Travel money cards comparison
Discover how to find the best travel card for your next trip with our comprehensive comparison.
What is a travel money card?
Travel money cards are prepaid or pre-loadable cards that can be used to make purchases while travelling overseas or at foreign online shops. These cards allow you to load Australian dollars and convert your money into various foreign currencies.
Benefits of a travel money card
Prepaid travel cards might look like your usual credit or bank debit card, but they can come with some special advantages for international travel.
With a travel money card, you can:
- Load and hold multiple currencies
- Lock in a competitive exchange rate14
- Enjoy low or no foreign transaction fees
- Benefit from enhanced security and fraud protection
- Access emergency assistance services
- Take advantage of travel offers or reward points
Debit & credit cards vs prepaid travel money cards
When travelling overseas, having the right card in your pocket can make all the difference.
Credit and debit cards
Using your normal debit or credit card abroad may seem like the most convenient option, however, doing so can come with certain drawbacks.
- Overseas fees: Most credit and debit cards charge foreign transaction fees, ATM withdrawal fees, and even fees just to check your balance.
- Limited acceptance: Not every destination accepts these cards, potentially leaving you in a bind in cash-only locations.
- Weak security: If stolen or skimmed, debit cards can put your bank account details at risk and replacing a lost or stolen card abroad can be a lengthy and frustrating process, leaving you without access to your own money.
Prepaid Travel Money Cards
- Currency flexibility: Prepaid travel cards allow you to load a specific amount of money in various currencies before your trip, letting you lock in14 a favourable exchange rate for each load.
- Added security: Unlike your debit or credit card, prepaid cards are not linked to your bank account, providing an extra layer of security if lost or stolen. Replacements are usually quick, and many providers offer emergency cash services.
- Global acceptance: Prepaid travel cards are widely accepted around the world, allowing you to make purchases or withdraw money like a regular bank card.
- Cost-effective spending: Some prepaid travel cards let you skip foreign transaction fees and ATM withdrawal fees, so be sure to check the T&Cs before you purchase the product.
Quick travel card comparison
Still weighing up which is the best card to take overseas? Discover our debit card vs travel money card comparison below.
Our comparison of fees with major banks' debit cards4
| Debit Card | Overseas ATM Fee | Spend Rate |
|---|---|---|
| ANZ | $5.00 | 3.00% |
| CommBank | $3.50 | 3.50% |
| NAB | $5.00 | 3.00% |
| Westpac | $5.00 | 3.00% |
| Travelex Money Card | $0 | 2.95% |
Our comparison fees with major banks' credit cards4
| Credit Card | Overseas ATM Fees |
|---|---|
| ANZ | $3 or 3% of total amount+ 3% cash advance fee5 |
| CommBank | 3.5% of total amount + 3% cash advance fee6 |
| NAB | 3.5% of total amount + 3% cash advance fee7 |
| Westpac | 3% of total amount + 2% cash advance fee8 |
| Travelex Money Card | Free |
These fees only apply to debit and credit cards offered by the banks. The banks may also offer other multicurrency products.
Comparing the best travel money cards
A prepaid travel card can certainly come in handy. But with so many options available, finding the best travel card for on overseas trip can feel overwhelming.
Travel money card tips
To help get you started on your travel card comparison journey, here's a rundown of what to look out for
Key features
To make sure you get the best value travel card, consider the following:
- Exchange Rates: Are you getting a great exchange rate and protected from potential currency fluctuations?
- Multiple Currencies: If you’re visiting multiple countries, a card that lets you hold multiple currencies at once can help simplify things.
- Security Features: Look for prepaid cards with advanced security measures like chip and PIN protection, as well as easy ways to block the card if lost or stolen.
- Reloadability: The best prepaid travel cards can be easily reloaded, even while abroad. This can save you from the hassle of running out of funds.
- Global Acceptance: Choose a prepaid travel card that’s widely accepted at international locations and ATMs for more flexibility in how and where you spend.
Fees
To make sure you get the best value travel card, consider the following:
- Purchase Fees: Some providers charge a fee for the card itself, so look out for any upfront costs.
- Reload & Account Keeping Fees: Check if there are monthly fees or additional fees for reloading the card with more money.
- ATM Withdrawal Fees: Some cards may charge a fee for ATM withdrawals, especially internationally. Keep in mind, ATM operators will often charge their own fee too.
- Inactivity Fees: Some card providers may charge an inactivity fee if you don't use the card for a certain period.
- Currency Conversion Fees: While many travel cards don't charge international transaction fees, they may charge a currency conversion fee for converting your home currency to a foreign currency.
By comparing these benefits, fees, and other features, the best travel card for your overseas adventure is just a few clicks away.
Comparison of some of the best travel cards in Australia
Different travel money cards come with different perks, make sure you take the time to compare your options. Below, we breakdown the unique selling points, benefits, and associated fees of some of the best travel money cards in Australia.*
*This does not constitute financial advice and is based on information we collected at the time of writing this article. Please see below for more details.< swipe > |
Available currencies | 24/7 emergency assistance | International ATM withdrawal fees3 | Domestic ATM withdrawal fees3 | Replacement card fee | Emergency cash access in event of loss, theft or damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelex Travel Money Card | 10 |  |
Free | Free | Free (initial & replacement) | |
| CBA Travel Money Card5 | 13 | |
Fees apply | Free | Free | |
| Travel Money Oz Currency Pass12 | 10 | |
Fees apply | Fees apply | $10 |  |
| Qantas Travel Money Card13 | 11 | |
Fees apply | Fees apply | n/a | |
| Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard9 | 11 | |
Fees apply | Fees apply | Free | |
| Wise Travel Money Card10 | 40+ | |
2 free withdrawals (under $350)– $1.50 + 1.75% fee thereafter10 | Free | 1st card $10 / replacement free | |
| Revolut Travel Money Card11 | 30 | |
5 free withdrawals (up to $350 in total)– 2% fee thereafter11 | 5 free withdrawals (up to $350 in total)– 2% fee thereafter11 | From $8.99 + shipping | |
Commbank Travel Money Card5
Best travel card for: Younger, app-based Commonwealth Bank members.
Benefits:
- Supports 13 currencies, including VND and CNY.
- No issue, closure, card replacement or reload fee.
- Additional card available; can be accessed via the Commonwealth Bank app.
- Locked exchange rates; usable wherever Visa is accepted.14
- Available from age 14.
Drawbacks:
- 4%+ margin on currency exchange rates.
- $3.50 overseas ATM fee (or the foreign currency equivalent).
- Expensive charges for currency conversion and transfers.
Travel Money Oz Currency Pass12
Best travel card for: Casual travellers visiting bigger cities.
Benefits:
- Competitive exchange rate for USD, GBP, and THB.
- No fees for initial card, loads via bank transfer, or inactivity.
- Valid for 5 years; usable wherever Mastercard is accepted.
Drawbacks:
- 1.1% fee on reloads via login or card; 1% via BPay.
- High fees on ATM withdrawals (2.95% in Australia, $3.50 overseas).
- $10 closure fee and limited to one card per account.
- Does not offer Global Emergency Assistance.
Travelex Travel Money Card
Best travel card for: Frequent travellers looking for a flexible, multi-currency option.
Benefits:
- Multiple Currencies: Supports 40 currencies, with up to 10 currencies loaded simultaneously, allowing you to manage your travel finances in different countries easily.
- No International ATM Fees: Unlimited free ATM withdrawals, helping you save more on your travels.
- Free AUD Top-Ups: It's free to load money onto the travel card online or via the app.
- Locked Exchange Rates14: Ability to lock in an exchange rate, providing peace of mind against currency fluctuations.
- Easy Management via App: Manage your funds with a user-friendly app that allows instant transfers between currencies and a "card freeze" feature for added security.
- Low 2.95% currency conversion fee when spending AUD in any country not listed among the supported currencies.
Drawbacks:
- $10 closure fee and limited to one card per account.
Qantas Travel Money Card13
Best travel card for: Qantas members visiting multiple cities who want to earn frequent flyer points.
Benefits:
- No monthly, purchase, or currency conversion fees.
- Earns 1.5 Qantas points per AU$1 spent in foreign currency.
- Free ATM withdrawals in Australia; available from age 16.
Drawbacks:
- Overseas ATM fees vary by currency (e.g., USD 1.95, GBP 1.25).
- Minimum load of $50; maximum load of $20,000.
Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard9
Best travel card for: Risk-consicous travellers seeking extra security.
Benefits:
- Free initial and replacement cards; no inactivity fees.
- Global Emergency Assistance and free cash access if lost/stolen.
- Access to Boingo hotspots for free Wi-Fi; usable wherever Mastercard is accepted.
Drawbacks:
- 1.1% fee for in-store loads; $5 for reloads via debit card.
- High ATM withdrawal fees (2.95% in Australia, $3.50 overseas).
- Costly cross-currency transaction fees (3.99% + 5.95%).
Wise Travel Money Card10
Best travel card for: Tech-savvy travellers headed to multiple destinations.
Benefits:
- Easy setup; no annual fees or hidden costs.
- Multi-currency account linked to card; local bank details in multiple countries.
- Payments and withdrawals in over 40 currencies globally.
Drawbacks:
- 2% ATM fee after $350 monthly limit.
- Initial card is $10.
- 7-14 days for delivery; limited local support in some locations.
- Currently available only in select regions (US, UK, Europe, Australia, NZ).
Revolut Travel Money Card11
Best travel card for: App lovers who are travelling during weekdays.
Benefits:
- Easy-to-use app; free setup.
- No purchase, load, or currency conversion fees (except weekends).
- Mid-market exchange rates; free to use or convert back to AUD.
Drawbacks:
- 2% ATM fee after $350 monthly limit.
- Subscription fees for Premium and Metal accounts; standard account costs $10.99/month.
- Incurs a currency conversion fee on weekends.
Fees as of January 2025
Get the best international travel card for wherever life takes you
The best travel card for overseas travel from Australia will largely depend on where you're going and how often you plan withdrawing cash. However, if you're looking for low fees, flexibility in currency loading, and broad acceptance, the Travelex Travel Card is a strong choice. It supports 40 different foreign currencies, has no international ATM withdrawal fees, and is accepted at millions of locations globally.
Your Travelex Travel Money Card can be used in any location that accepts Mastercard and supports 40 currencies, with up to 10 of them able to be loaded on the card at any one time, including:
- AUD - Australian dollar
- CAD - Canadian dollar
- EUR - Euro
- GBP - British pound
- HKD - Hong Kong dollar
- JPY - Japanese yen
- NZD - NZ dollar
- SGD - Singapore dollar
- THB - Thai baht
- USD - American dollar
- International transaction fees: Banks typically charge you a fee any time you spend money in a foreign currency, withdraw money from a foreign ATM, or transfer money into a different currency which can add up and impact your travel budget.
- Limited acceptance: Not all locations accept bank cards, which can limit your spending options while traveling.
- Less competitive exchange rates: Banks often offer less favorable exchange rates compared to specialised travel money cards, potentially costing you more when converting currencies.
- Risk of account exposure: If your bank card is lost or stolen, your entire bank account may be at risk. In contrast, a prepaid travel card only contains the amount you’ve preloaded, reducing your risk.
Learn more about the pros and cons of travelling with a credit card.
As a Canstar award-winning prepaid card, The Travelex Money Card is widely recognised for its value and features and considered as one of the best travel cards for Australians planning on overseas travel.
Travelex's Travel Card is designed to simplify your travel experience by allowing you to load and hold multiple currencies at once. This flexibility means you can lock in an exchange rate when you load your card, helping you avoid surprises due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. With acceptance at millions of locations worldwide and the ability to make purchases online or withdraw cash from international ATMs, one of the best perks of this travel card is its convenience and broad usability. Whether you're shopping, dining, or exploring, it’s a reliable travel companion that aims to make your trip smoother and more affordable.
The Travelex Money Card won several awards. It is rated 5 stars by Canstar (2016-2020) and Mozo's Best Prepaid Travel Card (2022-2024).
Some prepaid travel money cards that you might still find in search results are no longer in use. These include the 7-11 Just Go, NAB Travel Money Card, Travelex Cash Passport, Australia Post Cash Passport, ANZ Travel Card, Westpac Global Currency Card, and the Virgin Velocity Global Wallet program. If you're looking for active options, it's a good idea to check the latest cards available to ensure you're choosing the best card for international travel.
For Australians travelling overseas, having physical foreign currency on-hand can be essential in locations where cash is the primary or only payment method. Even in destinations where cards are widely accepted, carrying some cash as a backup is a good idea in case your card encounters issues. Cash can also help you stick to a budget, as physically handing over money makes you more aware of your spending and make you think twice about buying that souvenir or trinket.
However, carrying too much cash comes with its own risks, including the potential for theft. For this reason, many Australians find that travel cards offer the best of both worlds, giving you the flexibility to choose the most convenient payment option for your needs at any given moment.
Check out our tips on travelling with cash vs travel cards.
What is the best travel card in Australia for overseas travel?
The best travel card for overseas travel from Australia will largely depend on where you're going and how often you plan withdrawing cash. However, if you're looking for low fees, flexibility in currency loading, and broad acceptance, the Travelex Travel Card is a strong choice. It supports 40 different foreign currencies, has no international ATM withdrawal fees, and is accepted at millions of locations globally.
How many countries does our travel money card support?
Your Travelex Travel Money Card can be used in any location that accepts Mastercard and supports 40 currencies, with up to 10 of them able to be loaded on the card at any one time, including:
- AUD - Australian dollar
- CAD - Canadian dollar
- EUR - Euro
- GBP - British pound
- HKD - Hong Kong dollar
- JPY - Japanese yen
- NZD - NZ dollar
- SGD - Singapore dollar
- THB - Thai baht
- USD - American dollar
What are the disadvantages of using a regular bank card abroad?
- International transaction fees: Banks typically charge you a fee any time you spend money in a foreign currency, withdraw money from a foreign ATM, or transfer money into a different currency which can add up and impact your travel budget.
- Limited acceptance: Not all locations accept bank cards, which can limit your spending options while traveling.
- Less competitive exchange rates: Banks often offer less favorable exchange rates compared to specialised travel money cards, potentially costing you more when converting currencies.
- Risk of account exposure: If your bank card is lost or stolen, your entire bank account may be at risk. In contrast, a prepaid travel card only contains the amount you’ve preloaded, reducing your risk.
Learn more about the pros and cons of travelling with a credit card.
Why is Travelex considered one of the best travel cards in Australia?
As a Canstar award-winning prepaid card, The Travelex Money Card is widely recognised for its value and features and considered as one of the best travel cars for Australians planning on overseas travel.
Travelex's Travel Card is designed to simplify your travel experience by allowing you to load and hold multiple currencies at once. This flexibility means you can lock in an exchange rate when you load your card, helping you avoid surprises due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. With acceptance at millions of locations worldwide and the ability to make purchases online or withdraw cash from international ATMs, one of the best perks of this travel card is its convenience and broad usability. Whether you're shopping, dining, or exploring, it’s a reliable travel companion that aims to make your trip smoother and more affordable.
Which travel money cards are no longer available?
Some prepaid travel money cards that you might still find in search results are no longer in use. If you're looking for active options, it's a good idea to check the latest cards available to ensure you're choosing the best card for international travel.
Is it better to pay with cash or card overseas?
For Australians travelling overseas, having physical foreign currency on-hand can be essential in locations where cash is the primary or only payment method. Even in destinations where cards are widely accepted, carrying some cash as a backup is a good idea in case your card encounters issues. Cash can also help you stick to a budget, as physically handing over money makes you more aware of your spending and make you think twice about buying that souvenir or trinket.
However, carrying too much cash comes with its own risks, including the potential for theft. For this reason, many Australians find that travel cards offer the best of both worlds, giving you the flexibility to choose the most convenient payment option for your needs at any given moment.
Check out our tips on travelling with cash vs travel cards.
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, and the following times in the reference section below:
References:
Information about product rates and fees has been compiled from these sources and is current as of January 2025:
- ONLINE:
- 2.95% spend rate is limited until 30 April 2025. After which time normal spend rates and load fees will apply.
- Payments made via debit/credit card will incur a card processing fee (0.77% for Debit Mastercard, 0.94% for Credit Mastercard, 0.72% for Visa Debit and 1% for Visa Credit).
- IN-STORE:
- 2.95% spend rate is limited until 30 April 2025. After which time normal spend rates and load fees will apply.
- Payments made via credit card will incur a card processing fee (Mastercard credit: 1.09%, VISA credit: 1.18%). There is no surcharge fee for PayID, BPAY and Debit card unless 'credit' is selected at the point of sale.
- 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.
- ANZ Access Advantage (Debit card), CBA Smart Access (Debit card), NAB Classic Banking account (standard VISA Debit card), WESTPAC Choice (Debit card)
- Commbank money card fees and charges as published by the bank as of 01/06/2025, see details
- Cash advance fee: $4.00 or 3.00% of the transaction amount – whichever is greater. Bank fees and charges as published by the bank as of 01/06/2025, see details
- $5 per withdrawal + 3% of the Australian dollar amount. Bank fees and charges as published by the bank as of 01/06/2025, see details
- A 3% Foreign Transaction Fee applies to overseas debit or credit card withdrawals + a 2% cash advance fee applies to credit card withdrawals where the "Credit" option is selected. Bank fees and charges as published by the bank as of 01/06/2025, see details and details
- Auspost Travel Platinum Mastercard - https://auspost.com.au/money-insurance/organise-travel-money/travel-platinum-mastercard, Auspost Travel Platinum Mastercard Product Statement - https://auspost.com.au/content/dam/auspost_corp/media/documents/australia-post-travel-platinum-mastercard-product-disclosure-statement.pdf
- WISE fees and limits
- Revolut fees and limits
- Travel Money OZ fees and linits.
- Qantas fees and rates.
- Lock in your exchange rates mean the exchange rate is locked in for the initial load only. The exchange rates for subsequent reloads will be set at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the transaction.
Please refer to the terms of use 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.