample Product: $48 monthly payment, 24 month term with a $9 admin fee at a 15.72% Annual Percentage Rate. Please refer to https://www.self.inc/pricing for the most recent pricing options.
• **Secured Credit Card Disclaimers, Rates and Fees: https://www.self.inc/card-agreement
• Self Visa® Credit Card issued by Lead Bank or SouthState Bank, N.A., each Member FDIC. See self.inc for details.
• Active Credit Builder Account in good standing, 3 on time payments, $100 or more in saving progress. Requirements subject to change.

Compare Bankrate's top prepaid cards

On This Page

Prepaid debit cards are similar to debit cards, except prepaid cards aren’t connected to banking or checking accounts. Instead, funds are loaded onto the card — either online, in person at specific locations, by depositing checks or reloading with cash — then reloaded when those funds run out.

Think of them as a cross between gift cards and debit cards — they have a card number, CVV code and expiration date like debit and credit cards. They also don't usually impact your credit score, as prepaid card issuers typically don’t check your credit when you apply, and they won’t check your banking history (though this isn’t always the case).

However, you should keep in mind that most prepaid cards have fees associated with them, such as:

• Reload fees
• Monthly fees
• ATM withdrawal fees
• Inactivity fees
• Transaction fees

Pros and cons of prepaid cards

While one of the benefits of a prepaid card is its accessibility, make sure to read the fine print before you apply. Some cards have activation fees and monthly maintenance charges, which can eat into your spending.

No credit check needed: People with low or no credit can practice responsible credit habits without taking a hit to their credit scores.

Budgeting tool: Because you’re limited to spending your deposit amount, prepaid cards make it easier to stay within your budget and cut back on monthly spending.

More fees than debit cards: Debit cards typically charge overdraft, monthly and sometimes ATM fees. Unfortunately, prepaid cards charge those fees on top of transaction fees, reload fees, inactivity fees and more.

Can’t build credit: Prepaid card issuers don’t report to credit bureaus, meaning users won’t improve their credit scores over time with this card type. Secured credit cards are a better option for people with no credit or low credit to increase their scores.

Prepaid cards are an excellent option for anyone with difficulty accessing traditional banking services, but features vary among cards. Here are some things you should keep in mind while shopping for a prepaid card.

• Take a look at the fees. One of the reasons many people have a difficult time accessing traditional banking services is because of the costs. If your prepaid card charges a litany of fees, such as ATM fees, monthly service fees or reload fees, you should consider if the card is worth it.
• Know your loading options . How difficult or easy will it be to reload your prepaid card? Are fees attached? Some prepaid cards will allow you to reload your card with ACH transfers, but you’ll often reload manually at an ATM. It’s important that you have access to several ATMs in your area.
• Make sure the card offers mobile access. Mobile banking is becoming increasingly popular, and for good reason. It’s convenient, safe and can give you peace of mind. The best prepaid cards will offer you the option to use the cards online and have access to a mobile app.
• Consider if you’re banked or underbanked .   While prepaid cards function similarly, there are significant  differences between prepaid cards and debit cards , specifically where funds are stored, which can be a significant factor for those who are unbanked or underbanked. Prepaid cards provide several benefits to people who don’t have access to traditional bank accounts (unbanked people) or whose access to banking services is inconvenient or too expensive ( underbanked people). If you’ve struggled to gain access to traditional banking services because of upfront costs (such as deposit minimums or initiation fees), a prepaid card might be the answer.

You can use Bankrate's Compare Credit Cards tool to help shop for the best prepaid card with as few fees as possible.

Rates of unbanked people are particularly high for those in low-income households. While the U.S. average for being unbanked is around 4.5 percent , those who have an income of under $25,000 and are underbanked are 17 percent . The main reasons cited are lack of proper funds and lack of trust . Prepaid cards can be a great alternative for people facing these hurdles.

To make the most of your prepaid card and ensure a seamless financial experience, follow these expert tips.

How to choose a prepaid card

Decide on a payment network.

Payment networks like PayPal, Visa, Mastercard and Netspend all have prepaid debit cards available. Some networks are accepted at more merchants than others so make sure to pick one that’s accepted at stores you regularly shop at.

Check fees and limitations

Prepaid cards come with a multitude of fees. If you don’t factor these into your spending, you might have less than you originally thought.

Review spending habits

Prepaid cards only have what you load onto them, so make sure to load a proper amount to avoid the reload fee that could possibly be attached to the card.

Pick up & load the card

You can receive your prepaid card from many places, both in-person and online, and may even be able to get it the same day. Once you activate and load your card, you should be able to start using it immediately.

How to maximize a prepaid card

When it comes to managing your spending and avoiding debt, a prepaid card can be valuable. With the right features and responsible usage, you can maximize the benefits of a prepaid card while staying in control of your finances.

Prepaid debit cards let you use plastic when shopping online or in stores without a traditional checking account . It’s great for scenarios like a parent or guardian giving a teenager a card to make purchases with a monthly budget or if you need to cut back on spending and want to set hard limits. Understand what you’re using a prepaid card for and how it can ultimately help you reach your financial goals.

Research and compare cards

Each prepaid card may come with its own set of features, fees and limitations. You can find a card that aligns with your specific needs by conducting thorough research. Look for cards with low or no activation fees, reasonable transaction fees and useful benefits tailored to your requirements.

Set a budget

One of the key advantages of using a prepaid card is that it allows you to set a budget and stick to it. By loading only the amount you plan to spend onto the card, you can avoid overspending and accumulating debt, so it's essential to do so with a strategic approach. 

Strategize your reloads

Consider your spending patterns and avoid reloading large sums unnecessarily, as it might tie up your funds or expose you to additional fees. Plan your reloads effectively. Strike a balance between having enough funds and not maintaining an excessive balance on the card.

Be aware of drawbacks

Prepaid cards may not offer the same consumer protections as credit or debit cards in case of fraud or unauthorized transactions. It's crucial to review the terms and conditions the card issuer provides regarding liability protection and dispute resolution processes. As a precaution, make sure to set some money aside for an emergency or rainy day fund .

Have more questions for our credit cards editors? Feel free to send us an  email , find us on  Facebook , or Tweet us  @Bankrate .

When evaluating the best prepaid cards, we take into account several factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether they offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of cardholders, from low fees to wide acceptance to earning rewards. 

We analyzed the most popular prepaid card options and scored each card based on its fee structure, rewards rate and earnings, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup. 

Here are some of the key factors that we considered: 

Reasonable fees

To start, all cards on this list charge either a variable monthly fee, fixed monthly fee or a one-time account fee. As many prepaid cards have monthly fees, we identified those with limited additional costs and hidden fees.

More important to these cards’ scores and their inclusion in our list is how their fees influence their overall value. We consider card fees in two ways — how it ranks relative to the fees you’ll find on other cards in the category and how it impacts a card’s overall value. 

Cards with high fees will always be at a slight disadvantage in our scoring system since fees inherently cut into any rewards value the card may offer. However, if a card offers terrific value in other ways, such as perks or convenience it can earn a spot in our list even if it carries high fees.

Flexibility and perks

Along with cost and rewards value, we consider other factors that could give cards great long-term usefulness. 

We considered how widely a card is accepted, and we sought options that are likely to be accepted anywhere you spend. Our team considered the size of each card’s network, the trustworthiness of each financial institution and the accessibility of reload options.

Due to the nature of prepaid and debit cards, additional perks such credit-building tools can be difficult to come by. If a card offers a path to improving your credit score, we’ve factored that into our scoring.

For rewards-earning cards, we consider any restrictions they impose on earning and redeeming rewards when deciding on a card’s inclusion in our list. 

These restrictions could include only allowing users to earn a high rewards rate on a small amount of spending or requiring users to meet a certain earning threshold before they can redeem rewards. We also examine whether points are worth less when you opt for some redemption options over others and whether a card gives you the flexibility to transfer rewards to airline and hotel partners. 

We also evaluate each card’s perks based on their value and uniqueness. For prepaid cards, flexibility and convenience can play a significant role in a card’s overall usefulness. 

Rewards value

Since many cardholders looking for a prepaid card are eager to earn rewards, a key criteria for a card’s inclusion in our list is its rewards value. Rewards value factors in a card’s average rewards rate, estimated annual rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value and reward redemption value.

To estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings, we calculate its average rewards rate based on how much it earns in different bonus categories, as well as how closely those categories match the average person’s spending habits. In other words: Does the card earn rewards at a high rate in the most popular spending categories?

We use consumer spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to get a reliable third-party measure of people’s spending habits. The most recent BLS data estimates average total spending in 2021 was $66,928 per consumer. We then narrow our focus to which purchases are likely to be put on a credit card and earn rewards, subtracting expenditures like housing, vehicle purchases and education. This gives us a total “chargeable” annual spend of around $22,500.  

This includes the following spending by category:

• Groceries: $5,200
• Dining out: $3,000
• Entertainment: $2,500
• Gas: $2,100
• Apparel and services: $1,700

Using this data, we assign a weighting to each of a card’s bonus categories. For example, a card’s grocery rewards rate receives a 23 percent weighting based on how much of the average person’s budget is spent on groceries. We also estimate the redemption value of points or miles from various issuer, airline and hotel rewards programs.

This weighting and rewards valuation allows us to estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings — how many points or miles you’d earn with a given card if your spending was about average and you used the card for all of your purchases — as well as what those points are worth. We also use point valuations to determine a card’s sign-up bonus value

With these calculations complete, we assign each card a score based on how its average rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value, rewards rate and redemption value stack up against other cards in its primary category.

The better these values, the higher its score will be, making it more worthy of inclusion in our list and increasing its potential ranking.

Frequently asked questions about prepaid cards

How do i get a prepaid card.

You can get a prepaid card in a number of ways, including: 

• Online : You can go online and purchase a prepaid card using your credit or debit card information, which will be charged at the time of purchase.
• In-store : You can go to any store and purchase a prepaid card with cash.
• At a bank branch : You can go to a bank branch, provide your personal information and purchase a prepaid card with cash or by using your checking account number and routing number (which is typically on checks).

How do you reload a prepaid card?

You can reload a prepaid card much like you would receive money in a checking account linked to a debit card. Here are some ways you could reload a prepaid debit card, depending on the issuer:

• In person at the financial institution that issued the card
• In person at participating retail locations
• Online transfer from a checking or savings account
• Mobile deposit, if available
• Direct deposit, if available

What are alternatives to prepaid cards?

If you'd rather not use a prepaid card, there are other options that may suit your needs better:

• Fintech banking apps: These apps, like SoFi , work like any other bank app, but they don't require a traditional bank account. Some of these apps are free, but some charge monthly fees for certain features.
• Alternative spending accounts: An alternative spending account, like Chime , is typically a checking account without overdraft fees, monthly fees or service fees. They're designed for people who want a simple place to keep their money but don't want all of the features of a traditional checking account.
• Second-chance checking accounts: These second-chance accounts  allow people who have been denied access to traditional checking accounts due to low credit scores or unpaid debts access to basic banking services. 
• Secured credit cards: These allow people who have bad or no credit histories to make a deposit for access to a limited credit line. If you can afford to make a security deposit upfront, you can use a secured credit card for minor expenses and build your credit score at the same time.

Article sources

We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.

Netspend Visa Prepaid Card fees . Netspend. Accessed on May 10, 2024.

Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households in 2022 - May 2023 . Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System. Accessed on May 10, 2024.

2021 FDIC National Survey of Unbanked and Underbanked Households . FDIC. Accessed on May 10, 2024.

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.

Find your odds with no impact to your credit score

Apply for a credit card with confidence.

Apply for a credit card with confidence. When you find your odds, you get:

A personalized list of cards ranked by likelihood of approval

Special card offers from top issuers in our network

No credit hits. Enjoy a safe and seamless experience that won’t affect your credit score

Tell us your name to get started

This lets us verify your credit profile

Your personal information and data are protected with 256-bit encryption.

Your personal information is secure

We use your info to run a soft credit pull which won’t impact your credit score

Here’s how we protect your safety and privacy. That means:

We only use your info to run a soft credit pull, which won’t impact your credit score

We’ll never send mail to your home

All of your personal information is protected with 256-bit encryption

What’s your mailing address?

This helps us verify your credit profile.

Why we're asking

Your financial information, like annual income and employment status, helps us better understand your credit profile and provide more accurate approval odds.

Your financial information, like annual income and employment status, helps us better understand your credit profile.

Having a clearer picture of your credit profile will help us ensure that your approval odds are as accurate as possible.

What’s your employment status?

What's your estimated annual income?

Your answer should account for all personal income, including salary, part-time pay, retirement, investments and rental properties. You do not need to include alimony, child support, or separate maintenance income unless you want to have it considerd as a basis for repaying a loan. Increase non-taxbile income or benefits included by 25%.

Knowing your rent or mortgage payments helps us calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) which is your monthly debt payments divided by your pre-tax monthly income.

Why does DTI matter? Your DTI gives us a clearer picture of your credit profile, which allows us to evaluate which cards you’re likely to get approved for more accurately.

Monthly rent or mortgage payment

Put $0 if you currently don’t have a rent or mortgage payment.

Almost done!

We need the last four digits of your social security number to run a soft credit pull.

We need the last four digits of your Social Security number to run a soft credit pull. This helps us locate your profile and identify cards that you may qualify for. Your information is protected by 256-bit encryption.

A soft credit pull will not affect your credit score.

Enter the last 4 digits of your Social Security number

Last step! Once you enter your email and agree to terms:

Your approval odds will be calculated

A personalized list of cards ranked by order of approval will appear

Your odds will display on each card tile

Enter your email address

Enter your email address to activate your approval odds and get updates about future card offers.

By clicking “Agree and See Results” you acknowledge receipt of our Privacy Notice , Privacy Policy and agree to our Terms of Use . By agreeing, you are giving your written instruction to Bankrate and our lending partners (together, “Us”) to obtain a soft pull of your credit report to determine whether you may be eligible ...show more for certain targeted offers, including pre-qualified and pre-approved offers (your "CardMatch offers"), as well as display what we estimate your approval odds to be for participating offers (“Approval Odds”). You instruct Us to do this each time you return to our sites to view product offerings and up to once per month so you can be provided up-to-date results.

You understand that this is not an application for credit and CardMatch offers and Approval Odds do not guarantee you will be approved for a partner offer. To apply for a product you will need to submit an application directly with that provider. Seeing your results won't hurt your credit score. Applying for a product may impact your score. See partner for complete product terms. Show less

We’re sending you to the issuer’s site to complete your application.

Just a second... We’re matching you with personalized offers

Hold tight, we’re loading your personalized results page, sorry, we couldn't access your approval odds..

This often happens when the information that's provided is incorrect. Please try entering your full information again to view your approval odds.

Check your approval odds before you apply

Answer a few questions and see if you’re likely to be approved in less than a minute—with no impact to your credit score.

Check your approval odds on similar cards before you apply

Before you apply...

See which cards you’re likely to be approved for

In less than 60 seconds, answer some questions and we’ll estimate your odds of approval on eligible cards. You get:

A personalized list of cards ranked by likelihood of approval.

Access to special card offers from top issuers in our network.

No credit hits. Enjoy a safe and seamless experience that won’t affect your credit score.

But don’t worry! You can check out other cards that are a better fit.

Hays Travel Currency Card 4+

Hays travel ltd.

• 4.4 • 5 Ratings

iPhone Screenshots

Description.

The official app for Hays Travel Prepaid Travel Card.   Hays Travel Card is free to use worldwide in millions of locations.  Use the app to fully manage your travel card account and stay in control of your holiday finances.  Travel Card is not linked to your bank account and is a safer option than carrying cash.  Take your Hays Travel Card with you on every holiday, simply top up and go ▪ Use worldwide anywhere Mastercard is accepted ▪ Easy to use, contactless transactions and chip & pin ▪ Worldwide cash withdrawals ▪ Phone support available worldwide 24/7 FEATURES OF THE APP ▪ 22 different currencies available to instantly top up and reload multiple currencies – from anywhere in the world. ▪ Real time balance check ▪ Lock-in exchange rates so you’ll know exactly how much money you have to spend ▪ Transfer between currencies ▪ Keep a track of your spending, view your transactions ▪ Report your card lost or stolen and check your card pin ▪ Manage your personal details

Version 7.0.0

• Exciting News for Our UK Users! • Apple Wallet Integration: Add your Hays Travel Prepaid Travel Card directly to your Apple Wallet for effortless transactions, exclusive to our users in the UK. • Reload via Apple Pay Support: Reload your Hays Travel Prepaid Travel Card using Apple Pay. A quick, secure, and convenient way to ensure your card is always ready for use. • Bug Fixes: We’ve squashed some bugs and improved the app’s stability for a smoother experience.

Ratings and Reviews

App privacy.

The developer, Hays Travel Ltd , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Not Collected

The developer does not collect any data from this app.

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

Get all of your passes, tickets, cards, and more in one place.

You might also like.

NationRemit: Money Transfer

Sainsbury's Bank Travel Card

Santander Connect UK

Radiantlife money transfer

• Destinations
• All Inclusive
• City Breaks
• Summer 2024
• Pay Monthly Holidays
• Winter Holidays
• Holiday money
• Travel Money Card
• Travel Insurance
• Cruise Holidays
• Faraway Holidays
• Costa Del Sol
• Costa Dorada
• Gran Canaria
• Fuerteventura
• Praia Da Rocha

News & latest offers

Hays Travel Currency Card Staff Review

Ray, our Foreign Exchange Sales Development Manager, recently returned from a fantastic 2 week holiday visitng Miami, New York and spent 6 nights on a Caribbean Cruise, onboard Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Odyssey of the Seas!

On his journey, Ray used the Hays Travel Money Currency Card . Here is what he had to say about his experience:

"The Hays Travel Currency card was so easy to use and I really recommend it to everyone going on holiday.   It was just like using my regular debit or credit card , everywhere I visited accepted it. Most of my transactions were contactless, there were no hidden charges, hassle-free to use and was not linked to my bank account!

What was even better and really kept me in control of my spending was downloading the app. It was very easy to set up. As soon as I spent money on the card, it would instantly show me my available balance. I even used the card when I was in Mexico and it just took the funds out of my USA wallet and converted it into Mexican Peso! It was also extremely easy to top the card up while overseas . You simply choose the currency you want to load, enter your card details & the money appears straight away.

On my return, I was surprised that I still had $70 left on my card. I’ve now transferred this on the app to Euros ready for my holiday to Spain in May!

Let me some the card up in 2 words - Absolutely Fantastic!"

The Hays Travel Money Currency Card truly is a safe and effortless way to ensure you have all your money in one easily accessible place. Simply pop into branch to purchase your card, download our fantastic Currency Card App, and fully manage your holiday finances at the click of button, anywhere in the world. Make the stress of holiday transactions a thing of the past. With 16 currencies at your fingertips and free usage in millions of locations worldwide, you can travel the globe without the worry of carrying cash- simply top up and go! Travelling has never been so easy.

• Beach Holidays
• Hays Cruise
• Hays Faraway

Here Are the Four Best Travel Money Cards in 2024

François Briod

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

Jarrod Suda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Travel Cards (And More!) at a Glance

Best travel money cards.

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

Revolut: Best All-Rounder

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

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

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

Here's an overview of Revolut's plans:

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

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

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

N26: Good Bank For EU Travellers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wise: Best For Multi-Currency Balances

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

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

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

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

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

Chase: Great UK Bank For Travel

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

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

Chime: Great Account For US Travelers

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

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

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

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

Best Travel Money Cards in 2024 Compared by Country

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

Last updated: 8 January 2024

What's The Best Prepaid Card to Use Abroad?

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

What is a Multi-Currency Card?

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

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

Wise Account

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

Read our full review for more details.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Travel Money Tips

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

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

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

Best Travel Money Card Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tip 2: Always Choose To Pay In the Local Currency

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

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

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

What is a Dynamic Currency Conversion?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Need Foreign Cash Anyway?

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

1. Withraw at an ATM

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

2. Buy Banknotes (at a Reasonable Rate!)

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

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

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

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

FAQ About the Best Travel Money Cards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why You Can Trust Monito

Our recommendations are built on rock-solid experience.

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

Other Monito Guides and Reviews on Top Multi Currency Cards

Why Trust Monito?

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

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

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

Our recommendations are always unbiased and independent.

Personal Finance

Best travel credit cards for june 2024.

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

The best travel credit cards unlock a world of free and discounted travel. If you travel a lot, one of these cards could be worth obtaining. Depending on your travel preferences and goals, you may want a card with no annual fee, ultra-luxury premium rewards, or many points per purchase. Here’s a closer look at the best travel rewards cards to help you see the world at a fraction of the cost.

Best Travel Credit Cards: Summary

Best for beginners: card_name, best for premium travel: card_name, best for no annual fee: card_name, best for intro bonus offer: card_name, best for airport lounge access: card_name, best for business: card_name, best for insurance coverage: card_name, best airline credit card: card_name.

• Best hotel credit card: Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card

Our recommendations for the best travel credit card

The best travel credit card varies depending on your travel preferences. If you’re loyal to a specific airline or hotel, you may consider that brand’s card. A general miles or points rewards card could be the best choice for travelers looking to get the maximum value across a wider range of redemption options.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Why we like it:, product details:.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel(SM).
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel(SM), 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel(SM). For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

The card_name is our pick for the best credit card for general travel rewards for beginners. It does a great job of balancing a robust rewards program with a reasonable annual fee. If you’re new to travel rewards cards or want a top card you can use everywhere without spending more than $100 per year, this card should be on your shortlist.

New users who spend at least $4,000 on the card in the first three months get 60,000 bonus points worth $750 when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards . For purchases, you’ll earn five points per dollar spent on travel at Chase Ultimate Rewards; three points for dining and eligible delivery services, online grocery purchases, excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs, and select streaming services; two points for other travel; and one point everywhere else. Points are transferable to airline and hotel partners, including United , Southwest , and Marriott.

The card also provides other perks, including travel and purchase protections. You’ll also get $50 back as a statement credit each year for hotels booked through Chase. While there’s a annual_fees annual fee, it’s easy to see how you’ll get that back and much more every year when using the card regularly.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

One of the newer premium travel cards, card_name , comes with a wide set of travel benefits, including access to Capital One lounges and more than 1,300 additional lounges through Priority Pass and Plaza Premium Group. While the card requires a steep annual_fees annual fee, getting that value back and more is easy. Users get a $300 annual statement credit for travel booked through Capital One Travel, a $100 credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry , and a $100 statement credit with other premium services when booking certain hotels through Capital One.

The card_name starts new users with 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first three months, and you’ll earn 10,000 bonus miles annually on your account anniversary. For purchases, you’ll get 10x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles per dollar on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2x everywhere else. Capital One miles are redeemable through Capital One and a list of transfer partners .

Other benefits include premium experiences and museum access through complementary memberships to PRIOR, The Cultivist, and $300 toward a Gravity Hauss membership. If you book a flight when Capital One Travel recommends and the price drops within 10 days, you can get up to $50 credit back.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

If you don’t want to shell out $100 yearly just to have a travel rewards card, the card_name could be a winner. With this card, users earn five miles per dollar spent on rental cars and hotels booked through Capital One Travel and an unlimited 1.25 miles per dollar on other purchases.

New users can earn 20,000 bonus miles after spending $500 in purchases in the first three months. There are no foreign transaction fees, either, and the list of travel insurance and purchase coverage is impressive, considering there’s annual_fees annual fee.

Another advantage is that VentureOne starts new users with a intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration and balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration . If you want to consolidate and pay off other cards or make a big purchase interest-free, card_name may be the best choice for you.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

card_name is an excellent card for easy-to-understand travel rewards. You earn 5x miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and a flat 2x miles per dollar on other purchases. These miles can be redeemed through the Capital One Travel site, used to cover the cost of a recent eligible travel purchase, or transferred to a list of partner travel brands. Redeeming them for cash, events, and gift cards is also possible.

Other benefits include a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, two free Capital One lounge visits per year, and the most important travel and purchase protections anyone would want from a travel card.

There’s a annual_fees annual fee, but it’s easy to get that back and more redeeming Capital One miles for travel.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The card_name is an ultra-luxury credit card unlocking a huge heap of benefits, including express lanes and access to lounges at airports, gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels, and about $1,500 worth of various travel, membership, and purchase credits. On top of that, new users can earn 80,000 membership rewards points after spending $6,000 in the first three months.

The card carries a steep annual_fees annual fee ( Rates & Fees ), but it’s easy to see how you get more than that back in a year if you use its benefits fully. Additional users can get free Amex Gold cards or up to three additional Platinum cards at $175 per year. Additional users beyond that cost $175 each.

Benefits include a hotel credit worth up to $200 for prepaid bookings with American Express Travel for Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection, a $189 statement credit annually to cover a Clear membership, a credit of up to $100 for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, up to $20 per month for select entertainment purchases, up to $300 per year in statement credits for Equinox memberships, $12.95 per month in statement credits for a Walmart+ membership, and $50 in statement credits twice per year when shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue. It also includes $15 monthly in Uber Cash ($20 in December) and Uber VIP status. Users also get Gold-level status with the Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors programs .

The rewards are not all that impressive, however. You earn five points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel, hotels booked on Amex Travel, and one point for everything else. Points are redeemable through Amex and transferable to a list of airline and hotel partners. The card is worthwhile for frequent travelers when you add up the massive travel benefits.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The is the best business card for travel due to its rewards flexibility, foreign transaction fees, and protective consumer benefits.

You may like the card_name if you run a business, even a side hustle. The card comes with a huge 100,000-point bonus after spending $15,000 in the first three months. That’s worth $1,250 in travel when redeemed through Chase or potentially more when transferring to travel partners.

The card features 3x points per dollar on shipping purchases, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines, internet, cable and phone services purchases, and travel.

The card also comes with a good list of travel and purchase protections, including cell phone insurance when you use the card to pay your monthly bill. And like most premium travel cards, there are no foreign transaction fees. While it has a huge starting bonus and great benefits, it also requires a annual_fees annual fee.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card

This card's generous benefits and flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points make it an excellent deal for those who can use them. Users get a Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership (retail value $469), a $300 annual travel credit that applies to travel purchases each year, 50% more value when redeeming their rewards for travel through Chase, a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership , and a generous suite of travel insurance benefits.

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel(SM).
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel(SM) immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel(SM). For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass(TM) Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck(R)

card_name is a premium travel card loaded with valuable benefits. While it requires a large annual_fees annual fee, you get the first $300 back on travel purchases with the card, up to $100 in statement credits every four years for TSA’s trusted traveler programs, and a complimentary Priority Pass Select membership with access to more than 1,300 lounges.

New users can earn 60,000 bonus points after $4,000 in purchases in the first three months. For purchases, you’ll earn 10x points per dollar spent with Chase Dining or when booking hotels or rental cars through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 5x for flights booked through Chase, 3x for travel and dining purchases, including restaurant delivery, and 1x everywhere else.

The package of travel and purchase insurance is also quite valuable. The card includes trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver coverage, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement, and emergency evacuation insurance. For purchases, it includes purchase protection for new purchases for up to 120 days, return protection, and up to an additional year of warranty coverage.

United℠ Explorer Card

If you’re looking for an airline-specific credit card, the card_name Chase is a standout option. The card comes with a list of benefits rewarding United travelers, with bonus miles, free checked bags, and other benefits. New users can earn 60,000 miles after spending $3,000 with the card in the first three months.

You’ll earn 2x miles per dollar for purchases with United. The same 2x rate extends to dining, restaurant delivery, and hotels booked directly through the hotel company. It features 1x mile per dollar on all other purchases.

When flying with United, the cardholder and a companion get their first checked bag free, worth up to $140 per roundtrip. The card also includes an opportunity to earn Premier qualifying points, which get you closer to elite United status. Users also get a one-year complimentary DashPass subscription, offering discounts with DoorDash. It includes excellent travel insurance benefits, purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and complimentary Visa Signature Concierge service access.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: Best hotel credit card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card from Chase is a top hotel card. While it has a $95 annual fee, an annual free night award worth up to 35,000 points is easily worth more. When you stack points from the card and Marriott Bonvoy membership, you can earn up to 17x points per dollar on purchases made with Marriott, which has more than 7,000 properties worldwide.

New users can earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first three months after opening a new account. Users get automatic Silver Elite status and credit toward the Gold Elite tier. The card also features a one-year complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership.

Travel insurance benefits are fair and include lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, and trip delay reimbursement. It also includes purchase protection and Visa Signature Concierge service.

Best travel credit card comparison chart

Our methodology.

To choose the best travel credit cards, our team reviewed dozens of cards from multiple issuers. We looked at the best rewards for regular purchases, the best signup bonuses, and the best travel-related benefits. We also considered annual fees and other common costs that you’re likely to incur. We didn’t, however, consider interest rates, as travel rewards cards are best for users who pay off the card in full monthly to avoid interest charges.

How to maximize your rewards with your travel credit card

If you want to maximize your rewards with travel credit cards, follow these quick tips:

• Use your credit card for every purchase: You don’t earn miles or points when you don’t use the card. Use your rewards card for every eligible purchase to earn as much as possible. But be careful not to overspend and get into trouble with high card balances.
• Consider multiple rewards cards: Mixing and matching multiple cards can get you the best rewards. For example, picking one card for restaurants, one for groceries , and one for gas could help you earn more.
• Research each redemption: Don’t redeem your points without considering the value. When transferring to airline partners, getting values well over one cent per point is possible.

How to choose a travel credit card

Everyone has different travel goals, credit histories, incomes, and spending habits. Here are some additional considerations to guide your choice:

• Spending habits: If you always cook at home and never go to restaurants, a restaurant rewards card wouldn’t be practical. Consider your budget and spending habits to find the best card .
• Annual fee tolerance: Some people are okay with annual fees, while others will only tolerate them up to a certain point. With some popular cards requiring over $600 per year, you have to ask yourself what you would be willing to pay and which benefits you’ll use regularly.
• Desired benefits: If you want airport lounges, status with a certain hotel or airline, or fast lines at the airport, find a card with those benefits.
• Brand loyalty: Finally, if you love one airline or hotel—or simply find one most convenient for your travel priorities—its branded card could be a good choice or addition to one of the cards above.

How to compare credit cards

Every issuer offers different benefits and rewards. When comparing travel cards, look at the rewards program to determine if it favors your spending habits. Then look at any costs or fees you expect to pay, such as annual or foreign transaction fees. Next, look at statement credits and other benefits. The card that yields you the biggest net benefits (rewards and benefits minus expected annual fees and other costs) should be your top pick.

Also, consider the card’s credit score and other credit requirements before applying. That information should be available on the issuer’s website or by contacting its customer service desk.

Types of travel credit cards

Our favorite travel credit cards are general miles and points rewards cards. General rewards cards feature points or miles redeemable at a big list of airlines, hotels, and potentially additional travel companies.

Depending on your location and travel preferences, you may also find brand-specific cards helpful. For example, the United MileagePlus Explorer card comes with benefits and rewards miles only for use with United Airlines. Most airlines and hotels offer at least one credit card for loyal customers.

Alternatives to travel credit cards

If you don’t want a travel credit card, cash back credit cards are an excellent choice. Many of them have no annual fee. And, if you’re not into travel, the rewards come in the form of cash or points redeemable for cash.

Most cards with cash back rewards allow you to redeem for statement credits, which lower your credit card balance; direct deposit to a linked bank account; and sometimes for travel, gift cards, Amazon.com purchases, and other redemptions. Merchandise is usually a low-value redemption for your points.

You can also find cards with no rewards, often featuring lower fees and interest rates. A secured credit card may be the right choice for someone with bad credit or no credit.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between points and miles on a travel credit card.

Points and miles on a travel credit card are rewards earned through spending on the card. While they share similarities, there are some major differences between them.

General rewards points tend to offer more flexibility for redemption, as they can be used for various rewards, including flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and even cash back. However, miles are usually restricted to flight redemptions with a specific airline or its partners. Some travel credit cards may allow you to convert miles into points or vice versa, but this typically comes with a conversion rate and may not always offer the best value.

Ultimately, the difference between points and miles on a travel credit card comes down to how they are earned, their redemption options, and their value. Understanding the specific rewards program and choosing a card that aligns with your travel habits and preferences is essential to maximizing your rewards.

How do I know if a travel credit card is right for me?

Determining if a travel credit card is right depends on your spending habits, travel frequency, and personal preferences. First, consider your travel patterns and the type of travel rewards you desire—such as airline miles, hotel points, or more flexible rewards redeemable for various travel expenses. Frequent travelers who can take advantage of perks like lounge access, priority boarding, or free checked bags may find travel credit cards more valuable.

Additionally, assess your spending habits and ability to earn rewards. Travel credit cards often have higher annual fees and interest rates, so ensure that you can offset these costs through rewards, perks, and benefits. The right travel credit card for you should align with your lifestyle, provide valuable rewards, and offer perks that enhance your travel experiences.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.