Take care of your holiday cash with one of the best prepaid currency cards for international travel. Keep your money safe without worrying about pickpockets or lost wallets whilst avoiding unnecessary travel insurance, and benefit from competitive currency conversion rates.
Travel money cards take the stress out of managing your holiday spending so you can enjoy your adventures abroad.
Arguably one of the best travel hacks, you'll be glad you set up a prepaid travel money card before your voyage. We've done the hard work for you by comparing the features and fees of the most reputed travel money cards on the market for UK travellers.
No more confusion with hidden fees - our recommendations include the key information you need to know.
4 best prepaid travel cards for UK travellers
Our top picks are based on flexibility, minimal fees, and unwavering reliability. Should you prefer the convenience of digital transactions or the security of physical travel cards, these recommendations give you a blend of options.
1. Travelex Money Card
Travelex Prepaid Card 2024
Manage your holiday funds with the Travelex Money Card by Mastercard. Using this prepaid travel card gives you access to 24/7 global customer support, a convenient mobile app, and competitive exchange rates.
The high threshold for ATM withdrawals means it is a great option for travellers who prefer using cash abroad or will be travelling to countries that predominantly accept purchases in cash only.
Features, Fees, and Limits
Travelex Money Card
Details
Currencies available to lock in the exchange rate before travel
22
This includes British pounds, euros, US dollars, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, New Zealand dollars, Czech koruna, Swedish krona, and Polish zloty.
Exchange rate
Interbank exchange rate
The interbank exchange rate is considered the fairest exchange rate available.
Application fee
Free
There is no fee to apply for a Travelex Travel Money Card.
Digital card
No
There is no option to add a digital travel money card to your digital wallet.
Physical card fee
Free
The first card and replacement cards are free.
Payment options
Contactless and chip and PIN
Use contactless or chip and PIN
Top-up fee for foreign currency
Free
There is no commission fee for topping up your travel card in one of the 22 currencies.
Top-up fee for pound sterling (£)
2%
The commission fee for topping up your travel card is British pounds.
Currency transfer fee
Free
There is no charge for transferring money across different currency wallets. However, the foreign exchange rate applies.
Overseas ATM withdrawal fee
Free
No fee for withdrawing cash at an ATM overseas.
Inactivity fee
£2 per month
Small fee each month for inactivity on the card if there is still money on the account after 12 months.
Foreign exchange fee
5.75%
The fee for making a transaction in a currency not available on your card.
Shortfall fee
£10
The charge for making a purchase when you don't have sufficient funds on the card.
Minimum amount to top up
£50
The least amount you may top up on your card.
Maximum amount for withdrawing at an ATM overseas
£500 per 24 hours
This is how much money you can take from an ATM abroad.
For flexibility and low fees overall, choose the Wise Travel Money Card. This Visa currency card has the option for both a digital card on your smartphone and a physical card. A great bonus - the Wise Travel Money Card can be used where both Visa or Mastercard payments are accepted.
Due to the ATM withdrawal fees, this currency card isn't recommended for travellers who want to withdraw cash frequently.
Features, Fees, and Limits
Wise Travel Money Card
Details
Currencies available to lock in the exchange rate before travel
40
This includes British pounds, euros, US dollars, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, South African rand, and UAE dirham.
Exchange rate
Interbank exchange rate
The interbank exchange rate is considered the fairest exchange rate available.
Application fee
£7
The amount charged for signing up to a Wise Travel Money card.
Digital card
Yes
Benefit from using up to three digital travel money cards with Wise.
Physical card fee
Free
There is no charge for your first physical card. There may be a charge for a replacement.
Payment options
Apple Pay, Google Pay, contactless, chip and PIN
Choose between these payment options.
Top-up fee for foreign currency
Free
There is no commission fee for topping up your travel card in one of the 40 currencies.
Top-up fee for pound sterling (£)
Free
There is no commission fee for topping up your travel card in British pounds.
Currency transfer fee
Free
There is no charge for transferring money across different currency wallets. However, the foreign exchange rate applies.
Overseas ATM withdrawal fee
Two free withdrawals of £200 per month. After this, the fee is £0.50 per withdrawal and a 1.75% fee on any amount you withdraw above £200.
The fees for withdrawing cash at an ATM abroad.
Inactivity fee
Free
There is no fee for inactivity on the card if there is still money on the account after 12 months.
Foreign exchange fee
1.75%
The fee for making a transaction in a currency not available on your card.
Shortfall fee
Not applicable
Transactions will be declined if you don't have sufficient funds on the Wise Travel Money card.
Minimum amount to top up
£0.01
The least amount you may top up on your card.
Maximum amount for withdrawing at an ATM overseas
Two free withdrawals or £200 per month. After this, the fee is £0.50 per withdrawal and a 1.75% fee on any amount you withdraw above £200.
This is how much money you can take from an ATM abroad.
A prepaid multi-currency card from The Post Office can be used anywhere that Mastercard is accepted. Enjoy competitive foreign exchange fees that will save you money compared to other travel money cards.
While The Post Office exchange rates don't match the interbank rate, travellers have peace of mind using a reputable provider with excellent customer support.
Features, Fees, and Limits
The Post Office Travel Money Card
Details
Currencies available to lock in the exchange rate before travel
22
This includes British pounds, euros, US dollars, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, Chinese yuan, and Japanese yen.
Exchange rate
Retail rate
There is a small mark-up on The Post Office exchange rate, making it slightly higher than the interbank rate.
Application fee
Free
There is no charge for signing up for a Post Office Travel Money Card.
Digital card
Yes
Add up to three digital cards to your smartphone wallet.
Physical card fee
Free
It's free to order a card online or at a Post Office branch. A delivery charge may apply.
Payment options
Apple Pay, Google Pay, contactless, chip and PIN
Choose between these payment options.
Top-up fee for foreign currency
Free
There is no commission fee for topping up your travel card in one of the 22 currencies.
Top-up fee for pound sterling (£)
1.5% (minimum £3)
The commission fee for topping up your travel card is British pounds.
Currency transfer fee
Free
There is no charge for transferring money across different currency wallets.
Overseas ATM withdrawal fee
Varies per currency. For example, the fee is €2 in Europe, $2.50 in the US, and $3 in Australia.
The fee for withdrawing cash at an ATM abroad.
Inactivity fee
£2 per month
Small fee each month for inactivity on the card if there is still money on the account after 12 months.
Foreign exchange fee
3%
The foreign exchange fee is the charge for making a transaction in a currency not available on your card.
Shortfall fee
Not applicable
Transactions will be declined if you don't have sufficient funds on the Post Office Travel Money card.
Minimum amount to top up
£50
The least amount you may top up on your card.
Maximum amount for withdrawing at an ATM overseas
Varies per currency. For example, the maximum per 24 hours is €450 in Europe, $500 in the US, and $700 in Australia. Only 3 cash withdrawals per 24 hours.
This is how much money you can take from an ATM abroad.
Revolut UK offers Mastercard prepaid debit cards on five different subscription plans. The features and fees of the free version are listed below.
The Revolut card allows British travellers to exchange currencies at interbank exchange rates for free within a generous limit. After this, a small fee applies. However, weekend tourists may find this card a nuisance with its weekend currency exchange fees.
Features, Fees, and Limits
Revolut Travel Money Card
Details
Currencies available to lock in the exchange rate before travel
29
This includes British pounds, euros, US dollars, Canadian dollars, Australian dollars, Swiss francs, and Singapore dollars.
Exchange rate
Interbank exchange rate
The interbank exchange rate is considered the fairest exchange rate available.
Application fee
Free
There is no charge for signing up with Revolut.
Digital card
Yes
Add the Revolut digital card to your smartphone wallet.
Physical card fee
Free
It's free to order a card online. A delivery charge may apply.
Payment options
Apple Pay, Google Pay, contactless, chip and PIN
Choose between these payment options.
Currency exchange fee
Exchange £1,000 per month without additional fees Monday - Friday. After this, there is a 1% fee.
There is a limit to how much money you can exchange on a weekday as part of the free Revolut plan. A 1% fee applies at the weekend.
Top-up fee for foreign currency
Adding money to a UK Revolut card using a card issued in the European Economic Area (EEA) is free. Adding money using a bank card outside the EEA incurs a small fee depending on the currency.
This is how much it costs to add money to your Revolut card.
Top-up fee for pound sterling (£)
Free
It's free to add money to your UK Revolut card in British pounds.
Currency transfer fee
Free
There is no charge to move money between multi-currency wallets.
Overseas ATM withdrawal fee
Five free withdrawals or £200 per month. After this, a 2% fee applies per withdrawal (minimum £1).
The fee for withdrawing cash at an ATM abroad.
Inactivity fee
Free
There is no fee for inactivity on a Revolut card.
Foreign exchange fee
Revolut doesn't charge a foreign exchange fee. Exchange £1,000 per month without additional fees Monday - Friday on their free plan. After this, there is a 1% fee.
The foreign exchange fee is the charge for making a transaction in a currency not available on your card.
Shortfall fee
Not applicable
Transactions will be declined if you don't have sufficient funds on the Revolut Travel Money card. Overdrafts are not available.
Minimum amount to top up
Not applicable
There is no minimum top-up fee as the Revolut card is technically a debit card.
Maximum amount for withdrawing at an ATM overseas
Five free withdrawals or £200 per month. After this, a 2% fee applies per withdrawal (minimum £1).
This is how much money you can take from an ATM abroad.
Prepaid travel cards, also known as travel money cards or prepaid currency cards, are debit cards that are topped up with money to use on a trip abroad. It is a safer alternative to using cash.
How do prepaid travel cards work?
Unlike a travel credit card, a prepaid travel card isn't connected to a bank account. It is a reloadable card that must have money prepaid onto it before making transactions.
Paying for currency on the card before your trip means you save money on locked-in exchange rates and avoid overseas transaction fees.
How to set up a prepaid travel card
Choose a provider: Decide which prepaid travel card provider is best for you (see our top picks further down this article).
Create an account: Submit your details to your chosen provider.
Buy currency: Purchase the currency you need for your trip.
Save your digital travel card: If available, add your digital prepaid travel card to your digital wallet on your smartphone. Many providers allow you to also set up your prepaid travel card with their travel money app, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
Request a physical card: Order a physical card. Some providers charge a small fee for sending a physical card.
Activate your physical card: Remember to activate your physical card to start using it abroad.
What are the benefits of using a prepaid travel card?
1. Less commitment than a credit card
The main draw for using a prepaid travel card is making international payments without the commitment of a credit card.
2. Safer than cash
It's much safer to use than large sums of cash as the card can be cancelled or frozen if it's stolen or missing.
3. Locked-in exchange rates
Prepaid money travel card providers allow you to lock in the currency exchange rate when topping up the card before travel.
4. Multi-currency
Most prepaid travel cards allow you to choose from 20-40 currencies. You can switch between them using different wallets.
5. Widely accepted for payment
Thousands of restaurants, shops, bars, supermarkets, and other vendors worldwide accept prepaid travel cards. These depend if the card is a Visa or Mastercard.
6. Avoid queues at the Bureau de change
Loading your travel money card can be done online or via an app instantly. No more waiting at the exchange office to collect cash in person.
Things to know before using a prepaid travel card:
1. Fees
Some providers charge a small fee for transactions, ATM withdrawals, not using the card, and calling the card provider's customer service line. You may also be charged for using a currency outside of the one you topped up on your card. Make sure to check these details with each provider.
2. Where to spend
Not all vendors accept prepaid travel cards. For example, hire car companies, hostels and hotels only accept credit cards and sometimes debit cards to place a deposit. Toll roads, cruise ships, and self-service petrol stations don't accept prepaid travel cards. It's wise to take extra cards for these situations.
3. Top-up and withdrawal limitations
Prepaid travel cards have varying limitations on how much you can load onto your card, spend, and withdraw per day.
Handy checklist:
Go through this checklist to help you choose a prepaid travel money card:
Are you travelling to a country that prefers cash payments? Consider a currency card that has low ATM withdrawal fees and will let you take out a large amount of cash to cover the costs during your trip. Countries such as Romania, Egypt, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, and Morocco are heavily reliant on physical cash for everyday transactions. ✅ Best option: Travelex or The Post Office.
Are you travelling to multiple countries with different currencies on one trip? Make sure to select a travel debit card provider with multi-currency wallets. You can then top up each wallet with each currency seamlessly. ✅ Best option: Travelex, Wise, The Post Office, or Revolut.
Does the travel money card offer the currencies you need? It's a basic first step! Especially for multi-destination trips, ensure you have a provider with all the currencies you will need. ✅ Best option: Wise offers 40+ currencies.
Will you top-up your travel card frequently while abroad? Ordering currency before your trip is the best way to lock in savings on the current exchange rate. However, if you know you want the flexibility to top-up several times during your voyage, select a travel debit card that uses the interbank exchange rate instead of a retail rate. This will give you the best savings. Look out for the lowest currency exchange and top-up fees. ✅ Best option: Revolut
Do you have a preference for digital cards? Choose a provider that allows you to enjoy the convenience of using a digital wallet, Apple Pay or Google Pay. ✅ Best option: The Post Office, Wise, or Revolut.
Summary
Each prepaid currency card has its pros and cons. All four of the travel money cards in this list have some of the best conversion rates, low fees, and high customer rating scores.
The destination of your travel will also have an input on which card is best for you. Nonetheless, the above cards will help save you money and reduce fees when spending abroad.
Like to know how to save on your next trip? Read our other useful blogs:
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