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What Is a Travel Money Card?

A prepaid or travel money card works by allowing you to pay in the real exchange rate, securely, and in the local currency. You can spend in multiple currencies and the card works worldwide.

Save on transaction fees with a travel card

Travel cards have many benefits to other methods of spending on your gap year. Most banks charge hefty transaction fees for using their credit and debit cards abroad, but a prepaid travel card can save you money by reducing these fees and allowing you to pay in local currencies. Wise is much cheaper than regular banks and credit cards, Wise doesn't add a markup to the exchange rate and is an option free of hidden fees

Keep to a travel budget

Unlike a credit or debit card, you can only spend the money which is available to you on a travel card, so there's no danger of going overdrawn or getting into any debt when you're on your gap year. If your card is lost or stolen, it can be reported and blocked, so nobody else will be able to spend your money.

Get the best exchange rates

A travel card can be a great way to spend money on your gap year, however, much like insurance policies, it is important that you make sure to choose the card which is best for you. Using a travel card means you get the best exchange rates on foreign currency. When choosing your travel money card, look at the different rates of each card. Unexpected charges can creep up on you, so make sure you're aware of all the features of your card, such as whether or not it charges ATM fees or transaction fees.

Keep track of your travel money

Using a travel money card on your gap year makes it easy for you to keep track of any money you spend. Most companies will allow you to check your transactions online, while many offer an SMS service to inform you of your balance. The cards are easy to top up, so you can get your parents to put more money on your card if need be. You will have one account to send, spend and receive: Hold 40+ currency balances, Spend in 150+ countries and get account details in 9 different currencies.

Order your travel money card online!

A card from our partner Wise can be set up online and allows you to spend money in 150+ countries with no hidden fees. It also works with Apple Pay and Google Pay! Apply for your Wise card here.

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