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Help and support Travel Money Card

Manage and top up your Travel Money Card account online. Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or get in touch with our travel team if you still need to.

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 .

Common Travel Money Card questions

• Before you go
• Currency questions
• While you’re away
• Lost cards and leftover funds

Do I have to pass a credit check to purchase a Travel Money Card?

No. We’ll carry out an electronic address verification check based on the information you provide. This will be stored but will not affect any credit rating.

How long will my card take to arrive?

If you order your card online it will be delivered to your home address in two to three working days. If you require a card in a shorter time please check with your local Post Office branch. Exchange rates vary between online and branch.

What do I need to do before I travel?

Before leaving the UK, make sure you have activated your Travel Money Card. Activation can be done through the free Post Office Travel app – download now from the Apple App Store or Google Play . The app allows you to top up, track spend, view balances and freeze spend.

Activation can also be done by calling our automated line on +44(0) 20 7937 0280. Full details can be found on the letter that comes attached to you your card.

How do I get my PIN / Change my PIN?

To get your PIN, download the free Post Office Travel app from the App Store or Google Play , create an account and you can check your PIN wherever you are in the world.

Alternatively, you can call our automated line on +44 (0)20 7937 0280 and select Option 1. Your change of PIN can only be done at UK ATM’s that accept Mastercard and offer the PIN change facility.

Which currencies can I load on my card?

You can load any of the following currencies on to your card. The card can hold up to 22 currencies at once, but they can only be loaded one at a time:

Euro, US dollars, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, New Zealand dollars, Thai baht, UAE dirham, Turkish lira, South African rand, Swiss francs, Polish zloty, pounds Sterling, Chinese yuan, Czech koruna, Danish kroner, Hong Kong dollar, Hungarian forint, Japanese yen, Norwegian krone, Saudi riyal, Singapore dollar or Swedish krona.

Which currency should I load?

We recommend that you load the currency of the country that you’re travelling to. If we don’t offer that currency we recommend that you load pounds Sterling on to your card.

Should I pay in Sterling if given the choice while abroad?

We recommend that you always pay in the local currency and not Sterling. This will prevent high fees and very poor exchange rates being applied at an ATM or retailer. This is known as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) . We include information about DCC in every card pack.

Using your card abroad

Where can i use my card.

Your card can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted.

Is there anywhere that my card won’t work?

We have to authorise your card immediately which means a small number of locations may not be able to take your card. This includes unmanned petrol pumps, toll booths and on board cruise ships or aeroplanes.

Anywhere I shouldn’t use my card?

We recommend that your card is not used to pay deposits on car hire or used when checking in to hotels that require a deposit. Both of these could lead to funds being held by the retailer, which would prevent you from using them.

Can I withdraw money from ATMs?

Yes you can. You can use any ATM that’s accepts Mastercard. Fees will apply for every cash withdrawal. These fees are detailed online or on your welcome letter. Please be aware that some ATMs may also charge you and this should always be displayed on the ATM screen. We always recommend that you withdraw cash in local currency and don’t choose to pay in Sterling or accept their currency conversion.

Topping up and managing currencies

How can i top up my card with more money.

The easiest way is via our mobile app, which is available to download from the App Store or on Google Play .

You can also top up via our website if you’ve created an account. And you can ask friends or family to top up on your behalf in any UK Post Office branch, too. All they need is your card number.

Can I top up with a different currency to the one I loaded in the first place?

Yes, you can. Our multi-currency card allows you to load any of the 22 currencies we offer.

Do I have to move money from one currency to another?

No, you don’t have to move money. If you have money in one currency and spend in a different currency we’ll automatically move this for you to authorise a transaction. Alternatively, you can move the funds using the "Transfer" icon on the free Post Office Travel app ( App Store , Google Play ) or "Transfer to another wallet" icon if managing your account online .

How can I track my balance?

The easiest way is to use our mobile app. This shows clearly what your remaining balance is in each currency. We do not recommend the use of ATMs to check your balance as they will provide a GBP figure using a different exchange rate. Remember, your balance is held in each currency so is not affected by exchange rates unless you change it to other currencies.

Download the Post Office Travel app from the Apple App Store or Google Play .

What do I do if my card is lost or stolen?

You need to call us immediately on +44 (0) 20 7937 0280. We’re here 24 hours a day.  

We’ll cancel your card and work out the best way to replace it. A fee may be charged if we need to courier a replacement card overseas.

If you think you have misplaced your card and want peace of mind, you can freeze spend on your card using the Post Office Travel app, available on the App Store and Google Play . You can unfreeze just as easily if you find your card again.

I have money left on my card. What do I do?

You have 4 options available to you:

• Leave the money on your card for your next holiday
• Visit any Post Office branch and withdraw the balance over the counter in Sterling. There is a daily withdrawal limit of £300 per day
• Spend your money in the UK as normal. We will move the money to Sterling every time you pay for something. Anything you don’t spend stays in the currency you have on the card. No fees apply, we just use the day’s exchange rate
• Call us to ask for a refund. Please note that you will get a better exchange rate by spending on your card or withdrawing cash from a Post Office branch
• Other sections:

Manage your card with our app

Order, top up and view the balance of your Travel Money Card, and transfer leftover currency funds to a new currency of your choice.

Post Office Travel app

Download our free app for your mobile device:

Lost or stolen cards

If your card’s been lost or stolen, we’re here to help. Lines open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Call us 24/7

Please call our Travel Money card team immediately on: 0207 937 0280

We’ll cancel your card and work out the best way to replace it.

Contact us about using your card

Need help managing your Travel Money Card and transactions and can't find the answer you need in our FAQs above or self-service tools? Our team's here for you.

Transactions and managing your card

For enquiries about transactions or managing your card online or via the app, call: 0207 937 0280

Manage your card online

Log into your online account top up your Travel Money Card, view your transactions and more all in one place.

Top up with currencies, check recent transactions, freeze your card and more online.

Contact Post Office about in-branch services

If you have a question, feedback or a complaint about services provided in Post Office branches, including getting a Travel Money Card there, here's how to get in touch with us.

Send us a message

Please complete our enquiries form to tell us what you’d like to know or share feedback on your experience.

Make a complaint

If you’re not happy with your Post Office experience, please let us know and we’ll do our best to put things right.

Here Are the Four Best Travel Money Cards in 2024

François Briod

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

Jarrod Suda

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Travel Cards (And More!) at a Glance

Best travel money cards.

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

Revolut: Best All-Rounder

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

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

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

Here's an overview of Revolut's plans:

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

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

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

N26: Good Bank For EU Travellers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wise: Best For Multi-Currency Balances

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

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

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

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

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

Chase: Great UK Bank For Travel

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

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

Chime: Great Account For US Travelers

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

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

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

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

Best Travel Money Cards in 2024 Compared by Country

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

Last updated: 8 January 2024

What's The Best Prepaid Card to Use Abroad?

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

What is a Multi-Currency Card?

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

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

Wise Account

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

Read our full review for more details.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Travel Money Tips

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

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

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

Best Travel Money Card Tips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tip 2: Always Choose To Pay In the Local Currency

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

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

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

What is a Dynamic Currency Conversion?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Need Foreign Cash Anyway?

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

1. Withraw at an ATM

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

2. Buy Banknotes (at a Reasonable Rate!)

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

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

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

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

FAQ About the Best Travel Money Cards

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why You Can Trust Monito

Our recommendations are built on rock-solid experience.

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

Other Monito Guides and Reviews on Top Multi Currency Cards

Why Trust Monito?

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

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

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

Our recommendations are always unbiased and independent.

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The 6 Best Travel Cards for the US 2024

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

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

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

Wise – good value debit card for the US

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

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

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

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

What is a travel money card?

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

6 travel money cards for the US compared

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

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

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

What are different types of travel cards?

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

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

1. Travel Debit Cards for the US

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

Travel debit card Option 1: Wise

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

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

Travel debit card Option 2: Revolut

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

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

Pros and cons of using debit travel cards in the US

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

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

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

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

2. Prepaid Travel Cards for the US

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

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

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

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

Prepaid travel card option 2: Discover it Secured

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

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

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards in the US

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

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

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

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

3. Travel Credit Cards for the US

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

Travel credit card option 1: Capital One Venture Rewards

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

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

Travel credit card option 2: Chase Sapphire Preferred

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

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

Pros and cons of using credit cards in the US

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

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

Which cards are accepted in the US?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go to Wise Go to Revolut

FAQs - Best travel cards for the US 2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Can I use a US card abroad?

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

5. Are prepaid cards safe?

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

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

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

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The 6 Best Travel Money Cards for Travelling Overseas 2024

If you’re planning on travelling overseas, getting a travel money card can help you cut the costs usually involved in spending foreign currencies.

Travel money cards can include travel debit, prepaid and credit cards, which each work slightly differently, but which all come with features optimised for reducing the costs of spending and withdrawing cash overseas. This guide covers everything there is to know about the different travel card categories, plus we’ll introduce 6 of our top travel card picks so you can see if any suit you.

Wise - our pick for travel debit card when travelling overseas

Wise accounts can hold and exchange 40+ currencies, and you can get a linked Wise card for a one time delivery fee. Top up your account in GBP and switch to the currency of your choice before you travel. All currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate, with low fees from 0.41%. Here are some of the pros and cons of the Wise travel money debit card, to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Hold and exchange 40+ currencies

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 fees and no interest to pay

7 GBP delivery fee

No option to earn points or rewards

Click here to read a full Wise review

What is a travel money card?

Travel money cards work much like any other credit or debit card you might have, but are designed to be easy to use when you’re overseas or spending in a foreign currency. You’ll be able to use a travel money card to spend and make ATM withdrawals while you’re travelling abroad, or when you shop online with foreign retailers. Most cards have contactless technology and can also be added to a wallet like Apple Pay for mobile spending, too.

The features you get with a travel money card can vary a lot, but you’ll often find you can hold a balance in multiple currencies, pay low or no foreign transaction fees, or earn cash back and rewards overseas.

What are different types of travel cards?

Travel cards can broadly be split into the following categories. We’ll walk through the features and benefits of each in a moment:

Travel debit cards

Travel prepaid cards

Travel credit cards

Quick summary: Best travel cards for travelling overseas

UK customers can pick from a good selection of different travel card types and providers. This guide includes an overview and in detail reviews of 2 of our favourites from each travel card category to help you choose. Here’s what we’ll be looking at:

Wise travel debit card : Hold 40+ currencies with no ongoing fees, and spend with the mid-market exchange rate with no foreign transaction fee and low conversion costs from 0.43%

Revolut travel debit card : Hold 25+ currencies in one of 4 different plan types, including some with no monthly fee, and some which come with ongoing costs but which unlock more benefits and no fee transactions

Post Office travel money card : Hold 22 currencies, with no fee to spend a currency you hold - 3% fee applies if you don’t have the currency required in your account

Monese travel money card : Hold a balance in GBP, then spend in foreign currencies with no fees, up to your plan’s limit. Different plans on offer, including Simple which has no ongoing fees to pay

Barclays Rewards Visa travel credit card: Spend with the Visa exchange rate, and earn 0.25% cash back, with no foreign transaction fee and no cash advance fee. Interest and penalties can apply

Halifax Clarity Mastercard travel credit card: No foreign transaction fee, no annual fee, and no cash advance fee if you withdraw money at an ATM. Variable interest and penalties can apply

Travel money cards for travelling overseas compared

Here’s a brief comparison of all the cards we’ve picked out - in a moment we’ll also look at each card in more detail.

The good news is that you’ve got lots of different travel cards available in the UK, from specialist providers, banks and card issuers. The right one for you will depend a lot on the way you like to manage your money - but by doing a bit of research you’ll be able to find a good match for your preferences, even travel cards with no foreign transaction fees .

Generally, travel debit cards can be cheap and flexible, but you’ll need to have your travel money saved in advance, so you can top up your account. Credit cards have the advantage that you can spend now and repay later - but are usually more expensive overall between interest and fees. This guide walks through some key points about each of these travel money card types, and proposes a couple of options you might want to check out and compare.

Travel Debit Cards for travelling overseas

Travel debit cards can be ordered online from specialist providers, and are usually linked to a digital multi-currency account. Add money to your account in GBP and then you can either convert to the currency you need in your destination if the card supports it, or just leave your money in pounds so the card’s autoconvert technology can do the conversion for you at the point of payment.

Travel debit cards are generally cheap, secure and reliable, but the exact range of supported currencies, and the way the card fee structure works, can vary a bit depending on the provider you select.

Travel debit card option 1: Wise

There’s no fee to open a personal Wise account , but you’ll pay a one time card order fee of 7 GBP. After that there’s no minimum balance and no monthly charge. Wise accounts can support 40+ currencies for holding and exchange, with low fees from 0.43% when you convert currencies, and transparent ATM fees when you exhaust the monthly free transactions available with your account. If the Wise card can’t support the currency you need to spend in your destination, you can just leave your money in pounds and the card will convert for you at the point of payment.

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

7 GBP one time fee to get your Wise card

2 withdrawals, to 200 GBP value per month for free, then 0.5 GBP + 1.75%

Hold 40+ currencies, convert between them with the mid-market rate

Get local account details to receive GBP, NZD, EUR, USD and a selection of other major currencies conveniently

Travel debit card option 2: Revolut

Revolut has a selection of different account tiers for personal customers in the UK, from Standard plans with no monthly fee, to the top end Ultra plan which has a 45 GBP/month fee and comes with loads of perks including a fancy platinum plated card. You can hold around 25 currencies, and convert currencies with the mid-market rate to your plan’s allowance. The higher account tiers also come with extras like various different forms of complimentary insurance, discounts, cash back opportunities and travel benefits. If the currency you need can’t be held as a balance in your Revolut account you can still use your card to pay - just let the card do the conversion for you with the live rate at the time you transact, plus any applicable fair usage fee.

No monthly fee for a Standard Revolut account, or upgrade to one of 4 different account plans which have monthly fees running from 3.99 GBP/month to 45 GBP/month

All accounts have some no fee weekday currency conversion with fair usage fees after that which are 1% for Standard plan holders

Standard plan holders can withdraw 200 GBP overseas per month for free

Hold around 25 currencies

Pros and cons of using debit travel cards when travelling overseas

How much does a travel debit card cost.

Travel debit cards are usually free or cheap to order, and often offer low or no cost currency conversion.

To give an example - Wise has a one time fee to get your card, but then no monthly charges or minimum balance requirements. Currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate with low fees from 0.43%. Revolut has 4 different account plans, including one with no ongoing charges, or several different account options with a monthly fee in exchange for extra perks and benefits. Each account has some no-fee currency exchange, but fair usage fees of 0.5% - 1% apply if you exceed your allowance.

How to choose the best travel debit card for travelling overseas?

There’s no single best travel debit card for travelling overseas, the right one for you will depend a lot on the way you prefer to transact and manage your money.

The key things to consider include whether you’re happy to pay a monthly fee for a card or would prefer to have an option with no ongoing fees for occasional use. You’ll also want to look at the transaction costs you’ll need to pay, and what exchange rate is applied when converting currencies.

If you’re struggling to decide whether a travel debit card suits you, the Wise card and the Standard Revolut card both offer no ongoing costs, so are a fairly low risk and low commitment way to test out your options.

Is there a spending limit with a travel debit card when travelling overseas?  

You’ll probably find there’s a spending limit for your travel debit card. However, this limit can vary quite significantly, depending on the provider you pick. You can also usually adjust your spending limits for security in the provider’s app which means you can set the limit you’re comfortable with.

For the providers mentioned above, Revolut UK travel debit card holders have some spending caps based on merchant and transaction type. This applies to things like sending money to others, buying travellers cheques or money orders, and betting. Wise caps monthly card spending at 30,000 GBP but you can also move your limit lower if you’d like to, for security reasons.

ATM withdrawals

ATM withdrawals with a travel debit card are also likely to be subject to limits. Revolut applies a 3,000 GBP limit based on any given 24 hour period. Wise ATM withdrawal limits are 4,000 GBP per month. Both providers allow you to make some no fee ATM withdrawals monthly, but the exact amount you can withdraw will depend on your account type.

Prepaid Travel Cards for travelling overseas

[Prepaid travel cards] ( https://exiap.co.uk/guides/best-prepaid-travel-cards ) work in a similar way to travel debit cards, but may have slightly different features and charging structures. The way prepaid travel cards work varies - for example, with the Post Office Travel Money Card, you can collect your card in person at a branch and add any of 22 currencies to it for spending and withdrawals.

The Monese Travel Money Card only lets you hold GBP, EUR and RON, but allows you to spend in foreign currencies with no fees up to a limit specified in your account plan. This range of different functionalities means you can pick the card that works best for your specific needs.

Prepaid travel card option 1: Post Office Travel Money Card

You can order a Post Office Travel Money Card online or pick one up in person at a branch as long as you have a valid ID on you. You’ll be able to top up and hold in 22 currencies, although bear in mind a fee applies if you add money in GBP. There’s no fee to add foreign currencies. The exchange rate used when you top up or convert may include a markup, but once you hold a currency balance in your account you can spend it with no further charges.

22 currencies are supported for holding and exchange

No fee to spend a currency you hold on your card

3% cross border fee if you spend in an unsupported currency

Small ATM withdrawal fee which varies by currency withdrawn, about the equivalent of 1.5 GBP per withdrawal

Manage your account and card from the Post Office travel money app

Prepaid travel card option 2: Monese Travel Money Card

Monese offers several different account plans which come with linked cards you can use while overseas. Depending on the plan you pick you’ll get some free international spending and some free ATM withdrawals. Simple account plans have no monthly fees, but are more limited in terms of no-fee transactions compared to the other account tiers.

Pick the account plan that suits your needs, including a Simple plan with no monthly costs and some plans which do have a fee to pay every month

Accounts offered in GBP, EUR and RON

Simple account plan holders can spend up to 2,000 GBP a month in foreign currencies with no fees - other account plans have unlimited overseas spending with no extra fees

All accounts have some fee free ATM withdrawals every month, with variable limits based on account plan

Virtual cards available

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards when travelling overseas

How much does a prepaid card cost.

A prepaid travel card could help you save money compared to using a bank debit or credit card when you travel abroad, but the chances are there will still be a few fees to pay. That could be ongoing monthly fees, currency conversion charges, or fees when you top up, particularly if you top up in cash. Weighing up a few different prepaid travel cards is the only way to decide which is the best value for your particular needs.

How to choose the best travel prepaid card for travelling overseas?

The best prepaid travel card for travelling overseas depends on your spending patterns. The Post Office Travel Money Card has the advantage that you can convert your money to the currency you need in your destination and see your budget instantly. However if you don’t do this, you might end up paying a 3% fee. Monese has different plan types, so has the flexibility to allow you to pick the one you want - but you can’t hold a foreign currency balance aside from RON and EUR.

Prepaid travel card spending limit

The Post Office travel card lets you top up to 5,000 GBP at a time, with the maximum balance at any given time set at 10,000 GBP, or 30,000 GBP annually. Monese accounts may have different limits based on the tier you pick - usually set at a maximum holding balance at any time of 40,000 GBP. You may be limited to spending up to 7,000 GBP a day, depending on your account type.

With the Post Office card, you can make up to the equivalent of 300 GBP maximum daily withdrawals and each withdrawal costs the equivalent of 1.5 GBP. Monese accounts may have a maximum ATM withdrawal of 300 GBP a day, depending on the specific account you pick, so it’s worth reading the fee schedule carefully to understand the details.

Travel Credit Cards for travelling overseas

Travel credit cards are like other credit cards in that you’ll be set a spending limit which you can not exceed on a monthly basis. At the end of the month you’ll have to pay back your bill in full to avoid interest and penalties. When you spend overseas your foreign currency transaction is converted back to GBP to add to your monthly charge - often with a foreign transaction fee added, which can be around 3%. Travel credit cards often waive this foreign transaction fee, which makes them better value for foreign currency spending compared to other credit cards. However, as with any other credit card, you might find you have fees to pay in the form of interest, particularly if you use your card in an ATM, making this a relatively expensive way of managing your money internationally.

Travel credit card option 1: Barclaycard Rewards Visa 

The Barclaycard Rewards Visa credit card is a good, straightforward option for UK customers looking for a credit card which does not have foreign transaction fees, and which doesn’t have an annual fee. As with any credit card, some costs can apply including interest fees if you don’t clear your bill monthly, but you’ll be able to earn 0.25% cash back on all your card spending at home and abroad.

No annual fee, with 0.25% cash back on card spending

Currency exchange uses the network rate and no foreign transaction fee

No ATM withdrawal fee - but interest can still apply

28.9% representative APR, with penalty fees for late payments

Secure spending with extra protection on some purchases

Travel credit card option 2: Halifax Clarity Mastercard

The Halifax Clarity Mastercard has a variable interest rate which is based on your creditworthiness, but doesn’t use different rates for different transaction types as some cards do. There’s no foreign transaction fee when you spend or withdraw in foreign currencies, but bear in mind that an ATM operator might charge a fee, and interest accrues instantly for cash advance transactions.

No foreign transaction fee when spending or making a cash withdrawal overseas

Interest applies instantly when making cash withdrawals

Same interest rate applies on all purchase categories

Variable APR based on your credit score - you’ll need to check your eligibility online to see the APR you’d be offered

Spending is covered by the Consumer Credit act which means extra protections for purchases from 100 GBP to 30,000 GBP in value

Pros and cons of using credit cards when travelling overseas

How much does a travel credit card cost.

Credit cards are convenient and secure - but they’ll also often be the most expensive way to pay for things. That’s because you may end up paying an annual fee, interest costs, foreign transaction fees, cash advance charges, and penalties if you’re late to repay. The cards we’ve picked out above have the advantage that they have no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee and no cash advance fee - but if you use your card in an ATM you’ll start to accrue interest instantly, which does mean paying more in the end.

How to choose the best travel credit card for travelling overseas?

The best travel credit card for travelling overseas depends on your preferences and situation. Because there’s an eligibility screening process with credit cards, you may find you can’t get approved for some cards if you don’t have an established and strong credit history. It’s generally worth looking for a card with no annual fee, and the lowest available interest rate, just in case you can’t always repay your bill monthly.

Travel credit card spending limit

Your travel credit card spending limit will be set by the card provider, and will depend on your credit score. You’ll be shown details of your spending limit when you’re approved for a travel credit card.

The cards we’ve looked at earlier don’t charge a cash advance fee, but this is a common cost when using a credit card at an ATM, so worth looking out for when you select any credit card. It’s also worth noting that it’s very common for ATM withdrawals to start accruing interest instantly, so you’ll end up needing to repay some charges whenever you use your credit card in an ATM.

How much money do I need when travelling overseas?

Naturally, the costs of your trip can vary wildly depending on where you’re going, how long for, and what you’ll be up to during your holiday. Costs to consider when budgeting include:

Any visa fees, or travel health costs such as vaccinations, if required

Travel or medical insurance

Flights or other travel costs - don’t forget to buy baggage allowance in advance if you need it

Travel to and from the airport, or parking if you drive yourself

Local SIM or roaming data

Accommodation, plus any local tourist taxes

Food and drinks while you’re away

Activities and entry costs to tourist sites

Travel within the country - taxis or bus rides for example

Kennels or any other requirements to look after pets back home

Conclusion: Which travel money card is best for travelling overseas?

Travelling overseas is exciting but does need a bit of planning. In particular, working out how you’ll manage your money while you’re away is essential if you don’t want to get ripped off by poor exchange rates, pay high fees, or end up having a stressful time with money changers on arrival.

Travel cards can help you avoid all these potential pitfalls, manage your travel budget flexibly, and pay less for your trip in the end. Consider a Wise travel debit card for convenient, low cost spending and withdrawals with ways to pay and get paid in foreign currencies. Or as an alternative, check out a Monese travel prepaid card for free currency conversion to your specific plan limit, or a travel credit card like the Barclays Rewards Visa for cash back opportunities and ways to spread your costs over several months if you need to. No matter what type of travel card suits you best, there’s going to be an option for you - use this guide to figure out which is your perfect match, and your travel money could take you further in the end.

FAQ - Best travel cards for travelling overseas

Can you withdraw cash with a credit card when travelling overseas.

Yes. You can use your credit card to make an ATM withdrawal at any ATM where your card network is accepted when travelling overseas. However, bear in mind you’ll pay interest instantly when you use a credit card in an ATM. Choosing to withdraw with a low cost travel debit card from Wise or Revolut may bring down your overall fees.

Can I use a debit card when travelling overseas?

It’s unusual to find you can’t use a card to pay in tourist areas in more developed countries, towns and cities. However, card usage varies widely and in many places, cash is still king. Because of that, having multiple ways to pay is essential and carrying both a prepaid or travel debit card and some foreign currency in cash is a smart plan.

Are prepaid cards safe?

Yes. Prepaid cards are not linked to your normal UK bank account which means that they’re safe to use. Even if you were unlucky and someone stole your card while you're travelling overseas, they would not be able to access your main account - and you could freeze your prepaid card in the app easily if you needed to.

What is the best way to pay when travelling overseas?

Paying for things with a specialist travel debit, prepaid or credit card when travelling overseas is most convenient. However, having a few options for payment is a good plan, just in case your preferred payment method can’t be used for some reason. Consider getting a travel card from a provider like Wise or Revolut, which has some no fee ATM withdrawals so you can also conveniently get cash as a back up, and for when card payments aren’t offered.

International Money Made Simple

Best Travel Money Card

About Author: Hi, I’m Quinn Askeland. In 2014, I started Transumo after experiencing expensive, slow, and frustrating international money transfers and payments through banks. Once I discovered how to manage my own international currencies much better, I became driven to help others improve their transfers and payments. Fortunately, today, there are many excellent options. See My Full Bio .

Best for You?! (and Can You Trust Them?)

(for uk, usa, europe, australia and nz).

Travel money cards have rapidly become one of the most important if not THE most important tools for paying for things while overseas.

Know you want one? – Skip down and compare the best using our handy table.

• You can pre-load or switch to different currencies easily (and often inexpensively)
• Withdrawl cash at ATMs in local currencies (without expensive fees)
• Pay for anything where Mastercard (and sometime Visas) is accepted – pretty much everywhere .
• Apps and online access enables you to manage money on the road

The Problem

Every big bank , Dick and Harry has a “travel card” with all kinds of perks designed like to attract your business but like anything in the finance world it seems – very few are great and many are not .

For example, some have seemly generous loyalty travel points – but then more than make up for it through hidden fees – usually in the exchange rate.

The Solution

In recent years a new breed of card has emerged – they are app focused and put your needs first.

But there is still a bit of a problem.

Now instead of getting fleeced by big banks, there are a tonne of new services that all have some really great marketing and cool features.

Here is how to make it easy.

Focus on the important things you DO NEED in a travel card. Then check out the cool features.

Here are the things we think you will find most important (and use to evaluate the competition below):

• Lots of control over your money (In – Out and Between Currencies)
• Inexpensive currency exchange rates (In – Out and Between Currencies)
• Inexpensive ATM withdrawal fees
• Reasonable limits (usually daily or monthly) before higher fees occur
• Excellent user experience (using apps and online)
• Service (if things go wrong)

The good news is that this removes about 99% of the competition – mostly big bank operated cards that are very keen for your business and collecting the fees that go along with it.

If this travel money card idea is new to you, you will want to read the next sections!

How Do (good) Travel Money Cards Work?

What you need to know, in comparison.

• Revolut VS N26 (summary)
• Revolut VS Wise (summary)
• Monzo VS Revolut (summary)

And the Winner Is…

Some travel money cards are a secure and convenient way to manage your banking and foreign currency needs. These are specially designed prepaid debit cards that can be used like credit cards.

Simply preload them with whatever currency you wish and manage expenses and currency transfers easily from an app or online .

You need to sign up with the company of your choice, and they will do some basic identity checks and approve your account.

Once it is done, they will issue you a card. The card is connected to the Mastercard or Visa network which means you can spend money pretty much anywhere.

Here is where is gets really good.

Apart from being able to use a helpful app on your phone to easily manage expenses in different currencies the fees to switch between different currencies are much cheaper than normal travel cards which usually unbeknownst often to many people have all kinds of fees attached.

You can use also use the card to withdraw cash from ATMs for free instead of the usual “Fee Notice”.

Does this remind you of any messages you may have seen?

You may be charged in a different currency. This bank will charge a fee for using the ATM. This fee is in addition to any fees that may be charged by your financial institution . Press to Continue --> Press to Cancel -->

The fixed ATM fee is often only a small part of the total fees!

Your bank often also takes fees through giving you a poor exchange rate and other fees.

You can effectively eliminate the ATM fees and get a great exchange rate and they don’t try to make money elsewhere without telling you.

Here is how it works:

Before you travel overseas, you transfer your home currency from your bank account or debit/credit card to your prepaid travel card at the going exchange rate. You can then use this card overseas in the same way that you would use a regular debit or credit card. This card can be used in any country that uses the currency that you have loaded in your card.

Of course you can only spend the money you have loaded – these cards do not let you borrow money, but they sure do save you loads.

Using debit cards to withdraw money from ATMs may prove quite costly as they charge a Foreign ATM withdrawal fee (wikipedia)  and a percentage fee (1%-3%) on the amount you are withdrawing.

On the top of it, you pay currency exchange fee as well. The actual costs you incur would depend on the card you are using. Some cards are more travel friendly than others.

Another factor that weighs against most cards issued is the Dynamic Currency Conversion (DDC) fee (wikipedia) . This fee is levied when the bill amount in foreign currency is converted to your home currency and then charged from your bank debit card. You not only pay the current exchange rate (which could be quite uncompetitive), you also pay a mark-up that is usually added to this rate.

DCC allows the merchant, merchant's bank or ATM operator to charge a markup on the exchange rate used, sometimes by as much as 18%.

With a travel card, your exchange rate is locked in and you can decide the most favourable time to for currency exchange and loading your travel card. In addition to safeguards against any major currency volatility the additional costs associated with using most bank cards are dramatically reduced.

Here are the best by country where you reside: (Links are to summaries of the services below)

Wise , Revolut , Monzo , N26

🇺🇸 USA and Canada

Wise , Revolut , N26

🇦🇺 Australia and NZ

Wise , Revolut

N26,  Revolut

Best Travel Money Cards

The Wise prepaid debit card (review) works with the Wise multi currency account in a very cool way.

The multi-currency account that lets you hold money in 50+ currencies and provides you international bank details in 10 currencies including NZ Dollars, Aussie Dollar, US dollars, as well as British Pounds and Euros.

As you can imagine if you are temporarily living in these countries or simply get paid in these currencies – this can make it easier for you to get paid but it also means huge savings when it comes time to spend that money no matter what the currency.

Wise converts your money at the real mid-market rate and fees are kept to a minimum.

Visit the Wise Card Page Here

Features (UK)

• Enjoy free ATM withdrawals up to £200 / 30 days
• Low currency conversion fees
• Receive payments in USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, NZD, PLN for free using your own local bank details
• Hold money in 50+ currencies
• The card is already available in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore
• Can use anywhere in the world where MasterCard is accepted
• Enjoys excellent reviews on TrustPilot with a score of 4.6

TransferWise costs

Revolut is a digital bank and enjoys  over 7 million customers. It gives you access to a contactless debit card that lets you make free ATM withdrawals and exchange currency with 0% fee. It is connected to their app and is a great solution for international travellers. There are no hidden fees and they offer “real” exchange rate without any mark-ups.

Get the latest for your country here .

Or Revolut for business latest inclusions and plans.

• Lets you spend overseas in over 150 currencies at mid-market rates
• For currency exchange amounts over and above the monthly limits, they charge a small 0.5% fee
• ATM withdrawals for amounts higher than monthly limits attract a small 2% fee
• For as little as £1.00 per day, they provide travel insurance
• You have complete control over your card. You can turn on and off features like swipe payments, ATM withdrawals, contactless etc. all from within the app
• It also offers location based security
• Revolut is available in United Kingdom, European Economic Area (EEA), Australia and Singapore.
• Revolut has a TrustPilot score of 4.5 with excellent customer reviews

Revolut costs

N26 is a Berlin based online bank that started in 2013 and offers their service to Europe only. The N26 bank works with a prepaid card system enabled by Mastercard.

N26 had operations in the UK and USA but has pulled out of these markets so keep reading and here are the five best alternatives to N26 .

Features (Eurozone)

• Free ATM withdrawals in Euros
• Free payments in any currency with no surcharge for paying abroad
• N26 Black/Metal allows free withdrawals worldwide and provides comprehensive travel insurance
• You get mid-market exchange rate
• N26 is available in Germany, Austria, Ireland, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, Finland, Luxembourg, Slovenia, Estonia, Greece, Slovakia, Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Liechtenstein, Iceland, Switzerland.
• You can combine N26 with Google Pay or Apple Pay to make payments
• N26 has a TrustPilot score of 4, with some great reviews and some not-so great ones. The bad reviews are mostly related to customer service but as we point out in our review of N26 these can be mostly avoided.

Monzo came into being in 2015 and became regulated by the FCA in 2016. Today, 3 million people use Monzo to spend money overseas. This digital bank issues a debit Mastercard for purchases and cash withdrawals. Monzo is currently only available to UK residents.

• Lets you pay in restaurants, shops and online, in any currency, anywhere in the world and with no fee
• Allows cash withdrawals of up to £200 every 30 days for free
• Monzo travel reports are really helpful. Keep you informed of the current exchange rate, provides tips on travelling
• Lets you automatically categorise transactions
• You can exchange currency directly at the Mastercard exchange rate without an additional fee
• Monzo Plus comes with additional perks such as higher free ATM withdrawal limits and worldwide travel insurance
• Monzo enjoys excellent customer reviews with a TrustPilot score of 4.4/5

Monzo costs

Monese lets you open a European or British current account in minutes without a traditional proof of address. This makes Monese particularly attractive to expats, travellers and digital nomads who need get up and running quickly running without jumping through hoops.

Get the latest prices and features for Monese here .

• Can open a Euro or GBP account and then another currency account (GBP or EUR) for no additional cost
• Signup does not require an address

Monese costs

Here is our review of Monese.

Each service has its own strengths and all have a potentially serious weaknesses we uncover in our verdict below..

This table is a great place to start.

From here refer to the individual services above.

Revolut VS N26

With Revolut and N26 there is a lot to consider between the two. In our full comparison we found that there is more to consider than just the basics we have shown.

Revolut for example seem more targeted towards the traveler and focuses on perks like access to airport lounges, travel insurance and even buying cryptocurrencies. Meanwhile N26 is a real bank based out of Europe (Germany) which does offer a little extra comfort for all Eurozone users.

Revolut VS Wise

After reviewing both services extensively and having used them personally, the Wise multi currency account seems to be the better option if it meets all your requirements. It is also available in more countries, so it could be your only choice.

If you frequently travel and reside in Europe or the UK, Revolut might be preferred for its cool features, especially if you opt for the Premium or Metal account options (and the cards themselves look pretty amazing).

However, if you need to transfer money or make payments in different currencies, Wise is likely to be more suitable for you. While Revolut has more options for saving money and other services, it is limited to the UK and some European countries.

If you are considering Revolut as an everyday alternative to your high street bank, you might find the paid plans to be the most flexible and cost-effective.

Monzo VS Revolut

Monzo VS Revolut is fairly easy to to decide between. Both are great but for quite different reasons. Revolut is clearly better when it comes to travel and additional perks like insurance, a booking service (concierge) and travel lounges but to access these perks you have to get the Premium or Metal offering.

Monzo on the other hand being a bank (UK only) enables it to offer interest on its accounts, personal loans, and bill-pay services which in addition to occasional short term travel benefits makes it a great choice if you want some banking and travel more limited travel features rolled into one.

You (tacky old bad joke – yes – but true).

Travel money cards are a great alternative to regular bank debit cards. They help save a lot of money on currency exchange, ATM withdrawals and overseas spending. The cards listed above are among the best available. You can choose the one that best suits your needs and offers the best value.

However , there is some things you should know… most importantly;

• Frozen Accounts
• Money Transfers
• Receiving Bank Accounts

In our in-depth analysis of the reviews for each service we looked at the most recent one star reviews and collated the data. One of the most common and most concerning complaints was about the possibility of your account getting frozen . For some people who were relying on the card this can be more than frustrating, leaving travellers in awkward situations or alternately without access to their funds often for weeks.

The trouble here is not really the companies who run these cards but the regulations and security measures which are aimed to prevent money laundering, terrorism and theft. Unfortunately this can have some unwanted side effects.

The solution is simple . Given that the cards can save you a lot of money and become really great ways to manage your money – we think it best to have one of these cards and have a backup option where you keep the majority of your funds.

Money transfers are another story. In many cases we found that for large or essential transfers it might be better to use a specialist money transfer company that can do bank-to-bank transfers. The reason is that many of these travel cards use 3rd party companies which introduces additional potential for the funds to be delayed.

For those what want to accept payments in different currencies, the services differ reasonably significantly. For example, some give you the ability to effectively have bank accounts in several countries which can be a big bonus when asking for payments. Others ask they you use their money transfer services to accept payments in the senders currency and they you can exchange to for the currency you choose which may not be suitable if you are invoicing but would be fine if someone from home was sending funds.

Overall, we expect many more cards to surface and more people to use them.

Happy Travels!

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Travel / Travel Money Card

Travel Money Card

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

Features & benefits

$0 card issue fee.

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

Lock in exchange rates 

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

Spend anywhere in the world 

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

Easily manage your travel budget

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

Your purchases, covered

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

Extra card security

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

• Currency converter

Exchange rates

Load up to 13 currencies on one account

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

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

No load or reload fees

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

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

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

Rates & fees

See all fees and charges

Who can apply

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

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

How to apply

Before your trip.

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

How it works

During your trip.

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

When you’re home

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

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

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

Manage your Travel Money Card

Need foreign cash? Have it ready before you travel

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

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

Discover Foreign Cash

Planning an overseas trip?

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

See travel tips

Emergency support & tools

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

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

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

Call us in an emergency on:

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

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

Tools & calculators

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

We can help

Your questions answered

Get in touch

Visit your nearest branch

Things you should know

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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.

You are here

Currency card fees and limits.

Buying and using foreign currencies couldn’t be easier than with a Travel Money Oz Currency Card.

Simply order in store or online for your personalised card, and in 2 weeks it’ll be there and ready to go.

It’s important to understand the exact fees and limits to operating a Currency Card, so these are all outlined below.

For more information on the Currency Card fees and limits, please review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) .

Why Travel Money

The best 8 credit cards for beginners: Build credit and earn rewards

Choosing the right beginner credit card that aligns with your spending habits and financial goals is essential to build a strong credit score and maximize rewards.

Kevin Payne

Kevin Payne is a finance and family travel expert. He writes about credit cards, travel, student loans, saving money, homeownership, careers, and entrepreneurship. His work has appeared in Forbes Advisor, The Ascent, FinanceBuzz, Slickdeals, Student Loan Planner, and more. He is working toward accreditation as an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC).

Hanna Horvath

Hanna Horvath is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ and Bankrate's senior editor of content partnerships.

Updated April 11, 2024, 6:04 AM EDT

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Advertiser disclosure: Content provided by Bankrate.com. Fox and its content partners earn compensation from the affiliate companies below. This content doesn’t include all available offers, and compensation may impact how and where links appear in the content. 

New to the world of credit cards? Choosing a card that aligns with your spending habits, offers valuable rewards, and helps you build a solid credit history is important. 

Here are our picks for the best beginner credit cards. We evaluated each card based on credit score requirements, annual fees, rewards, and additional benefits.

Whether you're looking to earn cash back on everyday purchases, rack up travel miles for your dream vacation, or establish a positive credit history, there’s a card out there. 

Best starter credit cards 

While credit newbies may not be able to access luxury travel benefits or above-average rewards, there are still cards you can qualify for. The best beginner credit cards offer entry into the world of credit and provide an opportunity to boost your score. 

• Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card : Best for flat-rate cash back 
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best for tiered cash back 
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for travel rewards
• Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card : Best secured card 

Discover it® Student Cash Back: Best for college students 

Petal® 2 “cash back, no fees” visa® credit card: best for no credit , opensky® secured visa® credit card: best for no credit check .

• Capital One Platinum Credit Card : Best for increasing credit limit

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best for flat-rate cash back 

Who this card is for: Individuals with fair credit want to earn flat-rate cash back on their purchases. 

• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases 
• Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel 

Annual fee: $39 

With this card, you'll earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, regardless of the category. This means you don't have to worry about keeping track of rotating bonus categories or spending limits. Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits, direct deposit, or gift cards. 

One of the standout features of the QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards card is its low annual fee of just $39. While some cash back cards charge no annual fee, they often require a higher credit score. 

The QuicksilverOne card is more accessible to those with average credit, making it a great option for beginners. Plus, Capital One will review your account for a credit limit increase after six months of on-time payments, providing an opportunity to improve your credit score further. 

Consider pairing this card with another Capital One card to maximize rewards.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Pros and Cons

• Low annual fee
• No rotating categories or spending caps to worry about
• Can qualify for a higher credit line within six months
• No foreign transaction fees
• No welcome bonus offer
• No intro APR offers
• High ongoing APR

Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for tiered cash back 

Who it’s best for: Those who dine out and spend frequently at drugstores, and want to earn something back from their everyday spending. 

• 5% cash back on Lyft purchases (through March 2025) 
• 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Travel 
• 3% cash back on dining at restaurants and on drugstore purchases 
• 1.5% cash back on all other purchases 

Annual fee: $0 

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is one of the best cash back cards out there, offering a simple way to earn elevated cash back. 

With this card, you'll earn a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, similar to the Capital One QuicksilverOne. However, you can earn 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases. 

One of the most appealing aspects of the Freedom Unlimited is its $0 annual fee. Plus, if you have a Chase card like the Sapphire Preferred , you can pool rewards to unlock more redemption value through Chase's travel portal.

Chase Freedom Unlimited® Pros and Cons

• 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases
• 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee
• Requires good to excellent credit for approval

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Best for travel rewards 

Who this card is for: Those who want to earn flexible travel rewards for a lower annual fee. 

• 5X points on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards 
• 5X total points on Lyft rides (Through March 2025) 
• 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery purchases 
• 2X points on other travel 
• 1X points on other purchases 

Annual fee: $95

If you love to travel, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a top-notch travel credit card for beginners. This card offers a solid welcome bonus, elevated points on travel purchases, and robust travel protections. You'll also earn bonus points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries. 

One of the key advantages of the Sapphire Preferred is its versatility. You can redeem points through the Chase portal or transfer them to over a dozen travel partners at a 1:1 ratio, unlocking even more value. This flexibility makes the Sapphire Preferred an ideal card for beginners who want to earn travel rewards. 

Though this card does come with a $95 annual fee, the value of the rewards and benefits can outweigh this cost for frequent travelers. The card also offers perks like trip insurance, baggage delay insurance, and primary rental car coverage.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Pros and Cons

• Generous welcome bonus
• High rewards on travel and dining
• Versatile redemption options, including travel partners
• Points worth 25% more when booking through Chase’s travel portal
• Additional travel benefits and protections
• $95 annual fee

Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card: Best secured card 

Who this card is for: Individuals who want to build and access more credit. 

Rewards: None 

A secured credit card can be an excellent starting point for beginners with limited or no credit history. Secured cards require a cash deposit that serves as collateral, reducing the risk for the issuer and making it easier to qualify. The Capital One Platinum Secured Credit Card is one of the best credit builder cards , offering a pathway to building credit with responsible use. 

With the Platinum Secured card , you'll need to make a refundable security deposit of $49, $99, or $200, depending on your creditworthiness. This deposit will determine your initial credit limit. 

While the card doesn't offer rewards, it's designed to help you establish credit by reporting your payments to the credit bureaus. One feature of the Platinum Secured card is the opportunity for a credit limit increase. 

Capital One reviews your account for a higher credit line after just six months of on-time payments and responsible use. This can help you improve your credit utilization ratio and boost your credit score.

Capital One Platinum Secured Pros and Cons

• Helps build credit with responsible use
• Refundable security deposit
• May qualify for credit limit increase in as little as six months
• Can qualify with fair credit
• Requires security deposit

Who this card is for: College students who want to build credit while earning rewards on their spending. 

• 5% cash back on each quarter’s activated rotating categories (up to $1,500 in combined purchases, then 1%) 
• 1% on all other purchases 

The Discover it® Student Cash Back card is an excellent card for students looking to earn rewards while establishing credit. With this card, you'll earn 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in combined purchases per quarter). 

You'll also earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. The bonus categories often include everyday expenses like groceries, gas stations, and dining out. This makes it easy for students to maximize rewards. 

Discover also offers a unique welcome bonus for new cardholders. At the end of your first year, Discover will match all the cash back you've earned, effectively doubling your rewards. This can be a significant bonus for students who use their cards regularly. 

The Discover it® Student Cash Back card also comes with a $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, making it a good choice for students studying or traveling abroad.

Discover it® Student Cash Back Pros and Cons

• 5% cash back on rotating categories (up to a quarterly limit)
• Cashback match in first year
• High bonus cash back rate
• Intro APR offer on purchases
• Bonus cash back is capped
• Requires active student status for approval
• Bonus categories must be activated quarterly
• Rotating categories may not align with spending habits

Who this card is for: Individuals with no credit history who won't qualify for a traditional credit card.

• Earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases or up to 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases when you make 12 on-time payments 
• 2%-10% cash back at select merchants 

If you're new to credit and haven't yet established a credit history, the Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card is a solid option. Rather than relying on credit scores, Petal uses an underwriting model that accounts for income, savings, and spending to determine approval. This means you may qualify for the card despite no prior credit history. 

The Petal 2 card offers a cash back rewards program that incentivizes responsible credit use. You'll earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases, but this rate can increase up to 1.5% after 12 on-time monthly payments. 

The card has no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and no late payment fees. Petal also provides a mobile app with budgeting tools and credit score tracking to help you stay on top of your finances.

Petal® 2 “Cash Back, No Fees” Visa® Pros and Cons

• No credit history required for approval
• No late fees
• Earns cash back rewards
• Confusing rewards structure based on on-time payments
• Potentially high ongoing APR
• No intro APR offer

Who this card is for: Those who want to build credit and access a higher credit limit without a credit check. 

Annual fee: $35 

Those who have experienced credit challenges may appreciate the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card. Unlike other cards, OpenSky doesn't require a credit check, making it more accessible. 

To start with the OpenSky card, you must make a refundable security deposit of at least $200. This deposit will determine your credit limit. OpenSky reports payment activity to the major credit bureaus, helping you build a positive credit history. 

While the OpenSky card does have an annual fee of $35, it's a small price to pay for the opportunity to build credit when other options may not be available. The card also offers the flexibility to increase your credit limit by making additional deposits.

OpenSky® Secured Visa® Pros and Cons

• No credit check required
• $35 annual fee
• Requires a security deposit

Capital One Platinum Credit Card: Best for increasing credit limit 

Who it’s best for: Credit builders who want more spending flexibility 

As a beginner, one of your main goals should be establishing a strong credit history and gradually increasing your credit limit. 

The Capital One Platinum card is designed with this in mind, offering the potential for credit limit increases over time. With responsible use and on-time payments, you may qualify for a higher credit line in as little as six months. 

The Platinum card is meant for those with average credit. While the card doesn't offer rewards, its main focus is on helping you improve your credit standing. Capital One offers free credit monitoring, which can help you track your progress and identify areas for improvement.

Capital One Platinum Pros and Cons

• Designed for those with average credit
• Potential for credit limit increase after 6 months of on-time payments
• No rewards program
• Requires average credit for approval

How to build credit as a beginner 

Building a positive credit history is one of the most important reasons to get a credit card . Your credit score is a crucial factor that lenders, landlords, and even employers consider when deciding your financial reliability. A good credit score can open doors to better loan terms, lower interest rates, and more opportunities in the future. 

When you use a credit card smartly, you show lenders you can manage credit. This means making on-time payments, keeping your credit utilization low, and avoiding maxing out your credit limit. Each month, your card issuer reports your payments to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Over time, this positive payment history contributes to a higher credit score.

Building credit takes time and consistency. As a beginner, you may start with a lower credit limit and higher interest rates. But as you show responsible credit use, you'll likely see your credit score improve and become eligible for better card offers.

One key factor in building credit is maintaining a low credit utilization ratio. This ratio represents the amount of credit you use compared to your total credit limit. Experts recommend keeping your credit utilization below 30%.

Another important habit is to pay your credit card bill on time every month. Late payments can significantly negatively impact your credit score and may result in added fees and interest charges. Consider setting up automatic payments or reminders to ensure you never miss a due date. 

It's also a good idea to monitor your credit report regularly. Many issuers provide free credit score tracking. Reviewing your report can help you identify areas for improvement and catch any potential errors or fraud early on.

Choosing the right credit card for your goals 

When selecting your first credit card, choosing one that aligns with your goals and spending habits is important. Different cards offer various rewards and benefits, so reviewing your options can help you find the best card. 

• Start by assessing your spending and identifying where you spend the most money. For example, if you dine out a lot, a credit card that offers bonus rewards at restaurants could be a good fit. A card with travel rewards might be a smart choice if you're a regular traveler. 
• Are you focused on building credit, or do you want to earn rewards? Some cards offer straightforward cash back, while others provide points or miles that can be redeemed for travel.
• Some cards charge annual fees, which can be worth paying if the rewards outweigh the cost. As a beginner, you may want to start with a no annual fee card to lower your expenses while you get comfortable managing credit. 
• Sign-up bonuses can be enticing, but you must ensure you can meet the requirements to qualify. Don't overspend just to earn a bonus — this can lead to high balances and potential debt. 
• Consider your likelihood of approval when applying for a credit card. You may need to start with a secured credit card or a card designed for those with limited credit history. Over time, as you build your credit , you'll likely become eligible for better card offers.

Managing your first credit card 

Once you've received your first credit card, it's a good idea to use it responsibly. Here are some best practices to keep in mind: 

• Create a budget and track your expenses. Before using your card, establish a budget to ensure you're not spending more than you can afford to pay back. Regularly track your purchases and compare them against your budget to stay on track. 
• Pay your bill on time and in full. Consistently making on-time payments is crucial for building credit. Aim to pay your credit card balance monthly to avoid interest charges. If you can't pay in full, always make at least the minimum payment by the due date. 
• Keep your credit utilization low. Aim to keep your credit card balance well below your credit limit. High credit utilization can negatively impact your credit score, so keep your balance below 30% of your available credit. 
• Avoid maxing out your credit card. Maxing out your credit card can hurt your credit score and may signal to lenders that you're overextended. If you're consistently hitting your credit limit, consider requesting a credit limit increase or making more frequent payments throughout the month. 
• Monitor your credit score and report. Regularly check your credit score and review your credit report for errors or suspicious activity. 
• Use your credit card for everyday purchases. To build credit, using your credit card regularly is important, but only for purchases you can afford to pay back. Stick to your budget and avoid using your credit card for impulse buys or expensive items you can't pay off quickly. 
• Know when to consider upgrading or changing cards. As your credit improves and your financial needs change, you may consider upgrading to a credit card with better rewards or features. But be cautious about applying for too many cards at once, as this can lead to multiple hard inquiries on your credit report and potentially lower your credit score. 

Frequently asked questions about beginner cards 

What credit score do i need to get approved for a credit card.

The credit score you need to get approved depends on the card issuer and the specific card you're applying for. Generally, a good credit score (670 or higher) will give you the best chances of approval for most cards. Some credit cards are designed for those with fair (580-669) or limited credit history. Secured credit cards are also an option for those with poor credit or no credit history , as they require a cash deposit that serves as collateral.

How do I apply for a credit card?

To apply for a credit card, you must provide personal information, such as your name, address, Social Security number, and income. You can usually apply online through the credit card issuer's website. The issuer will review your application to determine your eligibility.

What should I do if my credit card application is denied?

If your credit card application is denied, don't be discouraged. The issuer will send you a letter explaining the reason for the denial. Some common reasons for denial include insufficient income, limited credit history, or a low credit score. 

To improve your chances of approval, focus on building your credit by making on-time payments on your existing credit accounts, keeping your credit utilization low, and disputing any errors on your credit report.

How can I avoid paying interest on my credit card?

To avoid paying interest on your credit card , pay your balance in full each month by the due date. Credit card issuers often offer a grace period between the end of your billing cycle and the payment due date. During this period, you can pay your balance without incurring interest charges. 

But, if you carry a balance from one month to the next, you'll be charged interest on your outstanding balance. If you cannot pay in full, aim to pay as much as possible to minimize interest charges.

Can I have more than one credit card as a beginner?

As a beginner, starting with one credit card to build credit responsibly is generally recommended. However, as you become more comfortable managing credit and your credit score improves, you may consider adding a second card to maximize rewards or take advantage of different benefits. 

Just be sure to manage all your credit cards responsibly and avoid applying for too many cards quickly, as this can negatively impact your credit score. 

The bottom line 

By understanding your financial goals and spending habits, you can find a card that fits your needs. Whether you're looking to earn cash back, travel rewards, or establish a positive credit history, a card on this list can help you achieve your goals. 

Remember, the key to success with credit cards is to use them responsibly. Always make timely payments, keep your balances low, and avoid overspending. By developing good credit habits, you'll be well on your way to building a strong financial foundation and unlocking even greater opportunities in the future.

Editorial disclosure: Opinions expressed are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.