Prepaid · Mastercard4.8/10

Travelex Money Card

Reviewed by Aayush JainUpdated May 2026

Prepaid multi-currency travel card from the world's largest retail foreign exchange brand.

Visit Travelex
Forex fee
2%
ATM fee
2%
Monthly fee
Free (load/unload fees may apply)
Network
Mastercard
Available in
UK · Australia · New Zealand

ATM detail: 2% fee on ATM withdrawals internationally.

Our verdict

Travelex Money Card is a classic airport product — convenient but expensive. The 2% markup and ATM fees make it significantly more costly than Wise, Starling, or Revolut. Only use it if you forgot to sort a travel card before your flight and need something at the airport. Otherwise, plan ahead and use a proper zero-fee card.

Full review

The Travelex Money Card is a prepaid multi-currency card from one of the world's largest travel foreign exchange companies, operating globally with a physical bureau de change network as well as the online and app-based card product. Travelex loads currencies in advance at a rate set by Travelex at the time of loading, enabling travellers to lock in exchange rates before departure.

The product is particularly useful in airport bureau de change contexts: Travelex has a strong physical presence in major international airports, meaning last-minute currency loading or top-ups are possible at the airport if needed. This physical network backup is unique among the digital-first competitors.

The exchange rate at loading includes Travelex's margin, which historically has been higher than digital-first alternatives like Wise or Revolut. However, promotional rates (particularly for online loading before departure) narrow the gap. The card supports multiple currencies loaded simultaneously, with automatic fallback to a secondary currency if the primary is exhausted.

ATM withdrawals abroad are available with a per-transaction fee structure. Travelex's fee schedule has evolved and users should verify the current terms, but historically the card has charged a fee per ATM withdrawal regardless of amount.

The Travelex brand carries recognition among less digitally savvy travellers who have used bureau de change services for decades. For travellers who are not comfortable with fintech apps and prefer a card from a company they recognise from physical airport locations, the Travelex Money Card provides a familiar reference point.

For travellers who are rate-optimising, digital-first alternatives (Wise, Revolut, Starling) consistently offer better exchange rates and lower fees. Travelex's primary advantage is brand trust and physical network accessibility for those who want the option of in-person support.

Pros

  • Available at airports — convenient for last-minute
  • Multiple currencies on one card
  • Mastercard network

Cons

  • 2% forex markup — far below Wise/Starling
  • 2% ATM fee abroad
  • Load/unload fees can apply
  • Much more expensive than digital alternatives

Best for

Travellers who want to pre-load currencyThose buying currency at Travelex airport

Frequently asked questions

Cost summary

Card typePrepaid
NetworkMastercard
Forex fee2%
Free ATMNo free tier
Monthly feeFree (load/unload fees may apply)
Available inUK, Australia, New Zealand
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