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Visa Travel Money Review 2024: Providers, Fees & Limits

If you’re looking for a secure and easy way to spend and make cash withdrawals when you’re away from home, a Visa travel card could be a good solution.

You can get prepaid Visa cards from banks and non-bank alternative providers, which you load with funds before you head overseas, for simple spending. Some cards – like those from Wise and Revolut – come with options to hold and convert your dollars to a selection of foreign currencies, too. Let’s dive right into our full guide to the Visa prepaid travel card options available for US customers.

Quick summary: Visa travel cards

• Visa is a large and globally accepted payment network – which means your Visa prepaid travel card will work more or less anywhere in the world
• Travel cards are secure for overseas use, and offer extra reassurance as they’re not linked to your checking account
• Some providers, like Wise and Revolut , let you hold and exchange foreign currencies for spending with your Visa travel card
• Lots of different Visa travel card options are available, through banks and non-bank digital providers

Go to Wise Go to Revolut

What is a Visa travel money card?

A Visa travel money card is a prepaid debit card which you can load with USD from your bank, with a card, or in some cases with cash. You can then securely spend and make withdrawals with the card around the world. Different Visa travel money cards have their own features and fees, so it’s handy to compare a few options to find the right one for you.

Where can I get a prepaid Visa card for international use?

There are quite a few different prepaid Visa cards on the US market, through banks and non-bank alternative providers. However, the features and fees of different cards can vary greatly. Here we’ll look at several examples, including non-bank options for international use from Wise and Revolut :

Wise – hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your account and spend globally with your linked debit card. 9 USD order fee, no foreign transaction fee and ongoing charges

Revolut – supports 25+ currencies, with account plan options including some with no ongoing fees, and other with monthly charges of up to 16.99 USD. No foreign transaction fee, and all account plans offer some weekday no fee currency conversion

Republic Bank and Trust Company – get the Everyday Select Rewards Visa Prepaid Card for home and international use, and earn up to 2% cash back. 2.5% foreign transaction fee applies to overseas use

Netspend – choose from a large range of Netspend prepaid Visa cards, issued through a selection of banks and non-bank providers. Fees do vary depending on the card you pick, and can include a foreign transaction charge of up to 2.5%

Which banks offer Visa travel money cards?

You can get a Visa prepaid card through a bank or non-bank alternative. There are lots out there so we’ve picked a few examples to kickstart your research:

*Details correct at time of writing, 8th April 2024

Wise travel card

Wise accounts can hold 40+ currencies and don’t have any foreign transaction fee, making them a great pick for international use. You can add money online or in the Wise app and then either convert to the currency you need, or just let the card convert for you when you pay.

• One time card order fee, no minimum balance, no ongoing charges
• Currency exchange uses the mid-market rate with fees from 0.43%
• Spend in 150+ countries, wherever the card network is accepted

Revolut travel card

Revolut has 3 different account plans in the US, including the Basic plan which has no monthly fees. All accounts support 25 currencies for holding and exchange, and offer some weekday no fee currency conversion before fair usage fees begin.

• Choose the account plan that suits your spending needs
• No fee for currency conversion to your plan limit – 0.5% fair usage fee after that
• Hold and exchange 25 currencies for convenient international use

Go to Revolut

Republic Bank and Trust Company travel card

Check out the Everyday Select Rewards Visa Prepaid Card which allows you to earn up to 2% cash back. Hold a balance in USD, which you can top up online or in person using cash.

• Choose a pay as you go model, or pay a monthly fee of up to 9.95 USD
• 2.5% foreign transaction fee applies to overseas use
• 3.95 USD international ATM fee

Netspend travel card

Netspend has a broad selection of different prepaid Visa travel cards, which can be issued through banks and non-bank alternative providers. Generally cards can be offered on a pay as you go basis, with higher transaction fees – or with a monthly charge which includes some transaction costs.

• Broad selection of different cards which can use used to hold USD
• Visa exchange rate with a fee of up to 3.5% for international use, depending on specific card selected
• Varying international ATM fees based on the card you choose

How does the Visa travel money card work?

Prepaid travel money cards can be helpful as they are not linked to your checking account. Instead you can top up your card conveniently – often online, and sometimes by loading cash in a physical location – before you spend or make cash withdrawals. Cards can be used to save or budget for a specific event like a vacation, and because they’re not linked to your normal checking account they’re secure to use at home and abroad.

How to top up prepaid travel money cards

Providers like Wise and Revolut allow you to top up digitally, online or in the provider’s app. Prepaid Visa cards issued through some banks and other providers may offer these top up methods as well as the option to load cash in a store, or to upload a mobile check. To add money digitally you’ll usually just need to take the following steps:

• Log into the provider’s app
• Select the Add money option
• Enter the amount and currency you want to add
• Pick the way you want to pay
• Confirm, pay, and your money will be added to your balance

How to check your balance on your card

Visa payment cards usually come with linked digital accounts which let you check your balance online or in an app. You can also insert your card into an ATM to get balance advice – but some providers do charge for this service.

International ATM cash withdrawal

Use your Visa prepaid card to make ATM withdrawals internationally, in exactly the same way as you would at home. Just look out for an ATM which displays the Visa logo, and you’re good to go.

Is Visa travel money safe to use?

Travel money cards are considered to be safe to use, particularly as they’re not linked to a checking account. However, you’ll still need to make sure that the specific card you select is issued through a reputable bank or non-bank provider, which is properly licensed and regulated.

Visa Travel money fees & limits

It’s important to check the relevant fees which apply to the specific card you select, particularly if you’re planning on using your card for overseas spending. Some providers have fairly high foreign transaction fees so picking carefully is crucial. Here’s a quick summary of key fees for the cards we’ve selected – other charges may also apply:

Visa Travel exchange rates

Different cards will use their own approach to foreign currency exchange when you spend overseas. Here’s a quick roundup:

Wise – mid-market exchange rate with low fees from 0.43%

Revolut – mid-market exchange rate to plan limit, 0.5% fair usage fee may apply after that

Republic Bank and Trust Company – Visa rate with foreign transaction fee of 2.5%

Netspend – Visa rate with foreign transaction fee of up to 3.5%, depending on specific card selected

How to get a Visa card for travel

Most Visa prepaid cards can be ordered online, for home delivery. You might need to wait a few days for your card to arrive – in the US a Wise card can take 14 to 21 days, for example. Other providers may offer ways to expedite delivery of your card, but this will come with higher costs.

To register an account with a provider and order a Visa prepaid travel card you’ll usually have to:

• Select the option to sign up, on the provider’s website or app
• Enter your personal and contact information
• Add images of your ID and address documents for verification
• Add some money to your account
• Tap to order your card – it will be delivered to your registered residential address

How to activate your travel money card

It’s common to find you have to activate your new Visa travel card before you can use it. Different providers have their own system for card activation. With Wise , as an example, you’ll need to log into your account online or in the app, and enter the 6 digit code that’s sent to you with your card. Other providers may allow you to activate a card by calling a service center or visiting a bank branch.

How to use a Visa Travel money card overseas

You could use your Visa travel money card overseas just as easily as you do at home. Look for the Visa network symbol which is displayed on ATMs, online and at the payment terminal in stores. Most Visa travel money cards are contactless, allowing you to tap and pay easily.

Supported currencies

Visa travel cards can be used more or less globally. Some, like the cards from Wise and Revolut , allow you to hold a foreign currency balance which can be a convenient option as it allows you to view your budget in advance. Once you have the currency you need you can spend with no additional fees to pay.

Other card options may convert your foreign currency spending back to USD with the Visa exchange rate and a foreign transaction fee, before deducting the final amount from your account.

Conclusion: is a Visa Travel card worth it?

Visa travel cards are globally accepted and available from many different banks and providers in the US. If you’re thinking of using a Visa card specifically for overseas use it’s useful to get a card from a provider which supports holding a foreign currency balance, as this can keep down your foreign transaction costs. It’s also a convenient way to see your travel budget in advance, and allows you to lock in a good exchange rate when you see it. Use this guide to compare a few options, like Wise and Revolut , and see which might suit your specific needs.

Visa Travel money FAQs

What is the best prepaid visa for international travel.

There’s no single best Visa prepaid card, so the one which works best for you might just come down to your spending habits and personal preferences. If you’re looking for a card to use overseas, check out the options from Wise and Revolut as they both let you hold a foreign currency balance which is a good way to keep costs down when you travel.

Is a Visa travel card a credit card or debit card?

The Visa travel cards we’ve covered in this guide are prepaid debit cards. You’ll also find some banks issue credit cards on the Visa network, so do look carefully at the terms and conditions of the card you’re signing up for so you know how to use your card most effectively.

Is Visa travel money a multi currency card?

If you get a Visa card from a provider like Wise and Revolut you can hold a foreign currency balance for overseas spending. Some other providers issue Visa prepaid cards which can only be used to hold a balance in USD – but you can still spend internationally more or less anywhere in the world.

How much does a Visa travel card cost?

Different Visa card issuers have their own fees which may include card order charges, or monthly costs. Compare a few options to make sure you’re getting the one which has the best balance of features and fees based on your specific preferences.

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A Guide to Travel Money Cards

Often deemed the cheapest way to spend money abroad , travel money cards are deemed a failsafe option for many travellers. Given the rapid growth of the financial services sector, we want to find out if travel money cards are still as cutting edge as they once were, by comparing them to the new alternatives. Our job is to identify the best international money transfer services and payment providers in the industry: will travel money cards make the cut?

What are travel money cards?

Travel money cards are a popular payment method for individuals headed abroad. Customers will load funds onto the card, using the money as foreign currency when overseas, much like a debit card is used at home. Also known as travel money prepaid cards or currency cards, they facilitate free foreign transactions and overseas ATM withdrawals.

We recommend finding a travel money card which lets you lock-in a favourable exchange rate and supports multiple currencies on one card, to make sure you are securing a flexible and cost-effective deal.

How do you use a travel money card?

Using a travel money card should be straightforward and stress-free. Simply load funds onto the card before you leave, and once abroad, you will be able to reload funds and change currencies using the website or associated money transfer app . The card can be used to make withdrawals, in-store purchases and book travel arrangements.

Where can I get a travel money card?

Travel money cards are available from different retailers and can be purchased and preloaded online, over the phone or in-store, depending on the brand. In the UK, popular brands include Travelex and the Post Office.

Where can I use a travel money card?

Again, this depends on the brand and where you get your money travel card from. Available currencies vary from card to card but commonly used currencies include US Dollars, UK Pound sterling, Euros, Japanese Yen and New Zealand Dollars. Make sure you check with the provider before ordering a travel money card.

How secure are travel money cards?

Generally, travel money cards are considered a lot safer than handling multiple currencies in cash, or travellers cheques, as your provider will be able to cancel it if need be. Furthermore, some of the best travel money cards employ an equivalent level of security to traditional debit cards, including a PIN code, touch ID and face recognition.

Many consider it safer to use a travel money card abroad than a debit card, as they are not associated with your bank account and therefore cannot be linked if lost or stolen.

Travel money cards vs. Credit cards: What is the difference?

One of the biggest advantages of using a travel money card is that your chosen currency is preloaded before you arrive in the foreign country and you won’t be charged conversion fees. This means you are able to benefit from the most favourable exchange rates, locking it in ahead of time and using the funds at a later date.

Most people who use their credit card abroad do it because it is more convenient. The cost of this convenience, however, can sometimes amount to 3 - 5% per use, depending on the transaction and financial institution. Making a foreign ATM withdrawal with your credit card can incur flat-fees of $5 and up, each time.

This being said, there are some excellent traveller credit cards on the market, so we would recommend users compare exchange rates and transfer fees offered by each provider before making a decision on which card is more beneficial.

If you're planning on using your credit card, we suggest you take a look at our credit card wire transfer guide.

What are the alternatives to travel money cards?

Multi-currency accounts.

International money transfer companies are often tailoring their products and services to meet the needs of their customers. Wise , offers a multi-currency account designed with “international people" in mind. This savvy travel credit card is aimed at frequent flyers who want to spend in various currencies in over 200 countries. Wise is a reliable company to trust with your overseas spending habits.

Challenger banks

More and more alternative service providers are popping up around the world, many of them offering reputable banking features for the modern traveller. In a bid to distinguish themselves from traditional banks, challenger banks are scrapping fees on foreign exchange and international spending. Monzo customers, for example, can benefit from free international ATM withdrawals as well as fee-free spending overseas.

We hope this guide to travel money cards has enlightened you and helped you make a decision about whether this is a suitable payment method for your next trip overseas. We appreciate the value of your hard-earned cash and want all our customers to benefit from the best possible rates when dealing with international payments. Use our comparison tool today to make sure you are offered the most desirable exchange rate for your currency.

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Prepaid Visa TravelMoney® Card

A prepaid Visa TravelMoney® Card is a reloadable card, providing you access to funds while traveling. 

• Make purchases online and at all Visa locations when traveling the world.
• Withdraw cash at ATMs, deducting it from your card balance.
• The minimum balance to open is $100, and you can reload the Card as often as you'd like. There is a fee to open the Card each time you reload the Card. 
• 833-729-2853 (toll-free number)
• www.cumoney.com
• CU Money Mobile App

Stop by any Town & Country Credit Union location to open a Visa TravelMoney® Card.

Terms & Conditions:

• TravelMoney Card Services
• TravelMoney Service Fees
• TravelMoney Electronic Funds Transfer Disclosure

*Credit Union account holders can access additional funds to Card through Mobile App. Non-members can add cash funds to the Card at any Town & Country Credit Union branch location.

A helping hand to guide you.

What we value at Swing Barrel is trust and relationships. And we know that we can always call our lender any time to get the answers we need about anything.  I would highly recommend Town & Country to any business. 

Traveling with money is a task that makes many people uneasy, especially when foreign currency is involved. Carrying cash abroad can be deemed as risky, but credit and debit cards can be notoriously finicky because of bank security and the fees that come with international credit charges can have a major effect on your funds in the long run. So, what's a poor old wandering soul to do?

These are questions to bring up with your bank, of course, but the safest method is perhaps to use them all. In other words: The "don't put all your eggs in one basket" saying applies. Using a mix of cash, credit, debit, and maybe even the odd traveler's check ensures that if the fees for one method are particularly astronomical, your bank account won't take as much of a toll. It also helps if one of your cards or a wad of cash is lost or stolen. 

Cash is convenient and relatively cheap to exchange . You can take money from your home country into a foreign bank almost anywhere in the world and they'll easily exchange it without the worry of tiny bank fees adding up, pesky ATM fees, or losing out on a bad exchange rate. Alternatively, though, carrying coins and paper money is a security risk. When stolen, it cannot be replaced. The key is to have just a small amount of backup cash stashed away in a safe money belt.

If properly protected, a debit card can't be stolen as easily as cash. Debit cards can be used across many countries , although you should notify your bank of international usage first. Better yet, they can be used to retrieve cash—if the occasion calls for it—at an ATM and are all-around less bulky than carrying cash on your hip.

Be aware, however, that not all ATM machines (especially in more rural places) accept foreign debit cards and certainly not every restaurant and store will, either. Shops have been known to ban foreign debit altogether, so carrying a form of backup currency is always wise. Additionally, using debit regularly could lead to an accumulation of transaction fees. At ATMs, for instance, you'll be charged for converting funds into local currency and , if outside of your network, an additional ATM fee.

You may also need to change your PIN before you go, seeing as some countries' ATM machines can't process PINs with more than four digits. Others can't process ones with zeros. Lastly, before swiping your debit card abroad, educate yourself on ATM scams and learn how to avoid them.

Credit Cards

Like debit cards, credit cards are small and packable. They're replaceable and reliable. In fact, some hotels only accept authorization via credit, so this may be an integral method for you. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in other countries and you can use them for ATM transactions, too.

The bad news is that unscrupulous merchants can steal your credit card information and while you can dispute fraudulent charges and eventually get them removed from your account, the process can be grueling. You may need to cancel your card mid-trip to resolve fraud issues. It would be wise to also find out what your bank charges in international transaction fees before swiping your card haphazardly.

Prepaid Travel Cards

Prepaid travel cards like Visa TravelMoney look like credit cards but function more like a modern version of travelers checks. You simply load the card with money from your bank account and use it like a debit card at ATMs or like a credit card at merchants and hotels. They're locked with a PIN number, as your other cards are, for extra security, but they can sometimes be difficult to use at ATM machines. Additionally, fees for foreign currency transactions can be extremely high—as much as 7 percent in some cases.

Traveler's Checks

Although traveler's checks are historically secure and can be replaced if lost or stolen, they're hardly used anymore. Not many merchants or banks still accept them, even if they're written in their local currency. Merchants may charge you an additional fee for paying with traveler's checks, which are expensive to purchase in the first place (on top of the standard service fee, you'll also pay for shipping if you order them online). Not only are they one of the bulkiest means of payment to carry with you, they're one of the least useful, too.

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Visa Travel Money Card

Take A Vacation From Worry

Our Visa TravelMoney Card is safer than cash, more convenient than traveler’s checks.

Take peace of mind on your travels.

Our Visa TravelMoney Card is your passport to a relaxing trip. That’s because it provides the safety of travelers checks with the convenience of a traditional plastic card. The card isn’t tied to your checking or savings accounts. So even if the card is lost or stolen, your accounts are not in jeopardy, and emergency card replacement is available. In fact, our Visa TravelMoney Card comes with Zero Liability Protection for your security.

Our Card is packed with benefits to assist you .

There’s nothing to worry about, but plenty of advantages to enjoy. Each registered card includes 90-day purchase protection, plus travel and emergency assistance. There’s even reimbursement if your luggage is lost.

Manage our Visa TravelMoney Card online.

Want to keep your purchases in line? Just go online. Our Internet management tool lets you track your spending and check your remaining balance, anytime and anywhere. When you need to add funds, reload the card online in amounts from $100 to $5,000.

Accepted at merchants and ATMs worldwide.

Use the Visa TravelMoney Card to pay for flights, hotels, meals and shopping. It’s usable anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted worldwide. You can also get U.S. currency or foreign local currency at ATMs as you travel.

Don’t worry, but hurry.

To purchase a Visa TravelMoney Card, simply stop by our credit union or give us a call for more information.

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Here Are the Four Best Travel Money Cards in 2024

François Briod

Co-Founder of Monito and money transfer expert, François has been helping Monito’s users navigate the jungle of money transfer fees, bad exchange rates and tricks for the last ten years.

Jarrod Suda

A writer and editor at Monito, Jarrod is passionate about helping people apply today’s powerful finance technologies to their lives. He brings his background in international affairs and his experiences living in Japan to provide readers with comprehensive information that also acknowledges the local context.

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From the multitude of bank fees and ATM charges to hidden currency conversion fees, there's no question that spending your money abroad while travelling can be costly — and that's saying nothing about the cost of the holiday itself!

As you prepare for your trip abroad, the golden rule is that you'll save the most money by using the local currency of your destination. This means withdrawing local cash at foreign ATMs and using a debit card to pay directly in the local currency. For example, if you're from the UK, using your bank's debit card that accesses your British pounds will likely lose you money to hidden fees at ATMs abroad and at local merchants.

In general, we rate Revolut as the best travel card all around. Its versatile account and card can be used to spend like a local pretty much anywhere in the world. ✨ Get 3 months of free Revolut Premium as a Monito reader with our exclusive link .

If you're from the EU, UK, or US, here are a few more specific recommendations to explore:

• Best for travelling from the UK: Chase
• Best for travelling from the US: Chime ®
• Best for travelling from the Eurozone: N26

If it's not possible for you to spend in the local currency when travelling abroad, then spending in your home currency while using a card that doesn't charge any hidden exchange rate markups from your bank (e.g. only the VISA or Mastercard exchange rates to convert currency) is still a good bet for most people.

In this guide, we explore cards that waive or lower ATM fees and that hold multiple currencies. Spend on your holiday like a local and enjoy peace of mind after each tap and swipe!

Best Travel Cards (And More!) at a Glance

Best travel money cards.

• 01. What is the best best multi currency card? scroll down
• 02. Are prepaid currency cards really it? scroll down
• 03. Monito's best travel money card tips scroll down
• 04. FAQ about the best travel cards scroll down

Revolut: Best All-Rounder

Revolut is one of the most well-known fintechs in the world because it offers services across Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania.

• Trust & Credibility 8.9
• Service & Quality 7.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 8.3
• Customer Satisfaction 9.3

Revolut is available in many countries. You can double-check if it's available in yours below:

Here's an overview of Revolut's plans:

Revolut Ultra is currently only available in the UK and EU.

Like Wise, Revolut converts your currency to the local currency of your travel destination at an excellent exchange rate (called the 'Revolut Rate', which, on weekdays, is basically on par with the rate you see on Google), making it a good way to buy foreign currency before travelling abroad. As always though, bear in mind that Revolut's exchange rates might be subject to change.

Revolut's Standard Plan only allows currency exchange at the base mid-market exchange rate for transfers worth £1,000 per month. ATM withdrawals are also free for the first €200 (although third-party providers may charge a withdrawal fee, and weekend surcharges may also apply). These allowances can be waived by upgrading memberships.

N26: Good Bank For EU Travellers

One of the most well-known neobanks in Europe, N26 and its debit card operate in euros only. However, N26 is a partner with Wise and has fully integrated Wise's technology so that you never have to pay foreign transaction fees on your purchases outside of the eurozone. While N26 does not have multi-currency functionality, N26 will apply the real exchange rate on all your foreign purchases and will never charge a commission fee — making N26's card a powerful card for EU/EEA residents who travel across the globe.

• Trust & Credibility 8.0
• Service & Quality 8.0
• Fees & Exchange Rates 9.3
• Customer Satisfaction 8.5

These are the countries in which you can register for an N26 account:

And here is an overview of the various plans and account:

This low-fee option for banking is also ideal for travellers who do not belong to a European bank but frequent the Eurozone. For example, N26 is available for residents and citizens of Switzerland, Norway, and other European Economic Area countries that do not run on the Euro.

These citizens, who are in close proximity to the Eurozone, will save each time they spend with an N26 card while in Europe. N26 provides three free ATM withdrawals per month in euros but does charge a 1.7% fee per ATM withdrawal outside of Europe.

Take a look at our guide to the best travel cards for Europe to learn more.

Wise: Best For Multi-Currency Balances

Load up to 54 currencies onto this card at the real exchange rate, giving you access to truly global travel.

• Trust & Credibility 9.3
• Service & Quality 8.9
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.6
• Customer Satisfaction 9.4

These are the countries in which you can order a Wise debit card:

Unlike banks, credit unions, airport kiosks, and foreign ATMs, Wise is transparent about never charging a hidden exchange rate margin when you convert your home currency into up to 54 currencies. The live rate you see on Google or XE.com is the one you get with Wise.

An industry-low commission fee per transaction will range from 0.35% to 2.85%, depending on the currency.

Chase: Great UK Bank For Travel

A recent arrival from the USA, Chase is one of the UK’s newest digital challenger banks and comes with a rock-solid reputation and no monthly charges, no currency conversion charges, no withdrawal fees, and no other charges for everyday banking from Chase. It’s a simple, streamlined bank account with an excellent mobile banking app and a great cashback offer. However, it doesn’t yet offer more advanced features like international money transfers, joint accounts, business banking, overdrafts and loans, and teen or child accounts.

• Trust & Credibility 10
• Fees & Exchange Rates 10

Chime: Great Account For US Travelers

Chime  is a good debit card for international travel thanks to its no foreign transaction fees¹. Unlike multi-currency accounts like Revolut (which let you hold local currency), Chime uses the live exchange rate applied by VISA. This rate is close to the mid-market rate, and Chime does not add any extra markup to your purchases, although out-of-network ATM withdrawal and over-the-counter advance fees may still apply.

• Trust & Credibility 9.5
• Service & Quality 8.8
• Fees & Exchange Rates 9.8
• Customer Satisfaction 8.2

While Chime waives ATM fees at all MoneyPass, AllPoint, and VISA Plus Alliance ATMs within the United States, this fee waiver does not extend to withdrawals made outside the country. For withdrawals abroad, Chime applies a $2.50 fee per transaction, with a daily withdrawal limit of $515 or its equivalent. This is in addition to any fees charged by the ATM owner. Therefore, we recommend Chime primarily for card purchases rather than relying on it for withdrawing cash while traveling internationally.

• No  foreign transaction fees ¹;
• Uses VISA's exchange rate ( monitor here ):
• A $2.50 fee per ATM withdrawal made outside of the United States;
• More info:  Read our  Chime review  or  visit their website .

Best Travel Money Cards in 2024 Compared by Country

In the table below, see our comparison summary of the four best travel cards for 2024 by country:

Last updated: 8 January 2024

What's The Best Prepaid Card to Use Abroad?

Travel cards come in many varieties, such as standard credit cards or debit cards with no foreign transaction fees or cards that waive all foreign ATM withdrawal fees.

What is a Multi-Currency Card?

Multi-currency cards are a specific type of travel card that allows you to own all kinds of foreign currencies, which you can instantly access when you pay with your card abroad. By spending the local currency in the region of travel , you bypass poor foreign exchange rates. ATMs and cashless payment machines will treat your card like a local card.

We have already mentioned a few multi-currency cards in this review, but we will also introduce Travelex . Travelex's Money Card also allows you to top up several foreign currencies — albeit at exchange rates slightly poorer than the real mid-market rate .

Wise Account

Wise has one of the best multi-currency cards available on the market.

Read our full review for more details.

Revolut is impressive for its vast options in currencies and its additional services.

Our in-depth review explores Revolut's services in detail.

Travelex offers a prepaid travel money card that supports 10 currencies and waives all ATM withdrawal fees abroad.

• Trust & Credibility 9.0
• Service & Quality 5.8
• Fees & Exchange Rates 7.1

Travelex charges fees, which fluctuate according to the exchange rates of the day, in order to convert your home currency into the currencies that it supports. But once the currency is on the card, you'll be able to spend like a local. Learn more with our full review .

Don’t Let Banks, Bureaux de Change, and ATMs Eat Your Lunch 🍕!

Are you withdrawing cash at an ATM in the streets of Paris? Exchanging currencies at Gatwick airport? Paying for a pizza with your card during a holiday in Milano? Every time you exchange currencies, you could lose between 2% to 20% of your money in  hidden fees . Keep reading below to make sure you recognize and avoid them.

Currency Exchange Fees Eating My Lunch? What’s That?

You’re often charged a hidden fee in the form of an alarming exchange rate.

At any given time, there is a so-called “ mid-market exchange rate ” — this is the real exchange rate you can see on  Google . However, the money transfer provider or bank you use to exchange currencies rarely offers this exchange rate. Instead, you will get a much worse exchange rate. They pocket this margin between the actual rate and the poor exchange rate they apply, allowing the bank or money transfer provider to profit from the currency exchange. 

In other words, you or your recipient will receive less foreign currency for each unit of currency you exchange. All the while, the provider will claim that they charge zero commission or zero fees.

So the question now is… how can you avoid them? Thankfully, the best travel money cards will allow you to hold the local currency, which you can access instantly with a tap or swipe. Carrying the local currency avoids  exchange rate margins  on every purchase.

Top Travel Money Tips

• Avoid bureaux de change. They charge between 2.15% and 16.6% of the money exchanged.
• Always pay in the local currency and never accept the  dynamic currency conversion .
• Don't use your ordinary debit or credit card unless it's specifically geared toward international use. Doing this will typically cost you between 1.75% and 4.25% per transaction. Instead, use one of the innovative travel money cards below.

By opting for a travel card without FX fees, you can freely swipe your card abroad without worrying about additional charges. However, saving money doesn't stop there. To make the most out of your travel budget, consider using  Skyscanner , one of the most powerful flight search engines available that allows you to compare prices from various airlines and find the best deals.

With Skyscanner's user-friendly interface and comprehensive search options, you can discover cheap flights and enjoy your holidays with peace of mind and more money in your pocket.

Best Travel Money Card Tips

When you convert your home currency into a foreign currency, foreign exchange service providers will charge you two kinds of fees :

• Exchange Rate Margin:  Providers apply an exchange rate that is poorer than the true  "mid-market" exchange rate . They keep the difference, called an  exchange rate margin .
• Commission Fee:  This  fee  is usually a percentage of the amount converted, which is charged for the service provided.

With these facts in mind, let's see what practices are useful to avoid ATM fees, foreign transaction fees, and other charges you may encounter while on your travels.

Tip 1: While Traveling, Avoid Bureaux de Change At All Costs

Have you ever wondered how bureaux de change and currency exchange desks are able to secure prime real estate in tourist locations like the Champs-Élysées in Paris or Covent Carden in London while claiming to take no commission? It’s easy: they make (plenty of) money through hidden fees on the exchange rates they give you. 

Our study shows that Bureaux de Change in Paris charges a margin ranging from 2.15% at CEN Change Dollar Boulevard de Strasbourg to 16.6% (!!) at Travelex Champs-Élysées when exchanging 500 US dollars into euros for example. 

If you really want cash and can’t wait to withdraw it with a card at an ATM at your destination, ordering currencies online before your trip is usually cheaper than exchanging currencies at a bureau de change, but it’s still a very expensive way to get foreign currency which we, therefore, would not recommend.

Tip 2: Always Choose To Pay In the Local Currency

Don’t fall for the dynamic currency conversion trap! When using your card abroad to pay at a terminal or withdraw cash at an ATM, you’ve probably been asked whether you’d prefer to pay in your home currency instead of the local currency of the foreign country. This little trick is called dynamic currency conversion , and the right answer to this sneaky question will help you save big on currency exchange fees.

As a general rule, you always want to pay in the local currency (euros in Europe, sterling in the UK, kroner in Denmark, bahts in Thailand, etc.) when using your card abroad, instead of accepting the currency exchange and paying in your home currency. 

This seems like a trick question - why not opt to pay in your home currency? On the plus side, you would know exactly what amount you would be paying in your home currency instead of accepting the unknown exchange rate determined by your card issuer a few days later.

What is a Dynamic Currency Conversion?

However, when choosing to pay in your home currency instead of the local one, you will carry out what’s called a “dynamic currency conversion”. This is just a complicated way of saying that you’re exchanging between the foreign currency and your home currency at the exact time you use your card to pay or withdraw cash in a foreign currency, and not a few days later. For this privilege, the local payment terminal or ATM will apply an exchange rate that is often significantly worse than even a traditional bank’s exchange rate (we’ve seen margins of up to 8%!), and of course, much worse than the exchange rate you would get by using an innovative multi-currency card (see tip #3). 

In the vast majority of times, knowing with complete certainty what amount you will pay in your home currency is not worth the additional steep cost of the dynamic currency conversion, hence why we recommend always choosing to pay in the local currency.

Tip 3: Don't Use a Traditional Card To Pay in Foreign Currency/Withdraw Cash Abroad

As mentioned before, providers make money on foreign currency conversions by charging poor exchange rates — and pocketing the difference between that and the true mid-market rate. They also make money by charging commission fees, which can either come as flat fees or as a percentage of the transaction.

Have a look at traditional bank cards to see how much you can be charged in fees for spending or withdrawing $500 while on your holiday.

These fees can very quickly add up. For example, take a couple and a child travelling to the US on a two-week mid-range holiday. According to this study , the total cost of their holiday would amount to around $4200. If you withdraw $200 in cash four times and spend the rest with your card, you would pay $123 in hidden currency exchange and ATM withdrawal fees with HSBC or $110 with La Banque Postale. With this money, our travellers could pay for a nice dinner, the entrance fee to Yosemite Park, or many other priceless memories. 

Thankfully, new innovative multi-currency cards will help you save a lot of money while travelling. Opening an N26 Classic account and using the N26 card during the same US holidays would only cost $13.60.

Need Foreign Cash Anyway?

In many countries, carrying a wad of banknotes is not only useful but necessary to pay your way since not every shop, market stall, or street vendor will accept card payments. In these cases you'll have two options to exchange foreign currency cheaply:

1. Withraw at an ATM

As we've explored in great depth in this article, withdrawing money from a foreign ATM will almost always come with fees — at the very least from the ATM itself, and so it's therefore the best strategy to use a travel debit card that doesn't charge in specific ATM withdraw fees on its own to add insult to injury. That said, if you need cash, we recommend making one large withdrawal rather than multiple smaller ones . This way, you'll be able to dodge the fees being incurred multiple times.

2. Buy Banknotes (at a Reasonable Rate!)

As we've also seen, buying foreign currency at the airport, at foreign bank branches, or in bureaux de change in tourist hotspots can be surprisingly expensive. Still, not all exchange offices are equally pricey . If you're looking for a well-priced way to exchange your cash into foreign currency banknotes before you travel, Change Group will let you order foreign currency online and pick them up at the airport, train station, or a Change Group branch just before you leave for your holiday. A few pick-up locations in the UK include:

• London centre (multiple locations),
• Glasgow centre,
• Oxford centre,
• Luton Airport,
• Gatwick Airport,
• St. Pancras Station.

(Note that Change Group also has locations in the USA, Australia, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Austria, and Finland!)

Although its exchange rates aren't quite as good as using a low-fee debit card like Revolut, Change Group's exchange rates between popular currencies tend to be between 2% to 3%, which is still a lot better than you'll get at the bank or at a touristy bureau de change in the middle or Paris or Prague!

FAQ About the Best Travel Money Cards

Having reviewed and compared several of the industry's leading neobanks, experts at Monito have found the Wise Account to offer the best multi-currency card in 2024.

In general, yes! You can get a much better deal with new innovative travel cards than traditional banks' debit/credit cards. However, not all cards are made equal, so make sure to compare the fees to withdraw cash abroad, the exchange rates and monthly fees to make sure you're getting the best deal possible.

• Sign up for a multi-currency account;
• Link your bank to the account and add your home currency;
• Convert amount to the local currency of holiday destination ( Wise and Revolut convert at the actual mid-market rate);
• Tap and swipe like a local when you pay at vendors.

Yes, the Wise Multi-Currency Card is uniquely worthwhile because it actually converts your home currency into foreign currency at the real mid-market exchange rate . Wise charges a transparent and industry-low commission fee for the service instead.

More traditional currency cards like the Travelex Money Card are good alternatives, but they will apply an exchange rate that is weaker than the mid-market rate.

The Wise Multi-Currency Card is the best money card for euros because unlike banks, credit unions, airport kiosks, and foreign ATMs,  Wise  is transparent about never charging a hidden exchange rate margin when you convert your local currency into euros with them.

The live rate you see on Google or XE.com is the one you get with  Wise . An industry-low commission fee will range from 0.35% to 2.85%. USD to EUR transfers generally incur a 1.6% fee.

Learn more about how to buy euros in the United States before your trip.

There are usually three types of travel cards, prepaid travel cards, debit travel cards and credit travel cards. Each have pros and cons, here's a short summary:

• Prepaid travel cards: You usually need to load cards with your home currency via a bank wire or credit/debit card top-up. You're then able to manage the balance from an attached mobile app and can use it to pay in foreign currencies or withdraw cash at an ATM abroad tapping into your home currency prepaid balance. With prepaid travel cards, as the name indicates, you can't spend more than what you've loaded before hand. Some prepaid card providers will provide ways to "auto top-up" when your balance reaches a certain level that you can customize. On Revolut for example, you can decide to top-up £100/£200/£500 from your debit card each time your balance reaches below £50.
• Debit travel cards: Some innovative digital banks, like N26 or Monzo, offer travel debit cards that have the same advantages than a Prepaid Travel Cards, except that they're debit card directly tapping into your current account balance. Like a Prepaid travel card, you can't spend more than the balance you have in your current account with N26 or Monzo, but you can activate an overdraft (between €1,000 or €10,000 for N26 or £1,000 for Monzo) if you need it, for a fee though.

Note that even if they're Prepaid or Debit cards, you can use them for Internet payments like a normal credit card.

• Credit travel cards: You can find credit cards made for international payments offering good exchange rates and low fees to withdraw money abroad, but you'll need to pay interests in your international payment if you don't pay in FULL at the end of every month and interest on your ATM withdrawals each day until you pay them back.

Why You Can Trust Monito

Our recommendations are built on rock-solid experience.

• We've reviewed 70+ digital finance apps and online banks
• We've made 100's of card transactions
• Our writers have been testing providers since 2013

Other Monito Guides and Reviews on Top Multi Currency Cards

Why Trust Monito?

You’re probably all too familiar with the often outrageous cost of sending money abroad. After facing this frustration themselves back in 2013, co-founders François, Laurent, and Pascal launched a real-time comparison engine to compare the best money transfer services across the globe. Today, Monito’s award-winning comparisons, reviews, and guides are trusted by around 8 million people each year and our recommendations are backed by millions of pricing data points and dozens of expert tests — all allowing you to make the savviest decisions with confidence.

Monito is trusted by 15+ million users across the globe.

Monito's experts spend hours researching and testing services so that you don't have to.

Our recommendations are always unbiased and independent.

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Travel money guide: USA

Explore the land of stars and stripes and discover how you can access your cash in the usa..

In this guide

Travel card, debit card or credit card?

These are your options for spending money in the usa, compare travel credit cards, usa currency, find atms in the usa, how much should i budget to travel in the usa, travel insurance for usa.

Travel money type

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Top picks of 2024

The dollar is one of the world’s most stable currencies and is the only currency accepted in the US. If you’re traveling to the states, you’ll have no problem using your credit card. Banks are common and ATMs are inside most corner stores as well.

Read on to find out which cards will work cheapest in the United States of America.

Our picks for traveling to USA

40+ currencies supported

• 4.85% APY on USD balances
• $0 monthly fees
• Up to $100 free ATMs withdrawals worldwide
• Hold and convert 40+ currencies

Up to $300 cash bonus

• 0.50% APY on checking balance
• Up to 4.60% APY on savings
• $0 account or overdraft fees
• Get a $300 bonus with direct deposits of $5,000 or more

Free ATM transactions

• $50 waivable monthly fee
• 0% foreign transaction fee
• Securely move money domestically and globally
• 5 monthly out-of-network ATM reimbursements
• Free international HSBC ATM transactions

You’ll find most Americans rely on their credit card or debit card to make purchases as much as cash. There are times when you’ll need to pay cash — if you’re buying a drink at a small bar or a hotdog from a food truck.

However, you’ll see that most merchants in American cities are set up to handle card, contactless and mobile payments.

Use a combination of travel money products that don’t charge for currency conversion and have low or no international ATM withdrawal fees. A travel card or debit card combined with a travel-friendly credit card will give you a cost-effective way to make both over-the-counter purchases and ATM withdrawals in the USA.

Compare travel money options and apply for a card you can use to spend less in America to avoid throwing money at your bank while you’re visiting the US.

Using a credit card

America is a society of credit and any card you use will likely be accepted if the retailer can handle card payments. Contactless payment terminals are common at places like Walmart, Target, Kmart and other major retailers.

• Tip: Rewards credit cards that also don’t charge for currency conversion can be a good way to rack up the points in the US.
• Accepted everywhere
• Contactless payment terminals are common
• Overseas ATM fees and currency conversion fees may apply

Explore top debit cards with no foreign transaction fees and travel credit cards by using the tabs to narrow down your options. Select Compare for up to four products to see their benefits side by side.

• Credit cards

Using a debit card

You can use any Mastercard or Visa branded debit card in the United States. The Visa or Mastercard exchange rate applies to foreign currency transactions. This rate is as close to the market rate you can get using a travel product overseas.

• No currency conversion, international ATM, account keeping fees
• May be subject to forging transaction fees

Using a prepaid travel card

Although Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted everywhere, not all prepaid cards have your name printed on the front, which may cause the merchant to reject them. These instances may be limited to smaller shops. You may be better off using a credit or debit card instead.

• Locked-in exchange rates
• No currency conversion fee
• International ATM withdrawal fee waiver on some cards
• Fees to consider such as local ATM, initial load, reload and inactivity fees

Paying with cash in the USA

Dollar bills can give you the impression your wallet is fatter than it actually is. And although you can get by using your card for most purchases, there are times when you’re going to need cash. The US has a culture of tipping, it’s a substitute for low wages. You’ll likely need cash to tip, especially if you’re at a bar, restaurant, club or hotel.

• Tip: There are no rules about how much or little you should tip. But be aware that many service staff in the United States are underpaid and rely on tips to make up their income. You don’t have to tip big, but don’t be stingy unless you’ve received genuinely bad service.

How much should I tip?

• Restaurant . Waiters should get anywhere between 18% to 20% of the bill. Some restaurants will add tips to the final bill (more common in tourist areas). If this is the case, you don’t need to leave a tip.
• Bar . Drinks are pretty cheap. It’s good form to tip $1 per drink. You may even get a free one from the bartender if you tip $5.
• Hotel . Tip the porter $2 to $5 for a big bag and an extra $1 for every other bag. Tip housekeepers anywhere from $5 to $10 a day.
• Taxis . Tip 10% to 20% of the fare.
• Cafe . The barista making your coffee doesn’t necessarily need a tip unless he or she has done something special.
• Greater payment flexibility
• Convenience
• More difficult to manage expenses
• Higher risk of theft

Using traveler’s checks

Traveler’s checks were once a staple for any overseas trip. In recent times, card acceptance and security have made these travel money products a burden.

• Can be costly with initial purchase charges
• Not all merchants accept traveler’s checks

Have you ever found yourself in the country with a wad of foreign cash? It can be all too easy to give a fifty instead of a five. Don’t get ripped off. Familiarize yourself with US currency before you leave.

Did you know?

In addition to the standard $1 to $100 bills, America also has notes to cover larger denominations.

• Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th US president, had a $1,000 note named after him.
• James Madison, the 4th US President, had a $5,000 note named after him.
• Salmon P Chase, the 6th US Chief Justice, had a $10,000 note named after him.
• Woodrow Wilson, the 28th US President, had a $100,000 note named after him.

The main banks in the USA are:

• JPMorgan Chase & Co
• Bank of America Corp
• Wells Fargo & Co
• Citigroup Inc
• U.S. Bancorp
• Truist Bank
• PNC Financial Services Group Inc
• TD Group US Holdings LLC
• Capital One Financial Corp
• Bank of New York Mellon Corp
• Goldman Sachs Group Inc
• State Street Corp
• Fifth Third Bank
• Citizens Financial Group

There’s an old saying first coined in Reader’s Digest, once you’re finished packing your suitcase, take out half the clothes and take double the money. Ultimately, how you take your money is up to you. Someone couch-surfing in San Francisco will have a different budget than someone on a New York shopping holiday. All prices are in US dollars.

*Prices are approximate and are subject to change.

While the USA is a pretty safe travel destination, accidents can happen anywhere. Don’t leave yourself with a large bill for out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Protect yourself financially with travel insurance. Travel insurance can cover you for:

• Emergency medical and dental
• Lost luggage
• Stolen travel documents
• Personal liability

Kyle Morgan

Kyle Morgan is SEO manager at Forbes Advisor and a former editor and content strategist at Finder. He has written for the USA Today network and Relix magazine, among other publications. He holds a BA in journalism and media from Rutgers University. See full profile

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