westpac international travel card

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Using a credit card overseas

Credit cards are widely accepted in most countries so you don’t need to carry as much cash. You also have the added reassurance that if your card is lost or stolen while away, we'll get a replacement card couriered to you and even provide emergency cash if required.

Keeping transactions safe and secure

Westpac credit cards are protected by CardShield™, which includes fraud detection, Online Protection and CHIP security features. Where possible, use a PIN instead of your signature to verify credit card purchases.

Our Westpac Added Online Security Service also protects you when you’re shopping online with participating online retailers. Make sure you keep your mobile phone number and email address up to date.

Perfecting your PIN

If you've changed your PIN from the 4 digit number we issued to a 6 digit PIN, be aware that some transactions may not be successful overseas. You may also encounter an error with your 4 digit PIN in some countries requiring a 6 digit PIN.

Overseas travel notification

It's a good idea to let us know when and where you're heading overseas, and intend using your credit card.

We'll record your travel details and monitor the security of any accounts or credit cards while you're away.

• You can also let us know by calling 1300 651 089 8am – 8pm Sydney time or from overseas, +61 2 9155 7700.
• Black cardholders can call 1300 651 999 or from overseas, +61 2 9155 7711 .

You can use our card at many places overseas to ...

• Make purchases at over 28 million locations worldwide
• Access cash at over 900,000 ATMs worldwide.

Fees for using your card overseas

A Foreign Transaction Fee is payable as a percentage of the Australian dollar value of any Foreign Transaction. The percentage will vary depending on the applicable credit card scheme:

• Visa and Mastercard®: 3.0%

Note: It may not always be clear to you that the Merchant or entity processing the transaction is located outside Australia.

One-card banking

If you currently withdraw money from your linked Savings and/or Cheque account(s) via your credit card it is important to know that this functionality is not available when using overseas ATMs, including Global Alliance ATMs.

To ensure access to your Savings and/or Cheque account funds when overseas obtain a  Debit Mastercard ® or visit a Westpac branch . Terms and Conditions and Fees and charges may apply.

Countries where Westpac Group cards cannot be used

The Westpac Group and Card Schemes operate in many overseas locations and must comply with economic and trade sanctions at all times. Some locations are highly sanctioned and present significant sanctions compliance risk. Westpac cards are not accessible and cannot be used in the following affected locations:

• Crimea Region, Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine
• North Korea

To ensure access to other payment options in these countries, visit a Westpac branch to arrange an alternative solution.

Locations where Westpac online services cannot be used

While the Westpac App, Online Banking and Corporate Online are available in most countries around the world, there are some sanctioned jurisdictions where access to these services are not available. ​See the full list of locations .

• Travel checklist
• Mobile travel apps

Complimentary credit card insurance

It's a good idea to check what's covered by complimentary credit card insurance before you leave.

Things you should know

4. Complimentary insurance covers:  AWP Australia Pty Ltd ABN 52 097 227 177 AFSL 245631, trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA), under a binder from the insurer, Allianz Australia Insurance Limited ABN 15 000 122 850 AFSL 234708 (Allianz), has issued an insurance group policy to Westpac Banking Corporation ABN 33 007 457 141 AFSL and Australian credit licence 233714 (Westpac) which allows eligible persons to claim under it as third party beneficiaries. Access to the benefit of cover under the Credit Card Complimentary Insurance is provided to eligible Westpac cardholders by operation of s48 of the Insurance Contracts Act 1984 (Cth). If an eligible persons wishes to claim any of these benefits, they will be bound by the eligibility criteria, terms, conditions, limits and exclusions contained in the Complimentary Insurance Policy Information booklet (PDF 898KB)  which may be amended from time to time. This insurance is underwritten by Allianz. Westpac does not guarantee this insurance. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Consider its appropriateness to these factors before acting on it.

Mastercard® and PayPass™ are trademarks of Mastercard International incorporated.

Westpac Worldwide Wallet

AUD, USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, CAD, JPY, THB, ZAR, SGD, HKD

Atm withdrawal fee

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Westpac Global Currency Card

The Westpac Global Currency Card is a prepaid multi-currency travel card that will allow you to spend like a local when you’re travelling overseas or shopping online internationally.

✔ Manage it online, anytime ✔ Lock in exchange rates with up to 9 different currencies ~ ✔ No purchase fee, no monthly fees and no bank transfer load fees #

See how it works Get a card now

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~ The exchange rate for each Load/Reload is locked in at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the transaction. Mastercard will notify customers via the website of the rate that will apply at the time they request the Load/Reload. # Other fees and limits apply.

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Westpac travel card review 2024

If you’ve planned a trip overseas, a dedicated travel money card can be a good way to make overseas spending easy and secure. Get the right card, and it could also mean you pay less overall, too.

Westpac offers its Global Currency Card which you can top up in NZD, and then convert to any of the 9 supported currencies for easy spending and withdrawals as you travel.

This guide covers the key benefits and fees of the Westpac card. Plus, we’ll also touch on a couple of popular alternatives for travellers from New Zealand, the ANZ debit card and the Wise travel money card, so you can compare them and see which works best for you.

Westpac travel card: key features

Westpac’s Global Currency Card is available to anyone aged over 18, resident in New Zealand, and with the right paperwork to get verified. There’s no fee to get a card – you just order online, top up to the minimum opening balance, and your card is sent to your home directly. The money you’ve put on your card is yours to spend – just add whatever you need for your trip, and you can then view and manage your balance via the Westpac app.

Before we look at how the Westpac travel money card works in detail, let’s get an overview of some of the Westpac travel card pros and cons:

Who is the Westpac travel card for?

The Westpac travel money card can be helpful in a broad range of situations:

• For anyone travelling to a country which uses one of the supported currencies
• For people who shop online in the supported currencies
• For travellers who want to load funds in advance and convert to the destination currency so they know their budget ahead of time
• For anyone looking to lock in exchange rates when they’re good – just add NZD and switch when you spot a good rate

What is the Westpac travel card?

The Westpac travel card is a multi-currency Mastercard which you can use to hold 9 different currencies, and for spending anywhere you see the Mastercard logo. You’ll be able to order your card online for home delivery, and can top up in NZD and convert in advance to the supported currency you need in your destination. It’s worth knowing that you’ll need to convert your funds in advance to avoid paying the 2.95% fee for spending a currency you don’t hold in your account.

There’s no fee to make an international ATM withdrawal with your card, and you can view and manage your card account online and in the Westpac app, making budgeting a breeze.

Is the Westpac Travel Money a multi-currency card?

Yes. The Westpac card supports the following currencies for holding and exchange:

• New Zealand dollars
• Australian dollars
• Pounds sterling
• Japanese yen
• Canadian dollars
• Hong Kong dollars
• Singapore dollars

You can also spend in other currencies, but you’ll pay a 2.95% fee when you do.

Alternatives to Westpac travel card

Westpac’s travel money card is a good option, but it doesn’t support all the currencies you might need if you’re headed off the beaten track. Plus, there are some fees to consider such as the 2.95% charge if you spend in a currency you don’t hold in your account already.

To check if the Westpac Global Currency Card is right for you it’s worth comparing it to a few other options available locally, such as Wise and ANZ.

Here’s a quick overview of how these providers line up on some key features:

Information taken from Westpac travel card desktop site and fee information , Wise pricing page , ANZ money transfers and ANZ New Zealand ; correct at time of writing, 27th July 2023

The Westpac travel money card can be convenient if you’re happy to convert over funds in advance of travel, and if you’re going to a country which uses one of the 9 supported currencies for holding and exchange. However, it’s worth comparing it to other cards to see if it’s the best for your particular needs, before you sign up.

The Wise card, for example, has a couple of advantages – you can hold a broader range of currencies, and there’s no need to convert your funds in advance. You can just leave your money in NZD and let the card automatically convert to the currency you need based on where you are, with the mid-market rate and low fees from 0.43%.

Alternatively if you bank with ANZ already you can just use your normal ANZ debit card when you’re spending foreign currencies with a relatively low 1.3% foreign transaction fee.

Wise digital multi-currency accounts can hold and exchange over 40 currencies, and the Wise card can be used for spending and withdrawals in 150+ countries. Open your account online or in the Wise app, and top up in NZD or any of the other 20 or so supported top up currencies. There’s no need to convert to your destination currency in advance if you don’t want to, as the card can do this for you with the lowest available fees every time. That said, if you want to set your budget in advance, or if you spot a really good exchange rate, you can also convert and hold in any of the 40+ supported currencies, making this a good card to pick even if you’re headed to a more unusual destination.

Wise travel card review

Get your Wise travel card  

ANZ recommends customers just use their normal debit card when spending on foreign currencies. This has the advantage that there’s no extra hassle or fee to get a new card – but the drawback that you’ll be charged a foreign transaction fee every time you spend. Your spending will be converted using the network exchange rate, and the foreign transaction fee is set at 1.3% of the transaction value.

Read more about 4 best travel debit card for overseas travel

Westpac travel card fees & spending limits

As with all financial products, there are some important fees to know about when you’re thinking of ordering a Westpac travel card. Here are the key limits to bear in mind as a starting point:

*Information correct at time of writing – 27th July 2023

And here are the key Westpac fees you’ll want to consider when you’re deciding if this is the card for you.

Exchange rates

Westpac exchange rates may include a markup, margin or fee. Exactly how this works depending on the type of conversion you need to carry out.

If you’re topping up your account in a currency other than NZD, the rate used will be the Mastercard rate + a margin which you’ll be notified of at the time of top up. This is likely to apply if you need currency conversion within your account, or when you cash out too. You’ll see the full terms and conditions when you start the transaction, so you can double check the costs.

Once you have currencies in your account it’s free to spend them. However, if you’re spending in a currency other than one of the 9 supported currencies – or if you don’t have enough balance in your account in a specific currency to cover a purchase or withdrawal, a 2.95% conversion fee will apply on top of the Mastercard rate.

How to get Westpac travel card

You can apply for your Westpac travel card online. Here’s how to get a Westpac travel card, step by step:

• Open the Westpac Global Currency Card website and click Apply Now
• Follow the prompts to enter your personal and contact information
• Complete the verification step with your New Zealand passport or driving licence
• Top up at least the minimum opening balance amount
• Your card will be dispatched in 5 to 10 days, and will arrive by mail

What documents you’ll need

There’s a verification step needed when you order a Westpac travel money card. This is to keep accounts safe and comply with local and international law. Generally getting verified is very easy. In the first instance you’ll be prompted to enter information from either:

• Your New Zealand passport
• Your driving licence

Mastercard will then look to match your information with ID records. If this can’t be done – because you’ve changed your name or recently moved home for example – you can use your AA membership. If you’re still struggling with the verification process, you can email a copy of your relevant ID to Mastercard for manual verification. This should take just a couple of days.

What happens when the card expires?

Your Westpac card has 5 years validity. Once your card expires you’ll need to order a new one online, and can apply to have any residual balance moved from the old card to the new one for spending. If you don’t want to get a new card, you can also cash out the amount, minus any applicable fees.

How to use the Westpac travel card?

You can use your Westpac card anywhere you see the Mastercard logo. You’ll be able to tap to pay wherever contactless payments are supported, or use your physical card and PIN. Your card will check if you have a balance in the required currency. If you do not, your account will be debited according to a preset order of currencies, and the conversion fees will apply.

How to withdraw cash with the Westpac travel card?

Make cash withdrawals at ATMs globally that support Mastercard. You’ll need to enter your PIN to get cash, for security reasons. It’s also good to know that while there’s no Westpac fee for international ATM withdrawals, an ATM operator might charge a fee which Westpac doesn’t control. Local NZD withdrawals cost 4 NZD each.

Is the card safe?

Yes. The Westpac card is issued through Westpac and Mastercard – both large, well reputed and trustworthy providers. In fact, using a travel card can be a safe way to manage our travel money because it’s not linked to your everyday account, and you won’t need to carry lots of cash when you’re overseas, either.

How to use the Westpac travel card overseas?

Use your Westpac travel card overseas in the same way as you would any other payment card. Contactless is supported where the technology is available, or you’ll have a Westpac PIN to make POS payments and withdrawals as needed.

It’s important to remember that a fairly high fee of 2.95% applies to spend currencies you don’t hold – or if your balance in a particular currency isn’t enough to cover a transaction. Top up enough in advance and switch to your destination currency to avoid this fee.

Conclusion: Is the Westpac travel card worth it?

The Westpac Global Currency Card is a convenient option if you want a travel money card that’s distinct from your normal everyday account, and which lets you hold foreign currencies. You’ll need to order your card online, and top up in NZD before converting to the currency you need for your trip, to avoid the 2.95% conversion fee.

Compare the Westpac travel money card against alternative options like the Wise travel card and the ANZ debit card, to decide which is best for you. Wise has a broader range of currencies and offers automatic conversion at the point of payment, with low fees and the mid-market rate, while ANZ customers can spend globally with a fairly low 1.3% foreign transaction fee.

Westpac travel card review FAQ

How does the Westpac travel card work?

You can order your Westpac card online and add money in NZD before converting to the currency you need from the 9 supported currency options. You’ll then be able to spend and withdraw wherever you are. It’s free to spend in currencies you hold in your account, with a 2.95% fee to spend a currency you don’t have.

Is the Westpac travel card an international card?

Yes. The Westpac travel card can hold 9 currencies and can be used globally wherever Mastercard is accepted.

Are there any alternatives to a Westpac travel card?

Check out a few different options before you decide which travel money card suits you. The Wise card can be a good bet for frequent travellers, with 40+ supported currencies and low fees from 0.43% when you convert from one currency to another.

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

Best travel money cards in 2024.

Travel money cards are essential when travelling overseas.

They allow you to easily make payments whilst travelling overseas. They make paying easier for shops, restaurants, hotels and ATMs.Travel money cards work in a similar way to ATM cards. They use a pin when you purchase goods or services overseas.

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

Best Travel Money Cards:

• Wise Travel Card Best Exchange Rates
• Revolut Best for Low Fees
• Travelex Money Card Best All Rounder
• Bankwest Breeze Platinum Best Travel Credit Card
• Pelikin Student Traveller Card Best Student Card
• HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card Best Travel Card by Bank
• Qantas Travel Money Card Best Reward Benefits

Wise Travel Card - Great Exchange Rates

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

Wise Travel Card

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

The Wise Travel Card is great for frequent travellers as it offers over 40 currencies at the inter-market exchange rate, which is the cheapest rate globally. In addition you can buy goods online from overseas with no transaction fee plus get the best exchange rate. However if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees. Finally Wise Travel Card lets you transfer money to an overseas bank account with extremely low fees and the best exchange rate.

Our Wise Travel Card Review

Revolut - Low Fees

• 30+ currencies available
• One of the best exchange rates globally
• No annual or monthly fees for standard membership
• No initial card fee
• Instant access to a range of cryptocurrencies

Read our Revolut Card Review

Revolut Travel Card

• No fee ATM withdrawals up to A$350, or 5 ATM withdrawals, whichever comes first, per rolling 30 day period and 2% of withdrawal amount (minimum charge of A$1.50) after that
• Exchanging currency on the weekend can incur a 1% mark-up fee
• Fees on international money transfers were introduced in April 2021.
• Can be used wherever Visa is accepted

The Revolut Travel Card is a decent option for those who travel a lot as it offers over 30 currencies at a great exchange rate, which is the cheapest rate globally. However if you exchange currency on the weekend you can incur a one-percent mark-up fee. In addition they have introduced fees for international transfers. Finally if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees.

Travelex Money Card - Best All Rounder

Best features.

• Unlimited free ATM withdrawals
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance
• Initial and replacement card are free
• Lock in up to 10 currencies

Read our Travelex Travel Card Review

Travelex Money Card

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

The Travelex Card is a good all rounder.

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

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card - Lowest Interest Rate

• Lowest interest rate at 9.90%
• No international transaction fees on purchases
• 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months
• Up to 55 days interest free on purchases
• Low annual fee
• Complimentary international travel insurance

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card

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

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

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

HSBC Everyday Global Debit Card

• No initial card or closure fees
• No monthly or account fees
• No international ATM fees
• No cross currency conversion fees
• Lock in very competitive exchange rates before travel
• No maximum balance
• Earn 2% cashback

• 10 Currencies can be loaded are AUD, USD, GBP, EUR, HKD, CAD, JPY, NZD, SGD, CNY (currency restrictions apply to CNY)
• Awarded 5 gold stars by CANSTAR in 2021 for Outstanding Value
• Very competitive exchange rates on all currencies when you have currencies already loaded on your card
• ATMs within Australia need to be HSBC and overseas they need to display a VISA or VISA Plus logo, not be be charged fees
• Earn 2% cash back when you tap and pay with Visa pay wave, Apple Pay or Google Pay for purchases under $100. With a maximum of $50 cash back per month. In addition you need to deposit $2,000 or more into your Everyday Global Account each calendar month.
• Daily maximum ATM withdrawal is $2,000
• Fraud protection covered by Visa Zero Liability

The HSBC Everyday Global Debit Card is a good option to take travelling and to spend money in Australia with no international transaction fees, international ATM fees and monthly fees. In addition there is no maximum balance on currencies held and a 2% cash back incentive when you tap and pay under $100.

Finally it is one of the only travel cards that offers Chinese Yuan. To avoid ATM fees you need to find HSBC branches in Australia and only use ATMs overseas with a VISA or VISA Plus logo.

Best Student Card

Pelikin student traveller card.

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

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

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

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

Best Rewards Card

Qantas travel money card.

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

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

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

Other popular travel money cards

Aside of the Top 5 travel money cards, there are many more options to consider. These include well known brands such as the Commonwealth Bank and Travelex and less known services like Up Bank and Revolut.

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

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

Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card

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

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

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

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass

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

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

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

Macquarie Travel Card

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

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

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

Up Bank Travel Card

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

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

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

Westpac Travel Money Card

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

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

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

ANZ Travel Adventure Card

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

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

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

ING Orange Everyday Account Debit Card

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

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

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

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

Australia Post Travel Money Card - Platinum Mastercard

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

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

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

Greater Bank Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

There are many travel money cards that no longer exist but appear in search engine page results. Travel money cards that no longer exist include 7-11 Just Go, NAB Travel Money Card, Travelex Cash Passport, Australia Post Cash Passport, ANZ Travel Card, Westpac Global Currency Card and the Virgin Velocity Global Wallet program.

Learn more about the best debit, credit and prepaid cards for travel

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Best Travel Cards for Australians Heading Overseas in 2024

We compare the best travel money cards including prepaid cards, debit cards and credit cards. Whether you want ease of access to money at any cost or no-frills or fees cash, find the best money solution when you travel overseas.

Wise - our pick for travel card

• No annual fee, hidden transaction fees, no exchange rate markups
• No minimum balance requirements
• Allows you to make payments and withdrawals wherever you are in the world in over 40 currencies
• Local bank account details in Australia (AUD), the UK (GBP), the USA (USD), Europe (EUR), Canada (CAD) and New Zealand (NZD)
• Available in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, Singapore, Japan and New Zealand

Find out more about the Wise card .

With this card:

• It's very easy to set up and order
• You can receive foreign currency into a multi-currency account linked to the card
• Pay with your Wise card in most places overseas where debit cards are accepted
• Get the mid-market rate for currency conversion

Go to Wise  or read our  review .

It's not all good news though

• There is a 2% ATM withdrawal fee when you withdraw over $350 during a month
• It takes 7-14 days for delivery

How do I pick the best travel card for me?

Fed up with ATM charges when you travel overseas? Or running out of money when you need it the most? You probably brought the wrong card with you.

It can be tricky to choose the best travel card to use when you travel overseas. The best one for you will really depend on what you need from the card you're using.

You will generally use travel cards to make purchases online, in-stores and to withdraw money at ATMs. All travel cards have these basic capabilities. This means what you should really compare between travel cards are the following:

Exchange Rates and Fees

Compare exchange rates and fees

Conditions and limits

Spending conditions and max/min limits

Make sure your money is secure

Best Travel Cards for Australians Travelling Overseas

Wise is our pick for travel debit card.

• You can transfer money to a bank account overseas
• Currency conversion using the mid-market exchange rate

Click here to see the full list of cards and how Wise compares

Read the full review

• No annual fee, hidden transaction fees, exchange rate markups
• Local bank account details in Australia (AUD), the UK (GBP), the USA (USD), Europe (EUR) and New Zealand (NZD)
• It takes 7-14 business days to receive the card
• Can't always access local technical support depending on where you are
• Free cash withdrawals limited to under $350 every 30 days
• Only currently available in the US, UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand

Revolut - multi-currency travel card

• No purchase fee, load fee, reload fee, exchange rate margin or minimum balance requirements
• Unlike other Travel Cards, its free and easy to use the balance of your currency or convert it back to AUD
• Mid-market exchange rate, they add a mark-up for currency conversion during weekends
• For the free Standard account, there is a 2% ATM withdrawal fee when you withdraw over $350 during a month
• The premium account costs $10.99 a month, which can really add up if you are not using it often

Click here to see the full list of cards and how Revolut compares

• Very easy to use app
• Free to set up
• No hidden fees or exchange rate mark-ups (except on weekends)
• You can use it to transfer money to a bank account overseas
• Additional fees for using the card on a weekend
• 2% ATM fee once you withdraw more than $350 in any 30 day period
• 3-4 business days before you receive your card
• Ongoing subscription fee for Premium and Metal cards

Citibank Saver Plus - bank travel card

The Citibank Plus Everyday Account - bank debit card. With this card you can:

• withdraw money for free at over 3000 ATMs Australia-wide and overseas
• take advantage of no foreign transaction fees, monthly fees, or minimum opening balance
• transfer money to friends and family anywhere in the world for free

We think this is the ideal debit card whether you're staying local in Oz or travelling to destinations in Asia or Europe.

• No international ATM or transaction fees
• Fee-free international money transfers to any account worldwide
• SMS notifications through Citi Alert
• Cash deposits available within 24-48 hours
• Can't have two cards active at the same time
• $5 account closure

28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard - travel credit card

28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard - travel credit card. With this card:

• There are no annual fees
• No overseas purchase fee or currency conversion fee
• You get 55 days interest free on purchases
• Access to free 24/7 concierge service
• Emergency card replacement worldwide

The 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard has additional benefits including shoppers and repayments benefits cover. For more information read our review .

• Can have 9 additional cardholders
• No overseas purchase fee, or currency conversion fee
• No foreign transaction fee
• Free Replacement Card
• High interest rates after the initial 55 days
• Minimum credit limit is $6000
• No introductory offers or rewards

Learn more about the 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard

Travelex money card - prepaid travel card.

Travelex Money Card - prepaid travel card. With this card:

• There are no ATM fees so you can withdraw cash at no extra cost
• You can access Travelex's online rates
• You can lock in your initial loading cross currency rate
• Ideal for the organised traveller.
• Can load up to 10 currencies including AUD, USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, CAD, THB, SGB, HKD and JPY.
• Smartphone App & Free Wifi Cross
• $0 overseas ATM fees (Australia excluded)
• 24/7 Global Support
• Limited Currencies
• 5.95% currency conversion rate
• $100 minimum initial load
• 2.95% Australian ATM withdrawal fee

Learn more about the Travelex Money Card

What are the other travel card options.

Check our travel card comparison table for a comprehensive list of fees and features for different travel debit and credit cards available for Australians travelling overseas.

*ATM operators will often charge their own fees.

** Up to 5 ATM fees and unlimited currency conversion costs may be rebated if you deposit $1,000 and make 5 purchases per month.

***Account fee waived if you meet eligibility criteria, including depositing $2,000 per month

What are the different types of travel card in Australia?

There are 3 popular travel cards you can take with you on your trip:

Prepaid Travel Card

Travel Debit Cards

Travel Credit Card

1. Prepaid Travel Card

For prepaid travel cards, you're able to load the card with a set amount of money in the currencies you need. Ideally you do this before your trip, but often you can reload them as well.

Most prepaid travel cards allow for multiple currencies to be loaded onto the card. So it's important to know what currency you'll be using on your travels. Airlines also offer prepaid cards so the money you spend can earn you reward points.

With prepaid travel cards you need to be careful, as they can have numerous fees and charges which can make it more expensive than other options. But if you're organised and travelling to multiple cities a prepaid travel card is a good option. Read more of how to find the best travel card with no foreign transaction fees .

If you need more flexibility or you don't want to pay the multiple fees associated with prepaid travel cards, the HSBC and Citibank global accounts are better options.

• Exchange rate margins when you load your card
• Exchange rate margins when you close the card
• Flat or percentage-based fees to load the card
• ATM withdrawal fees
• Exchange rate conversion fee when you use the card
• Reloading fees
• Closing fees

Prepaid travel cards are best if:

• You want to lock in a rate
• You want to stick to a budget
• You lose it/it's stolen

Prepaid travel cards are not great if:

• You want the absolute best rates
• You need to hire a car, make payments on a cruise ship, or pay for a hotel

2. Travel Debit Card

An international card or your bank card offers the convenience of a credit card, but work differently. They draw money directly from your bank's everyday transaction account when you make a purchase. It's designed for everyday money transactions and means that you're not accumulating debt.

A debit card could make you stick to your travel budget, because you can't overdraw money from your account. And for daily purchases, we think a debit card can help you stick to your travel budget, because you can't overdraw money from your account.

We recommend bringing both a debit card and credit card for safety, flexibility and convenience on your trip.

• Currency conversion fee for overseas debit transactions
• Flat fee or percentage-based ATM withdrawal fees
• Foreign ATM owner fees
• Flat fee or percentage fee for debit card purchases via EFTPOS

Debit cards are best for:

• When you have time and you're happy to open a bank account to get one
• Fee-free cash withdrawals from ATMs

Debit cards are not great if:

• You switched from a better account to get one
• Or if you want to switch, but pick a costly travel debit card instead

3. Travel Credit Card

Credit cards have obviously been around for a long time. But now there are specialised travel credit cards. Generally, these cards give you longer to pay back what you've spent but the interest rates after this time can be quite high.

The main advantage with credit cards are the reward points you get in return for your customer loyalty when you spend. But it only works if you pay off the balance in full each month.

Credit cards are great to use for car hire, restaurants and accommodation - larger expenses that are easier for you to pay back over time. Some services only take credit cards to hold purchases so they can definitely be handy while you're travelling.

• Annual and reward scheme fees
• Cash advance fees
• Interest charges

Travel credit cards are best for:

• Getting the best spending rates
• If you have decent credit score and are legible for the credit card
• Frequent flyer points to help you get discounted or free flights
• Low or zero international transaction fees
• Complimentary travel and/or medical insurance offered with a lot of cards

Travel credit cards are not great if:

• Your credit score is poor
• You won't repay in full every month
• Can't afford high minimum credit and annual fees
• Want additional card holders (usually an extra cost)
• Your monthly salary minimum isn't high enough
• For some travel credit cards you have to be a permanent Australian resident

Best travel money card tips

Before you decide which travel money card will best suit your needs, it’s worth comparing a few, bearing in mind these handy travel money card tips:

• Exchange rate - check what rate is used to convert your dollars to the currency needed for spending in your destination. A card which uses the mid-market rate or as close as possible to it is usually the best value
• Coverage - make sure your card covers the currency you’ll need in your destination, as fees may apply if it doesn’t. Picking a card which covers a large number of currencies can also mean you’re able to use your travel money card on future trips.
• Safety - check the card’s safety features. Most cards are linked to an app which allows you to view transactions, check your balance and freeze or unfreeze your card if you need to
• Fees - read through all the possible fees associated with your card before you sign up. Costs may include a foreign transaction fee when spending an unsupported currency, ATM fees, a cash out charge or inactivity fees if you don’t use your card often for example
• Rewards - some travel money cards also offer some nice extras, like ways to earn rewards or discounts, or free wifi when you travel. Travel credit cards in particular have lots of rewards on offer, although you may have to pay an annual fee to get them

Travel card fees

The fees you pay for your travel money card will vary depending on the type of card you select, and the specific provider. 

Travel prepaid cards fees can include:

• Fees when you get your card in the first place
• Load or top up fees
• An exchange rate margin when topping up foreign currencies
• Foreign transaction fees if you spend a currency you don’t have in your account
• ATM charges at home and abroad
• Cash out, close or inactivity charges

Read more about prepaid cards here

Travel debit card can include:

• Card delivery fee
• International ATM fees
• Currency conversion charges

Read more about travel debit cards here

International credit card fees can include:

• Annual fees to hold the card
• Cash advance fees if you use an ATM
• Foreign transaction fees
• Interest if you don’t repay your bill in full
• Penalties if you don’t pay your bill on time

Read more about credit cards here

Conclusion - What is the best card to use while travelling?

There’s no single best travel money card - which works best for you will depend on your personal preferences and where you’re heading. 

Using a multi-currency debit card which supports a large range of currencies can keep your costs low and allow you to skip foreign transaction fees . Plus you’ll be able to use your card for online shopping in foreign currencies, or for your next trip abroad, with no ongoing fees to worry about.

Prepaid travel money cards are safe and easy to use , and you can often pick one up instantly if you’re in a hurry. You’ll be able to add travel money before you leave or top up as you travel, although it’s worth converting to the currency you need in advance, and looking for a card with mid-market exchange rates to avoid extra costs.

Generally using a credit card will come with the highest overall fees - but you’ll be able to spread out the costs of your travel over a few months if you need to, and you may also be able to earn rewards or cash back as you spend. Use this guide to compare different card types and options, and pick the perfect one for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions - Best travel cards to use overseas

Which is the best travel card for use in australia.

The Citibank Plus Everyday Account is the best travel debit card for use in Australia. It works as a normal debit account, with no ATM fees at 3000 ATMs across Australia and has no account minimums.

Which travel card is best for Europe?

The best travel card for Europe is Wise . Not only do you get a great rate when spending in Euros, You get a set of bank account details with which you can recieve EUR transfers, as if you were a local.

Which high-street bank has the best travel card?

The best travel card from an Australian high-street bank is either the Citibank Plus Everyday Account or the CommBank travel money card . While Citibank's card offers more as a travel card (fee-free ATM withdrawals and excellent exchange rates), CommBank has far more in-person branches in Australia if you're someone who prefers doing your banking in person.

What is the best card to use while travelling?

There’s no single best travel money card - which is best for you will depend on your personal preferences. Usually having a few different ways to pay is a smart move, so packing a travel debit card or prepaid card, your credit card and some cash can mean you’re prepared for all eventualities.

Which bank travel card is best?

Australian banks offer travel credit cards, and some also have travel debit or prepaid card options which can be worth considering. Which is best for you will depend on the type of card you’d prefer, so comparing a few options from banks - and from specialist providers like Wise or Revolut - can help you find the best deal for your needs.

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Travel money cards with the lowest fees

We look at seven travel money cards from the big banks and airlines..

Prepaid travel money cards are offered by major banks, airlines and foreign exchange retailers like Travelex. Before travelling overseas, you load money into the card account, which locks in the exchange rate for foreign currencies at that time. 

You can then use the card for purchases and cash withdrawals just like a debit or credit card, usually wherever Visa and Mastercard are accepted. 

You can reload money on-the-go via an app or website, and if the card is lost or stolen, it can be replaced (usually at no cost to you).

Prepaid travel money cards also give you assurance that you're not handing the details of your everyday banking account to merchants you're not familiar with, and they provide easy access to cash when you want some, says Peter Marshall, head of research at money comparison website Mozo .

CHOICE tip: Travel money cards are best for longer trips. They're usually not worth your while if you're only taking a short trip, as some have closure, cash out and inactivity fees.

Travel money card fees

A major difference between prepaid travel cards and debit or credit cards is their fees. Some costs aren't immediately apparent, such as hefty margins built into the exchange rates.

And although fees have come down since we looked at these cards two years ago, you still need to watch out for:

• fees to load the card – either a percentage of the total or a flat fee
• ATM withdrawal fees
• a cross currency fee or margin when you use the card in a currency you haven't preloaded
• further fees if you close the account or haven't used the card for a period of time.

Travel money card with the lowest fees and best exchange rate

Westpac worldwide wallet.

Westpac closed its Global Currency Card in July 2021 and offers its new card in partnership with Mastercard.  It's also available from Bank of Melbourne and BankSA.

Currencies: AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD, ZAR.

Key features:

• No loading, reloading, closing or inactivity fees.
• Free to use it in network ATMs in Australia and partner ATMs overseas in a range of countries including the UK, US and New Zealand.
• A charge applies at non-Westpac and non-partner ATMs in Australia and overseas.
• Best exchange rates for the US dollar, the Euro and GBP in our comparison.*
• The only card that lets you preload the South African rand.

Other travel money cards

Next to the Westpac Worldwide Wallet, there are six other travel money cards available.

Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard

Available online or at post offices.

Currencies : AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD, AED.

• Fee to reload the card via BPay, debit card or instore, but free via online bank transfer.
• Closure fee.
• Fees for ATM withdrawals in Australia and overseas.

Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard

It's issued by Heritage Bank and is available online and from a number of smaller banks and credit unions (like Bendigo Bank and Bank of Queensland) as well as travel agents. 

• Fee to reload with a debit card or instore, but free via BPay.

CommBank Travel Money Card

CommBank Travel Money Card (Visa)

As NAB and ANZ have closed their travel money cards, this is the only other travel money card available from a major bank. This card has the largest variety of currencies that can be preloaded.

Currencies : AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD, AED, VND, CNY.

• Fee if you make a purchase with currencies not preloaded.
• Fee for withdrawals at overseas ATMs.

Qantas Travel Money Card

Qantas Travel Money Card (Mastercard)

The only travel money card offering from an airline. It can be added as a feature to your Qantas Frequent Flyer card, so you don't need a dedicated card, and you can earn points using it.

• Free to reload via bank transfer or BPay, but there's a reload fee if using debit card.

Travelex Money Card

Travelex Money Card (Mastercard)

Travelex is an international foreign exchange retailer. In Australia, it operates more than 140 stores at major airports and shopping centres, across CBDs and in the suburbs. It was the card with the best exchange rate for New Zealand dollars.*

Currencies : AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD.

Fees : 

• Load fee instore, but free via Travelex website or app.
• Reload fee instore or via BPay, but free via Travelex website or app.
• Closure fee and monthly inactivity fee (if not used for 12 months).

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass (Mastercard)

The Travel Money Group is owned by Flight Centre and is a foreign exchange retailer. 

• Reloading the card via an online bank transfer or instore is free, but there's a fee if you reload via BPay, debit card or credit card. 
• Cash out (closure) fee. 

Travel money card tips

• Make sure the card allows the currencies you'll need, and also consider stopovers. For example, the South African rand is only supported by the Westpac card.
• Try to load your card with the right currencies and amounts on days with good exchange rates. 
• Make sure you know how to reload your card if you run out of funds while overseas.
• It may be more convenient to choose a card that has an app that can be linked to your bank account.
• Avoid loading more money than you'll need as there may be fees and exchange rate margins to get the unused money back.
• Remember to cancel the card once you're finished your trip, especially if it has inactivity fees.
• Be mindful that you still may need a credit card, as travel money cards may not be accepted as security for hotels and car rental agencies. 

Stock images:  Getty, unless otherwise stated.

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

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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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Westpac, anz, nab join cba in hiking interest rates on credit cards, all of the big four banks will be charging interest rates of 20.99 per cent by the end of june..

Westpac, ANZ, NAB and CBA have all hiked their credit card interest rates , and experts are urging customers to shop around for a better deal.

Westpac is the latest of the major banks to announce increases on several of its credit card products, with the higher rates kicking in mid-year.

Purchase rates on Westpac’s Rewards and Low Fee credit cards will increase by up to 1.25 per cent to 20.99 per cent, while cash advance rates on all credit cards will increase by 0.5 per cent to 21.99 per cent from June 20, 2024.

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Mozo spokesperson Rachel Wastell said the changes meant all of the Big Four banks would be charging purchase rates of 20.99 per cent by the end of June.

"Over the past few months, the Big Four banks have been hiking fees and rates, and reducing rewards offers on a number of different credit card products,” Wastell said.

"Surprisingly, these moves have been ‘flying under the radar’ but Mozo data shows they’re coming in thick and fast.”

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ANZ increased purchase rates by 0.5 per cent to 20.99 per cent across a range of credit cards in February, while NAB raised purchase rates by 1.0 per cent to 20.99 per cent for its Rewards cards and 13.49 per cent for its Low Rate card last month.

Australia’s biggest bank, CBA, hiked monthly fees on its no-interest credit card Neo by up to $5 per month last month. It comes after the bank increased interest rates by 0.75 to 1.25 per cent across all cards in November, with the majority now at 20.99 per cent and the Low Rate card at 13.99 per cent.

Credit card interest rates do not move in line with Reserve Bank (RBA) decisions and banks can hike rates on cards at any time.

Household credit card debt rose by $269.5 million in January, the latest RBA data found, the biggest monthly increase since November 2022. This took the country’s total credit card bill to $17.58 billion.

The average interest rate is 18.14 per cent, meaning households are collectively paying out just under $8.8 million in interest charges per day.

Lowest-rate credit cards

With the Big Four banks charging up to 20.99 per cent interest on credit cards, there could be cheaper options worth considering.

"There are still a number of low-rate credit cards below 10 per cent so, if you haven't compared cards lately and you're currently paying double-digit interest, now is the time to shop around,” Wastell said.

Here are the lowest-rate credit cards:

G&C Mutual Bank - Low Rate Visa Credit Card - 7.49 per cent

Community First Bank - Low Rate Credit Card - 8.99 per cent

Defence Bank - Foundation Credit card - 8.99 per cent

Easy Street - Easy Low Rate Visa Credit Card - 8.99 per cent

Illawarra Credit Union - Low Rate Credit Card - 8.99 per cent

MOVE Bank - Low Rate Credit Card - 8.99 per cent

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