Choosing how to access your money is one of the least thrilling aspects of traveling abroad. If you don’t want to carry cash, using a card is an alternative, so we’ve compiled a list of the best travel money cards you can use in the UK. You must choose the card that best meets your needs from among the many available options. Here is a list of the top Travel Money Cards, along with a summary of each one’s main advantages, to help you focus your search.
Prepaid, debit, or credit cards made specifically for usage abroad are all possible. Travel cards can be used to make purchases offline and online as well as to withdraw cash from ATMs. Continue reading to know about the best travel money cards in the UK.
What exactly is a prepaid travel card?
Prepaid travel cards, often called travel money cards, are debit cards that you fill with cash before leaving on vacation. It’s a practical method to stick to your holiday spending plan and keep your wallet light.
Prepaid travel cards can be used anywhere that takes MasterCard or Visa debit or credit cards, including cash registers, stores, and eateries.
A prepaid travel card is different from a credit card for two main reasons, though:
The pre-loaded limit on the card protects you from using more money than you have and accruing debt because you are only able to spend what is on it.
Depending on where you’re heading, you can choose the currency you preload on your travel money card, which frequently results in a higher conversion rate.
How do prepaid travel cards work?
Imagine it as a gift card for your vacation; you choose the amount of currency to deposit and can use it to make purchases or cash withdrawals overseas. You know how much you need to spend and can’t go over that amount unless you reload because it functions like a debit card.
You can either load it with pounds before you travel or with the currency of your choice once there. However, it usually utilizes the exchange rate from the day or two after.
1. N26 Travel Money Card
N26, one of the most well-known neo banks in Europe, solely accepts euros for debit card purchases. To ensure that you never incur international transaction fees on transactions made outside of the eurozone, N26 is a partner of Wise and has fully integrated Wise’s technology. N26’s card is a useful tool for EU/EEA citizens who go abroad even though it lacks multi-currency functionality. N26 will apply the genuine exchange rate on all of your overseas transactions and will never impose a commission fee.
2. Starling Bank Travel Money Card
One of the best neo-banks in the UK is Starling Bank. Because of its multi-currency capabilities, we highly suggest it to UK citizens who routinely purchase in British pounds and euros. Opening a Starling Bank account is free for UK residents and citizens. With the Starling Bank travel money card, there are no costs associated with making purchases abroad. It is a practical and affordable choice for frequent travelers simply because of this functionality, making it one of the best travel money cards. Even all ATM costs for machines abroad and in the UK are waived.
3. Revolut Travel Money Card
- There are no minimum balance requirements, purchase fees, load fees, reload fees, or exchange rate margins.
- In contrast to other travel cards, it is free and simple to spend your currency balance or change it back to Australian dollars, making it one of the best travel money cards.
- Competitive exchange rates are offered. There is no hidden markup; they utilize the same rate as you would see on XE or Google.
- A 2% ATM withdrawal fee applies to the free Standard account if you withdraw more than $350 in a single month.
- If you don’t use the premium account frequently, the $10.99 monthly cost might rapidly build up.
4. Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard
- After spending £3,000 in the first three months of card membership, you will receive a 25,000 bonus Avios.
- The highest rate of any credit card in the UK that earns Avios is 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on all purchases.
- In addition, there is a foreign transaction fee of 2.99% which is more than the value of the Avios that would be earned from these purchases.
- Additionally, British Airways offers substantial cabin upgrade vouchers every year.
- If you spent £10,000 on the Barclaycard Avios Plus Mastercard within the previous 12 months, you can receive a cabin upgrade ticket every 12 months.
- With an anticipated credit limit of £1,200, this card has a typical APR and purchase rate of 23.9% variable and 23.9% variable, respectively.
5. American Express Business Platinum Card
For small business owners in the UK, the American Express Business Platinum Card is the finest choice in the best travel money cards. The card is a no-brainer because of the extensive list of benefits, especially for company owners who travel frequently.
- After spending £6,000 in the first three months, you will receive 40,000 Membership Rewards points as a perk.
- Every £1 spent earns you one Membership Reward point, and every £1 spent on American Express Travel earns you two Membership Rewards points.
- Additionally, you’ll save £150 on each onefinestay reservation and receive a free annual digital membership to The Times and The Sunday Times, valued at £312.
- As a charge card rather than a credit card, this card has no spending restrictions or APR; however, you are required to pay the entire debt each month. There is a £595 yearly fee.
The Bottom Line
The majority of the best travel money cards allow for the loading of several currencies. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of the currency you utilize while traveling. The best travel money cards are also available from airlines, allowing you to accrue reward points for your purchases.
You need to exercise caution when using the best money travel card. These cards may include several charges, which could increase the price compared to other solutions. However, if you plan and visit several locations, the best travel money card for the USA is an excellent choice. Read more articles on Feedhour.
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