travel money card mastercard

MASTERCARD BENEFIT INQUIRIES

Within the U.S.: 1-800-Mastercard (1-800-627-8372) | Outside the U.S.: Mastercard Global Service Phone Numbers

Availability of insurance benefits on your card may vary by card issuer. Please refer to your issuing financial institution for complete insurance benefit coverage terms, conditions and exclusions.

*Card registration required. Certain exceptions apply. Click here for terms and conditions .

†Requirements may vary. See card packaging for details or contact card issuer.

MASTERCARD BENEFIT INQUIRIES

Your benefits may vary by card type and by issuing financial institution. Refer to your issuing financial institution for complete benefit coverage terms and conditions or call Mastercard (0800-96-4767) for assistance. Certain terms, conditions and exclusions apply.

Availability of insurance benefits on your card may vary by card issuer. Please refer to your issuing financial institution for complete insurance benefit coverage terms, conditions and exclusions.

*Card registration required. Certain exceptions apply. Click here for terms and conditions .

Hays Travel Money Card

Enjoy FREE holiday spending money until 28th July 2024 when you buy a Hays Travel Mastercard ® online or in branch. Load a minimum of £500 on purchase and get an extra £15 on us!   No wonder we’re the Nation’s Favourite Foreign Exchange provider!

The Hays Travel Mastercard® is free to use in millions of locations worldwide where Mastercard® Prepaid is accepted when you spend in a currency loaded on the card: including restaurants, bars, and shops. This easy-to-use pre-paid card allows contactless transactions, chip and PIN, worldwide cash withdrawals, and also 24/7 phone support. Take your currency card with you on every holiday, simply top up and go! Just call into your local Hays Travel branch today to purchase your Hays Travel Prepaid Travel Money Card. *The Hays Travel Mastercard is only available to UK residents aged 18 or over. A valid Passport or Drivers Licence must be presented in the branch at the time of purchase.

BUY YOUR HAYS TRAVEL MASTERCARD

The Hays Travel Money Card is the safe and easy way to take your money on holiday!

• BUY IN BRANCH

Your iPhone is now your Hays Travel Mastercard®. With Apple Pay, you can pay quickly and easily with your Hays Travel Mastercard from your iPhone or Apple Watch. 

Pay with just a tap.

Double-click. Face ID. Hold iPhone near reader. Done.

• Add your card today

The Hays Travel Currency Card app

The Hays Travel Currency Card App enables you to fully manage your travel card account and stay in control of your holiday finances at home and abroad. The app enables you to:

• Instantly top up multiple different currencies from anywhere in the world
• Check your real time balance
• Lock-in exchange rates when you top up and transfer money between currencies
• Keep track of your spending and view transactions
• Freeze/Unfreeze your card
• Check your card PIN
• Manage your personal details

Download our app here

Manage the card on the go via Hays Travel Currency Card App

*Terms and conditions apply. New card must be purchased with a minimum load of £500 by 28th July 2024.The free spending money of 15GBP will be automatically added to each qualifying cardholders account within 30 days of the initial load. Offer subject to availability. Voted the British Travel Awards Best Foreign Exchange Provider 2023.

My Account Portal

Available currencies.

Useful links

• Card Services Support Numbers
• Terms and Conditions

Terms & conditions on your card may vary by card issuer. Please refer to your issuing financial institution for more details.

*Card registration required. Certain exceptions apply. Click here for terms and conditions.

†Requirements may vary. See card packaging or ask in-store for details.

Select the country where you got your Corporate Card

Cash Passport™ Travel Money Card

Where Did You Get Your Cash Passport?

Information

Please select the country where you originally purchased (or intend to purchase) your Cash Passport prepaid travel money card.

• New Zealand
• United Kingdom
• South Africa
• Can't see your country? Cash passport is only sold in those listed below.

or select from

countries where Cash Passport is sold

Travel money card access your money overseas.

How it works

• Get a card:   Purchase a card online at a participating bank or you may already have a card through your airline loyalty program.
• Activate and register:  Call the phone number on the card packaging or go online to activate and register.
• Load:  Add funds to your card in-store at the time of purchase or online depending on the card you use.
• Use:  Make purchases everywhere Mastercard Debit is accepted.
• Reload:  Add more funds to your card via various options such as bank transfer or BPay depending on the card you use.

Priceless® Specials

Explore the world with mastercard's offers curated specially for you.

Here Are the Four Best Travel Money Cards in 2024

François Briod

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

Jarrod Suda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Travel Cards (And More!) at a Glance

Best travel money cards.

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

Revolut: Best All-Rounder

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

• Trust & Credibility 8.9
• Service & Quality 7.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 8.3
• Customer Satisfaction 9.3

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 waived 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 8.0
• Service & Quality 8.0
• Fees & Exchange Rates 9.3
• Customer Satisfaction 8.5

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 9.4

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

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
• Customer Satisfaction 8.2

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

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.

• Join CHOICE

Travel money cards with the lowest fees

We look at seven travel money cards from the big banks and airlines..

Prepaid travel money cards are offered by major banks, airlines and foreign exchange retailers like Travelex. Before travelling overseas, you load money into the card account, which locks in the exchange rate for foreign currencies at that time. 

You can then use the card for purchases and cash withdrawals just like a debit or credit card, usually wherever Visa and Mastercard are accepted. 

You can reload money on-the-go via an app or website, and if the card is lost or stolen, it can be replaced (usually at no cost to you).

Prepaid travel money cards also give you assurance that you're not handing the details of your everyday banking account to merchants you're not familiar with, and they provide easy access to cash when you want some, says Peter Marshall, head of research at money comparison website Mozo .

CHOICE tip: Travel money cards are best for longer trips. They're usually not worth your while if you're only taking a short trip, as some have closure, cash out and inactivity fees.

Travel money card fees

A major difference between prepaid travel cards and debit or credit cards is their fees. Some costs aren't immediately apparent, such as hefty margins built into the exchange rates.

And although fees have come down since we looked at these cards two years ago, you still need to watch out for:

• fees to load the card – either a percentage of the total or a flat fee
• ATM withdrawal fees
• a cross currency fee or margin when you use the card in a currency you haven't preloaded
• further fees if you close the account or haven't used the card for a period of time.

Travel money card with the lowest fees and best exchange rate

Westpac worldwide wallet.

Westpac closed its Global Currency Card in July 2021 and offers its new card in partnership with Mastercard.  It's also available from Bank of Melbourne and BankSA.

Currencies: AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD, ZAR.

Key features:

• No loading, reloading, closing or inactivity fees.
• Free to use it in network ATMs in Australia and partner ATMs overseas in a range of countries including the UK, US and New Zealand.
• A charge applies at non-Westpac and non-partner ATMs in Australia and overseas.
• Best exchange rates for the US dollar, the Euro and GBP in our comparison.*
• The only card that lets you preload the South African rand.

Other travel money cards

Next to the Westpac Worldwide Wallet, there are six other travel money cards available.

Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard

Available online or at post offices.

Currencies : AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD, AED.

• Fee to reload the card via BPay, debit card or instore, but free via online bank transfer.
• Closure fee.
• Fees for ATM withdrawals in Australia and overseas.

Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard

It's issued by Heritage Bank and is available online and from a number of smaller banks and credit unions (like Bendigo Bank and Bank of Queensland) as well as travel agents. 

• Fee to reload with a debit card or instore, but free via BPay.

CommBank Travel Money Card

CommBank Travel Money Card (Visa)

As NAB and ANZ have closed their travel money cards, this is the only other travel money card available from a major bank. This card has the largest variety of currencies that can be preloaded.

Currencies : AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD, AED, VND, CNY.

• Fee if you make a purchase with currencies not preloaded.
• Fee for withdrawals at overseas ATMs.

Qantas Travel Money Card

Qantas Travel Money Card (Mastercard)

The only travel money card offering from an airline. It can be added as a feature to your Qantas Frequent Flyer card, so you don't need a dedicated card, and you can earn points using it.

• Free to reload via bank transfer or BPay, but there's a reload fee if using debit card.

Travelex Money Card

Travelex Money Card (Mastercard)

Travelex is an international foreign exchange retailer. In Australia, it operates more than 140 stores at major airports and shopping centres, across CBDs and in the suburbs. It was the card with the best exchange rate for New Zealand dollars.*

Currencies : AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD.

Fees : 

• Load fee instore, but free via Travelex website or app.
• Reload fee instore or via BPay, but free via Travelex website or app.
• Closure fee and monthly inactivity fee (if not used for 12 months).

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass (Mastercard)

The Travel Money Group is owned by Flight Centre and is a foreign exchange retailer. 

• Reloading the card via an online bank transfer or instore is free, but there's a fee if you reload via BPay, debit card or credit card. 
• Cash out (closure) fee. 

Travel money card tips

• Make sure the card allows the currencies you'll need, and also consider stopovers. For example, the South African rand is only supported by the Westpac card.
• Try to load your card with the right currencies and amounts on days with good exchange rates. 
• Make sure you know how to reload your card if you run out of funds while overseas.
• It may be more convenient to choose a card that has an app that can be linked to your bank account.
• Avoid loading more money than you'll need as there may be fees and exchange rate margins to get the unused money back.
• Remember to cancel the card once you're finished your trip, especially if it has inactivity fees.
• Be mindful that you still may need a credit card, as travel money cards may not be accepted as security for hotels and car rental agencies. 

Stock images:  Getty, unless otherwise stated.

Join the conversation

To share your thoughts or ask a question, visit the CHOICE Community forum.

Best Prepaid Travel Money Cards

Explore the best prepaid travel money cards.

Matt Crabtree

Rebecca Goodman

Prepaid travel cards have various names, such as travel money cards or multi-currency prepaid cards, but they all work in the same way to make spending abroad easier.

Using your debit card or usual bank account on holiday can accrue fees, and spending more than you have may be tempting, like dipping into your overdraft or savings accounts.

With a prepaid card, you can stick to your budget and be aware of all the fees involved before spending.

In this article, I'll discuss everything you need to know about prepaid cards to use when you're abroad, and I've picked a list of the best prepaid travel cards on the market to help you decide.

What are multi-currency prepaid cards?

A prepaid card works much like a debit card in terms of how you use it to make purchases and withdraw cash from an ATM. The only difference is that a prepaid card isn't attached to a bank account; you must top it up to use it.

Anyone can sign up for a prepaid card and use it for travelling. There are no credit checks, so even if you’ve got a history of bad credit, you can still apply for a prepaid travel card.

A prepaid multi-currency card is like a gift card in the same way you top it up and use it. With multi-currency prepaid cards, you use them as an alternative to carrying cash or traveller's cheques when travelling . You top the card up in the currency of your choice and then use it as you need it.

You can top-up prepaid cards on the go, usually by an app, and you can use them in most places worldwide. You’ll have to check with your prepaid card provider to see what currencies you can use on the card and where you can use it.

The pros and cons

Like any financial product, there are benefits and drawbacks to using a prepaid card.

✔️ Budgeting: You can preload all of your spending money on the card, and as you can only spend what's there, it's much easier to stick with a budget and not overspend.

✔️ Safer than cash : If you lose your prepaid card, or if it's stolen, you can get a replacement card sent to you. A prepaid card isn’t attached to a bank account , so you don’t have to worry too much about anyone potentially accessing your everyday banking.

✔️ No foreign exchange fees: Most travel money cards are made for spending abroad, so there are usually no foreign exchange fees.

✔️ Accepted in most places: Most countries accept prepaid cards. Double-check with your prepaid card provider if your card is accepted before you fly out to your destination.

✔️ Different foreign currency: You can spend money in your chosen currency.

✔️ Top-up on the go: Most prepaid cards have an app that allows you to add money, exchange multiple currencies and view transaction history in one place.

✔️ Good credit not required: Anyone can apply and use a prepaid multi-currency card and there are no credit checks .

❌️ Fees to cash withdrawals: Some prepaid cards charge you for cash withdrawals.

❌️ Other fees: Fees will vary between prepaid card providers, but there may be administration fees, monthly charges or other additional fees.

❌️ Limits: Some travel prepaid cards limit how much money you can hold on your prepaid card, and some cards have a minimum amount to deposit to use the card.

Best prepaid travel cards

Here are the best prepaid travel money cards:

1. Wise: Digital and physical cards available

• Application fees: One-time fee of £7
• Conversion Fees: Fixed fee + 1.75% after free allowance
• Minimum loading amount: No limit
• Cash withdrawal fee: Fee-free cash withdrawals up to £200 monthly

With the Wise Travel Money Card, you can use it straight away as a digital card.

If you want a physical card, there is a £7 delivery fee, but you can use a digital card instantly with Google Pay or Apple Pay. You can create up to three free digital cards.

With the mid-market rate, you can top up your currency card from the Wise app . On the app, you can check your balance and transactions and receive spending notifications to see how much you spend to help you stay within your budget.

You can manage your Wise account from the mobile app or their website. You can exchange money for over 40 other currencies in real time. If you have leftover money from your holiday or your plans have changed, you can spend the money at home in the UK with a small conversion fee.

You can use your currency card to withdraw cash from over 3 million ATMs worldwide. You can use your currency card in more than 160 countries. The Wise prepaid travel money card is eco-friendly, biodegradable, reloadable, and has no subscription fee. There are no fees if you choose not to use the Wise travel card. 

2. Asda Money Travel Money Card: Apply online or in store

• Application fees: None
• Conversion Fees: 5.75%
• Minimum loading amount: £50
• Cash withdrawal fee: Fee-free

You can apply for an Asda Money Travel Money Card online or in-store.

You can load up to 15 currencies and use your card contactless worldwide. You don't have to worry about cash withdrawal fees when you use this prepaid currency card; you can manage it on the go with the app. You can exchange 16 currencies with a fixed conversion fee.

You can top up via the app, online, or over the phone. You can top up while abroad, so you don't have to worry about running short of money. There are no fees when you spend in a currency preloaded to your card.

There is a £2 inactivity fee per month after 12 months. With this card, you can withdraw £500 a day, but the maximum it can hold is £5,000. This card has no link to your bank account for fraud protection.

Asda Travel Money Card is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to a licence by Mastercard International. The Financial Conduct Authority authorises PrePay Technologies Limited under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 .

3. Caxton Currency Card: Up to £12,000 on a card

• Conversion Fees: Live exchange rates
• Minimum loading amount: £10
• Cash withdrawal fee: Fee-free abroad, £1.50 for domestic ATM withdrawals and transactions

The daily cash withdrawal limit for the Caxton Currency Card is £300, and you can hold up to £12,000 on the prepaid card.

When you use this currency card abroad, you can make purchases fee-free with no worries. You can convert your money into 15 currencies with live exchange rates and hold multiple simultaneously.

You can use your Caxton prepaid card anywhere that accepts Mastercard; watch for the Mastercard Acceptance Mark. You can manage your finances from the mobile app as it allows you to check your card balance, top up, and block the card if you misplace it.

Caxton offers customer service that is live 24/7 to help with any of your issues or concerns. Caxton also runs an international trading online platform.

4. Easy FX Currency Card: Fee-free international cash withdrawals

• Conversion Fees: Exchange rate plus 1.8% for up to £1,000
• Cash withdrawal fee: International cash withdrawals are free

There are zero international fees when you use the EasyFX Personal Currency Card.

There is a £1.50 withdrawal fee for using a cash machine in the UK. You can benefit from highly competitive exchange rates and store multiple currencies on one account.

There are conversion fees with this currency card. However, the more money you convert, the lower the cost. You'll pay 1.8% on top of the exchange rate for conversion up to £1,000. The conversion fee lowers to 1.2% for up to £4,000.

As well as a currency card, you'll gain access to risk management tools provided by VFX Financial. You can manage your balances in real time on any device using the smart app or EasyFx website. If you don't use your card for 12 months, you'll be charged £2 monthly for inactivity.

5. Travelex Money Card: Use in millions of locations

• Application fees: One-time fee of £15
• Minimum loading amount: £50 in person and £100 online
• Cash withdrawal fee: None

The Travelex Travel Money Card allows you to use your card across millions of locations that accept Mastercard Prepaid. Look for the Mastercard International Incorporated logo when you're travelling, and you can use the Travelex Travel Money Card at those locations.

With the Travelex Money Card, you'll get free WiFi worldwide without worrying about roaming fees. There are no charges for withdrawing cash from an ATM overseas. You can exchange GBP into 15 other currencies with fixed exchange rates.

There is a monthly £2 inactivity fee. There is currently a giveaway running with Mastercard that's open until 30 September, where all you need to do is load £220 or more onto a Travelex Money Card. You'll enter into a prize draw to win a dream holiday.

6. Post Office Travel Money Card: No fee for spending abroad

• Cash withdrawal fee: Fees vary between locations

Carry up to 22 currencies with the Post Office Travel Money Card. Wherever you see the Mastercard Acceptance Mark , you can use this travel money card, including millions of shops, restaurants, and bars in over 200 countries.

There are cross-border fees of 3% when you use your currency in other countries than what the Post Office offers. There is also a load commission fee of 1.5%.

Use the Post Office accessible Travel app to top up, manage your prepaid card, transfer funds between currencies and more. You can connect your prepaid card to Apple Pay and Google Pay. If you return from your holiday with money left on your card in another currency, you can use the wallet-to-wallet feature and transfer it to a new currency you choose.

7. Sainsbury's Bank Prepaid Travel Money Card: Lower exchange rate for Nectar cardholders

You may get better exchange rates than a non-card holder if you're a Nectar cardholder and want to apply for Sainsbury's Prepaid Travel Money Card. If you hold a Nectar card, you can earn 500 bonus Nectar points when you load at least £250 onto your travel money card.

You can load money onto your card in 15 currencies at once. You can use your prepaid travel card to make purchases worldwide and withdraw cash without worrying about ATM fees.

You can check out all your transactions and load money onto the card with the Sainsbury's Bank travel money card app. There is no direct link to the prepaid card to your bank account, so you don't have to worry about security.

There is a 2% fee for loads and reloading into GBP purses. Additionally, if you don't use your card for 18 months, you may be charged a £2 inactivity fee.

8. FairFX Prepaid Card: Earn cashback in select retailers

• Application fees: Free
• Conversion Fees: 1.12%
• Cash withdrawal fee: £2 flat rate + 3.75% of the transaction amount

The FairFX Prepaid Card holds 20 major currencies, including GBP, Euros, US dollar, Japanese yen, Australian dollar, and more.

You can use this free multi-currency card in over 190 countries worldwide. You can top up on the go, either before you travel or whilst you're travelling.

Travel smarter with FairFX; when you become a customer, you can access offers and deals from partners to help your money take you further, for example, discounts on lounge access and more. You can earn 3.5% cashback in-store or online at select UK retailers.

If your car expires with a leftover balance, there will be a monthly £2 charge. Card renewal is free so that you can avoid expiration. There are no subscription fees or monthly fees.

Tips for looking after your money as you travel

Money is a massive element of travelling; it pays for your trips, food, and all the fun activities you get up to. A prepaid currency card can make your journey much more accessible.

We've compiled a list of further tips to help manage your finances a little more easily while you travel:

• Check the expiry date on the card: For any cards you take with you on your travels, ensure they're within the expiry date. Otherwise, you may be stuck without access to money. If your cards are close to expiring, consider contacting your provider and getting a new one sent out before you fly out.
• Travel insurance: Always travel with travel insurance to protect yourself and your belongings. Travel insurance can cover your medical costs if you become ill or have an accident.
• Check exchange rate: If you choose a prepaid card provider that uses live exchange rates, keep an eye on the exchange rates at specific types of the day.
• Top up your card online: If you're running low on holiday money, choose a prepaid travel card that allows you to top up online to add money to the card quickly.
• Check foreign exchange fee: Most prepaid travel cards offer minimum foreign exchange fees, but always check with the card provider for potential fees before you travel.
• Have card provider details at hand: If any issues occur, you should have the contact number or support team access to contact prepaid providers. If your card is stolen or you find fraudulent transactions on it, contact your provider, and it's worth alerting local police, too.

The verdict

A prepaid card is the ideal companion if you're someone who travels regularly and wants to be on control of tour cash.

They allow you to stay within budget, control your account from an app on your phone, and spend abroad without worrying too much about fees. With one of the prepaid currency cards from our best list, you can spend abroad securely and confidently.

Related Guides:

• 7 Cheapest Ways to Spend Money Abroad
• Best Avios Credit Cards
• Best Air Miles Credit Cards
• What Is Holiday Let Insurance?

No related posts.

Is it Worth Getting a Prepaid Travel Card?

Using your debit card or usual bank account can accrue many travelling fees. With a prepaid card, you can stick to your budget with no credit options available and know all the fees involved before spending. You can spend without worrying about security, as your prepaid card has no direct link to your bank accounts. Prepaid cards are safer than cash and are accepted in most places. You can spend money in your chosen currency and top up on the go.

How Does a Prepaid Card Work?

You can top-up prepaid cards on the go, usually by an app, and you can use it in most places worldwide. It works similarly to a debit card, like how you use it to spend, but a prepaid card isn’t attached to a bank account, and anyone can use one.

What is the Best Travel Money Card?

The Wise Travel Money Card is at the top of our best travel money card list. There is no minimum loading fee; you make free monthly cash withdrawals of up to £200. While waiting for your card to be delivered, you can use your balance immediately as a digital card with Google Pay or Apple Pay. You can create up to three free digital cards. You can use your currency card to withdraw cash from over 3 million ATMs worldwide.

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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.

• Travel Money Card

The Travelex Money Card is the quick, easy and secure way to spend abroad

• Top Up Card
• Our best rates
• No commission or hidden charges
• Free Click and Collect
• Next day home delivery

Travelex Money Card

• A safe way to carry and spend travel money abroad
• Load up to 15 currencies on your Travelex Money Card
• Manage your balance 24/7 through the Travelex Money App
• Freeze and unfreeze your card, reveal your PIN or other card details via the Travelex Money App
• Pay with confidence anywhere Mastercard Prepaid is accepted

Already have a card?

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There’s still time on the clock to get an improved rate on euros. Order online to score a great rate. 

Travel Money Card Benefits

Safe & secure, find the right balance for your trip.

With our multi-currency prepaid card, you can reduce the amount of cash you need to carry on holiday and find the right balance for your trip. Plus, your card is not linked to your bank account, providing an extra layer of security against potential financial threats, and reducing the risk that comes with carrying cash.

Control at your fingertips

Manage your travel funds effortlessly with the Travelex Money App . Along with the essential features of freezing/unfreezing your card for enhanced security, the app provides seamless options to top up your card on-the-go. Always have secure access to your PIN and stay in full command of your travel money, ensuring a worry-free experience.

Peace of mind

Lock in your rates.

No more fluctuating exchange rates causing stress during your travels. With our multi-currency prepaid card, you can lock in your exchange rates 1 , shielding your budget from unexpected currency fluctuations.

Free and secure cash access

Forget about ATM fees eating into your travel budget. Our card provides free cash access with no overseas ATM charges 2 , allowing you to withdraw funds wherever you are. And in case your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, our 24/7 global assistance team is here for you. We aim to replace your card swiftly or provide emergency cash to keep your journey on track.

Easy to use

Effortless transactions.

Experience the ease of secure contactless payments – no signature or PIN required. Streamline your transactions and enjoy the convenience of a smooth payment process at millions of locations worldwide, wherever Mastercard Prepaid is accepted.

Easy money management

Enhance your travel experience with the flexibility to top up in 22 different currencies, including EUR, USD and AUD, and the convenience of transferring funds between your currency wallets in our app all through one versatile card, making international spending more seamless and efficient.

Seamless spending

You can easily add our card to your Apple Pay or Google Pay Wallet, making your payments smooth frictionless.

How does a Travelex Money Card work?

It’s fast and easy to get a Travelex Money Card.

1 | Order your Card

Order your Travelex Money Card online or in-store. Enjoy the flexibility of free delivery or convenient in-store collection.

2 | Register

Use the Travelex Money App to effortlessly register your card, granting you complete control over your account

Explore the world of hassle-free spending! Use your card at millions of locations globally, wherever Mastercard Prepaid is accepted.

Currencies and Rates

Explore the 22 currencies available to you on our prepaid travel card.

Fees and Limits

Free atm withdrawals worldwide.

Access your money without the hassle of ATM fees 2 , whether you're in the UK or exploring abroad.

Free Replacement Card

Enjoy peace of mind with our free replacement card service, available if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged while you're away or access to emergency cash.

Low Minimum Load/Top-up

Get started with a minimum load of just £50.00 GBP.

Generous Spending Limits:

Generous Spending Limits Spend up to £3,000.00 GBP at retailers and merchants within a 24-hour period

With our flexible fees and limits our Travelex Money Card is your perfect travel companion.

Download the Travelex Money App

• Top-up your Travelex Money Card in a flash
• Manage your money on the move
• View your latest transactions and track your spending
• Instantly freeze your card to protect your account

What our customers say

Find out why our community trust in Travelex

Common questions about the Travelex Money Card

What is a travel money card.

A travel money card (sometimes referred to as a prepaid currency card) is a global multi-currency card that’s not linked to a bank account. Like a debit or credit card, travel money cards can be used to make purchases in stores, online, and to withdraw cash at ATMs while travelling.

Do you get charged for using a travel money card?

Some providers may charge you for using your card abroad, but we do not charge spending fees 3 on our Travelex Money Card.

How do I get a Travel Money Card?

You can get a Travelex Money Card by purchasing currency online or in-store. Find our full list of stores here.

Where can I use my Travel Money Card?

You can use the Travelex Money Card in most countries across the world, wherever Mastercard Prepaid is accepted. Choose from 22 available currencies: British pounds, euros, US dollars, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, New Zealand dollars, South African rand, Turkish lira, Swiss franc, UAE dirham, Mexican peso, Polish zloty, Czech koruna, Swedish krona, Japanese yen, Thai Baht, Hong Kong dollars, Singapore dollars, Danish kroner, Norwegian krone, Hungarian forint and Icelandic krona.

Can I withdraw money from my Travel Money Card?

Like most bank accounts, you can withdraw money from your travel money card at ATMs worldwide. The maximum withdrawal amount is 500.00 GBP within a 24-hour period. Please bear in mind Travelex does not charge ATM fees but some operators may do so, check before you withdraw cash. Travelex Money Card T&Cs can be found here.

Still have questions?

Explore our support categories for more help.

Basic information about the Travelex Money Card.

Getting started

Details on obtaining and eligibility for the card.

Managing your Travelex Money Card account.

Managing card

PIN, balance checks, and card management.

Using & topping up card

Card usage, currencies, and transaction limits.

Details about adding your card to an Apple Wallet.

Details about adding your card to a Google Wallet.

Fees and limits

Information on fees and limits.

Getting help

Support for lost/stolen cards and troubleshooting.

Previous cards

Information for Cash Passport customers.

• Travelex Money Card Terms & Conditions can be found here.
• 1 Lock in your exchange rates mean the exchange rate is locked in for the initial load only. The exchange rates for subsequent reloads will be set at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the transaction.
• 2 Although Travelex does not charge ATM fees, some operators may charge their own fee or set their own limits. We advise to check with the ATM operator before using.
• 3 No charges when you spend abroad using an available balance of a local currency supported by the Travelex Money Card.
• Travelex Money Card is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard International.
• PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.
• Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

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Travelex foreign coin services limited.

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Reg Number: 02884875

Your safety is our priority. Click here for our latest Customer update

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

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• Travel Money

The savvy way to pay on holiday Travel Money Card

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.

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 .

Safe and secure holiday spending

Manage your holiday funds on a Travel Money Card with our free travel app. Top it up, freeze it, swap currencies, view your PIN and more.

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.

What is Post Office Travel Money Card?

Discover how easy our Travel Money Card makes managing your spending aboard

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. Some ATM owners will charge their own fees for withdrawing cash, these are in addition to the fees that we charge.

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 money card

• Activate and manage your card Activate and manage your card

Are you an existing customer?

A smart and safe way to pay in foreign currencies

Features and benefits

• Travel and shop worry-free Lock in your budget by converting your loaded AUD ahead of time and feel safe and secure from fraudulent transactions with Mastercard Zero Liability protection.¹  
• Lounge access if your flight is delayed You and a companion can get access to over 1,000 lounges² if your flight is delayed for 120 minutes or more. Visit the Mastercard Flight Delay Pass website to pre-register your flight. T&Cs apply.
• Convenient options for you Pick up cards from any branch and activate them online, or order online from home and receive your cards in 5-8 business days.
• Access unforgettable experiences and rewards Your Mastercard gives you access to Priceless ®  Cities with unforgettable experiences in the cities where you live and travel.³ You can also get cashback when you shop overseas with your Worldwide Wallet, thanks to Mastercard Travel Rewards .⁴

How it works

Before you leave.

• Order a Worldwide Wallet online or pick one up in branch
• Activate your cards in Online Banking
• Transfer AUD to your card and convert into your choice of up to 10 currencies to lock in your rates.

While you’re away

Pay for things using the local currency loaded on your card

Avoid ATM fees at Global ATM Alliance partners 5

Reload your card as you go using the Westpac App, with no load or reload fees.

When you get home

• Convert leftover currency back to AUD or another available currency, with no unload fees
• Remember , you can avoid foreign transaction fees while shopping online by paying with your Worldwide Wallet.

Save on fees

• Avoid ATM withdrawal fees Through our Global ATM Alliance and overseas partner ATMs which you can easily find using the ATM locator in the Westpac App   
• No foreign transaction fees Avoid a 3% foreign transaction fee whenever you use your Worldwide Wallet to shop online or in person.  
• No load or unload fees Reload your account on the go, whenever you need.  
• No account keeping fees You won’t pay any inactivity or account keeping fees, so any funds left in your account will be there ready for your next trip or purchase.  

Other fees may apply. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDF 307KB)  for full list of fees. 

Like to shop online?

Use your Worldwide Wallet for online purchases in foreign currencies and avoid a 3% foreign transaction fee.

You can also shop worry-free from fraudulent transactions with Mastercard Zero Liability protection. 1

Complete visibility and control

All in one view

See your account balance and transactions in the Westpac App or in Online Banking.

Move money easily

Transfer money to and from your Worldwide Wallet and convert AUD into foreign currencies while you’re on the go in the Westpac App.

More ways to pay

Add your Worldwide Wallet to Google Pay™ or Samsung Pay™, or use your card to tap and go.

A spare card for peace of mind

Both cards give you access to the same funds and can be locked and unlocked instantly at your convenience via Online Banking or the Westpac App. 6

Add up to 11 currencies

Lock in your rate head of time by converting currency in advance.

You'll still be able to spend in currencies not listed here and avoid Westpac's 3% foreign transaction fee.

To view our latest rates, see our  currency converter .

Order online or pick up in branch

Order online.

You can open your travel money card account online and we’ll mail your cards to your address in 5-8 business days.

Pick up in branch

If you need your cards within 8 business days its best to pick them up in branch and activate them online.

Already have your cards? Activate now

A Westpac Worldwide Wallet is a prepaid travel money card that can help you save on foreign transaction fees and give you control over your spending. With the Westpac Worldwide Wallet, there are no load, reload or unload fees, or ATM withdrawal fees at Westpac Group or select Westpac Group partner ATMs in Australia and Global ATM Alliance partners. 5

Before you shop or travel, you can also choose to convert your loaded AUD into any of the following currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, JPY, THB, ZAR, SGD, NZD and HKD. By locking in your exchange rate in advance and knowing exactly how much of a foreign currency is loaded on your card, the Westpac Worldwide Wallet can make it easy for you to stay on top of your spending. When you sign up to a Westpac Worldwide Wallet, you’ll also get access to exciting Mastercard travel and shopping perks -  Flight Delay Pass , Mastercard Travel Rewards and Priceless Cities.

With the Westpac Worldwide Wallet, you can avoid a 3% foreign transaction fee when you shop online in available currencies.

You can shop safely by loading only what you need into any of the following currencies: USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, JPY, THB, ZAR, SGD, NZD and HKD. By knowing exactly how much of a foreign currency is loaded on your card, you can stay on top of your spending.

You’ll also benefit from Mastercard Zero Liability protection, 1 so you can shop worry-free from fraudulent transactions.

To apply for a Westpac Worldwide Wallet, you must be aged 14 years or older and be an existing Westpac customer who is registered for Online Banking. If you haven’t registered for Online Banking, see this  helpful guide  to learn how to get started. If you’re new to Westpac and would like to apply for a Worldwide Wallet, you’ll need to become a customer first by opening a Westpac savings or transaction account and meeting our identification requirements. You can visit  westpac.com.au/aml  for more information on how we identify you. 

If you have insufficient funds to complete a transaction in a currency loaded on your account, or the transaction is in a currency not loaded on your account, the transaction will be automatically processed by drawing down from another currency in your account (provided that there are sufficient funds available in one or more other currencies to complete the transaction). Funds will be withdrawn according to the drawdown sequence, and the applicable exchange rate will apply. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDF 307KB) for the drawdown sequence.

Yes, you can withdraw money or check your balance at overseas ATMs using your Worldwide Wallet. The balance displayed will be in the currency of the country you are visiting. You won’t pay an ATM withdrawal fee when using a Global ATM Alliance ATM. 5  However, fees may apply if you use an ATM outside of the Global ATM Alliance network.

If you have insufficient funds to complete a transaction in a currency loaded on your account, or the transaction is in a currency not loaded on your account, the transaction will be automatically processed by drawing down from another currency in your account (provided that there are sufficient funds available in one or more other currencies to complete the transaction). Funds will be withdrawn according to the drawdown sequence, and the applicable exchange rate will apply. See the Product Disclosure Statement (PDF 307KB) for the drawdown sequence.  

We recommend you download our app as we may send you important notifications about your Worldwide Wallet while you are travelling. Using the Westpac App makes it easy for you to get these notifications while you’re on the go. You can also use the app to:

• Instantly transfer AUD between your savings and transaction Westpac account/s and your travel money card
• Convert between your loaded AUD and up to 10 different foreign currencies at any time to lock in your exchange rate
• View your currency balances and transactions
• Access your Worldwide Wallet account’s BSB and account number as well as your eStatements
• Block your card/s if they have been lost or stolen

If you’re new to the Westpac App, learn more about how to get started .

See all FAQs

Get started

Order online and have your cards delivered to you

Worldwide Wallet 24/7 support in Australia

1300 797 470

Find a branch

Visit a branch and pick up cards

Things you should know

Westpac Retail and Business Banking Financial Services Guide and Credit Guide (PDF 238KB)

14 Best Travel Credit Cards of July 2024

Best travel cards main takeaways.

• Money has evaluated hundreds of credit cards, comparing their fees, benefits, welcome offers, travel insurance policies and more.
• The top credit cards for travel offer high rewards on travel purchases, which can be redeemed for airfare, hotel nights, cash back, statement credits or more.
• Our picks feature the best travel cards for every budget and include no-annual-fee, low-annual-fee, premium and business cards.

Why Trust Us?

Our editorial team has spent well over a thousand hours analyzing, evaluating and comparing the top credit card offers in the market. We carefully vet each card’s fine print in order to understand their features, limitations and potential benefits for consumers. We review cards independently, ensuring our content is accurate and guided by editorial integrity. Read our full methodology to learn more.

• 46 travel credit cards evaluated
• 10+ data points used, including ongoing fees, reward programs and welcome offers
• 100+ sources reviewed

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings.com for our coverage of credit card products. Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities. Our top picks are listed strictly in alphabetical order.

Our Top Picks for Best Travel Credit Cards

Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards.

• Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for flat rate rewards
• Bilt Mastercard® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for paying rent
• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee card for travel partners
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® – Best no-annual-fee travel card for domestic travel
• Discover it® Miles Credit Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for simple rewards
• Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card – Best no-annual-fee travel card for everyday spending

Best low-fee-annual-fee travel credit cards

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card – Best travel card for flat-rate rewards
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card – Best travel card for flexible rewards

Best premium travel credit cards

• American Express® Gold Card – Best travel card for dining
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card – Best low-cost premium travel card
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® – Best premium travel credit card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express – Best travel card for lounge access

Best business travel credit cards

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express – Best business travel card

Best airline travel credit cards

• United℠ Explorer Card: Best airline credit card

Best Travel Credit Cards Reviews

Best no-annual-fee travel credit cards.

• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fees
• Earns 1.5x points on all purchases
• No bonus category for travel
• Few benefits compared to other cards
• Limited redemption options

Why we chose it: The Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card is an easy-to-use card best suited for travel reward beginners or those who are already Bank of America customers.

Some cardholders can earn up to 75% more points if they are Bank of America Preferred Rewards members — that’s up to 2.62 points for every dollar spent.

However, the card doesn’t offer hotel and airline point transfer partners, travel insurance or extended warranty and purchase protection. Additionally, you can only redeem your points as statement credit to cover travel and dining purchases.

All information about Bank of America® Travel Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com

• No annual or foreign currency conversion fee (Click herehttps://www.wellsfargo.com/credit-cards/bilt/terms/">here; for rates and fees)
• Use it to pay your rent and earn rewards without incurring any processing fees
• You can earn double points on all purchase categories (except rent payments) on the first of every month (up to 10,000 points)
• Earn 2x points on travel (when booked directly through an airline, hotels, car rental agencies and cruise lines)
• No welcome bonus or introductory APR period
• Points redeemed for statement credits are worth 0.55 cents each
• You must make at least five transactions in a statement period to earn points
• Rent payments can only be made to one rental property per month

Why we chose it: The Bilt Mastercard® lets you earn travel rewards on rent payments without incurring any processing fees — unlike most credit cards that typically charge around 2.5% to 2.9% per rent payment.

You can use the card to pay rent without worrying about surcharges. Once you get approved for the card, all you have to do is set up an account through the Bilt app or website and use your assigned routing and account number to pay rent through your usual payment portal. You can also use your card even if your landlord only accepts checks, and Bilt will send a check on your behalf.

Additionally, Bilt doubles the card’s rewards rates on the first of every month, which means you can earn 6x points on dining, 4x points on travel and 2x points on other purchases (up to 10,000 points per month). However, this bonus doesn’t apply to rent rewards.

On the downside, the Bilt Mastercard® doesn’t offer a welcome bonus, and points redeemed for statement credits are only worth 0.55 cents each.

• Can transfer your miles to 16 travel partners
• Earns 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Doesn't earn bonus points on airfare
• No domestic travel partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card is a great option if you’re looking for a no-annual fee travel credit card with a simple rewards structure.

You can use your miles to book travel through the Capital One Travel portal or as a statement credit to cover travel purchases made from airlines, hotels, rail lines, car rental agencies and more.

You can also transfer your points to one of Capital One’s 16 travel partners, which include international airlines such as Avianca and British Airways. This option is notable since travel credit cards with no annual fee don’t typically offer the option to transfer your reward to airline and hotel partners.

However, the card’s list of bonus categories is limited compared to some other no-annual-fee credit cards, and Capital One doesn’t offer bonus points on airfare booked through Capital One Travel.

• Includes trip cancellation/interruption and car rental insurance
• Features a high flat cash back rate combined and popular bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fee

Why we chose it: The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is the best credit card for traveling domestically. It offers a 1.5% flat cash back rate on most purchases plus it has several appealing bonus categories, including travel and dining.

This card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, that is, on any transactions made in currency other than US dollars. However, if you mostly travel within the U.S., this card is an excellent option.

For one, you’ll earn an additional 1.5% on each of the card’s bonus categories during the first year of card membership (or up to the first $20,000 spent).

Also, although using this card abroad is not recommended, you can still use it to book international trips while you’re home, and you’ll earn 5% cash back if you book it through Chase Travel℠.

You can redeem your rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and even transfer them to other cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. It’s also worth noting that this card is one of the few no-annual-fee credit cards with rental car coverage and trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

• No annual or foreign transaction fees
• Discover matches the total miles you earned at the end of the first year
• Earns 1.5x miles on all purchases
• See your FICO score on the Discover mobile app, online and on statements
• Few benefits compared to other travel cards
• Doesn't include extended warranty or purchase protection

Why we chose it: The Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a no-frills card ideal for travelers who don’t want to keep track of bonus categories, earning caps or redemption values.

The card earns a flat 1.5x miles on all eligible purchases without any annual caps. You can redeem your miles for statement credits and account deposits at a rate of 1 cent per mile. You can also use your rewards through Amazon and PayPal checkout with the same value.

Also, the card’s welcome bonus is easily one of the best in the market: Discover matches every mile you’ve earned at the end of your first membership year — without any spending requirements.

However, while the Discover it® Miles Credit Card is a great starter travel card, its lack of bonus categories could hinder your reward-earning potential in the long run. Additionally, Discover cards aren’t as widely accepted internationally as Visa Signature and World Mastercard, for example.

All information about the Discover it® Miles Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

• Earn 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, select streaming services and cell phone plans
• Includes cell phone protection plan
• No airline or hotel transfer partners
• Doesn't include travel insurance
• Netflix and HBO are not eligible for streaming bonus

Why we chose it: The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card is the best travel reward card for everyday spending, offering high rewards on several popular spending categories, including travel, dining, gas, streaming services and cell phone plans.

Its travel bonus category is particularly noteworthy because you can earn points regardless of where you make your reservations, whether it’s directly with an airline or through a third-party travel site like Booking.com. (Most travel credit cards limit travel rewards to bookings made exclusively through the card issuer’s travel portal.)

The card also includes rental car insurance and a cell phone protection plan when you use it to pay your monthly bill.

All information about the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

Best Low-Annual-Fee Travel Credit Cards

• Earn 2x miles per dollar on most purchases
• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
• Includes travel accident and car rental insurance
• Fewer bonus categories than other cards with a similar annual fee ($95)
• Doesn't offer travel rewards for flights
• Car rental insurance is secondary

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture Rewards is ideal for those who want to get the most out of their spending without worrying about tracking bonus categories and spending caps.

You can redeem your miles on the Capital One travel portal and as statement credits to cover travel purchases at a value of one cent per mile. Additionally, you may transfer your miles to more than 15 airline and hotel partners.

However, keep in mind that Capital One doesn’t have domestic travel partners, which can be a drawback if you mainly travel within the U.S.

• Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel purchases through Chase TravelSM
• Receive a point bonus each account anniversary
• Includes primary rental car insurance
• Earn 3x per $1 on dining, including eligible delivery and takeout meals, select streaming services and grocery purchases
• $95 annual fee
• Doesn't offer a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck(R) application fee credit

Why we chose this card: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is the best travel credit card for frequent travelers who want to earn valuable rewards while paying a low annual fee.

The card features six reward categories that offer outstanding rewards on flights, hotels, restaurants and more. You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through the Chase Travel℠ portal, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can redeem your points for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards and more. But you can get the most bang for your buck by redeeming them for travel purchases through Chase Travel℠, which increases your point’s usual one-cent value by 25%.

You can also transfer your points to one of Chase’s 14 travel partners at a 1:1 ratio (one Chase point equals one hotel point or airline mile). These include popular airlines and hotels like JetBlue, Southwest, United, Marriott and Hyatt.

Best Premium Travel Credit Cards

• Earns 4x points on restaurants worldwide, takeout and food delivery within the U.S.
• Up to $120 in annual dining credits, issued as a $10 statement credit per month for select restaurants (enrollment required)
• Up to $120 as Uber Cash annually ($10 per month) for food delivery orders and rides in the U.S. after you add the American Express(R) Gold Card to your Uber account
• Earn 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year, then 1x)
• High annual fee ($250)
• Includes few travel perks and insurance policies compared to similarly priced cards

Terms apply. Please click here for applicable rates and fees.

Why we chose it: The American Express® Gold Card is ideal for foodies, offering a high reward rate at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets, takeout and food delivery. (Terms apply.)

The American Express® Gold Card also offers statement credits worth up to $240 combined — almost enough to offset the card’s $250 annual fee. These include:

• Up to $120 every year in dining credits ($10 per month) for select restaurants and food delivery services. The list includes Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and Shake Shack (Enrollment required)
• Automatically get $10 monthly in Uber Cash to use on Uber Eats or Uber rides in the U.S. (after you add the American Express® Gold Card to your account)
• $100 credit for dining, spa services and other activities when you book a two-night minimum stay at a hotel from The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel
• Terms apply

However, note that the American Express® Gold Card offers fewer travel perks than some other premium cards — for instance, it doesn’t offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance or TSA PreCheck® or CLEAR® Plus fee credits.

• 10,000 bonus miles every year
• Statement credit of up to $300 for bookings made through Capital One Travel
• Up to a $100 credit on Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R)
• Skip the line and get car upgrades when renting a car with Hertz
• High annual fee ($395)
• Fewer bonus categories than other premium cards
• No domestic airline transfer partners

Why we chose it: The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for travel miles if you want to earn a high reward rate and not worry about bonus categories.

The Capital One Venture X also includes noteworthy perks such as:

• 10,000 bonus miles every year (starting on your first anniversary)
• $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
• Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
• Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges worldwide with Priority Pass™ Select and Plaza Premium Group
• Authorized users at no extra cost (many cards have an annual fee of $75 or more for each additional user)

All in all, the Venture X is a solid option that can easily compete with other premium travel cards, especially considering its more affordable annual fee.

• Up to $300 in statement credits each anniversary year to cover travel purchases
• Transfer your points to 14 travel partners (including United, Southwest, JetBlue and Marriott)
• Points worth 50% more when redeemed for travel expenses through Chase TravelSM
• Comprehensive travel insurance coverage, including emergency dental insurance
• High annual fee ($550)
• Doesn't include a cell phone protection plan

Why we chose it: The Chase Sapphire Reserve® is the best credit card for travelers looking for a high reward rate on travel and additional benefits like comprehensive travel insurance and airport lounge access worldwide.

Your points are worth 50% more when you redeem them for travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal. This means each point is worth 1.5 cents per point instead of one cent, like most travel cards. Also, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® provides several high-end benefits such as:

• $300 annual travel credit to cover travel-related purchases like airfare, hotels, car rentals, rideshares, buses, trains, tolls and/or parking
• Access for you and two guests to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide (after a one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select)
• Statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or Nexus

The Sapphire Reserve does have a $550 annual fee. But if you take advantage of the $300 annual credit and other perks, the benefits can definitely outweigh its cost.

• Access to the widest network of airport lounges of any card
• Complimentary elite status in the Marriott and Hilton hotel loyalty programs
• Hundreds of dollars in annual statement credits for travel, dining and more
• High annual fee ($695)
• Doesn't include baggage delay, travel accident and primary rental car insurance
• Limited bonus categories

Terms apply. Click here for rates and fees.

Why we chose this card: The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a list of premium benefits that no other travel card offers, including the widest network of airport lounges and room upgrades at Hilton and Marriott hotels. (Terms apply.)

The Platinum Card® from American Express features an impressive list of high-end travel benefits, including:

• Complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges, including Priority Pass, Delta SkyClub and Amex’s own Centurion lounges (enrollment required)
• Gold status in the Marriott and Hilton loyalty programs, which makes you eligible for room upgrades, free breakfast and late checkouts (enrollment required)
• $200 back each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel and paid with your Platinum Card® (Hotel Collection bookings require a minimum two-night stay)
• Up to $200 per year when incidental fees, such as checked bags, are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card® (with one selected qualifying airline)
• Complimentary premium status in Avis Preferred®, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®, and/or National Car Rental® Emerald Club (must enroll through your Amex online account using your card)

The Platinum Card® from American Express does have a hefty $695 annual fee. However, for people who travel often and will take advantage of its annual credits and travel perks, it might almost pay for itself.

Best Business Travel Credit Cards

• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
• Around $1,000 in yearly statement credits for select business purchases
• Access to a wide network of airport lounges (terms apply)
• Around $600 in perks in Fine Hotels + Resorts(R) locations booked through American Express Travel (for stays of two nights)
• Secondary rental car coverage**

Why we chose it: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express features an extensive list of benefits that make it an ideal travel and business credit card.

With this card, you can access over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, comprehensive travel insurance and extra amenities at hundreds of hotels, like daily breakfast and free internet access. Additionally, you get a $200 credit to cover baggage fees, in-flight refreshments and more and up to $100 for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck® every four or 4.5 years respectively. (Terms apply.) (Enrollment required.)

The card also offers several yearly statement credits for business-related purchases that include up to $400 per year — $200 between January and June and $200 between July and December — for U.S. purchases with Dell (enrollment required).

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express does have one of the steepest annual fees ($695) among travel credit cards, but its extensive list of benefits makes it a no-brainer for business owners who travel frequently.

Best Airline Travel Credit Cards

• Free first checked bag for you and a companion
• Up to $100 as a statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck(R) or NEXUS every 4 year
• 25% back as a statement credit on food, beverages and Wi-Fi on board United-operated flights
• Complimentary priority boarding for you and companions traveling on the same reservation
• $95 annual fee (after the first year)
• No intro APR period
• Rewards are only valuable when used with United

Why we chose it: The card_name has a low annual fee and gives you valuable benefits that make up for it, such as priority boarding for everyone on the reservation and a free checked bag for you and one companion.

Other perks the card includes are:

• Two one-time passes for United Club℠ airport lounges each account anniversary year
• 25% back as a statement credit on in-flight purchases like food, beverages and Wi-Fi
• Up to $100 every four years to cover the cost of TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or NEXUS
• Comprehensive travel insurance (auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and trip delay reimbursement)

The United℠ Explorer Card earns miles on United purchases, including tickets, inflight food, beverages, Wi-Fi and more. You also earn rewards at restaurants and select hotel stays.

You can use your miles to book flights on United Airlines or its partners, including Avianca, Lufthansa and Air Canada. You can also redeem them for seat upgrades, inflight Wi-Fi passes and more — although United miles are usually more valuable when used for airfare.

Travel Credit Cards Guide

The best credit cards for travel do more than offer high reward rates on flights and hotel stays. They also provide rewards for everyday spending and perks such as travel insurance , airport lounge access and annual statement credits.

Here’s a rundown of how these cards work:

What is a travel credit card?

Travel credit cards are tailored for frequent travelers, providing high rewards on travel-related expenses like flights, hotels, rental cars and dining. These rewards, earned as points or miles, can be used to book travel reservations. Additionally, rewards can sometimes be transferred to hotel and airline partners or be redeemed for statement credits, cash back, gift cards and more.

These cards also feature valuable perks such as no foreign transaction fees, hotel discounts, travel insurance, free checked bags and airport lounge access.

How do travel credit cards work?

Travel credit cards give you a certain number of points or miles per dollar on eligible purchases. They often offer around 5x points or more for airfare, hotel rooms, rental cars and more. Some cards may also count parking, bus fares, taxis, tolls and ferries as travel purchases.

Besides travel, you typically get additional bonus categories, such as 3x points per dollar on dining, groceries, drugstores or streaming services. All other eligible purchases usually get at least one point (1x) per dollar.

You can then redeem your points for flights, hotels, car rentals, cruises and more. Card issuers also usually let you redeem your points for non-travel options like statement credits, cash back or gift cards.

Pros and cons of travel credit cards

• Some cards offer up to 10x points per dollar on travel purchases.
• Many have additional bonus categories for dining, grocery shopping and more.
• They may include travel benefits like priority boarding, airport lounge access and late hotel checkouts.
• Points or miles can also be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, gift cards and more.
• Highest reward rates are usually limited to purchases made through the card issuer's travel portal.
• They might not offer high rewards on spending outside of the travel category.
• Some of the best ones can have steep annual fees and require good to excellent credit
• Redeeming points or miles for anything other than travel can reduce their value to less than one cent per dollar.

Types of travel credit cards

Here’s a rundown of the differences between the three main types of travel rewards credit cards:

Airline credit cards

Airline credit cards are ideal for people who regularly fly with the same airline. These cards earn miles you can redeem for flights, seat upgrades, inflight dining, airport lounge access and other travel-related purchases but typically only with the issuing airline.

Some of the best airline travel credit cards include benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding and discounts on in-flight purchases.

Hotel credit cards

With hotel credit cards, you can only redeem your points for stays, discounts and other benefits with one particular hotel chain.

For example, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card earns points for Hilton’s loyalty program, which you can redeem for free nights in the company’s properties, including Hilton Garden Inn and Waldorf Astoria hotels.

Hotel credit cards may also offer complimentary breakfast, room upgrades, late checkouts and bonus points for purchases made during your stay.

General travel credit card

General travel credit cards are more flexible than airline or hotel cards. They aren’t affiliated with a single airline or hotel chain, so their points can be used to book flights, hotel stays, rental cars and more from different companies.

These cards may also offer useful perks for frequent travelers, like airport lounge access. They can also cover the cost of a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership, which allows you to skip the long lines at airport security or customs.

How to choose a travel credit card

Picking the best travel rewards credit card boils down to how often you travel, which cardmember perks you’d benefit the most from and the categories you spend the most on.

Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the best card for you:

• Travel vs cash back credit cards. A travel rewards credit card offers high reward rates on travel spending, and you’ll get the most bang for your buck when you redeem your points on flights, hotels and car rentals. If you don’t take trips often but want to pile up rewards, a cash-back credit card might be a better fit. These tend to offer better rewards for everyday expenses, like gas and groceries.
• Assess your everyday spending. Many travel cards have additional bonus categories other than travel, like dining, supermarkets, streaming services and drugstores. Consider your day-to-day spending habits and pick a card with bonus categories that fit your lifestyle.
• Consider the card’s annual fees. No-annual-fee travel cards usually have few travel benefits. The best travel credit cards charge annual fees of at least $90 and can go as high as $700. However, these are often best for those that travel enough to take advantage of their benefits.
• General vs. co-branded travel cards. General travel cards have more flexible redemption options. On the other hand, co-branded cards are often tied to a specific airline or hotel, which can limit your options. Still, they do provide valuable perks like free checked bags, in-flight discounts and hotel upgrades.
• Compare extra travel perks. Some cards offer extras like annual statement credits for flights and hotels or upgrades when renting cars. Take the time to compare each card’s roster of add-ons and pick one that will best suit your travel plans.
• Compare insurance policies. The best credit card travel benefits include insurance policies that cover travel accidents, rental cars, trip cancellations and more. These policies can vary widely based on the issuer and the card’s annual-fee tier.
• Beware foreign transaction fees. Most travel credit cards don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Some cash-back cards may offer outstanding rewards for travel purchases but charge around 3% fees on purchases outside the U.S.
• Look beyond welcome offers. A 60,000-point welcome bonus can be enticing. However, it shouldn’t be your deciding factor, especially if you’ll end up paying a high annual fee without getting your money’s worth.

Making the most of your travel credit card

Here are some other tips to maximize your rewards and benefits:

• Use your card as often and strategically as possible. This way, you can earn points or miles with each purchase and redeem them for free or discounted flights, hotels and more. (Remember to pay your card off in full each month to avoid interest charges and credit card debt .)
• Consider adding an authorized user to your account. They’ll earn points with every purchase they make, and those will get added to your overall total. However, make sure to pick someone who will use the card responsibly since you’ll be legally liable if they ever fail to pay their monthly bills.
• Redeem your rewards for travel through the card issuer’s website. This redemption option usually offers the highest value compared to gift cards or merchandise, for example.
• If your card offers travel protections (like travel accident or luggage insurance), use it to pay for your passenger fares. This way, you could be reimbursed in the event of an accident or lost luggage, for example.
• Use your airline or hotel card to sign up for the company’s frequent flyer or frequent guest loyalty program. You’ll often earn extra points or miles when you’re a member and use your co-branded card to pay for flights, hotel stays and more.
• If you can transfer points from other credit cards to your travel card, take advantage of this feature. This way, you can accumulate extra points for travel booking and sometimes even increase their value.

Best Travel Credit Cards FAQs

Are travel credit cards worth it, how do miles work on credit cards, how much are airline miles worth, how much are credit card points worth, what's the difference between points and miles, what credit score do i need to get a travel credit card, how we chose the best travel credit cards.

We ranked the best credit cards for travel based on their annual fees, benefits, reward rates and redemption flexibility.

Fees: We compared interest rates and foreign, cash advance and balance transfer fees for more than 50 credit cards. We also considered their annual fee, looking for those that offered the most for the money.

Ongoing benefits: Intro APR and bonus offers are attractive, but they can only get you so far. We focused on cards with year-round benefits such as travel insurance or cell phone protection plans.

Reward rates: We preferred cards that allow you to earn extra points from travel expenses, as well as those that provide significant bonus rewards in popular spending categories, like dining, supermarkets or streaming services.

Redemption flexibility: Our picks don’t limit your redemption options to just travel. Some let you use your points for Amazon purchases, for example. We also preferred issuers that allowed cardholders to transfer their points to airline and hotel partners.

Summary of Money’s Best Travel Credit Cards of July 2024

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Money.com and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

To see rates and fees for the American Express® Gold Card, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, visit this link . Terms apply.

* Insurance disclosures for American Express Cards on this page:

Trip Delay Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Baggage Insurance Plan: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Global Assist Hotline: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

*** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

© Copyright 2024 Money Group, LLC . All Rights Reserved.

This article originally appeared on Money.com and may contain affiliate links for which Money receives compensation. Opinions expressed in this article are the author's alone, not those of a third-party entity, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed. Offers may be subject to change without notice. For more information, read Money’s full disclaimer .

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Mastercard (MA) Expands UAE Reach With Strategic Partnerships

Mastercard Incorporated ( MA Quick Quote MA - Free Report ) recently undertook a series of partnerships aiming to further boost its footprint in the UAE. The first move entails strengthening MA’s ties with one of the largest alliances of independent hotel brands globally, Global Hotel Alliance (“GHA”). GHA represents a group of 40 brands with over 800 hotels in 100 countries.

The partners have entered into a multimarket deal to unveil a co-branded card that promises to offer personalized travel benefits and lucrative rewards to affluent cardholders of the UAE. The collaboration will cater to the unique needs of the targeted cardholders and provide them with a wide range of accommodation options, thereby upgrading their travel experience.

With luxury travel being on the rise in the MENA region, the latest move of Mastercard seems to be a time-opportune one. Per Mastercard’s Affluent Travel Report, 34% of affluent travelers in the MENA region use loyalty schemes and membership cards, with more than half seeking more meaningful experiences over shopping and souvenirs.

The second tie-up consists of an alliance between Mastercard and NOW Money, a leading digital payroll and banking platform for migrant workers. As a result, a Mastercard payment card will be issued to NOW Money customers. The card comes with several benefits, such as worldwide usability, which will enable customers to access their funds seamlessly while shopping online, making in-store purchases or withdrawing cash from ATMs. Advanced security measures of Mastercard, including EMV chip technology and comprehensive fraud detection systems, will be infused within the card to offer peace of mind to NOW Money customers conducting transactions.

The ulterior motive of Mastercard behind its collaboration with NOW Money remains to make its secure and seamless payment solutions, and  extensive merchant network available to unbanked individuals of the UAE and welcome them under the ambit of a booming digital economy.

The third partnership was formed between Mastercard and the premier facilitator of digital commerce in the Middle East and Africa region, Network International. With the utilization of MA’s global digital payment expertise, Network will offer an array of commercial payment solutions tailored to merchants and general businesses across the UAE.

The Corporate Executive Card is designed to offer businesses of all sizes a comprehensive suite of benefits and advanced expense management controls.  The Incontrol Digital Business Payments virtual card, suitable for both domestic and international transactions, will introduce the first-ever net-zero foreign transaction fees in the UAE. The Mastercard Wholesale Program Digital Travel Payments aims to assist travel industry clients in securing and automating B2B travel payment transactions.

The new card offerings, enhanced with attractive benefits and technology advancements, are expected to attract new customers as well as encourage the existing ones to increase their card spending to avail the benefits. Increased usage of the card, which carries the Mastercard brand, may boost the net revenues of the tech giant from its payment network by charging fees to customers based on the gross dollar volume of the cards. Payment network net revenues improved 7% year over year in the first quarter.  

Shares of Mastercard have gained 11.7% in the past year compared with the industry ’s 8.5% growth.

MA currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).

Stocks to Consider

Some better-ranked stocks in the Business Services space are Duolingo, Inc. ( DUOL Quick Quote DUOL - Free Report ) , Parsons Corporation ( PSN Quick Quote PSN - Free Report ) and Trane Technologies plc ( TT Quick Quote TT - Free Report ) . While Duolingo sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Parsons and Trane Technologies carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here .

The bottom line of Duolingo outpaced estimates in each of the last four quarters, the average surprise being 115.22%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DUOL’s 2024 earnings is pegged at $1.74 per share, which indicates a nearly five-fold increase from the 2023 reported figure. The consensus mark for revenues implies growth of 37.8% from the 2023 figure. The consensus mark for DUOL’s earnings has moved 0.6% north in the past 60 days.

Parsons’ earnings outpaced estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 16.50%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PSN’s 2024 earnings indicates an improvement of 21.8% from the 2023 reported figure. The consensus mark for revenues implies growth of 17% from the 2023 figure. The consensus mark for PSN’s earnings has moved 0.3% north in the past 30 days.

The bottom line of Trane Technologies outpaced estimates in each of the last four quarters, the average surprise being 7.54%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TT’s 2024 earnings indicates an improvement of 15.9% from the 2023 reported figure. The same for revenues implies growth of 8.5% from the 2023 number. The consensus mark for TT’s earnings has moved 0.2% north in the past 30 days.

Shares of Duolingo, Parsons and Trane Technologies have gained 24.2%, 62.7% and 73.5%, respectively, in the past year.

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Use a credit card with transfer partners

Don’t knock co-branded cards, especially if you’re a brand loyalist, skip the popular travel destinations, don’t forget about your card’s other travel perks , start planning now , you can still score last-minute summer travel deals with these 4 expert tips.

The right credit card can make a big difference.

Dashia Milden

Dashia is a staff editor for CNET Money who covers all angles of personal finance, including credit cards and banking. From reviews to news coverage, she aims to help readers make more informed decisions about their money. Dashia was previously a staff writer at NextAdvisor, where she covered credit cards, taxes, banking B2B payments. She has also written about safety, home automation, technology and fintech.

Courtney Johnston

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It’s no secret that summer is generally the most expensive time to travel. With warm weather and kids out of school, the demand for travel is high, which can send prices skyrocketing . 

As a Chase Sapphire Preferred cardholder, my rewards always help me save money when my family and I book travel. But as prices go up, the rewards I worked so hard to earn don’t stretch as far. What may have covered a big chunk of a vacation months ago is now covering only a small percentage of my family’s trip.

I talked to Gerri Detweiler , a credit card expert, author and member of CNET’s expert review board , who said there’s no doubt about it, how many points we’re using to cover the rising cost of travel has definitely gone up. 

“If you’re flexible, there are still plenty of deals out there,” Detweiler said. “But it’s going to be harder to find those if you’re dead set on going to a particular popular location during a popular time.”

Your credit card rewards can still help you score a last-minute vacation -- if you’re flexible.

Regardless of your rewards, destination or dates, Detweiler recommends being open-minded to different ways of earning rewards to get the best savings. 

The right travel credit card can help you pay less -- even if the rewards don’t cover the entire flight or hotel stay. To maximize your rewards, Detweiler recommends finding a card that lets you transfer to an airline, hotel or other partners. You’ll typically get more value out of your rewards that way, rather than the industry standard of 1 cent per point.

I put her advice to the test with my Sapphire Preferred card. Chase has 14 travel partners (11 airlines and three hotels), and I can transfer my points to any of them. Even though I prefer to fly Delta , if Southwest has a deal as a Chase partner, I may be able to stretch my points further for a last-minute trip by switching airlines. 

Detweiler recently transferred points from her Chase Sapphire Reserve® to fly Air France, and it worked in her favor.

“I thought I was going to pay through the teeth to get back from Europe in May,” Detweiler said. Instead, she used only 20,000 points (plus $67) to get from Paris to the US, and she was pleasantly surprised. 

Aside from a credit card, there are other ways to earn points too. Some bank accounts offer points, such as Detweiler’s American Express Rewards Checking account, which offers Membership Rewards on select purchases. Bask Bank also has a savings account that offers American Airlines miles instead of interest, which could come in handy. 

Many of the best travel credit card lists -- CNET’s included -- focus on general travel cards, which often offer better value than co-branded cards. Co-branded airline and hotel rewards credit cards aren’t as flexible, but there are times when they can offer you a more luxurious experience, Detweiler said.

Many co-branded cards offer travel perks like free checked bags that cover the card’s annual fee . A hotel or airline credit card can also be a good fit if you’re already earning rewards with the brand and can level up your loyalty status, such as reaching Gold or Silver Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy. 

For example, if you choose the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card and you’re already a Marriott Bonvoy member, you’ll get complimentary Silver Elite status, which gives a 10% point earnings bonus and an award for a free stay each year. You also get perks like access to late checkout when it’s available. 

If your airline or hotel of choice isn’t running a compelling welcome offer right now, you might consider reviewing other brands to see if you can get a better deal on your next trip.

Instead of paying top dollar for popular destinations, consider a lesser-known travel spot that may be more affordable and can stretch your credit card points a bit further.

For example, I used Chase’s travel portal to find prices for a trip to Disney World near Orlando, Florida, from July 18 to 22. Hotels near the park for these dates would cost me between $150 to $200 per night. Roundtrip flights from Charlotte, North Carolina, were around $1,000. The total for a family of four was upward of $1,600. 

I plugged in another family-friendly destination for the same dates. Instead of paying for airfare, I picked a beach town in Charleston, South Calorina, a place close enough to drive to. Hotels averaged $250 a night (a little bit higher than Orlando), but I’d pay only $359 for a rental car for four days. The total travel cost is $1,359 -- and would be even less if I used my own vehicle. That’s a $241 price difference. And I didn’t even factor in what I’d save on the cost of food or event tickets, which are known to be high at Disney parks.

Yes, credit card rewards can be a cost saver when booking travel, but some valuable cardholder perks are often overlooked. 

For example, instead of booking a flight, you may rent a car if your destination is within driving distance. If you do rent a car, take advantage of your credit card’s collision damage coverage or rental car insurance, which may otherwise cost you (prices vary). If you’re flying, you may skip travel insurance and the high price tag if your card already includes it. Just make sure you understand your coverage limits. Detweiler pointed out that she’s had to use her card’s travel insurance a few times, and it was a cost saver since it’s not always a cheap addition. 

If summer travel isn’t an option right now, that’s OK. Instead, use this time to start saving and planning a trip in advance. Since you have time, you may score better deals on flights and hotels by booking early . And your points may stretch further. Detweiler recommends setting up alerts to see when fares go on sale. You may use Hopper , Google Flights and Sky Scanner are a few options. 

“Be willing to spend some time to dig into deals and set up alerts so you can see when fares go on sale,” Detweiler said. Whether you’re paying with credit card rewards or cash, keep an eye on your booking to see if the price drops. If it does, you may be able to cancel your tickets or reservations without paying a fee so you can rebook at a lower price. Some credit card travel portals also monitor trip prices and will notify you if a lower option becomes available.

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Skip the staycation. here’s the savings secret that lets my family see the world, forget credit card rewards. these features mattered most while i was traveling abroad, i traveled to 36 countries this past year. the card i reached for the most surprised me.

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WHERE BLACK CULTURE, COMMUNITY AND CONSCIOUSNESS MEET

Sign up for essence newsletters the keep the black women at the forefront of conversation., this globetrotting founder has visited 60+ countries—here are her tried and true money saving travel tips.

Summer travel season is fast approaching, so it’s time to get your passports and wallets in fighting shape.

Recent data revealed that people are spending 20% more on travel than they did in 2023 despite a looming recession and stubborn inflation driving living costs. Consumers’ spending on airfare, meals and lodging are still holding strong, which suggests that people are still as wanderlust-y as ever.

In the U.S., a one-week vacation for one person would be about $1,984; a family of four would spend around $7,936, and these prices are poised to increase based on analysts’ reports. Morgan Linson is aware of this and is teaching people to travel the world on a budget that works for them.

Linson is the founder of travel accessory brand Mor Life and the author of The Ultimate Experience: Fear will No Longer Stop Us From Exploring The World which aims to serve as a roadmap for embracing the unknown and cultivating resilience.

After managing to travel to more than 60 countries on her own dime, she’s gleaned tips and along the way.

Rely on your network

Solo traveling is all the rage, and while it has its perks, solely shouldering all the costs (especially internationally) can be taxing, literally and figuratively. For instance, single bed hotel and resort rooms cost typically more than doubles.

Linson advises calling in your tribe to help alleviate the financial strain when globetrotting.

“Lean on your network to split costs with lodging, meals and even on-ground transportation.”

Using apps like Prava , Splittr and Troupe can make pre-planning costs, planning itineraries and paying for activities ahead of time easier, and less expensive for you.

She also suggests joining travel groups to help offset expensive travel experiences.

“Seek out blogs, vlogs, and social media platforms where fellow travelers share their tips, tricks, and experiences,” Linson suggests. Here are a few to check out:

• Luxe Tribes – this Black woman-founded travel planning company not only takes the heavy lifting out of planning luxurious experiences, but has also fostered a robust community of like-minded travelers.
• Black & Abroad  – this multi-platform travel & lifestyle launched nearly a decade ago and has amassed a large following of fellow adventurers through its digital presence, IRL events, and travel experiences.
• Black Girls Travel Too – This Black-founded brand provides practical tips and resources for Black women aiming to see the world.

Prioritize traveling during the offseason

While traveling during warmer months is ideal, it can be the most expensive move if you’re not careful. Linson suggests looking into traveling during off-peak season to places that are cheaper to get to, but still provide good weather conditions. For instance,  destinations like Las Vegas offer a litany of ammenities in the off-season .

Internationally speaking, travel to European cities like Paris in late fall/early winter is ideal as the weather is still reasonably mild and airfare is typically lower than it would be in the summer.

Don’t be afraid of credit cards (specifically American Express)

“Having an American Express (AMEX) card has benefited my travel experiences,” Linson said. “AMEX offers various travel-related perks, such as travel credits, airport lounge access (which is my favorite!), and travel insurance. Additionally, I earn reward points on my card, which I can redeem for flights, hotel stays, or other travel expenses. By leveraging these benefits, I enhance my travel experiences while maximizing the value of my spending.”

She continues, “For all travel accommodations expenses, I use my Platinum American Express Card for the purpose of collecting points. To give you a gem, I use my Platinum AMEX card like it’s my debit card, and pay it off completely every statement to avoid interest. Not only does that boost my credit and show activity, every dollar spent gives me points which can be used toward future travel.”

Don’t let financial fear paralyze you

I know. With a looming recession hanging over our heads, it’s easy to put your desire for leisure travel on the back burner, but Linson says that traveling is more essential than we think, especially for Black women.

“It allows us to reclaim our narratives, challenge stereotypes, and connect with our global community,” she tells ESSENCE. “It allows us to break free from societal limitations, explore diverse cultures, and expand our perspectives. Through travel, Black women can empower themselves, build resilience, and create meaningful connections that transcend borders. It is a powerful way to celebrate our heritage, showcase our strength, and inspire future generations.”

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