Prepaid travel cards FX products reviews & ratings what customers say

Smart money abroad: the UK traveller’s card shortlist

A prepaid or multi-currency travel card can cut foreign fees, improve budgeting and reduce the need to carry cash. We compare standout UK options, explain risks like lack of Section 75, and summarise what real customers say so you can spend confidently overseas.

Who benefits most

Frequent city breakers, gap year travellers, families heading to Europe, and business travellers who need predictable costs. If you want better exchange rates than your high street bank, app controls, and the ability to ringfence a holiday budget from your main current account, these cards are designed for you.

Key terms decoded

• Interbank or mid-market rate: The true exchange rate you see on finance sites. Cards like Wise aim to offer this rate with transparent fees.
• FX markup: A percentage added to the exchange rate. Lower is better.
• Weekend fee: Some providers increase FX costs at weekends when markets are closed. Revolut allows you to preload weekdays to avoid this.
• ATM withdrawal limit: Monthly free cash withdrawal ceiling before fees apply. Curve Premium and Wise offer fee-free allowances up to set limits.
• Multi-currency wallet: Hold and convert multiple currencies ahead of travel. Caxton Black supports up to 15 currencies.
• Chargeback: Ability to dispute card payments. Useful, but not the same as Section 75.
• Section 75: UK credit card protection for purchases £100-£30,000. Not available on prepaid cards.
• FSCS protection: Bank deposit safety scheme. Prepaid card balances are not FSCS protected, though safeguarded under e-money rules.

Understanding FX is not just about percentages - it is about what you actually pay at the till and ATM.

Standout UK options compared

Below are leading UK-friendly choices drawing on independent recommendations and product features.

Highlights behind the table:

• Wise has become a favourite for transparent, low-cost overseas spending with multi-currency support and clear pricing.
• Revolut is praised for weekday interbank rates and the ability to lock in ahead of a trip. Watch weekend fees unless you preload.
• Curve Premium eliminates separate top-ups by linking your existing cards, adds cashback outside Europe, and includes travel perks on higher plans.
• Caxton Black suits travellers who want a ringfenced pot with app-based control and UK-oriented travel discounts.

Pounds and sense: costs, impact and risks

• Fees and FX: Wise aims for mid-market rates with disclosed fees. Revolut is strong midweek but adds weekend markups unless you preload. Caxton offers competitive preloaded rates. Curve Premium removes foreign transaction fees on linked cards within plan limits while adding cashback outside Europe.
• Cash access: Expect monthly ATM allowances. Wise and Curve Premium include fee-free withdrawals up to limits. Caxton does not charge its own overseas ATM fee, though minimum withdrawals can be higher than a UK debit card and local machine fees may apply.
• Budget control: Prepaid and app-first cards provide instant spend alerts, freezing, and category tracking that reduce overspend.
• Protections: You typically get chargeback but not Section 75. Balances are not FSCS protected, so avoid parking large sums. Treat these as travel wallets, not savings accounts.
• Customer sentiment: UK prepaid travel cards average around 4.4 out of 5 on Trustpilot across thousands of reviews, with praise for ease, rates and support, and occasional gripes about fees and app quirks.

Keep only the amount you plan to spend on the card. Move more across as needed.

Can you get one

• Access: Most UK consumers can apply, including those with thin or poor credit files, because checks are identity-focused rather than full credit scoring.
• Residency and ID: Expect to provide proof of identity and sometimes address. UK residency is typically required.
• Age: Usually 18+. Some providers offer teen or junior cards with parental controls.
• Business use: Prepaid can work for business travel but consider cash flow. Funds loaded onto cards are tied up until spent.
• Compatibility: These cards are Visa or Mastercard, widely accepted globally. Some smaller merchants may prefer cash, so carry a backup.

Set up and travel in 7 steps

1. Download the provider app and verify identity.
2. Order the physical card or enable the virtual version.
3. Top up in GBP or load chosen currencies.
4. If Revolut, preload on weekdays to avoid weekend fees.
5. Set spending limits and enable instant notifications.
6. Add to mobile wallet for contactless and transit.
7. Withdraw cash within your free ATM allowance.

Advantages and drawbacks at a glance

Pros:

• Lower FX costs than many high street banks
• Clear app controls, freeze and alerts
• Widely accepted networks for contactless and chip and PIN
• Rewards and travel perks on selected plans
• No credit checks in most cases

Cons:

• No Section 75 protection and not FSCS protected
• Weekend FX markups with some providers
• ATM limits and potential local machine fees
• App downtime or card reload delays can disrupt trips
• Premium plans add monthly costs if you will not use perks

Red flags and fine print

• Limits: Check ATM caps, fair use policies and monthly free allowances.
• Fees: Watch weekend markups, currency conversion fees, and charges for premium tiers, replacement cards or express delivery.
• Insurance: Perks on premium plans vary by tier. Verify medical cover limits, trip length caps and eligibility.
• Safeguarding vs FSCS: E-money safeguarding is not the same as deposit protection. Spread funds if you are travelling for months.
• Merchants: Car hire and fuel pumps may place large pre-authorisations. Use a credit card for deposits when possible.

If not this, then what

• Credit cards with 0% foreign transaction fees for Section 75 protection on bigger purchases. Pay in full each month to avoid interest.
• Your existing UK debit card if it offers fee-free foreign spending.
• Cash for tips and small vendors, but avoid carrying large amounts.
• For business travel, consider Engine’s Direct Bill model with one invoice instead of loading multiple prepaid cards, improving cash flow and reducing admin.

Questions travellers ask

• Are prepaid cards cheaper than using my bank card abroad? Often, yes. Wise and Revolut offer market-based rates that can beat many high street debit cards. Curve Premium removes foreign fees on linked cards within plan limits.

• Do I get purchase protection? You typically have chargeback rights but not Section 75 on prepaid cards. Use a credit card for high-value bookings where protection matters.

• Can I withdraw cash for free? Most providers include a fee-free monthly allowance. Wise and Curve Premium have caps. Caxton does not add its own overseas ATM fee, though minimum withdrawal amounts and local ATM fees can apply.

• What happens at weekends with FX? Some cards add a weekend markup when markets are closed. With Revolut, preload during the week to avoid this.

• Is my money safe if the provider fails? Funds are safeguarded under e-money rules but not FSCS protected. Avoid storing large balances long term.

• Can I use one card for multiple currencies? Yes. Wise, Revolut and Caxton support multi-currency wallets so you can hold, convert and spend locally.

What to do next

• Decide what you value most: the lowest FX cost, travel perks or simple budgeting.
• Compare Wise, Revolut, Curve Premium and Caxton against your itinerary.
• Preload sensibly and keep a backup credit card for deposits and emergencies.
• Test your chosen card with a small spend before you fly, then enable notifications and set limits for the trip.

One card rarely fits every traveller. Match features to your route, cash needs and tolerance for fees.

Important information

This guide is for general information only and is not financial advice. Features and fees change. Check each provider’s latest terms before applying. If you need personalised guidance, speak to a regulated financial adviser.