commonwealth bank travel money card exchange rates

•   Argentina
•   Australia
•   Brasil
•   Česko
•   Canada
•   Deutschland
•   España
•   France
•   India
•   Italia
•   Magyarország
•   Malaysia
•   Nederland
•   New Zealand
•   Österreich
•   Polska
•   Portugal
•   România
•   Schweiz
•   Singapore
•   United Kingdom
•   United States
•   繁體中文 (香港)
•   简体中文 (中国)

Commonwealth Travel Card Review – [2023]

The Commonwealth Travel Money Card is a prepaid Visa debit card you can top up in 13 different currencies, for global spending and ATM withdrawals. That can be handy for managing your budget when you’re overseas, as you can lock in exchange rates in advance so you know exactly what you have to spend.

This guide covers the Commonwealth travel card in detail, including how the card works and the fees that you’ll pay to use it. We’ll also touch on a couple of Commonwealth travel card alternatives from Wise and Revolut , which support more currencies and may come with lower fees.

Commonwealth travel card: key features

The Commonwealth Travel Money Card has a good selection of supported currencies, and is globally accepted wherever you see the Visa logo. However, there are currency conversion fees to pay when you use the card to spend unsupported currencies, or when you don’t have enough balance to cover the cost of your purchase in a particular currency. Plus, you’ll pay an ATM fee at home and abroad.

This guide walks through the Commonwealth Travel Money Card in detail – to kick off, here’s a quick look at the key pros and cons of using the card on your travels.

Travel money cards can be handy when you’re away. They let you convert funds to the currency you need in advance, so you know your budget before you leave – plus, they’re not linked to your normal bank account which can increase security and offer peace of mind when you travel. However, the features and fees you find in travel money cards from different banks and providers can vary pretty widely. Shopping around is essential to make sure you get the best deal for your specific needs – this guide should tell you all you’ll need to know to help you pick.

Who is the Commonwealth travel card for?

The Commonwealth travel card supports 13 currencies including those used in popular holiday destinations like Thailand, Japan, Vietnam and New Zealand, plus major global currencies like US dollars, euros and British pounds. That can mean it’s a handy card to have for people travelling for business or pleasure, or for anyone shopping online with overseas retailers.

What is the Commonwealth travel card?

The Commonwealth Travel Money Card is a Visa debit card you can load in advance in AUD or any of the other supported currencies, for international spending and withdrawals. You can use your Commonwealth travel card when you travel, and also for online shopping in foreign currencies.

Is the Commonwealth Travel Money Card a multi-currency card?

Yes. You can add AUD to your Commonwealth card, and convert to any of the following supported foreign currencies:

• United States dollars (USD)
• Euros (EUR)
• Great British pounds (GBP)
• Japanese yen (JPY)
• New Zealand dollars (NZD)
• Hong Kong dollars (HKD)
• Canadian dollars (CAD)
• Singapore dollars (SGD)
• Thai baht (THB)
• Vietnamese dong (VND)
• Chinese renminbi (CNY)
• Emirati dirham (AED)

There is a fee – in the form of an exchange rate markup – added when you switch to the currency you need from AUD. However, it’s then usually free to spend the currencies you hold in your account.

If you’re looking for different currencies – or you’re planning on travelling more widely – you can also consider a travel card from a specialist service like Wise or Revolut. Wise supports 50+ currencies, while Revolut covers 25+ – more on that, including some other important features of Wise and Revolut, next.

Alternatives to Commonwealth travel card

The Commonwealth travel card has some handy features, but there are also some fees you’ll need to think about before you order one. One important cost is rolled into the price of switching from one currency to another. There’s a markup added to the exchange rate used when you initially switch from AUD to the currency you need, and if you use your card to spend an unsupported currency, or if you run low on the currency you need while you’re away, extra fees of 3% kick in too.

To weigh up whether the Commonwealth card is best for you, take a look at our comparison against alternative providers Wise and Revolut:

Information taken from CommBank Travel Money Card desktop site and Fees , Wise pricing page , Revolut international transfer fees and Revolut Australia ; correct at time of writing, 24th May 2023

As you can see, Wise and Revolut both support a broader selection of currencies compared to the Commbank card, which can be helpful if you’re travelling more widely. Plus, you may find you get lower overall currency conversion costs with a specialist service. Revolut has some fee free currency conversion which uses the mid-market rate for all account holders – even if you’re using a standard account plan with no monthly fees. And Wise has mid-market rates for all currency exchange, with low fees based on the currencies you need, starting at 0.41%.

There’s a quick introduction to Wise and Revolut next, to help you decide if either may suit your needs.

Read a full Wise review here

Wise accounts can hold and exchange 50+ currencies, and come with an optional linked Wise card to spend with the mid-market rate and low fees from 0.41%, in 170+ countries. You can apply, and manage your account, from your smartphone, and get extra perks like fast payments to 70+ countries, and local bank details for 9 currencies, to get paid easily from 30+ countries.

Get a Wise travel card

Revolut accounts come with linked debit cards, and can hold 25+ currencies. You can either get a standard plan which has no monthly fees, or pay a monthly charge to access extra features and perks. Revolut currency exchange uses the mid-market exchange rate to plan limits, with fair usage fees after that. Out of hours fees may also apply if you switch currencies when the global markets are shut.

Go to Revolut

Commonwealth travel card fees & spending limits

Let’s take a look at the fees and limits that apply to the Commbank travel card. First, here are some important limits to know in advance:

And what about the charges involved with using a Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card? Here’s a rundown of the key costs:

Information correct at time of writing – 24th May 2023

Exchange rates

When you top up your card in AUD and convert to a foreign currency for overseas spending, the Commbank retail exchange rate applies. This rate can be found online, but it’s handy to know it won’t be the same as the mid-market rate you find using a Google search or currency conversion tool, as it includes a margin – which is a fee. The margin used by Commonwealth Bank can vary depending on the currencies in question, so you’ll need to take a look on their website to see the rate for your currency pair, and then compare it back to the rate you get from a conversion tool, to spot the margin that’s been added.

If you’re spending a currency you don’t hold in your account, the exchange rate applied is set by Visa, and there’s then an extra 3% fee to pay. That doesn’t sound like a lot, but it can mount up quickly if you’re travelling for a while.

As an alternative, you might want to check out prepaid international debit cards which offer the mid-market exchange rate – like those from Wise and Revolut.

How to get Commonwealth travel card

You can order a Commonwealth Travel Money Card if you fulfil the eligibility criteria:

• You must be at least 14 years old
• You must be a Commonwealth Bank customer, registered to use NetBank
• You’ll need an Australian residential address

Assuming you fit these criteria you can order in a Commonwealth Bank branch, or online. Once you have your card in your hands, you then need to activate it in NetBank or the Commbank app. You can also set a PIN for security.

What documents you’ll need

To open a Commonwealth Travel Money Card account you’ll need to be registered with NetBank. That means you’ll also need a valid Commbank account and card to get started. If you already have a Commonwealth Bank account you can open your travel card account with no new documents – just log into NetBank or visit a branch to get started.

If you don’t have a Commbank account yet, the process is a bit more involved as you’ll have to first select and open a bank account. This normally means you also need to provide proof of ID and address, which you can upload online or show in a branch.

What happens when the card expires?

The Commonwealth Travel money Card is valid for 4 years. Once it expires it’s not automatically replaced with a new card. You’ll need to request a new card in NetBank. If you don’t do this within 3 months of the card expiry date, you’ll lose access to your account – so make sure you open a new card in time, or remove any remaining funds from the account to avoid extra hassle.

How to use a Commonwealth travel card?

The Commonwealth travel card is a Visa debit card you can use online and in person for spending and withdrawals. You can also send money from the card account to other Commbank cards and accounts, although fees may apply for this service if you’re switching currencies as part of the transfer.

How to withdraw cash with a Commonwealth travel card?

Once you have funds on your Commbank card you can make withdrawals around the world, just as you would with your regular debit card. There’s a Commonwealth ATM limit of 2,500 AUD per day – although most ATMs have their own limits which are likely to be lower than this. You’ll also pay a fee of 3.5 AUD or the currency equivalent when you make a cash withdrawal, plus any applicable currency conversion fee if you’re withdrawing in a currency you don’t hold in your account.

Is the card safe?

Yes. Commonwealth Bank is a trusted and regulated bank, making it a safe provider to use. Plus, using a prepaid travel card when you’re abroad can be safer than using your normal card. As it’s not linked to your main day to day account, even if you’re unlucky enough to have your travel card stolen, thieves don’t have access to your primary account balance.

How to use the Commonwealth travel card overseas?

The Commbank travel card is issued on the Visa network, which means you can use it in millions of ATMs and with merchants worldwide. If you’ve got a balance in the currency you need, there’s no extra fee for paying at a merchant abroad. However, it’s useful to know that a 3% fee applies if you spend in a currency you don’t hold in your account, or if the balance you have in that currency isn’t enough to cover the purchase. This can push up costs significantly, so it’s worth keeping an eye on your balance in the Commbank app, so you don’t run low without realising.

Conclusion: is the Commonwealth travel card worth it?

The Commonwealth Travel Money Card is a helpful card for travel to any of the countries and regions covered by the 13 supported currencies. Using a prepaid card can help you set your travel budget in advance as you’ve locked in exchange rates before you leave. However, the Commbank card isn’t free to use. There’s a fee to switch currencies – either a 3% conversion cost for direct spending, or a margin added to the exchange rate when you convert within your account. Plus, there’s a 3.5 AUD fee for ATM withdrawals overseas.

Compare the costs and flexibility of the Commbank travel card against alternatives like the international debit cards from Wise and Revolut. Both offer a broader selection of currencies, and use the mid-market exchange rate to switch over your funds from AUD to the currency you need. This can cut the costs overall, and it’s more transparent as you can easily see all the fees involved in currency exchange.

Commonwealth travel card review FAQ

How does the Commonwealth travel card work?

The Commonwealth Travel Money Card is a prepaid international Visa card you can use for spending and withdrawals around the world. You’ll need to add money in AUD and can then convert to any of the 13 supported currencies within NetBank.

Is the Commonwealth travel card an international card?

Yes. The Commonwealth Travel Money Card can hold 13 different currencies, and as it’s issued on the Visa network you can use it more or less anywhere in the world. There’s a 3% fee to spend currencies you don’t hold in your account though – so if your currency isn’t supported by the Commbank card you might be better off with an alternative like the multi-currency cards from Wise and Revolut.

Are there any alternatives to the Commonwealth travel card?

Commonwealth Travel Money Card alternatives are available from banks and specialist digital providers. Compare the options from Wise and revolut as an example – both offer dozens of supported currencies, with low, transparent fees and great global acceptance.

• Join CHOICE

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.

Join the conversation

To share your thoughts or ask a question, visit the CHOICE Community forum.

Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card

AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, HKD, JPY, CAD, THB, AED, VND, CNY, RMB

Mozo editorial review Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card - last updated: 20 May 2022

• Load up to 13 currencies on the one card
• No monthly inactivity fee
• 5.35% cross currency conversion

Mozo snapshot

The Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card is a handy prepaid travel card if you are visiting multiple countries on your holiday as it allows you to load up to as many as 13 currencies. You can also transfer funds between the currencies for free while travelling and monitor your balance online or over the phone 24/7.

Key features

The Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card is accepted wherever Visa is and can be used internationally at shops, restaurants, at overseas ATMs and for online purchases.

The card has no purchase fee, whether you order it online or in a branch and it is one of the few prepaid travel cards on the market that does not have an inactivity fee so you can keep the card until your next trip if you have money left on the card (but make sure you check the cards expiry date as they do expire at some point.)

You can store up to 13 currencies at any one time, the most of any prepaid card on the market. This is one of the only prepaid travel cards to preload Vietnamese Dong, Chinese Reminbi and it is one of the few to also have Thai Baht as an option. The smart card feature means that it will always use the currency of the country in which the transaction is made first, as long as that currency is loaded on the card.

The Travel Money Card does have a 3.00% cross currency conversion charge if you make a purchase in a currency other than the one on your card so make sure you have the right currency loaded before you spend.  

There's also a flat AUD $3.50 cash withdrawal fee for ATM withdrawals and over the counter withdrawals made outside of Australia. The fee is charged in the currency you're making the withdrawal with though, so if that's not AUD, the Visa exchange rate (at that time) will be used to calculate whatever that foreign currency equivalent of $3.50 AUD is. 

Who is it good for

Prepaid travel cards are great for the budget conscious traveller as they allow you to set a travel budget and stick to it without the temptation of going into debt over that 'must do' romantic sunset cruise with 50 other tourists.

You don't have to be a Commonwealth Bank account holder to get a Travel Money Card, which makes this a good prepaid card choice for anyone who is visiting more than one country on their trip.

If you want to use your travel card solely for online international shopping you can load the travel card up in several currencies and then go on a global shopping spree knowing exactly what exchange rate to use when comparing costs.

Any catches

Make sure you've loaded the correct currencies onto your card before you start spending, because if you spend in a currency you don't have loaded, you'll be stung by the 3.00% cross currency conversion fee.

Atm withdrawal fee

Minimum load, upper limit, monthly inactivity fee, customer reviews.

This product does not currently have any community reviews. Be the first to write one.

About Mozo’s Editorial Star Ratings

Mozo’s Editorial Star Ratings are a score out of 5 stars arrived at by the author of the review after careful consideration of a product’s rates, fees and features when compared with other products that offer similar features.

As a guide, this is how the Editorial Star Ratings should be interpreted:

• 5 stars - a best in class blend of great value and features
• 4 stars - excellent value and features overall
• 3 stars - good value and features overall
• 2 stars - below average, but may be worth considering for some people
• 1 star - well below average

Ratings are just one factor you may want to consider when choosing a financial product. Our ratings have been determined without considering your personal objectives, and a product with a high rating may not be the best one for you.

Important information on terms, conditions and sub-limits

Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits may apply to any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. These terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and sub-limits could affect the level of benefits and cover available under any of the insurance products shown on the Mozo website. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement and the Target Market Determination on the provider's website for further information before making any decisions about an insurance product.

Who we are and how we get paid

Our goal at Mozo is to help you make smart financial decisions and our award-winning comparison tools and services are provided free of charge. As a marketplace business, we do earn money from advertising and this page features products with Go To Site links and/or other paid links where the provider pays us a fee if you go to their site from ours, or you take out a product with them. You do not pay any extra for using our service.

We are proud of the tools and information we provide and unlike some other comparison sites, we also include the option to search all the products in our database, regardless of whether we have a commercial relationship with the providers of those products or not.

'Sponsored', 'Hot deal' and 'Featured Product' labels denote products where the provider has paid to advertise more prominently.

'Mozo sort order' refers to the initial sort order and is not intended in any way to imply that particular products are better than others. You can easily change the sort order of the products displayed on the page.

• United States Australia Canada France --> Germany --> Holland --> India Japan --> Ireland --> Malaysia --> Mexico --> New Zealand Philippines --> Singapore Spain --> UAE United Kingdom Other countries Global
• Profile -->
• My Rates -->
• Search Rates   

Commonwealth Bank Exchange Rates Compared Live

We help you save money by comparing Commonwealth Bank exchange rates to the latest market rate and those offered by leading FX providers.

Compare Exchange Rates

Loading exchange rates...

CBA FX at a glance

CBA, or Commonwealth Bank of Australia, is one of the largest and most well-known banks in Australia, offering a wide range of financial products and services to individuals, businesses, and institutions. The bank provides a range of personal banking services, including savings and transaction accounts, credit cards, personal loans, and mortgages. The bank also offers investment and retirement planning services, insurance, and wealth management services.

CBA Exchange Rates – Are you getting a good deal?

If you are a CBA customer and looking to send money overseas through an International Money Transfer (IMT) or get some travel money, you might be curious as to how the exchange rates you receive from CBA compare to other FX specialist providers.

With BER, you can easily view the exchange rate margins or markups provided by CBA for a range of different currencies. The exchange rate margin is the difference between the rate at which CBA buys and sells a particular currency. For example, at the time of writing, CBA exchange rate margins range from 4% to 8% for the different currencies.

So sending or receiving international transfers to or from your CBA account will cost an extra amount (between 4% to 8%) – this is much higher than most money transfer broker rates (which are normally 0.5 to 1.5%).

Transfers to Cambodia, Ghana, Indonesia, Laos, Mexico, Pakistan, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam are only available for amounts AUD $1,000 and above, or the foreign currency equivalent value.

Commonwealth Bank does allow you to request a real-time FX rate request, prior to scheduling an international wire. So you can check the rate and compare to the best rates from our BER partner brokers to check for a better deal.

Comparing CBA exchange rates

Overall these are the main points to consider when comparing CBA exchange rates:

• CBA provides extensive foreign exchange services, FX Specialists provide more additional services and generally speaking a higher level of expertise;
• CBA products are available both in-branch and online via their online banking platform NetBank. FX Specialists for foreign transfers are on-line but you can speak to them on the phone, and in some cases you will have an account manager;
• Commonwealth Bank exchange rates for foreign transfers are generally poor compared to using an FX specialist .
• Commonwealth Bank exchange rates for travel money are comparable to those of the other Australian banks but you will, more likely than not, get less for your dollar than if you ordered your foreign currency and travel money online through providers such as Travelex .
• Average to poor exchange rates need to be weighed up against convenience of using a familiar internet banking platform.

BER partners are among the best & most trusted FX brands

• Best Rate Calculator
• Foreign Transfers
• Currency Exchange
• Large Transfers
• Cross Rate Matrix
• Rate Tracker
• Market Update
• Currency Forecasts
• Country guides
• Log in to BER
• Content Hub
• How-to-Save Guides
• User Forums
• BER.me Profile
• Local Sites
• Transfers - Quote

BER is operated by Best Exchange Rates Pty Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of Australia with company number ABN 68082714841. BER is a comparison website only and not a currency trading platform. BestExchangeRates.com uses cookies. Disclaimer & Terms of Service    Privacy

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

Best Prepaid Cards

Credit Card

More Travel Card Guides

Learn more about the best travel money cards for your holiday destination.

ASIC regulated

Like all reputable money exchanges, we are registered with AUSTRAC and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).

S Money complies with the relevant laws pertaining to privacy, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism finance. This means you are required to provide I.D. when you place an order. It also means the order must be paid for by the same person ordering the currency and you must show your identification again when receiving your order.

Currency Converter

Use our currency converter to convert over 190 currencies and 4 metals.

To get started enter the values below and calculate today’s exchange rates for any two currencies or metals.

Bankrate’s currency converter uses OANDA Rates™ which have been compiled from leading market data and are trusted by worldwide corporations and authorities.

Investing Disclosure

The investment information provided on this page is for informational and general educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment or financial advice. Bankrate does not offer advisory or brokerage services, nor does it provide individualized recommendations or personalized investment advice. Investment decisions should be based on an evaluation of your own personal financial situation, needs, risk tolerance and investment objectives. Investing involves risk including the potential loss of principal.

Good, bad and ugly of currency exchange

By mitch strohm  • bankrate.com.

If you're not careful, currency conversion fees can cost more than you expect. To get the best bang for your U.S. dollar abroad, update your knowledge of currency exchange.

According to Douglas Stallings, senior editor for Fodor's Travel, travelers need to be aware of currency exchange options abroad because of costs. "Many options carry extraordinary hidden fees, and some places are just more difficult to negotiate since they are more cash-based than the typical American is used to," Stallings says.

In lieu of foreign currency exchange desks at airports and major hotels, there are more convenient and cheaper ways to exchange currency, Stallings says. While some desks advertise "no-fee" exchanges, they still build in a hefty profit by offering a high rate.

Before your next trip, take a look at the best and worst methods of currency exchange by following Bankrate's "thumbs-up" or "thumbs-down" rating:

Credit card: Thumbs up

Credit cards offer some of the lowest currency exchange rates. Card companies base their exchange rates on wholesale prices offered to bigger institutions, so you're bound to get a fair rate. Foreign transaction fees are a different story.

"Most people have multiple credit cards, and each could have a different fee structure. You can save money on fees by making some calls before you go and knowing which cards to use," says Tom Meyers, editor in chief of EuroCheapo.com, a guide to budget travel in Europe.

Some major card companies have eliminated foreign transaction fees on all of their cards. Others are just offering a few cards without foreign fees.

In addition to cards without fees, think about getting a card with the latest technology. Maria Brusilovsky, spokeswoman for Travelex Currency Services, says chip and PIN technology is now the preferred way of making credit card and debit card transactions in Europe, and some vendors only accept chip and PIN cards.

The "chip" refers to a microchip embedded into the card to secure account information. The "PIN" refers to a personal identification number that the cardholder enters to authorize payment.

Debit card: Thumbs up

Using your debit card at ATMs is one recommended way to get cash when traveling abroad. "We consider the ATM to be the best choice in terms of convenience, exchange rates and fees," Meyers says.

Fees vary by institution. Some charge a flat rate, others charge a percentage, and still others charge both, Meyers says. To save money, keep ATM trips to a minimum.

"If your bank charges a flat rate for the withdrawal, you should certainly minimize your trips to the ATM by withdrawing larger sums each time you go," Meyers says.

And do your homework. Stallings says if you take money out of a bank that has a relationship with your bank, you may be able to avoid some fees.

Heads up:  Meyers advises to call your bank before you go to ask about fee structures for ATM withdrawals. Each bank has its own fees for ATM debit card withdrawals.

Prepaid card: Neutral

Prepaid cards for foreign use are becoming more widespread. For example, one major card company has started to offer prepaid cards free of the typical recurring fees. It also snubs foreign transaction fees, and it charges the same rate as its regular credit card when converting currency.

Another company offers a prepaid chip and PIN card, which allows travelers to load up on euros or pounds and use it like a debit card. They can be a good option for Americans traveling without a card using chip and PIN technology.

Stallings says one upside to chip and PIN prepaid debit cards is they can be used in an automated payment machine to buy train tickets and to pay at unstaffed gas pumps and highway toll booths in Europe. You lock in the exchange rate at the time you load or reload it.

Prepaid cards are also convenient and safe since they reduce the need to carry as much currency and because a PIN is usually required to take out funds, Stallings says.

Heads up:  Stallings warns that some prepaid debit cards can come with substantial fees, may not be usable everywhere and can leave you without funds if stolen. He advises to read the fine print before purchasing.

Airport or hotel exchange desk: Thumbs down

Airport exchange desks have some of the highest currency exchange rates, which means you pay more in dollars for conversion.

Meyers of EuroCheapo.com recommends walking straight past the currency exchange counter upon arrival or in the airport baggage claim area. "These companies pay a lot of money to rent those spaces, and they make it up through service fees and lousy exchange rates," he says.

Airport exchange desks depend on their convenience to make money. You'll be better off finding an ATM in the airport and using your debit card to get cash.

Hotel exchange desks are just as pricey but for a different reason. "The hotels that still offer this service usually give awful exchange rates because the entire process is a hassle for them," Meyers says.

Heads up:  Don't be duped by the sign at the currency exchange counter claiming "no fees, no commissions." Meyers says they'll make their money through higher exchange rates, even if they don't charge you a direct fee.

Dynamic currency conversion: Thumbs down

Some credit card companies give U.S. consumers the option of paying in U.S. dollars or the local currency during a transaction abroad. It's called dynamic currency conversion. If you're not careful, dynamic currency conversion could cost you big time.

"Primarily in Europe, dynamic currency conversion allows your credit card purchase to be charged in your home currency. While this seems convenient, it is one of the worst deals in travel and should always be avoided," Fodor's Stallings says.

According to Meyers, it's always better to pay in the local currency when traveling. "The local bank there will convert it back into euros, and then your U.S.-based bank will convert it again into dollars. This adds an extra conversion, which is good for the banks but not for you," says Meyers.

The extra conversion means you will pay more in fees. "You basically pay twice for every dynamic currency conversion transaction -- once to your own bank for the privilege of using your card abroad and once to the company processing the transaction," Stallings says.

Heads up:  According to Stallings, you should insist that your transaction be charged in the local currency or just pay in cash.

Traveler's checks: Thumbs down

Sales of traveler's checks are in decline as travelers adopt new technology and more convenient methods of payment, says Brusilovsky of Travelex Currency Services. According to the U.S. Federal Reserve, traveler's checks peaked in the 1990s but have declined in use ever since. At their peak, there were more than $9 billion in traveler's checks outstanding. Now, there are only about $4 billion.

But they can still provide a safety net, Meyers says. "Many businesses abroad still accept traveler's checks, if they're made out in euros," he says. But, if they are made out in dollars, you'll need to convert them at a bank or currency counter, which can mean a fee or a lousy conversion rate.

Heads up:  A few hundred dollars in traveler's checks can be a good emergency fund if you have any trouble with your cards or lose your wallet, Meyers says.

Cash advance: Thumbs down

Getting a cash advance on your credit card is an easy way to break the bank, whether you're abroad or in the U.S.

Your card might offer a fair currency exchange rate, but the interest rate on cash advances can be high. Cash-advance interest rates are more than 20 percent on some cards, and the interest starts accruing as soon as you take out the advance. For example, one bank's reward card has a cash advance annual percentage rate, or APR, of 24.9 percent. There's also a fee tacked on for taking out the advance.

"Before you leave, call your bank and ask what it charges for cash advances abroad," Meyers says.

Heads up: If you're in a bind, it might be worthwhile to take a cash advance. Just make sure to pay it off before the interest has time to accrue.

CURRENCY CONVERTER RESOURCES

• Foreign transaction fee credit card chart
• 4 ways to minimize foreign currency risk
• Opening a foreign currency account

Riviera Maya Currency Guide for Travel in 2024

P lanning a trip to Mexico and wondering what the Riviera Maya currency is and the best ways to pay for things during your vacation? You’ve come to the right guide!

As a travel blogger that lives in Playa del Carmen , I’m here to help you understand the basics of money management in Riviera Maya so that you can have a stress-free and enjoyable vacation.

In this Riviera Maya currency guide , I’ll explain the official currency used in Riviera Maya, whether or not you need to bring pesos with you, and provide some tips on using ATMs and managing money while traveling.

So if you’re wondering if you need dollars or pesos in Riviera Maya and exactly how much money to bring along, I’ve got you covered in this comprehensive currency guide!

Ready to learn how to safely and securely manage your money in Riviera Maya? Let’s get started!

Planning a trip to Mexico? Use my favorite travel resources!

Hotels: Expedia or Booking.com

Flights: Skyscanner

Rental Cars: Discover Cars

Tours & Activities: Viator

Travel Insurance: Travel Insurance Master

What Currency is Used in Riviera Maya Mexico?

The official currency used in Riviera Maya (and all of Mexico) is the Mexican Peso (MXN). However, you’ll find that US dollars are widely accepted, particularly in tourist areas.

You may even find that some restaurants and shops will display prices in both pesos and US dollars and accept payments with either currency.

What is the Best Currency to Take to Riviera Maya?

The best currency to take to Riviera Maya is the Mexican Peso (MXN), as it’s the official currency of the country.

While US dollars are widely accepted in Riviera Maya, you’ll often get better exchange rates and prices when paying with pesos.

Does Riviera Maya Accept US Dollars?

Yes, US dollars are widely accepted in Riviera Maya at restaurants, beach clubs, hotels, and grocery stores. You can even pay for taxis with USD.

Riviera Maya thrives on tourism, so they’ve become used to dealing with American tourists and thus the US dollar is accepted pretty much everywhere.

This makes paying in US dollars very easy but keep in mind that each restaurant, hotel, or establishment will have their own set exchange rate, which may be worse than the official exchange rate.

So if you really want to save money on your purchases, it’s best to pay in pesos.

Additionally, when paying in United States dollars, you’ll typically receive your change in pesos, which can get confusing if you’re not familiar with using the currency.

Is it Better to Pay in Dollars or Pesos in Riviera Maya?

US dollars are accepted pretty much everywhere in Riviera Maya so it’s possible to get by without needing to exchange any money.

However, since the official currency in Riviera Maya is the Mexican peso (MXN), you’ll typically save money if you pay in pesos.

Basically, if you’re not worried about losing a few dollars here and there on the exchange rate, it’s possible to just use US dollars for your entire trip.

But if you want to get the best value for money, it’s best to pay in Mexican pesos.

And while credit cards are accepted in many places, you’ll still need cash to pay for taxis, tips, souvenir shopping, and smaller purchases.

Are Credit Cards Accepted in Riviera Maya?

Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Riviera Maya and you can use them in most restaurants, large retail stores, hotels, and beach clubs.

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit cards, and American Express and Discover are less commonly accepted.

You’ll just want to make sure to use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees. I personally use the Chase Sapphire Preferred card which has tons of great travel perks.

I would also recommend using a credit card instead of a debit card when possible, as there are typically less fees and the protection benefits are much better.

And even though credit cards are accepted in many places, it’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand to pay for transportation, tips, and smaller purchases. For example, some smaller restaurants and taco joints in Playa del Carmen will be cash only.

It’s also important to know that taxis in Riviera Maya do not accept credit cards so you’ll need to carry enough cash if you’re planning on taking taxis.

Should You Get Pesos Before Going to Riviera Maya?

If you want to be really prepared, I would recommend getting some pesos before going to Riviera Maya so you won’t have to worry about getting them once you arrive.

The easiest way to do this is to order Mexican pesos from your bank ahead of time and it typically takes around 1-3 days for delivery.

If you don’t want to do that or don’t have enough time to do so, you can always withdraw pesos from an ATM once you arrive in Mexico or change dollars to pesos at a currency exchange counter.

Just be sure to check with your bank ahead of time to see if they have any fees for international ATM withdrawals.

What Will You Need Cash for in Riviera Maya?

While credit cards are widely accepted in Riviera Maya, you’ll still need to have some cash on hand if you’re planning to leave the resort, explore the nearby towns, or do some Riviera Maya excursions .

Here are some examples of things you will need cash for in Riviera Maya:

• Tips for hotel staff at all-inclusive resorts
• Tips for your Cancun airport transportation driver
• Tips for tour guides
• Souvenir shopping at local shops
• Local taco joints or mom-and-pop type restaurants
• Street food and street vendors
• Entrance fees for Riviera Maya cenotes
• Entrance fees for archeological sites (like the Tulum Ruins or Chichen Itza )

How Many Pesos Should You Bring to Riviera Maya?

Here is a general guideline to give you a rough idea of how much cash to bring to Riviera Maya:

• Below Average Spending: $20 USD (~$340 pesos) per day
• Average Spending: $40 USD (~$680 pesos) per day
• Above Average Spending: $60+ USD (~$1020 pesos) per day

Note these guidelines are based on how much cash to bring to Riviera Maya Mexico for the tips and extras outlined above, assuming you’re using your credit cards for most of your purchases.

Additionally, these amounts are based on a single traveler or a single party that’s traveling together.

If you plan to pay with cash in Mexico exclusively, then you’ll want to bring more money than the amounts above.

You can also play around with my Mexico cash calculator ! This is a handy tool to give you an estimate of how much cash you’ll need during your trip depending on the length of your stay, number of people, and spending habits.

How to Get Pesos for Riviera Maya

Here are a few options for getting pesos for your trip to Riviera Maya Mexico:

Order pesos from your bank ahead of time

If you’re someone that likes to plan ahead and have everything ready to go before your trip, then I would recommend ordering pesos from your bank before you leave for Mexico.

While this option takes a bit more time and advance planning, it’s cheaper than exchanging currency at a counter in Mexico once you arrive.

Plus, you won’t have to deal with finding an ATM or currency counter once you get there, which can add stress to your trip.

Most large banks have the option to order foreign currency online or through a mobile app but it typically takes 1-3 business days for delivery.

Withdraw pesos from an ATM in Mexico

If you don’t want to order pesos ahead of time, the quickest and easiest way to get pesos in Mexico is to simply withdraw cash from an ATM once you arrive.

You can find ATM machines in most major tourist spots, hotels, and grocery stores, or even at the Cancun Airport once you land.

While your bank might charge a fee for withdrawing money from foreign ATMs, it will typically be cheaper compared to a commission-based money exchange counter.

Exchange dollars for pesos at a currency exchange counter

The final option for getting pesos is to exchange US dollars for pesos at the Cancun Airport or at a foreign currency exchange counter.

While this is a bit more convenient, I wouldn’t recommend it because it’s typically the most expensive option.

You’ll have access to cash right away but currency exchange counters in Mexico typically have some of the highest conversion rates–and they can be a little sketchy looking.

If you really do need to use a currency exchange counter, be sure to check the current exchange rate carefully before deciding whether or not this is the best option for you.

Using ATMs in Riviera Maya

Here are some tips for withdrawing money from ATMs in Riviera Maya:

Best ATMs in Riviera Maya

When using ATMs in Riviera Maya, it is important to only use an official bank ATM and avoid using any random or unidentified ATM found on the street.

You might find nameless ATMs in the main tourist areas (like when shopping on 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen ) but these are more likely to have card skimmers and hackers that could potentially drain your bank account.

For optimal security, it is best to use official bank ATMs located directly at a local bank or at places such as grocery stores or shopping centers.

If you are staying at one of the larger resorts in Riviera Maya , they will likely have an ATM in the hotel lobby and they are typically pretty safe to use.

And if you go to Playa del Carmen , Cancun , Tulum , or Puerto Morelos , you can find bank ATMs not far from the tourist areas or at larger grocery stores like Chedraui, Walmart , or Mega.

These are the major banks and ATM locations in Riviera Maya that you’ll want to look out for:

• BBVA Bancomer
• Scotiabank (partnered with Bank of America)

Do you need travel insurance for Mexico? Yes! Most insurance plans in your home country will not cover incidents abroad. I recommend using Travel Insurance Master, which is a handy travel insurance marketplace where you can compare policies. Get a FREE quote by clicking here !

Bank Partnerships

Before your trip to Mexico, it’s a good idea to check with your bank to see if they have any partnerships with Mexican banks.

Several large banks, including Bank of America, have established partnerships with foreign banks around the world.

If your bank does have a partnership with a Mexican bank, you will likely be able to withdraw money without a usage fee.

However, there is typically still an international withdrawal fee that is a small percentage of the total withdrawal amount.

For example, Bank of America has a partnership with Scotiabank in Mexico. This means you can withdraw money from a Scotiabank ATM in Mexico and avoid a $5 USD international ATM usage fee.

However, you will still be charged 3% of the converted US dollar amount that you are withdrawing.

Riviera Maya ATM Fees

When withdrawing money from ATMs in Riviera Maya, you will likely be charged a usage fee and/or an international transaction fee that will be a small percentage of the total amount you take out.

Let’s say you are a Bank of America customer and you were to withdraw $2,000 pesos in local currency from a Scotiabank ATM in Mexico.

Here’s an example of the cost breakdown:

• Usage Fee : $5 USD (waived) = $0 USD
• Currency Conversion: $2000 MXN at BOA Conversion Rate (.0548) = $109.60 USD
• International Transaction Fee: $110.60 x 3% = $3.28 USD
• Total Amount for this Withdrawal : $112.88 USD

If you weren’t to use a Scotiabank ATM, then you would be charged the $5 usage fee in addition. This can add up depending on how many times you visit the ATM!

Riviera Maya ATM Conversion Rates

If there’s one thing to remember about using ATMs in Riviera Maya (and anywhere in Mexico), it’s to always decline the conversion rate offered by the ATM.

When withdrawing money from an ATM, you’ll be prompted to accept or decline the conversion rate offered by that particular ATM– always hit DECLINE!

ATMs always offer terrible exchange rates, which are much higher than what you would get from your bank.

By hitting decline, your financial institution will automatically charge you with the standard conversion rate, which is typically a much better deal.

Using Mexican Currency

Here are some helpful things to know about using the official currency in Mexico:

Mexican Peso Bills

Here’s a rough USD conversion for the Mexican peso denominations to give you an idea of the value of money:

• $10 peso coin = ~$.50 USD
• $50 peso bill = ~$2.50 USD
• $100 peso bill = ~$5 USD
• $200 peso bill = ~$10 USD
• $500 peso bill = ~$25 USD
• $1000 peso bill =~$50 USD

Easy Pesos to USD Currency Conversion Trick

If you’re not familiar with paying in Mexican pesos, it can be confusing to figure out exactly how much you’re spending.

However, there is a simple trick to convert pesos to American dollars easily in your head – just take off a zero and divide the price of the item by 2!

For example, if something is $500 pesos, you would take off a zero ($50) and divide the amount by 2 to get to a value of around $25 USD.

Of course, this is not an exact value (especially recently with the peso gaining value) but will give you a rough estimate of how much an item costs.

Alternatively, you can pull out the calculator on your phone or use a currency converter app to get the exact value.

Easy MXN-USD Currency Conversion Trick: Take off a zero and divide by 2!

Riviera Maya Money Tips

Follow these Riviera Maya travel tips to save money when it comes to Riviera Maya and Playa del Carmen money management:

• Consider your options when choosing between pesos or USD: When paying at restaurants or retail stores in Riviera Maya, you’ll likely be given the option to pay in pesos or USD (even when paying with a credit card). If you really want to save money, do a quick currency conversion on your phone to see which is the better deal. It used to always be a better deal to pay in pesos but with current exchange rates, it may be cheaper to pay in USD.
• Decline the currency conversion rate at the ATM: When withdrawing cash from an ATM, you’ll be asked if you want to accept the ATM’s currency conversion rate. Always decline this option and instead you’ll be charged at the best exchange rate from your bank.
• Use a credit card instead of a debit card: If you’re going to be paying with a card, it’s best to use a credit card instead of your debit card. Many travel cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred card have no foreign transaction fees so you’ll save money on costly currency exchange fees on your debit card. Plus, credit cards typically have better protections in case of fraud or theft.
• Check with your bank to see if they have any partnerships with banks in Mexico: If your bank has a partnership with a Mexican bank, you can likely avoid added ATM fees when using your debit card to withdraw money in Mexico.
• Only use official bank ATMs: Avoid using random or nameless ATMs, as these are often less secure and can be setup with card skimmers. Withdrawing money from official bank ATMs at banks, grocery stores, or shopping centers is a safer option. Some of the most popular local banks in Riviera Maya are Scotiabank, HSBC, CiBanco, Santander, and BBVA.
• Don’t carry large amounts of cash: It’s best to only carry the amount of cash that you need for your daily expenses in case of theft. Flaunting large amounts of cash is a safety risk in Riviera Maya and can make you a target for theft or getting ripped off. It’s also a good idea to keep a backup credit or debit card (and some cash) in the hotel safe in case anything happens to your primary card.
• Don’t forget to bring cash for tips: If you’re planning to do any of the fun activities in Riviera Maya like Riviera Maya zipline tours , snorkeling tours , or ATV adventures , be sure to bring cash to tip the tour guides. It’s customary to tip around 10-15% of the total tour price.

Riviera Maya Currency: FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about money and currency in Riviera Maya Mexico:

Yes, tipping is expected at all inclusive resorts in Playa del Carmen , Cancun, and Riviera Maya although it’s not required. You can give tips to the waiters, bartenders, and housekeeping staff as a sign of appreciation for their service.

It’s customary to tip around 10-15% of the total tour price. However, if the tour guide did a particularly good job, you can give them more.

No, it is not customary to tip taxi drivers in Riviera Maya so you can feel comfortable just paying the exact price of the fare.

Yes, you can use a debit card in Riviera Maya, however I would recommend using a credit card if possible. Most travel credit cards like Chase Sapphire Preferred have no foreign transaction fees and offer greater protection in case of fraud or theft.

No, Uber in Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya is currently not available or safe to use. While legislation was passed allowing Uber to operate in the state of Quintana Roo, opposition from local taxi drivers has still made it unsafe to try and use Uber in the region. So if you’re planning on taking taxis in Riviera Maya, you’ll need to make sure you have enough cash on hand as credit cards are not accepted.

Conclusion: Riviera Maya Currency Guide

So should you use pesos or dollars when visiting Riviera Maya Mexico? I hope this Riviera Maya Mexico currency guide has helped you to decide which type of currency to bring to Mexico!

The official currency of Riviera Maya is the Mexican peso so you’ll typically save money if you pay in pesos. But US dollars are widely accepted so it’s possible to get by with just using dollars if you need to.

It’s also a good idea to have some cash on hand for taxis, tipping, and smaller purchases.

Just be sure to follow the Riviera Maya money tips listed above to save money when exchanging currency and paying for things in Riviera Maya.

Now that you know how to handle currency when you travel to Riviera Maya, you can enjoy your trip without worrying about money!

• How Much Cash Should You Bring to Mexico? Calculate Now!
• Is Riviera Maya Safe?
• Where to Stay in Riviera Maya
• Best Things to Do in Riviera Maya

Traveling to Mexico soon?

These are the Mexico travel resources I use and recommend:

Hotels : I always find the best deals for Mexico hotels and resorts on Expedia or Booking.com . If you prefer a vacation rental, check VRBO as they are often cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!

Flights : I recommend using Skyscanner for the best Mexico flight deals. Be sure to sign up for their price alerts for your preferred travel dates.

Rental Cars : I recommend using Discover Cars because you can compare multiple car rental companies and see detailed ratings for overall value, ease of pick-up, efficiency of agents, car condition, and overall time spent.

Cancun Airport Transportation : I recommend booking a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation for the quickest and most hassle-free option!

Tours & Activities: I always use Viator or GetYourGuide for booking tours and activities in Mexico. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund, plus they have excellent customer service if you were to have any issues.

Travel Insurance: After my Dad broke his hand in a taxi accident in Playa del Carmen, I always recommend buying travel insurance before your trip for added peace of mind! I recommend Travel Insurance Master for short trips or Safety Wing for digital nomads.

Biodegradable Sunscreen : Don’t forget to add biodegradable sunscreen to your Mexico packing list ! Regular sunscreen is prohibited when swimming in the ocean and cenotes in Mexico, so you’ll need to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for sun protection. I recommend Sun Bum Sunscreen , which is reef-friendly, vegan, and cruelty-free.

The post Riviera Maya Currency Guide for Travel in 2024 appeared first on Viva La Travelista .

How to claim the money left on your travel card

Home from your holiday with cash left on your travel money card here's how to get it back..

In this guide

How to get the remaining funds off your travel money card

A comparison of prepaid travel money cards, some mistakes to avoid with leftover funds in your travel card.

Travel Money Cards

If you've still got foreign currency on your travel money card after a trip or your card's about to expire, it's still possible to get your money back. Use this guide to learn how to get funds back and what mistakes to avoid so you can get as much value as possible from your prepaid travel card.

Finder survey: What do Australians do with leftover funds on their travel card?

More than half of the Australians we surveyed simply transferred leftover money from their travel money card to their bank account.

The way you get your unused money varies depending on the travel money card. In some cases, it can be as easy as Internet banking, while in others it might require a trip down to the bank. Here's how it works with the major Australian prepaid travel cards.

Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard

If you have a Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard, you can get your funds off it by logging in to your account at auspost.com.au/cashpassport or by visiting a participating Australia Post outlet and presenting the card along with a valid form of photo ID. You can get funds even if the card has expired (check the expiry date on the front).

Just take note that the Cash Passport charges a monthly inactivity fee of $0 if you haven't used your card in 12 months. So if you want to cancel your card instead of keeping it for another trip, you can move the remaining balance to your bank account for a fee of $10 by calling Customer Service at +44 20 7166 7822.

The Travelex Travel Money Card

The card attracts a monthly inactivity fee of after 12 months of no usage, which can whittle away at your balance. It also charges a 2.95% withdrawal fee on domestic withdrawals within Australia. You can close your card at any distribution outlet and move remaining funds to your nominated bank account for an extra fee of .

If your card has expired, you can still get your funds through one of these options. Or, if you want to continue to use the account, you can request a new and have the money transferred over to it.

CommBank Travel Money Card

Valid for up to 3 years with no monthly inactivity fee, you can use the CommBank Travel Money Card on your next holiday or close it off and empty the remaining funds into your account at no charge. If you have an everyday CommBank account, you can transfer the money in real-time through NetBank. You can do this up to three months after the card has expired.

If you don't bank with CommBank, you can get your money off the travel card by visiting a branch. You can also withdraw the funds from any CommBank ATM free-of-charge after converting the foreign currency to Australian dollars.

With the , you can withdraw your remaining funds from a local ATM or close your account and have the funds transferred into your nominated account. Do note that withdrawals within Australia incur a 2.95% fee. A fee is also charged for account closures and cashing out any remaining value. You can do this by logging into the Suncorp Bank Multi-Cash Currency portal.

Qantas Travel Money

The Qantas Travel Money card doesn't incur an inactivity fee or ATM withdrawal fees, but a foreign exchange rate will apply when withdrawal is made in Australia on funds that are not in Australian dollars. You can close your card at any time at no cost by calling Mastercard Qantas Cash Global Support on 1300 825 302.

Australia Post

If you have funds remaining on your , you can either exchange the money back into your Australian dollars currency wallet and withdraw the funds from an ATM or fill out the Load&Go balance redemption form to have the funds sent to you via an Australia Post Money Order. It doesn't cost anything to close the account, but you will be charged $1 every month a balance remains in your account following expiry.

If you have money left over on your travel card, be sure to take note of and avoid the following possible pitfalls:

• Leaving your card open. If you're not travelling anytime soon, you might want to close the card once you've withdrawn your funds. Otherwise, you may still have to pay any inactivity fees or annual maintenance fees attached to the card.
• Expired cards. Most providers send a goodwill email to remind you of an impending expiry date. You can then request for closure, but failure to do so will unfortunately result in "Unclaimed Monies".
• Unclaimed monies. While banks previously forfeited your money once your card expired, unclaimed monies legislation now dictates that balances above $500 (which are left untouched after three years or unclaimed after card expiry) must be transferred to the Commonwealth Bank and held in trust. You can run a free search of all unclaimed monies through the MoneySmart website. Amounts below $500 are essentially forfeited if you don't close your account and claim them.
• Spending foreign currencies in Australia. Some banks charge domestic ATM withdrawal fees on your travel card, so be very careful reading the fine print. Since all fees are debited in Australian dollars, if you only have foreign currency on your card, that will incur more foreign currency conversion fees.

It is important to know the rules and conditions around your travel card. Depending on the fees and exclusions set by your provider, it may be wiser to withdraw remaining funds and close the account instead of keeping it for your next vacation. It is also worthwhile to factor in things like the card's loading and reloading fees as well as foreign currency trends when comparing your options.

Sally McMullen

Sally McMullen was a creative content producer at Finder. Sally wrote about credit cards for almost 5 years, authoring almost 900 articles on Finder alone. She has also been published in Yahoo Finance, Dynamic Business, Financy and Mamamia, as well as Music Feeds and Rolling Stone. Sally has a Bachelor of Communication and Media Studies majoring in Journalism (Hons) from the University of Wollongong.

More guides on Finder

The Wise Travel Money Card supports over 40 currencies, with free loading by bank transfer and an instant, virtual card. Here’s how its other features compare.

Revolut offers virtual and physical Visa cards, support for over 30 currencies and other travel perks – plus 3-month Premium trial with this offer.

Use finder's interactive world map to learn about variations in beer prices globally. Find out where in the world you'd pay a whopping $15.10 for a pint.

Discover the travel money options available for young people and how to prepare for a trip overseas.

The Travelex Money Card lets you load and spend in 10 currencies, with fee-free ATM options and overseas Wi-Fi. Check out its other features here.

Want to avoid fees and charges when using your card overseas? This guide explains the most common pitfalls when using travel cards.

Use this guide to understand foreign currency exchange and discover how to get the best deal.

Spend in up to 13 major currencies, lock in exchange rates and manage your account with the CommBank app when you use the Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card.

With Qantas Travel Money cards (previously Qantas Cash), you can carry multiple currencies using a single card and earn rewards points.

Ask a Question

Click here to cancel reply.

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

• Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
• finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
• We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
• Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

2 Responses

what about Post Office purchased travel Vis card?

Hi Heather,

Thanks for your question!

I’ve added some information regarding the Australia Post Load&Go card to this page.

If you have money left on your Australia Post Load&Go card when you return from your holiday, you can either exchange the money back into your Australian dollars currency wallet and withdraw the funds from an ATM or fill out the Load&Go balance redemption form to have the funds sent to you via an Australia Post Money Order.

Please note that while you won’t be charged for closing the account, you will be charged $1 every month a balance remains in your account following expiry.

I hope this has helped.

How likely would you be to recommend finder to a friend or colleague?

Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.

Important information about this website

Advertiser disclosure.

finder.com.au is one of Australia's leading comparison websites. We are committed to our readers and stands by our editorial principles

We try to take an open and transparent approach and provide a broad-based comparison service. However, you should be aware that while we are an independently owned service, our comparison service does not include all providers or all products available in the market.

Some product issuers may provide products or offer services through multiple brands, associated companies or different labeling arrangements. This can make it difficult for consumers to compare alternatives or identify the companies behind the products. However, we aim to provide information to enable consumers to understand these issues.

How we make money

We make money by featuring products on our site. Compensation received from the providers featured on our site can influence which products we write about as well as where and how products appear on our page, but the order or placement of these products does not influence our assessment or opinions of them, nor is it an endorsement or recommendation for them.

Products marked as 'Top Pick', 'Promoted' or 'Advertisement' are prominently displayed either as a result of a commercial advertising arrangement or to highlight a particular product, provider or feature. Finder may receive remuneration from the Provider if you click on the related link, purchase or enquire about the product. Finder's decision to show a 'promoted' product is neither a recommendation that the product is appropriate for you nor an indication that the product is the best in its category. We encourage you to use the tools and information we provide to compare your options.

Where our site links to particular products or displays 'Go to site' buttons, we may receive a commission, referral fee or payment when you click on those buttons or apply for a product. You can learn more about how we make money .

Sorting and Ranking Products

When products are grouped in a table or list, the order in which they are initially sorted may be influenced by a range of factors including price, fees and discounts; commercial partnerships; product features; and brand popularity. We provide tools so you can sort and filter these lists to highlight features that matter to you.

Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Please read our website terms of use and privacy policy for more information about our services and our approach to privacy.

We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.

Learn how we maintain accuracy on our site.

• Auto Insurance Best Car Insurance Cheapest Car Insurance Compare Car Insurance Quotes Best Car Insurance For Young Drivers Best Auto & Home Bundles Cheapest Cars To Insure
• Home Insurance Best Home Insurance Best Renters Insurance Cheapest Homeowners Insurance Types Of Homeowners Insurance
• Life Insurance Best Life Insurance Best Term Life Insurance Best Senior Life Insurance Best Whole Life Insurance Best No Exam Life Insurance
• Pet Insurance Best Pet Insurance Cheap Pet Insurance Pet Insurance Costs Compare Pet Insurance Quotes
• Travel Insurance Best Travel Insurance Cancel For Any Reason Travel Insurance Best Cruise Travel Insurance Best Senior Travel Insurance
• Health Insurance Best Health Insurance Plans Best Affordable Health Insurance Best Dental Insurance Best Vision Insurance Best Disability Insurance
• Credit Cards Best Credit Cards 2024 Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards Best Rewards Credit Cards Best Cash Back Credit Cards Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards Best 0% APR Credit Cards Best Business Credit Cards Best Credit Cards for Startups Best Credit Cards For Bad Credit Best Cards for Students without Credit
• Credit Card Reviews Chase Sapphire Preferred Wells Fargo Active Cash® Chase Sapphire Reserve Citi Double Cash Citi Diamond Preferred Chase Ink Business Unlimited American Express Blue Business Plus
• Credit Card by Issuer Best Chase Credit Cards Best American Express Credit Cards Best Bank of America Credit Cards Best Visa Credit Cards
• Credit Score Best Credit Monitoring Services Best Identity Theft Protection
• CDs Best CD Rates Best No Penalty CDs Best Jumbo CD Rates Best 3 Month CD Rates Best 6 Month CD Rates Best 9 Month CD Rates Best 1 Year CD Rates Best 2 Year CD Rates Best 5 Year CD Rates
• Checking Best High-Yield Checking Accounts Best Checking Accounts Best No Fee Checking Accounts Best Teen Checking Accounts Best Student Checking Accounts Best Joint Checking Accounts Best Business Checking Accounts Best Free Checking Accounts
• Savings Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Best Free No-Fee Savings Accounts Simple Savings Calculator Monthly Budget Calculator: 50/30/20
• Mortgages Best Mortgage Lenders Best Online Mortgage Lenders Current Mortgage Rates Best HELOC Rates Best Mortgage Refinance Lenders Best Home Equity Loan Lenders Best VA Mortgage Lenders Mortgage Refinance Rates Mortgage Interest Rate Forecast
• Personal Loans Best Personal Loans Best Debt Consolidation Loans Best Emergency Loans Best Home Improvement Loans Best Bad Credit Loans Best Installment Loans For Bad Credit Best Personal Loans For Fair Credit Best Low Interest Personal Loans
• Student Loans Best Student Loans Best Student Loan Refinance Best Student Loans for Bad or No Credit Best Low-Interest Student Loans
• Business Loans Best Business Loans Best Business Lines of Credit Apply For A Business Loan Business Loan vs. Business Line Of Credit What Is An SBA Loan?
• Investing Best Online Brokers Top 10 Cryptocurrencies Best Low-Risk Investments Best Cheap Stocks To Buy Now Best S&P 500 Index Funds Best Stocks For Beginners How To Make Money From Investing In Stocks
• Retirement Best Roth IRAs Best Gold IRAs Best Investments for a Roth IRA Best Bitcoin IRAs Protecting Your 401(k) In a Recession Types of IRAs Roth vs Traditional IRA How To Open A Roth IRA
• Business Formation Best LLC Services Best Registered Agent Services How To Start An LLC How To Start A Business
• Web Design & Hosting Best Website Builders Best E-commerce Platforms Best Domain Registrar
• HR & Payroll Best Payroll Software Best HR Software Best HRIS Systems Best Recruiting Software Best Applicant Tracking Systems
• Payment Processing Best Credit Card Processing Companies Best POS Systems Best Merchant Services Best Credit Card Readers How To Accept Credit Cards
• More Business Solutions Best VPNs Best VoIP Services Best Project Management Software Best CRM Software Best Accounting Software
• Debt relief Best debt management Best debt settlement Do you need a debt management plan? What is debt settlement? Debt consolidation vs. debt settlement Should you settle your debt or pay in full? How to negotiate a debt settlement on your own
• Debt collection Can a debt collector garnish my bank account or my wages? Can credit card companies garnish your wages? What is the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act?
• Bankruptcy How much does it cost to file for bankruptcy? What is Chapter 7 bankruptcy? What is Chapter 13 bankruptcy? Can medical bankruptcy help with medical bills?
• More payoff strategies Tips to get rid of your debt in a year Don't make these mistakes when climbing out of debt How credit counseling can help you get out of debt What is the debt avalanche method? What is the debt snowball method?
• Manage Topics
• Investigations
• Visual Explainers
• Newsletters
• Abortion news
• Coronavirus
• Climate Change
• Vertical Storytelling
• Corrections Policy
• College Football
• High School Sports
• H.S. Sports Awards
• Sports Betting
• College Basketball (M)
• College Basketball (W)
• For The Win
• Sports Pulse
• Weekly Pulse
• Buy Tickets
• Sports Seriously
• Sports+ States
• Celebrities
• Entertainment This!
• Celebrity Deaths
• American Influencer Awards
• Women of the Century
• Problem Solved
• Personal Finance
• Small Business
• Consumer Recalls
• Video Games
• Product Reviews
• Destinations
• Airline News
• Experience America
• Today's Debate
• Suzette Hackney
• Policing the USA
• Meet the Editorial Board
• How to Submit Content
• Hidden Common Ground
• Race in America

Personal Loans

Best personal loans

Auto Insurance

Best car insurance

Best high-yield savings

CREDIT CARDS

Best credit cards

Advertiser Disclosure

Blueprint is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service focused on helping readers make smarter decisions. We receive compensation from the companies that advertise on Blueprint which may impact how and where products appear on this site. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Blueprint. Blueprint does not include all companies, products or offers that may be available to you within the market. A list of selected affiliate partners is available here .

Credit Cards

I’m an expat, and here’s why I love my Bank of America Travel Rewards card

Kelly Dilworth

Allie Johnson

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Robin Saks Frankel

Published 5:24 a.m. UTC May 8, 2024

• path]:fill-[#49619B]" alt="Facebook" width="18" height="18" viewBox="0 0 18 18" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">
• path]:fill-[#202020]" alt="Email" width="19" height="14" viewBox="0 0 19 14" fill="none" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg">

Editorial Note: Blueprint may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured here on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations. Please view our full advertiser disclosure policy .

VioletaStoimenova, Getty Images

I’m a U.S. citizen who lives most of the year in Canada. But when I pick up coffee or purchase subway fare in my adopted city of Toronto, I often find myself habitually turning to the same few American credit cards I’ve owned and used for years.

Using my American cards while living across the border helps me maintain my U.S. credit history. Plus, I’ve found that they offer more value than comparably-priced Canadian cards. 

I’m especially likely to pull out my Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card because it offers ample points without requiring me to think too hard about different rewards categories. 

Instead, I earn the same unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on purchases, which is a rewards rate I’ve so far been unable to match with a no-annual-fee Canadian card. 

Aren’t sure how to choose a credit card? Read our guide on how to pick the best credit card for you.

In Canada, rewards cards without annual fees are typically less generous –– especially when it comes to miscellaneous spending. For example, my CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card * The information for the CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. offers 2% cash back on groceries, 1% cash back on eligible gas, electric vehicle charging, transportation, dining and recurring payments, 0.5% cash on everything else. 

There are no foreign transaction fees on my Bank of America Travel Rewards card either. So I don’t have to sweat over 1% to 3% in foreign transaction fees that can quickly add up over multiple transactions. 

However, the number one reason I turn so regularly to my Bank of America Travel Rewards card is its convenience. 

After nearly 20 years of credit card experience, I’ve learned that I get more value out of low-maintenance cards that require minimal time and attention. 

our partner

Blueprint receives compensation from our partners for featured offers, which impacts how and where the placement is displayed.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Welcome bonus

• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening – that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

Regular APR

Credit score.

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Editor’s take

• 15 billing cycles of intro APR financing on both new purchases and on qualifying balance transfers.
• Earn an unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on purchases.
• No foreign transaction fees so it’s a good choice to use abroad.
• Points must be redeemed towards eligible travel and dining purchases for maximum redemption value.
• You can’t transfer rewards to airline or hotel partners.

Card details

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want – you’re not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% – 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Even abroad, Bank of America Travel Rewards are simple to earn, fast to redeem 

In my experience, the Bank of America Travel Rewards Visa is especially easy to use in Canada compared with other American cards I own since it comes equipped with contactless technology (which was popular here long before it took off in the U.S.), and Visa is widely accepted. 

I rarely use my Discover it® Miles , by contrast, because I’ve struggled to find vendors in Canada who will accept it.

Since I earn the same rewards rate with every purchase on my Bank of America Travel Rewards card, I don’t have to track spending bonuses or worry about the types of foreign purchases that will qualify for a higher rate. 

Even better, the rewards I earn from my Bank of America Travel Rewards card are so easy to redeem I can do it within minutes online simply by checking some boxes next to eligible travel and dining purchases. Within days, a statement credit then posts to my account. 

I also can book rewards travel from whatever site I want to, and I don’t have to plan around blackout dates or other travel restrictions. 

For a working mom like me who can barely carve out time to book travel, let alone spend hours searching for a suitable rewards flight, that extra layer of simplicity is important. 

I also have ADHD, so navigating a complicated rewards scheme that requires lots of extra steps or tracking can sometimes feel overwhelming. Simpler rewards programs are easier for me to stick to long term and are overall a better fit for my neurodivergent brain. Plus, I’m more likely to use my rewards if they’re easy to redeem. 

On the downside, the redemption options for the Bank of America Travel Rewards card are limited: to earn a 1:1 return on your rewards spending, you need to redeem your points for travel or dining. 

You can trade in your points for a gift card, but your points will be worth less than a cent each. The redemption rate for cash is even stingier.

Luckily, there are plenty of purchases that count as travel and dining, including public transit and parking fees, bridge and highway tolls, tourist attractions such as aquariums and zoos, fast food, coffee shops, bars and taverns. 

Bank of America also gives you up to a year to redeem your points before a qualifying purchase is no longer eligible. So you have some time to build up your rewards. 

How I use American credit while living in another country

In my case, I’ve managed to seamlessly transition to living much of the year in Canada without giving up my American credit history because I still have a valid U.S. address and phone number and maintain a presence in both countries. 

I also happened to own most of my credit cards well before I moved to Canada in 2018. However, I have successfully applied for new cards in the years since and had them sent to my American address. 

Expats who don’t maintain a valid U.S. address may need to work with a bank or credit union that specializes in serving U.S. citizens who live or travel extensively abroad. But for me, it’s been relatively easy, and my Bank of America Travel Rewards card fits my needs perfectly.

*The information for the CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Kelly Dilworth is a business and personal finance writer, specializing in the intersection between money and life. She has more than a decade of financial writing and reporting experience and has covered consumer banking and lending, credit cards, credit reporting and consumer scoring for a variety of personal finance outlets, including Bankrate and CreditCards.com, The Balance, LendingTree and Forbes Advisor. Her reporting has also been cited in Congressional testimony and in a number of reports, books and journal articles.

Allie is a journalist with a passion for money tips and advice. She's been writing about personal finance since the Great Recession for online publications such as Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MyWalletJoy and ValuePenguin. She's also written personal finance content for Discover, First Horizon Bank, The Hartford, Travelers and Synovus.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

Capital One Venture X benefits guide: Packed with premium perks for a lower fee than its peers

Credit Cards Carissa Rawson

Credit card application rules by issuer

Credit Cards Lee Huffman

Why the Chase Ink Business Unlimited is part of my core credit card setup

Credit Cards Eric Rosenberg

U.S. Bank Business Platinum review 2024: It’s got one job – an intro APR for purchases and balance transfers

Credit Cards Julie Sherrier

How to do a balance transfer with Capital One

Credit Cards Harrison Pierce

Amex Gold vs. Chase Sapphire Reserve

Credit Cards Natasha Etzel

How to avoid interest on a credit card

Credit Cards Sarah Brady

New Citi Strata Premier Card layers on the perks, replaces the Citi Premier Card

How do credit card refunds work?

Credit Cards Tamara Aydinyan

Amex purchase protection benefits guide

Credit Cards Ryan Smith

Limited-time 75K offers on Chase Sapphire Preferred and Sapphire Reserve

Credit card statement balance vs current balance: What’s the difference?

Credit Cards Michelle Lambright Black

Check it out: This is what the average household spends on grocery costs per month

Credit Cards Stella Shon

Capital One Quicksilver benefits guide 2024

United Airlines credit cards have a secret perk that makes it easier to book awards

Credit Cards Jason Steele

• Investing & super
• Institutional
• CommBank Yello
• NetBank log on
• CommBiz log on
• CommSec log on

Help & support

Popular searches

Travel insurance

Foreign exchange calculator

Discharge/ Refinance authority form

• Activate a CommBank card

Cardless cash

Interest rates & fees

Search support and FAQs

• Business support
• Cost of living support
• Report a card lost, stolen or damaged
• Explain money transfer times
• Explain pending transactions
• What's a BSB number?
• Close/cancel a CommBank account
• How do I dispute a transaction?

We're here to help

Financial difficulty

Compliments and complaints