Compare the best travel money cards for overseas use in Australia (2025)

Authored by Yadana Chaw, a travel finance expert with in-depth experience evaluating international travel cards to identify the best options for maximising savings.

If you’re about to head off overseas, getting the best travel card based on your destination and spending patterns can help you save money. You may be able to access great exchange rates, low or no fee ATM withdrawals, and ways to convert your AUD to the currency in your destination conveniently.

In this article, we'll dive into a comprehensive comparison of Australia's top options for travel cards, including providers like Wise and Revolut, alongside traditional prepaid travel card options from major banks like Commbank and Westpac, and Australia Post. We’ll discuss how they work and their pros and cons so you can find an ideal travel money card for overseas use that fits your journey.

Table of contents
What is a travel card? Best travel cards in Australia: Main Comparison Wise travel card Revolut travel card Travelex money card CommBank travel card Travel Money Oz Currency Pass AusPost Travel Platinum Mastercard Westpac Worldwide Wallet Which should you choose in Australia? FAQs

What is a travel card?

An international travel card (also known as a travel money card or prepaid card) is a multi-currency card specifically optimised for overseas spending, making it the more convenient and cheaper alternative to using standard debit or credit cards abroad. With an international travel card, you can use the card for virtually any overseas payment, from tap-and-pay at stores and withdrawing local cash at ATMs to making online bookings for flights and hotels. Often, travel cards are linked to digital accounts that can hold foreign currencies. This means you can add your holiday money in AUD when the exchange rate is favorable, and then convert to the currency you need (like USD or EUR) to lock in the exchange rate and protect your travel budget. You usually find that there’s no fee to spend and withdraw in a currency you hold in your account, and no foreign transaction fee, which keeps down the overall costs of your trip. This is what makes it the best international travel card option for overseas travel compared to standard debit or credit cards.

Key factors to consider when comparing travel cards

To help you navigate the options and choose the best travel card for overseas use, here are the essential features and potential fees you should carefully consider for your international travel card:

• Supported currencies: Does the multi-currency card support the currencies you’re likely to need? A high currency coverage is essential for a superior multi-currency card, allowing you to lock in rates for multiple destinations.
• Exchange rate: What is the underlying rate, and does it include a hidden markup? Cards often apply a hidden markup to the exchange rate adding a hidden cost to your spending.
• Fees: Scrutinise the entire fee structure, as travel money cards often have layered costs. Specifically, check all charges for monthly or inactivity fees and all fees for ATM withdrawals and card loading/reloads. Look out for spending a currency you forgot to pre-load: the most cost-friendly cards auto-convert at a low, transparent fee, rather than hitting you with a hefty transaction fee.
• Security and ease of use: Check if you can instantly freeze/unfreeze the card via an app, receive instant transaction notifications, and easily top up your holiday money remotely while you’re abroad. Virtual cards also add an extra layer of security.

Best travel cards in Australia: Main Comparison

Getting the best card for overseas travel can mean you cut down on fees, while helping you manage your money conveniently and securely across all the currencies you need for your trips abroad.

So, what is the best travel card for you? Let’s start off with a side-by-side comparison of the most popular travel money cards in Australia. Before we dive into the details, note that none of the cards below charge an account fee, with the exception of Revolut, which offers some optional paid plans. You will find more detailed information on each card directly after the table.

Provider	Available Currencies	Exchange rate	Loading Fee	ATM Fees	Other Fees
Wise card	40+	Mid-market rate	Add money for free with local bank details in 8+ currencies	Up to 2 withdrawals per month, to 350 AUD in value 1.50 AUD + 1.75% after that	Free virtual card, 10 AUD physical card order fee Currency exchange from 0.63%
Revolut card¹	30+	Revolut rate for weekday exchange to plan limits	Free options available Some methods have fees up to 2.5%²	No fee to plan limits - then 2% after that	0.5% fair usage fee if above plan limit and a 1% surcharge on weekends for currency exchange
Travelex money card	10	Travelex rate which may include a markup	Free options available In-store costs a minimum 15 AUD	No Travelex fee	4 AUD/month inactivity fee
CommBank travel card	16	Visa or Commbank rate, depending on transaction type	No fee	3.5 AUD	3% fee if you spend in a currency you don’t hold
Travel Money Oz Currency Pass	13	Travel Money Oz rate	Free options available in store Up to 1.1% for some methods⁶	Variable fees based on currency, around 3.5 AUD	10 AUD cash out fee 2.95% domestic ATM fee
AusPost Travel Platinum Mastercard	11	Australian Post rate	No fee for foreign currency in store 1.1% when loading into an AUD purse	3.5 AUD	10 AUD cash out fee 2.95% domestic ATM fee
Westpac travel card	11	Westpac or Mastercard rate, depending on transaction type	No fee for loading in AUD	No fee at partnered ATMs, variable fees for non-alliance ATMs based on currency	2% fee if you spend in currency you don’t hold

*Fact-checked on 13th October 2025

Before we dive into the individual card overview, here's what these travel cards are best for:

• Wise travel card: Best travel card for frequent international travellers seeking simple spending at the mid-market rate.
• Revolut travel card: Best travel money card for those seeking premium features like higher withdrawal limits, and don't mind a monthly fee.
• Travelex money card: Best for who prefer in-person service and want to load currencies into their travel card in-store.
• CommBank travel card: Best travel card for CommBank customers who value familiar banking support.
• Travel Money Oz Currency Pass: Best card for overseas travel if you prefer in-person top-ups for your holiday money.
• Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard: Best travel money card for travellers who want the convenience of buying and reloading their card at AusPost outlets.
• Westpac Worldwide Wallet: Best travel card for Westpac customers who travel frequently to regions with partner ATMs.

Now, let's go through each travel card to understand their features, fees, pros, and cons in depth.

Wise travel card

Wise offers an international digital account and travel card which you can use for holding 40+ currencies and spending in 150+ countries with no foreign transaction fees. Wise holds an Excellent 4.3 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot, from over 230,000 reviews.

Main features:

• 40+ supported currencies, with mid market exchange rate for conversion
• Free to spend a currency you hold in your account
• Some ATM withdrawals monthly for free
• No ongoing fees or minimum balance requirement
• Add money yourself in AUD or receive payments in 8+ currencies with local and SWIFT account details
• Send payments to 140+ countries

Fees:

• Conversion and sending fees from 0.63%
• 10 AUD physical card order fee
• Up to 2 ATM withdrawals per month, to 350 AUD in value, fee free. - 1.50 AUD + 1.75% after that

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Mid market exchange rates No ongoing fees to pay Low, transparent conversion costs and no foreign transaction fee Spend in 150+ countries	Physical card order fee 7 - 14 day card delivery time Variable fees for conversion apply

➡️ Order a Wise card

Revolut travel card

Revolut offers tiered account plans ranging from 0 AUD to 28.99 AUD per month, each featuring unique benefits and fee structures. Revolut has a 4.6-star out of 5 rating on Trustpilot, with over 260,000 reviews.

Main features:

• 30+ supported currencies for holding and exchange
• Revolut rate for weekday exchange to plan limits
• All accounts come with virtual and physical cards
• Some no fee ATM use offered monthly, based on the plan you pick
• Send foreign payments conveniently with varying fees

Fees:

• 0 AUD - 28.99 AUD per month account fee
• No fee for ATM withdrawals to plan limits - then 2% after that
• 0.5% fair usage fees apply on currency exchange above plan limit
• Out of hours fees of 1% apply on weekend currency exchange

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Different account options based on need and usage Some no fee ATM use and weekday currency conversion monthly Spend and withdraw more or less globally Good range of 30+ supported currencies	Fair usage fees apply when you exceed plan transaction limits Out of hours conversion fees apply on weekends Ongoing fees apply to some account plans

Travelex money card

The Travelex travel money card is a popular prepaid travel card you can get in Australia in a physical store or online, to hold and spend 10 currencies. Travelex holds an Excellent 4.5 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot, based on over 20,000 reviews.

Main features:

• 10 supported holding currencies, use your card globally
• Add money online, in app and in-store for convenience
• No card order fee, no ongoing fees, and no minimum balance
• No additional fee to spend currencies you hold in your account once converted
• No Travelex ATM fee - ATM operators may charge their own fees

Fees:

• In store loading costs a minimum 15 AUD
• 4 AUD/month inactivity fee
• The Travelex rate may include a markup

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Easy to get and top up your card Lock in the exchange rate on 9 different currencies No ATM fee from Travelex No account opening or monthly fee with normal usage	Exchange rates can include fees when you convert and spend Inactivity fees apply if you don’t use your card often Not all load methods are offered for free

Commonwealth bank travel card

The CommBank Travel Money Card is a widely available travel card from a major Australian bank, making it a familiar international travel card option for existing CommBank customers. It allows you to preload and spend in 16 currencies. CommBank holds a low 1.6 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot, although reviews primarily reflect overall banking services.

Main features:

• 16 supported card currencies
• No card order or ongoing fees to pay
• Spend globally - fees apply if you spend an unsupported currency
• Go to a bank branch if you want face to face service or support
• Free to top up

Fees:

• Commbank exchange rate includes a fee
• 3% foreign transaction fee if you spend in a currency you don’t hold in your account
• 3.5 AUD ATM fee

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Get your card online, in app or in a branch Hold 16 currencies to lock in the rate Use in ATMs globally Face to face support if you ever need it	Exchange rate includes a fee Foreign transaction fee if you don’t have the currency you need ATM fees of 3.5 AUD

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass

The Currency Pass, available at Travel Money Oz stores, allows travelers to preload and spend in 13 foreign currencies. Travel Money Oz has a strong 4.2 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot, from over 6,000 reviews.

Main features:

• 13 supported currencies
• No monthly fee to pay
• Use your card with a wallet like Apple Pay
• Visit a branch if you prefer face to face service
• Some free top up options

Fees:

• Exchange rate is likely to include a markup
• Variable ATM fees based on currency around 3.5 AUD
• 10 AUD cash out fee if you close your account
• 2.95% domestic ATM fee

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
10 supported currencies Easy to use card which is accepted globally No card order fee, no monthly fee Top up in person or in a retail location	Exchange rate is likely to include a markup ATM charges of 3.5 AUD + 2.95% if you use your card in Australia Account closure fee applies

Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard

The Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard is a prepaid card you can get at Australia Post outlets. It is a multi currency card that allows you to preload and spend in 11 currencies. Australia Post holds a low 1.4 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot from 1,400+ reviews, but this rating primarily reflects customer satisfaction with their delivery and courier services.

Main features:

• 11 supported currencies
• Available for order online or in person at Australia Post outlets
• Reloads can be made via debit card, bank transfer, BPAY®, or cash in-store

Fees:

• Exchange rate includes a markup
• $3.50 AUD international ATM withdrawal fee
• Reload fee of 1.1% if using BPAY

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
Easily accessible international travel card at Australia Post outlets $0 international transaction fee when spending a loaded currency	3.50 AUD ATM fee on all overseas withdrawals Minimum load amount of 100 AUD or foreign currency equivalent 10 AUD cash out fee

Westpac Worldwide Wallet

The Westpac Worldwide Wallet is a multi-currency card issued by Westpac, making it a highly familiar and convenient international travel card for existing Westpac customers. Westpac holds a low 1.6 out of 5-star rating on Trustpilot (from over 300 reviews), though it is important to note this score generally reflects the broader customer satisfaction with their entire range of banking services.

Main features:

• 11 supported currencies
• Load funds from your Westpac bank account
• $0 overseas ATM withdrawal fee at Westpac Global Alliance Partner ATMs
• Enjoy access to the Flight Delay Pass

Fees:

• Exchange rate likely includes a markup
• Mastercard’s foreign exchange rate, along with 2% margin, is applied if you spend a currency you have not loaded
• Overseas ATM withdrawal fee applies (varies by currency) at non-alliance partner ATMs
• No load, reload, unload, or account-keeping fees

✅ Pros	❌ Cons
$0 ATM fee at Global ATM Alliance partners Provides two cards for security and backup	Exchange rate includes a hidden markup A 2% margin is charged if you spend a currency that isn't pre-loaded Primarily suited for Westpac customers

Summary: Which is the best travel card in Australia?

The travel money card that is best for you may depend on your plans and your preferences.

If you prefer an international travel card you can get instantly or manage in person, traditional prepaid travel card options like the Travelex Money Card, CommBank Travel Money Card, Travel Money Oz Currency Pass, Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard, or Westpac Worldwide Wallet are readily available. These options have a smaller range of currencies compared to Wise or Revolut, and do have some fairly high fees, but they do let you top up in a branch and get face to face service if you ever need it.

Revolut may be a great choice if you're seeking extra features such as higher withdrawal limits and don’t mind paying a monthly maintenance fee.

If you want a solid everyday account and card which you can use for travel and local use, Wise may be the best travel card for you. With no monthly fees and access to 40+ currencies at the mid-market exchange rate, you're usually getting the best value for your money every day.

🚀 Get your Wise card today

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This general advice does not take into account your objectives, financial circumstances or needs and you should consider if it is appropriate for you.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How does a travel card work?

A travel card works like a prepaid debit card: you load it with your holiday money (Australian dollars) via an app or transfer. You then use the card overseas. If you have already converted your AUD to the local currency (e.g., EUR) in your digital wallet, the card deducts the exact amount from that currency pot with no foreign transaction fee. If you have not pre-converted the currency, the multi currency card will instantly convert the funds at the time of purchase.

How to get a travel card?

The best prepaid travel card in Australia can be obtained through two main channels, depending on your preferences. Providers like Wise and Revolut offer cards that are obtained entirely online. Alternatively, you can choose to get the CommBank Travel Money Card, Westpac Worldwide Wallet, or Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard, all of which can be obtained or serviced in-person at their physical outlets.

Is a travel card or a credit card better for travelling?

Choosing between a travel card and a credit card depends on your priority. The travel card (prepaid or multi-currency) is usually better for savings because it secures better exchange rates and no foreign transaction fees. It also allows you to hold currencies, which can be used to plan and budget by locking in exchange rates. In contrast, credit cards provide valuable extras like lounge access or more miles for spending abroad, but are generally more expensive due to foreign transaction fees and cash advance fees when using the ATM, making the travel card the better option for low-cost overseas spending.

If you're looking for a credit card for international spending, check out our guide on best travel credit cards.

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Sources:

1. Revolut Pricing
2. Revolut Standard Fees
3. Travelex Money Card
4. CommBank Travel Money Card
5. Travel Money Oz Card
6. Travel Money Oz Card PDS
7. Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard
8. Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard PDS
9. Westpac Travel Money Card
10. Westpac Worldwide Wallet PDS