Best Travel Cards for Overseas Travel in 2026
Choosing the right travel money card is the first step to a stress-free trip. While using your bank card might seem convenient, spending overseas can lead to unexpected fees for foreign transactions and withdrawals, and poor exchange rates.
Our guide helps you compare the top travel cards for Australians in 2026, so you can spend and withdraw cash securely, conveniently, and without the surprise costs.
Key takeaways for choosing the best travel card
Ultimately, the best card to use overseas will depend a lot on your preferences, travel style and where you’re heading off to. Here’s a quick peek at the cards we’ll look at in this guide, and what’s great about them:
- Wise travel card: mid-market exchange rates, with 40+ supported currencies and low conversion fees
- Revolut travel card: different account plan options which suit individual spending habits, with some no fee transactions included
- Travelex travel card: 10 supported currencies, with option to pick up in store if you’re in a hurry
- 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard: reward earning credit card option with no foreign transaction fee to pay
In this guide we have reviewed cards based on their availability, fees, convenience and safety, looking at popular providers in Australia.
What is a travel money card?
A travel money card is a debit, prepaid or credit card which has been optimised for overseas use. Depending on the card you pick, you may be able to hold a foreign currency balance, avoid foreign transaction costs, or earn rewards as you spend internationally.
When choosing a travel card, check:
- Acceptance in the countries you’re visiting (and whether it’s Visa/Mastercard, etc.)
- Exchange rates and currency conversion fees
- Other charges such as card fees, monthly fees, ATM fees, or inactivity fees
When you’re selecting the right travel card for your specific needs, you’ll want to check if it supports spending in the country or countries you’re heading off to. It’s also important to take a look at the exchange rates used for currency conversion, and any other fees which may apply like monthly charges or inactivity fees.
Benefits of a travel card
Using a travel card could offer these benefits:
- Hold a balance in the currency you need for spending overseas, allowing you to set your budget ahead of time
- Cut the costs of currency conversion and avoid foreign transaction fees
- Make cash withdrawals to get your foreign currency cash – that’s safer and more convenient than using a money changer
- Some cards also offer extras like travel rewards or partner discounts
Find the best travel card for your travel style
Not all overseas travel cards work the same way. The right option depends on where you’re going, how often you travel, and how you spend overseas.
Here’s a summary of the best travel cards compared for Australians based on destination and trip type:
- Best for Europe: Multiple currency support, low conversion fees, and flexible ATM access for multi-country trips. Read more about the best cards to use in Europe
- Best for USA: Low international transaction fees, widespread card acceptance, and mobile wallet compatibility. Explore the 3 best travel cards to use in the USA.
- Best for families: Low international transaction fees, widespread card acceptance, and mobile wallet compatibility. Explore the 3 best travel cards to use in the USA.
- Best for students: Low fees, easy top-ups, and good ATM access for longer stays or exchange programs.
- Best for digital nomads: Multi-currency flexibility, simple transfers, and strong mobile account management.Tip: Compare travel cards based on your destination, spending habits, and trip length.
Travel money cards comparison by type
In this guide we’ll compare some travel card options including prepaid travel cards vs debit cards vs credit cards. However, it’s important to remember when selecting the best card for overseas travel that the right card for you will depend on your own unique needs.
Before we look at specific cards, here’s a quick side by side comparison of the different card types you might select for travel, so you can get a feel for which might suit your needs.
| Prepaid travel cards | Debit cards | Credit cards |
|---|---|---|
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Alex chose the Wise travel card for overseas spendings
Here’s what one Wise customer says about using the Wise card for travel spending:
“The only way to travel knowing my Wise card is on my phone, the most reliably efficient money card I’ve ever used. My first travel tip to anyone is get yourself a Wise card.”
*Customer name changed for privacy. The customer was not paid to share a review. Review taken from Trustpilot
Popular travel cards compared
Let’s dive into the details of our travel card reviews. Here we’ll explore the top travel cards we’ve picked for Australians heading off on their next adventure.
In this guide we’ve selected the best travel cards based on factors including currency support, fees and availability, looking at a range of different card and provider types.
Wise is our pick for travel debit card
With this card:
- It’s very easy to set up and order
- You can receive foreign currency into a multi-currency account linked to the card
- You can transfer money to a bank account overseas
- Currency conversion using the mid-market exchange rat
Other things to consider:
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- It takes 7-14 days for delivery
Wise card fees
| Fee type | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | No annual fee |
| Card issuance | One-off card fee may apply |
| Foreign transaction fees | No hidden foreign transaction fee |
| Exchange rate | Mid-market exchange rate + transparent conversion fee |
| ATM withdrawals | Withdraw up to A$400 with no Wise fee, then 2.69%* |
| Minimum balance | None |
Revolut – multi-currency travel card
With this card:
- Choose from different account plans with their own features and fees, which all come with a linked card
- Hold and receive a selection of foreign currencies
- Some weekday exchange with the Revolut exchange rate available on all accounts – fair usage or out of hours fees may apply on some account types
Revolut card fees
| Fee type | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | None |
| 0 AUD – 28.99 AUD | Standard plan has no ongoing fees |
| Foreign transaction fees | No foreign transaction fee for supported spending |
| Exchange rate | Revolut exchange rate within limits; additional fees may apply outside limits or on weekends |
| ATM withdrawals | Monthly allowance based on plan, then 2% fee applies |
| Minimum balance | None |
| Card delivery | Delivery fee may apply depending on plan |
Fees, limits and inclusions vary by account type and may change over time.
Travelex Money Card – prepaid travel card
With this card:
- There are no ATM fees so you can withdraw cash at no extra cost
- You can access Travelex’s online rates
- Order online or in store, for collection or delivery
- Can load up to 10 currencies including AUD, USD, EUR, GBP and NZD.
- Compatible with wallets like Apple Pay
- $0 overseas ATM fees
- Free Replacement Card
- 24/7 Global Support
Travelex Money Card Fees
| Fee type | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | None |
| Setup fee | No setup fee |
| Foreign transaction fees | Included through prepaid exchange process |
| Exchange rate | Travelex exchange rate may include a markup |
| ATM withdrawals | $0 overseas ATM withdrawal fee charged by Travelex |
| Initial load | Minimum initial load applies (typically AUD $100–$350) |
| Inactivity fee | Applies after 12 months of inactivity |
| Replacement card | Free replacement available |
28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard – travel credit card
With this card:
- There are no annual fees in year 1*
- No overseas purchase fee or currency conversion fee
- You get 55 days interest free on purchases
- Access to free 24/7 concierge service
- Emergency card replacement worldwide
28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard fees
| Fee type | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | 0 in year one |
| Ongoing annual fee | AUD $96 after year one |
| Foreign transaction fee | $0 |
| Overseas purchase fee | $0 |
| Currency conversion fee | $0 |
| Interest-free period | Up to 55 days on purchases |
| Additional cardholders | No additional cardholder fee |
| Replacement card | Free emergency replacement available |
Learn more about the 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard
Bank travel card options compared
Not found what you wanted in our travel money cards reviews? Check this additional travel card comparison table for fees and features for different travel debit and credit cards available for Australians travelling overseas.
| Debit cards | Monthly Account fee | International ATM fee | International point-of-sale fee | Currency conversion fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ING Orange Everyday Visa | $0 | $0 | 3.0%* | 3.0%* |
| NAB Classic Banking Visa | $0 | $5 | 3.5% | 3.5% |
| ANZ Access Advantage Visa | $5 | $5 | 3.0% | 3.0% |
| Credit cards | Annual fee | Currency conversion fee | Travel insurance | Cash advance costs |
| Bankwest Zero ClassicMastercard | $0 | 2.95% | No | 3% of transaction amount or $4 (whichever is greater) |
| 28 Degrees by Latitude Mastercard | $96 | 0% | No | 3.5% of the cash advance or $4 (whichever is greater). |
| CommBank Low Rate Credit Card Mastercard | $72 | 3.5% | No | 3% of transaction amount or $4 (whichever is greater) |
| Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard | $0 | 1.1% when loading AUD in-store; no fee online | $3.50 or equivalent when abroad, 2.95% domestic | 0% (Spend rate applies, which may include a markup) |
| Qantas Travel Money | $0 | $0 | $1.95 or equivalent | 0% (Spend rate applies, which may include a markup) |
** Monthly fee waived for eligible customers. Data collected on 28th May 2026.
Tips for using a travel money card
Before you decide which travel money card will best suit your needs, it’s worth comparing a few, bearing in mind these handy travel money card tips:
- Exchange rate – check what rate is used to convert your dollars to the currency needed for spending in your destination. A card which uses the mid-market rate or as close as possible to it is usually the best value
- Coverage – make sure your card covers the currency you’ll need in your destination, as fees may apply if it doesn’t. Picking a card which covers a large number of currencies can also mean you’re able to use your travel money card on future trips.
- Safety – check the card’s safety features. Most cards are linked to an app which allows you to view transactions, check your balance and freeze or unfreeze your card if you need to
- Fees – read through all the possible fees associated with your card before you sign up. Costs may include a foreign transaction fee when spending an unsupported currency, ATM fees, a cash out charge or inactivity fees if you don’t use your card often for example
- Rewards – some travel money cards also offer some nice extras, like ways to earn rewards or discounts, or free wifi when you travel. Travel credit cards in particular have lots of rewards on offer, although you may have to pay an annual fee to get them
Which is the best travel card with no fees?
You’re unlikely to find any travel cards with absolutely no fees, but you may find cards which have low or no fees for the types of transactions you need to make often. Choosing a card which has no ongoing fees to pay, and no inactivity fee to worry about, can keep down the overall costs you pay. It’ll also mean that you can use your card as often or as little as you like without paying fees every month.
Aside from ongoing fees, look for travel cards which minimise other common costs like currency exchange and ATM use, to make sure you get the one which will work out cheapest for your specific needs.
Related: Best travel cards with no foreign transaction fees
Should I have a travel card or a credit card for travelling?
Travel debit and prepaid cards can often end up cheaper than using a credit card when you’re abroad. You can find travel cards like the Wise card which have no annual or monthly fee, and no foreign transaction fee – plus travel debit and prepaid cards often let you hold a foreign currency balance.
Travel credit cards don’t let you hold a balance in other currencies, but might let you spend fairly cheaply when you’re away. They can offer good rewards and extras as part of the package – like insurance or lounge access – but there might be an annual fee, and you could run into interest and penalty charges depending on how you spend.
For many customers, having several different cards for travel makes sense. Getting a travel prepaid card for day to day use, and having a travel credit card for larger purchases or emergency use may ultimately be the best bet.
Conclusion – Which is the best travel card for Australians travelling overseas?
There’s no single best travel money card – which works best for you will depend on your personal preferences and where you’re heading.
Using a multi-currency debit card which supports a large range of currencies can keep your costs low and allow you to skip foreign transaction fees. Plus you’ll be able to use your card for online shopping in foreign currencies, or for your next trip abroad, with no ongoing fees to worry about.
Prepaid travel money cards are safe and easy to use, and you can often pick one up instantly if you’re in a hurry. You’ll be able to add travel money before you leave or top up as you travel, although it’s worth converting to the currency you need in advance, and looking for a card with mid-market exchange rates to avoid extra costs.
Generally using a credit card will come with the highest overall fees – but you’ll be able to spread out the costs of your travel over a few months if you need to, and you may also be able to earn rewards or cash back as you spend. Use this guide to compare different card types and options, and pick the perfect one for your needs.
FAQ for best cards to use overseas
Which is the best travel card for use in Australia?
If you’re using a travel card in Australia, look for an option with no fee for local transactions or for AUD top ups. The Wise card can be a good choice, or if you prefer to use credit, look out for the Latitude 28 Degrees card.
Which travel card is best for Europe?
The best travel card for Europe needs to suit your needs. A good option is Wise, not only do you get the mid-market exchange rates when spending in euros, you get a set of account details with which you can receive EUR transfers, as if you were a local.
Which bank has the best travel card?
If you want a travel card from an Australian bank you may like the CommBank travel money card. CommBank has lots of ATMs and branches in Australia if you’re someone who prefers doing your banking in person, and likes to spend in cash.
Is Wise better than the Commbank travel card?
The Wise card supports 40+ currencies which gives more flexibility than the Commbank card which has 16. Wise also uses the mid-market rate for currency conversion, while Commbank might add a markup to the rate used to convert your AUD for overseas spending. However, the Commbank card has no issue fee, and Wise does charge a one time card order fee. Compare both to see which works best for you.
What is the best card to use while travelling?
There’s no single best travel money card – which is best for you will depend on your personal preferences. Usually having a few different ways to pay is a smart move, so packing a travel debit card or prepaid card, your credit card and some cash can mean you’re prepared for all eventualities.
Do travel cards charge fees?
Travel cards may include card issuance fees, ATM withdrawal fees, inactivity charges, or currency conversion costs. Compare the total cost of using a card overseas—not just the exchange rate.
Can I use my travel card for online purchases?
If you have an international money card you can use it to buy things online where the card network is supported. Look out for the network logo when you check out.
