Travelex Money Card review

How much does Travelex Money Card cost?

Among the best features with the Travelex Money Card is its minimal fees that won’t threaten to eat away at your travel budget.

The fee you’ll pay to purchase the card varies by your state of residence, and you’ll pay $7.50 for each card you add to your account. But you’ll pay no fees to load or reload your card, withdraw money from domestic or international ATMs, withdraw money at a bank or replace a lost or stolen card.

Unlike your typical credit or debit card, you also won’t pay a foreign transaction or currency conversion fee on your purchases. And once you initially purchase your currency, your exchange rate is locked in for those currencies. However, foreign exchange rates apply when you move your card’s funds among the currencies you’ve loaded.

That’s not to say the card is without fees. A couple to watch out for includes a fee on transfers you make from your card to your bank account and a potential inactivity fee if you stop using your card after 12 months. To avoid both, plan to spend all the money on your card or withdraw any remaining funds from an ATM once you return home.

What is my default currency?

If you have more than one currency on your Travelex Money Card, set your default to whatever currency you wish. Simply update your default through your online account or app.

If you run out of the currency you need, the card automatically selects the next available currency. If you run out of that one, the card cycles from US dollars through any other currencies you have loaded until it satisfies your transaction.

But this convenience comes with a cost — a 5.5% fee on your transaction — which could put a dent in your balance.

What is the Travelex Money Card?

The Travelex Money Card is a contactless prepaid currency card designed for travel overseas. Load up to seven currencies — helpful if you’re traveling to more than one destination:

• Australian dollar (AUD)
• Canadian dollar (CAD)
• Euro (EUR)
• Great British pound (GBP)
• Japanese yen (JPY)
• Mexican peso (MXN)
• US dollar (USD)

When you swipe, dip or tap your card, it’s almost like using cash — but without the change. You’ll avoid international ATM fees and can manage your expenses through card services, your local Travelex or a mobile app.

How much can I carry on my Travelex card?

You may be that wide-eyed traveler who fully embraces the world as your oyster. A high $8,500 maximum balance ensures you can meet almost any adventure that comes your way.

You must put at least $50 on your card to start, and all future reloads must also be at least $50. But you can load up to $10,000 weekly and $20,000 monthly, with an overall cap of $30,000 a year — which gives you lots of flexibility for a memory-worthy vacation.

Benefits

The Travelex Money Card makes it easy to preload multiple currencies for use when you’re traveling across borders abroad. Keep an eye on your budget online or over the app, among other benefits:

• Load multiple currencies. Includes seven currencies popular with travelers: US dollars, British pounds, Aussie dollars, yen, Mexican pesos, euros and Canadian dollars.
• Minimal fees. Pay no fees for currency reloads, withdrawals at ATMs or banks, or to replace a lost or stolen card.
• Lock in forex rates. Purchase your currency, and you’ve effectively locked in your rates, protecting your money from future fluctuations.
• Safeguard your info. Because the card isn’t connected to your bank account, your personal information is safe if you lose your card.

Drawbacks and limits

• Daily limits. You won’t be able to withdraw more than $5,000 daily, and your ATM and bank withdrawals are further limited by transaction.
• Not reliable for reservations. Because it’s essentially a prepaid card, avoid using the Travelex Money Card for reserving hotels, cars or cruises — or anything that requires a deposit.
• Country restrictions. To avoid any surprises, be sure to check with Travelex to guarantee that you can use your card in the country you’re traveling to.

Where do I get a Travelex Money Card?

To get the Travelex Money Card, buy it on Travelex’s site or pick one up at any Travelex store. You’ll need to be at least 18 years old — or your state’s age of majority — with valid ID.

Once you’ve received your card, load or reload it online, by phone at 877-414-6359 or through the Travelex Money app.

I got the card. Now what?

• Manage your currencies. Register your card online to keep track of spending and guarantee the money’s there when you need it.
• Avoid currency conversion fees. If you run out of the currency you need, the card automatically selects the next available currency on your card — for a fee.
• Get support. Before your travels, call 877-856-2471 with any questions. Outside of the US, find a country-specific number online.
• Close your card after travels. To avoid inactivity fees, call Travelex to close your card when you’re back at home.

Bottom line

The Travelex Money Card can make it easy for you to preload currencies for easy spending abroad. You won’t need to worry about exchange rates, because yours are locked in at purchase. And you’ll save on the foreign transaction and withdrawal fees that come with most credit cards.

You have many options for travel money. As you organize your itinerary, compare the numerous cards out there before settling on one.

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