The Post Office Travel Money Card is a practical and secure solution for travelers who want to manage their spending abroad without relying on credit or debit cards linked to their bank accounts. Issued by First Rate Exchange Services Ltd under license from Mastercard, this prepaid travel card is specifically designed for individuals planning international trips and looking for a cost-effective way to access foreign currencies.
In this article, you’ll find a complete analysis of the Travel Money Card, including its main features, advantages and drawbacks, how to apply, and which type of user will benefit most from it.
Main features of the Post Office Travel Money Card
The Post Office Travel Money Card is a prepaid Mastercard, allowing you to load funds in advance and use them at millions of locations across more than 200 countries. It supports up to 22 currencies, including euros, US dollars, Turkish lira, Swiss francs, and more. One of its greatest benefits is that it is not connected to your personal bank account, offering an added layer of security during your travels.
Application requirements
There is no minimum income requirement for applying for the Travel Money Card, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Additionally, the card does not require a credit check, which means it’s suitable for individuals with various credit histories. To apply, users must be at least 18 years old and a UK resident. Proof of identity, such as a valid passport or UK driving license, is required if applying in person at a branch.
Benefits of the Post Office Travel Money Card
One of the standout advantages of this card is the ability to spend abroad with no extra fees in any of the supported currencies. Whether you’re shopping, dining, or booking tours, you can pay contactlessly, via Apple Pay or Google Pay, just as you would with a local debit card.
Exclusive highlight
A major highlight is that you can carry 22 different currencies on a single card, removing the hassle of juggling multiple cards or cash. Also, thanks to the Mastercard network, the card is accepted at over 36 million merchants worldwide, making it ideal for multi-country trips.
Drawbacks and important considerations of the Post Office Travel Money Card
Despite its benefits, the card does have a few limitations to consider. First, if you attempt to use the card in a currency not supported or not preloaded, a conversion fee may apply, potentially increasing your spending costs. Also, while top-up and usage in local currency are fee-free, ATM withdrawals may carry charges, depending on the currency and country.
How to apply for the Post Office Travel Money Card
Getting a Travel Money Card is easy. You can order online, via the Post Office travel app, or visit a branch to get a card immediately. If ordering online or through the app, your card will typically arrive within 2–3 working days. When visiting a branch, make sure to bring your ID. Once you receive the card, activation is straightforward—just follow the steps in the welcome letter. After activation, the card is ready for use. You can top it up anytime online or through the app.
Who is the Post Office Travel Money Card ideal for?
This card is especially suitable for frequent travelers, holidaymakers, and budget-conscious users who want to avoid the hidden costs and variable fees of credit and debit cards abroad. It’s also ideal for those who want to limit spending and protect their main bank account while overseas. For users planning trips across multiple countries, the Travel Money Card stands out for its multi-currency capability, which is something that many travel cards don’t offer to the same extent.
