travel money oz charges

Currency Experts

G - TMOZ - C&D Pizza Blog - Desktop Banner CTA (1).png

Why Travel Money

Jump to main navigation
Jump to main content

Order your prepaid Currency Card

Your currency pass lets you..., load up to 10 currencies.

Choose from US Dollars, Euro, Great British Pound, New Zealand Dollars, Canadian Dollars, Hong Kong Dollars, Japanese Yen. Singapore Dollars, Thai Baht and the good old Aussie Dollar.

Lock in your rate

Stress less about currency fluctuations. Your rate is locked in the day you load.

Use across the globe

If the merchant or ATM accepts Mastercard, they will accept a Currency Pass. Easy.

Load your Currency Card

Currencies to be loaded on card, would you like to load another currency show currency loader form, would you like to load another currency.

Sorry, you cannot put more than $10, 000 AUD on your card in a single transaction.

Minimum load value of $20.00 AUD. Maximum transaction value is $10,000.00 AUD.

Important Information Show important information

Mastercard Prepaid Management Services Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 47 145 452 044, AFSL 386 837) arranges for the issue of the Currency Pass in conjunction with the issuer, EML Payment Solutions Limited (ABN 30 131 436 532, AFSL 404131).

You should consider the Product Disclosure Statement for the relevant product and Target Market Determination available at https://www.travelmoneyoz.com/travel-money-card/pds before deciding to acquire the product. Any advice does not take into account your personal needs, financial circumstances or objectives and you should consider if it is appropriate for you.

Mastercard® and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Lock in your exchange rates means the exchange rate is locked in for the initial load only. The exchange rates for subsequent reloads will be set at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the transaction.

The prevailing exchange rate is locked in for the initial load value only. Subsequent card reloads will be processed at the then prevailing exchange rate on the day of the reload transaction, and will be locked in at that rate. The exchange rates set out in this website apply to reload transactions that are booked on this website only and that are settled within four hours. Different exchange rates will apply to cards which have not been purchased on this website and initial card load and reload transactions in our partner branch locations. We will provide you with settlement instructions and the applicable exchange rate at the time you book a reload transaction.

Different exchange rates will also apply to reload transactions that are conducted directly via Bank Transfer or BPAY (i.e. without booking an online transaction). For more information on how we set exchange rates please see the Product Disclosure Statement.

1300 426 997
Find a store

Payment Options

Currency card.

Using your card
Reload card
Fees and limits
Priceless experiences

Useful Links

Travel Money Guides

Get the Travel Money Oz App

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Corporate Social Responsibility
Google Plus

Credit or debit card fees may apply to online transactions. © Travel Money OZ ABN 46 21 451 723 Proudly part of the Flight Centre Travel Group Limited.

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.

Argentina
Australia
Brasil
Canada
Deutschland
España
France
India
Italia
Magyarország
Malaysia
New Zealand
Polska
Portugal
România
Singapore
United Kingdom
United States
繁體中文 (香港)

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass Review

Learn about Travel Money Oz Currency Pass in this review to help you decide whether this card is best for your overseas travels or online purchases.

Lock in exchange rate
Load up to 10 currencies
Order online or in store for free
Purchase insurance with card
24/7 Customer Service
Withdraw from any Mastercard ATM

It also replaces Travel Money Oz's previous Key to the World Currency Card, with lower fees and improved accessibility for greater convenience. You can still use your Key to World Currency Card until your card expiry date, but it will be unavailable for new applications.

Pros and cons of using Travel Money Oz Currency Pass

Access. Travel Money Oz has a large network of 130+ stores that open late. Free in-store reloads.
Secure. You don't have to worry about carrying cash for purchases on your journey. PIN and chip protection. Plus 24/7 Global Assistance.
Good Exchange Rates. Get a better exchange rate than your bank for 10 major currencies. Lock in the exchange rate when you load your card.
ATM Fees. Travel Money Oz charge various amounts for international ATM withdrawals. There is a 2.95% fee for Australian ATM withdrawals.
Multi-currency conversion fees or "Spend Rate". If you spend using a currency not loaded, you get hit by unknown exchange rate fees set by Mastercard.

The Currency Shop Says: Why should we consider the Travel Money Oz Currency Pass

It's convenient in so many ways. You essentially get a digital wallet for multiple currencies, which makes it a safer option than carrying loads of cash on you.

You also don't have to worry about converting money at ridiculous exchange rates. Nor will you have the hassle of finding a money exchange at your travel destination.

However, there is always a higher price for convenience. And the Travel Money Oz Currency Pass is no different.

If you're an organised traveller moving between multiple popular destinations, you might find Travel Money Oz's Currency Pass handy. If this doesn't sound like you, check out other travel money card options. You might find one that is better for your needs. Or you might even find using a debit or credit card more suitable.

Travel Card Promo Code

The Currency Shop has partnered with Travel Money Oz to offer a promo code.

Save up to 40 US dollars when you load a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass Card
Promo codes can be used online or in-store
Applies to the most popular currencies like USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD and THB
A customer can only redeem this offer once
Promo code cannot be used for cash
For a limited time only

Click here for all the terms and conditions

Learn More About the Offer

Currencies and Countries

Australian Dollars (AUD)
US Dollars (USD)
British Pound (GBP)
New Zealand Dollars (NZD)
Canadian Dollars (CAD)
Thai Baht (THB)
Singapore Dollars (SGD)
Hong Kong Dollars (HKD)
Japanese Yen (JPY)

How Travel Money Oz Currency Pass Works

1. Order your card

Order your Travel Money Oz online, over the phone (up to 2 weeks) or in your local store (instant)
Make an initial load amount of A$20 minimum (up to A$100,000 maximum)

2. Pick up your card

Pick up your card from any of the Travel Money Oz stores or wait for it to arrive by mail

3. Register

Activate your card in store or online by registering your card to manage your account

4. Load/Reload

Load or reload onto your card online, over the phone or via the Travel Money Oz app

Online Tools

Save time and let our online tools crunch the numbers for you.

Currency converter

Burning to know what the exchange rate is? Check today’s exchange rate on any amount.

View tool ⟶

Travel money comparison tool

Heading overseas? Find the best rates for exchanging currency online or find a store near you.

Knowledge centre

Learn the ins and outs of currency

Money transfer comparison tool

Finding the best deal can be nightmare. We bring together all your options by highlighting the fees and rates.

Suggested companies

Travelex au.

Travel Money Oz Reviews

In the Money Transfer Service category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.3.

6,142 total

Most relevant

Travel Money Oz not only offer the best…

Travel Money Oz not only offer the best rates for Cash Exchange they also offer the best service. Ordered some Cash in JPY for our upcoming trip to Japan in a few weeks. I was not only able to order my Cash online without any additional credit card or transaction fees, Travel Money Oz also offered a same day delivery to my home so I didn't even have to leave the house to collect my order. 5 STARS 🌟

Date of experience : April 27, 2024

Reply from Travel Money Oz

Hi Chad, what a wonderful review! We're so happy to hear our team delivered the wonderful service we aim for, and you got a great deal too! We'll be sure to pass your lovely feedback on to the team, and we hope you have a stellar holiday!

Superb service experience with Lucas…

Superb service experience with Lucas and Crystal of Joondalup. We will definetly refer them to our friends. Love their work!

Hi Beth, we're so proud of Lucas and Crystal for delivering the 5 star service we strive for, and we're so thankful to you for providing such stellar feedback! We'll be sure to tell the team to keep up the awesome work, and we can't wait to see you again soon!

Superb service at Karrinyup WA by Crystal

Superb service at Karrinyup WA by Crystal. Had to buy several currencies, small notes, varying amounts for kids heading overseas soon. They had exactly what I was after, and Crystal was so helpful explaining the different ways to pay, and (was not aware) that a credit card would count it as a cash advance, so would charge interest straight away. She could not have been any more friendly or helpful to me, and this branch will be my new go-to for any buy or sell foreign currency.

Date of experience : April 08, 2024

Hi Kimmy, we're so proud of Crystal for demonstrating the level of service and care we always strive for, and we'll be sure to tell her to keep up the phenomenal work! We hope you have a beautiful holiday, and we can't wait to see you again soon!

Simple, easy and transperant

Ordering an online foreign currency delivery at a competitive rate was simple, easy and transparent. There was a hiccup with delivery via the 3rd party service but Lily from the Travel Money Oz team was very helpful delivered a quick resolution. I couldn't ask for a better service and will use them again when needed.

Date of experience : April 05, 2024

Hi Dylan, rain or shine, we know Lily has things under control! We're so happy to hear despite the hiccup you enjoyed using our new Click and Deliver service, and we'll be sure to fix up that hiccup for future customers! We hope you have a lovely holiday, and we can't wait to hear all about it next time!

Amazingly Awesome

Friendly, professional, organised. Rang to advise I was about to make a purchase for money exchange, question if I was able to get this in smaller notes, was advised that this would not be a problem, can exchange when at the shop for what I required. When arrived the young lady had organised this.. she ( Michelle) was amazing. 10/10 for customer service. Thank you

Date of experience : March 18, 2024

Great service from Mayur @ Bondi Beach

We were very happy with the service we received from Mayur at Bondi Beach store this morning. He was very patient, accommodated our requirements and answered all our questions. .We didn't expect FX services would be open on the weekend and were able to convert our money immediately.

Date of experience : March 16, 2024

A five star experience

Whenever I travel, either here in Australia or overseas ( recent trip to the US) I always use my Travel Money Oz card. Easy to use, super reliable, hassle free transactions. Also, the iPhone app and website are easy to navigate. And while I’m here, I’d like to give a shout out to Brett at the Travel Money Oz kiosk at Stockland’s Hervey Bay- always polite, professional and helpful. Thank you!

Date of experience : December 14, 2023

Hi Louise, isn't Brett awesome! Thank you so much for your stunning review and your continued loyalty and support. We can't wait to see you again soon, and we hope you have a fantastic holiday season!

I have found Travel Money Oz to be an…

I have found Travel Money Oz to be an excellent company to deal with. I have no problems with rates when traveling overseas. Thank you for looking after me. Last travelled approx August 2023 To New Zealand. Earlier travels have been to France Belgium Scotland and England. Plus I use the card here in Australia.

Date of experience : August 22, 2023

Hi Larry, we're so proud to hear that we've been able to be a reliable option to you in all of your recent travels, and we thank you so much for your loyalty. We hope you have a marvelous 2024, and we can't wait to see you again soon!

Riverlink Branch of Travel Money Oz

Staff at the Riverlink Branch of Travel Money Oz were able to take and exchange money from a trip to Vanuatu. Other institutions I had tried just simply turned me away without a glimmer of help. Staff member was super efficient in sorting my query and even offered advice for future transactions. Time positive as well. That's why I will continue to use Travel Money Oz.

Date of experience : December 16, 2023

I visited the Northland (Preston) store… Jack is the best

I visited the Northland (Preston) store today. Jack who helped me with the transaction was extremely helpful and honest. He went above and beyond his way to get me the best exchange rate eventhough it is a small sum. I have used Travel Money Oz a number of times and I am so pleased with Jack's performance and professionalism. Thanks Jack!

Date of experience : January 08, 2024

Travel Money OZ (Airport West) - 5 Stars

I've always had excellent experiences and service at Travel Money OZ (Airport West) with Enza. But today I was served by Alessia and she is just as welcoming, knowledgable and friendly as Enza. Keep up the good work girls!

Date of experience : February 05, 2024

Extortionists

These 'ladies' charged over $250 more than the other currency exchange I used that same morning for the same amount of currency converted. Jokes on me for going near Travel Money Oz. When confronted about paying close to 8% more than I should have to use their service they brushed me off and said it was normal practice. Absolutely gobsmacked they can steal so much money for a sub-par service. No clear communication about their dirty exchange rate practices, beware!

Date of experience : February 08, 2024

Don’t go here, arrogant, rude staff

Just got off the representative for the Moonee ponds store, who was the most arrogant, discourteous, rude and unprofessional person. This store won’t last if that’s a reflection of quality of staff they have. Hopefully they did record the conversation for training purposes as this member of staff needs. Don’t go there!!!!!

Date of experience : February 06, 2024

I highly recommend Travel Money Oz three…

I have been to Travel Money Oz three times this year and they have always been super helpful and more importantly I received the best rates as they were able to match any other exchange rates at the time! I won't be going anywhere else anymore. Thank you Burke Road team.

Date of experience : November 26, 2023

Hi Emma, we are so grateful for your beautiful review and your loyalty, customers like you are the reason we do what we do! We can't wait to see you again next time, and we hope you have a wonderful holiday season!

The lady at your office in Erina Fair…

The lady at your office in Erina Fair is more than helpful she is so nice, friendly and even when she is busy she does not rush you and gives so much great advise,top stars for her from me

Date of experience : December 11, 2023

Hi Robyn, we're so happy to hear the team at Erina Fair are providing the top notch service you deserve! We'll be sure to tell them to keep up the fantastic work, and we appreciate your loyalty. Can't wait to see you again next time!

Thank you Marie

I visited Travel Money Oz in Perth to exchange some currency. I was greeted by Marie, who was very friendly and helpful. She explained the different options and rates to me, and gave me some useful tips on how to save money and avoid fees. Marie was very professional and efficient, and made the whole process easy and stress-free. I highly recommend her and Travel Money Oz for anyone who needs to exchange currency or get a travel money card. Thank you, Marie!

Date of experience : September 23, 2023

Thanks for the 5-star review Hajar! We are so happy that Marie was able to help you with travel money tips 😉 See you soon!

Website provided good info

Website provided good info, exchange rates were competitive, staff at pickup were welcoming and competent. I would recommend tis business to friends.

Date of experience : March 10, 2024

Holiday made easy. I was reluctant to get a money card but…

I was reluctant to get a money card but I was so glad I did it made purchases so easy on our overseas holiday. It was accepted everywhere and I didn't have to worry about trying to find the right cash and understanding Euros.

Date of experience : October 13, 2023

Hi Cheryll, we're so happy to hear we helped make your holiday awesome! We can't wait to see you again for your next trip, and we hope you have a fantastic holiday season!

Beware using the Bpay number provided…

Beware using the Bpay number provided on the brochure.i have lost 1000.00 the money never showed up on my travel card. I will pursue this when I get home. I sent 4 emails requesting help from travel money oz, I could not call them as my travel sim card would not allow this. I could only email which they said they would not do. Basically I had no help and no money. Thank goodness I had mt visa card to make purchases. I would not recommend travel money oz. I still need to find my 1000. It's floating in cyber space somewhere. It was supposed to be a trusted BPay site.

Date of experience : March 01, 2024

I ordered money on line, it was easy and safe. When I went to collect the currency, I was impressed by the friendly staff, who helped me determine that I probably needed more cash. Thank you to Mary at Mandurah Forum for being so helpful.

Date of experience : December 19, 2023

Hi Chris, we're so happy to hear you had a positive experience with our new Click and Collect system! We'll also be sure to tell Mary at Mandurah to keep up the fantastic work, and we hope to see you again soon!

Credit cards
Personal Finance

What Is A Travel Money Card?

How does a travel money card work?

How many currencies can you load at once, other features to compare, how to get a travel money card, when is a travel money card worth it, alternative options.

A travel money card, also called a prepaid travel card, is a type of card that can hold foreign currencies. It’s intended for overseas travel, and you can use one to withdraw foreign cash from ATMs and to make purchases in a local currency.

Think of a travel money card as a debit card that uses local currency. Before you use a travel money card, you’ll preload a set amount of a specific international currency onto the card at the day’s exchange rate. For example, if you’re travelling to Italy and France for two weeks, you’d load Euros (€‎) onto the card and use it instead of your regular debit or credit card during your trip.

You can continue reloading money onto the card via an app or website as you spend your funds. So, if you blow through your Euros in Rome, you can top off your card’s balance before arriving in Paris.

Understanding the value of your exchange

The value you exchange currency for will depend on when you load your funds. Rates change from day to day, but you’ll lock in the rate used at the time you exchange currency. So, you’ll know the exact worth of the foreign currency in Australian dollars every time you use your preloaded card.

On the one hand, a locked-in rate protects you from volatile currencies with fluctuating values. However, if the rate drops, you could be stuck with devalued foreign funds. So, while you can’t predict the future, try to coordinate the load when the exchange rate is most valuable — even if that means waiting a few days.

The number of foreign currencies available will depend on the company providing the card, but you’ll generally find a wide variety of options. Even if dozens of currencies are available, there are typically limits to the number someone can load onto a travel money card. These limits vary by card, but these cards generally only allow for about a dozen currencies at once.

For example, here are common travel money cards and the number of currencies they can support simultaneously:

Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard: up to 11 currencies
Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard (issued by Heritage Bank): load up to 11 currencies
CommBank Travel Money Card: up to 13 currencies
Qantas Travel Money Card: up to 10 currencies
Travelex Money Card: up to 10 currencies
Travel Money Oz Currency Pass Travel Money Card: up to 10 currencies
Westpac Worldwide Wallet: up to 10 currencies.

The number of currencies available and the ability to load multiple currencies onto one card have obvious advantages: it helps you save on fees and makes it easier to manage your money while travelling overseas .

However, there are other key features to compare when choosing a travel money card.

Another thing to look for is reduced or waived fees for loading or reloading funds, account keeping, account closing and emergency card replacements.

Be sure to check for any potential fees when accessing leftover foreign funds you didn’t use on your trip, as there may be an unloading fee or an extra charge to withdraw funds and close your account. For example, Travelex charges a $4 monthly inactivity fee when the card hasn’t been used for more than 12 months.

Top-up options

How easy it is to use a financial product is typically important, but simplicity and convenience may feel more essential when you’re on holiday. In that case, options to quickly load or reload funds and notifications when your balance is low can be very helpful. Some cards may allow you to top up your balance immediately and with little cost. With others, you may have to wait a few days and pay a small fee.

Top-up methods also vary. For example, you can use BPAY with certain cards, but not all. Some cards may require you to use a specific app or portal. If convenience and flexible top-up options are important to you, compare options accordingly.

Perks and benefits

Travel perks, such as airport lounge access or the ability to earn rewards, are also great features to look for. Digital wallet compatibility, allowing you to use a virtual version of your card, can also be helpful.

Security and customer service

Security features are also important. Look for a card with a PIN to use at ATMs and the ability to lock the card instantly if lost or stolen.

And, since you’re travelling overseas, 24/7 customer support is essential to ensure you have access to help when you need it.

To get a travel money card , you can go through your bank, an airline, a foreign exchange retailer or a payment merchant.

Prepaid travel card eligibility is comparable to the requirements for a debit card. For example, CommBank requests that cardholders are at least age 14, are registered with NetBank, and provide a valid email and residential address.

You can apply directly on the provider’s website once you choose your favourite prepaid travel money card. Make sure to submit your application at least a few weeks before your trip in case of delays.

» MORE: How old do you have to get a credit card?

Activating the card

Once you receive the card:

download the provider’s app and familiarise yourself with how it works
register your account
activate the card
convert your money to the chosen currency. You might want to start with a smaller amount for the first part of your trip and reload while overseas or make one big transfer.

While overseas, you’ll likely alternate between paying in local cash and pulling out your travel card. Your goal is to find the best travel card that allows you to pay for items with minimal fees and maximum protections flexibly.

Possible advantages

Provides access to multiple currencies. Most options allow you to convert Australian dollars into several different currencies simultaneously. That means you can have secure access to a handful of foreign funds during your next multi-country adventure.
Saves on ATM fees. Credit card holders won’t usually be charged the standard 3% foreign transaction fee or pay extra for in-network ATM withdrawals, loading, and topping up their cards. However, these are just generalisations — each credit card company or bank will have its own fee structure.
Exchange rates are locked. You’ll pay for the local currency using the exchange rate available when you load funds, which locks in the rate. Having dependable value for your funds goes a long way for peace of mind, especially when travelling.
Fewer risks when lost. Losing a prepaid card while travelling is undoubtedly a hassle. However, a lost or stolen credit card can mean more risks, like thieves potentially accessing your personal banking details and account funds. Since a lost travel money card is unlikely to result in identity theft and fraud , some travellers find it a safer choice while abroad.
Helps with budgeting. Trying to keep to preloaded funds may help you stick to a budget while on vacation. Plus, you see the value of money in the local currency, which can help you manage your finances while travelling.
May come with rewards and perks. Some travel money cards earn frequent flyer points or come with other special travel perks, like overseas customer service. For example, the Qantas Travel Money Card earns Qantas points, and the Westpac Worldwide Wallet prepaid travel money card offers airport lounge access to the cardholder and one companion access when a flight is delayed.

Potential risks

There are delays when reloading. If you need to top up your balance, you may need to wait up to a few days before funds are available to use.
Other fees. Some travel money cards may levy typical credit card fees for reloading funds, emergency card replacement, account maintenance, closures, inactivity and more. For example, Travelex and the Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard charge a $10 account closing fee.
Limited acceptance. Travel money cards are less common than other payment options, so you may need help using one for all purchases. So, it’s always a good idea to carry emergency cash.
Typically lack rewards or major perks. Travel money cards may come with some, but these extras are usually less robust than the offerings on rewards credit cards .

The right travel money card supports a stress-free trip, but you don’t have to use one when travelling overseas — your bank card or credit card could also be a suitable option.

If you’re deciding between a travel money card and a travel credit card , it’s important to understand the differences in how they work.

Travel money cards are preloaded with foreign currencies, while travel credit cards spend borrowed money. Travel money cards are generally easier to obtain as they don’t require good credit or income thresholds. With a travel money card, you can withdraw funds from an ATM without incurring interest or cash advance fees .
Travel credit cards don’t usually hold foreign currency but offer perks such as international buyer protections, free insurance , airport lounge access and frequent flyer travel points .

Be sure to consider other important features — such as security, reduced fees and travel perks — to decide if a travel money card is worth it for you.

Frequently asked questions about travel money cards

The available currencies will depend on the card, but you’ll generally find the following options:

United States Dollars (USD)
Europe 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).

Most Australian banks — including Westpac, CommBank, ANZ and NAB — have some sort of travel product, whether that’s a travel money card, a travel-friendly debit card or a travel credit card. However, ANZ and NAB no longer offer prepaid travel money cards.

About the Author

Amanda Smith is a freelance reporter, journalist, and cultural commentator. She covers culture + society, travel, LGBTQ+, human interest, and business. Amanda has written stories about planning for retirement for…

DIVE EVEN DEEPER

How Do I Pay With My Phone?

Instead of carrying your wallet around and pulling it out at check-out, you can just tap your phone, which is always on you, to pay for most things now.

What Is a Travel Credit Card?

Using a travel rewards credit card can help you get your next flight on a discount, hotel upgrades, or even cover the full cost of a trip.

What Is a Frequent Flyer Program Credit Card?

Frequent flyer credit cards earn points or miles that can upgrade your travel and help you score free flights.

How To Lock, Block Or Freeze Your Credit Card

A card lock is essentially an on-off switch that allows you to temporarily freeze or block your credit card and most debit cards.

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 Card - one of the 5 best credit cards for Travel in 2022

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

The currency used in Europe is the Euro, €.

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.

United States
United Kingdom

Travel Money Card Comparison

How to find the best card for your next overseas trip.

In this guide

Travel money card comparison

What is a travel money card, the pros and cons of different options, what are the travel money card fees i should know about, how to find the best travel money card, top travel money tips, australian travel statistics, faqs about prepaid travel money cards.

Travel Money Cards

What you need to know

The most important features to compare are the foreign transaction fees, exchange rates and usability.
If you want to withdraw cash, a prepaid travel card or debit card will likely be cheaper than a credit card.
It is a good idea to have several travel money options in case of loss, damage or theft.

A travel money card is a prepaid card which you can add multiple foreign currencies onto to use while you're travelling overseas. You can use it to make purchases and withdraw cash from ATMs.

Prepaid travel cards work similarly to debit cards as you can deposit a certain amount of money into the card and only spend what you've got available in the account. However, unlike a standard debit card, a prepaid travel card allows you to lock-in exchange rates before you travel.

You can also avoid some of the fees that you might be subject to if you were to use your normal bank card. Many transaction accounts have international transaction fees or other limitations, so getting a travel money card can save you money there. It can also feel safer to have a travel money card, avoiding the risk of losing your money if something were to happen to your bank card.

ING Orange Everyday Account

There is no universal best travel money card as your options vary from country to country and person to person. In saying that, some of favourable features of travel cards include:

No additional fees: including ATM fees, reloading fees and card closure fee
The option to lock in exchange rates before you leave
The option to add multiple currencies onto the one card
Digital wallet compatibility so you can add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay
Low or no additional cost to convert your left-over money back to AUD
Security, including card pin

You should also consider exchange rates, conditions, limits and safety.

Here are our top travel money tips:

Pay for your purchases in the local currency. This will help avoid any currency conversion fees.
Keep an eye on your transactions . It's always a good idea to regularly check your transaction history to make sure there's no unauthorised transactions - and if there are, you should report them to your bank immediately.
Always take more than one travel money option. You don't want to be left stranded if you lose your card or it gets stolen. Consider bringing 2 forms of travel cards to avoid being left cashless in a foreign country.
Keep your travel money in a few different places. Having all your foreign cash and cards in a wallet means you'll have no backup if you lose your wallet. Instead, consider keeping some of your travel money in a separate place. For example, you could keep most of your cash in a hotel safe or a locked part of your luggage.
Inform your bank. If you're using your regular debit or credit card, let your bank know. You wouldn't want your card to be cancelled due to a 'suspicious transaction' while you're overseas because your bank thinks you're still in Australia.

Australia is a nation of travellers. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there were 8,337,080 resident returns from overseas for the year 2022 - 2023. The most popular reason we travel is for a holiday, and the median trip duration is 15 days.

How do you top up travel money cards?

You can top up your travel money card if you need more money while you're on your trip. Depending on your specific travel money card, you can reload your card online, using BPAY, through your bank's app or via your bank's branch. Look into the card you are topping up because some methods do incur fees e.g. the Qantas Travel Money Card has an instant reload fee of 0.5% while its BPAY and bank transfers are free.

Can you get your money back if you don't spend it all?

You can generally get your money back if you don't end up spending it all while overseas. However, you might encounter fees to get the remaining money back into your regular bank account.

What should I do if my travel money card is lost or stolen?

The first thing you should do upon discovering that your card is missing is call your card provider. Reporting the theft or loss immediately will help protect the funds on your card.

Most of the card companies provide 24/7 customer service emergency numbers. Some even accept reverse charges, so it can be as simple as dialling the operator to connect your collect call. If you dial the number directly, you may be charged for the call.

CommBank Travel Money Card: +61 2 9999 3283
Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard: +44 207 649 9404
Qantas Travel Money Card: +61 1300 825 302
Travelex Money Card: 1800 303 297
Revolut: +61 1300 281 208

What are the travel money card exchange rates?

Travel credit cards typically use the Mastercard or Visa network and use the daily exchange rates that the networks provide. You can find out the daily exchange rate by going to the Mastercard or Visa website. Prepaid travel cards allow you to lock in the exchange rate beforehand, so if you find a favourable one you can lock it in and not have to worry about fluctuations while you're away.

What is a cross currency conversion fee?

A cross currency conversion fee is charged when you use your Australian card with Australian dollars to make a purchase in a foreign country. The money is exchanged from Australian dollars into the local currency electronically. You can avoid this fee by choosing to pay in the local currency.

When are inactivity fees charged with prepaid travel cards?

If you have a travel card that charges an inactivity fee (a fee that's charged every month when your account is inactive for a period of time), you will lose any remaining funds on the card, but your account won't go into a negative balance. Once the card has a zero balance, this fee will not be charged.

Amy Bradney-George

Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald.

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

320 Responses

When travelling from Australia to Switzerland is it best to exchange money at Australia Post from AU dollars to Swiss Franc in advance rather that change on arrival in Switzerland.

Hi Marjorie,

If you exchange your money at an airport or at a kiosk once you’ve arrived overseas, you may pay a hefty commission – it’s hard to know what charge in advance. Banks and licensed currency exchange outlets are likely to offer the best rates overseas but again, its hard to know what fees you’ll pay.

AustPost exchange is conveneint but it is not always the cheapest. Today, if you exchange $1000: – At AustPost, you’ll get CHF541.80 – The same transfer with Travelex is CHF550.80 – With Wise, you get CHF572.05

It pays to shop around and compare to find the best value.

Hope this helps!

I want a good all-rounder card, locked in FX, no maintenance charges, ATM fees , no withdrawal fees. What card is best ?

Hi Charles,

The comparison table in this guide includes details of ATM fees, load and re-load fees that can help you compare different options. For example, currently the Wise Travel Money Card and Revolut standard card both offer $0 ATM withdrawal fees for the first $350 per month, with charges for further ATM withdrawals. The Travelex Money Card also offers $0 ATM withdrawal fees.

All of these cards also let you lock in FX rates for supported currencies, but may charge fees when you’re spending in a currency that’s not loaded on the card. So it’s a good idea to consider which currencies you plan to spend, as this could have a big impact on the overall costs and help you choose a card that’s suitable for you. You can also view more details on potential costs for each card on Finder’s review pages. I hope this helps.

I am going to the Uk in 2019. Confusions is supreme. I see there is information about conversation currency fees, however on individual travel card sites they claim 0 fees. If I have a facility with my current domestic bank that charges no fees to transfer money to another facility and I use a travel card that states they have 0 fees for upload and currency conversation fee, am I correct in believing that there will be no cost to me to upload AUD to GBP. I am traveling for about 3 months and with a budget of around AUD 20,000. What cards should I consider compared to using my domestic Credit and Debit cards. I have tried using your search engine for best card for country but it is not uploading.

Thanks for getting in touch.

Sorry to hear about your confusion as to which card you would bring to the UK and apologies as well if you’re having a hard time uploading our page. Nevertheless, to help you narrow down your options, you can refer to our guide on travel money to the UK . From the page, you’d be able to compare your options for pre-paid, debit, and credit cards, and even foreign cash. Just click on the tabs to see the list. Once you have chosen a particular travel card, you may then click on the “Go to site” button and you will be redirected to the provider’s website where you can proceed with your application or get in touch with their representatives for further assistance.

With regard to the cost, usually, there’s no cost in loading AUD to the prepaid travel cards. If the currency is supported by the card, say GBP, it’s also free.

I hope this has helped.

Cheers, May

Hello, just wanted to let you know that unless I’m mistaken, the Qantas Cash card has differing information on your website. On one page it says that there is a 1% reload fee and on another that there is 0%. That said, thanks for offering unbiased easy to understand information, much obliged…

Thank you for your inquiry.

There are actually two ways to reload your Qantas Cash Card. The first option is via bank transfer or BPAY which has 0% fee and the second option through Direct Debit that charges 1% of the total amount. As a sample, this is how Direct Debit works:

If you wish to load or reload 200 AUD onto your card using Debit Card Load, you will be charged a fee of 1% of the load amount being AUD 200 x 1% = AUD 2. This means you will be required to pay AUD 202 to complete your Debit Card Load transaction.

Please also note that you may be charged other fees by third parties in relation to the Debit Card reloading transaction like the fees charged by your financial institution.

I hope this information helps.

I am traveling to South Africa and wanted to take a prepaid debit card but do not know who to contact for something like that. I talked to Travelex but they do not deal in South African currency. Any suggestions?

Thank you for contacting Finder .

Our Travel money guide to South Africa will provide you some options that may suit your needs. On the page, is a comparison table for a list of travel debit cards and prepaid travel money cards. You can use the table to help narrow down your options. Once you have selected one, you may proceed by clicking the green “Go to Site” button.

Before applying, please ensure that you read through the relevant Product Disclosure Statements/Terms and Conditions when comparing your options before making a decision on whether it is right for you. You can also contact the provider if you have specific questions.

I hope this helps.

Cheers, Danielle

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.

An official website of the United States government Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic Refunds of Airline Tickets and Ancillary Service Fees

Rule makes it easy to get money back for cancelled or significantly changed flights, significantly delayed checked bags, and additional services not provided

WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule that requires airlines to promptly provide passengers with automatic cash refunds when owed. The new rule makes it easy for passengers to obtain refunds when airlines cancel or significantly change their flights, significantly delay their checked bags, or fail to provide the extra services they purchased.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them - without headaches or haggling,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg . “Our new rule sets a new standard to require airlines to promptly provide cash refunds to their passengers.”

The final rule creates certainty for consumers by defining the specific circumstances in which airlines must provide refunds. Prior to this rule, airlines were permitted to set their own standards for what kind of flight changes warranted a refund. As a result, refund policies differed from airline to airline, which made it difficult for passengers to know or assert their refund rights. DOT also received complaints of some airlines revising and applying less consumer-friendly refund policies during spikes in flight cancellations and changes.

Under the rule, passengers are entitled to a refund for:

Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.
Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.
Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

DOT’s final rule also makes it simple and straightforward for passengers to receive the money they are owed. Without this rule, consumers have to navigate a patchwork of cumbersome processes to request and receive a refund — searching through airline websites to figure out how make the request, filling out extra “digital paperwork,” or at times waiting for hours on the phone. In addition, passengers would receive a travel credit or voucher by default from some airlines instead of getting their money back, so they could not use their refund to rebook on another airline when their flight was changed or cancelled without navigating a cumbersome request process.

The final rule improves the passenger experience by requiring refunds to be:

Automatic: Airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops.
Prompt: Airlines and ticket agents must issue refunds within seven business days of refunds becoming due for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for other payment methods.
Cash or original form of payment: Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in cash or whatever original payment method the individual used to make the purchase, such as credit card or airline miles. Airlines may not substitute vouchers, travel credits, or other forms of compensation unless the passenger affirmatively chooses to accept alternative compensation.
Full amount: Airlines and ticket agents must provide full refunds of the ticket purchase price, minus the value of any portion of transportation already used. The refunds must include all government-imposed taxes and fees and airline-imposed fees, regardless of whether the taxes or fees are refundable to airlines.

The final rule also requires airlines to provide prompt notifications to consumers affected by a cancelled or significantly changed flight of their right to a refund of the ticket and extra service fees, as well as any related policies.

In addition, in instances where consumers are restricted by a government or advised by a medical professional not to travel to, from, or within the United States due to a serious communicable disease, the final rule requires that airlines must provide travel credits or vouchers. Consumers may be required to provide documentary evidence to support their request. Travel vouchers or credits provided by airlines must be transferrable and valid for at least five years from the date of issuance.

The Department received a significant number of complaints against airlines and ticket agents for refusing to provide a refund or for delaying processing of refunds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the pandemic in 2020, refund complaints peaked at 87 percent of all air travel service complaints received by DOT. Refund problems continue to make up a substantial share of the complaints that DOT receives.

DOT’s Historic Record of Consumer Protection Under the Biden-Harris Administration

Under the Biden-Harris Administration and Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has advanced the largest expansion of airline passenger rights, issued the biggest fines against airlines for failing consumers, and returned more money to passengers in refunds and reimbursements than ever before in the Department’s history.

Thanks to pressure from Secretary Buttigieg and DOT’s flightrights.gov dashboard, all 10 major U.S. airlines guarantee free rebooking and meals, and nine guarantee hotel accommodations when an airline issue causes a significant delay or cancellation. These are new commitments the airlines added to their customer service plans that DOT can legally ensure they adhere to and are displayed on flightrights.gov .
Since President Biden took office, DOT has helped return more than $3 billion in refunds and reimbursements owed to airline passengers – including over $600 million to passengers affected by the Southwest Airlines holiday meltdown in 2022.
Under Secretary Buttigieg, DOT has issued over $164 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations. Between 1996 and 2020, DOT collectively issued less than $71 million in penalties against airlines for consumer protection violations.
DOT recently launched a new partnership with a bipartisan group of state attorneys general to fast-track the review of consumer complaints, hold airlines accountable, and protect the rights of the traveling public.
In 2023, the flight cancellation rate in the U.S. was a record low at under 1.2% — the lowest rate of flight cancellations in over 10 years despite a record amount of air travel.
DOT is undertaking its first ever industry-wide review of airline privacy practices and its first review of airline loyalty programs.

In addition to finalizing the rules to require automatic refunds and protect against surprise fees, DOT is also pursuing rulemakings that would:

Propose to ban family seating junk fees and guarantee that parents can sit with their children for no extra charge when they fly. Before President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg pressed airlines last year, no airline committed to guaranteeing fee-free family seating. Now, four airlines guarantee fee-free family seating, and the Department is working on its family seating junk fee ban proposal.
Propose to make passenger compensation and amenities mandatory so that travelers are taken care of when airlines cause flight delays or cancellations.
Expand the rights for passengers who use wheelchairs and ensure that they can travel safely and with dignity . The comment period on this proposed rule closes on May 13, 2024.

The final rule on refunds can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer/latest-news and at regulations.gov , docket number DOT-OST-2022-0089. There are different implementation periods in this final rule ranging from six months for airlines to provide automatic refunds when owed to 12 months for airlines to provide transferable travel vouchers or credits when consumers are unable to travel for reasons related to a serious communicable disease.

Information about airline passenger rights, as well as DOT’s rules, guidance and orders, can be found at https://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer .

LIVE UPDATES: NYPD officers in riot gear enter Columbia University as students occupy Hamilton Hall

Airlines must cough up cancellation cash and can no longer hide fees under new federal rule

A federal rule announced Wednesday will require airlines to quickly give cash refunds — without lengthy arguments — to passengers whose flights have been canceled or seriously delayed, the Biden administration said.

“Passengers deserve to get their money back when an airline owes them — without headaches or haggling,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement.

The rule from the Transportation Department says passengers who decline other reimbursement like travel credits are to get cash refunds.

It applies when a flight is canceled or has a “significant change,” the administration said.A “significant change” includes when departure or arrival times are three or more hours different from the scheduled times for domestic flights or six hours for international flights, and when the airport is changed or connections are added, it said.

Passengers are also to get refunds when their baggage is 12 hours late in delivery for domestic flights.

The new rule comes after promises to hold airlines accountable after major disruptions that made travel hell for passengers, including the 2022 Southwest Airlines meltdown , which resulted in almost 17,000 significantly delayed or canceled flights and a missing baggage nightmare.

The Transportation Department said that the new rule means refunds are automatic and that "airlines must automatically issue refunds without passengers having to explicitly request them or jump through hoops."

Also announced Wednesday was a rule requiring airlines to more clearly disclose so-called junk fees upfront, such as surprise baggage or other fees, the department said.

It said that rule is expected to save fliers around $500 million a year.

The surprise fees are used so tickets look cheaper than they really are, and then fliers get the unwelcome surprise of fees on checked bags, carry-on bags or reservation changes — or even discounts that are advertised but apply to only part of the ticket price, officials said.

Airlines will also have to tell fliers clearly that their seats are guaranteed and that they don't have to pay extra to ensure they have seats for flights, according to the Transportation Department.

Airlines for America, an industry trade group, said that its member airlines “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers from first search to touchdown” and that they do offer cash refunds.

The 11 largest U.S. airlines returned $10.9 billion in cash refunds last year, an increase over $7.5 billion in 2019 but slightly down from $11.2 billion in 2022, the group said.

“U.S. airlines are providing more options and better services while ticket prices, including ancillary revenues, are at historic lows,” Airlines for America said.

Left out of the federal changes announced Wednesday are those involving "family seating fees," but the Transportation Department said in a statement that "DOT is planning to propose a separate rule that bans airlines from charging these junk fees."

Travelers have complained to the Transportation Department that children weren’t seated next to accompanying adults, including in some cases young children, department officials said last year.

Fees on bags specifically have made up an increasing amount of airline revenues, the Transportation Department said Wednesday in announcing the new rules.

A Transportation Department analysis found that airline revenue from baggage fees increased 30% from 2018 to 2022, while operating revenue — which is from the flights themselves — increased by only half that amount, the department said.

Jay Blackman is an NBC News producer covering such areas as transportation, space, medical and consumer issues.

Phil Helsel is a reporter for NBC News.

Share full article

Supported by

Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines

The Transportation Department issued new requirements on refunds when flights are canceled or delayed and on revealing “junk” fees before booking. Here’s what passengers can expect.

A blue airport screen showing extensive cancellations and delays is shown in close up with a man standing in front of it.

By Christine Chung

The Transportation Department on Wednesday announced new rules taking aim at two of the most difficult and annoying issues in air travel: obtaining refunds and encountering surprise fees late in the booking process.

“Passengers deserve to know upfront what costs they are facing and should get their money back when an airline owes them — without having to ask,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg in a statement, adding that the changes would not only save passengers “time and money,” but also prevent headaches.

The department’s new rules, Mr. Buttigieg said, will hold airlines to clear and consistent standards when they cancel, delay or substantially change flights, and require automatic refunds to be issued within weeks. They will also require them to reveal all fees before a ticket is purchased.

Airlines for America , a trade group representing the country’s largest air carriers, said in a statement that its airlines “abide by and frequently exceed” D.O.T. consumer protection regulations.

Passenger advocates welcomed the new steps.

Tomasz Pawliszyn, the chief executive of AirHelp, a Berlin-based company that assists passengers with airline claims, called it a “massive step forward and huge improvement in consumer rights and protection” that brings the United States closer to global standards in passenger rights.

Here’s what we know about the D.O.T.’s new rules, which will begin to go into effect in October.

There’s now one definition for a “significant” delay.

Until now, airlines have been allowed to set their own definition for a “significant” delay and compensation has varied by carrier . Now, according to the D.O.T., there will be one standard: when departure or arrival is delayed by three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international flights.

Passengers will get prompt refunds for cancellations or significant changes for flights and delayed bags, for any reason.

When things go wrong, getting compensation from an airline has often required establishing a cumbersome paper trail or spending untold hours on the phone. Under the new rules, refunds will be automatic, without passengers having to request them. Refunds will be made in full, excepting the value of any transportation already used. Airlines and ticket agents must provide refunds in the original form of payment, whether by cash, credit card or airline miles. Refunds are due within seven days for credit card purchases and within 20 days for other payments.

Passengers with other flight disruptions, such as being downgraded to a lower service class, are also entitled to refunds.

The list of significant changes for which passengers can get their money back also includes: departure or arrival from an airport different from the one booked; connections at different airports or flights on planes that are less accessible to a person with a disability; an increase in the number of scheduled connections. Also, passengers who pay for services like Wi-Fi or seat selection that are then unavailable will be refunded any fees.

Airlines must give travel vouchers or credits to ticketed passengers unable to fly because of government restrictions or a doctor’s orders.

The vouchers or credits will be transferable and can be used for at least five years after the date they were issued.

Fees for checked baggage and modifying a reservation must be disclosed upfront.

Airlines and ticket agents are now required to display any extra fees for things like checking bags or seat selection clearly and individually before a ticket purchase. They will also need to outline the airline’s policies on baggage, cancellations and changing flights before a customer purchases a ticket.

The rules, which apply to all flights on domestic airlines and flights to and from the United States operated by foreign airlines, have varying start dates.

For example, automatic refunds must be instituted by the airlines within six months. But carriers have a year before they’re required to issue travel vouchers and credits for passengers advised by a medical professional not to fly.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Christine Chung is a Times reporter covering airlines and consumer travel. More about Christine Chung

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places: Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai: Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto: The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland: The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas: Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .

International

University protests

Trump's hush money trial

Trump criminal trial wraps for the day after opening statements and first witness

From CNN's Jeremy Herb, Lauren del Valle and Kara Scannell in the courthouse

Key takeaways from opening statements and the first witness in Trump's hush money trial

From CNN's Jeremy Herb, Lauren del Valle and Kara Scannell

Prosecutors and Trump’s attorneys delivered opening statements and the first witness — a former National Enquirer publisher — was called Monday in the historic and unprecedented criminal trial of a former president.

Each side got their first chance to lay out a theory of the case for jurors. Prosecutors told jurors that the reimbursement of hush money payments made to adult film star Stormy Daniels was part of a larger conspiracy to influence the 2016 presidential election.

The former president’s attorneys responded by telling the jury that Trump was innocent and not involved in the creation of the 34 business records he’s charged with falsifying. They also pointedly added that there’s “nothing wrong with trying to influence an election.”

Here are key takeaways from Monday:

Prosecutors say Trump schemed "to corrupt the 2016 presidential election": The district attorney’s office framed the case for jurors as illegal payments to try to influence illicitly influence the 2016 election that Trump then tried to illegally cover up by falsifying business records. Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo walked the jury through Trump’s efforts, along with Michael Cohen and former American Media Inc., chief David Pecker, to keep damaging information from coming to light during the 2016 election.
Defense says Donald Trump is innocent: Defense attorney Todd Blanche began his opening statement with a simple assertion: “Donald Trump is innocent.” Blanche told the jury that the story isn’t as simple as prosecutors laid out and argued that Trump was not involved with any of the business records he’s accused of falsifying beyond signing the checks. Blanche didn’t dispute the paper trail existed, but he argued to the jury there was nothing illegal about signing non-disclosure agreements — or trying to influence an election.
Tabloid publisher testifies first: Prosecutors called former AMI CEO David Pecker as the first witness in their case against Trump. He testified for less than 30 minutes Monday morning before the trial adjourned for the day. He’s expected to continue testifying Tuesday. Colangelo teed up the former tabloid publisher as a key player in Trump’s “catch and kill” scheme to control the public narrative about him ahead of the 2016 election.
Gag order hearing will lead off court on Tuesday: Before the trial resumes Tuesday, Judge Juan Merchan is holding a hearing on allegations that Trump violated the judge’s gag order barring discussion of witnesses. The district attorney’s office asked the judge to fine Trump $1,000 for each of several gag order violations leading up to and since the trial started. In addition to the fines, prosecutors want the judge to remind Trump he could be imprisoned if he continues to disobey the order.
Trump was thinking about the $175 million bond hearing down the street: Meanwhile, other lawyers for Trump were in a courtroom a block away arguing over the legitimacy of the $175 million bond Trump posted to appeal the judgment in his civil fraud trial. Trump, who could not attend the civil hearing because he’s required to attend each day of the criminal trial, railed against Attorney General Letitia James.

Fact check: Trump falsely claims Michael Cohen’s crimes "had nothing to do with me"

From CNN’s Daniel Dale

Speaking to reporters Monday after opening statements in his criminal trial in Manhattan, former President Donald Trump declared that the crimes committed by his former lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen “had nothing to do with me.”

Cohen is expected to be a key witness for the prosecution . Trump said: “The things he got in trouble for were things that had nothing to do with me. He got in trouble; he went to jail. This has nothing to do with me. This had to do with the taxicab company that he owned, which is just something he owned – and medallions and borrowing money and a lot of things – but it had nothing to do with me.”

Facts First: Trump’s claim that Cohen’s prison sentence “had nothing to do with me” is false. Cohen’s three-year sentence in 2018 was for multiple crimes , some of which were directly related to Trump. Most notably, Cohen was sentenced for campaign finance offenses connected to a hush money scheme during the 2016 presidential campaign to conceal Trump’s alleged extramarital relationships -- the same hush money scheme that is central to this prosecution against Trump. Cohen was also sentenced to two months in prison , to run concurrently with the three-year sentence, for lying to Congress in 2017 in relation to previous talks about the possibility of building a Trump Tower in Moscow, Russia , including about the extent of Trump’s involvement in the aborted Moscow initiative and about when in 2016 the discussions ended. (The discussions continued into June 2016, the month after Trump became the presumptive Republican nominee , and did not conclude in January 2016 before the first votes were cast, as Cohen had claimed.)

Referring to Trump as “Individual-1,” Cohen said at the time of his 2018 guilty plea for making false statements to the US Senate Select Committee on Intelligence: “I made these statements to be consistent with Individual-1’s political messaging and out of loyalty to Individual-1.” When Cohen pleaded guilty in 2018 to the campaign finance violations, he said he broke the law “in coordination and at the direction of a candidate for federal office,” Trump.

David Pecker is an important witness in prosecutor's quest to prove criminal intent, legal analyst says

From CNN's Elise Hammond

This court sketch shows David Pecker testifying during former President Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial.

David Pecker will be back on the stand on Tuesday to continue testimony in the hush money trial against former President Donald Trump. Not only is he the first witness to answer questions from the prosecution, but he is also a critical piece of how the state is trying to prove criminal intent, one former federal prosecutor said.

Criminal intent means that “not just an act happened, but an act happened for a purpose,” said Elliot Williams, a CNN legal analyst. “The defendant did something wrong to carry out some criminal purpose.”

As the then-chairman of American Media Inc., which publishes the National Enquirer, Pecker was involved in numerous “catch-and-kill” schemes he orchestrated on behalf of Trump, and he allegedly helped broker the deal with adult film star Stormy Daniels which is at the center of the case.

“It’s not just the catch-and-kill payments, but catch-and-kill payments for the purpose of concealing information from voters in the context of an election,” Williams explained, referring to the 2016 presidential election.

Williams said it’s likely that prosecutors will focus much of their questioning trying to uncover what was discussed in meetings between Pecker and Trump.

The question at the heart of the argument, Williams said, is if the payments were intended to conceal information from voters, “or was it just Donald Trump saying, ‘Well, you know, this is embarrassing to my wife and my kids, I really want to keep this hidden.’”

Read about the stages of Trump's criminal trial — and what they mean

From CNN's Lauren del Valle, Jhasua Razo and Gillian Roberts

Former President Donald Trump’s first criminal trial is expected to take six to eight weeks from start to finish.

This trial, related to a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016, is the first of four ongoing criminal cases that are expected to head to trial for the presumptive 2024 GOP presidential nominee.

Now that opening statements are done, prosecutors are presenting trial evidence through witness testimony and exhibits. David Pecker, the ex-publisher of the National Enquirer, will resume testimony Tuesday.

Defense attorneys can cross examine the prosecution’s witnesses and typically aim to discredit their testimony. Witnesses’ responses are considered evidence, but not the questions posed by an attorney.

Read more about the stages of the trial, and what they mean here.

Michael Cohen jabs back at Trump's claim that Cohen's crimes have nothing to do with him

From CNN's Laura Dolan

In this October 2023 photo, Michael Cohen leaves for a break during the civil business fraud trial of former President Donald Trump at New York Supreme Court in New York.

Michael Cohen, who is expected to be a key witness in Donald Trump’s criminal trial, jabbed back at his former boss in response to comments Trump made about him outside the courtroom Monday.

Speaking to reporters in the courtroom hallway after court concluded, Trump said Cohen’s crimes have “nothing to do with me."

“He got in trouble, he went to jail. This has nothing to do with me,” said Trump. “This had to do with the taxicab company that he owned, which is just something he owned — and medallions and borrowing money.”

Shortly after those comments. Cohen posted on social media, “Hey Von ShitzInPantz … your attacks of me stink of desperation. We are all hoping that you take the stand in your defense.

Cohen, who is Trump’s former attorney, served time in federal prison after pleading guilty to breaking federal campaign laws when he facilitated the $130,000 payment to Stormy Daniels, which is directly linked to the charges against Trump. As for the taxi medallions that Trump referenced, Cohen was also sentenced for tax evasion related to a taxi medallion enterprise and lying to a bank in relation to a home loan.

Trump is under a gag order and was ordered by Judge Juan Merchan not to comment about any witnesses in the trial.

CNN's Daniel Dale contributed to this post.

See courtroom sketches from today's Trump trial

No cameras are allowed inside the Manhattan courtroom where Donald Trump's hush money trial is underway, but a sketch artist captured the scene as opening statements unfolded and the first witness took the stand.

Prosecutor Matthew Colangelo speaks at the lectern Monday morning in opening statements in Day 5 of former President Donald Trump's criminal hush money trial taking place in Manhattan, New York, on April 22.

Biden builds early advertising edge as Trump spends millions on legal fees

From CNN's David Wright

President Joe Biden and his allies have nearly tripled Donald Trump’s network in ad spending over the last month and a half while the former president has had to devote millions of campaign funds to legal expenses — and sit in a New York courthouse for his hush money trial.

Since March 6, after Super Tuesday when Trump effectively secured the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, through April 21, Biden’s campaign and other Democratic advertisers spent $27.2 million on advertising for the presidential race, while the Trump campaign and GOP advertisers spent about $9.3 million, according to AdImpact data.

Ad spending data (presidential race, March 6 to April 21)

Democrats: $27,153,293
Republicans: $9,344,948

During that time, Biden's campaign has spent millions in key battleground states, including $4.1 million in Michigan, $3.9 million in Pennsylvania, and at least $2 million in Arizona, Wisconsin, and Georgia. And the Biden network has used its plentiful airtime to promote the administration’s first-term record and slam Trump, focusing on key issues such as the cost of living and abortion rights .

Meanwhile, Trump’s network has failed to match that effort since he became the presumptive nominee, though a pro-Trump super PAC, MAGA Inc., recently ramped up its advertising, booking over $1 million worth of airtime in Pennsylvania to coincide with Biden’s recent campaign swing through the state last week.

Trump has also benefited over that stretch from a nearly $3 million anti-Biden campaign from outside groups aligned with the oil and gas industries, which have been running ads in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin, criticizing California fuel standards defended by the Biden administration. But despite some recent signs of activity, Trump’s network has been significantly outspent on the airwaves since his general election matchup with Biden came into focus. And the latest round of FEC filings shows how Biden’s fundraising edge is enabling that advertising advantage, as Trump’s ongoing legal battles drain millions from his campaign coffers.

How we got here: A timeline of the Donald Trump and Stormy Daniels hush money case

From CNN’s Lauren del Valle, Kara Scannell, Annette Choi and Gillian Roberts

The first criminal trial of a US ex-president is underway in New York, where former President Donald Trump faces charges from the Manhattan District attorney related to a hush money payment to adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2016.

This is the first of four criminal cases expected to go to trial for Trump, also the presumptive 2024 GOP presidential nominee. CNN compiled a timeline of the key events leading up to the historic trial.

Here’s how we got here:

September 2016: Donald Trump discusses a $150,000 hush money payment understood to be for former Playboy model Karen McDougal with Michael Cohen who secretly records the conversation . McDougal has alleged she had an extramarital affair with Trump beginning in 2006, which he has denied.
October 7, 2016: The Washington Post releases an "Access Hollywood" video from 2005 in which Trump uses vulgar language to describe his sexual approach to women with then show host Billy Bush.
October 27, 2016: According to prosecutors, Cohen pays Daniels $130,000 to her attorney through a shell company in exchange for her silence about an affair she allegedly had with Trump in 2006. This $130,000 sum is separate from the $150,000 paid to McDougal. Trump has publicly denied having any affairs and has denied making the payments.
November 8, 2016: Trump secures the election to become the 45th president of the United States.
February 2017: Prosecutors say Cohen meets with Trump in the Oval Office to confirm how he would be reimbursed for the hush money payment Cohen fronted to Daniels. Under the plan, Cohen would send a series of false invoices requesting payment for legal services he performed pursuant to a retainer agreement and receive monthly checks for $35,000 for a total of $420,000 to cover the payment, his taxes and a bonus, prosecutors alleged. Prosecutors also allege there was never a retainer agreement.
January 2018: The Wall Street Journal breaks news about the hush money payment Cohen made to Daniels in 2016.

See the full timeline.

Trump is also facing charges in 3 other criminal cases

From CNN’s Devan Cole, Amy O'Kruk and Curt Merrill

Former President Donald Trump's motorcade outside of the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, Georgia, on Thursday, August 24.

The hush money criminal trial against former President Donald Trump is just one of four criminal cases he faces while juggling his presidential campaign.

The former president is facing at least 88 charges over the four criminal indictments in Georgia, New York, Washington, DC, and Florida. Trump has pleaded not guilty to every charge in these cases.

Here's a recap of each case:

Hush money: Trump was first indicted in March 2023 by the Manhattan district attorney on state charges related to a hush-money payment to an adult film star in 2016. Prosecutors allege Trump was part of an illegal conspiracy to undermine the integrity of the 2016 election. Further, they allege he was part of an unlawful plan to suppress negative information, including the $130,000 payment.
Classified documents: Trump was indicted in June 2023 by a federal grand jury in Miami for taking classified national defense documents from the White House after he left office and resisting the government’s attempts to retrieve the materials. The National Archives said in early 2022 that at least 15 boxes of White House records were recovered from the estate, including  some that were classified . The charges were brought by special counsel Jack Smith.
Federal election interference: Smith separately charged the former president last August with four crimes over his efforts to reverse the 2020 election results. The indictment alleges Trump and a co-conspirator "attempted to exploit the violence and chaos at the Capitol by calling lawmakers to convince them ... to delay the certification" of the election. That case is currently on hold as the Supreme Court weighs Trump’s claims of presidential immunity in the matter.
Fulton County: State prosecutors in Georgia brought a similar election subversion case against Trump and others. An Atlanta-based grand jury on August 14, 2023, indicted Trump and 18 others on state charges stemming from their alleged efforts to overturn the former president’s 2020 electoral defeat. A trial date has not yet been set in that case.

Read more about the four criminal cases Trump faces.

Please enable JavaScript for a better experience.

Election 2024
Entertainment
Newsletters
Photography
Personal Finance
AP Investigations
AP Buyline Personal Finance
AP Buyline Shopping
Press Releases
Israel-Hamas War
Russia-Ukraine War
Global elections
Asia Pacific
Latin America
Middle East
Election Results
Delegate Tracker
AP & Elections
Auto Racing
2024 Paris Olympic Games
Movie reviews
Book reviews
Personal finance
Financial Markets
Business Highlights
Financial wellness
Artificial Intelligence
Social Media

Airlines will now be required to give automatic cash refunds for canceled and delayed flights

FILE - Passenger drop off their baggage at United Airlines in C Terminal at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, in Houston. The Biden administration issued final rules Wednesday, April 24, 2024, to require airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for things like delayed flights and to better disclose fees for baggage or canceling a reservation. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via AP, File)

Copy Link copied

The Biden administration issued final rules Wednesday to require airlines to automatically issue cash refunds for things like delayed flights and to better disclose fees for baggage or canceling a reservation.

The Transportation Department said airlines will be required to provide automatic cash refunds within a few days for canceled flights and “significant” delays.

Under current regulations, airlines decide how long a delay must last before triggering refunds. The administration is removing that wiggle room by defining a significant delay as lasting at least three hours for domestic flights and six hours for international ones.

Airlines still will be allowed to offer another flight or a travel credit instead, but consumers can reject the offer.

FILE - American Airlines planes sit on the tarmac at Terminal B at LaGuardia Airport, Jan. 11, 2023, in New York. American Airlines is raising bag fees and pushing customers to buy tickets directly from the airline if they want to earn frequent-flyer points. American said Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, that checking a bag on domestic flights will rise from $30 now to $35 online, and it'll be $40 if purchased at the airport. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

The rule will also apply to refunds of checked-bag fees if the bag isn’t delivered within 12 hours for domestic flights or 15 to 30 hours for international flights. And it will apply to fees for things such as seat selection or an internet connection if the airline fails to provide the service.

Complaints about refunds skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, as airlines canceled flights and, even when they didn’t, many people didn’t feel safe sharing a plane cabin with other passengers.

Airlines for America, a trade group for large U.S. carriers, noted that refund complaints to the Transportation Department have fallen sharply since mid-2020. A spokesperson for the group said airlines “offer a range of options — including fully refundable fares — to increase accessibility to air travel and to help customers make ticket selections that best fit their needs.”

The group said the 11 largest U.S. airlines issued $43 billion in customer refunds from 2020 through 2023.

The Transportation Department issued a separate rule requiring airlines and ticket agents to disclose upfront what they charge for checked and carry-on bags and canceling or changing a reservation. On airline websites, the fees must be shown the first time customers see a price and schedule.

The rule will also oblige airlines to tell passengers they have a guaranteed seat they are not required to pay extra for, although it does not bar airlines from charging people to choose specific seats. Many airlines now charge extra for certain spots, including exit-row seats and those near the front of the cabin.

The agency said the rule will save consumers more than $500 million a year.

Airlines for America said its members “offer transparency and vast choice to consumers” from their first search.

The new rules will take effect over the next two years. They are part of a broad administration attack on what President Joe Biden calls “junk fees.” Last week, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that his department will let state officials in 15 states help enforce federal airline consumer protection laws .

IMAGES

Dividing Your Travel Budget Between Cash and Prepaid Card
How to Exchange Currency with Travel Money Oz
Travel Money Oz
Travel Money Oz
Travel Money Oz
Backpacking Budget Tips

COMMENTS

Travel Money Card Fees and Limits
Currency Card Fees and Limits. Buying and using foreign currencies couldn't be easier than with a Travel Money Oz Currency Card. Simply order in store or online for your personalised card, and in 2 weeks it'll be there and ready to go. It's important to understand the exact fees and limits to operating a Currency Card, so these are all ...
Travel Money Card
Our Currency Pass prepaid travel money card is one of our favourite ways to holiday. It makes international travel a breeze - you can: Load up to ten currencies. Lock in your exchange rate. Access 24hr emergency assist. And without the hidden nasties. The Currency Pass has: No conversion fees*. No hidden surcharges*.
Travel Money Oz
If you find a better price, we'll guarantee to beat it. Compare exchange rates for 60+ foreign currencies. Use our currency calculator to work out how much you need in cash, or loaded on one of our travel money cards, for your overseas trip. When you're ready, order online or head to any of our 130+ stores Australia wide.
Travel Money Oz Review
Travel Money Oz fees and charges. Travel Money Oz does not charge a commission if you exchange currency either online or in-store. Card payments can incur additional surcharges as follows: Debit Card: If you use a debit card online, they charge a 0.89% card handling fee. In store, there is no fee if you pay by debit card.
Travel Money Oz Currency Pass Card Review
You can load a minimum of $20 and can top up your account anytime and anywhere, but the following fees and restrictions may apply: Online account and Travel Money Oz app. If you reload funds on ...
Purchase Currency Card
Convert from. AUD. Destination currency US Dollar. To Travel Money Card. USD. 1 AUD = 0.6253 USD. Minimum load value of $20.00 AUD. Maximum transaction value is $10,000.00 AUD. Back to travel money oz.
Travel money cards with the lowest fees
Travel Money Oz Currency Pass (Mastercard) The Travel Money Group is owned by Flight Centre and is a foreign exchange retailer. Currencies: AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD. Fees: 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.
Travel Money Oz Currency Pass Review
March 16th, 2020. Learn about Travel Money Oz Currency Pass in this review to help you decide whether this card is best for your overseas travels or online purchases. It replaces Travel Money Oz's previous Key to the World Currency Card, with lower fees and improved accessibility for greater convenience.
Travel Money Oz: Everything You Need to Know
If the currency you need is unavailable, you can choose to either place a deposit and receive a bonus when the cash is available for pickup, or walk away with a $20 Travel Money Oz voucher (with 6 months' validity). The bonus depends on how much you spend: $20 if you spend $200-$999. $50 if you spend $1000-$2,999.
Travel Money Oz Reviews
Don't go anywhere else absolutely amazing. Amazing service put an order in @ 2:45pm for money and it was ready by 3pm 15 minutes money was ready to collect. Good rates and very polite and professional friendly staff. 10/10 will be using every time I travel now. Date of experience: January 09, 2024. Useful.
What is a travel money card?
Travel Money Oz Currency Pass Travel Money Card: up to 10 currencies; ... Other fees. Some travel money cards may levy typical credit card fees for reloading funds, emergency card replacement ...
Travel Money Oz reviews
I did this transaction at Travel Money Oz Galleria (Elizabeth St., VIC). I have the receipt with the Deal Ref: 702100-068300. When I checked the online rate provided by Travel Oz, I found that the rate for February 8, 2024 is 1.0299 (that is 1 AUD = 1.0299, thus 1497.5 AUD = 1542.28 NZD). How is it possible that a branch can set a rate that is ...
7 of the Best Travel Money Cards in 2024
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 ...
Travel Money Cards: Best prepaid options for Australians
Wise Travel Money Card. AUD,USD,CAD,EUR,GBP,JPY,NZD,SGD. 2 free ATM withdrawals per month up to AUD$350, then AUD$1.50 and 1.75% per withdrawal. $0. $0. Hold and spend funds in more than 40 ...
Qantas Travel Money Card
Contact Mastercard Qantas Travel Money Global Support on 1300 825 302 (from within Australia), or +61 1300 825 302 (if overseas). If eligible, you can collect emergency funds from approved agent locations. The team will let you know the address details, telephone number and opening hours of the nearest agent location. Help & support.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Final Rule Requiring Automatic
Media Contact. Press Office. US Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590 United States. Email: [email protected] Phone: 1 (202) 366-4570 If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.
Airlines must cough up cancellation cash and can no longer hide fees
The 11 largest U.S. airlines returned $10.9 billion in cash refunds last year, an increase over $7.5 billion in 2019 but slightly down from $11.2 billion in 2022, the group said.
Could Trump Go to Prison? If He Does, the Secret Service Goes, Too
Officials have had preliminary discussions about how to protect the former president in the unlikely event that he is jailed for contempt during the trial.
What to Know About the New Rules on Airline Refunds and 'Junk' Fees
Automatic Refunds and No More Hidden Fees: D.O.T. Sets New Rules for Airlines
Day 5 of Trump New York hush money trial
Donald Trump's New York hush money criminal trial continued Monday, with opening statements and the first witness taking the stand. Read real-time updates, analysis and highlights from court.
Biden administration issues new rules on airline fees and refunds
The group said the 11 largest U.S. airlines issued $43 billion in customer refunds from 2020 through 2023. The Transportation Department issued a separate rule requiring airlines and ticket agents to disclose upfront what they charge for checked and carry-on bags and canceling or changing a reservation.