International travel card: no fees, no hassle
The smarter way to spend overseas
Hidden fees can quickly drain your travel budget. Whether you're exploring city streets or lounging on a tropical beach, the last thing you want is surprise charges eating into your spending money.
This guide breaks down how some travel card fees work, what to watch out for, and how the award-winning Travelex Travel Money Card stands apart as a smarter travel card.
With the Travelex Travel Money Card, you can shop, dine, and withdraw cash overseas with less hassle and more confidence wherever you go.
Understanding Travel Card fees
Travelling abroad? Don’t let hidden ATM fees, foreign transaction fees or poor exchange rates eat into your budget. Understanding these fees can help you choose the right travel card and avoid unnecessary charges.
Common Travel Card fees
Not all travel cards are created equal. Here are the most common fees you might encounter with other providers:
- Foreign Transaction Fees: A percentage charged on every purchase made outside your home country, often on both credit and debit cards.
- ATM Withdrawal Fees: A fee per withdrawal at overseas ATMs, which can vary depending on whether you're using a local bank’s ATM or an international network.1
- Currency Conversion Fees: Charged when converting between different currencies, often bundled into the exchange rate markup by card providers.
- Inactivity Fees: Applied when the card hasn’t been used for a certain period.
- Top-Up Fees: Some providers charge a fee to add funds to your card.
- Monthly Account Fee: A recurring fee charged for maintaining the account.
- Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): A fee when paying in Australian dollars (AUD) abroad instead of the local currency.
| Fee type | Travelex Money Card | Traditional Bank Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign transaction fee | $0 | 2-3% per transaction |
| ATM withdrawal fees | $01 at partner ATMs | $5+ per withdrawal |
| Currency conversion fee | $0 | 1-3% markup |
| Monthly account fees | None 2 | Up to $10/month 3 |
¹Comparison based on the following products: ANZ Access Advantage (Debit card), CBA Smart Access (Debit card), NAB Classic Banking account (standard VISA Debit card), WESTPAC Choice (Debit card). The information in this comparison was taken from the banks’ official websites as at 04/07/2025. It is subject to change and may not reflect other multicurrency or specialty products offered by the banks. Please check with your provider or ATM operator directly for the most up-to-date fee information. ²A monthly inactivity fee is charged at the start of each month if you have not made any transactions on the card in the previous 12 months. ³Monthy account fees as published by choice.com.au as of 20 November 2023, see details.
"No international fees" – here’s what that means
What are international transaction fees?
International transaction fees are charges applied by your bank or card provider when making a purchase overseas or in a foreign currency, either in person or online. These typically include a foreign currency conversion fee (usually a percentage of the total transaction) and sometimes additional processing or service charges.
Many Australian debit and credit cards charge between 2% and 3% in international fees per transaction¹. If you’re not careful, this can quickly add up, costing you significantly over the course of your trip.
Looking out for foreign transaction fees
While travelling, consider the following tips:
- Check what fees apply when deciding to use a prepaid travel card instead of a standard debit or credit card.
- Check the fees when you withdraw cash from ATMs to avoid unnecessary fees and excessive ATM fees.
- Consider paying in local currency
Why choose a travel card?
Many traditional cards charge multiple fees that can significantly impact your travel budget. Here are some benefits to consider when choosing a travel money card:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees – Check for unexpected charges when spending in foreign currencies.
- Competitive Exchange Rates –Are you getting a fair and transparent exchange rate every time you make a purchase or withdraw cash?
- Free ATM Withdrawals – Can you withdraw money from ATMs overseas without extra fees? (Some ATMs may charge their own fees)
- Supports Multiple Currencies – Avoid the hassle of converting Australian dollars to different foreign currencies when travelling across multiple countries.
- Easy to Manage – With the Travelex Money Card, use our app to track spending, reload funds from your bank account, and lock/unlock your card online.
- Safe & Secure – Travelex’s Travel Card is backed by Mastercard International Incorporated for global acceptance and security.
What fees apply to the Travelex Money Card?
The Travelex Money Card is designed to minimise costs while maximising convenience. Below is a transparent breakdown of any fees associated with the card.
| Fee Type | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Card Purchase | Free | No charge when purchasing a new Travelex Money Card. However, a fee is set and charged by the agent from which you purchased the Card. |
| Top-Up – Foreign Currency Wallets (other than loads into AUD) | Free | No fee when adding money to foreign currency wallets. This means that fees apply for loads into AUD, but for loads and top-ups into other currencies, it’s free! |
| Top-Up Online or via App – AUD Wallet | Free | No charge for topping up an AUD wallet online. |
| Top-Up at a Store – AUD Wallet | 1.1% or $15 (whichever is greater) | In-store top-ups for AUD wallets incur a fee. |
| BPAY Top-Up Online (when transaction is booked via www.travelex.com.au) | Free | No fee when using BPAY to top up online. |
| BPAY Top-Up – Direct | 1% | Direct BPAY top-ups carry a 1% fee. |
| ATM Withdrawal & EFTPOS (International) | Free | No fee for AUD wallet withdrawals in Australia. when you have AUD currency on your card (*Some ATMs may charge their own fees). |
| ATM Withdrawal & EFTPOS (Domestic) | Free | No fee for AUD wallet withdrawals in Australia. |
| Cash Over the Counter (where cash is obtained over the counter) | Free | Banks may impose their own fees. |
| 24/7 Global Emergency Assistance | Free | Emergency cash access up to available balance, subject to the card terms and conditions. |
| Inactivity Fee | $4.00 AUD per month | Charged after 12 months of inactivity (waived if the balance is zero). |
| Currency Conversions | Free | If making a purchase in an unsupported currency, the Spend Rate applies in accordance with the card terms and conditions. |
Get your Travel Card today
Don’t let foreign transaction fees hold you back. With Travelex, you get a seamless experience tailored for travellers. Get the Travelex Money Card today and enjoy stress-free spending wherever you go.
Most banks and card providers charge foreign transaction fees as a way to cover currency conversion and processing costs. These fees are typically a percentage of your purchase and can add up quickly.
While no travel card is entirely free of fees, some options — like the Travelex Money Card — can help you avoid some of the common fees charged by other card providers. Always check the product disclosure statement to understand what fees may apply.
Learn more about the Travelex Travel Money Card.
Most debit cards and credit cards charge an international transaction fee when making purchases in foreign currencies or with overseas merchants. Our travel money card eliminates some international transaction fees. For more info, check out our Travel Money Card fees and charges.
Some providers charge inactivity fees if a card isn’t used for an extended period. With the Travelex Money Card, a $4 monthly inactivity fee applies after 12 months, but this is waived if your balance is zero.
Withdrawing money is free at participating Global ATM Alliance ATMs. If you use an ATM outside this network, the operator may charge an additional fee.
Learn more about Cash vs. Travel Card: What’s Best?
Using a card designed for international travel, like the Travelex Money Card, is a great option to consider. Make sure your card has no foreign transaction fees, offers free ATM withdrawals, provides competitive exchange rates and consider paying in the local currency rather than letting merchants convert the amount.
Discover our tips on The Best Ways To Buy Foreign Currency.
If you lose your Travelex Money Card, contact the 24/7 global assistance immediately. They can arrange emergency funds up to your available balance, subject to the card terms and conditions.
Why do some cards charge international transaction fees?
Most banks and card providers charge foreign transaction fees as a way to cover currency conversion and processing costs. These fees are typically a percentage of your purchase and can add up quickly.
Are there travel cards with no fees?
Yes! Our prepaid travel money card allows you to shop, withdraw money, and spend overseas without foreign transaction fees, exchange rate fees, or ATM withdrawal fees.
Learn more about the Travelex Travel Money Card.
Why am I getting charged an international transaction fee?
Most debit cards and credit cards charge an international transaction fee when making purchases in foreign currencies or with overseas merchants. Our travel money card eliminates these charges, saving you money.
What happens if I don’t use my travel card for a long time?
Some providers charge inactivity fees if a card isn’t used for an extended period. With the Travelex Money Card, a $4 monthly inactivity fee applies after 12 months, but this is waived if your balance is zero.
How do I avoid international transaction fees when travelling?
Using a card designed for international travel, like the Travelex Money Card, is the best way to avoid these fees. Make sure your card has no foreign transaction fees, offers free ATM withdrawals, provides competitive exchange rates and always opt to pay in the local currency rather than letting merchants convert the amount.
Discover our tips on The Best Ways To Buy Foreign Currency.
How much does it cost to withdraw cash?
Withdrawing money is free at participating Global ATM Alliance ATMs. If you use an ATM outside this network, the operator may charge an additional fee.
Learn more about Cash vs. Travel Card: What’s Best?
What should I do if I lose my travel card abroad?
If you lose your Travelex Money Card, contact the 24/7 global assistance immediately. They can arrange emergency funds up to your available balance.
1 The content on this web page does not constitute financial advice and is based on information we collected at the time of writing this article.
Please be advised that Travelex do not charge ATM fees; some operators may charge their own fee or set their own limits. Please check with the ATM before using.
Transacting via some online merchants may incur a surcharge.
Please be advised that Travelex do not charge ATM fees; some operators may charge their own fee or set their own limits. Please check with the ATM before using.
A foreign exchange ‘Spend Rate’ rate will apply to foreign exchange transactions in accordance with the Product Disclosure Statement. Spend Rate means the individual foreign exchange rate set and determined by Mastercard Prepaid, applicable to foreign exchange transactions.
Customers must contact Customer Service to report lost or stolen cards. Emergency cash can be arranged up to the balance of your Travelex Money Card, subject to the availability of funds at the approved agent location.
Comparison based on the following products: ANZ Access Advantage (Debit card), CBA Smart Access (Debit card), NAB Classic Banking account (standard VISA Debit card), WESTPAC Choice (Debit card).
The information in this comparison was taken from the banks’ official websites as at 04/07/2025. It is subject to change and may not reflect other multicurrency or specialty products offered by the banks. Please check with your provider or ATM operator directly for the most up-to-date fee information.
²A monthly inactivity fee is charged at the start of each month if you have not made any transactions on the card in the previous 12 months.
³Monthy account fees as published by choice.com.au as of 20 November 2023, see details.
Please refer to product disclosure statement and product availability for your region or visit Travelex for the latest pricing and fee details.
This travel money card comparison is intended for general information only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or professional advice from Travelex, its subsidiaries, or affiliates. It is not a substitute for seeking advice from a financial advisor or other professional. We do not make any representations, warranties, or guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness, or currency of the information provided.
Mastercard Prepaid Management Services Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 145 452 044, AFSL 386 837) arranges for the issue of the Travelex Money Card in conjunction with the issuer, EML Payment Solutions Limited (‘EML’)(ABN 30 131 436 532, AFSL 404131). You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement for the relevant Travelex Money Card and Target Market Determination available at www.travelex.com.au, before deciding to acquire the product. Any advice does not take into account your personal needs, financial circumstances or objectives and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.