So you go on holiday or travel overseas and you have an amazing time, shopping, food, tours, you name it. You get home, feel relaxed then oh no, you’ve been hit with huge foreign transaction fees and horrible exchange rates. Gross! You ask yourself, “how can I avoid these travel fees?” well it’s easy really.

Whether you’re sipping coffee in Paris, shopping in Bangkok, or backpacking through South East Asia, one thing is certain—you want to stretch your travel money as far as possible. That’s where multi-currency cards come in. These handy cards let you hold multiple currencies, save on conversion fees, and, in some cases, even earn you rewards!

We’ve done the research and reviews so you don’t have to and have come up with the best multi-currency cards for travelers, from fee-free essentials to cards that offer travel perks. Each one has its own pros and cons, and hopefully by the end of this, you’ll know which card is best for you and your priorities.

Wise Multi-Currency Card

For the frequent traveler who’s moving between different countries regularly, the Wise Multi-Currency Card is hands down one of the best. You can hold multiple currencies at once, convert at real mid-market rates, and manage everything easily through the app. Wise is also a fantastic middle man when transferring funds between foreign bank accounts, especially useful if you’re on a Working Holiday. I love that they don’t hit you with sneaky fees, and the exchange rates are usually way better than what you’d get from your local bank or a currency exchange kiosk.

If you’re looking for a no-fuss, cost-effective option for managing money on the road, Wise is a no-brainer. Perfect for digital nomads, freelancers, or long-term travelers who need to be savvy with currency.

Fees:

• Card Issuance Fee: $10 AUD(Digital Card: Free)
• Currency Conversion Fees: from 0.33% depending on the currency
• ATM Withdrawal Fees: Free for up to $350 AUD/month, then $1.50 AUD per withdrawal

Additional Benefits:

• Live exchange rates(comparable to Google)
• Hold and spend in over 50 currencies.
• Instant conversions and transfers between currencies via the Wise app.
• No monthly or hidden fees, making it ideal for long-term travelers or those hopping between countries.
• Ability to freeze your card instantly if lost or stolen, for added security.

Sign up for Wise and start saving on fees!

Revolut Multi-Currency Card

Revolut is a solid all-rounder, with tons of bonus features for both budget-conscious travelers and those who want a little extra comfort. The Free Plan is great for anyone who just wants basic currency exchange and ATM withdrawals without the fees, but the Premium Plan really shines for frequent travelers. Want even more? Explore the Metal Plan, offering Cashback! The added perks—like insurance and discounted lounge access—are worth it if you’re always on the go. It’s also super easy to track your expenses with Revolut’s in-app analytics, making it a great pick for those who like to stick to a strict travel budget.

Fees:

• Standard Plan: Free
• Premium Plan: $9.99 AUD/month
• Metal Plan: $24.99 AUD/month
• Currency Conversion Fees: Free up to $9,000 AUD/month, then 1%
• ATM Withdrawal Fees: Free for up to $350 AUD/month, then 2%
• Foreign Exchange Weekend Markup: 0.5% to 2%, depending on the currency

Additional Benefits:

• Access to 40+ currencies and competitive exchange rates.(often better than Wise)
• In-app budgeting tools to help track your spending.
• Lock in or set ideal exchange rates
• Premium perks like partner programs and discounted airport lounge access (Premium Plan) and cashback (Metal Plan)
• Stock, Cryptocurrency & Commodity Exchange
• Ability to freeze your card instantly if lost or stolen, for added security.

Get started with Revolution and all its perks!

Qantas Travel Money Card

Australian Residents Only

If you’re already a Qantas Frequent Flyer, this card can help you rack up points while you travel—a nice bonus if you’re saving up for your next holiday, flight or an upgrade. Plus, locking in exchange rates in advance can be a lifesaver if you’re worried about currency fluctuations. However, compared to some other cards on this list, the Qantas Travel Money card offers lower exchange rates than most.

If earning Qantas Points is a priority for you, this card is definitely worth considering!

Fees:

• Card Issuance Fee: Free
• Currency Conversion Fees: None
• ATM Withdrawal Fees: Free for up to $200 AUD/month, then $2 AUD per withdrawal

Additional Benefits:

• Earn Qantas Points on eligible purchases—1.5 points per $1 AUD spent overseas and 1 point per $4 AUD spent domestically.
• Double up on Qantas Points when using your card to purchase from a Qantas Partner
• Hold up to 10 currencies at a time including USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, and more.
• Lock in exchange rates when loading funds to avoid unfavorable fluctuations.
• Integrated with the Qantas Money app for managing funds on the go.

Ready to earn Qantas Points while you travel?

Travelex Money Card

The Travelex Money Card is a strong choice for those who believe in “Cash is King”. With free ATM withdrawals, you’ll never have to worry about exchange rates, giving you peace of mind and protecting your budget from unfavorable currency swings. With the ability to load multiple currencies and access funds across the globe, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a reliable and widely accepted card. Plus, Travelex’s partnership with Apple Pay and Google Pay and Mastercard adds a layer of convenience for contactless payments.

Fees:

• Card Issuance Fee: Free(when purchased online)
• Currency Conversion Fees: None when using a loaded currency
• ATM Withdrawal Fees: $0 but does have 24hr limits
• Reload Fees: $0 (online), $15 AUD (in-store)
• Inactivity Fee: $4 AUD/month after 12 months of inactivity(no fee if you hold a $0 balance)

Additional Benefits:

• Ability to load up to 10 currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, and more.
• Lock in exchange rates at the time of loading, offering protection from exchange rate fluctuations.
• Get a better exchange rate when you convert $2000 or more
• Earn Cash rewards with Mastercard’s Travel Rewards Program
• Accepted anywhere that accepts Mastercard
• Emergency funds support if your card is lost or stolen while traveling.

Grab your Travelex Money Card now!

Mastercard Cash Passport

Similar to the Travelex Card, the Mastercard Cash Passport is an excellent option for those looking for utter simplicity and to lock in exchange rates. With support for 11 currencies at a time, it’s ideal for travelers who visit multiple regions or countries. The convenience of contactless payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay makes it easy to use while on the move, and Mastercard’s global assistance means you’ll never be left stranded in an emergency.

With additional benefits like Longe Access for flight delays, purchase protection and Cashback Rewards, this card makes for an easy decision when wanting to focus on card payments. However, with the ATM withdrawal fees, you may want to consider an alternative option for using cash if your budget does not allow for the fees.

Fees:

• Card Issuance Fee: $0 (online), 1.1% or $15 AUD (in-store)
• Currency Conversion Fees: None when using a loaded currency
• ATM Withdrawal Fees: $3.50 AUD per withdrawal
• Reload Fees: $0 (online), 1.1% or $15 (in-store)

Additional Benefits:

• Lock in up to 11 currencies, including USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, and more.
• Mastercard Travel Rewards Program allowing access to Cashback and other travel deals.
• Longe access for flight delays over 2 hours
• Lock in exchange rates when you load your card to avoid currency fluctuations.
• Contactless payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay for easier and faster transactions.
• Global assistance and emergency cash access if your card is lost or stolen while traveling.
• Free replacement card in case of theft or loss.

Get your Mastercard Cash Passport now!

Which Card Should You Choose?

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to multi-currency cards, so your choice depends on your travel needs and preferences. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide on the right one fore you:

• For digital nomads and multi-country trips: The Wise Multi-Currency Card is perfect for flexibility, real-time conversions, and low fees. Ideal for those managing several currencies at once.
• For those who want travel perks and budgeting tools: The Revolut Card stands out with numerous bonus features making it more than just a multi-currency card.
• For Qantas Frequent Flyers: If accumulating points while you travel is a priority for you that the Qantas Travel Money Card is an obvious option, funding your next travels with your current travels.
• For the Cash Kings: The Travelex Money Card is your top option making use of the free ATM withdrawals while also benefiting from Global Assistance, locked in exchange rates and Cashback rewards.
• For Simplicity and Convenience : The Mastercard Cash Passport is a solid all-rounder with the ability to lock in up to 11 currencies and absolute peace of mind with global assistance and access to emergency funds.

Whichever card you choose, using a multi-currency card is one of the smartest ways to manage your money while traveling. It helps you save on fees, spend more efficiently, and in some cases, even earn rewards while you’re out there exploring the world.

At the end of the day, the best multi-currency card depends on your travel style and preferences. Whether you want to earn points, lock in exchange rates, or avoid fees, there’s a card in this list for you.

Choose wisely and spend away and as always, Happy Travels

Disclaimer: Fees and benefits are accurate as of October 2024. Always double-check with the provider before applying to ensure you have the latest information. This blog post may include affiliate links.