Travelling overseas involves a lot of planning, and that includes your travel money.
Which option is right for your next trip?
Travel Money Card Comparison
Rates last updated January 20th, 2017
A quick comparison of travel money cards
| Travel Money Feature | Prepaid Travel Card | Credit Card | Debit Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fees | |||
| No currency conversion fees | |||
| No ATM withdrawal fees | |||
| No initial currency load fee | - | - | |
| Currency | |||
| Pre-load currencies | |||
| Instant reload (no delay) | - | - | |
| Convenience | |||
| Worldwide acceptance | |||
| Emergency cash facility | |||
| Purchase over the counter (EFTPOS) | |||
| Security | |||
| Chip & Pin protection | |||
| Emergency card replacement | |||
| Backup cards | |||
| Account management | |||
| Mobile application | |||
| Online account login | |||
| Rewards | |||
| Reward points for spending | |||
| Frequent flyer benefits | |||
| Promotional interest rates (0% purchases, 0% balance transfers) |
Latest pro tips for taking your money overseas
How to decide which type of travel money card is best* for you?
The best* travel money card for you will depend on your holiday destination, how you plan to use the card and what you can afford. Prepaid travel cards, credit cards and debit cards all have their uses, but the differences lie in their features and fees. As such, many travellers opt for more than one type for greater convenience and security.
Here you can compare the different travel money options available on the Australian market to discover which one offers you the best value for your next holiday.
Prepaid Travel Money Cards
When you load Australian dollars onto a prepaid travel card, you can transfer them into the supported currencies (such as USD, UKD and NZD) so that you can spend or withdraw your own funds without the cost of currency conversion fees while overseas. To determine whether a travel card is the right choice for you, weigh up some of the pros and cons below.
Benefits of using a prepaid travel card
- Multiple currencies. You can use your travel card to convert your Australian dollars into your chosen supported currency. When you spend in a supported and loaded currency, you can avoid the currency conversion fees you’d usually be charged if you were using an Australian card overseas.
- Locked-in exchange rates. When you convert your Australian dollars into the supported foreign currency, the funds will be locked in at the exchange rate at the time. Depending on which way the currency goes, this can be a good way to avoid negative exchange rate fluctuations while you’re travelling.
Things to consider using prepaid travel cards
- Availability. Most Australian prepaid travel cards are either Visa or MasterCard, meaning you can use them worldwide. While you can still use your card if the local currency is loaded or supported by your card, you’ll incur a currency conversion fee.
- Fees. The fees you’ll have to pay will depend on the card, but some include a purchase fee, loading or reloading fee, currency conversion fee, inactivity fee and account closure fee.
- Currencies. Your prepaid travel card will support a number of foreign currencies, though the exact ones will depend on the individual card. Look out for cards that support the local currency of your travel destination, otherwise you’ll have to shell out currency conversion fees each time you spend.
Read the full guide to using prepaid travel money cards
Compare prepaid travel money cards
Rates last updated January 20th, 2017
CASE STUDY: Do your homework first
Jeremy stood shoulder to shoulder with locals and tourists, trying to keep his footing as the metro made its way towards the Colosseum. As more and more people packed onto the train, Jeremy lost his girlfriend to the glacial movement of the crowd pulling her towards the back. When he felt a brush against his rear, he was a little surprised but thought nothing of it and put it down to one of those 'packed train moments'.A moment was all the pickpocket needed to steal Jeremy's wallet.
Jeremy got on the phone to his card protection service, Secure Sentinel. A call to this service is supposed to be the 'one stop shop' for cancelling cards, but Jeremy ended up having to call each bank separately, which led to a number of frustrating hours spent on the phone, instead of hours negotiating in Italy's famous tourist traps.
Luckily for Jeremy, he had done his homework. Jeremy is a publisher at finder.com.au, so he knew to get a prepaid card before he left - they come with a backup. To his girlfriend's delight, the backup card saved their trip and they were back on the streets of Rome the next day; albeit with an eye on their pockets. It almost wasn't such a sure thing. Like any smart traveller should, Jeremy had done his research before he left the country and he knew to spread his money between a couple of cards and his girlfriend.
Be like Jeremy and do your homework before you leave.
Travel Credit Cards
Enjoy financial security, flexibility and extra features with a credit card. Look for a credit card that is designed for overseas use, preferably one that doesn’t charge currency conversion fees, foreign transaction fees or overseas ATM withdrawal fees. If you have a prepaid or debit card for everyday purchases, you might want to leave your credit card for emergencies. Plus, credit cards come with features like overseas travel insurance, a concierge service and rewards programs that could come in handy on your travel. Credit cards tend to be expensive though, so you can weigh up the costs and the benefits here.
Benefits of using a credit card overseas
- Access to credit. Credit cards offer greater financial flexibility than debit or prepaid cards. A line of credit is often larger than your savings, which can come in handy for large or emergency purchases. Remember that you have to repay everything you charge (plus interest) to the card.
- Rewards. Earn rewards points as you spend on eligible purchases or, even better, bonus points when you spend overseas. These cards are typically more expensive though, so make sure that the value of the rewards you redeem will outweigh the costs.
- Extras. Credit cards designed for overseas use often come with travel perks such as complimentary overseas travel insurance, purchase protection and concierge services.
Considerations when using credit cards for travel
- Availability. Most Australian credit cards are Visa, MasterCard or American Express, so you should be able to use them widely around the world. Some cards can’t be used in some locations (such as Cuba, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, Sudan and Syria) due to economic sanctions. Check with the provider to confirm whether your card can be used in your holiday destination before you leave.
- Fees. If you use your regular credit card overseas, it’s likely you’ll be charged currency conversion or foreign transaction fees. You’ll also be charged cash advance fees if you use your card for ATM withdrawals. Cards designed for overseas use tend to come at a cost, so make sure that the cost of the annual fee doesn’t outweigh the benefits you get from the card. Unless you have a card with 0% on purchases or interest-free days, all purchases will also collect interest.
- Currencies. Look for a card that doesn’t charge currency conversion or foreign transaction fees, otherwise you’ll rack up fees every time you use your card for purchases in the local currency on your holiday.
Compare the full range of Travel Credit Cards with our complete guide
Compare travel-friendly credit cards
Rates last updated January 20th, 2017
Back to topTravel Debit Cards
Travel debit cards draw funds from a savings account and enable you to access your funds whilst overseas and manage your budget. The advantages of using a debit card can include international ATM alliances and no withdrawal fees, no currency conversion fees on foreign transactions and access to your savings.
How debit cards can benefit you overseas
- Access and manage your own cash whilst travelling. Unlike a credit card with a line of credit or a prepaid card with a loaded amount of funds, a debit card gives you direct access to your savings. This saves you the inconvenience of loading a prepaid card but might deter the overspending that comes with credit.
- Fewer fees than credit cards and prepaid travel cards.If you get a debit card designed for overseas use, you might not have to pay ATM withdrawal or currency conversion fees.
- ATM availability worldwide.If your debit card is a Visa or MasterCard, you should be able to withdraw from ATMs around the world. To avoid ATM withdrawal fees, look for a card that belongs to the Global ATM Alliance.
- Card fraud protection.Your provider is likely to offer protection against fraudulent transactions made on your account so long as you follow the requirements.
Considerations to keep in mind
- No emergency cash facilities. Unlike a prepaid card, you won’t receive additional cash in the case of an emergency.
- No backup/ additional card. Different to travel or credit cards, debit card accounts do not provide a backup. This means that you may have to wait up to two weeks for a replacement to arrive to your overseas destination.
- Daily currency exchange rate. You will receive the daily exchange rate for your withdrawal from MasterCard or Visa. Due to the uncertainty of exchange rates this may be favourable or provide a lower rate than securing with a prepaid travel card before you leave the country. As a result having some funds available on a debit card for ATM withdrawals and purchases can come in handy. You can get an idea of how the MasterCard and Visa exchange rates compare here.
Comprehensive guide to using debit cards overseas
Compare travel debit cards
Rates last updated January 20th, 2017
Cash and Foreign Exchange
Holding a certain amount of cash/foreign exchange provides convenience and payment flexibility for your travelling needs. It is commonplace to exchange a practical amount of currency in Australia for when you land (for taxis, travel tariffs, food etc) to ensure a smooth transition into your new holiday destination.
Knowing how the Australian dollar (AUD) has performed against the foreign currency in the past few years and the months where it typically peaks will enable you to secure the best exchange rate for your foreign exchange transaction. Our travel money guides will inform you on some of the ways to access cash and ATMs worldwide.
Travellers Cheques
Travellers cheques were once a widely used form of travel money, but they’re going the way of the dinosaur. You can weigh up whether they’re worth your time below:
How a travellers cheque could still work for you
- Secure. Travellers cheques are an extremely secure method to spend money overseas.
- Safe. They can be easily replaced if lost or stolen.
Considerations to keep in mind
- Cost. You might be charged a purchase fee when you first pick up your travellers cheque.
- Acceptance. Travellers cheques are generally accepted less than Visa or MasterCards.
- Ease of use. Can be bulky and awkward to carry. Plus, you’ll have to go to the effort of getting them cashed rather than having immediate access to your cash like you would with a card.
The most commonly asked travel money questions on the internet
What are the travel money card exchange rates?
Travel credit cards typically use the MasterCard or Visa network and use the daily exchange rates that the networks provide. You can find out the daily exchange rate by going to the MasterCard or Visa website.
Travel prepaid cards usually have a lower exchange rate due to being able to pre-load your currencies, additional travel features available (spare cards, loading multiple currencies) and the bank charging a larger margin in return for providing these services.
Travel prepaid cards usually have a lower exchange rate due to being able to pre-load your currencies, additional travel features available (spare cards, loading multiple currencies) and the bank charging a larger margin in return for providing these services.
What is a cross currency conversion fee?
A cross currency conversion fee is charged when you use your Australian card with Australian dollars to make a purchase in a foreign country. The money is exchanged from Australian dollars into the local currency electronically.
How can I avoid ATM withdrawal fees?
Banks who have international ATM alliances will allow you to withdraw cash for free. Westpac have one of the largest ATM alliances out of any Australian Bank. Global lenders like Citibank and HSBC have a number of ATMs worldwide, and Citibank do not charge for international ATM withdrawals. So if you're a Citibank customer looking to use your card overseas, head to a Citibank ATM and all you'll pay for the withdrawal is the currency conversion fee.
Can I load my existing credit card into a positive/ credit balance to avoid fees (ATM withdrawal, currency conversion, cash advance fees)?
Although this method of loading travel funds is rarely disclosed in the banks terms and conditions, loading your credit card into a positive balance can avoid the cash advance interest rate.
As smart travellers have continued to use this method, banks have made changes to their fees and charges. The following fees may still apply when you load your account into credit:
- International ATM withdrawal fee. Charged when you withdraw cash overseas.
- Currency conversion fee. This amount is calculated based on the total of the international ATM fee and the amount being withdrawn.
- Local ATM operator fee. This can be avoided by using an ATM with your bank's overseas ATM Alliance (if they have one). The cash advance rate of interest will apply from the day the transaction takes place.
Travel insurance from credit cards or from a travel insurance company?
Many premium credit card issuers will offer complimentary travel insurance as an added bonus for successful applicants. The decision on whether to go with this complimentary cover or to purchase a standalone policy will really come down to your cover requirements and budget. While the cover provided on credit cards may not offer the same comprehensive level of cover as that from a travel insurance issuer, you may already have other cover in place from other insurance and feel that your trip requirements don't need the cover options available on standalone policies. Either way it's important to compare the benefits available from both options and get a clear understanding of the exclusions for payment. The last thing you need when travelling is the nasty surprise that you are not actually covered for losses in the event that you need to make a claim.
Compare credit cards with free international travel insurance
When are inactivity fees charged with prepaid travel cards?
If you have a travel card that has an inactivity fee (a fee that's charged every month when your account is inactive for a period of time), you will lose any remaining funds on the card, but your account won't go into a negative balance. Once the card has no funds left on it, this fee will not be charged.
Activating complimentary travel insurance with credit cards
The eligibility requirements will differ between policies, but a general rule is that you have to pay for a percentage of your prepaid travel expenses with your card or by simply logging into your account online and activating the policy with your trip details (departure date, travel destinations etc). Once you've done this, you're automatically covered under the policy agreement — although keep in mind that each policy has a list of exclusions that you should check before travelling.
Are travel money belts still a safe option?
Usually the most practical solutions aren't the most appealing to the eye. Travel money belts keep your money and important valuables/ documents safely tucked in acompartment under your shirt to minimise the risk of theft and loss. If security and peace of mind is your first priority when travelling and you don't mind a piece of fabric strapped around your waist, then investing in a travel money belt will protect your travel money cards and important valuables.
Compare Anti Theft Bags and Gadgets to protect your important items
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Ask a Question
Hi im going to the UK and europe i have a travel card i tried to get a 28degree credit card just for a backup but was denied I have a visa card but i don’t want to use it because of all the fees .what i want to know is would it be cheaper to transfer $2000 from my commonwealth credit card and put it in my commonwealth travel card while im still in australia and when i come back if i haven’t used the $2000 transfer back to the visa card
Hi Donna,
Thanks for your question.
When transferring a balance/money from a credit card to another account, that would be treated as a cash advance, so most likely, you’ll be charged cash advance fee and interest on your credit card.
So in this case, if you will load your CBA travel card with funds from your CBA Visa credit card, then the CA fees and interest will be applied to your credit card.
Cheers,
May
Hi Coming from UK to AU soon would i get a better rate taking sterling ? Regards Brian.
Hello Brian,
Thank you for your question.
Since your destination is from UK to AU you may find this article useful.
Cheers,
Harold
Going to china / sth Korea
Lots of travel cards don’t lock in these 2 currencies some have Chinese currency only. Think better getting cash. Which site is best for updated cash currencies comparisons. Many institutes state can match a retail quote if done same day . Thanks
Hi Jon,
Thanks for your question. You can compare your travel money options for your holiday using our China travel money guide and South Korea travel money guide.
Unfortunately, no travel cards currently support the Korean Won, so you might want to consider a prepaid travel credit, credit card or debit card that doesn’t charge currency conversion fees.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
We are traveling to italy london canada n usa
I was looking at going with Quantas travel card as there are rewards points but it didn’t show if there are other chargers
Can you help us please
Hello Robyn,
Thanks for your question.
You may access the Qantas Travel card by visiting this link https://www.finder.com.au/qantas-cash-card you will able to see and find out what this card can do for you as well as the currency they support. We have also included the fees for your convenience.
I hope this helps.
Cheers!
Chester
IF yo
Hi, I am flying to Hawaii in two weeks and need to decide the most cost efficient way to take money. Can you advise me please.
Regards Susan
Hi Susan,
Thanks for your question.
As a financial comparison service, we can’t provide you with recommendations for any specific products or strategies. However, we can provide you with the information you need to compare and make the right decision.
Currently, the local currency of Hawaii is the US dollars. Fortunately, almost all Australian prepaid travel cards currently support US Dollars. This means you could load your card with Australian dollars then move it into your US Dollars currency wallet and avoid currency conversion fees when making purchases and withdrawals in Hawaii. When you move your Australian dollars into US dollars, they’ll be locked into the exchange rate that’s in place at the time, so your funds won’t be affected by fluctuating exchange rates while you travel. You can then top up your card with more funds via the online account while you’re travelling, giving you an easy way to access your own cash overseas.
As most travel money cards support US dollars, you might want to compare cards based on the load and reload fees (which will be charged when you load Australian dollars on your card), ATM withdrawal fees and any other perks such as rewards or online account features.
Otherwise, you can also compare debit cards and credit cards that charge low or no currency conversion or foreign transaction fees. As Visa, MasterCard and American Express are all widely accepted in Hawaii, you should have no trouble using these cards on your holiday.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
I am travelling to Peru in August, what type of cad would you recommend using – pre paid, direct debit or credit card?
Hi Helen,
Thanks for your inquiry.
As finder.com.au is a comparative financial service, we can’t actually recommend one specific card to our users as the best option depends entirely on your own financial situation, spending habits and travel plans.
Nonetheless, you may compare your travel money card options here. As you will be using cash in Peru, these cards (debit, credit and travel money) can be your access to funds and let withdraw your money from an ATM at a low cost. If you wish to apply for the card, simply click on ‘Go to site’ button to head over to the card’s website.
Hope this is helpful.
Cheers,
May
Hi. I have a 13 year old son who is going on a school trip to the UK. Which prepaid card is best for him so that we (as parents) are able to oversee his spending and top up if necessary from Australia?
Hi Kyle,
Thanks for your question.
As a financial comparison service, we can’t recommend any specific products. However, some prepaid cards can only be distributed to applicants aged 16 years or older (such as the Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card and the Qantas Cash card), so this could help narrow down your search.
For example, the Australia Post Load&Go card, ANZ Travel Card and Multi-currency Cash Passport are all available to card holders under 16. All of these cards also come with online accounts, meaning you’ll be able to track your son’s spending and top up the card. Start comparing the cards and make sure to confirm with the provider that the card is available for 13-year-olds before you apply.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
Is there any travel card I can load directly with USD from funds in a USD account I already have with Commonwealth Bank? With the latter seems I would have to pointlessly go USD -> AUD -> USD losing about 5% to fees at each step.
Hi Malcolm,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately, all Australian travel cards currently require you to load the funds on your card in Australian dollars first and then transfer the funds to the relevant supported currency.
I’m sorry we couldn’t be of more assistance.
Cheers,
Sally
Please tell me the current conversion rates from A$ to Euro of various travel cards to nc lauding Citibank
Hi George,
Thanks for your question.
The conversion rate will vary according to the time and date you convert your funds. You can find the various exchange rates for travel money cards on the individual issuer’s websites.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
what is the best most accepted debit card with respect to fees (reload, conversion rates etc) to use for the UK as seems like its almost impossible to open a bank debit card account in UK unless you have a prescribed (electricity bill, etc) bill with your name and address even if you ave a UK passport?
thanks
Hi Greg,
Thanks for your question.
Just to confirm, are you referring to an Australian debit card that you can use while you’re on holiday in the UK?
As a financial comparison service, we can’t recommend any specific products as the ‘best’ option will always depend on your individual needs and financial situation.
You can compare some of the debit cards that are suitable to use in the UK using our UK travel money guide.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally