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 travel card fees work, what to watch out for, and how the award-winning Travelex Travel Money Card stands apart as a truly fee-free travel card.
With the Travelex Travel Money Card, you can shop, dine, and withdraw cash overseas without worrying about foreign transaction fees or unfair exchange rate markups.
Understanding Travel Card fees
Traveling abroad? Don’t let hidden ATM fees1, 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 banks and debit 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, especially when topping up via a bank account or debit card.
- Monthly Account Fee: A recurring fee charged for maintaining the account.
- Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): A hidden fee when paying in Australian dollars (AUD) abroad instead of the local currency, often leading to unfavorable exchange rates.
| Fee type | Travelex Money Card | Traditional Bank Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign transaction fee | $0 | 2-3% per transaction |
| ATM withdrawal fees | $01 | $5+ per withdrawal |
| Currency conversion fee | $0 | 1-3% markup |
| Monthly account fees | None | Up to $10/month |
No international fees – here’s what that means
What are international transaction fees?
International transaction fees are charges applied when making a purchase overseas or in a foreign currency. Many debit and credit cards impose a 2-3% fee on every international transaction. If you’re not careful, this can quickly add up, costing you significantly over the course of your trip.
A travel card with no international fees, like the Travelex Money Card, helps you avoid these unnecessary expenses while giving you more control over your money.
How to avoid foreign transaction fees
To minimise international transaction fees while traveling, consider the following tips:
- Use a prepaid travel card instead of a standard debit or credit card linked to your bank account.
- Unlimited free overseas ATM withdrawals1
- Always pay in local currency to prevent costly dynamic currency conversion charges that reduce your exchange rate value.
Why choose a travel card with no fees?
Many traditional cards charge multiple fees that can significantly impact your travel budget. A fee-free travel card provides benefits such as:
- No Foreign Transaction Fees – Say goodbye to unexpected charges when spending in foreign currencies.
- Competitive Exchange Rates – Get a fair and transparent exchange rate every time you make a purchase or withdraw cash.
- Free ATM Withdrawals – Withdraw money from ATMs overseas without extra fees1.
- Supports Multiple Currencies – Avoid the hassle of converting Australian dollars to different foreign currencies when traveling across multiple countries.
- Easy to Manage – Use our app to track spending, reload funds from your bank account, and lock/unlock your card online.
- Safe & Secure – 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. |
| Top-Up – Foreign Currency Wallets | Free | No fee when adding money to foreign currency wallets. |
| 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 | 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 fees for overseas ATM withdrawals or EFTPOS purchases.1 |
| ATM Withdrawal & EFTPOS (Domestic) | Free | No fee for AUD wallet withdrawals in Australia. |
| Cash Over the Counter | Free | Banks may impose their own fees. |
| 24/7 Global Emergency Assistance | Free | Emergency cash access up to available balance. |
| Inactivity Fee | $4.00 AUD per month | Charged after 12 months of inactivity (waived if the balance is zero). |
| Currency Transfers | Free | No fee for moving money between wallets (exchange rate applies). |
| Currency Conversions | Free | If making a purchase in an unsupported currency, the Spend Rate applies. |
Get your no-fee Travel Card today
Don’t let foreign transaction fees hold you back. With Travelex, you get a truly fee-free experience tailored for travelers. Get the Travelex Money Card today and enjoy seamless, 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
If you lose your Travelex Money Card, contact the 24/7 global assistance immediately. They can arrange emergency funds up to your available balance.
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 Please be advised that although 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.
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 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.