If you take your bank or credit card abroad then your bank typically charge you between 2% and 5% on each transaction. However changing money before you go will likely mean you will get a bad exchange rate. The better option is a travel debit card.
Although using a prepaid travel card is safer than carrying around large amounts of cash and can help you avoid overspending, prepaid cards often come with lots of fees. Common charges to watch out for include application fees, monthly fees, ATM withdrawal fees, inactivity fees and redemption fees.
Prepaid travel cards also can’t be used in certain circumstances, such as in places that require a security deposit, and some petrol stations. Prepaid cards also don’t offer the same level of protection as credit cards.
A better solution, offered by Currensea, is a travel debit card. You simply spend abroad in any desired currency as the money will be collected from your existing bank account by direct debit. A new way to spend abroad without worrying about fees, topping-up, and managing multiple accounts.
See how much your bank charges you in rates and fees
Savings are based on a two week family holiday in Florida
TOTAL CHARGES, %
TOTAL CHARGES, £
CURRENSEA ELITE & PREMIUM PLAN
0%
£0
CURRENSEA ESSENTIAL
0.5%
£46.13
RBS
3.27%
£301.71
BARCLAYS
3.51%
£323.86
HSBC
3.38%
£311.50
LLOYDS
4.03%
£371.86
SANTANDER
3.63%
£334.61
TSB
4.56%
£421.20
…vs high street banks
You still get all the security of using your bank account, just without the fees. It’s as simple as that.
TOTAL CHARGES, %
TOTAL CHARGES, £
CURRENSEA ELITE & PREMIUM PLAN
0%
£0
CURRENSEA ESSENTIAL
0.5%
£46.13
CURVE + £4.99 card delivery
2.58%
£238.29
CAXTON
2.25%
£207.60
FAIRFX
2.27%
£209.60
TRAVELEX
4.40%
£405.98
CANNYAPP
4.52%
£417.05
POST OFFICE
4.53%
£418.20
…vs travel money cards and prepaid travel cards
With Currensea's travel debit card you don’t have to worry about topping up or juggling currencies. We automatically give you the best exchange rate, every single time you spend.
