Tammie
Planning an international trip can be exciting, but managing your finances while abroad can be a challenge. Travel money cards offer a convenient solution, allowing you to load foreign currencies and use them like a regular debit card. However, not all travel money cards are created equal. Here’s a comparison of some popular options to help you choose the best one for your next adventure.
### **1. Wise Travel Money Card**
– **Currencies Available**: AUD, USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, JPY, NZD, SGD
– **ATM Withdrawal Fee**: 2 free withdrawals per month up to AUD$350, then AUD$1.50 and 1.75% per withdrawal
– **Initial Load Fee**: $0
– **Reload Fee**: $0
– **Pros**: Competitive exchange rates, no fees for the first two ATM withdrawals per month.
– **Cons**: Higher fees after the first two free withdrawals.
### **2. Revolut Travel Money Card**
– **Currencies Available**: AUD, USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, HKD, CNY, JPY, NZD, SGD, THB, AED, IDR, INR
– **ATM Withdrawal Fee**: Free up to AUD$350 per month, then 2% per withdrawal
– **Initial Load Fee**: $0
– **Reload Fee**: $0
– **Pros**: Wide range of currencies, mobile payments, 3-month Premium trial.
– **Cons**: Higher fees after the free limit.
### **3. Qantas Pay Travel Money Card**
– **Currencies Available**: AUD, USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NZD, SGD, THB, AED
– **ATM Withdrawal Fee**: Varies by currency (e.g., AUD$1.95, USD$1.95, GBPยฃ1.25)
– **Initial Load Fee**: $0
– **Reload Fee**: $0
– **Pros**: Earn Qantas Points on purchases, load up to 10 foreign currencies.
– **Cons**: Higher ATM withdrawal fees compared to other cards.
### **4. Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard**
– **Currencies Available**: AUD, USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NZD, SGD, THB, AED
– **ATM Withdrawal Fee**: Varies by currency (e.g., USD$2.50, EURโฌ2.50)
– **Initial Load Fee**: $0 (online) or $0 (via branch)
– **Reload Fee**: $0
– **Pros**: Lock in exchange rates for up to 10 currencies, no overseas ATM fees.
– **Cons**: Higher ATM withdrawal fees compared to other cards.
### **5. Travelex Money Card**
– **Currencies Available**: AUD, USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NZD, SGD, THB
– **ATM Withdrawal Fee**: $0 (overseas and domestic), but some ATM operators may charge their own fee
– **Initial Load Fee**: $0 (online) or $0 (via branch)
– **Reload Fee**: $0
– **Pros**: Lock in exchange rates, no overseas ATM fees.
– **Cons**: Some ATM operators may charge additional fees.
### **6. Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard**
– **Currencies Available**: AUD, USD, CAD, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NZD, SGD, THB, AED
– **ATM Withdrawal Fee**: $3.50 AUD or equivalent in foreign currency
– **Initial Load Fee**: $0
– **Reload Fee**: $0
– **Pros**: Widely accepted, convenient for domestic and international use.
– **Cons**: Higher ATM withdrawal fees compared to other cards.
When choosing a travel money card, consider factors such as the currencies you need, ATM withdrawal fees, initial load fees, and reload fees. Each card has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to select one that best suits your travel needs and budget.
