Compare Prepaid Travel Cards and Save Today

Heading abroad soon? You’re probably beginning to think about spending money and what you’re going to do with it.

Prepaid travel cards can offer a practical way to lock in exchange rates and manage budgets without being linked to a bank account.

These cards provide peace of mind through fraud safeguards and instant app-based freezing for enhanced security.

Whether used for daily spending or avoiding foreign fees, you are limited to the balance you have pre-loaded.
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Currensea - Essential

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Transaction Fee £0
Monthly Fee £0
Card Fee £4.95
ATM withdrawal fees £0
Available currencies 180
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Connects directly to your UK bank account, making topping up easy Set up in minutes Supports all currencies Save an average of £43 a year in FX fees

Wise Travel Card

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Transaction Fee £0
Monthly Fee £0
Card Fee £7
ATM withdrawal fees Varies*
Available currencies 40+
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Real Exchange Rate. Always get the mid-market rate Use the card 40+ currencies & 160+ countries Get a digital card immediately Smart Auto-Conversion if you run out of a currency

*2 free withdrawals up to £200 per month.

Wise Debit Card

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Transaction Fee £0
Monthly Fee £0
Card Fee £7
ATM withdrawal fees Varies*
Available currencies 40+
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Real Exchange Rate, you always get the mid-market rate Use the card in 160+ countries Get a digital card immediately Smart Auto-Conversion if you run out of a currency

*2 free withdrawals up to £200 per month.

Hilton Honors Debit Card

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Transaction Fee £0
Monthly Fee £0*
Card Fee £4.95
ATM withdrawal fees £0
Available currencies 180
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Low FX rates Save on spending abroad Works with Google Pay / Apple Pay Link your existing current account Instant Hilton Honors Silver tier status

Earn Hilton Honors Points on everyday purchases.

*£30 first year fee. Offer ends 28 May 2026. Normally £60.

What is a Prepaid Travel Card?

In simple terms, a prepaid travel card is essentially a debit card without any ties to a bank account. You load up whatever currency you need before you leave, and then just tap and spend as you would with your ordinary bank card.

You can also load your home currency onto some cards, and your chosen prepaid card provider will convert the currency for you as you spend. You will usually be charged a foreign exchange fee, although these are typically much lower than you might expect to pay if you were to use your regular bank account abroad.

Your money is considered e-money and will be held separately from your prepaid card provider’s operating capital. This means that you should be protected if the provider goes bust.
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How to Choose a Prepaid Travel Card

Choosing a prepaid card for your holiday spending depends on what type of trip you’re taking and how you prefer to spend.

If you’re travelling to one destination or places that use the same currency, then a prepaid sterling or single-currency card might be right for you.

However, if you’re going to more than one country with different currencies, then a multi-currency card is probably your best choice.

Where Can I Use a Prepaid Travel Card?

Most prepaid cards are widely accepted across the world, including in restaurants, shops, and bars. You might see signs showing which cards are accepted before you buy, to make things easier.

If your prepaid travel money card isn’t accepted somewhere, the alternative could be to withdraw cash from an ATM.

Is it Worth Getting a Prepaid Travel Card?

If you’re wondering why a prepaid travel card is a good option for spending abroad, it often comes down to control and accessibility. Prepaid travel cards can help you manage your travel spend more easily, but there are also some limitations to consider.

Prepaid Travel Card Pros

Prepaid Travel Card Cons
Budget-friendly Possible fees
Widely accepted Lower protection compared to credit cards
Locked exchange rates (currency cards) Can be restrictive if you need emergency funds
Fees are typically lower than debit or credit cards for spending abroad May be harder to load money onto the card when abroad
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How Do I Check My Prepaid Travel Card Balance?

Checking your balance on a prepaid card is usually quick and straightforward. Most providers give you access to an online account or mobile app, where you can view your balance and track recent transactions at any time. You’ll usually need your login details or a PIN to access your balance.

You may be able to check your balance at an ATM, via a customer service phone line, or receive text updates. It’s always best to use your provider’s official app or website to keep your information secure.

Does a Prepaid Travel Card Affect My Credit Score?

Unlike credit or debit cards, spending activity on a prepaid card usually isn’t reported to credit reference agencies. That means your credit score won’t be impacted by your spending in a negative or positive way.

Opening up a prepaid travel card doesn’t usually require any credit checks, either, so you won’t see a dip to your credit score that you sometimes do when opening a credit card. So, if you’re looking to build a credit profile, a prepaid card is probably not the way to go.
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