Top Prepaid travel cards FX products providers in the UK

Your shortlist for cheaper spending abroad

UK travellers can dodge poor rates and hidden charges with the right travel money card. Here we compare reputable UK options that keep FX costs low, help you budget, and improve security when you are away.

Understanding FX fees is about real pounds saved - not percentages on a page.

Who should read this

If you pay in other currencies, withdraw cash overseas, or want to lock in rates before you fly, this guide is for you. It suits holidaymakers, frequent travellers, students abroad, and anyone who prefers app-based control and clear pricing.

Jargon made simple

• Interbank rate - The rate banks trade currencies at. Some fintechs pass this on with small fees.
• FX fee - A percentage or markup charged when converting currencies.
• Weekend markup - Some providers add a small fee at weekends when FX markets are closed.
• Prepaid card - Load funds before travel. Spend only what is loaded.
• Debit card - Linked to a current account. Spend comes straight from your bank balance.
• Locked rate - Exchange currency in advance to avoid later rate moves.
• ATM fees - Charges for cash withdrawals. These can be from your provider, the ATM operator, or both.
• Multi-currency wallet - Hold and switch between currencies within the app.

Prepaid cards give budgeting control and transparency. Many let you lock rates before you go, use real-time alerts, and freeze the card instantly in-app. Debit alternatives can be simpler if you prefer not to preload, but may miss prepaid perks like lounge deals or multi-currency balances.

The contenders at a glance

Note: ATM operators may charge their own fee regardless of card.

What it costs - and why it matters

• FX conversion: Wise often undercuts banks significantly with transparent fees. Revolut uses interbank rates on weekdays but adds a weekend markup. Caxton and Post Office provide competitive travel rates. Curve depends on plan and the card you link. Chase relies on Mastercard’s wholesale rate with no FX fee.
• Cash withdrawals: Many prepaid cards keep provider fees low but ATM owners may charge. Curve premium plans include free ATM withdrawals up to about £1,000 per month. Chase allows £500 per day and £1,500 per month.
• Perks vs price: Caxton bundles travel discounts. Curve premium adds insurance, lounges, and cashback. Revolut and Wise focus on sharp FX and strong apps. Perks have plan fees on some tiers, so ensure the benefits outweigh costs for your trip length and spend.
• Risk control: Prepaid balances cap exposure if the card is compromised. App freezes, instant alerts, and spend limits reduce fraud risk and help budgeting.

Overall impact: Choosing a card with transparent FX, sensible ATM terms, and tools you will actually use can save meaningful pounds on a typical family holiday and make spending far easier to track.

Who can get these cards

• Residency: Caxton, Wise, Revolut, Curve, Post Office, and Chase UK target UK residents. Chase is for UK residents aged 18+ with a current account.
• Verification: Expect standard KYC checks. You will need photo ID and proof of address.
• Funding: Prepaid cards must be loaded before spending. Wise and Caxton support quick bank transfers and card top-ups. Curve links to your existing cards, so no preload is needed.
• Compatibility: All are on the Mastercard network, widely accepted at millions of locations globally.
• Limits: Watch plan-based limits on ATM withdrawals and exchange amounts, especially at weekends or on free plan tiers.

If you have thin credit history, prepaid cards are typically easier to obtain than credit cards as they do not require a credit check for borrowing.

Set up and go - simple steps

1. Choose the card that fits your trip pattern and spend.
2. Complete in-app identity checks and order the card.
3. Add funds or link your existing cards as required.
4. If prepaid, convert currencies you need in advance.
5. Enable instant notifications and security controls.
6. Test a small transaction before you travel.
7. Use local currency at terminals to avoid DCC.
8. Track spend, freeze if lost, and reload as needed.

Upsides and trade-offs

Prepaid cards shine for budgeting, rate locking, and fraud control. Wise offers stand-out value on FX versus banks. Revolut’s weekday interbank rates and smart app tools help active travellers. Caxton adds travel perks and spending controls. Curve simplifies your wallet by putting all your cards behind one card with premium travel extras. Chase gives fee-free overseas spending with bank-grade security for those who prefer a straightforward debit.

Trade-offs include weekend markups, plan fees for premium perks, and cash withdrawal limits. Preloading ties up funds, and some providers have higher minimum ATM withdrawals than a regular debit card. Always check ATM owner fees.

Read this before you pick

• Weekend timing: With Revolut, exchange on weekdays to avoid the weekend markup.
• ATM owner charges: Even if your provider is fee-free, the machine may not be.
• Minimum withdrawals: Caxton can have higher minimum ATM amounts than your bank.
• Cash flow: Prepaid balances are ring-fenced until you transfer back. This can matter on longer trips.
• App controls: Freezing, rate alerts, and budget categories are only useful if you switch them on.
• DCC traps: Choose to pay in the local currency to avoid poor merchant conversion.

If these do not fit

• Business travel alternative: Direct Bill solutions consolidate bookings and payments with business-only rates, freeing working capital compared with prepaid loads. Useful for UK firms managing recurring trips.
• Traditional credit cards: Some UK credit cards have no FX fees and Section 75 protection, but can charge cash withdrawal fees and interest.
• Cash: Useful for tips and small vendors but higher loss and fraud risk. Withdraw with a low-fee card where possible.

Common questions

• Are prepaid cards safer than carrying cash? Yes. You can freeze the card instantly and only the loaded balance is at risk. Cash is not recoverable if lost.
• Which is cheapest overall? Wise is often the lowest cost against banks thanks to transparent, tight FX pricing. Revolut can be excellent on weekdays. Always compare for your currency and dates.
• Can I lock a rate before travel? Yes. Revolut and Caxton allow you to exchange in advance to secure a rate and avoid weekend markups.
• Will ATMs charge me? Your provider may not, but ATM operators can add their own fee. Check the on-screen notice before accepting.
• Do these cards work everywhere? All listed options use the Mastercard network and are widely accepted globally, although acceptance can vary by merchant and country.
• What about cashback and perks? Curve premium offers 1% cashback outside Europe plus travel insurance and lounge options. Caxton includes travel partner deals. Chase offers 1% cashback in the UK for year one, not abroad.
• Is there a cap on withdrawals? Yes. Typical examples include Curve premium free ATM up to around £1,000 per month and Chase at £500 daily and £1,500 monthly. Plans and tiers matter.

Make your move

• Decide your priority: lowest FX cost, perks, or simplicity.
• If you want sheer value, start with Wise. For weekday interbank and slick tools, consider Revolut. For travel perks and budgeting, look at Caxton. Prefer one wallet for many cards and premium extras? Try Curve. Want a bank-backed debit with no FX fee? Chase fits.
• Order early, test in the UK, and set your app controls before you fly.

Small print you should know

Information reflects UK-focused products and features available at time of writing. Fees, limits, plan tiers, and perks change. Always check the latest terms on each provider’s site before you apply or travel. This is not financial advice.