Compare Prepaid travel cards FX products quotes (UK)

Smart ways to pay abroad without the nasty surprises

UK travellers have strong options for low‑cost spending overseas. This guide compares leading prepaid travel cards and bank debit alternatives, explains fees and protections, and shows how to pick the right mix for your trip.

Who should consider these cards

If you want to control your holiday budget, avoid foreign transaction fees, and keep your main current account safer, prepaid travel cards and select debit cards can help. They suit frequent flyers, gap‑year travellers, and families wanting to set clear limits while tracking spend in real time.

Terms that actually matter at the till

Understanding the jargon helps you pay less.

• FX rate - The exchange rate you get when converting pounds to a foreign currency.
• Interbank rate - The wholesale rate banks trade at. Some providers mirror or closely track this on weekdays.
• Weekend surcharge - An extra percentage fee some apps add on Saturdays and Sundays to cover FX volatility.
• ATM fee - A charge when withdrawing cash abroad. Some providers add none, but local machines may add their own dynamic fees.
• Dynamic currency conversion (DCC) - A costly option at the till or ATM that charges you in pounds. Always choose to pay in the local currency to avoid poor rates.
• Preauthorisation hold - A temporary block of funds for deposits at car hire desks or hotels. Prepaid cards are often declined for these.
• Section 75 - Credit card purchase protection on single items priced £100 to £30,000. Prepaid and debit cards do not have this, though chargeback may help.
• FSCS protection - Covers eligible bank deposits up to £85,000. Balances on prepaid cards are not protected by FSCS.

Pick products for your real itinerary - cash needs, weekend travel, and deposit requirements all affect the best choice.

The front‑runners compared

Below is a snapshot of three UK‑friendly options that often beat standard bank charges abroad.

Key takeaways:

• Caxton Black suits planners who want to lock rates and separate travel spend.
• Chase UK debit is simple for fee‑free spending and cash withdrawals without prepaid constraints.
• Revolut rewards weekday exchangers; weekend use and higher volumes can add costs.

What it costs, what it saves, what to watch

Costs

• Prepaid cards may charge for inactivity, reloading, replacement cards, or delivery.
• Some apps add 1% at weekends or once you exceed monthly free‑exchange thresholds.
• Local ATMs may levy their own fee regardless of your card provider.

Impact and returns

• Avoiding a typical 3% foreign transaction fee on a £1,500 holiday spend saves around £45.
• Locking a good rate before a sterling dip shields your budget from volatility.
• Real‑time spend tracking curbs overspending and improves post‑trip clarity.

Risks

• No FSCS protection on prepaid balances - only load what you need.
• Prepaid cards can be rejected for hotel and car hire preauthorisations.
• Exchange‑rate timing matters: weekend surcharges or poor rates can erode savings.

Simple rule: use debit or credit for deposits, prepaid for day‑to‑day spend.

Can you get one - and should you

Eligibility varies by product, but general pointers apply:

• Residence - Most options require you to be a UK resident aged 18+.
• KYC checks - Expect identity and address verification to open an account or card.
• Funding - Prepaid cards require preloading in GBP; some offer instant bank transfer, card top‑ups, or salary funding.
• Limits - ATM and daily spend limits differ. Chase allows up to £500 per day and £1,500 per month abroad. Prepaid cards may set lower cash caps.
• Acceptance - All three options run on Mastercard, widely accepted globally. Prepaid acceptance can still be patchy for deposits.
• Protections - Debit cards benefit from bank fraud monitoring; prepaid cards typically offer chargeback but not Section 75 or FSCS.

Fit for purpose:

• Frequent travellers: Caxton Black or Revolut for multi‑currency and tracking.
• City breaks and light cash use: Chase debit for straightforward spending.
• Large purchases: consider a fee‑free credit card for Section 75 protection.

Set up and go in a few steps

1. Compare fees, limits, and FX policies using UK tools.
2. Open your chosen account and complete ID verification.
3. Order the card and enable security controls in the app.
4. Load pounds, then convert to destination currency if applicable.
5. Plan exchanges for weekdays to avoid weekend surcharges.
6. Add to mobile wallet and set travel alerts if available.
7. At tills and ATMs, choose local currency to dodge DCC.
8. Carry a backup debit or credit card for deposits and emergencies.

Weighing the upsides and trade‑offs

Pros

• Potentially zero foreign transaction fees and competitive rates.
• Budget control via preloading, real‑time notifications, and spend categories.
• Ability to lock exchange rates in advance with some providers.

Cons

• No FSCS on prepaid balances and no Section 75 protection.
• Weekend surcharges or exchange caps can add hidden costs.
• Prepaid cards may fail for hotel or car hire deposits.

Mix and match: one prepaid for day‑to‑day, one debit or credit as backup.

Red flags before you click order

• Minimum ATM withdrawals - Caxton Black requires at least £50 per cash withdrawal.
• Exchange timing - Revolut standard adds 1% at weekends and over £1,000 exchanged in 30 days.
• Local ATM fees - Even if your provider is fee‑free, machines abroad may not be.
• Inactivity and reload fees - Check the tariff before a long gap between trips.
• Limits - Daily and monthly caps can bite during longer journeys.
• Acceptance - Prepaid cards are often declined for deposits; take a debit or credit card.

If this is not quite right

• Fee‑free credit cards abroad: Can deliver strong rates and Section 75, but pay in full monthly.
• Everyday UK prepaid cards: Apps like Ode or HyperJar help with domestic budgeting and cashback, not travel FX or ATM use.
• Your existing bank debit card: Check fees; some UK banks still add 2% to 3% abroad.
• Cash: Useful in small amounts for tips and taxis, but risky to carry.

Common questions, clear answers

• Do prepaid balances have FSCS protection? No. E‑money accounts are not covered by FSCS. Funds may be safeguarded, but do not rely on compensation if a holding bank fails.
• Can I lock an exchange rate before travelling? Yes with some providers. Caxton Black and Revolut let you convert GBP to currencies in‑app ahead of time, subject to currency availability.
• Are there ATM fees abroad? Caxton does not charge overseas ATM fees, but local machines may. Chase does not add fees either, within its withdrawal limits.
• What about weekend travel? Revolut standard adds around 1% on weekends. Consider exchanging on weekdays or upgrading plans if suitable.
• Will my card work for car hire deposits? Prepaid cards are commonly declined for preauthorisations. Use a debit or credit card for deposits.
• How much cash should I carry? Keep it modest. Many destinations are card‑friendly. Use ATMs if needed, selecting local currency to avoid DCC.

What to do next

• Shortlist two cards that match your itinerary and cash needs.
• Compare fees and limits on UK comparison tools like TravelMoneyMax.
• Open accounts early, verify identity, and test a small top‑up.
• Plan weekday exchanges and set spend alerts before you fly.

A little prep now avoids costly travel surprises later.

Important information

This guide is for general information only, not financial advice. Product terms, fees, and limits can change. Check the latest provider documents before applying. If unsure, consider regulated financial advice.