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The 6 Best Travel Cards for the US 2024

If you live in the US but travel often abroad, a travel money card can make spending in foreign currencies cheaper and more convenient. Travel money cards also have the bonus that they can be cheaper when you shop online with foreign retailers, as there’s often no foreign transaction fee to pay.

Different types of travel money cards, including travel debit cards, prepaid travel cards and travel credit cards, are available to support different customer needs. The right one for you will depend on your personal preference and how you like to manage your money. 

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

Wise – good value debit card for the US

Before we get into details about different travel money card options, let’s start with the Wise card as a good all-round option that allows you to hold and spend US dollars, as well as a diverse range of other world currencies.

Wise account can hold and exchange 40+ currencies, and you can get a linked Wise card for a one time delivery fee. Top up your account in USD and you can spend locally and overseas conveniently. If you plan to travel, you can switch to the currency you need before you travel, so you know your travel money budget in advance - or if you’d prefer, you can simply allow the card to automatically switch currencies as and when you need it. All currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate, with low fees from 0.43%.

Plus you can get USD bank account details - as well as local account details for up to 8 other currencies - to get paid conveniently to your Wise account . If you’re receiving money in USD to Wise, it’s free to get paid by ACH, and there’s a low 4.14 USD fee to receive a wire. There’s no fee to receive any of the other 9 currencies which come with local bank details.

Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using the Wise travel money debit card, to help you decide if it's suitable for you.

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card can be used for payments online and in stores, and for cash withdrawals , just like your regular bank card can be. You can use your travel money card in the US just as conveniently as you can when you travel or shop online with overseas retailers. However, with a travel money card you’ll find the features and fees have been optimized for international use . That might mean you get a better exchange rate compared to using your normal card overseas, or that you run into fewer fees. Some travel cards also have options to earn cashback and rewards when you use your card internationally. 

6 travel money cards for the US compared

We’ll look at each of these card options in a little more detail in just a moment, but let’s start with an overview of how 6 top travel money cards for the US line up side by side:

As you can see, the features of different travel money cards can vary pretty widely. In general travel debit cards can be convenient and often fairly cheap to use, while travel credit cards can offer some nice perks like cashback or rewards - but do mean you might run into interest and late payment charges, depending on how you choose to pay.

Travel debit cards often let you top up a linked account online or through an app, so you can set your budget and can’t spend more than you intend. Travel credit cards on the other hand let you spend to your card limit, and then repay the amount over a few months if you’d prefer to. Which is best for you will come down to how you like to manage your money - we’ll dive into a few more details about each card type, next.

What are different types of travel cards?

Broadly speaking, US customers are able to select a travel money card from either a regular bank or a specialist provider, which may be a travel debit card, travel prepaid card or a travel credit card. We’ll walk through what each travel money card type is, and pick out a couple of good card options, so you can compare and choose.

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

1. Travel Debit Cards for the US

Travel debit cards are usually offered by specialist providers, with linked digital accounts you can use to hold and convert a currency balance. That makes them equally convenient to use in the US when spending in dollars, when shopping online with retailers overseas, and when you travel. While different cards have their own features, travel debit cards can usually be topped up easily online and through an app, with the option to see your balance and get transaction notifications through your phone too. That makes it easier to keep on top of your money, no matter where in the world you are.

Travel debit card Option 1: Wise

Wise is a good value travel money debit card for the US. There’s no fee to open a Wise account, and just a small delivery fee for your Wise card, with no minimum balance and no monthly charge. You just pay low Wise fees from 0.43% when you convert currencies, and transparent ATM fees when you exhaust the monthly free transactions available with your account.

• No fee to open a Wise account , no minimum balance requirement
• 9 USD one time fee to get your Wise card
• 2 withdrawals, to 100 USD value per month for free, then 1.5 USD + 2%
• Hold 40+ currencies, convert between them with the mid-market rate
• Get local account details to receive USD and 9 other currencies conveniently

Travel debit card Option 2: Revolut

Revolut has a selection of different account tiers, so you can simply pick the account you prefer - from Standard plans with no monthly fee to the 16.99 USD/month Metal plan. All Revolut accounts have linked cards, although exactly what type of card you get depends on your account tier. You can hold around 25 currencies, and convert currencies with the mid-market rate to your plan’s allowance. 

• No monthly fee if you open a Standard Revolut account, or upgrade for up to 16.99 USD/month 
• Card delivery fees may apply depending on your account tier
• All accounts have some fee free weekday currency conversion with 0.5% fair usage fees after that. Out of hours and exotic currency fees may apply in some cases
• Standard plan holders can withdraw 400 USD overseas per month without paying fees
• Hold USD and around 25 other currencies

Pros and cons of using debit travel cards in the US

How to choose the best travel debit card for the us.

The best travel debit card for USA really depends on your personal preferences and how you like to manage your money. If you’ll be traveling widely it makes sense to look for an account with mid-market currency exchange and a large selection of supported currencies, like Wise . Other providers like Revolut can also be a good pick, particularly if you’ll use your account very frequently and would prefer to pay a monthly fee to unlock lots of no fee transactions and extra perks.

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

Different providers set their own limits for card use. Limits may apply daily, weekly or monthly, and can apply to different types of transactions. You might find you have a limit to the amount of ATM withdrawals you can make per day, for example, or the value of contactless payments - these limits are set for security and can sometimes be managed and changed in the provider’s app.

2. Prepaid Travel Cards for the US

With a prepaid travel card you’ll need to order a card and add funds, to pay merchants and make cash withdrawals. While prepaid travel cards are usually issued on large global networks - and can therefore be used pretty widely - not all cards are accepted globally, so you’ll need to check network coverage in your destination country.

Prepaid travel card option 1: Bluebird American Express prepaid debit card

You can order a Bluebird prepaid debit card for free online. You’ll then be able to top up in cash or from a bank account. You can also add checks or have funds deposited by others - fees apply for some top up methods. While this card doesn’t allow you to hold foreign currencies, you won’t pay a foreign transaction fee to spend your USD balance abroad, which makes it a good choice when you’re away from home.

• Get a card for free by ordering online
• Top up in a range of ways in USD
• No foreign transaction fee when spending overseas
• ATM withdrawal fees of 2.5 USD or the equivalent when overseas
• American Express cards are not always accepted internationally - check coverage before you travel
• No interest to pay 

Prepaid travel card option 2: Discover it Secured

Discover it Secured is a credit card, but we’ve included it in our roundup of prepaid cards because it’s a secured card, which means you’ll need to pay an upfront deposit, and can then spend to that deposit level every month. Clear off your bill in full to avoid interest, and you could build a credit score, earn cashback and get no foreign transaction fees when you spend overseas, too.

• No annual card fee, although interest charges and late payment fees do apply
• No foreign transaction fees for spending overseas
• ATM withdrawal fees may apply including a 10 USD cash advance fee
• Earn cashback on spending and build credit as you do so
• Discover network is not always internationally supported - check your destination before you travel

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards in the US

How to choose the best travel prepaid card for the us.

There’s no single best travel prepaid card for the US - it’ll come down to your personal preferenc e. If you’re looking specifically for a prepaid debit card you can use abroad with no foreign transaction fee, try the Bluebird card option. However, if a credit card suits you, the Discover it Secured can be a strong pick thanks to the cash back options available.  

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

Different prepaid travel cards set their own limits for spending and withdrawals, which can  vary between currencies. You’ll need to check your card’s terms and conditions carefully to make sure you pick a provider which suits your needs.

3. Travel Credit Cards for the US

Travel credit cards typically offer some extra international features compared to regular credit cards, such as low or no foreign transaction fees or extra option to earn rewards when you’re abroad. In general, travel credit cards are safe and convenient but can be more expensive compared to using a debit card option. Before you select the right card for you it’s important to check the fees, rates, eligibility rules and interest rates which apply, so you can make sure it’s a good fit for you.

Travel credit card option 1: Capital One Venture Rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards card can be used in the US conveniently - and has no foreign transaction fees when you spend overseas. There’s also a comparatively low cash advance fee when you use an ATM, at 3 USD or 3% whichever is higher. You’ll need to repay your bill in full every month to avoid fees and interest, but can earn travel rewards and miles on your day to day spending.

• No foreign transaction fee
• Earn travel rewards on spending 
• Get extras like lounge access and free travel insurance
• International spending uses the network exchange rate 
• Variable interest rates which apply if you don’t pay off your bill in full

Travel credit card option 2: Chase Sapphire Preferred

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a variable interest rate with no foreign transaction fee to pay. However, you’ll need to pay a 95 USD annual card charge to get your card in the first place. Currency conversion uses the network exchange rate - plus there are benefits and rewards available for cardholders.

• Variable interest rates and a 95 USD annual fee
• Check your eligibility and order a card online easily
• Network exchange rates apply

Pros and cons of using credit cards in the US

How to choose the best travel credit card for the us.

The best travel credit card for the US will depend on your personal preferences. If you’re interested in earning rewards and cash back, a travel rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred could be a good bet as it has no foreign transaction fee and offers rewards on all spending. Whichever card you’re considering you’ll want to weigh up the potential fees you’ll need to pay against the rewards you can earn to make sure it’s worthwhile.

Which cards are accepted in the US?

It’s important to know that you may find that different card networks are more popular in one country than they may be in another. For example, while Visa and Mastercard are pretty widely accepted globally, other popular US card networks, like American Express and Discover cards are less likely to be accepted in some countries and regions. Both networks have some support in the US, but coverage isn’t universal.

If you’re looking for a card specifically to take with you when you travel, it may be worth checking coverage in destinations you visit frequently to help you choose the right network for your needs.

In most cases it’s best to carry more than one means of payment when you travel - for example a credit card and a specialist travel money card which has been issued on a different network - so that you always have a plan B if your preferred payment method isn’t available.

Conclusion: Which travel money card is best for the US?

If you’re living in the US but travel often - or if you shop online with retailers based overseas, you might want to pick a travel money card for foreign currency spending. Travel money cards have different features, and can be picked up via regular banks or online specialists.

You could opt for a low cost travel debit card which comes with a linked account to hold a selection of currencies - like the Wise debit card . Or you might prefer a prepaid travel money card like the Bluebird American Express debit card which can be linked to a fee free account. Finally, another option is to get a travel credit card either to earn cashback and rewards, or to avoid foreign transaction fees. 

Use this guide to start your research and pick the right option for your specific needs.

Go to Wise Go to Revolut

FAQs - Best travel cards for the US 2024

1. Which travel card is best to use in the US and abroad?

There’s no single best travel card to use in the US and when you’re headed abroad. Which is right for you will depend on your preferences and the features you want to access. Having a multi-currency account from a provider like Wise or Revolut can be a good bet if you travel widely as you’ll be able to hold and exchange dozens of major currencies for convenience.

2. What is the best way to pay when traveling outside the US?

Spending with your card is convenient when traveling, but you’ll be best off having several different payment methods just in case your first choice isn’t supported. For example, you could choose 2 different debit or credit cards, issued on different networks, and you could also get foreign currency cash in advance so you have some  on you for those times when cards aren’t available.

3. Can you withdraw cash with a credit card in the US and overseas?

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

4. Can I use a US card abroad?

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

5. Are prepaid cards safe?

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

6. What are the main fees for travel cards when traveling?

The fees applied for travel cards can vary widely depending on the provider and the card type. With debit cards you may find ATM fees, and costs for converting currencies, although specialist providers like Wise and Revolut have linked multi-currency accounts which can bring down the costs of currency conversion. Credit card fees include cash advance charges, foreign transaction fees and interest.

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The best prepaid travel cards (travel money cards) in 2024

Article contents

In a nutshell

• Best prepaid travel money cards
• Best direct debit travel card
• Our criteria for the best prepaid travel money cards
• What's the best prepaid travel card for Europe?

What is a prepaid travel card?

Store multiple currencies, the best prepaid travel card in the uk.

• Pros and cons of prepaid travel cards

What’s the alternatives to multi-currency prepaid cards?

What is the mid-market rate (the real exchange rate), what’s the mastercard rate, prepaid travel card fees, how to get a prepaid travel card.

• Are prepaid travel cards safe?

Let’s recap

The best prepaid travel cards are Revolut and Wise. Although not a prepaid card, one of the best cards to use abroad is Currensea (it links to your bank account). They’re all super popular, with low fees, and are easy to sign up and use.

Heading off on an adventure or holiday abroad? Or perhaps a work trip? Making the right decision on travel money can save you a small fortune – and a prepaid travel money card is likely your best option. So without further ado, here’s the best:

The best travel money card

The best travel card overall.

Best travel card

Currensea tops the list – it's super simple to use, just connect it to your bank account and it’s low cost too. You'll also get a £5 welcome bonus.

£5 welcome bonus

With Currensea, you can get a travel card that connects directly to your bank account – it acts just the same as your bank card, and transactions come directly out of your bank account.

The only difference, is you won't have to pay hefty bank fees, saving anywhere from 85% to 100% of the cost.

It's a great alternative to a prepaid travel card if you want something a bit simpler.

Best prepaid travel money card

The best prepaid card you top-up beforehand, all ready to spend.

Wise is one of the best travel cards out there. It's super popular, with over 16 million customers around the world.

It's got some of the lowest fees you'll find, and it's available in over 40 currencies and 150+ countries.

The card is contactless, and there's a great phone app (and website) to manage everything too.

Our criteria for the best prepaid travel cards

To compare and determine the best travel money cards, we looked at:

Exchange rate

• Withdrawal fees from an ATM

Card delivery fee

• Number of currencies available
• Ease of use (manage online via a website or phone app)

There’s lots of options for converting (changing) your money, or spending abroad, such as changing cash in-person at a bureau de change (not recommended), using an ATM, or a credit card or debit card abroad – but a prepaid travel card is often one of the easiest and cheapest options – and you can reuse them for all your holidays in the future, or even on the same trip to different countries, spending different currencies. 

We’re big fans of prepaid travel cards here at Nuts About Money, and are only recommending the best – they’re ones we recommend to our friends and family (and readers of course), and use ourselves when we’re able to get away.

So, whichever travel card (from our recommendations) you opt for, you can be confident they’re safe to use, trustworthy, and you’ll be using one of the cheapest options available.

What’s the best prepaid travel card for Europe?

If you’re heading off to Europe for a bit of getaway, you’ve got loads of options when it comes to a prepaid travel card – just make sure you don’t use your current bank account and debit card – you’ll be charged hefty fees (we’ll cover all of this below).

Anyway, the best travel card for Europe is Currensea ¹ – it’s easy to use, just link it to your existing bank account and you’re good to go. It’s very low cost too (and no set up fees).

A prepaid travel card is similar to a bank card (debit card) that you might use for all of your spending in the UK, except instead of your money coming directly out of your bank account, you’ll top it up with money beforehand (or during your trip) – meaning you’ll simply send Pounds (GBP) from your bank account directly to the card (account). 

Note: you can send it back if you don’t spend it all.

Once the card has been 'topped-up', you can spend it abroad and withdraw cash from an ATM (cash machine), (e.g. Euros if you’re heading to Europe), meaning that you can save a lot of money in hidden fees and bad exchange rates – and these fees can really add up.

Why? Typically using your high street bank card abroad will mean a fee every time you want to use it, and your money will need to be converted into the local currency every time you use it too – at a very bad exchange rate that the bank sets (which often includes a hidden fee).

The prepaid travel cards we've listed above give you the freedom to spend like a local, and not worry about the cost. They’re pretty great.

With prepaid travel cards, you can actually store a range of different currencies in your account, it doesn’t have to be just one. And for this reason they’re often also called a multi-currency card, or a foreign currency card.

With Wise ¹, there’s actually over 40 different currencies you can store, and of course, spend. 

And normally, if you don’t have the particular currency you want to spend, the card will automatically convert another currency in your account to the currency you need when you spend. Pretty cool.

The best prepaid currency cards we’ve listed above are some of the best wherever you are in the world, for changing one currency to another, and spending in a different country (there’s a huge range of currencies with Wise ¹). And all great if you’re from the UK travelling abroad.

You can sign up online and use both Revolut ¹ and Wise ¹ if you’re in the UK, and are travelling to pretty much any other country in the world.

Pros and cons of prepaid travel money cards

Let’s run through the pros and cons of using a prepaid card:

• Cheap way of spending abroad (pay in the local currency)
• Easy way to spend (make contactless payments abroad)
• Store multiple currencies on one card
• Often free to withdraw cash from an ATM (up to a limit)
• Safe way of spending money abroad (don’t need loads of cash)
• Protection from fraud (sometimes able to refund a transaction, called a chargeback)
• Easily block your card if it’s lost or stolen (and get a replacement card)
• Great for setting a spending budget (no overdraft)
• Can be low withdrawal limits from an ATM (before fees)
• Might not be able to use it to hire a car or a hotel (or any pre-authorised transactions)
• Can’t spend more than you top up (no overdraft like a bank)

A prepaid currency card isn’t your only option, but it’s definitely one of the cheapest (especially with one of the top prepaid travel money card providers). You could also change cash before you go (very expensive), or use a credit card or debit card designed for foreign currency spending (don’t just use any credit or debit card, they can be expensive!).

But with those, you’ll need to do a full application with credit checks, and open a whole new bank account for a debit card. There’s not really much benefit vs a prepaid card (unless you’re travelling a lot, or in the market for a new bank).

Nuts About Money tip: if you don’t want to use a prepaid card, check out Currensea ¹, they’re a travel card that connects directly to your bank account – so whatever you spend comes directly out of your bank. It’s a pretty cool idea and much cheaper than your bank, as you’ll get cheaper currency conversion rates and no transaction fees.

Although you’ve likely heard of an exchange rate, which is how much you get in another currency when you swap (exchange) your Pounds for them (e.g. Pounds for Euros) – depending on where you exchange your money, this rate can vary wildly.

Typically banks and other foreign exchange places tend to set their own exchange rate, which is much worse than the real exchange rate… (it’s how you can often see commission-free advertised, but it’s not really, there’s a hidden fee in the exchange rate).

The real exchange rate (used worldwide) is called the mid-market rate, and this is the rate that banks themselves use to swap money (also called the interbank exchange rate), without any hidden fees involved. It is the rate the ‘market’ sets – where buyers and sellers come together.

Technically the mid-market rate is the middle of the buy and sell prices of two currencies (e.g. Pounds to Euros), and so it effectively represents the current exchange rate.

So, if a travel money company isn’t using the mid-market rate (they might say interbank rate), you’re not getting the ‘real’ exchange rate, and you’ll be paying a fee.

European Central Bank (ECB) rate

In Europe, the European Central Bank (an organisation that is intended to look after the finances of all the countries in Europe that use the Euro, similar to the Bank of England in the UK), set an exchange rate too, called the European Central Bank rate. 

You could think of this as another official rate, just for Euros, although you’ll never actually be able to get this rate – but the closer to it, the more money you’ll save.

There’s also something called the Mastercard rate, which as you’ve probably guessed, is the rate the company Mastercard sets – they’re a very big company who provides cards for banks and other financial companies for their customers to use (e.g. a bank debit card). Another similar company is Visa.

And similar to the mid-market rate, they set an exchange rate which is set on their cards for foreign exchange. 

They take a small fee within this rate, so it will always be slightly higher than the mid-market rate. And, companies using Mastercard services (e.g. to give their customers cards), can choose to either add their own fee on, or add no fees and pass on the exact exchange rate.

So, if you see a bank saying you’ll get the Mastercard rate, that means they haven’t added any extra fees and are passing the lowest rate possible they can get (with Mastercard) onto you. 

This rate will be one of the cheapest you'll be able to get. Just make sure they haven't added any commission on top.

The topic we’re all here for, how much do you actually pay with prepaid travel cards? We’ve covered the exchange rates above, and typically this is the main fee you’ll pay (if there is a fee hidden in the exchange rate).

However, there are some other fees to be aware of, depending on which card you choose, let’s run through all the foreign exchange fees:

Note: you don’t typically get charged a fee to spend money (often called foreign transaction fees) with prepaid cards, these are more common on credit cards and and with banks.

As mentioned above, there’s always a fee within the exchange rate, whether it’s hidden or not. Normally, you’ll see this as the mid-market rate, interbank rate or mastercard rate plus a certain amount on top (e.g. the mid-market rate plus 1%).

ATM withdrawal fees

Some card providers will let you withdraw cash for free from an ATM (cash machine), some have a limit on how much you can withdraw for free per month (or a maximum number of transactions before there’s a fee), and others have no limit but will charge for every withdrawal.

This can range from a fixed fee per withdrawal (e.g. £1), to a percentage of the amount you take out (e.g. 2%), or a combination of both.

Producing a card can involve a lot of admin and of course actually producing and printing the card and delivery, so a travel money card provider will often pass this fee onto you – so they can cover their costs if you don’t end up using the card.

This is normally around £5-10, although with some companies it can be free, but there’s normally conditions such as topping up your card beforehand.

Note: if you lose your card, you’ll often have to pay a card replacement fee too. This is typical with all cards, even our recommended options.

Inactivity fee

With some cards, there can also be an inactivity fee, which is a fee for not using the card after a certain period of time. This is normally after 12 months, and a fee per month of around £2 per month.

Note: the best cards we recommend above ( Revolut ¹ and Wise ¹) don't have this fee. You can leave them for as long as you like (until your next holiday).

The great news is it’s super easy to get a prepaid travel card – it’s not like applying for a bank account or a credit card, you can get set up within a few minutes and the card can arrive the next day.

All you’ll need to do is first decide which travel card you’d like (we recommend Revolut ¹ or Wise ¹ as they’re the cheapest, and have easy to use apps for managing your money), and then fill out a few details on their website (or app), prove you are who you say you are with your passport or driving licence, and that’s it.

You’ll need to transfer some money (also called ‘load money’) over from your bank account, or deposit via a debit card, and that’s it. You can start spending online straight away (you can also add your card to Apple Pay or Google Pay) – or wait until your card arrives in the post to start spending on that.

It literally couldn’t be easier.

Are prepaid travel money cards safe?

Yep, it’s perfectly safe to use a prepaid travel card.

The company giving you the card will need to be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), who are the people making sure financial companies are looking after you and your money.

Your money will also be held in a bank account with a very large bank (e.g. Barclays), completely separate from the company’s own money. So, if anything happened to the company such as going out of business, your money could only be returned to you.

Using a card is also much safer than taking out cash when abroad, and keeping cash in your hotel room (or your sock). There’s lots of safety features such as being able to freeze your card (so it temporarily can't be used) and protection from fraudulent transactions if your card was lost or stolen – which you can often do immediately within an app on your phone.

That’s all there is to it. Pretty simple right? You can get a prepaid travel card in just a few minutes, and the card can turn up the next day – you’ll benefit from saving a small fortune on your spending money abroad. Plus, it’s much safer than travelling with cash.

You can also use your card in a huge range of shops, bars and restaurants, just as you would in the UK (with contactless), and withdrawing cash from an ATM can be easy too.

We recommend using one of the best travel cards above, such as Revolut ¹ or Wise ¹, they’re super popular, trustworthy, are easy to use and have great mobile apps to manage everything, not to mention they’re the cheapest out there (by quite a bit!).

And there you go, that’s your travel money sorted, all that’s left is to enjoy the holiday!

This article was written by the team at Nuts About Money, and fact-checked by 2 independent reviewers. You’re in safe hands.

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Multi-currency Cash Passport is reloadable, allowing you to top up any of your currencies, anywhere, anytime.

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The 6 Best Travel Money Cards for the US - 2024

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

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

Wise - our pick for travel debit card for the US

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

Hold and exchange over 50 currencies alongside USD

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

Mid market exchange rate on all currency conversion

Some fee free ATM withdrawals every month

No ongoing costs and no interest to pay

ATM fees apply once you exceed your plan limits

No option to earn points or rewards

Click here to read a full Wise review

What is a travel money card?

Similar to your standard bank card, a travel money card can be used for online and in-store purchases, as well as for cash withdrawals. However, with a travel money card, the features and fees are tailored for global usage. This may result in a better exchange rate, or fewer charges, in comparison to using your regular card abroad. Certain travel cards even offer opportunities to earn cashback and rewards for using your card internationally.

6 travel money cards for the US compared

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

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

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

What are different types of travel cards?

Generally, Canadian customers are able to select a travel money card from either a regular bank or a specialist provider, with card types available including travel debit cards, travel prepaid cards or travel credit cards. We’ll walk through what each travel money card type is, and pick out a couple of good card options, so you can compare and choose.

1. Travel debit cards

2. Travel prepaid cards

3. Travel credit cards

1. Travel Debit Cards

Travel debit cards are usually offered by specialist providers, with linked digital accounts you can use to hold and exchange a currency balance. Although these cards may have varying features, they generally provide an easy-to-use online platform and mobile app for topping up your balance. Additionally, you can view your balance and receive transaction notifications on your phone, making it easier to manage your finances no matter where you are in the world.

Travel debit card Option 1: Wise

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to read a full review on the Wise card

Travel debit card Option 2: Canada Post Cash Passport

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

Supports 7 major currencies, including USD

No fee to spend currencies you hold in your account

Variable ATM fee, 2.5 USD when in the the US for example

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

Pros and cons of using debit travel cards in the US

Avoid interest costs and late payment fees

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

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

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

Travel debit cards are issued on popular global payment networks

Transaction and currency conversion fees may apply

Cash back and rewards may not be available

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

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

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

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

2. Prepaid Travel Cards

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

Prepaid travel card option 1: BMO Reloadable Mastercard

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

6.95 CAD annual fee, 2.5% foreign transaction fee

5 CAD ATM fee

No interest to worry about

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

Add funds from BMO or other Canadian banks directly

Prepaid travel card option 2: Koho Premium Mastercard

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

9 CAD/month premium fee

No foreign transaction fee

Earn cash back on your spending

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards in the US

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

Accounts with no monthly fees are available

Issued on globally popular networks for good coverage

ATM withdrawals supported globally

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

Typically only CAD supported - watch out for foreign transaction charges

Transaction fees apply to most accounts

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

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

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

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

3. Travel Credit Cards

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

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

Travel credit card option 1: HSBC World Elite Mastercard

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

149 CAD annual fee, 5 CAD ATM withdrawal fee

Variable interest rate

Options to earn rewards, including enhanced benefits for travel spending

Travel credit card option 2: Home Trust Preferred Visa Card

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

No annual fee, no foreign transaction fee

1% cash back on all eligible purchases

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

Pros and cons of using credit cards in the US

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

Spread the cost of your travel expenses over several months

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

Exchange rates typically offered by card networks are usually fair

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

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

Eligibility rules apply

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

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

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

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

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

FAQ - Best travel cards for the US

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

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

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

• United States
• United Kingdom

In this guide

Your reviews

Ask a question, aaa visa travelmoney card review.

This travel expert can get you access to local currency from Visa ATMs around the world.

Rely on AAA for roadside assistance and travel plans — plus, foreign currency exchange. Its Visa TravelMoney card simplifies currency conversions and foreign exchange rates. And the good news is you can get it without membership.

The chip and PIN-protected AAA Visa TravelMoney card comes with the security of traveler’s checks and the simplicity of a Visa-branded credit card. Accepted all over the world, the Visa TravelMoney card will convert your USD to the local currency almost anywhere. And you’ll enjoy Visa’s zero-liability policy protecting you from fraud and unauthorized purchases.

• Accepted worldwide
• Travel assistance
• Additional card
• High balance maximum

What is the AAA Visa TravelMoney card?

The AAA Visa TravelMoney card works like a debit card — use your card at merchants and ATM to access money when traveling abroad. But, this card isn’t attached to your bank account. Instead load the card with the money you plan to take on your trip, and use it to pay for dinner, souvenirs, excursions or anything else.

What’s more, if you buy your plane tickets with the AAA Visa TravelMoney card, your purchase is protected in case of a canceled or delayed flight. You’ll also have access to emergency cash replacement and 24-hour customer service.

Load this card with as little as $100, and as much as $5,000 at a time, with a maximum balance of $9,999. Manage your balance at your local AAA store, by phone or online.

How much will the AAA Visa TravelMoney card cost?

How much will i pay on the exchange rate.

Because your funds aren’t immediately converted into a foreign currency, you don’t have the benefit of locking in an exchange rate. Instead, Visa charges its conversion rate — typically close to the midmarket rate.

How much are the fees?

The biggest disadvantage of this card are the fees that come along with it. Each time you use the card, the AAA Visa TravelMoney card charges a 3% transaction fee and a $3 international ATM fee — typical for most credit cards. The benefit of the TravelMoney card is that because it’s your money, you won’t pay interest on your purchases.

The initial purchase price is determined by whether you’re an AAA member or not. It’s $5.95 for AAA members and $9.95 for non-members. And deactivate the card once you’re done with the card, or you’ll be charged $1.25 each month you don’t use it.

The greatest benefit to this card its its security. It’s protected by chip technology and a PIN, and because it’s not connected to any accounts, your personal information is protected. Other benefits include:

• Accepted worldwide. Access to over one million ATMs.
• Travel assistance. Enjoy emergency services and lost luggage reimbursement when you pay for your flight with your TravelMoney Card.
• Additional card. Request an additional card for a travel companion or in case of an emergency.
• High balance maximum. Load up to $9,999 — that’s more than its competitors.

Drawbacks and limits

• Limited transactions. You’re limited to three ATM transactions and $1,000 per day.
• Fees. You’ll pay fees for purchases, conversion and ATM withdrawals.
• Not reliable for deposits. Use credit cards to put a temporary hold on your card, like hotels, car rentals and gas stations with automated pumps.
• Card restrictions. Before you leave, be sure to check the AAA Visa TravelMoney website to see what countries have card restrictions — usually related to US travel and financial warnings.

Consider using the Travelex Money Card instead of the AAA Visa TravelMoney card.

A note about tipping with your card

When you use prepaid cards to pay for restaurant and bar tabs — or anywhere a gratuity is expected — budget a “tip tolerance” of 10% to 20% on top of your bill’s base amount.

When swiping your card, many establishments reserve what they expect you’ll add as a tip. If you don’t have enough money on your prepaid card to cover up to 20% on top of the base amount, consider using another card to avoid an uncomfortable card denial.

How to get a AAA Visa TravelMoney card

To be eligible for a AAA Visa TravelMoney card, you must:

• Be at least 16 years old.
• Provide personal information like name and address and a government-issued ID.

Cards can be purchased and reloaded at one of the many AAA retail offices throughout the country. The benefit of AAA membership is that you have the flexibility of reloading online at www.aaa.com or calling 866-674-9622 . Non-members needs to reload at the same location they bought the card.

I got the card. Now what?

If you’re loading funds onto your card, be aware that they might not immediately post. It could take a day or two depending on weekends or holidays.

• Spend wisely. Keep track of your spending and balances by registering your card on the AAA Prepaid website, AAA Prepaid app or calling 866-674-9622 .
• Factor in fees. Each time you use your card, you’ll pay a fee. Be sure to factor in those amounts when calculating your balance.
• Security. If you have any questions or your card is lost or stolen, call 866-674-9621 to get a replacement.
• Closing your card. To avoid inactivity fees, close your card when you’re done traveling by calling card services 877-856-2471 .

If your card has been lost or stolen, customer service can arrange for a replacement card to be sent to you for a fee of $5.95.To avoid waiting for a replacement card, it’s wise to initially purchase an additional card for only $1.50.

Bottom line

AAA Visa TravelMoney card is not currently available on Finder

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May 20, 2019

How long does an AAA Travel Card go before you consider it inactive?

Jhez Finder

Thank you for your comment.

It will take 6months to a year for the card to become inactive. There’s an inactivity fee charged after 12 consecutive months of inactivity which is for $1.25/month.

Regards, Jhezelyn

October 22, 2018

PLS LET ME KNOW HOW MUCH AMOUNT OF EUROS I CAN USE AT THE SAME DAY (ONE DAY)TO PAY FOR PURCHASING GOODS IN GREECE

Charisse Finder

October 25, 2018

Hi Theofanies,

Thanks for reaching out to finder.

AAA Visa travel money card’s daily spending limit is $9,999 (or amount equivalent in Euros). This spend limit refers to the maximum cumulative point-of-sale signature or point-of-sale PIN transactions you can make per 24 hours. The maximum card balance that you can have at any time is also $9,999.

You can use the AAA Visa travel money card everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted as well as for online and telephone purchases.

I hope this helps.

Cheers, Charisse

September 10, 2018

Is it possible to load more money onto my AAA Visa Travel Money Card? If so, how do I do it? Thanks.

Jhezelyn Finder

September 11, 2018

Hello Daryl,

Yes, it is possible to load money on the AAA Visa TravelMoney card. You can reload your card at any participating AAA office, call their toll-free or through their website. Please note that the maximum balance on the card is $9,999.

Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.

April 25, 2018

Can you obtain a AAA visa travel money card and load balances onto it from an American Express gift card?

Joshua Finder

Thanks for getting in touch with finder.

Unfortunately, you can’t use your American Express gift card. According to our page, cards can be purchased and reloaded at one of the many AAA retail offices throughout the country. The benefit of being a AAA member is that you have the flexibility of reloading online http://www.aaa.com or calling 866-674-9622. Nonmembers needs to reload at the same location they bought the card.

I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.

Have a wonderful day!

Cheers, Joshua

January 24, 2018

How do I load my AAA visa debit card from outside USA?

Rench Finder

January 31, 2018

Thanks for your inquiry

If you are referring to AAA Visa travel money card, funds may be added to the card at the location where the card was purchased. However, some participating clubs allow AAA members to reload by calling them.

The AAA Visa Travel money card allows for unlimited total reloads, up to a maximum of $5,000 per twenty four (24) hours.

Hope this helps.

Best regards, Rench

Kyle Morgan

Kyle Morgan is SEO manager at Forbes Advisor and a former editor and content strategist at Finder. He has written for the USA Today network and Relix magazine, among other publications. He holds a BA in journalism and media from Rutgers University. See full profile

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Here Are the Four Best Travel Money Cards in 2024

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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.

• Credit cards
• Personal Finance

What Is A Travel Money Card?

How does a travel money card work?

How many currencies can you load at once, other features to compare, how to get a travel money card, when is a travel money card worth it, alternative options.

A travel money card, also called a prepaid travel card, is a type of card that can hold foreign currencies. It’s intended for overseas travel, and you can use one to withdraw foreign cash from ATMs and to make purchases in a local currency. 

Think of a travel money card as a debit card that uses local currency. Before you use a travel money card, you’ll preload a set amount of a specific international currency onto the card at the day’s exchange rate. For example, if you’re travelling to Italy and France for two weeks, you’d load Euros (€‎) onto the card and use it instead of your regular debit or credit card during your trip. 

You can continue reloading money onto the card via an app or website as you spend your funds. So, if you blow through your Euros in Rome, you can top off your card’s balance before arriving in Paris. 

Understanding the value of your exchange

The value you exchange currency for will depend on when you load your funds. Rates change from day to day, but you’ll lock in the rate used at the time you exchange currency. So, you’ll know the exact worth of the foreign currency in Australian dollars every time you use your preloaded card. 

On the one hand, a locked-in rate protects you from volatile currencies with fluctuating values. However, if the rate drops, you could be stuck with devalued foreign funds. So, while you can’t predict the future, try to coordinate the load when the exchange rate is most valuable — even if that means waiting a few days. 

The number of foreign currencies available will depend on the company providing the card, but you’ll generally find a wide variety of options. Even if dozens of currencies are available, there are typically limits to the number someone can load onto a travel money card. These limits vary by card, but these cards generally only allow for about a dozen currencies at once.

For example, here are common travel money cards and the number of currencies they can support simultaneously:

• Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard: up to 11 currencies
• Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard (issued by Heritage Bank): load up to 11 currencies
• CommBank Travel Money Card: up to 13 currencies
• Qantas Travel Money Card: up to 10 currencies
• Travelex Money Card: up to 10 currencies
• Travel Money Oz Currency Pass Travel Money Card: up to 10 currencies
• Westpac Worldwide Wallet: up to 10 currencies. 

The number of currencies available and the ability to load multiple currencies onto one card have obvious advantages: it helps you save on fees and makes it easier to manage your money while travelling overseas .

However, there are other key features to compare when choosing a travel money card.

Another thing to look for is reduced or waived fees for loading or reloading funds, account keeping, account closing and emergency card replacements.

Be sure to check for any potential fees when accessing leftover foreign funds you didn’t use on your trip, as there may be an unloading fee or an extra charge to withdraw funds and close your account. For example, Travelex charges a $4 monthly inactivity fee when the card hasn’t been used for more than 12 months. 

Top-up options

How easy it is to use a financial product is typically important, but simplicity and convenience may feel more essential when you’re on holiday. In that case, options to quickly load or reload funds and notifications when your balance is low can be very helpful. Some cards may allow you to top up your balance immediately and with little cost. With others, you may have to wait a few days and pay a small fee.

Top-up methods also vary. For example, you can use BPAY with certain cards, but not all. Some cards may require you to use a specific app or portal. If convenience and flexible top-up options are important to you, compare options accordingly.

Perks and benefits

Travel perks, such as airport lounge access or the ability to earn rewards, are also great features to look for. Digital wallet compatibility, allowing you to use a virtual version of your card, can also be helpful.

Security and customer service

Security features are also important. Look for a card with a PIN to use at ATMs and the ability to lock the card instantly if lost or stolen.

And, since you’re travelling overseas, 24/7 customer support is essential to ensure you have access to help when you need it.

To get a travel money card , you can go through your bank, an airline, a foreign exchange retailer or a payment merchant.

Prepaid travel card eligibility is comparable to the requirements for a debit card. For example, CommBank requests that cardholders are at least age 14, are registered with NetBank, and provide a valid email and residential address. 

You can apply directly on the provider’s website once you choose your favourite prepaid travel money card. Make sure to submit your application at least a few weeks before your trip in case of delays. 

» MORE: How old do you have to get a credit card?

Activating the card

Once you receive the card: 

• download the provider’s app and familiarise yourself with how it works
• register your account
• activate the card
• convert your money to the chosen currency. You might want to start with a smaller amount for the first part of your trip and reload while overseas or make one big transfer. 

While overseas, you’ll likely alternate between paying in local cash and pulling out your travel card. Your goal is to find the best travel card that allows you to pay for items with minimal fees and maximum protections flexibly. 

Possible advantages

• Provides access to multiple currencies. Most options allow you to convert Australian dollars into several different currencies simultaneously. That means you can have secure access to a handful of foreign funds during your next multi-country adventure. 
• Saves on ATM fees. Credit card holders won’t usually be charged the standard 3% foreign transaction fee or pay extra for in-network ATM withdrawals, loading, and topping up their cards. However, these are just generalisations — each credit card company or bank will have its own fee structure.
• Exchange rates are locked. You’ll pay for the local currency using the exchange rate available when you load funds, which locks in the rate. Having dependable value for your funds goes a long way for peace of mind, especially when travelling. 
• Fewer risks when lost. Losing a prepaid card while travelling is undoubtedly a hassle. However, a lost or stolen credit card can mean more risks, like thieves potentially accessing your personal banking details and account funds. Since a lost travel money card is unlikely to result in identity theft and fraud , some travellers find it a safer choice while abroad.
• Helps with budgeting. Trying to keep to preloaded funds may help you stick to a budget while on vacation. Plus, you see the value of money in the local currency, which can help you manage your finances while travelling. 
• May come with rewards and perks. Some travel money cards earn frequent flyer points or come with other special travel perks, like overseas customer service. For example, the Qantas Travel Money Card earns Qantas points, and the Westpac Worldwide Wallet prepaid travel money card offers airport lounge access to the cardholder and one companion access when a flight is delayed. 

Potential risks

• There are delays when reloading. If you need to top up your balance, you may need to wait up to a few days before funds are available to use. 
• Other fees. Some travel money cards may levy typical credit card fees for reloading funds, emergency card replacement, account maintenance, closures, inactivity and more. For example, Travelex and the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard charge a $10 account closing fee.
• Limited acceptance. Travel money cards are less common than other payment options, so you may need help using one for all purchases. So, it’s always a good idea to carry emergency cash. 
• Typically lack rewards or major perks. Travel money cards may come with some, but these extras are usually less robust than the offerings on rewards credit cards . 

The right travel money card supports a stress-free trip, but you don’t have to use one when travelling overseas — your bank card or credit card could also be a suitable option. 

If you’re deciding between a travel money card and a travel credit card , it’s important to understand the differences in how they work. 

• Travel money cards are preloaded with foreign currencies, while travel credit cards spend borrowed money. Travel money cards are generally easier to obtain as they don’t require good credit or income thresholds. With a travel money card, you can withdraw funds from an ATM without incurring interest or cash advance fees . 
• Travel credit cards don’t usually hold foreign currency but offer perks such as international buyer protections, free insurance , airport lounge access and frequent flyer travel points . 

Be sure to consider other important features — such as security, reduced fees and travel perks — to decide if a travel money card is worth it for you. 

Frequently asked questions about travel money cards  

The available currencies will depend on the card, but you’ll generally find the following options: 

• United States Dollars (USD)
• Europe Euros (EUR)
• Great British Pounds (GBP)
• Japanese Yen (JPY)
• New Zealand Dollars (NZD)
• Hong Kong Dollars (HKD)
• Canadian Dollars (CAD)
• Singapore Dollars (SGD)
• Thai Baht (THB)
• Vietnamese Dong (VND)
• Chinese Renminbi (CNY)
• Emirati Dirham (AED).

Most Australian banks — including Westpac, CommBank, ANZ and NAB — have some sort of travel product, whether that’s a travel money card, a travel-friendly debit card or a travel credit card. However, ANZ and NAB no longer offer prepaid travel money cards.

About the Author

Amanda Smith is a freelance reporter, journalist, and cultural commentator. She covers culture + society, travel, LGBTQ+, human interest, and business. Amanda has written stories about planning for retirement for…

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A card lock is essentially an on-off switch that allows you to temporarily freeze or block your credit card and most debit cards.

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• Travel Money

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

No charges when you spend abroad*

Make contactless, Apple Pay and Google Pay™ payments

Manage your account and top up or freeze your card easily with our Travel app

*No charges when you spend abroad using an available balance of a local currency supported by the card.

Win £5000 with Post Office Travel Money Card

A chance to win £5000 when you top up a new or existing Travel Money Card*. Offer ends 12 May

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

Why get a Travel Money Card?

Carry up to 22 currencies safely.

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

Accepted in over 36 million locations worldwide

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

Manage your card with our travel app

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

It’s simple to get started

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

Order your card

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

Activate it

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

It’s ready to use

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

Stay in control

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

New-look travel app out now

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

Order a Travel Money Card

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

Need it quick? Visit a branch

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

Need some help?

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

Lost or stolen card?

Please immediately call: 020 7937 0280

Available 24/7

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

Visit our Travel Money Card support page

Common questions

How can i order my card.

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

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

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

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

How do I use my card?

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

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

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

How can I manage my card?

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

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

Which currencies can I use?

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

Currencies available:

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

What are the charges and fees?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are there top-up limits?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Travel / Travel Money Card

Travel Money Card

Lock in exchange rates and load up to 13 currencies on one account to easily access your money while you’re travelling.

Features & benefits

$0 card issue fee.

Order a Travel Money Card for free in branch or online (search 'Travel Money Card' in the CommBank app or log into NetBank ).

Lock in exchange rates 

Load up to 13 currencies on one card before your trip, so you know how much you have to spend, no matter how the Australian Dollar moves.

Spend anywhere in the world 

Shop online, in-store, or over the phone wherever Visa is accepted, plus get access to Visa ® travel offers .

Easily manage your travel budget

Manage your holiday money and track your spending via the CommBank app or NetBank.

Your purchases, covered

Lost or stolen personal belongings? We may be able to cover the cost to repair or replace them up to 90 days after purchase. 2

Extra card security

Lost, misplaced or stolen card? Lock it and report it in the CommBank app or NetBank. 

• Currency converter

Exchange rates

Load up to 13 currencies on one account

Lock in exchange rates and load up to 13 currencies easily on one account – wherever you are in the world – through NetBank or the CommBank app:  

• United States Dollars (USD)
• Euros (EUR)
• Great British pounds (GBP)
• Australian Dollars (AUD)
• Japanese Yen (JPY)
• New Zealand Dollars (NZD)
• Hong Kong Dollars (HKD)
• Canadian Dollars (CAD)
• Singapore Dollars (SGD)
• Thai Baht (THB)
• Vietnamese Dong (VND)
• Chinese Renminbi (CNY)
• Emirati Dirham (AED)

No load or reload fees

You can load up to 13 currencies on your Travel Money Card with no load or reload fees. The exchange rate is the CommBank Retail Foreign Exchange Rate at the time of the conversion.

When you’re ready to pay for something, we will always try to complete the transaction for the country you are in. Make sure you have enough of the correct currency for the country you’re in on your card to avoid additional fees. If you don’t have enough of the local currency, we’ll use the next available currency instead, so long as there’s enough of it loaded on your card.

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

Rates & fees

See all fees and charges

Who can apply

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

• Be at least 14 years old;
• Be registered to use NetBank, or register online New to CommBank? Sign up to NetBank at your nearest branch ;
• Provide a valid email address; and
• Have an Australian residential address

How to apply

Before your trip.

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

How it works

During your trip.

• The  local currency will be automatically applied  when you pay for something, as long as it’s loaded on your card and you have sufficient funds
• Reload in real time , fee-free if your balance gets low
• Stick to daily transaction limits
• The maximum value of purchases per day is unlimited, however no more than your available balance
• The maximum amount you can withdraw from ATMs per day is AUD 2,500 or the foreign currency equivalent. Keep in mind most ATM operators have a limit on how much you can withdraw from an ATM per transaction
• The maximum amount for over-the-counter withdrawals per day is AUD 2,500 or the foreign currency equivalent.

When you’re home

• Got leftover currency? Exchange it for another currency or back into your CommBank account from  NetBank  or the CommBank app
• Top up  your Travel Money Card (it’s valid for 4 years) in preparation for your next trip
• Donate  your foreign (and local) currency to any CommBank or Bankwest branch and every cent will go to UNICEF
• How to manage your Travel Money Card

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

Find detailed info on getting started, loading and reloading currencies, setting a currency order, checking your balance and tracking your spend. Plus, info on Purchase Security Insurance Cover and access to Visa ® travel offers .

Manage your Travel Money Card

Need foreign cash? Have it ready before you travel

If you’re a CommBank customer, you can buy or sell up to 9 foreign currencies at selected CommBank branches in exchange for Australian Dollars.

You can also order foreign cash in over 30 currencies online – even if you’re not a CommBank customer.

Discover Foreign Cash

Planning an overseas trip?

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

See travel tips

Emergency support & tools

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

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

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

Call us in an emergency on:

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

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

Tools & calculators

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

We can help

Your questions answered

Get in touch

Visit your nearest branch

Things you should know

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel money card

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

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

Exchange currencies, send money abroad, and hold 30+ local currencies in-app. These are just some of the reasons why our customers love their travel debit cards.

Built-in security features

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

Add it to Google Pay or Apple Pay

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

No-fee ATM withdrawals

Get no-fee ATM withdrawals, up to A$1,400 per rolling month, depending on your plan type.¹

Manage travel money in-app

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

Spend like a local in 100+ countries

No-fee ATM withdrawals, up to A$1,400 per month on Metal

Spend right away with Apple Pay or Google Pay

How to get your travel money card in Australia

Get your currency debit card in 3 steps

Get revolut.

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

Order your card

Order your travel money card to spend in 100+ countries.

Spend like a local

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

Get instant payment notifications

Trusted by travellers

Spend with confidence

Built-in security measures

How to save money with travel currency cards

Tips for saving money with a money travel card

Don't exchange at airports or at home.

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

Always choose the local currency

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

Save on travel spending with a Revolut card

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

So much more than a travel money card

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

Rating as of 11 Apr 2024

14K Reviews

2.7M Reviews

Spend your holiday money in 100+ countries

Need a little more help?

Holiday money card FAQs

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

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

Is a travel money card better than cash?

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

The content of this page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. If you have any questions about your personal circumstances, please seek professional and independent advice. Revolut is not a financial adviser. ²Canstar 2023 Outstanding Value, Travel Money Card award received June 2023 for Standard and Premium accounts.

By clicking a retailer link you consent to third party cookies that track your onward journey. If you make a purchase, Which? will receive an affiliate commission which supports our mission to be the UK's consumer champion .

Best prepaid travel money cards 2024

In this article

Which prepaid travel card do you need?

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

• Fees and charges to watch out for

Alternatives to prepaid travel cards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Prepaid card providers offer different exchange rates.

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

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

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

Fees and charges to watch out for 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are the pros of getting a prepaid card?

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

What are the disadvantages of getting a prepaid card?

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

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

Are prepaid cards secure?

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

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

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

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

What if the prepaid card provider goes bust?

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

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

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

Where can I use a prepaid travel card?

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

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

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

Should I pay in pounds or in the local currency?

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

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

What happens if my prepaid card is lost or stolen?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Beginner’s guide to travel rewards: How to travel with credit card points and miles

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

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When you read articles about travel rewards, you’re often regaled with tales of how the writer traveled in first class to Asia in a private suite drinking champagne for $5.60. You’re right to read that with skepticism. While using travel rewards, airline miles, and hotel points can allow you to travel well outside of your weight class, it’s well worth it to dig into the details before opening up a wallet-full of credit cards. Here’s how to enjoy the fruits of travel rewards responsibly.

Types of travel credit cards and how they work

Travel rewards credit cards—as opposed to cash-back credit cards or credit cards that don’t earn rewards at all—can generally be divided into the following three categories:

• Cards that earn flexible points.
• Cards that earn airline miles.
• Cards that earn hotel points.

We’ll delve deeper into the specifics of each type of card in the sections below.

Flexible travel credit cards

A credit card that earns flexible travel rewards is not tied to one specific airline or hotel chain. Instead, the points can be transferred to the loyalty programs of the airlines and hotel chains that your card offers as partners. Then, you redeem your points for flights or stays booked directly with the airline or hotel chain.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card is an example of a popular travel card that earns flexible points. This card comes with more than a dozen transfer partners and points transfer at a 1:1 rate (meaning each point you transfer from your credit card to a partner program nets you one airline mile or hotel point on the other end). Partners include United Airlines, World of Hyatt , and more. 

Issuers of flexible travel cards may also provide a portal you can book travel through. For example, cardholders with the Chase Sapphire Preferred have the option of booking flights, hotel stays and more through Chase Travel℠, in which case each Chase Ultimate Rewards point (the rewards currency the card earns) is worth 1.25 cents.

If this is what you’re looking for, a card from our list of best travel credit cards might be a fit for your needs. 

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card

Intro bonus.

Rewards Rates

• 5x 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ (excluding hotel purchases that qualify for the $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit)
• 3x 3x points on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services
• 2x 2x points on travel purchases not booked through Chase
• 1x 1x points on other purchases
• 5x 5x points on Lyft rides through March 31, 2025 (that's 3x points in addition to the 2x points you already earn on travel)
• Valuable welcome bonus
• Extensive list of transfer partners
• Extra value on travel redemptions
• No premium travel perks
• Has an annual fee
• Additional perks: $50 annual hotel credit, trip cancelation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, complimentary Doordash and Instacart+ membership along with quarterly Instacart+ credits
• Foreign transaction fee: None

Airline-specific credit cards

An airline credit card is tied to a specific airline’s loyalty program, and earns miles you can use to book or upgrade flights with that airline and its partner airlines. For example, consider the United SM Explorer Card . The miles you earn with this card are deposited into your MileagePlus loyalty account, and you can redeem them to book flights on United Airlines or with United’s partners in the Star Alliance.

Cards of this type may offer airline-specific perks—such as free checked bags, priority boarding, an annual companion certificate, and more. If you fly a particular airline regularly, you could potentially save hundreds of dollars per year through the right card’s benefits.

If you think this is what you need, check out our list of best cards for earning airline miles .

Or if you already have an airline in mind that you’re loyal to, and just need help selecting a card for that specific airline, one of the following guides is likely to have what you’re looking for:

• Best American Airlines credit cards
• Best Delta Air Lines credit cards
• Best Southwest Airlines credit cards
• Best United Airlines credit cards

United SM Explorer Card

• 2x 2x miles on dining (including eligible delivery services), hotel stays, and United® purchases (including tickets, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, Economy Plus® and more)
• 1x 1x miles on all other purchases
• Free first checked bag benefit.
• Expanded award availability on United Saver flights.
• No foreign transaction fee.
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $95) annual fee
• Subject to Chase 5/24 rule.
• United perks: 25% back on in-flight purchases checked bag benefit, expanded Saver award ticket availability
• Travel perks: TSA/Global Entry credit, trip cancellation and interruption protection

Hotel-specific credit cards

Hotel credit cards are tied to a specific hotel chain, such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, etc. When you spend with these cards, they earn points that deposit into their respective loyalty program.

Often, when picking a hotel card, the perks matter just as much or even more than the rewards. For example, the right card might provide you elite status, a free night certificate, and statement credits you can use for certain expenses at eligible properties within the chain’s portfolio.

The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card illustrates these sorts of perks well. Cardholders get automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status just for holding the card, as well as a Free Night Award every account anniversary good for properties worth up to 35,000 points per night.

If you’re looking for a card to help you earn almost-free hotel stays, check out our recommendations for best hotel credit cards . Alternatively, if there’s a hotel chain that is already your favorite home away from home, these specific lists may have what you’re seeking:

• Best Hilton credit cards
• Best Hyatt credit cards
• Best IHG credit cards
• Best Marriott credit cards

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

• 6x 6X points per dollar at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• 3x 3X points per dollar on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• 2x 2X points per dollar on other purchases
• All information about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card has been collected independently by Fortune Recommends™.
• Generous free night welcome bonus
• Robust bonus category
• Ability to earn a free night via card spending
• Free night welcome bonus is less flexible than a points welcome bonus
• Marriott points aren’t as valuable as other points currencies
• Charges an annual fee
• Additional perks: Trip cancelation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection, ability to spend to higher status

Are there travel credit cards with no annual fee?

Yes, there are travel cards with no annual fee on the market—some of them pretty dang good, especially considering the price tag is $0 per year to hold them. For example, the Bilt Mastercard and the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card are two no-annual-fee cards that let you earn points you can transfer to airline and hotel partner programs.

That said, it’s true many of the most popular travel cards on the scene do charge annual fees, often in exchange for more premium benefits. A card that grants airport lounge access will generally run you hundreds of dollars, such as the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and its $395 annual fee. The Platinum Card® from American Express is perhaps the most famous luxury travel card, charging $695 per year but offering extensive lounge access and numerous statement credits.

Mid-range travel cards provide a happy medium for those seeking more perks than you can get with a no-annual-fee card but not ready to shell out for a premium travel card. Some may even waive the annual fee in the first year. Examples of strong mid-tier travel cards include the American Express® Green Card —priced at $150 per year—and the United Explorer, charging a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year (then $95).

To view rates and fees of the The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page . 

All information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Fortune Recommends™

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Intro bonus.

• 3X 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans
• 1X 1X points on other purchases
• No annual fee
• 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months (that's a $200 cash redemption value)
• Points transfer to partners
• Car rental insurance is secondary
• No travel insurance
• Transfer partners are limited
• Additional perks: Cell Phone Protection: Provides up to $600 in cell phone protection when you pay your monthly cell bill with your Wells Fargo Autograph card. Coverage is subject to a $25 deductible and limited to two claims every 12-month period.
• Foreign transaction fee: N/A

Top perks of travel credit cards

While benefits vary dramatically from card to card, there are a few types of benefits you’re likely to encounter and that you may want to look for when choosing a new card to apply for.

• Travel-related statement credits. Take for example the aforementioned Capital One Venture X and Chase Sapphire Preferred. The former offers a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel while the latter offers a $50 annual credit for hotel stays booked via Chase Travel. These credits alone go a long way toward offsetting each card’s annual fee ($395 for the Venture X, $95 for the Sapphire Preferred). 
• Travel insurance. The Sapphire Preferred is a great example here as well. Cardholders can travel with a little extra peace of mind knowing that if they pay with this card, they’ve got trip cancellation and interruption insurance up to $10,000 per person and $20,000 per trip, trip delay reimbursement up to $500 per ticket, baggage delay insurance up to $100 a day for up to five days, and primary rental car insurance .
• Elite status. Maybe you really like the sound of certain perks that come with having elite status in your favorite hotel chain’s or airline’s loyalty program. For example, travelers with Hilton Gold status get a daily food and beverage credit or continental breakfast (varies by brand and region). In that case, maybe you’d want to open the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card , which includes Gold status among its benefits.
• Airport lounge access. While cards with airline lounge access as a perk tend to charge expensive annual fees, you can still end up better off than paying for a lounge membership by itself. For example, if you really want to get into United Club lounges, you might find it a better value to pay $525 for the United Club℠ Infinite Card rather than the $650 a general MileagePlus member would pay for United Club membership. 
• A free night or a companion pass. With some cards, a free night certificate or a companion ticket can cover the cost of the annual fee in one fell swoop. Let’s look at the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (different from the Amex Platinum mentioned earlier) as an example. The annual fee is $350 but you get a Companion Certificate each year good for a domestic, Caribbean or Central American round-trip flight. If you travel with a friend regularly, this could save you hundreds of dollars. But do note that you’re responsible for covering government-imposed taxes and fees.

To view rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card , see this page

To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, see this page

How to choose the right travel card for you

Asking a few questions can help you determine if a card is a fit:

• Does the rewards currency suit your needs? If you want flights, collect airline miles. If you want hotel stays, collect hotel points. And if you want both, collect transferable points. Just make sure you’re earning rewards you can actually use. For example, don’t open a Hyatt credit card if there aren’t any Hyatts where you want to vacation or a Southwest Airlines card if you want to fly to Asia.
• If there’s a welcome bonus, can you hit the spending target? Most travel credit cards offer a welcome bonus of some kind, typically one where you earn bonus points or miles for spending a certain amount on purchases in a specified time period. For example, the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card —the big sibling of the Autograph card mentioned elsewhere—offers 60,000 bonus points if you spend $4,000 in the first three months. If you open a new travel card with a welcome bonus spend requirement that’s unrealistic for your financial situation, you’re leaving rewards on the table. 
• Will you actually use the card’s benefits? This is particularly crucial to consider with statement credits. For example, the American Express® Gold Card ’s dining statement credit of up to $120 per year may sound great, but not if you don’t have any of the eligible merchants (Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar, and select Shake Shack locations) in your area or you never dine with these merchants. 
• Does the card’s rewards program fit your lifestyle? This should be fairly obvious, but in most cases, you’ll want to make sure the card you’re applying for offers rewards in a category that makes up a substantial portion of your budget. So, while someone who frequently eats out at restaurants will probably love the Bilt Mastercard’s elevated rewards on dining, someone who always cooks at home won’t benefit as much. 
• If there’s an annual fee, does it seem reasonable to you? This isn’t to say you shouldn’t pay an annual fee, or even that you shouldn’t pay for a card with an expensive annual fee. But if you do pay for a mid-tier or premium travel card, you should receive more than the cost of the annual fee through rewards and perks. Someone who uses the Capital One Venture X’s annual $300 travel credit has already almost recouped the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card annual fee, but someone who prefers to book directly with airlines and hotels and refuses to book via a portal might never use that credit. Every so often, do the math for your own needs and see if you’re getting value out of the cards you’re carrying.

To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card , see  this page  

Glossary of travel card-related terms

Here are a few terms you’ll find useful as you get into traveling with points and miles:

• Award travel. This refers to using points and miles to book hotel stays and flights.
• Transferable points. Consider this the same as the flexible rewards we explained above. You earn points that your credit card issuer allows you to transfer to various airline and hotel partners, rather than being tied to one airline or hotel chain.
• Welcome bonus. You may also hear this called a welcome offer or a sign-up bonus. Welcome bonuses reward new cardholders after opening an account, typically by offering bonus points or miles for spending a certain amount in a specified time frame. 
• Foreign transaction fee. This is a fee, typically around 3%, that some credit cards charge for using your card abroad. Most travel cards charge no foreign transaction fee, though there are exceptions. We recommend making sure you’re taking a card with no foreign transaction fee if you’re planning a trip outside the United States.
• Award chart. If an airline or hotel chain offers a chart showing the number of points you need to redeem for various types of flights or stays, you’re looking at an award chart. Fixed award charts used to be more common in the past, with many programs nowadays using dynamic pricing. More on that in the next entry.
• Dynamic pricing. Essentially, dynamic pricing means the number of points or miles you’ll need to redeem for a flight or stay varies based on factors such as seasonality and demand. There isn’t a set cost for the award ticket or room that you wish to book, in this case—it can and likely will fluctuate. 
• Chase 5/24 rule. This is an unwritten rule that affects applications for Chase-issued credit cards (including co-branded airline and hotel cards). Basically, it means that if you’ve opened five or more personal credit cards from any issuer in the past 24 months, you’ll get denied if you apply for any Chase credit cards. For this reason, you may hear travelers who collect points and miles talking about their Chase 5/24 status.

How to maximize your travel rewards

Maximize your rewards-earning potential.

We mentioned this before, but pick a credit card that rewards categories you normally spend in. If you dine out at restaurants frequently, you may find a card such as the Bilt Mastercard or Chase Sapphire Preferred allows you to satisfy both your inner foodie and your inner travel rewards lover. But if you tend to spend more at supermarket, consider the American Express Gold Card.

Meanwhile, someone who makes a lot of hard-to-categorize purchases might prefer a card that earns rewards at a flat rate on every purchase, like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Venture X.

It may even be worth carrying multiple credit cards that compliment each other. For example, one might carry the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Freedom Flex℠ , and Chase Freedom Unlimited ® . With this setup, you’d use the Sapphire Preferred for purchases like travel and dining, use the Freedom Flex for its rotating categories, and the Freedom Unlimited for your more random purchases. 

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Reward Rates

• 5x Earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 2x Earn 2x miles on every purchase
• Flexible travel rewards
• No foreign transaction fee
• Maximizing Capital One Miles requires a learning curve
• Cash redemption value is limited
• The Venture offers travel accident insurance, rental car coverage, extended warranty protection, exclusive access to events through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment

Redeem your rewards wisely

At the risk of stating the obvious, redeem airline miles for flights and hotel points for hotel stays. If your card offers redemption choices such as shopping for merchandise with your rewards, beware that you’ll probably get a subpar value. 

Similarly, with a card that earns flexible points, transfer them to airline or hotel partners or use them to book travel in your issuer’s portal.

As a rule of thumb, strive to get a value of 1 cent or more per point or mile redeemed with most airline programs. Hotel program values are more variable so it helps to do a bit of research before booking. To calculate that value, divide the cash price of the purchase by the points required, then multiply by 100. For example, a redemption with a cash price of $500 and an award cost of 26,000 points means you’re getting a value of roughly 1.9 cents per point. (To get even more nitty gritty, subtract the cost of any taxes and fees from the cash price before you do the calculation.)

If you’re someone who values luxury, know that you can often get the highest cents-per-points value when springing for high-end properties or business class and first class flights. But of course, it’s not just the math that matters, but the utility.

Travelers who just want to fund a simple holiday vacation with their points can do so, and shouldn’t feel the need to spend more points just for a higher cent-per-point number. Consider not just the retail cost when valuing points, but the actual amount you would be willing to pay. If a flight costs $5,000 but you could reasonably get where you want to go for $1,000 you’ll be better served going with the lower number as your cost basis. 

Finally, learning how airline alliances work can help you leverage both your airline miles and your flexible points. The three major alliances to be aware of are Oneworld, SkyTeam, and Star Alliance. As just one example of how this can help you get where you want to go, both Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic are part of SkyTeam—so if you have a credit card that lets you transfer points to Virgin, you can search through Virgin for partner space on Delta flights. 

The takeaway

Travel credit cards can unlock experiences you might otherwise never have had access to. By learning how to earn and redeem airline miles, hotel points, and flexible rewards you can transfer, the sky’s the limit on where your travels can take you.

Frequently asked questions

Why am i being charged money for an award ticket.

You’re likely seeing the passenger fee, which is a government-required security fee. This is generally $5.60 per person for a one-way flight or $11.20 per person for a round-trip flight departing from a domestic airport on a U.S.-based airline. Taxes from other countries, airline surcharges and other fees may also come into play when booking an award ticket. 

Can I pay for part of my booking with points and part of it with cash?

Most likely, yes. It’s common for rewards programs to let you pay for part of a flight or hotel stay with cash and part of it with points. But note this may not always yield the best value for your points.

What credit score is needed to get a travel card?

Issuers generally like to see a good or better credit score when you apply for a rewards credit card—that’s typically considered a FICO Score of 670 or higher. To be on the safe side, it’s a good rule of thumb to make sure your credit score is 700 or higher before hitting the “apply” button. If you’re not sure what your credit score is, there are a variety of ways to check for free, such as signing up for an account with the credit bureau Experian .

Are points and miles or cash back better?

First, we should note that the distinction between reward types is not always cut and dry. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points—a flexible travel currency that you can transfer to airline and hotel loyalty programs, use for bookings through Chase Travel℠, or redeem as cash back to a bank account at a value of 1 cent each.

So, what the rewards are called is not the most important thing. Rather, it’s how you can redeem them. With a travel card, you should have options for using your points or miles to book award flights or stays. With a cash-back card, you’ll probably just be taking your rewards as a deposit to your checking account or a statement credit against your card’s account balance.

As to which is better, it depends on your preferences and how often you travel. Someone who is looking to leverage credit card rewards to make travel more affordable, and is willing to learn how to find good award travel deals, should opt for a travel card. But someone who never travels, or who values simplicity above all else, will benefit more from a cash-back card.

What’s the best first travel credit card?

This depends entirely on your financial habits and travel needs. However, the Bilt Mastercard (even if you don’t need to earn rewards on rent) is one of our top picks if you’re looking for a no-annual-fee travel card. That’s because it earns elevated rewards on dining, provides travel protections such as trip delay reimbursement you don’t usually find on cards without an annual fee, and lets you transfer your rewards to more than a dozen airline and hotel loyalty programs.

Please note that card details are accurate as of the publish date, but are subject to change at any time at the discretion of the issuer. Please contact the card issuer to verify rates, fees, and benefits before applying.  

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefits guide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.  

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

Should You Use a Credit Card Travel Portal?

Unlock the details of credit card travel portals and learn how to maximize your benefits.

Using a Credit Card Travel Portal

Getty Images

Using a credit card portal to book travel could help you save money and help you earn more points or redeem travel credits.

Key Takeaways

• Credit card travel portals search across multiple travel options, giving you the power to compare prices.
• You can use your credit card or rewards to book travel with your credit card issuer's travel portal.
• Some cards may offer travel credits and benefits when you book using the associated travel portal. 

You have many options for booking travel, whether you want to book directly with airlines and hotels, use an online travel agency or book with your credit card's travel portal. Using a credit card travel portal may allow you to take advantage of cardholder benefits and credits and give you additional choices for your booking.

Understand how to use credit card travel portals to save money on your next trip and maybe get some elevated perks along the way – but also recognize when it doesn't make sense.

What Are Credit Card Travel Portals?

Similar to online travel agencies, such as Expedia or Booking.com, credit card travel portals are online travel booking platforms. Cardholders can use credit card travel portals to browse and book travel options, including flights, hotels, rental cars and experiences using your credit card or rewards.

Credit card travel portals include:

• American Express Travel.
• Capital One Travel.
• Chase Travel.
• Citi Travel.

Some credit cards offer cardholder savings or perks when you book travel using the issuer's credit card portal, such as travel credits or cardholder privileges, including free breakfast or late checkout.

How Credit Card Travel Portals Stack Up

When you use a credit card travel portal, the amount and method of payment may be the deciding factors in how you book. Using a credit card travel portal to book travel can save you money, but not always.

We compared a midweek economy flight from Los Angeles to New York and a weeklong stay at a three-star hotel in Manhattan. In some cases, credit card travel portals were competitive, but Expedia had the lowest overall price for flight and hotel costs on this test trip.

Still, this is just one example, and travel prices can fluctuate depending on how you book. It's always a good idea to compare all of your options.

Benefits of Credit Card Travel Portals

Booking your travel with a credit card travel portal can help you earn more points or redeem travel credits. Some examples:

• Cardholders of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card get a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through the Capital One Travel site. When booking on the Capital One Travel site, cardholders earn unlimited 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars and 5 miles per dollar on flights. ( See Rates and Fees )
• With The Platinum Card ® from American Express , cardholders get a $200 annual hotel credit for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel and earn five points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. ( See Rates and Fees )
• Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card holders get a $50 annual Chase Travel hotel credit and earn five points per dollar on Chase Travel purchases.

"Using the travel credits is huge," says JT Genter, editor in chief of rewards and travel tracking tool AwardWallet. "Card issuers are leaning more towards those only being accessible through the portal."

Credit card travel portal bookings may help your points go further, too. "Because I have a Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, when I use the (Chase) portal to book travel, my points get an extra 25% bump," says Chip Chinery, personal finance blogger at Chip's Money Tips. For example, you'd only pay 100,000 points for a flight or hotel that would require 125,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points to book without the points boost.

Helpful features can add up to savings on credit card travel portals. For example, Capital One Travel offers a price match guarantee. Genter used the Capital One Travel price match feature on a flight from Cairo to Marrakech, Morocco. Although he booked with Capital One Travel, an online travel agency had a better price. He was able to price match with Capital One Travel to get a travel credit.

Genter points out that cardholders of The Platinum Card from American Express can take advantage of the International Airline Program for potential savings on international flights in first, business or premium economy.

You may also get benefits for booking with credit card travel portals, particularly when booking hotels. For example:

• Cardholders of The Platinum Card from American Express get elite benefits at participating hotels, including early check-in, room upgrades, breakfast for two, a $100 experience credit, complimentary Wi-Fi and guaranteed 4 p.m. check-out.
• If you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve ® , you can book The Edit properties through Chase Travel and receive benefits, including daily breakfast for two, a $100 on-property credit, room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Drawbacks of Credit Card Travel Portals

Travel credits and on-property perks are compelling reasons to use a credit card travel portal. However, it pays to compare pricing among your card's portal, direct booking or an online travel agency, because the lowest-priced option depends on the trip you're taking. Also, you may forfeit some benefits, as credit card travel portals are third-party bookings.

With a third-party booking, you'll have less flexibility in customer service and cancellation than you would if you booked directly. For example, if you're dealing with a delayed flight and need service from the airline, you may be directed to the travel portal customer service. You may have limited options for cancellation and how you get your money or rewards back.

Another major point to consider with third-party bookings: You generally won't be able to earn points or miles with the airline or hotel, though you can earn points with your card. Additionally, you may not be able to use elite benefits for any status you hold. For example, if you have Hilton Honors status that entitles you to a daily food and beverage credit, you're not likely to get it when you book a stay with your credit card travel portal.

When to Use a Credit Card Travel Portal

Booking travel with a credit card travel portal can make sense in some scenarios. For instance:

• You want to compare your travel options across multiple airlines or hotels in the portal.
• You have a travel credit available that can only be redeemed through the issuer's travel portal.
• You have rewards you want to redeem on the portal, and booking this way offers a good redemption value.
• You want to take advantage of benefits, such as elite hotel perks that you can get when using a credit card travel portal.
• Your booking options on the portal are priced lower compared with other options.
• Booking on the portal earns elevated rewards, and the prices and benefits are comparable to those of other booking options.

"It makes sense if you want to take advantage of the credits but also to earn bonus points," says Genter. "And sometimes, they have promotions such as hyper-targeted offers."

Tags: credit cards

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

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Credit Cards > Reviews

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card review 2024: Money-saving perks for fans of the startup carrier

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“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Grace Pilling

Published 6:07 a.m. UTC April 10, 2024

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Breeze Airways remains relatively unknown, but this startup airline is a breath of fresh air for travelers in underserved areas. The airline offers nonstop routes from smaller airports to popular U.S. destinations, allowing flyers to skip connecting through busy airports.

Now, the low-cost airline is launching its first credit card, the Breeze Easy™ Visa® Credit Card * The information for the Breeze Easy™ Visa® Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . Cardholders can earn BreezePoints on Breeze flights and everyday expenses and redeem them for flights, bags, seat assignments, and more.

Here’s our full Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card review and our take on whether frequent Breeze flyers should take a closer look. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card basics

• Annual fee: $89.
• Welcome bonus: 50,000 BreezePoints after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Rewards: Earn up to 10 points per $1 on Nicer Bundles, Nicest Bundles and trip add-ons (5 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 5 points per $1 once the flight is completed), up to 4 points per $1 on Nice Bundles (2 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 2 points per $1 when flight is completed), 2 points per $1 on eligible grocery store and restaurant purchases (including inflight food and beverages and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
• APR: 21.24% to 29.99% variable.
• Recommended credit score: Good to excellent.
• Does the card offer preapproval? No.
• Other benefits: Points never expire with the card, Group 1 Priority boarding, complimentary inflight Wi-Fi on Breeze Airbus fleet, 7,500-anniversary points after spending $10,000 in a year and no foreign transaction fees.

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card review

A loyalty program is key to repeat business, and Breeze is offering its frequent flyers even more with the debut of a new travel rewards credit card. While the Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card isn’t for everyone, it provides plenty of value for the right cardholder.

You can earn up to 10 points per $1 on Nicer Bundles, Nicest Bundles and trip add-ons (5 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 5 points per $1 once the flight is completed), up to 4 points per $1 on Nice Bundles (2 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 2 points per $1 when flight is completed), 2 points per $1 on eligible grocery store and restaurant purchases (including inflight food and beverages and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

In other words, you can get up to a 10% return on eligible Breeze purchases.

Your BreezePoints never expire as long as you have the card, and you can redeem them at a flat 1-cent-per-point rate for flights and other traveler extras such as checked bags and seat assignments.

But with an $89 annual fee, you’ll need to crunch the numbers to see if the card will provide enough value to justify the cost.

The card offers benefits you’d expect from any airline credit card , such as access to priority boarding for the cardholder and companions on the same reservation. And cardholders get free inflight Wi-Fi, saving $8 each way. (By the end of the year, Breeze plans to become a fleet of all Airbus A220s, one of the most comfortable regional jets to fly.)

In sum, Breeze offers an economical way to fly to dozens of U.S. destinations, and its new credit card is a natural fit for frequent Breeze travelers.

• Elevated points spent on Breeze flights and trip add-ons: That’s one of the best rewards rates on any airline credit card, giving flyers a generous haul of points for booking Breeze flights. 
• Complimentary Wi-Fi for all travelers on the same reservation: You won’t have to pay for internet connectivity, saving you $8 on every one-way flight.
• BreezePoints won’t expire : BreezePoints normally expire after 24 months, but the card will extend their shelf life for as long as your account remains open.
• Anniversary bonus: You’ll get a 7,500-point bonus every account anniversary, worth $75 for Breeze flights and more, if you spend at least $10,000 on the card each year. 
• No free bags: Airline credit cards typically come with a free checked bag, but this card does not waive the cost of checked bags. 
• BreezePoints are worth 1 cent apiece: While Breezy Rewards is a straightforward program, there’s no opportunity for outsized value, as with other frequent flyer program currencies.
• Full rewards only after your flight : With the card’s earning rate, you’ll earn half of the BreezePoints when purchasing the flight and the other half after the flight is complete. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card rewards

Perhaps the most eye-catching feature of Breeze’s first-ever credit card is the ability to earn huge rewards on eligible Breeze Airways purchases. Let’s take a closer look at how the rewards break down:

Cardholders can earn up to 10 points per $1 on Nicer Bundles, Nicest Bundles and trip add-ons (5 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 5 points per $1 once the flight is completed), up to 4 points per $1 on Nice Bundles (2 points per $1 when the flight is purchased, plus 2 points per $1 when flight is completed), 2 points per $1 on eligible grocery store and restaurant purchases (including inflight food and beverages and 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

New applicants can also earn 50,000 BreezePoints after spending $2,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. 

Using government data and other publicly available information, we estimate that a household in the U.S. that would be in the market for this card has around $25,087 in annual expenses that can be charged to a credit card. 

We assumed the example cardholder purchased flights at the base-level ticket (Nice fare class). Here’s how our sample household’s rewards could break down:

Cardholders will earn BreezePoints through the Breezy Rewards program. In this example, the cardholder earned 37,119 points from card purchases, worth $371.19 for Breeze flights, baggage fees, seat assignments, and more. 

Breeze Airways is not part of an airline alliance, nor does it have any partnerships, except with new partner Priceline. You can only redeem your points for Breeze-related purchases, meaning there’s no opportunity to maximize rewards on other airlines. This is a key consideration if you want to apply for the Breeze card. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card perks

An airline credit card is best suited to those who fly almost exclusively with the carrier, and the Breeze Easy Visa is no exception. Cardholders get the major advantage of free inflight Wi-Fi, saving them and companions on the same reservation $8 each way.

Furthermore, cardholders and their travel companions on the same reservation get Group 1 priority boarding. That means you’ll have first dibs on precious overhead bin space. The more you fly, the more value you’ll get from these benefits. 

In addition, cardholders get the chance to earn 7,500 bonus points each anniversary year after spending $10,000 in purchases. Those BreezePoints are worth $75 — nearly the cost of the annual fee — adding even more ongoing value. 

Although the airline has no international flights, the Breeze Easy card is a keeper for traveling abroad because there are no foreign transaction fees. It’s a Visa Signature card, which comes with complimentary travel insurance perks such as trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay coverage and more.

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card drawbacks

One crucial feature the card is missing: a free bag benefit. Most airline credit cards will waive the cost of the first checked bag as a cardholder-exclusive perk. This could be a dealbreaker for some travelers.

At the lowest fare classes, Breeze only allows for one free personal item that must fit under the seat. The airline also operates on a dynamic bag pricing model, so the cost of a carry-on and checked bag will vary slightly depending on your flight route. 

While this may disappoint, remember that BreezePoints can be redeemed for extra charges, including bag fees. For instance, you can use 3,500 BreezePoints to wipe out a $35 carry-on bag charge. And, if you’ve booked a higher fare class (Nicer or Nicest), the cost of bags is included in the ticket bundle.

How the Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card compares to other travel cards 

Breeze easy visa credit card vs. chase sapphire preferred® card.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card , which has a $95 annual fee, is ideal for travelers looking to earn bonus points on travel and everyday purchases. You’ll earn 5 points per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per $1 on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per $1 on all other travel purchases and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

Chase Ultimate Rewards® has an enticing list of transfer partners, including United and Southwest. Cardholders can redeem miles at an elevated 1.25-cent rate for travel purchases via the Chase travel portal. Unfortunately, you can’t book Breeze Airways flights on Chase Travel, so this isn’t a fit if you want to redeem points for Breeze flights. 

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Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Welcome bonus.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s Take

• Flexible points that can be transferred to 14 travel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel℠ at 1.25 cents each.
• $50 annual statement credit toward Chase Travel hotel bookings.
• Valuable travel protections.
• $95 annual fee.
• Category bonuses are limited and not competitive against other travel cards.
• Transfer partner list is limited compared to programs like Amex Membership ® Rewards and Citi ThankYou ® .

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 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℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 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

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card vs. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card * The information for the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card also has a $95 annual fee and offers the benefit of simplicity with 5 miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and purchases through Capital One Entertainment and 2 miles per $1 on other purchases. You can redeem Capital One miles as a statement credit for any travel purchases made within the past 90 days at a rate of 1 cent apiece. This rewards flexibility is a big plus.

It’s also possible to outsize those rewards with Capital One’s airline and hotel transfer partner roster, especially for international flights. You’ll also benefit from a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $100), a nice added travel perk. 

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card vs. JetBlue Plus Card * The information for the JetBlue Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

We’d be remiss not to offer a comparison to the JetBlue Plus card to see how the Breeze Easy card stacks up. The JetBlue Plus Card has a slightly higher $99 annual fee. It’s also issued by Barclays and offers similar earnings: 6 points per $1 on eligible JetBlue purchases, 2 points per $1 at restaurants and eligible grocery stores and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. 

You’ll earn TrueBlue points, which can be redeemed for flights on the airline or partner carriers such as Qatar Airways or Hawaiian Airlines. The JetBlue Plus card offers a free first checked bag. This benefit provides at least $35 in savings each way, which helps offset the annual fee. 

Is the Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card worth it?

Between the card’s welcome bonus and ongoing rewards rates, there’s a lot of potential to stockpile BreezePoints. But unless you exclusively fly with the airline, it’s worth shopping around to see if another travel credit card will serve you better in the long term, especially if your goal is to save money on flights with a range of carriers, rather than just Breeze Airways.

Breeze Easy Visa Credit Card is right for you if:

• You frequently fly out of the airline’s main hubs .
• You want to earn rewards to save money on Breeze flights and travel purchases.
• You want to save money onboard Breeze flights with the card’s complimentary Wi-Fi.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Airline credit cards, such as the new Breeze Easy card, offer ways for the most loyal flyers to save money on travel. This card is no exception, with plenty of ways to earn BreezePoints, free Wi-Fi and more for ultra-loyal Breeze passengers.

The Breeze Easy card costs $89 per year. This fee is in line with competing travel cards, which you might also want to consider for more flexible rewards earning, redemption and perks.

While the issuing bank, Barclays, does not disclose a specific credit score requirement, you’ll want to have good to excellent credit to increase your chances of qualifying for most travel credit cards. 

Breeze Airways does not offer a true business-class product, but the airline has a spacious recliner seat called “Ascent class” on its Airbus A220 fleet, and extra legroom seats. 

*The information for the Breeze Easy™ Visa® Credit Card, Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and JetBlue Plus Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Stella Shon is a freelance writer that connects the dots between personal finance and travel. Her work has appeared in The Points Guy, ValuePenguin and MoneyUnder30, and she's been interviewed by The New York Times, CNBC and more.

Allie is a journalist with a passion for money tips and advice. She's been writing about personal finance since the Great Recession for online publications such as Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MyWalletJoy and ValuePenguin. She's also written personal finance content for Discover, First Horizon Bank, The Hartford, Travelers and Synovus.

Grace Pilling is a deputy editor for credit cards at USA TODAY Blueprint. She believes credit cards are the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure tools of the financial world and gets excited about helping people discover the best credit card strategy for their unique goals. Prior to joining Blueprint, Grace worked on and led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MoneyUnder30 and MoneyGeek. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and writing and a diploma in editing and publishing.

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1. It offers flexible rewards

2. chase has my preferred travel partners, 3. it covers restaurant purchases, 4. $50 hotel credit, 5. no foreign transaction fees, and one thing i wish it did include, the bottom line, 5 reasons why the chase sapphire preferred should be your next card.

This affordable card has some extra perks worth checking out, especially with travel season on the horizon.

Evan Zimmer

Staff Writer

Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.

Tiffany Connors

Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.

For a while now I’ve been searching for a travel credit card to add to my repertoire of cards. Recently, I chose the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card to fill that role. While there were other options I considered (looking at you, Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card *), in the end, the Sapphire Preferred offered everything I was looking for, with one exception.

The biggest draw to the card, for me, was its rewards program. Primarily, its 5x points for travel booked through the Chase Travel℠ portal, and 1:1 point transfer rate to Chase’s hotel and airline partners.

I like that it provides a lot of choices when it comes time to redeem. You can either redeem for travel directly through Chase Travel to earn a 25% bonus or transfer your points to Chase’s travel partners. You could also redeem for statement credits, but then you’d miss out on considerable value.

When you use point transfers, you could even find a greater per-point value than if you chose to opt for Chase’s redemption bonus . And luckily, Chase is partnered with some great options , including brands that I fly with or stay with often, like United, Southwest and JetBlue. They also partner with IHG Hotels, Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt.

When you transfer points to any of its partners, you’re guaranteed a 1:1 transfer rate. But that’s just the floor -- oftentimes, you’ll get an even higher per-point value when you move your points to a partner’s program.

Before applying for the Sapphire Preferred, I had two go-to credit cards -- the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express * and the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card . That left a glaring hole in the purchases that earned a good rewards rate -- dining.

By adding the Sapphire Preferred to my wallet, I’ll earn a return on all of my frequent purchases -- groceries, gas, travel, dining and everything else.

One of the card’s better perks is its $50 annual hotel credit for stays booked through Chase Travel. If you can use that every year, it essentially knocks off $50 from the card’s $95 annual fee.

Paying essentially $45 each year (after using the credit) is a pretty great deal for how valuable the card’s rewards could likely be.

This isn’t unique to the Sapphire Preferred (none of the best travel credit cards charge foreign transaction fees), but it factored into my decision nonetheless. I have some international travel coming up, and being able to put everything on one card without worrying about incurring any additional fees will make it a bit easier to budget.

The card checks all of my boxes, aside from one. I was hoping to get an application fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry . I often look at the shorter TSA PreCheck lines from the meandering, snake-like TSA line with envy.

However, if you do want everything the Sapphire Preferred offers (and then some) you could upgrade to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® . It offers cardholders up to $100 in statement credits for the application cost of TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

And not only does it include the benefits listed above, but it also improves on the Sapphire Preferred’s annual travel credit. Instead of a $50 credit, the Sapphire Reserve features a $300 annual travel credit. The catch is it also charges a $550 annual fee.

The annual travel credit and TSA PreCheck/Global Entry application fee essentially drop the annual cost to $150. Depending on how much use I get from the Sapphire Preferred, I may upgrade to the Sapphire Reserve.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred matched everything I was looking for. It has an annual fee that should be easy to cover with its rewards, transfer partners that I fly with or stay with often, and a travel credit that could knock off some of the cost of its annual fee.

If you’re looking for expanded perks, including an application fee credit for TSA PreCheck and a larger annual travel credit, check out the Sapphire Reserve. It’s a bit more expensive, but if you have the travel budget to cover the cost, it could be an even better option.

*All information about the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card and the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

CNET editors independently choose every product and service we cover. Though we can’t review every available financial company or offer, we strive to make comprehensive, rigorous comparisons in order to highlight the best of them. For many of these products and services, we earn a commission. The compensation we receive may impact how products and links appear on our site.

I've traveled to 9 out of 10 countries in Southeast Asia. Here are the 5 biggest mistakes I made along the way.

• I've traveled solo to nine countries in Southeast Asia.
• I've made many mistakes, from traveling during monsoon season to forgetting to bring enough cash.
• Travelers should make sure they plan ahead and research each country's culture.

Over the last two years, my journey as a travel enthusiast and Business Insider's travel reporter in Singapore has brought me to almost every country in Southeast Asia.

In total, there are 10 countries in Southeast Asia , and I've traveled to nine of them — Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei. Myanmar remains the only country in the region I have not visited, and while I am keen to explore it, I have held off on visiting because of the country's ongoing civil war.

I've watched the sun rise in Angkor Wat in Cambodia and cared for elephants in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I've explored the Bornean jungle in Brunei and crawled the Cu Chi Tunnels in southern Vietnam.

But it hasn't always been easy. I've made several mistakes traveling across the region , especially as a solo traveler. Here are five mistakes I made and how to avoid them.

1. Going during monsoon season and not planning for the weather.

In July, I traveled to Thailand on a reporting trip to cover the budding cannabis industry . There, I was met with heavy rain nearly every day. In Bangkok, I was staying in a hostel in Chakkrawat , a district with narrow, meandering streets, which made it difficult to walk anywhere in the pouring rain.

I didn't plan for the weather, so I didn't have an umbrella or poncho with me and had to rush to get one at the last minute. I also had a packed itinerary with a lot of travel between meetings, which was a hassle in the constant downpour.

Before traveling to Southeast Asia, make sure to avoid two seasons — the monsoon season, which often comes with strong typhoons in countries like the Philippines, and the burning season, where farmers burn land for fertile soil. This is a common occurrence in countries like Laos, Thailand, and the island of Borneo, which is shared between Brunei, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

When I traveled to Laos in April last year during the burning season , most of my plans — including a hot air balloon ride — were canceled because of the thick smog. I also didn't have an N95 mask with me, and I ended up with a sore throat.

If you do plan to come during these seasons, make sure to pack accordingly and plan a flexible schedule.

2. Traveling during Ramadan and expecting the same practices everywhere.

Having grown up in Singapore, I'm familiar with the practices during Ramadan , the holy month for Muslims, where they fast for most of the day. I studied Malay for seven years, and in school, I often fasted with my Muslim classmates and ate only in private.

Still, in many cities in Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia , non-Muslims are free to dine in public, so long as they do so respectfully. But on my trip to Brunei in April — at the height of the burning season and in the middle of Ramadan — there were more practices I needed to observe.

Most restaurants were closed, and diners weren't allowed to eat there even if they were open — only take-out was allowed. Eating in public was a major faux pas even for non-Muslims, and if you want to drink some water, you can only do so when nobody is around.

It wasn't easy, especially as Brunei was sweltering at 100 degrees Fahrenheit on some days. I made do by returning to the hotel for lunch and grabbing a big dinner with the locals at the night market after they had broken their fast.

3. Not packing enough modest outfits when visiting temples and mosques.

Southeast Asia is pretty liberal, and you can wear whatever you want in many places. In popular destinations like Phuket, Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia, lots of tourists walk around in bikini tops and shorts, and locals mostly tolerate it.

But there are certain places you do need to cover up, like places of worship, which include temples and mosques. When I visited Angkor Wat — the famed temple complex in Cambodia — in February last year, I found some tourists being told off by the local tour guides for wearing shorts and tank tops — "Tomb Raider" style.

I've learned to err on the right side of caution and bring a sarong wherever I go. It's an easy way to cover up and make an outfit more modest when you need to.

4. Forgetting to pack medication, especially when I plan to eat street food.

Southeast Asia has some of the world's most flavorful food. In every country, you can find food that is cheap and delicious, and that includes Singapore , the world's most expensive city. In countries like Malaysia and Vietnam, street food dishes can cost as little as a dollar.

I eat mostly street food when I travel in Southeast Asia, so medicine for tummy-related illnesses is a must. I've only gotten sick twice from eating street food — and it was the same dish both times— and unfortunately, those were the few times I didn't have medicine with me.

I'm a pretty adventurous eater. I've eaten everything from pufferfish stew to frog porridge and dishes made with intestines off the street. I've learned to wash the utensils provided before digging in and make sure the food is cooked to order and heated up before being served.

5. Relying on my card and not bringing enough cash with me.

In Singapore, I don't really use cash and often use Apple Pay, mobile payments, and cards. But I've found that many stores in other countries in Southeast Asia only accept cash.

For example, on my third trip to Vietnam, I spent an hour trying to make payment via bank transfer after the staff at a luxury perfume shop — which was selling items priced upwards of $200 — informed me at the last minute that they didn't accept card or contactless payment.

I've also found the majority of street vendors in the region only accept mobile payment — which is limited to local banks — or cash. I've learned to change a considerable amount of money before leaving the airport and keep whatever I didn't use for my next trip.

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