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ICE PLC

ICE Travel Money

Find out more about ice's travel money options with our useful guide..

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In this guide

Customer service information for ICE

International Currency Exchange (ICE) is one of the world’s leading providers of retail Bureau de Change and online foreign exchange services.

The company started life based in London Victoria Railway Station and now, over 40 years on, ICE is one of the largest retail currency exchange operators in the world, with over 400 branches throughout Europe, the United States, Canada, Mexico, India, China, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia.

Read on to find out more about what ICE has to offer, and whether you should get your travel money through them before you go abroad.

What services does ICE offer?

Here’s a list of the four services offered by ICE:

  • Travel Money. Get excellent foreign exchange rates when you order foreign currency online for home delivery.
  • Currency Card. Load money onto the ICE Travellers Cashcard and off you go. The ICE Travellers Cashcard is a prepaid MasterCard currency card, available in Euros, US Dollars and Sterling.
  • Click & Collect. Collect from an ICE branch and get discounted rates on selected foreign currencies
  • Money Transfer. This is a service for those looking to transfer money internationally, rather than people looking for a quick solution for going on holiday. If you want to know more about international money transfers, head here . (For the purposes of this guide, the rest of the information on this page will refer to the three other services, which are more relevant to travel money.)

What currencies can I order through ICE?

Here’s a list of some of the main currencies that are available with ICE:

  • East Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
  • Australian Dollar (AUD)
  • Bahamian Dollar (BSD)
  • Bahraini Dinar (BHD)
  • Barbados Dollar (BBD)
  • Bermudian Dollar (BMD)
  • Brazilian Real (BRL)
  • Bulgarian Lev (BGN)
  • Canadian Dollar (CAD)
  • Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)
  • Chilean Peso (CLP)
  • Chinese Yuan Renmibi (CNY)
  • Costa Rican Colon (CRC)
  • Croatian Kuna (HRK)
  • Czech Koruna (CZK)
  • Danish Krone (DKK)
  • Dominican Peso (DOP)
  • Fiji Dollar (FJD)
  • Hong Kong Dollar (HKD)
  • Hungarian Forint (HUF)
  • Iceland Krona (ISK)
  • Indonesaian Rupiah (IDR)
  • New Israeli Sheqel (ILS)
  • Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
  • Japanese Yen (JPY)
  • Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
  • Kenyan Shilling (KES)
  • Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)
  • Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
  • Mauritius Rupee (MUR)
  • Mexican Peso (MXN)
  • New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
  • Norwegian Krone (NOK)
  • Omani Rial (OMR)
  • Peruvian Nuevo Sol (PEN)
  • Philippine Peso (PHP)
  • Polish Zloty (PLN)
  • Qatari Rial (QAR)
  • Romanian Leu (RON)
  • Russian Ruble (RUB)
  • Saudi Riyal (SAR)
  • Singapore Dollar (SGD)
  • South African Rand (ZAR)
  • South Korean Won (KRW)
  • Swedish Krona (SEK)
  • Swiss Franc (CHF)
  • New Taiwan Dollar (TWD)
  • Thai Baht (THB)
  • Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)
  • Turkish Lira (TRY)
  • UAE Dirham (AED)
  • US Dollar (USD)
  • Anguilla (AIA)
  • Antigua And Barbuda (ATG)
  • Australia (AUS)
  • Austria (AUT)
  • Bahamas (BHS)
  • Bahrain (BHR)
  • Barbados (BRB)
  • Belgium (BEL)
  • Bermuda (BMU)
  • Brazil (BRA)
  • Bulgaria (BGR)
  • Canada (CAN)
  • Cayman Islands (CYM)
  • Chile (CHL)
  • China (CHN)
  • Costa Rica (CRI)
  • Croatia (HRV)
  • Cyprus (CYP)
  • Czech Republic (CZE)
  • Denmark (DNK)
  • Dominica (DMA)
  • Dominican Republic (DOM)
  • Estonia (EST)
  • Finland (FIN)
  • France (FRA)
  • Germany (DEU)
  • Greece (GRC)
  • Grenada (GRD)
  • Hong Kong (HKG)
  • Hungary (HUN)
  • Iceland (ISL)
  • Indonesia (IDN)
  • Ireland (IRL)
  • Israel (ISR)
  • Italy (ITA)
  • Jamaica (JAM)
  • Japan (JPN)
  • Jordan (JOR)
  • Kenya (KEN)
  • Kuwait (KWT)
  • Latvia (LVA)
  • Lithuania (LTU)
  • Luxembourg (LUX)
  • Malaysia (MYS)
  • Malta (MLT)
  • Mauritius (MUS)
  • Mexico (MEX)
  • Montserrat (MSR)
  • Netherlands (NLD)
  • New Zealand (NZL)
  • Norway (NOR)
  • Philippines (PHL)
  • Poland (POL)
  • Portugal (PRT)
  • Qatar (QAT)
  • Romania (ROU)
  • Russia (RUS)
  • Saint Kitts And Nevis (KNA)
  • Saint Lucia (LCA)
  • Saint Vincent And The Grenadines (VCT)
  • Saudi Arabia (SAU)
  • Singapore (SGP)
  • Slovakia (SVK)
  • Slovenia (SVN)
  • South Africa (ZAF)
  • South Korea (KOR)
  • Spain (ESP)
  • Sweden (SWE)
  • Switzerland (CHE)
  • Taiwan (TWN)
  • Thailand (THA)
  • Trinidad And Tobago (TTO)
  • Turkey (TUR)
  • United Arab Emirates (ARE)
  • United States (USA)

How much can I transfer with ICE?

For your security as well as WeSwap’s, there are some limits on how much you can load onto your WeSwap card – and how much you can carry on your card at once.

Minimum you can order : £100.

Maximum you can order : £7,500 .

Maximum on a Currency Card : £5,000. (£10,000 in a year.)

How soon can I get my money?

Perhaps the biggest downfall of ICE is the fact that you have to wait for your order to arrive. This takes 3-5 days .

ICE can be a great option if you’re planning a trip in advance, but less convenient for those who forget their travel money and need a quick solution just before they jet off.

How safe is my money?

All customer information is authenticated before being sent to a secure computer server. The encryption process takes the characters you enter on your PC and converts them into code that is then securely transmitted via the Internet.

Only the secure server can read this data. ICE then run a data integrity test to ensure that any data sent has been transferred successfully and has not been tampered with. Our processes ensure that any personal information remains personal.

Are there any fees I might have to pay?

It’s a good idea to withdraw larger amounts less often. (This is a general rule of thumb for all travel money providers!)

Here’s a table of ICE’s fees for their Currency Cards, but check out their website for the full list of fees for all of their services:

We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use . When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you.

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Charlie Barton

Charlie Barton was a publisher at Finder. He specialised in banking and investments products, including banking apps, current accounts, share-dealing platforms and stocks and shares ISAs. Charlie has a first-class degree from the London School of Economics, and in his spare time enjoys long walks on the beach.

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2 Responses

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can you transfer $ careabian to us$ American ? Kind regards BH

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Thanks for reaching out.

East Caribbean Dollar or XCD is actually one of the main currencies availble with ICE.

For other money transfer options you can also visit this page . The page will display a comparison table between money transfer companies so you can select which would suit your needs.

You may enter the details on the boxes provided and should you need more information you can click on “show details” or “go to site”.

Hope this helps, Joanne

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Here Are the Four Best Travel Money Cards in 2024

ice travel money card

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.

ice travel money card

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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: Starling Bank
  • 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.

Go to Revolut

  • Trust & Credibility 8.9
  • Service & Quality 7.9
  • Fees & Exchange Rates 8.3
  • Customer Satisfaction 9.4

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.

Go to N26

  • Trust & Credibility 7.9
  • Service & Quality 8.0
  • Fees & Exchange Rates 9.3
  • Customer Satisfaction 8.1

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.

Visit Wise

  • Trust & Credibility 9.3
  • Service & Quality 8.9
  • Fees & Exchange Rates 7.6
  • Customer Satisfaction 9.6

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.

Starling Bank: Great UK Bank For Travel

Starling Bank is one of the best neobanks in the United Kingdom. We highly recommend it for UK residents who frequently spend in British pounds and euros because of its multi-currency capabilities.

Go to Starling Bank

  • Service & Quality 8.5
  • Fees & Exchange Rates 10
  • Customer Satisfaction 9.3

Here are the different account that Starling Bank offers:

'Kite' is a children's debit card, and 'Teen' is for teenagers

Starling Bank accounts are free for UK citizens and residents to open. You can spend abroad with the Starling Bank card with zero card transaction fees. This feature alone makes it a cost-effective and convenient option for frequent travellers. It even waives all ATM fees for ATMs in the UK and abroad.

Your other option is to convert your sterling into euros. By opening a euro account with Starling, you can hold, send and receive euros for free . When you spend in the Eurozone with your Starling Bank card, your euro balances (instead of your sterling balance) will then be used

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

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.

Go to Chime

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

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?

ice travel money card

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.

Try Wise

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.

Try Travelex

  • 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. 

Bureau de change à Londres

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

Eiffel Tower Paris France

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. 

Moneycorp exchange rate at the Gatwick Airport

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

Times Square United States

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

ice travel money card

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.

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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?

April Summers

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.

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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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  • Download the Revolut app : find it in Apple or Google Play Store
  • Sign up to Revolut : apply for an account and verify your identity
  • Add a debit card : go to Cards and follow the instructions to start your order
  • Set your PIN : choose a PIN that you'll remember
  • Arrange delivery : enter your delivery address, and select your delivery method before proceeding to checkout (Delivery fees may apply)

Is a travel money card better than travel money?

  • Don’t exchange cash at the airport: it’s much cheaper to withdraw money from an ATM with your travel money card
  • Don't carry more cash than you need: when you return home from your trip, you’ll need to re-convert this cash back to GBP, which can take time and cost you in fees
  • Always choose the local currency when spending with your card in shops and restaurants
  • Sign up to Revolut so you can manage your balance and get instant notifications on what you spend

What is the best bank to use when travelling abroad?

  • Exchanging currency before you go, or while you're there
  • Withdrawing money from ATMs
  • Using your card in shops, restaurants, and more

What's the difference between using prepaid travel cards or travel debit card for spending abroad?

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The 6 Best Travel Money Cards for Iceland 2024

Claire Millard

Iceland has firmly established itself as a popular tourist destination from the UK, with jaw dropping scenery, vibrant cities and unique experiences you simply can’t get anywhere else in the world. Iceland may be a dream trip, but it’s not famed for being budget friendly. Getting a travel money card can help.

From the UK you’ll be able to choose from a range of travel debit, prepaid and credit cards which may allow you to cut your overall costs, beat foreign transaction fees, or earn cash back and rewards. This guide walks through your travel money card options and touches on 6 of our favourites to kickstart your research.

Wise - our pick for travel debit card when travelling to Iceland

Wise accounts can hold and exchange 40+ currencies, and you can get a linked Wise card for a one time delivery fee. Top up your account in GBP and switch to ISK before you travel. All currency conversion uses the mid-market exchange rate, with low fees from 0.41%. Here are some of the pros and cons of the Wise travel money debit card, to help you decide if it’s right for you.

ice travel money card

Hold and exchange 40+ currencies , including GBP-ISK

No fee to spend any currency you hold, low conversion fees from 0.41%

Mid market exchange rate on all currency conversion

Some fee free ATM withdrawals every month

No ongoing fees and no interest to pay

7 GBP delivery fee

No option to earn points or rewards

Click here to read a full Wise review

What is a travel money card?

A travel money card can be used in the same way as any other credit or debit card. Usually travel cards are contactless so you can tap to pay in stores, spend online and make cash withdrawals just as you do with your bank card. The main difference is that you could cut the costs of spending in a foreign currency, as travel cards are optimised for international spending.

Different cards have their own features and benefits, but some let you hold a balance in multiple currencies, others are designed to avoid foreign transaction fees, while some travel credit cards are handy if you want to earn cash back or rewards overseas.

What are different types of travel cards?

Generally you can split the different types of travel cards available in the UK into the following categories. We’ll walk through the features and benefits of each in a moment:

Travel debit cards

Travel prepaid cards

Travel credit cards

Quick summary: Best travel cards for Iceland

This review of travel cards for visitors to Iceland from the UK picks out 2 of our favourite card options from each category to help you get a feel for which might suit your specific spending patterns. Here’s what we’ll be looking at:

Wise travel debit card : Hold 40+ currencies, including THB, with no ongoing fees, and spend with the mid-market exchange rate with no foreign transaction fee and low conversion costs from 0.43%

Revolut travel debit card : Hold 25+ currencies including ISK, in one of 4 different plan types, including some with no monthly fee, and some which come with ongoing costs but which unlock more benefits and no fee transactions

Post Office travel money card : Hold GBP and 21 other currencies, with a secure card you can pick up in person at a Post Office. A 3% fee applies when spending ISK

Monese travel money card : Hold a balance in GBP, then spend in ISK with no fees, up to your plan’s limit. Different plans on offer, including Simple which has no ongoing fees to pay

Barclays Rewards Visa travel credit card: Spend with the Visa exchange rate, and earn 0.25% cash back, with no foreign transaction fee and no cash advance fee. Interest and penalties can apply

Halifax Clarity Mastercard travel credit card: No foreign transaction fee, no annual fee, and no cash advance fee if you withdraw money at an ATM. Variable interest and penalties can apply

Travel money cards for Iceland compared

Here’s a brief comparison of all the cards we’ve picked out - in a moment we’ll also look at each card in more detail.

Different travel card types available in the UK can work quite differently in terms of features and fees.

As ISK isn’t a super common currency, you may prefer Revolut if you specifically want to convert your funds to ISK in advance, but you can also choose Wise or Monese for currency conversion with low or no fees from GBP.

In general, debit and prepaid travel cards are cheap to use, while credit cards can be convenient for spreading the costs of a trip, but may also come with higher overall costs. Which suits you depends on the types of transactions you’ll make. Read on to learn more.

Travel Debit Cards for Iceland

You can order a travel debit card online from a specialist provider, and manage your balance and transactions in a linked digital account. Travel debit cards often come with multi-currency account balances, although as ISK isn’t a particularly common currency you might not be able to hold krona in your account. Instead, you’ll add money in GBP, and the card will convert your payment to ISK automatically, with no hidden fees and no foreign transaction costs.

Different travel debit cards have their own features - we’ve introduced two popular picks below so you can compare.

Travel debit card option 1: Wise

There’s no fee to open a personal Wise account , but you’ll pay a one time card order fee of 7 GBP. After that there’s no minimum balance and no monthly charge. Wise accounts can support 40+ currencies for holding and exchange, with low fees from 0.43% when you convert currencies, and transparent ATM fees when you exhaust the monthly free transactions available with your account.

No fee to open a personal Wise account, no minimum balance requirement

7 GBP one time fee to get your Wise card

2 withdrawals, to 200 GBP value per month for free, then 0.5 GBP + 1.75%

Hold 40+ currencies, convert between them with the mid-market rate

Get local account details to receive GBP, NZD, EUR, USD and a selection of other major currencies conveniently

Multi-currency account and card Wise

Travel debit card option 2: Revolut

Revolut has a selection of different account tiers for personal customers in the UK, including Standard plans with no monthly fee, to the top end Ultra plan which has a 45 GBP/month fee and comes with loads of perks including a fancy platinum plated card. You can hold around 25 currencies, and convert currencies with the mid-market rate to your plan’s allowance. The higher account tiers also come with extras like various different forms of complimentary insurance, discounts, cash back opportunities and travel benefits.

No monthly fee for a Standard Revolut account, or upgrade to one of 4 different account plans which have monthly fees running from 3.99 GBP/month to 45 GBP/month

All accounts have some no fee weekday currency conversion with fair usage fees after that which are 1% for Standard plan holders

Standard plan holders can withdraw 200 GBP overseas per month for free

Hold around 25 currencies

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Pros and cons of using debit travel cards in Iceland

How much does a travel debit card cost.

Using a travel debit card is usually pretty cheap, but probably not entirely free. The exact costs depend on the provider you pick and the way you transact.

If you choose the Wise travel debit card you’ll pay a one time fee to get your physical card, but there are no monthly charges or minimum balance requirements after that. ISK isn’t a supported currency for holding a balance so when you spend you’ll pay a small currency conversion cost which can be as low as 0.43%.

Other providers, like Revolut, have different account plans available which means you’ll be able to choose an account with no ongoing charges but relatively limited features, or pay a monthly fee in exchange for getting more no-fee transactions and a range of extras like lounge access or insurance.

How to choose the best travel debit card for Iceland?

The best travel debit card for Iceland will depend to an extent on your personal preference. If you really want to see your travel budget in ISK ahead of time, you might consider Revolut as you can add a balance and then convert to ISK for spending later. Some Revolut accounts have monthly fees so it’s worth comparing your options based on how frequently you might use your card. As an alternative, you might choose Wise which lets you add money as and when you need to and spend in ISK with no foreign transaction fee and no need to convert in advance. Currency conversion costs start from 0.43%.

Is there a spending limit with a travel debit card in Iceland?  

You’ll probably find there’s a spending limit for your travel debit card. However, this limit can vary quite significantly, depending on the provider you pick. You can also usually adjust your spending limits for security in the provider’s app which means you can set the limit you’re comfortable with.

For the providers mentioned above, Revolut UK travel debit card holders have some spending caps based on merchant and transaction type. This applies to things like sending money to others, buying travellers cheques or money orders, and betting. Wise caps monthly card spending at 30,000 GBP but you can also move your limit lower if you’d like to, for security reasons.

ATM withdrawals

ATM withdrawals with a travel debit card are also likely to be subject to limits. Revolut applies a 3,000 GBP limit based on any given 24 hour period. Wise ATM withdrawal limits are 4,000 GBP per month. Both providers allow you to make some no fee ATM withdrawals monthly, but the exact amount you can withdraw will depend on your account type.

Prepaid Travel Cards for Iceland

[Prepaid travel cards] ( https://exiap.co.uk/guides/best-prepaid-travel-cards ) work fairly similarly to travel debit cards, but may not have quite the range of features offered by some debit card options. You’ll still have the advantage that your card isn’t linked to your main UK bank account which adds a layer of security, but there could be a few extra transaction fees which creep in and push up the overall cost. Here are a couple of strong contenders for prepaid travel cards in the UK:

Prepaid travel card option 1: Post Office Travel Money Card

You can order a Post Office Travel Money Card online or pick one up in person at a branch as long as you have a valid ID on you. Cards allow you to top up and hold 22 currencies, although bear in mind a fee applies when you spend in ISK as it’s not a currency supported by the card. That means that when you spend in Iceland, payments will be deducted from your GBP balance instead, with a 3% fee.

3% cross border fee when you spend in ISK

22 currencies are supported for holding and exchange

No fee to spend a currency you hold on your card

ATM withdrawal fee will be deducted from your GBP balance, and will be the equivalent of 1.5 GBP

Manage your account and card from the Post Office travel money app

Prepaid travel card option 2: Monese Travel Money Card

Monese offers several different account plans which come with linked cards you can use while overseas. Depending on the plan you pick you’ll get some free international spending and some free ATM withdrawals. Simple account plans have no monthly fees, but are more limited in terms of no-fee transactions compared to the other account tiers. While Monese does offer foreign currency account plans, these are not available in ISK.

  • Pick the account plan that suits your needs, including a Simple plan with no monthly costs and some plans which do have a fee to pay every month
  • Accounts offered in GBP, EUR and RON
  • Simple account plan holders can spend up to 2,000 GBP a month in foreign currencies with no fees - other account plans have unlimited overseas spending with no extra fees
  • All accounts have some fee free ATM withdrawals every month, with variable limits based on account plan
  • Virtual cards available

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards in Australia

How much does a prepaid card cost.

The costs of a prepaid travel card can vary quite a lot. The Post Office travel card has no initial fee, but as ISK isn’t supported for holding and exchange, you’ll pay a 3% cross border fee when you’re in Iceland. Monese has account plans which offer some currency conversion with no fees every month, so this can still be an attractive option based on cost, but you’ll need to weigh up any monthly fees that apply for your specific card plan.

How to choose the best travel prepaid card for Iceland?

There’s no single best prepaid travel card for Iceland - the right one for you depends on your spending patterns.

If you already have a Post Office Travel Money Card, or if you’re looking for a card you can pick up in person instantly, this could be a contender - but it’s not the cheapest option for Iceland as you’ll pay a 3% fee whenever you spend or withdraw.

Monese does not allow you to hold an ISK balance, but has different plan types which can offer some currency conversion with no fee. That could make it a good option, particularly if you don’t mind paying a monthly fee to unlock more features.

Prepaid travel card spending limit

The Post Office travel card lets you top up to 5,000 GBP at a time, with the maximum balance at any given time set at 10,000 GBP, or 30,000 GBP annually. Monese accounts may have different limits based on the tier you pick - usually set at a maximum holding balance at any time of 40,000 GBP. You may be limited to spending up to 7,000 GBP a day, depending on your account type.

With the Post Office card, you can make up to 17,000 THB maximum daily withdrawals and each withdrawal costs 80 THB. Monese accounts may have a maximum ATM withdrawal of 300 GBP a day, depending on the specific account you pick, so it’s worth reading the fee schedule carefully to understand the details.

Travel credit cards for Iceland

Travel credit cards can be safe and convenient, but are often more expensive than a debit or prepaid card. However, they have their own strong features - you can spread your costs of travel over several months if you want to, you may earn cash back or rewards, and you can use them as a payment guarantee when checking into a hotel or hiring a car. Weigh up the benefits and drawbacks when you’re considering if a travel credit card is right for you.

Travel credit card option 1: Barclaycard Rewards Visa 

The Barclaycard Rewards Visa credit card is a good, straightforward option for UK customers looking for a credit card which does not have foreign transaction fees, and which doesn’t have an annual fee. As with any credit card, some costs can apply including interest fees if you don’t clear your bill monthly, but you’ll be able to earn 0.25% cash back on all your card spending at home and abroad.

No annual fee, with 0.25% cash back on card spending

Currency exchange uses the network rate and no foreign transaction fee

No ATM withdrawal fee - but interest can still apply

28.9% representative APR, with penalty fees for late payments

Secure spending with extra protection on some purchases

Travel credit card option 2: Halifax Clarity Mastercard

The Halifax Clarity Mastercard has a variable interest rate which is based on your creditworthiness, but doesn’t use different rates for different transaction types as some cards do. There’s no foreign transaction fee when you spend or withdraw in foreign currencies, but bear in mind that an ATM operator might charge a fee, and interest accrues instantly for cash advance transactions.

No foreign transaction fee when spending or making a cash withdrawal overseas

Interest applies instantly when making cash withdrawals

Same interest rate applies on all purchase categories

Variable APR based on your credit score - you’ll need to check your eligibility online to see the APR you’d be offered

Spending is covered by the Consumer Credit act which means extra protections for purchases from 100 GBP to 30,000 GBP in value

Pros and cons of using credit cards for Iceland

How much does a travel credit card cost.

The cards we’ve picked out above have no order fee and no annual charge. However to avoid paying interest you’ll need to make sure you pay your bill in full every month - and also avoid using your credit card in an ATM as this can mean interest accrues instantly. If you don’t pay back everything you owe in full you’ll be charged interest - and if you’re late making a payment, penalties can also apply.

How to choose the best travel credit card for Iceland?

If you’re planning on spreading the costs of your spending over a few months it’s worth looking for the card which has the lowest available interest, particularly if it has no annual fee to worry about. If you’ll usually repay your bill in full monthly it may be more important to you to find a card which offers cash back or rewards. Weigh up a few different options while you decide, to make sure you get the right match for your specific needs.

Travel credit card spending limit

Your travel credit card spending limit will be set by the card provider, and will depend on your credit score. You’ll be shown details of your spending limit when you’re approved for a travel credit card.

The cards we’ve looked at earlier don’t charge a cash advance fee, but this is a common cost when using a credit card at an ATM, so worth looking out for when you select any credit card. It’s also worth noting that it’s very common for ATM withdrawals to start accruing interest instantly, so you’ll end up needing to repay some charges whenever you use your credit card in an ATM.

How much money do I need in Iceland?

Iceland is pretty expensive option when it comes to accommodation and food. You may be able to get bargain flights, but if you’re heading out there during peak season and looking to take advantage of some of the unique experiences on offer, you’ll need to stretch that budget a bit. Here’s a quick look at some common costs in Iceland:

Conclusion: Which travel money card is best for Iceland?

Using a travel money card when you’re overseas can help you cut costs and manage foreign transaction fees. It’s also a secure and convenient way to spend and to make cash withdrawals.

The right travel card for Iceland will depend a bit on your priorities. For example, the Wise travel debit card might suit if you need a card for occasional use which allows for real time conversions to ISK with low fees. A Monese travel prepaid card might be a good pick if you’ll only exchange money to the free currency conversion limit set in your specific plan. Or, a travel credit card like the Barclays Rewards Visa could work if you want a card for earning cash back and for using as a payment guarantee.

FAQ - Best travel cards for Iceland

Can you withdraw cash with a credit card in iceland.

Yes. You can use your credit card to make an ATM withdrawal at any ATM in Iceland where your card network is accepted. However, bear in mind you’ll pay interest instantly when you use a credit card in an ATM. Choosing to withdraw with a low cost travel debit card from Wise or Revolut may bring down your overall fees.

Can I use a debit card in Iceland?

Debit cards are pretty widely used in Iceland so you should have no problems paying in larger and chain stores, hotels and restaurants in the cities. Bear in mind that you may not be able to pay with card in smaller merchants or at markets, so having both a prepaid or travel debit card and some Icelandic krona in cash is a smart plan.

Are prepaid cards safe?

Yes. Prepaid cards are not linked to your normal UK bank account which means that they’re safe to use. Even if you were unlucky and someone stole your card while you’re in Iceland, they would not be able to access your main account - and you could freeze your prepaid card in the app easily if you needed to.

What is the best way to pay in Iceland?

Paying for things with a specialist travel debit, prepaid or credit card in Iceland is most convenient. However, having a few options for payment is a good plan, so you’ll always have a back up. Consider getting a travel card from a provider like Wise or Revolut, which has some no fee ATM withdrawals so you can also conveniently get cash for those times card payments aren’t offered.

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Help and support Travel Money Card

Manage and top up your Travel Money Card account online. Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or get in touch with our travel team if you still need to.

New-look travel app out now

Our revamped travel app’s out now. It makes buying, topping up and managing Travel Money Cards with up to 22 currencies a breeze. Buying and accessing Travel Insurance on the move effortless. And it puts holiday extras like airport hotels, lounge access and more at your fingertips. All with an improved user experience. Find out what’s changed .

Common Travel Money Card questions

  • Before you go
  • Currency questions
  • While you’re away
  • Lost cards and leftover funds

Do I have to pass a credit check to purchase a Travel Money Card?

No. We’ll carry out an electronic address verification check based on the information you provide. This will be stored but will not affect any credit rating.

How long will my card take to arrive?

If you order your card online it will be delivered to your home address in two to three working days. If you require a card in a shorter time please check with your local Post Office branch. Exchange rates vary between online and branch.

What do I need to do before I travel?

Before leaving the UK, make sure you have activated your Travel Money Card. Activation can be done through the free Post Office Travel app – download now from the Apple App Store or Google Play . The app allows you to top up, track spend, view balances and freeze spend.

Activation can also be done by calling our automated line on +44(0) 20 7937 0280. Full details can be found on the letter that comes attached to you your card.

How do I get my PIN / Change my PIN?

To get your PIN, download the free Post Office Travel app from the App Store or Google Play , create an account and you can check your PIN wherever you are in the world.

Alternatively, you can call our automated line on +44 (0)20 7937 0280 and select Option 1. Your change of PIN can only be done at UK ATM’s that accept Mastercard and offer the PIN change facility.

Which currencies can I load on my card?

You can load any of the following currencies on to your card. The card can hold up to 22 currencies at once, but they can only be loaded one at a time:

Euro, US dollars, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, New Zealand dollars, Thai baht, UAE dirham, Turkish lira, South African rand, Swiss francs, Polish zloty, pounds Sterling, Chinese yuan, Czech koruna, Danish kroner, Hong Kong dollar, Hungarian forint, Japanese yen, Norwegian krone, Saudi riyal, Singapore dollar or Swedish krona.

Which currency should I load?

We recommend that you load the currency of the country that you’re travelling to. If we don’t offer that currency we recommend that you load pounds Sterling on to your card.

Should I pay in Sterling if given the choice while abroad?

We recommend that you always pay in the local currency and not Sterling. This will prevent high fees and very poor exchange rates being applied at an ATM or retailer. This is known as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) . We include information about DCC in every card pack.

Using your card abroad

Where can i use my card.

Your card can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted.

Is there anywhere that my card won’t work?

We have to authorise your card immediately which means a small number of locations may not be able to take your card. This includes unmanned petrol pumps, toll booths and on board cruise ships or aeroplanes.

Anywhere I shouldn’t use my card?

We recommend that your card is not used to pay deposits on car hire or used when checking in to hotels that require a deposit. Both of these could lead to funds being held by the retailer, which would prevent you from using them.

Can I withdraw money from ATMs?

Yes you can. You can use any ATM that’s accepts Mastercard. Fees will apply for every cash withdrawal. These fees are detailed online or on your welcome letter. Please be aware that some ATMs may also charge you and this should always be displayed on the ATM screen. We always recommend that you withdraw cash in local currency and don’t choose to pay in Sterling or accept their currency conversion.

Topping up and managing currencies

How can i top up my card with more money.

The easiest way is via our mobile app, which is available to download from the App Store or on Google Play .

You can also top up via our website if you’ve created an account. And you can ask friends or family to top up on your behalf in any UK Post Office branch, too. All they need is your card number.

Can I top up with a different currency to the one I loaded in the first place?

Yes, you can. Our multi-currency card allows you to load any of the 22 currencies we offer.

Do I have to move money from one currency to another?

No, you don’t have to move money. If you have money in one currency and spend in a different currency we’ll automatically move this for you to authorise a transaction. Alternatively, you can move the funds using the "Transfer" icon on the free Post Office Travel app ( App Store , Google Play ) or "Transfer to another wallet" icon if managing your account online .

How can I track my balance?

The easiest way is to use our mobile app. This shows clearly what your remaining balance is in each currency. We do not recommend the use of ATMs to check your balance as they will provide a GBP figure using a different exchange rate. Remember, your balance is held in each currency so is not affected by exchange rates unless you change it to other currencies.

Download the Post Office Travel app from the Apple App Store or Google Play .

What do I do if my card is lost or stolen?

You need to call us immediately on +44 (0) 20 7937 0280. We’re here 24 hours a day.  

We’ll cancel your card and work out the best way to replace it. A fee may be charged if we need to courier a replacement card overseas.

If you think you have misplaced your card and want peace of mind, you can freeze spend on your card using the Post Office Travel app, available on the App Store and Google Play . You can unfreeze just as easily if you find your card again.

I have money left on my card. What do I do?

You have 4 options available to you:

  • Leave the money on your card for your next holiday
  • Visit any Post Office branch and withdraw the balance over the counter in Sterling. There is a daily withdrawal limit of £300 per day
  • Spend your money in the UK as normal. We will move the money to Sterling every time you pay for something. Anything you don’t spend stays in the currency you have on the card. No fees apply, we just use the day’s exchange rate
  • Call us to ask for a refund. Please note that you will get a better exchange rate by spending on your card or withdrawing cash from a Post Office branch
  • Other sections:

Manage your card with our app

Order, top up and view the balance of your Travel Money Card, and transfer leftover currency funds to a new currency of your choice.

Post Office Travel app

Download our free app for your mobile device:

Lost or stolen cards

If your card’s been lost or stolen, we’re here to help. Lines open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Call us 24/7

Please call our Travel Money card team immediately on: 0207 937 0280

We’ll cancel your card and work out the best way to replace it.

Contact us about using your card

Need help managing your Travel Money Card and transactions and can't find the answer you need in our FAQs above or self-service tools? Our team's here for you.

Transactions and managing your card

For enquiries about transactions or managing your card online or via the app, call: 0207 937 0280

Manage your card online

Log into your online account top up your Travel Money Card, view your transactions and more all in one place.

Top up with currencies, check recent transactions, freeze your card and more online.

Contact Post Office about in-branch services

If you have a question, feedback or a complaint about services provided in Post Office branches, including getting a Travel Money Card there, here's how to get in touch with us.

Send us a message

Please complete our enquiries form to tell us what you’d like to know or share feedback on your experience.

Make a complaint

If you’re not happy with your Post Office experience, please let us know and we’ll do our best to put things right.

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ice travel money card

International Currency Exchange (ICE)   Reviews

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Reviews 3.7.

3,619 total

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Company does not honor rates published on their website

This is a company that steals from customers. They don’t honor their published rates on their own website, and prey on the trust of unsuspecting customers. Example- I exchanged $300 US, and received 4000 pesos, an exchange of ~.07 pesos per dollar. When I inquired about the disconnect, I was told the rate I was looking at on their website was t accurate ( how is this possible) If you check The ICE website, the current rate per peso is 14.84 pesos dollar. While I understand rates change constantly, this large of disconnect is simply theft. I as a customer on this day at the current rate published on their website should have received 4,450, a disconnect of nearly 10%. ( and that’s after we paid a $9 flat fee for their service) Save yourself the trouble and use an exchange you trust and steer clear of international currency exchange at any location.

Date of experience : 17 February 2024

Robbed me 70 euro in no time

Robbed me 70 euro in no time , when tell your woman the rate is not good . She said she is using the rate of the bank . Which is not true . I understand you are a business you have to make a profit . But this is too much . Currency exchange after security in dublin Airport terminal 1 is better and as same as the bank .

Date of experience : 03 February 2024

completely scam

completely scam. stay away this ice currency exchange. their website says no fee, fair rate, stress free. its office in ottawa airport is completely opposite. cannot imagine such a company can survive in canada. need to file a class litigation against. RCMP should investigate on it

Date of experience : 15 August 2023

100% SATISFACTION

Fantastic. Arrived so quickly AND came in an excellent selection of mixed bills. I ordered from another company previously and despite "selecting" for mixed notes, only received large denominations. ICE for me, from now on. Exchange rate really good too. I reckon, they just can't be beaten.

Date of experience : 22 January 2021

Reply from International Currency Exchange (ICE)

Hi Bryan, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a fantastic review. We really do appreciate it. We look forward to assisting you again in the future. Many Thanks, Sophie

Thieves Masquerading as a Business

At Atlanta Hartsfield Airport ICE advertises a $12.95 flat rate fee, and their exchange rate board lists the dollar to euro exchange rate, but don’t tell you it IS NOT the current international exchange rate. They charged me a 30% mark up over the actual exchange rate plus the $12.95 flat rate fee. No disclaimers, nothing. They’re thieves with a business license.

Date of experience : 14 October 2023

Next day delivery - as usual - with unbeatable exchange rates. Only comment I would make - and it is not ICE's fault - the last two orders I received during the current pandemic, 3 items and 2 items containing thousands of pounds worth of currency, were just pushed through letterbox to sit behind the door. Fortunately, the amounts I ordered were there in full.

Date of experience : 18 January 2021

Hi Stephen, Thank you for leaving us such a great review. We're sorry that Royal Mail haven't delivered as expected. Although at the moment, due to the pandemic they aren't taking customer signatures. They should still be knocking on the door and handing the package over, and if nobody is in then leaving a whilst you were out card. So we have raised a complaint with them regarding your orders. We really appreciate you taking the time to leave us a review and we look forward to assisting you in the future. Many Thanks, Sophie

Used ICE for home delivery for the first time…

I always use ICE for my holiday money exchange. I usually use one of the London Branches but these are currently closed so I used the home delivery service for the first time. I was pleasantly surprised that the cash arrived as per the instructions without any issue between xmas and new years eve. I would use the service again.

Date of experience : 03 January 2021

Hi Mr Davis, Thank you for your excellent review. We're delighted that you were happy with our home delivery service and are so pleased to hear you would use us again. We really do appreciate you taking the time to leave us such positive feedback and look forward to being of service to you in the future. Hope you have a fab trip! Thanks, Lucy

Fast delivery and no issues

Ordered some Japanese Yen as exchange rate was better than other online organisations. Was slightly nervous as over £1000 worth but delivery was quick and money double wrapped for added security. Will definitely order more before my trip (postponed due to covid).

Date of experience : 18 March 2021

Hi Alison, Thank you for your excellent review. We're so pleased that your currency arrived promptly and you were happy with the service. We are delighted to hear you will use us again and really appreciate you taking the time to leave us positive feedback. Hope you have a fab trip! Thanks, Lucy

The service was excellent but…

The service was excellent but unfortunatey I Received euros instead of GB currency i needed. However it was my mistake as I didn’t realise ICE only dealt with foreign currency. I returned the Eros for refund but lost money because of the exchange rate

Date of experience : 08 August 2021

Hi Mrs Warden, We are glad you were happy with the service, we're sorry to hear there was confusion. We are a currency provider and do not provide a service for Sterling so this is the reason you received a buyback rate when returning the currency to us. Many thanks, Lucy

Not the first time I have used the home…

Not the first time I have used the home delivery service which is excellent. However as I went over the maximum postal order by £1.98 in Sterling value the order arrived in two separate envelopes with NO explanation. I rang 01455 897800 to query this situation. It took nearly 20 minutes to get through, not very satisfactory?, to finally talk to a very helpful gentleman who gave me the answer through talking to someone else in the office. Both envelopes had the same order number and value of each domination of the notes. Very confusing. Maybe an explanation would in future be helpful if enclosed with the delivery. Nicholas Clark

Date of experience : 15 May 2021

Hi Mr Clark We are sorry to hear that it took you a while to get through to us on Monday. Unfortunately it is our busiest day and call queues can be high on this day. We appreciate your excellent review of our Home Delivery Service and apologise if the paperwork contained within the order was a little confusing. Unfortunately the paperwork is generated per bag on the computer but is not split down which has to be done by hand and as the maximum insured per bag is £2500, anything over has to be sent separately, even if it is a few pence over. We do hope that this will not deter you from ordering from us in the future. Thanks Elaine

Daylight robbery

Daylight robbery. You charged us £210 GBP for 7,000 Thai Baht. That is some mark up, based on currency exchange is should have been £160 (wished I had checked at the time on line rate). £50 gbp mark up that is unacceptable

Date of experience : 27 December 2023

Easy and good

A very easy and quick transaction keep well informed every step. Arrived on date even though had been warned due to circumstances it could be delayed a day. Easy instructions to follow and clear on exchange rates given.

Date of experience : 21 March 2021

Hi Miss Smith We really appreciate the excellent review you have given us for our Home Delivery service and are so pleased to hear that you are happy with us. We are glad to hear that the order was delivered in good time even though these are difficult circumstances. We do hope you will order from us again in the future. Thanks Elaine

Exchange rate on par with other…

Exchange rate on par with other recognised currency providers and delivered following day. Have used (ICE) many times and in fact use an ICE Clear card for overseas trips.

Date of experience : 04 March 2021

Hi Alan, Thank you for your excellent review. We're really glad to hear you have been enjoying our home delivery service and our ICE Clear card on your trips. We hope you will continue to use us for your travel money in the future. Have a fantastic holiday! Thanks, Lucy

Got SEK and as always great service

Got SEK and as always great service, thanks to the team! Just subtracted one star as all was delivered in a big pack of small notes, so would appreciate if you find an algorithm of note size that fits to the ordered total value.

Date of experience : 11 May 2021

Hi Gerhard, Thank you for your review. We're pleased to hear you were happy with our home delivery service. Our dispatch department normally try to provide a good holiday mix of notes but we will certainly pass your comments onto the team. We do appreciate you taking the time to leave us feedback and hope that you will continue to use us in the future for your travel money. Have a great trip! Thanks, Lucy

Great service

Great service. Didn’t come next day but turned up the following morning, so no drama. There was a notification that delivery’s could be delayed due to Covid J Harrold

Date of experience : 02 July 2021

Hi Jason, Thank you for your 5* review. We're really happy to hear you were pleased with our service and hope you will continue to use us in the future for your travel money. Have a great trip! Thanks, Lucy

Slight delay in delivery, but excellent communications from the company

I ordered some currency, but was informed the day before my delivery that they had run out of my currency. The rep informed me about what would happen, and it happened as she had said. So, 2 days "late", but with excellent Customer support. This is the first "hiccup" I have had in many years of ordering currency from them. I will be using them again.

Date of experience : 24 February 2021

Hi Paul, Thank you for your 5* review and we are glad that you were happy with the customer service experience. We're sorry we didn't have the currency in stock when you ordered. Unfortunately at the moment, due to the pandemic and the lack of travel, our stocks aren't as high as they normally would be but we do appreciate you taking the time to leave us positive feedback and look forward to being of service to you for many more years to come. Hope you have a fantastic trip! Thanks, Lucy

We got ripped off at LAX

We got ripped off at LAX - they told us there was a one-time fee, but gave us $350 CAD instead of $435 in exchange for $348.65 US, and we were too tired and sleep-deprived to argue! Always check the math and do the conversion rate on your own, do not trust their employees at any cost :( we work minimum wage jobs so this hurts financially!

Date of experience : 04 April 2022

Fantastic service and rates

I needed currency quickly, looked online and ICE had the best rates and best delivery times. Received a phone call to double check order, and received money the day after. Fantastic service and will definitely use again.

Date of experience : 09 January 2021

Hi Reeta, Thank you for your fab review. We're delighted to hear you were pleased with our speedy home delivery service and the rates of exchange that we offer. We really do appreciate you taking the time to leave us such positive feedback and hope that you have a fantastic trip! Thanks, Lucy

Great service and would use again

Great service and would use again, money arrived promptly although rather surprised that it was just posted through the door by Royal Mail whilst we we’re out.

Hi there, Thank you for your 5* review. We're so pleased that your currency was delivered in good time and that you were happy with the service. Due to current circumstances, Royal Mail are not currently capturing signatures, however they should be ensuring that there is someone in at the address to accept the item as we do use Special Delivery so we will raise this with the team at Royal Mail. We are really glad to hear you would come back to us in the future for your travel money. Hope you have a fab trip! Thanks, Lucy

I ordered the wrong money but one phone call and a lovely lady in the UK with a friendly manner sorted it out very professionally. My money was super quick, I ordered the correct currency at 16.20 on Friday and it was at my for Saturday morning! Very pleased, will be using in future!

Hi Zoe Thank you very much for your 5 Star Review of our Home Delivery service and we are so pleased to hear that you are happy with us! We are glad that we could sort out the issue quickly and efficiently for you and are pleased that we were able to help you in a timely manner. We look forward to being of service to you in the future. Thanks again Elaine

ICE International Currency Exchange

The reference for currency exchange.

Order online with Click & Collect to get our best exchange rates, no fees. 

ice travel money card

Order online: best exchange rates, no fees!

Order now and put your mind at ease knowing that your currency has been reserved and is waiting for you.

ice travel money card

We've got you covered.

With more than 50 currencies in inventory, ICE is your reference for foreign exchange. 

About ICE

About ICE International Currency Exchange

International Currency Exchange (ICE) is a foreign exchange provider that you can count on. Your travel money is important to us, which is why we do everything we can to help your purchase go smoothly. We believe that you should be able to concentrate on what matters-enjoying your time away. Experienced, secure and reliable, we have been taking the hassle out of foreign exchange for over 40 years.

Start your trip stress-free when you Click & Collect. Simply order your currency online and pick up your cash from one of our branches when you fly. It could not be easier. Reserve your currency online today to take advantage of great rates. 

Read more about ICE

Easy and fast ordering. In less than 3 minutes!

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"Thank you for your prompt and considerate response. Needless to say I look forward to using your financial services on future occasions."

"Excellent service. Ordering process was straightforward and indeed an express service. Especially impressed with the competitive rates."

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ICE is operating at 9 major airports in the USA.

Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport

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Travel points on credit cards, explained

PayPal Editorial Staff

March 14, 2024

Savvy shoppers can turn everyday spending into exciting adventures by harnessing the power of travel points on credit cards.

Travel points on credit cards are rewards earned for eligible purchases. When someone accumulates enough points, they can redeem them for travel-related expenses like flights, accommodations, or upgrades.

From earning to redeeming, discover the world of travel reward points in this guide.

How do travel points work?

Travel points on credit cards work by rewarding people for their spending. When someone uses their credit card for eligible purchases, they may earn a certain number of points or miles based on the card's rewards program. These points accumulate over time and can be redeemed for travel costs.

Some cards or reward programs also offer flexible redemption options, allowing individuals to transfer points to airline or hotel loyalty programs.

The more someone spends on their card, the more travel points they may accumulate. However, it’s important to practice responsible spending and not make purchases simply to earn more points.

While some credit cards may be specifically noted as travel credit cards or offered in tandem with airline companies, many rewards credit cards can still be used to earn points or cash back to spend on travel or lodging. There may also be rewards programs via cash back apps that offer earning potential for spending with certain travel-related companies or airlines. For example, PayPal users can view travel-related deals and rewards offerings in the Travel category on the PayPal app . Rewards earning and redemption options will vary depending on card provider and/or rewards program.

Potential pros and cons of travel points

Some benefits of travel points may be:

  • Free or discounted travel expenses:  Travel points may be redeemed for complimentary or discounted flights, hotel stays, and even upgrades, allowing for cost savings on travel expenses.
  • Travel perks:  Some travel rewards cards provide access to airline or hotel loyalty program benefits, such as priority boarding, lounge access, and room upgrades.
  • Flexible redemption:  Many programs offer flexible redemption options, including the ability to transfer points to partner airlines or hotels, providing more choices for travelers.

Before signing up for a travel rewards credit card, consider the possible risks of travel points:

  • Limited flexibility:  Some travel rewards programs may have restrictions or blackout dates. Points may also have expiration dates — if unused, someone may lose their rewards.
  • High annual fees:  Many premium travel rewards cards come with annual fees, which may offset the value of the rewards.
  • Increased spending:  To earn travel points, people must use their credit card, which can lead to debt if not managed responsibly.

How to earn travel points

To earn travel points, someone generally needs to use a travel rewards credit card on eligible purchases. Over time, they may accumulate enough points to enjoy a benefit like free or reduced airfare or a discounted hotel stay.

Beyond everyday spending, here are other ways to potentially earn travel points:

  • Sign-up bonuses:  Many travel rewards credit cards offer sign-up bonuses when opening a new account and meeting a spending requirement within a specified timeframe.
  • Frequent flyer and hotel loyalty programs:  When someone flies with a specific airline or stays at a particular hotel chain consistently, they may accumulate points or miles that can be redeemed for future travel.
  • Online shopping portals:  Some airlines and credit card companies have online shopping portals that offer bonus points for making purchases through their platforms.

Accumulating travel points requires responsible financial management, including paying off credit card balances in full each month to avoid interest charges . Additionally, check for any annual fees associated with travel rewards credit cards and ensure that the benefits outweigh the costs.

How to redeem travel points

Travel rewards credit cards may offer several redemption options, from flights or hotels to vacation packages or statement credits. When booking through a rewards portal, people typically have the option to pay with points or a combination of points and cash.

The redemption process may vary slightly depending on the specific travel rewards program or credit card. Always read the terms and conditions of the rewards program and credit card to understand any restrictions, blackout dates, and expiration policies associated with the points.

Learn how to redeem rewards .

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ice travel money card

What you need to know about the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey Visa Card

  • How other travel cards compare to the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card
  • 4 important details about the Autograph Journey 

This New Travel Credit Card Could Dethrone The Chase Sapphire Preferred

Between its flexible rewards and point-transfer opportunities, the new Wells Fargo card could be a worth-while choice.

Holly Johnson

Holly Johnson

Contributor

Holly Johnson is a credit card expert and writer who covers rewards and loyalty programs, budgeting, and all things personal finance. In addition to writing for publications like Bankrate, CreditCards.com, Forbes Advisor and Investopedia, Johnson owns Club Thrifty and is the co-author of "Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You'll Love."

Tiffany Connors

Tiffany Wendeln Connors is a senior editor for CNET Money with a focus on credit cards. Previously, she covered personal finance topics as a writer and editor at The Penny Hoarder. She is passionate about helping people make the best money decisions for themselves and their families. She graduated from Bowling Green State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and has been a writer and editor for publications including the New York Post, Women's Running magazine and Soap Opera Digest. When she isn't working, you can find her enjoying life in St. Petersburg, Florida, with her husband, daughter and a very needy dog.

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.

Wells Fargo’s newest credit card -- the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card* -- is open for online applicants. It’s a competitive offer that could give incumbent travel credit cards from  Chase ,  American Express  and  Capital One  a run for their money.  

Wells Fargo does one thing better than its competitors: It offers a more flexible rewards program that doesn’t require booking travel in a portal to earn the highest rates.

Here’s why we think the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey could go toe-to-toe with some of  the best travel credit cards , plus four insider tips to help  you  decide if you should add it to your credit card lineup.

Before we dive into the hidden features and benefits, here’s an overview of what you can expect with the Autograph Journey:

  • Earn 60,000 welcome bonus rewards points after spending $4,000 in purchases within three months of account opening.
  • Earn unlimited 5x points on hotels, 4x points on airlines, 3x points on other travel and dining and 1x on other purchases.
  • Receive an annual statement credit with a $50 minimum airline purchase.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Other benefits include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, roadside dispatch and cell phone insurance.
  • $95 annual fee.

How other travel cards compare to the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

4 important details about the autograph journey .

Here’s a rundown of four facts we discovered about the Autograph Journey that you should know when deciding whether to apply.

1. You can transfer points with Wells Fargo point-based cards

The launch of the Autograph Journey also marks the first transferable points program from Wells Fargo, which joins other card issuers like Chase and Capital One, which have their own pooling programs .

Autograph Journey will be able to do a points transfer with the no-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card . This is especially notable since the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers bonus rewards in different categories than the Autograph Journey. 

For example, the Autograph card earns unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services and phone plans, plus 1x points on other purchases. So you can maximize your point earning across different categories, then transfer your points to your Autograph Journey account to access premium travel redemptions.

2. It offers more options for earning bonus miles on travel than some competitors

The Autograph Journey will offer more flexibility than many travel rewards cards when it comes to earning more points on travel purchases. For example, cardholders earn unlimited 5x points on hotels booked directly with hotel brands and 4x points on airfare booked with airlines. 

This helps the card stand out from other popular travel credit cards that offer the most bonus points only if you book travel through their portals. For example, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card * and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card * only offer the highest bonus rewards on travel booked through Capital One Travel. The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card also offers its highest rate of 5x points on travel booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards, whereas other travel purchases earn 2x points.

Autograph Journey cardholders also earn a minimum of 3x points on other travel purchases, which could include rental cars, cruises and travel booked through online travel agencies like Expedia and Priceline.

3. The card may grow in value as more transfer partners join

The Autograph Journey Card will earn flexible travel rewards points that transfer to a selection of airline and hotel partners, similar to Amex Membership Rewards points or Chase Ultimate Rewards . While the list of transfer partners is limited, Wells Fargo stated in its initial press release that “more partners will continue to be added throughout the year.”

Points transfers could dramatically change the value proposition of the Autograph Journey, especially if new partners include domestic airlines and popular hotel loyalty programs. 

Wells Fargo point transfers will be available to new cardholders starting on April 4. For now, Wells Fargo transfer partners include the following:

4. You may need to wait to apply

If you’ve applied for another Wells Fargo card in the last six months, you’ll likely have to wait a little longer before applying for the Autograph Journey.

Wells Fargo states in its terms and conditions, “If you opened a Wells Fargo Credit Card account within the last six months, then you may not qualify to open an additional Wells Fargo Credit Card account. We may also limit how many open Wells Fargo Credit Card accounts you have.”

So if you want the new Autograph Journey, you should steer clear of applying for other cards from Wells Fargo for now. If you’re approved and use the card responsibly for six months or longer, you can consider adding additional Wells Fargo credit cards to your portfolio.

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How a Travel Credit Card Can Be Your Ticket to Big Savings

Melissa Lambarena

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Next time you're planning a vacation, a travel credit card could defray some or all of the costs if it packs the right incentives. Typically, cards with higher annual fees provide the most value with perks like ongoing rewards, free checked bags, airport lounge access or other benefits. But even cards with low or no annual fees make it possible to earn some value toward travel, if you can qualify.

These cards generally require good credit (scores of 690 or higher), and even if you're eligible, it's not worth pursuing one if you can't pay off the credit card bill in full every month to avoid steep interest charges. And if you're working toward paying down existing debt, it might not be worth chasing points and miles until you've made progress on that front.

But as long as travel credit cards align with your financial goals, their potential savings merit consideration — even if you travel just once or twice per year. Explore the flexibility of a general-purpose travel credit card to book travel anywhere, or a branded credit card to book travel with a favorite hotel or airline. Either option may offer money-saving benefits toward your next trip.

Valuable features can lower costs

Offers will vary among general-purpose travel credit cards and airline- or hotel-branded credit cards, but some savings opportunities may include:

If a credit card offers a lengthy list of perks, the value can quickly add up. Here are some features to look out for:

A sign-up offer: Travel credit cards generally come with lucrative sign-up offers that let new cardholders earn a pile of points or miles by meeting a minimum spending requirement. It’s easier to snag if you can strategically time a credit card application around planned purchases during a heavy-spend month or season.

Free checked bags: Some airline credit cards offer free checked bags , which can add up to real savings when applied per person on a round trip. This is one way that Doug Figueroa, a content creator at the YouTube channel Zorito y Doug, makes up the cost of the $150 annual fee on an airline credit card. “The savings are $70 round trip per passenger listed in the same reservation,” he says. 

TSA or Global Entry credit : Some travel cards issue a credit (up to $100) when you use them to pay for a TSA or Global Entry application fee. These expedited airport security screening programs can save time while traveling.

Travel credits: Depending on the card’s terms, travel credits may be used to save money on a variety of travel expenses like rideshare services, airfare or accommodations. 

Airport lounge access: You can skip the pricey airport food with some travel credit cards that offer complimentary airport lounge access . Austin Maxwell, a South Carolina-based content creator at the blog The Maxwells Travel, uses a travel credit card to avoid those costs. “I’m saving $20 to $30 every time I go to the airport because I don’t have to buy food or drinks during a layover or preflight,” he says.

A companion ticket: Some airline credit cards cover the cost of a ticket for a friend or family member. Depending on the card's terms, you may have to pay taxes and fees on the fare, the companion ticket may have an expiration date and/or a spending requirement may apply.

Automatic elite status: You may earn elite status without much effort on some hotel-branded credit cards. Elite status can add up to valuable savings if the program offers free food, bonus points or suite upgrades.  

Free nights: If your favorite hotel has a branded credit card that offers annual free night awards, it can stretch your vacation budget. 

Protections and other benefits

A travel credit card that offers trip delay or cancellation insurance, lost baggage insurance, rental car coverage or other protections may also be of value to you. To qualify for these benefits you typically need to pay for the trip or covered purchase with the eligible credit card. Read the terms carefully to understand the extent of your coverage.

Figueroa says he saved $90 over three days with his card’s primary rental car coverage on a trip to Miami.

“Once you make the online reservation, you must decline all insurance offered by the rental company and pay for everything with your [card],” he says.

High-value reward redemptions

Points or miles on some travel credit cards might lose value if they are used for non-travel redemptions like cash back, gift cards or other options. Travel redemptions typically offer the best value, and you might squeeze out even more value with a general-purpose travel card that allows points to transfer to airline or hotel partners. It’s a strategy that Maxwell uses often to his advantage.

“It’s even better if there’s a transfer bonus associated with that," he says. "Credit card companies offer transfer bonuses — 15%, 20%, 30% bonus — if you are to transfer points to a specific airline.”

He says he has also transferred points to hotel partners to book hotel rooms with them. “It would be the equivalent of getting a hotel room at $120 that’s actually valued at $500,” he adds.

To determine whether to redeem rewards for travel or transfer them to a partner, compare costs by checking the credit card’s booking platform and the partner’s website. Also factor in whether rewards transfer on at least a 1:1 ratio, meaning that you'll get the equivalent value in points or miles transferred.

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