pelikin student travel card review

The Best Overseas Travel Cards That Are Available in Australia

I tested the travel money cards from Commbank, ANZ, Macquarie, Wise, Revolut, and Travelex by using them overseas. Then S Money compared their exchange rates, fees and services to 10 other cards available in Australia.

Choosing the right travel money card really comes downs to 3 things

• Making sure the card has the currency you need.
• The exchange rate.
• Card fees - particularly ATM fees and currency conversion fees.

With the best travel money card in hand, you can easily make payments whilst traveling overseas. It will make paying easier for shops, restaurants, hotels, and ATMs without getting slugged with massive fees.

In fact, according to a recent study by ING, Australians are losing an average of $92.62 in international transaction fees.

In this guide, we have compared travel money cards to help you make the best selection for your next trip.

Best travel cards to use overseas:

• Wise Travel Card - Exchange Rates Champ
• Revolut -Low Fee Travel Card

Travelex Money Card - The All Rounder

• Bankwest Breeze Platinum - Best Travel Credit Card
• Pelikin Student Traveller Card - Good for Students
• HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card
• Qantas Travel Money Card - For the Reward Benefits

Wise Travel Card - Great Exchange Rates

• 40+ currencies available
• Best exchange rates globally
• One of the lowest conversion fee on the market
• No international transaction fees
• No annual or monthly fees
• Extremely low costs to send money overseas

Fees and limits

• Cross currency conversion fees are between 0.24–3.69%. AUD to USD, EUR or GBP was 0.42%, which is one of the lowest on the market
• Free cash withdrawals up to $350 every 30 days. However after that, Wise Card charge a fixed fee of $1.50 per transaction + 1.75%
• Daily ATM withdrawal is $2,700
• Issue up to 3 virtual cards for temporary usage
• It takes between 7 to 14 business days to receive your card
• Can be used wherever MasterCard is accepted

Read our Wise Card Review

What I liked

Before I even left Australia, the Wise Card was one of the easiest cards to apply for and set up. It was delivered in under a week and the app was simple to download.

I used it to pay for restaurants, a taxi and had no problem. You get notifications every time you use it and there is the ability to freeze the card on the app if you think you've been hacked.

When it comes to exchange rates - what you see is what you get. Wise use the market rate that matches up to be roughly what you see online and there are no hidden margins built in.

The fees are transparent and easy to understand.

The only annoying thing was the ATM limits. Particularly in countries like Japan where cash is more commonly used, the limits are just another fee that you have to be mindful of.

Revolut - Low Fees

• 30+ currencies available
• One of the best exchange rates globally
• No annual or monthly fees for standard membership
• No initial card fee
• Instant access to a range of cryptocurrencies
• No fee ATM withdrawals up to A$350, or 5 ATM withdrawals, whichever comes first, per rolling 30 day period and 2% of withdrawal amount (minimum charge of A$1.50) after that
• Exchanging currency on the weekend can incur a 1% mark-up fee
• Fees on international money transfers were introduced in April 2021.
• Can be used wherever Visa is accepted

Read our Revolut Card Review

The Revolut Travel Card was the only card that could come close to the exchange rates on offer by Wise.

The app was also really easy to use, but came with more features than I actually needed for an overseas trip.

The Standard Plan is more than enough for most people using it as a travel card. The other plans seem a touch expensive for what you get.

If you exchange currency on the weekend you can incur a one-percent mark-up fee. In addition, Revolut have introduced fees for international transfers. Outside of these two exceptions, the cards fee structure is one of the best in the Australian market.

Key Features

• Unlimited free ATM withdrawals
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance
• Initial and replacement card are free
• Lock in up to 10 currencies
• Minimum load of $100 and maximum load of $100,000
• Can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted
• Fees include a $10 closure fee, $5 for an additional card and $4 inactivity monthly fee.
• While Travelex don't charge ATM fees, some ATM operators may charge their own fees.
• Currencies that can be loaded are AU$, US$, EU€, GB£, NZ$, TH฿, CA$, HK$, JP¥, SG$
• If your card is lost or stolen you can access cash in your account through Moneygram or Western Union agents, with no charge
• Boingo hotspots offer free wifi and you can look at their number of free hotspots per country on this map

Multi Currency Travelex Travel Card Review

The Travelex Money Card was easier to buy than the Wise or Revolut cards, but the fees soon started to add up overseas.

The free wifi hotspots are handy, however, with a decent eSim , I didn't end up using that many of them.

You can use it to take money out of the ATM, for merchant purchases like restaurants and even for online shopping in foreign currency. While the exchange rates aren't as good as the Wise or Revolut cards abroad, the support network if the card is lost or stolen is very good.

Once I got back to Australia, I had to make sure there was almost nothing left on it given the closure and inactivity fees.

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card

• Lowest interest rate at 9.90%
• No international transaction fees on purchases
• Up to 55 days interest free on purchases
• Low annual fee
• Complimentary international travel insurance

• Free annual fee first year, then $69 annual fee
• Free international travel insurance that includes the basics but does not cover cancellation costs, pre existing conditions and travellers over 80
• $6,000 minimum credit card
• 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then reverts to 9.90%
• 21.99% interest rate on purchases and cash advances
• Cash advance fee of the higher of $4 or 2% of cash advance

The Bankwest Breeze Platinum is a great no frills credit card that offers ‘no foreign transaction fees’ and the lowest interest rate on the market, at 9.90%. These two factors alone will save you hundreds of dollars when travelling.

In addition it has a low annual fee and complimentary international travel insurance. Finally for its price point it is a great value credit card that will be accepted most places that take Mastercard.

HSBC Everyday Global Debit Card

• Great exchange rates
• No fees at ATMs to withdraw cash
• No initial card, closure, account keeping or monthly fees
• No cross currency conversion fees

• 10 Currencies can be loaded are JPY, USD, AUD, EUR, GBP, CAD, NZD, SGD, INR and CNY (currency restrictions on CNY)
• No maximum balance for any currency
• Very competitive exchange rates on all currencies when you have currencies already loaded on your card
• ATMs within Australia need to be HSBC and overseas they need to display a VISA or VISA Plus logo, not be be charged fees
• Earn 2% cash back when you tap and pay with payWave, Apple Pay or Google Pay for purchases under $100.
• Daily maximum ATM withdrawal is $2,000
• Fraud protection covered by Visa Zero Liability

The HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card is a good option to take overseas and to spend money with no international transaction fees, international ATM fees and monthly fees.

There is no maximum balance on currencies held and a 2% cash back incentive when you tap and pay under $100.

Best Student Card

Pelikin student traveller card.

• Use promo code SMONEY10 for a $10 discount
• Up to 15% off international flights
• A globally accepted virtual student ID card
• 2% cash back on food & drinks, transport and accommodation
• Over 150,000 discounts worldwide

• $30 for 12 months
• 20+ currencies available
• Split bills, pay and get paid instantly

Pelikin is one of the only travel cards in Australia specifically for students. While it has a small annual fee, the range of discounts and offers more than make up for it.

The app is relatively easy to use and card arrives in under a week.

Best Rewards Card

Qantas travel money card.

• No monthly fees, purchase fees and currency conversion fees
• No load fees if you pay by bank transfer or BPay
• Locked in exchange rates: 4%+ margin on exchange rates
• Earn 1.5 Qantas points for every AU$1 spent in foreign currency

• 10 currencies offered USD, GBP, EUR, THB, NZD, SGD, HKD, CAD, JPY, AED
• Free Australia ATM withdrawals
• 0.5% fee debit card reload fee
• ATM fees overseas (USD 1.95; GBP 1.25; EUR 1.50; THB 70; NZD 2.50; SGD 2.50; HKD 15.00; CAD 2.00; JPY 160; AED 6.50)
• Minload of $50 and max of $20,000
• Available to 16 year olds, has a lower age restriction than most credit cards (18 year olds)

Qantas Travel card is a great option to spend foreign currency overseas if you are already a loyal Qantas customer and use your frequent flyer points regularly on flights, accommodation or gifts. The fees are low, the exchange rate is average however the ATM fees are expensive and will easily add up.

Methodology

We used 6 of the cards overseas in variety of cases including ATMs, Apple Pay, purchases over the counter and tap and go.

Every card we tested was either a Visa or a Mastercard, so they were universally accepted in all locations. What really set some cards apart from others were the exchange rates, fees (particularly the ATM) and ease of use.

While the other fees are worth keeping an eye on, the ATM fee had the most impact on the overall cost of using the card.

When it came down to ease of use, we judged

• The ability to spend money in any currency
• The ability to spend money in any location
• The ability to spend money by any method

From these experiences, the data was then verified by the Product Disclosure Statement of each card which includes each point of comparison:

• Exchange rates
• Purchase Fee
• Overseas ATM fees
• Cross Currency conversion fee
• Closure fee
• Minimum and maximum amounts
• Currencies available
• Services included such as ApplePay, online support and an app.

Editorial note: We may not cover every product in this category. For more information, see our Editorial guidelines .

How to pick the right travel card.

When selecting a travel money card, several key features can affect your travel budget:

• Foreign Transaction Fees : Compare cards that offer low or waived foreign transaction fees to minimise costs when purchasing abroad.
• Exchange Rates and Currency Conversion Fees : Look for cards that provide competitive exchange rates and minimal currency conversion fees to maximise the value of your money.
• ATM Withdrawal Fees and Limits : Evaluate the cost and limits associated with ATM withdrawals overseas to avoid unnecessary fees.
• Additional Perks : Consider cards that offer supplementary benefits such as travel insurance, emergency assistance, and rewards programs, which can enhance your travel experience.

Other popular travel money cards

Aside of the travel money cards listed above, there are many more options to consider. These include well known brands such as the Commonwealth Bank and ANZ travel card and less known services like Up Bank and Bendigo Bank.

Here is a rundown of their best features, fees and available currencies:

Best Features

• 13 currencies available, including Vietnamese Dong and Chinese Yuan
• No issue fee, load fees, closure and card replacement fees
• Additional card offered
• Can be accessed through Commonwealth Bank app

Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card

• $3.50 fee at ATMs overseas
• 13 currencies offered USD, GBP, EUR, THB , NZD, SGD, HKD, CAD, JPY, AED, AUD, VND & CNY
• Minload of $1 and max of $100,000
• Available to 14 year olds, has a lower age restriction than most credit cards (18 year olds)
• When you use your card for a purchase or withdrawal in a currency that is not loaded, or when they automatically transfer funds between the currencies on your card to enable the completion of the transaction at the Visa retail exchange rate plus 4%
• To transfer money between currencies or a transaction account, it will be at the bank rate which is normally 4% above the market value

The Commonwealth Bank travel money card is great if you are already a Commonwealth bank customer who banks online and knows exactly how much money in each country you want to spend. However if you need to transfer between currencies or make a purchase in a currency you don't have funds loaded, then you can get an additional expensive charge. Watch how many withdrawals at ATMs you make as well to keep the costs down.

• Exchange rates most competitive for USD, GBP and THB
• No fee on initial card or load (not BPay)
• No fee on reloads via bank transfers
• No monthly or inactivity fees
• Card is valid for 5 years

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass

• 1.1% reloading fee via Travel Money Oz Login or with debit or credit card
• 1% reloading fee for BPay
• $10 closure fee and replacement card fee
• 2.95% on withdrawals from Australian ATMs is expensive
• Roughly $3.50 on withdrawals from overseas ATMs is expensive.
• $3.99 + 5.95% fee on cross currency transactions
• 10 Currencies can be loaded are USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD, THB & AUD
• Exchange rates for SGD and CAD are the least competitive
• Minload of $20 and max of $10,000
• Only 1 card per account
• According to the website they won't take online orders if you are departing within 14 days as the card can take up to 2 weeks for delivery.

The Travel Money Oz travel money card seems to be an outdated version of the Travelex or Australia Post travel card as it does not offer Global Emergency Assistance or Boingo hotspots. However exchange rates and fees are similar to Travelex, so if you are travelling to the US, UK or Thailand, this is a great card to pay for accommodation and things in shops. We would avoid using it at any ATM, to save costs.

• No ATM fees in Australia or internationally
• No minimum monthly deposit
• No account keeping fees
• Can be used in Australia as an EFTPOS card
• Available to 14 year olds and older

Macquarie Travel Card

• $2,000 daily limit for ATM withdrawals
• Simple and easy to work out costs for account
• Exchange rates are MasterCard exchange rates, which are normally 4%+ market rate.
• 90-day theft and damage protection on eligible purchases and stolen wallet protection up to $500
• Can be used in Australia to buy goods overseas and not pay international transaction fees
• Get discounts of up to 10% on eGift cards to use at over 50 leading retailers

The Macquarie Travel Card is a very good option to take overseas for ATM withdrawals as they are all free. In addition in Australia you can buy goods online and not pay an international transaction fee. Furthermore you can use the card like a normal debit card in Australia with no hefty fees or monthly minimum deposits. However the exchange rate is the MasterCard rate which is normally 4%+ above the market rate. Finally we would recommend this card for cash withdrawals at ATMs internationally but not paying for accommodation due to the added margin on the MasterCard exchange rate.

• Cheapest way to send money overseas through a bank
• UI and UX better than traditional banks making it super easy to use
• Competitive savings interest rate

Up Bank Travel Card

• Backed by Bendigo Bank and Adelaide Bank and partnered with Wise so it has financial backing and access to the cheapest exchange rates to send money overseas
• Nifty online tools to help you track spending, budget and save. These include a detailed transaction history often including a company logo, when you paid down to the minute and the suburb where the transaction was made. In addition it has a ‘Regulars feature that detects regular billers and estimate of upcoming bills so you get a heads-up before they are due
• Good savings account interest rates of 1.85% (0.10% base rate plus 1.75% bonus). Bonus interest is easily unlocked after making five successful card or digital wallet purchases each month

The Up Bank Travel Card is aimed at younger markets who are looking to save on bank costs and receive online tools to help them budget and save for their goals. It is also able to be used overseas at any ATM without fees, no international fees and is the cheapest way to send money overseas through a bank due to their partnership with Wise (the largest money transfer company in the world). In addition the exchange rates are Mastercard rates which are normally 4% above interest rates. Finally, while this card is very useful domestically and for ATMs overseas we would not recommend it for big ticket items overseas as it is an expensive card to use.

• No foreign transaction fees
• No fee on initial card, load, unload or inactivity fees
• No cross currency transactions fees
• Lock in exchange rates before you leave
• Exchange rates most competitive for USD, GBP, EUR and CAD and JPY
• No ATM fee at 50,000 Global Alliance ATMs worldwide
• Free additional card
• Flight delay pass

Westpac Travel Money Card

• 11 Currencies can be loaded are USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD, THB, AUD & ZAR
• $2,000 maximum limit on ATM withdrawals overseas within 24 hours
• $50,000 maximum limit on currencies loaded on to travel card
• $3 roughly for ATMs that are not within the Non Westpac Global Alliance
• If you run out of one currency on the card, you can pay with other currencies without the expensive cross currency transaction fee
• No foreign transaction fees, initial card, load, unload or inactivity fees
• According to the Westpac it can take upto 8 business days to receive the travel card
• Secure from fraudulent transactions with Mastercard Zero Liability protection
• 2 cards per account for free

The Westpac Travel Card is a no frills handy travel card with very low fees, no foreign transaction fees, access to some free ATMs worldwide and competitive exchange rates, especially on USD, EUR, GBP, CAD and JPY. In addition it has the South African Rand (ZAR) which is not common in prepaid travel cards. Finally it has access to a flight delay pass in case your flights are delayed and you need to access airport lounges.

• Linked to ANZ Rewards program
• 7 types of insurance for free
• 55 days interest free
• Good security on card purchases

ANZ Travel Adventure Card

• 20.24% interest on purchases and cash advances
• $120 annual fee
• No international transaction fees in person or online
• Offer 7 types of insurance for free
• ANZ Reward points can be used to buy gift cards, swap for Virgin or Singapore airline points or cash into your account.
• Earn 1.5 Reward points per $1 spent on eligible purchases up to $2,000 per statement period
• ATM fees at non ANZ ATMs
• Minimum credit of $6,000

If you utilize rewards points then the ANZ Travel Adventure Card might be suitable for you. Reward points can be used to buy a wide range of gift cards, swap for Virgin or Singapore airline points or cash into your account. In addition no international transaction fees are charged for purchases online or whilst you travel overseas. Finally this card is not recommended for cash withdrawals as the interest rate of 20.24% will eat up any savings.

• No ATM fees
• Can be used in Australia with no additional costs
• No fees for paying via bank transfer or Bpay
• Transfer limits can be set by user

ING Orange Everyday Account Debit Card

• As long as you you deposit at least $1000 and make at least 5 payments each month ING will waive international transaction fees and refund overseas ATM withdrawal fees
• Can be used in all countries
• Works with Apple Pay and Google Pay
• Visa currency conversion rates apply, which are normally 4% above market

The ING Orange Everyday Account Debit Card is a good card for most Australians travelling overseas for ATM access, with no fees. It also allows you to to buy goods online without an international transaction fee.

Furthermore you can use it in Australia for free and there are no fees to get your initial card, for account keeping or to top up your card. A word of caution however, if you travel overseas for longer than 1 month, you still need to deposit at least $1,000 and make at least 5 payments each month to get the rebates.

• Initial card and replacement cards are free
• Increased protection with Mastercard Zero Liability
• Access to cash from your account through the Global Emergency Assistance, if your card is lost or stolen

Australia Post Travel Money Card - Platinum Mastercard

• 1.1% Admin fee for instore loads, including initial load
• $5 fee for reloads via debit bank card
• $10 closure fee
• $3.50 on withdrawals from overseas ATM is expensive
• Currencies that can be loaded are USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, THB, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD , AED and AUD
• Minload of $100 and max of $100,000
• If your card is lost or stolen you can access cash that is in your account through Moneygram or Western Union agents, with no charge
• Boingo hotspots offer the free wifi and you can look at their number of free hotspots per country on this map

The Australia Post travel money card is a popular option for Australian travellers due to the convenience of stores. However we would recommend the Australia Post travel money card for paying in shops or accommodation as it is costly to withdraw cash from ATMS. As the Australia Post travel money card is fee heavy we recommend not making withdrawals at ATMs or making cross currency transactions to keep additional fees down.

• Up to 11 currencies available
• Manage your account and card online
• 24/7 global assistance
• Access to emergency cash
• Free additional card when ordered at time of purchase
• Can be used at millions of locations worldwide – wherever Mastercard purchase symbol is displayed

Greater Bank Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard

• $5 fee for reloads via debit bank card, FREE reloads via BPAY
• Admin fee of up to the greater of 1.1% of the load/reload amount or $15 for in-store purchases
• Debit card load fee 0.5% of the amount loaded, per Debit Card Load transaction
• Domestic ATM fee 2.95% of value Withdrawn
• International ATM fee USD 2.50, EUR2.50, GBP 2.00,NZD 3.50, THB80.00, CAD 3.50,HKD 18.00, JPY260.00, SGD3.50, AED 10.00, AUD 3.50
• Minimum load of AUD100 and a Maximum of AUD100,000

The Cash Passport is one of the most popular travel cards in the Australian market. With Greater Bank, you can purchase it online and at one of their branches, then download the app or use the website to manage your card. While the card may be useful for international purchases, be mindful when using an ATM both locally or overseas as the fees can add up if you are withdrawing money often.

Learn more about the Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard through Greater Bank .

Is it worth getting a travel card?

Only if the bank you already use, charges high international transaction fees. Unfortunately, that’s most Australians that bank with the big 4 banks.

For example, using your ING, Macquarie or Up Bank debit card overseas is not that much different to a specialised travel card. The effort to get a new card set up may not be worth it.

Alternatively, if you are losing 5% on the exchange rate and getting hit with high ATM fees from your local bank, then it’s definitely worth getting a travel card that isn’t issued by one of the large, retail banks.

What is the best card to use while abroad?

The best travel card in Australia depends on its use, for ATM withdrawals it is  ING Orange , for best exchange rates it is Wise Travel Card, the best credit card is  Bankwest Breeze Platinum , for overall best card by a bank its  HSBC Global  and the best rewards card is the  Qantas Travel card.

Which cards do not charge international transaction fees?

Macquarie, ING and Up are 3 banks in Australia that don’t charge international transaction fees .

The most straightforward way to avoid fees on each transaction is to bring cash with you. All you have to do is convert your Australian dollars to the foreign currency of the country or countries you plan to travel to.

You can convert your currency either online, and have your money delivered directly to you, or in-store.

Online money exchangers like S Money are often an easy and cheap way to buy foreign currency. You usually only pay a small fee and the currency exchange rate, no hidden fees!

Is a money travel card better than cash?

A travel money card is safer than cash overseas and if you select a Wise travel card, it is the best exchange rate as well. Most places around the world accept MasterCard or Visa, so you should be able to pay for all your purchases by card.

Can I use my travel money card in Australia?

Yes you can use all travel cards in Australia but you might choose not to due to the fees.  ING ,  Macquarie ,  Up ,  Citibank  are all good examples of travel money cards that do not charge for ATM withdrawals in Australia. However examples of travel money cards that charge $3.50 per Australian ATM withdrawal include  Travelex ,  Australia Post  and  Travel Money Oz .

Is it cheaper to use cash or card abroad?

Both if you buy your cash from S Money and pay with a Wise card overseas, as they both use the exchange rate you see online and charge very low fees. However if you buy your foreign currency at the airport, you are paying top prices so using a card is cheaper.

Which travel money cards no longer exist?

There are many travel money cards that no longer exist but appear in search engine page results. Travel money cards that no longer exist include 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.

The best debit, credit and prepaid cards for travel

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Learn more about the best travel money cards for your holiday destination.

ASIC regulated

Like all reputable money exchanges, we are registered with AUSTRAC and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).

S Money complies with the relevant laws pertaining to privacy, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism finance. This means you are required to provide I.D. when you place an order. It also means the order must be paid for by the same person ordering the currency and you must show your identification again when receiving your order.

Product snapshot

About pelikin.

Pelikin is a fully app-based Australian fintech that’s aiming to change the way Aussie travellers (what they call the Pelikin Squad) manage their money while overseas. 

Based in Melbourne, Pelikin have already released a travel money app and prepaid card that can be used to pay in over 200 countries and to easily swap between multiple currencies at the tap of a screen, as well as travel insurance. The app also has some awesome features that set them apart from their competitors, like digital wallets that can hold up to five currencies at once and an internal split bill function. 

Pelikin aren’t a bank or  neobank , they're are a multi-currency digital account. But they’re backed by UK company Tuxedo Money Solutions to provide their app and card, as well as locally in Australia with Heritage Bank who issue their Visa debit card. 

At the moment Pelikin are focused on cracking the travel money market by offering a stand-out and unique product in their travel money card and app, but that’s not to say that we won’t see more products from this company in the future.

Pelikin's products

Pelikin Travel Money Cards

Like some of its digital bank competitors, Pelikin offer a free prepaid card that is connected to their app, but where this fintech is different is that it’s primary focus is changing the way people manage their money while travelling. 

Their travel money card is particularly noteworthy as there are currently 21 currencies available to use at more than 100 million Visa merchants worldwide. Users can easily swap between currencies and allocate which currency they want to use instantly - all within the Pelikin app. Worried your card has gone astray? Simply go into the app and freeze it to prevent unauthorised spending.

You'll also get 2% cashback on eligible travel expenses (transport, accomodation, food, and drinks), to sweeten the deal.

Pelikin offers travel cards specifically for students and young people. Their Student Travel Card is a globally accepted virtual student ID card, full of global offers on food, fashion, tech and much more. You'll also receive up to 15% off flights in the Pelikin app.

Not a student? Don’t worry! They’ve created a Yo uth Travel Card for anyone 30 years old or under to prove their age, packed full of thousands of offers, perks and exclusive global deals. We're talking more than 150,000 deals worldwide.

Issued by Visa, Pelikin’s card comes with Tap&Go and can be used wherever Visa is accepted for purchases and to withdraw cash from ATMs. There is a 4% foreign exchange/cross currency conversion fee, as well as a fee for ATM withdrawals ($4 domestically in Australia, $5 internationally). There may be additional fees charged by local ATM operators or merchants.

To use the card, Pelikin users can simply transfer Australian dollars onto the app from their regular bank account and funds can be accessed on the card. Transfers from all major banks will be available instantly. You can convert your Aussie dollars within the app and use whichever currency you need with the card. Keep in mind that any money from foreign banks will be rejected by Pelikin and sent back.

Pelikin Travel Insurance

Aside from giving young Aussie travellers a new way to pay and transfer money while they’re overseas, Pelikin are also offering travel insurance through their app after partnering with Sydney-based insurance startup Insured By Us. 

Pelikin are offering their Squad members three levels of travel insurance cover depending on their budgets: Saver, Basic and Comprehensive. It doesn't end there though, because Pelikin have got creative with their insurance. They're also offering users the option of picking from up to 10 'extra packs' including snow sports, car rental, business and pregnancy - that way travellers can custom build a travel insurance policy for their own unique trip!   

Pelikin's app features

The creators of Pelikin want to make a big impression in the travel money market, so they have rolled out an app with a range of awesome features that’ll appeal to frequent travellers, especially millennials.

Hold up to five currencies

Users have the ability to hold their funds in up to 21 currencies all on the Pelikin app. Six random currencies will be shown on opening the app, but you are able to swap between them in real-time using the app so that you always have access to the right type of money whenever and wherever you are. Pelikin’s app designers have incorporated national flags and symbols to ensure the categorised currency system is clear and easy to use for everyone.

Split bill function

Perfect for people travelling in groups, Pelikin have added a split bill function so that users can track and share expenses with the people around them. Everyone instantly pays their share through the Pelikin app and all the hard work is done for you, no need to pay people back or deal with mounds of cash.

Unique handles

It’s out with the old bank account details and in with the new @ handles as a way to pay and receive money in the Pelikin app. Not only does this better personalise users’ travel money accounts but also removes the hassle of BSBs, account names and numbers when transferring to other people.

In-app transfers

A benefit of having Pelikin is that you can pay and receive funds from other members of the Pelikin Squad instantly. Because you can hold multiple currencies on the app, you have the flexibility to pay in whichever of the five currencies you hold. Simply find your payee’s unique handle, select your currency and transfer away.

Is Pelikin right for you?

Let’s be straight, Pelikin really could be a handy option for any Aussie travellers who love to jump between countries and need to use multiple currencies as they do. The app also has useful features an account that holds up to five different currencies at once and an internal split-bill function that can be used with other members of the Pelikin Squad wherever they are in the world.

Together, these features are likely to appeal to millennial travellers with a knack for all things digital as users have constant access to their funds in the palm of their hands through a mobile app. 

They also have in-app chat support, which is perfect for travellers who don’t want to sit on the phone waiting for a call centre while they are overseas - instead, they simply send a brief message if there is an issue with their card or they have an inquiry. 

But Pelikin isn’t a bank, nor is it pretending to be one. It’s a travel money option so it isn’t going to be suited for general use in Australia as an everyday bank.

How do I sign up for Pelikin?

Pelikin’s in-app sign up is quick and easy, but users will need to provide some personal details like their name, date of birth and home address before they can sign up for an account. According to the Pelikin team, your info can be verified within a matter of seconds - otherwise they will contact you directly if there are any issues. 

Once that’s complete, a Pelikin travel money card will be sent to the address provided within ten days. Once you’ve received your card you must activate it through the app but then you’re ready to go and can start transferring money, switching between currencies and using the card on your next trip abroad.

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Pelikin Travel Money Cards

Deciding how to spend your money overseas can be a difficult process… Is my money safe? Am I getting the best rate? Am I paying hidden fees?

Our personal travel managers have the solution for you. Pelikin travel money cards are fast, simple and rewarding. They allow you to pay like a local with great exchange rates in over 150 currencies, with free and instant wallet loads and reloads.

How does Pelikin work?

• Send money and split bills instantly
• Virtual and physical travel card options
• Apple Pay and Google Pay enabled – no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth required
• Spend anywhere in the world that accepts Visa
• No hidden fees
• 2% cash back on eligible overseas food, drink and transport purchases

Why you need a Pelikin card?

• Fast and free setup
• Great exchange rates
• Pay safely with your phone
• Ease to use and top up when you’re travelling
• Easily manages split bills so you’re not keeping a tab
• In-app customer support

How to get a Pelikin travel money card?

Speak to your personal travel manager who will guide you on the process.

Your personal travel manager can organise your Pelikin travel money card for you. Our personal travel managers have an average of 20 years’ experience in the travel industry.

*Conditions apply. Please click through to Pelikin terms and conditions here for more details. Whilst all information is correct at the time of publication, offers are subject to change or withdrawal. Other conditions may apply. Please view the TravelManagers general terms and conditions here and contact your personal travel manager for more details. 

PTM Resource

TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.

•   My Account

• A globally accepted virtual Student ID card
• Student priced flights (up to 20% off on international flights)
• Over 150,000 discounts and offers from brands like McDonalds, Apple, Adidas, H&M and more (available in the Pelikin App)
• A free travel card and travel money app that helps young solo and group travellers manage their money, split bills and share expenses and protect their money when they travel.  

Travel With Us

Designed for iphone.

• 4.5 • 2 Ratings

iPhone Screenshots

Description.

Pelikin is a next-gen travel money card that’s changing the way Aussies do money overseas. Pelikin is built for traveller, by travellers. It starts with our app that’s designed to help you manage your travel money like a pro. It’s connected to your 21 currency wallets, that you can use to swap money, send money and split bills hassle-free. Finally, we have our virtual and physical prepaid travel cards. They work just like a debit card, except you can make 2% cash back on purchase overseas. Earn cash back on travel spend Get 2% cash back on food, drinks, transportation and accommodation while you’re travelling overseas. Spend with 150 currencies You’ll get 21 currency wallets in your Pelikin app, but your Pelikin travel money card can be used in almost every currency at millions of places around the world - wherever Visa is accepted. Join from anywhere in under 5 minutes Signing up is easy and fast - we’re talking less than 5 minutes. You’ll get a virtual card straight away and you can start spending in-store or online straight away. Free and instant loads. Say good bye to waiting 2 working days to get access to your money. You can load instantly at no cost at any time, wherever you are in the world…That’s how it should be! No hidden fees Your bank loves to charge you fees - we don't. Use your Pelikin travel money card all over the world without being stung with those confusing and costly fees. Student & Youth Traveller Cards Saving money is everything when you’re travelling. Students can save 15% on flights and access over 150,000 discounts and offers inside their Pelikin app. But wait, there’s more - You’ll get a virtual ID card so you get treated like a student all over the world. Keep your money safe Pelikin is trusted by thousands of travellers and we’re backed by Visa and fintech unicorn Nium. Your money is always safe with us and you can freeze your cards in-app anytime.

Version 2.5.6

- A new and improved youth and student ID card design - Improved the bill splitting experience - More exclusive offers from our partners at Visa - Fixed bugs and made some minor improvements. - Safe Travels!

Ratings and Reviews

Awesome travel app.

Awesome app for a group of friends traveling overseas. Highly recommend it!

App Privacy

The developer, Pelikin , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Contact Info
• User Content
• Identifiers

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Developer Website
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Home » News » Pelikin adds exclusive youth & student cards to agent affiliate program

Pelikin adds exclusive youth & student cards to agent affiliate program

Pelikin has recently added youth and student cards to the list of offerings for agents through its affiliate travel money app.

Agents can now earn $5 on every International Student Identity Card (ISIC)/International Youth Travel Card (IYTC) card a customer purchases via the Pelikin app.

Pelikin CEO/Founder, Sam Brown explained, “since STA closed down it’s been difficult for agents to sell ISIC cards to their customers.

“We have negotiated with the Australian ISIC/IYTC licensee to become the exclusive travel money provider of ISIC cards and we want to share that with our travel agent affiliate partners.”

Pelikin product (Supplied)

This product provides students and young travellers with a globally recognised ID card, over 150,000 discounts and offers around the world and the benefits of the Pelikin travel money card, including 2 per cent cashback on eligible international purchases.

Pelikin also wants to remind agents that their current incentive is still running giving the agency who signs up the most customers to Pelikin the chance to “fill their fridge” with $1000 worth of vouchers as well as a weekly $100 prize draw including any agency that has at least 5 customers sign up for Pelikin.

To use the product, provide your clients with your unique affiliate URL or QR code and they do the rest. Pelikin have also added new student & youth marketing materials to their affiliate marketing pack.

If you would like to know more simply reach out to your Evolution Travel Collective (ETC) BDM.

Email the Travel Weekly team at [email protected]

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How to pick the right travel credit card for you

Editor's Note

So you've decided to get a travel credit card — congratulations. Now comes the hard part: finding the card that makes the most sense for your wallet.

With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to pick out what kind of credit card will offer you the most value based on your lifestyle and spending habits. To help you make the decision that's best for you, follow these four simple steps.

Decide between a cobranded or general travel rewards card

First and foremost, you'll want to consider the type of travel card you want and the type of rewards you wish to earn. There are two main categories: cobranded travel credit cards and general travel rewards credit cards.

Cobranded travel credit cards are affiliated with a particular airline or hotel and often come with brand-specific travel benefits. For airline cards , that means perks like free checked bags, priority boarding and inflight discounts. Hotel cards may include annual hotel credits or automatic hotel elite status.

Since cobranded cards help you earn rewards within a specific travel program, they're best suited for frequent travelers loyal to a particular brand, like United Airlines or Marriott.

General travel rewards credit cards allow you to earn rewards within a credit card rewards program with various redemption options. With a general travel card, you might be able to transfer your rewards to multiple airline and hotel loyalty programs or use them to book travel through your card issuer's travel portal. You may also be able to redeem your rewards for statement credits, gift cards and select merchandise.

General travel credit cards are typically better for those who want flexibility in their rewards without being tied to a specific airline or hotel brand.

Related: How (and why) you should earn transferable credit card points

Find a valuable welcome offer

Next, you'll want to identify a card with a hefty — yet achievable — welcome offer, which can sometimes single-handedly justify your ownership of the card for years on end.

Take stock of your ability to meet the minimum spending requirements on a given offer. For example, the popular Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card 's typical welcome offer is 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Spending $4,000 in three months isn't a high bar to clear, but make sure you can meet that spending level if you're considering getting the card.

Rewards cards with higher welcome offers typically come with higher minimum spending requirements. You'll also want to keep an eye on card offer histories and potentially take advantage of any elevated welcome offers on cards you're interested in.

Related: The best welcome offers this month

Maximize bonus categories

If you've found a card with a nice sign-up bonus, be sure that it has bonus categories conducive to your spending habits so that you can take advantage of them as much as possible.

If you spend a lot in a given category, like restaurants, groceries or travel , find a card that earns multiple points or miles per dollar when you spend at those places. Predictably, most travel cards also offer bonus rewards when you spend on travel, with Marriott Bonvoy cards offering bonus rewards at Marriott properties, for example, or more general Chase cards offering bonuses when you book travel through Chase Travel℠ .

Welcome offers and bonus categories will significantly affect how you earn rewards, so choose wisely.

Justify the annual fee

Lastly, we recommend only considering the cards with perks that will make a difference to you, with benefits that will help you justify an annual fee (if the card has one) and that you can derive value from the next time you book a trip.

For example, premium offerings like The Platinum Card® from American Express offer lavish perks that are seemingly never-ending. The Amex Platinum has over $1,500 worth of benefits and statement credits, mostly to offset its $695 annual fee (see rates and fees ), but if you can't take advantage of those perks and find yourself paying almost $700 for benefits you aren't taking advantage of, the card won't be worth it.

There are plenty of cards with no annual fee , which is a good place to start. That said, most annual fees on cards are justifiable and can be more than offset if you use the card and its perks wisely.

Related: The complete guide to credit card annual fees

Bottom line

With so many cards on the market, we know it can be difficult to find the one that's right for you, especially if you're new to the world of points and miles .

Our advice is to go for a general travel rewards card if you are a free agent or a specific airline or hotel card if you are loyal to a particular brand.

Follow the simple steps in this guide to help narrow your options, and keep it locked on TPG for more advice on finding the right card to help fund your next big trip.

Related: The best travel cards

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum, click here .