qantas travel card reviews

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This prepaid travel money card offers Qantas Points on all eligible purchases at home and overseas.

The Qantas Travel Money Card is a reloadable, prepaid Mastercard that lets you load and lock in exchange rates for up to 10 foreign currencies. This gives you a way to avoid currency conversion fees when you're travelling or shopping online with overseas retailers. The Qantas Travel Money Card (previously known as Qantas Cash) is also the only prepaid travel money card that lets you earn Qantas Points as you spend.

Note: Qantas Travel Money is rebranding as Qantas Pay from May 2024. Existing cardholders can keep using their cards, but applications for new Qantas Pay cards won't be available until 21 May 2024. We'll update this review with fresh details when Qantas Pay launches.

Qantas Travel Money Card supported currencies

• Australian dollars (AUD)
• United States dollars (USD)
• Great Britain pounds (GBP)
• Euros (EUR)
• Thai baht (THB)
• New Zealand dollars (NZD)
• Singapore dollars (SGD)
• Hong Kong dollars (HKD)
• Canadian dollars (CAD)
• Japanese yen (JPY)
• Emirates dirham (AED)

You can load money onto the card in any of these supported currencies. You can also transfer funds between the currency wallets held on your card.

Exchange rates

Qantas and Mastercard Prepaid determine the foreign exchange rates used on this card, which vary daily. You'll get details of the applicable exchange rate before you load funds or transfer them between currency wallets.

You can also get details of current exchange rates through the Qantas Money app, website or by calling Mastercard Qantas Travel Money Global Support on 1300 825 302 (Australia) or +61 1300 825 302 (overseas).

Funds loaded via bank transfer or BPAY are loaded in Australian dollars, which is the default currency. You can change your default currency by logging into your account online at Qantas Travel Money.

Currency wallet order

If you're spending money in a currency that's loaded on your card, those funds will be used first. For example, if you're in the UK and have GBP loaded on your card, the payment would be made in GBP.

Default currency order

• AUD Australian Dollars
• USD United States Dollars
• GBP Great British pounds
• THB Thai baht
• NZD New Zealand Dollars
• SGD Singapore Dollars
• HKD Hong Kong Dollars
• CAD Canadian Dollars
• JPY Japanese Yen
• AED United Arab Emirates Dirham

Where can I use my Qantas Travel Money (Qantas Cash) Card

The Qantas Travel Money Card can be used around the world, where Mastercard is accepted. This includes in-store, online and at ATMs.

Just keep in mind that some businesses may not accept a Mastercard Prepaid card, including for pre-authorising transactions (such as hotel security deposits). You also you can't use it for manual or offline transactions, unlawful activity, gambling or adult entertainment.

Features of the Qantas Travel Money Card

• Locked-in exchange rates. You'll get details of the exchange rate before you add funds to this card and can lock it in for the supported foreign currencies. This helps you avoid changes in the exchange rate when you're overseas. It also makes it easier to know how much money you have to spend in each currency.
• Earn Qantas Points. You'll earn 1.5 Qantas Points per AUD$1 on eligible spending in a foreign currency and 1 Qantas Point per AUD$4 spent in Australia. Eligible spending includes most purchases and retail payments. But transactions that don't earn points include money orders, foreign currency purchases, gambling chips and ATM withdrawals.
• Earn points twice with partners. If you use the Qantas Travel Money Card to pay for spending with Qantas partners, you'll earn points once with the merchant and once with the card.
• Worldwide ATM alliance. You can access cash anywhere in the world at any ATM that accepts Mastercard Prepaid.
• Smartphone app. The Qantas Money app gives you a way to manage your account and check details straight from your phone or device. This includes checking your balance and transactions, loading funds, getting your PIN and temporarily locking the card.
• No domestic ATM withdrawal fees. You can withdraw cash at any ATM within Australia without being charged a fee. But keep in mind that some ATM operators may directly impose a separate fee.

How much does the Qantas Travel Money Card cost?

There's no monthly or annual fee for the Qantas Travel Money Card but some fees do apply at other times. So, we've covered them here:

How to use the Qantas Travel Money card

Once you have successfully requested your Qantas Travel Money Card, here are 3 key steps to use it.

1. Activate the card

After requesting the card, you'll get details of how to set up your account. This includes an identity verification process that's typically done online, but may be done in-person if required.

Your card will be activated once you've set up your account. You'll then need to get your PIN, which you can do by logging in to the Qantas Money website or app, or by calling Mastercard Qantas Travel Money Card Global Support on 1300 825 302, or +61 1300 825 302 from overseas.

2. Load funds on the card

You can add funds to your Qantas Travel Money Card online or through the app using BPAY, bank transfers or a debit card.

With BPAY, it takes up to 2 business days for the transaction to be processed and funds to be available. With a bank transfer, it takes 1 day. With a debit card, funds are instantly available but there is a 0.5% fee for loading funds via debit card. Note that payments processed after 2pm AEST may take longer.

Manage your account

You can can check your transaction history and balances, transfer currencies and update you settings at any time by logging in to your account through the Qantas Money app or website.

Alternatively, you can calling Mastercard Qantas Travel Money Card Global Support on 1300 825 302 in Australia or +61 1300 825 302 from overseas.

What do I do if I return home with foreign currency remaining on the card?

There are no fees for keeping funds on this card. So you could leave them in the foreign currency, convert them to another foreign currency or convert them to Australian dollars to spend domestically.

You can also transfer funds to another Qantas Travel Money Card through your account.

If you decide to close the account, you can contact Mastercard Qantas Travel Money Global Support on 1300 825 302 and get the remaining funds deposited in your nominated bank account.

Who do I contact if my card is lost, stolen or damaged?

You can put a temporary lock on your card through the Qantas Money app if it's lost or stolen.

For further security support or to cancel the card due to fraud, contact Mastercard Qantas Travel Money Card Global Support on 1300 825 302 in Australia or +61 1300 825 302 from overseas.

How to get the Qantas Travel Money Card

You can request a Qantas Travel Money Card online through the Qantas Money website.

You'll need to log in to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account and fill in a simple request form.

Are there any eligibility requirements?

You must be more than 16 years old, a Qantas Frequent Flyer member and have a residential address in Australia. You also need to complete an identity check. If this can't be done online, you can get your ID verified at an Australia Post outlet.

• Qantas Travel Money changes FAQ
• Qantas Travel Money Card information PDF
• Qantas Travel Money Card TMD

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February 18, 2024

Should I load Japanese Yen onto my Qantas Money card to use in Japan or is it better to just load AUD and use that

Sarah Megginson Finder

February 20, 2024

Hi Maya, If you load it as AU currency, you may be charged currency conversion fees and international transaction fees, so you’re better off loading Yen.

February 07, 2024

Can you use your Qantas Money card to tap for purchases overseas? Will it work in Egypt?

February 14, 2024

The card works in all countries except in geographical regions currently affected by sanctions. These include Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Syria and the Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk regions, though Qantas may change and update this list at any time.

You will need to present the card and physically insert or swipe it, so you won’t be able to tap.

Hope this helps!

January 15, 2024

Can I deposit cash to qf money card? If yes how and where I can do it? Any charges for cash loading?

Yes, a charge of 0.5% applies for loading currency.

You can do this online.

Best of luck!

December 21, 2023

Hello Amy, Which of the Travel Money Cards can be linked to your phone for digital payments?

Amy Bradney-George Finder

December 27, 2023

Hi Pete, Thanks for your question. One option is to consider cards that can be added to Apple Pay or Google Pay, such as the Wise Travel Money Card or Revolut travel account. Some cards also offer apps that you can use to pay and/or manage the account. While mobile wallet payments are easy for online shopping, keep in mind that you may need to use a physical card when you’re travelling. So you may want to compare a wider range of travel money cards to find one you want. I hope this helps.

November 19, 2023

I want to know, if I have loaded CAN dollars and used my card for ‘tap’ purchases, such as a coffee ect. Do fees apply?

November 21, 2023

Hi Bel, This card doesn’t charge additional fees for contactless payments. Just keep in mind that there could be other costs, for example if a business applied a fee for card payments. I hope this helps.

Amy Bradney-George

Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald. See full profile

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6 Credit Cards That Earn Qantas Points

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Are you familiar with Qantas Airways? This Australian airline is a member of Oneworld alliance and maintains an increasingly rare distance-based award chart. To that end, you may want to build up your stash of Qantas Points, though finding Qantas cards isn’t as intuitive as you may think.

Let’s take a look at six different cards that earn these points, including the best Qantas Points travel cards.

» Learn more: The guide to Qantas Frequent Flyer

Top Qantas credit cards

Although Qantas has a number of co-branded credit cards, these are limited to consumers in Australia. You won’t find any Qantas cards within the U.S, but that doesn’t mean earning points is difficult.

Thanks to its strong partnerships with a number of transferable point currencies , Qantas has made it simple to acquire points for reward flights.

These partnerships are especially valuable for those looking to redeem miles for flights with other Oneworld alliance members, such as Alaska Airlines and American Airlines. Both of these airlines lack transfer partnerships with any major card issuer, making their miles more difficult to obtain compared to Qantas Points.

Here are the six best cards for Qantas Points:

1. The Platinum Card® from American Express

Our first pick for earning points is The Platinum Card® from American Express , which is a premium travel credit card with an expensive annual fee to match.

Because of this, cardholders can expect high-end travel benefits such as airport lounge access , hotel elite status and hundreds of dollars in credits each year. This includes a monthly Uber Cash credit, a Walmart Plus membership credit and a $100 Saks 5th Ave credit.

This is in addition to the following welcome offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

American Express has 20 different hotel and airline partners to which you can transfer your Membership Rewards . This includes Qantas Airways, where you can convert your AmEx points at a 1:1 ratio, meaning one AmEx point becomes one Qantas point.

Qantas Airways charges just 30,200 points for a one-way economy class ticket from Los Angeles to Papeete, French Polynesia. You could earn nearly enough points for a round-trip ticket just by signing up for The Platinum Card® from American Express .

Terms apply.

2. American Express® Gold Card

Another contender from AmEx is the American Express® Gold Card . This mid-tier card earns four points per dollar spent on both U.S. restaurants and supermarkets, making it a very lucrative option for those who spend a lot on food.

Along with these bonus categories, you’ll also receive $10 each month in Uber Cash and $10 per month towards select dining purchases.

The card also comes with the following welcome offer: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply.

As with The Platinum Card® from American Express , you’ll be able to transfer your AmEx points over to Qantas at a 1:1 ratio.

» Learn more: The points collector’s guide to Qantas Airlines

3. Citi Premier® Card

The Citi Premier® Card is a good option for earning Qantas Points, especially with the following signup bonus: Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou® Points per $1 spend on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.

Charging a ​​ $95 annual fee, the card doesn’t come with a ton of travel benefits. However, it does earn three points per dollar spent on restaurants, supermarkets, air travel, hotels and gas stations, making Citi ThankYou points easy to accrue.

Among Citi’s 17 hotel, airline and shopping partners is Qantas Airways. Citi points transfer over to Qantas at a 1:1 ratio.

Citi Premier® Card holders receive double the value when they convert their ThankYou points to Choice Privileges points.

4. Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — Capital One’s foray into the luxury card market — charges a $395 annual fee but makes up for it with a whole host of benefits. This includes a $300 annual travel credit, a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus, airport lounge access and a Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit.

The card is currently featuring the following welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

Capital One has 18 different hotel and airline transfer partners, including Qantas Airways. Capital One Miles transfer over to Qantas Points at a 1:1 ratio.

» Learn more: How Oneworld elite status works

5. Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Often referred to as the younger sibling of the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card offers five miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One travel. Otherwise, you’ll earn a flat two miles per dollar spent on every purchase.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card charges a fee of $95 annually and features the following welcome offer: Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

As with the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , you can transfer miles earned with this card to Qantas Airways at a 1:1 ratio.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

6. Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Did you think you’d see a hotel credit card on this list? Believe it or not, Marriott Bonvoy points have a wide variety of airline partners to which they can transfer. This includes Qantas Airways.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is another premium travel credit card, offering Marriott elite status, a $300 annual statement credit for spending at eligible restaraunts, airport lounge access and an anniversary free night award to cardholders.

Along with 37 other airlines, Marriott Bonvoy points transfer over to Qantas Airways at a 3:1 ratio, meaning three Marriott points become one Qantas point.

However, Marriott will also throw in a 5,000 mile bonus when you transfer 60,000 points to an airline. This means that if you transfer 60,000 Marriott points you’ll end up with a total of 25,000 airline miles.

» Learn more: Oneworld alliance award sweet spots and transfers partners

If you’re trying to earn Qantas points

Those looking to redeem Qantas points can take advantage of its Oneworld membership to book flights with airlines such as Alaska, American, British Airways and Japan Airlines, making these a valuable and easy-to-use currency.

Although Qantas doesn’t offer any of its own co-branded credit cards within the U.S., that doesn’t mean its points are hard to earn. This is thanks to its variety of transfer partnerships, including American Express, Citi, Capital One and Marriott.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Qantas Cash Travel Card - Australia Forum

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Qantas Cash Travel Card

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Hi, just curious for responses to the effectiveness of the Qantas Cash Travel Card, also known as the Frequent Flyer card. I have just discovered this and wonder who has used it overseas.

I am loathe to pay international transfer fee costs when using any card to buy goods or services, but know its payable when you have to take cash out of an ATM. So I was searching for a suitable card.

This seems like a good one, especially if you leave it in AUD, then the day you use it overseas, its whatever that day's cash rate is that gets charged. Good for if the currency is down when you load the card, then goes up - yes I know the other side of the story too.

So any comments on this particular card, or something else that might be better - thanks in advance

Start here on travel card comparisons - Qantas charge a 3% FX fee

https://www.canstar.com.au/travel-money-cards/

Travel cards are a poor choice. Have a read of this thread which covers it well:

https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/ShowTopic-g255093-i698-k9968990-Foreign_money_exchange-Adelaide_Greater_Adelaide_South_Australia.html

Exceptionally poor. Financial products like these target those who seek 'convenience' at an excess cost.

When I last checked the Qantas card had a very poor exchange rate, with an effective fee closer to 6% than 3%,

To get cash overseas, open a Citibank Plus bank account, which comes with a Visa debit card that has no overseas ATM withdrawal fees and an excellent exchange rate. For larger purchases, get a 28 Degrees Mastercard which has no fees for overseas purchases (in person or over the Internet) and again an excellent exchange rate. These cards have no account fees.

I suspect it was an incredibly big ego boost for some people at mastercard and qantas to make this card available, actual uptake and usage ...well hmm.

I used CBA cash card in Canada and USA 2 years ago. I imagine Qantas card would not be any better. Stay away from it. It is a huge rip off.

Well, thanks everyone for your advice. I checked their cash rate yesterday against Ozforex and it was a little lower, but even the banks are always lower than them. The one bonus I feel it has going for it, I can use it here at home for my daily purchases (remembering to top it up regularly), and be earning Qantas Frequent Flyer points at the same time, without any cost to me. I absolutely refuse to pay a yearly charge to have a credit card, regardless of what it will do for me. Unfortunately, as I am now retired, I cannot obtain a new credit card - they don't want to know me, regardless of how much money I have in the bank.

Just for the record, there are no account fees for either Citibank Plus account or 28 Degrees Mastercard.

>> I checked their cash rate yesterday against Ozforex and it was a little lower<<

Check it against the actual inter-bank rate, which you can get from Google by asking "100 AUD in USD". The interbank rate is what you get from these two cards.

Lyn B, I feel your pain. We are exactly in the same position - retired and unable to get any new cards except the cash card issued by the bank or the travel exchange. Before we travelled last year I tried on line to apply for a 28 degrees MasterCard but unfortunately didn't meet the criteria. That card is something I wish I'd known about while I was still working (8 years ago). We have a Citibank Rewards credit card, not a Plus account, which we use for booking travel and use the complimentary travel insurance, but we can't increase the limit on this card either because we no longer have an "income".

Being retired is not so much of an issue. If you have a basic super and pension income you would still be eligible albeit with a lower credit limit. And also I believe it is ANZ which uses asset value. 28degrees you do not need to prove income. I would consider Bankwest too as they have a no fee and no intl surcharge card.,

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Qantas Travel Money Card Review

While it’s straightforward to obtain foreign currency overseas, a quick trip to an ATM, or a currency exchange bureau, can leave you at the mercy of hidden fees and exchange rates. This is when a travel money card can be your friend. Travel money cards allow you to load up on foreign currency online wherever you are, so you can enjoy your holiday without the worry of sky-high exchange rates and fees.

What is the Qantas Travel Money card?

Qantas Travel Money is a prepaid debit card facility built into the back of the Qantas Frequent Flyer membership card. You can lock in exchange rates on multiple currencies and earn Qantas Points on eligible purchases at home and overseas. However, you must be an Australian resident to use Qantas Travel Money.

What can I use Qantas Money for?

You can use Qantas Travel Money like any other travel money card. Load your card up using Australian dollars via the app or website with your debit/credit card or bank transfer. From there you’re free to spend online or in store, anywhere that Mastercard is accepted.

You can load up to ten foreign currencies onto the Qantas Travel Money card: AED , CAD , EUR , GBP , HKD , JPY ,  SGD , THB and USD . You can also lock in exchange rates on these currencies before you fly, to avoid currency fluctuations.

Foreign currency exchange rates vary from time to time. Cardholders benefit from locked in rates that apply when you make a transaction or incur a fee in a currency loaded on your card.

Travellers should note that although the “Credit” button is used when making a purchase or a withdrawal at an ATM, this card is not a line of credit. The card cannot go into a negative balance.

Compare Travel Money Cards

If you’re a Kiwi and headed off overseas, check out the best in money cards. Here’s a rundown of some of the most popular cards in New Zealand:

The display order does not reflect any ranking or rating by Canstar. This information is not an endorsement by Canstar of travel money cards or any specific provider. Information correct as of 20/09/23. For full pricing details see individual providers’ websites.

Features of qantas cash card.

Please note these features are current at the time of writing. You should check the product provider’s website and product information at the current time.

• Global use: Use the card wherever MasterCard is accepted in over 210 countries and territories. Withdraw cash from millions of ATMs around the world displaying the MasterCard logo.
• Rewards points: Earn Qantas Points on all eligible purchases overseas and in Australia.
• Double dip: Spend with Qantas Frequent Flyer program partners using Qantas Travel Money and you’ll earn Qantas Points for eligible purchases from both the program partner and Qantas Travel Money.
• Online shopping: Shop online at international retailers.
• Security: Chip and PIN protected. Suspend your card if it is lost or stolen. Protected against fraudulent transactions with MasterCard Zero Liability.

Does the Qantas Travel Money card cost to use?

Unlike some prepaid cards, Qantas Travel Money doesn’t charge monthly or annual fees, making your holiday money travel further.

The only fees Qantas charges are an international ATM fee and a small load fee of 0.5% of the total load amount (when using a credit or debit card.

• Initial load fee: $0 (no fee)
• Currency conversion fee: $0 (no fee)
• Reload fee for bank transfers/app: $0 (no fee)
• Debit card load fee: 0.5% of the total load amount
• Transaction fee for purchases: $0 charged by Qantas, but some merchants may charge their own fee
• ATM fee (overseas): NZD 2.50 AED 6.50, USD 1.95, EUR 1.50, GBP 1.25, THD: 70, JPY 160, CAD 2.00, HKD 15.00, SGD 2.50

How do I get the Qantas Travel Money card?

• Order: If you’re already a Qantas Frequent Flyer, simply request a card online. If you aren’t a Frequent Flyer, you’ll need to register before you can apply for a Travel Money card.
• Register: Register your card online upon receiving it.
• Load: Load your card for the first time via online banking or ‘Instant Load’ via the Qantas Money app or website using a debit or credit card.

Where can’t I use Qantas Money?

As a MasterCard product, the Qantas Travel Money card may currently not be used in the following countries and regions due to economic or trade sanctions:

• North Korea

If you attempt to use your card or withdraw cash from an ATM in any of these countries, your request will be declined. New Zealand also imposes its own sanctions from time to time; please check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for details on the countries you intend to visit.

Eligibility to apply for Qantas Travel Money card

To apply for the Qantas Travel Money card, you must meet the following criteria:

• At least 16 years old
• An Australian citizen
• Member of Qantas Frequent Flyer program

Written by: Caitlin Bingham | Last updated: November 16, 2023

Other travel money cards from

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Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard

Qantas Travel Money Card

Wise: the Best Travel Money Card in New Zealand

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List: The Best to Worst Travel Cards in Australia

Home | List: The Best to Worst Travel Cards in Australia

Oscar Murray

Most people don’t realise that there are more fees for travel cards than meets the eye. In this article, we present 9 common fees and charges of 12 travel card issuers. With the following information we hope you can make an informed decision about travel cards.

The cheapest and most expensive travel cards

Taking the average Australian’s three week holiday budget of A$4,679, we calculated how much it costs to use a travel card.

We based our calculations, conservatively on the following factors:

Card purchase fee

Initial load fee.

• AUD/USD exchange rate margin
• 9 ATM withdrawals (assuming that 3 withdrawals are made per week)

Card termination fee

Full breakdown of fees by card.

*The exchange rate margin is based on AUD/USD

**Average equivalent in AUD

^Charged monthly after 12 months

How to Avoid Fees?

With so many fees and charges that come with the use of a travel card, no doubt you will be wondering how exactly to avoid all those fees. Fret not, because we have some suggestions for you to help you minimise cost on your next trip abroad.

While a travel card may be a more secure and convenient way of bringing money with you abroad, taking cash with you will definitely help you avoid all those costs and fees that come with card use. After all, using cash to buy things overseas won’t cost you anything more than what you paid for.

Use a travel credit card

A travel credit card like the 28Degrees credit card can save you a lot of the hassle and fees that come with travel money cards. Aside from not having to worry so much about your individual currency balances and prepaid travel card reloading times, travel credit cards also tend to eliminate fees such as international transaction and currency conversion fees. Cards like these tend to have a high interest rate though, so choose wisely.

Do a bank transfer to the country you are visiting

This really only applies if you have family or friends in the country you plan on visiting. While the international fund transfer will cost you money, you get to avoid all the subsequent costs that you may incur per transaction if you were to use a travel card. If you have access to a local debit or credit card, that gives you the same level of convenience and security as a travel card, without as much of the cost.

Travel Card Fees: What You Need To Know

The majority of travel cards available on the market today have done away with a Card Purchase Fee, meaning that prior to loading and using the card either abroad or in Australia, the card is issued to you at no charge. There are exceptions to this rule, however. The ANZ Travel Card, for instance, has an $11 Card Purchase Fee that can be waived if you are an existing ANZ customer and you apply for the card at a bank branch. The Commonwealth Travel Money Card also has a $15 Card Issuance Fee.

Similar to the Card Purchase Fee, most travel cards don’t charge a fee for the initial load. Some travel card providers do impose an Initial Load Fee, however. Westpac charges 1% of the initial load up to a maximum of $10 if you load the card at a Westpac branch. This fee is waived if you load the card on Westpac Online Banking, either through funds transfer or BPAY. The Qantas Cash Travel Card also charges a 1% load fee on all reloads, including the initial load.

Currency conversion fee

Some cards may charge a Currency Conversion Fee if you are paying in a currency you either haven’t loaded or have not loaded enough into your card. While some travel cards, such as the Mastercard Cash Passport don’t impose any Currency Conversion Fee, other cards do. Cards like the ANZ Travel Card, Westpac Global Currency Card or the Virgin Velocity Global Wallet do, usually up to 3% of the Australian Dollar value of the conversion, while the Australia Post Multi-currency Cash Passport imposes a fee up to 5.95% of the transacted value.

Exchange rate

The majority of the cost of using a travel card tends to result in the exchange rates that you will experience in loading the card with foreign currencies. Most of the exchange rates that are offered to you will tend to be higher than the actual market exchange rate for these currencies, and if you are planning to load up thousands of dollars’ worth of currencies in there, even small differences in exchange rates will cost you a lot of money.

Overseas ATM cash withdrawal fee

Different cards have different rates for overseas ATM cash withdrawals, which are charged in the local currency where you are using an ATM. This is in addition to a usage fee that may be incurred every time you use an ATM in a foreign country. While the Australia Post Multi-currency Cash Passport levy no fees for foreign ATM cash withdrawal, other cards do, and this fee can vary from A$1.95 for the Qantas Cash Travel Card to A$3.50 for the ANZ Travel Card.

Subsequent reload fee

While most travel cards don’t impose an Initial Reload Fee, subsequent reloads are usually subject to a fee. This may depend on your method of reload. For example, the MasterCard Cash Passport provides free reloads if you do it either online or through bank transfer, but imposes a 1% fee on the reload value if you do it through BPAY. The Commonwealth Travel Money Card and the NAB Traveller Card impose no subsequent reload fees at all, while most other cards usually impose a fee of 1% of the reload value.

Emergency load fee

Emergency Load Fees can apply if you need cash after losing your travel card. Some travel cards, like the Commonwealth Travel Money Card, do not impose an Emergency Load Fee, and it’s important to know which ones do, so that you are aware if the need for an emergency cash transfer arises. For instance, the Virgin Velocity Global Wallet imposes a flat A$15 fee for emergency transfers, while the St George Travel Money Card imposes a fee depending on how much you need, to a maximum of A$30 for a $3,000 transfer.

Negative balance fee

Given that most travel cards are prepaid debit cards, they don’t allow you to spend below the balance that is already loaded in the card. However, some cards allow you to temporarily go below the balance, although a Negative Balance Fee applies. Cards like the MasterCard Cash Passport, as well as the Virgin Velocity Global Wallet do not impose Negative Balance Fees, while cards like the Australia Post Multi-currency Cash Passport charge a flat fee to the tune of A$20.

Account inactivity fee

If you haven’t kept your travel card active in the last 12 months, you may face an Account Inactivity Fee, depending on the travel card you have. The Australia Post Multi-currency Cash Passport and the Virgin Velocity Global Wallet will charge you A$4 and A$1 a year respectively, while the Commonwealth Travel Money Card and the NAB Traveller Card don’t impose any Account Inactivity Fee whatsoever.

Card replacement fee

A Card Replacement Fee may apply if you have lost your initial travel card and would like to request for a replacement, although most travel cards provide one for free. Certain providers like ANZ will give you a secondary card at the time of issuance for no additional charge, which means you may forgo the need for a replacement. One card that does charge for a replacement is Australia Post Load&Go travel card, where a replacement card costs A$15.

Most travel cards do not come with a Card Termination Fee. However, if you do have an outstanding loaded balance at the time you close your travel card account, the money will be converted back to Australian Dollars and returned to you, based on prevailing exchange rates. If exchange rates have deteriorated since you loaded any foreign currency onto your travel card, you could incur some cost there.

• Join CHOICE

Travel money cards with the lowest fees

We look at seven travel money cards from the big banks and airlines..

Prepaid travel money cards are offered by major banks, airlines and foreign exchange retailers like Travelex. Before travelling overseas, you load money into the card account, which locks in the exchange rate for foreign currencies at that time. 

You can then use the card for purchases and cash withdrawals just like a debit or credit card, usually wherever Visa and Mastercard are accepted. 

You can reload money on-the-go via an app or website, and if the card is lost or stolen, it can be replaced (usually at no cost to you).

Prepaid travel money cards also give you assurance that you're not handing the details of your everyday banking account to merchants you're not familiar with, and they provide easy access to cash when you want some, says Peter Marshall, head of research at money comparison website Mozo .

CHOICE tip: Travel money cards are best for longer trips. They're usually not worth your while if you're only taking a short trip, as some have closure, cash out and inactivity fees.

Travel money card fees

A major difference between prepaid travel cards and debit or credit cards is their fees. Some costs aren't immediately apparent, such as hefty margins built into the exchange rates.

And although fees have come down since we looked at these cards two years ago, you still need to watch out for:

• fees to load the card – either a percentage of the total or a flat fee
• ATM withdrawal fees
• a cross currency fee or margin when you use the card in a currency you haven't preloaded
• further fees if you close the account or haven't used the card for a period of time.

Travel money card with the lowest fees and best exchange rate

Westpac worldwide wallet.

Westpac closed its Global Currency Card in July 2021 and offers its new card in partnership with Mastercard.  It's also available from Bank of Melbourne and BankSA.

Currencies: AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD, ZAR.

Key features:

• No loading, reloading, closing or inactivity fees.
• Free to use it in network ATMs in Australia and partner ATMs overseas in a range of countries including the UK, US and New Zealand.
• A charge applies at non-Westpac and non-partner ATMs in Australia and overseas.
• Best exchange rates for the US dollar, the Euro and GBP in our comparison.*
• The only card that lets you preload the South African rand.

Other travel money cards

Next to the Westpac Worldwide Wallet, there are six other travel money cards available.

Australia Post Travel Platinum Mastercard

Available online or at post offices.

Currencies : AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD, AED.

• Fee to reload the card via BPay, debit card or instore, but free via online bank transfer.
• Closure fee.
• Fees for ATM withdrawals in Australia and overseas.

Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard

It's issued by Heritage Bank and is available online and from a number of smaller banks and credit unions (like Bendigo Bank and Bank of Queensland) as well as travel agents. 

• Fee to reload with a debit card or instore, but free via BPay.

CommBank Travel Money Card

CommBank Travel Money Card (Visa)

As NAB and ANZ have closed their travel money cards, this is the only other travel money card available from a major bank. This card has the largest variety of currencies that can be preloaded.

Currencies : AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD, AED, VND, CNY.

• Fee if you make a purchase with currencies not preloaded.
• Fee for withdrawals at overseas ATMs.

Qantas Travel Money Card

Qantas Travel Money Card (Mastercard)

The only travel money card offering from an airline. It can be added as a feature to your Qantas Frequent Flyer card, so you don't need a dedicated card, and you can earn points using it.

• Free to reload via bank transfer or BPay, but there's a reload fee if using debit card.

Travelex Money Card

Travelex Money Card (Mastercard)

Travelex is an international foreign exchange retailer. In Australia, it operates more than 140 stores at major airports and shopping centres, across CBDs and in the suburbs. It was the card with the best exchange rate for New Zealand dollars.*

Currencies : AUD, USD, NZD, EUR, GBP, SGD, THB, JPY, HKD, CAD.

Fees : 

• Load fee instore, but free via Travelex website or app.
• Reload fee instore or via BPay, but free via Travelex website or app.
• Closure fee and monthly inactivity fee (if not used for 12 months).

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass (Mastercard)

The Travel Money Group is owned by Flight Centre and is a foreign exchange retailer. 

• Reloading the card via an online bank transfer or instore is free, but there's a fee if you reload via BPay, debit card or credit card. 
• Cash out (closure) fee. 

Travel money card tips

• Make sure the card allows the currencies you'll need, and also consider stopovers. For example, the South African rand is only supported by the Westpac card.
• Try to load your card with the right currencies and amounts on days with good exchange rates. 
• Make sure you know how to reload your card if you run out of funds while overseas.
• It may be more convenient to choose a card that has an app that can be linked to your bank account.
• Avoid loading more money than you'll need as there may be fees and exchange rate margins to get the unused money back.
• Remember to cancel the card once you're finished your trip, especially if it has inactivity fees.
• Be mindful that you still may need a credit card, as travel money cards may not be accepted as security for hotels and car rental agencies. 

Stock images:  Getty, unless otherwise stated.

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Editorial note: We may not cover every product in this category. For more information, see our Editorial guidelines .

Best travel money cards in 2024.

Travel money cards are essential when travelling overseas.

They allow you to easily make payments whilst travelling overseas. They make paying easier for shops, restaurants, hotels and ATMs.Travel money cards work in a similar way to ATM cards. They use a pin when you purchase goods or services overseas.

In this guide, we have compared travel money cards to help you make the best selection for your next trip.

Best Travel Money Cards:

• Wise Travel Card Best Exchange Rates
• Revolut Best for Low Fees
• Travelex Money Card Best All Rounder
• Bankwest Breeze Platinum Best Travel Credit Card
• Pelikin Student Traveller Card Best Student Card
• HSBC Everyday Global Travel Card Best Travel Card by Bank
• Qantas Travel Money Card Best Reward Benefits

Wise Travel Card - Great Exchange Rates

• 40+ currencies available
• Best exchange rates globally
• One of the lowest conversion fee on the market
• No international transaction fees
• No annual or monthly fees
• Extremely low costs to send money overseas

Wise Travel Card

• Cross currency conversion fees are between 0.24–3.69%. AUD to USD, EUR or GBP was 0.42%, which is one of the lowest on the market
• Free cash withdrawals up to $350 every 30 days. However after that, Wise charge a fixed fee of $1.50 per transaction + 1.75%
• Daily ATM withdrawal is $2,700
• Issue up to 3 virtual cards for temporary usage
• It takes between 7 to 14 business days to receive your card
• Can be used wherever MasterCard is accepted

The Wise Travel Card is great for frequent travellers as it offers over 40 currencies at the inter-market exchange rate, which is the cheapest rate globally. In addition you can buy goods online from overseas with no transaction fee plus get the best exchange rate. However if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees. Finally Wise Travel Card lets you transfer money to an overseas bank account with extremely low fees and the best exchange rate.

Our Wise Travel Card Review

Revolut - Low Fees

• 30+ currencies available
• One of the best exchange rates globally
• No annual or monthly fees for standard membership
• No initial card fee
• Instant access to a range of cryptocurrencies

Read our Revolut Card Review

Revolut Travel Card

• No fee ATM withdrawals up to A$350, or 5 ATM withdrawals, whichever comes first, per rolling 30 day period and 2% of withdrawal amount (minimum charge of A$1.50) after that
• Exchanging currency on the weekend can incur a 1% mark-up fee
• Fees on international money transfers were introduced in April 2021.
• Can be used wherever Visa is accepted

The Revolut Travel Card is a decent option for those who travel a lot as it offers over 30 currencies at a great exchange rate, which is the cheapest rate globally. However if you exchange currency on the weekend you can incur a one-percent mark-up fee. In addition they have introduced fees for international transfers. Finally if you use ATMs frequently this is not the card to use due to the fees.

Travelex Money Card - Best All Rounder

Best features.

• Unlimited free ATM withdrawals
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance
• Initial and replacement card are free
• Lock in up to 10 currencies

Read our Travelex Travel Card Review

Travelex Money Card

• Minimum load of $100 and maximum load of $100,000
• Can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted
• Fees include a $10 closure fee, $5 for an additional card and $4 inactivity monthly fee.
• While Travelex don't charge ATM fees, some ATM operators may charge their own fees.
• Currencies that can be loaded are AU$, US$, EU€, GB£, NZ$, TH฿, CA$, HK$, JP¥, SG$
• If your card is lost or stolen you can access cash in your account through Moneygram or Western Union agents, with no charge
• Boingo hotspots offer free wifi and you can look at their number of free hotspots per country on this map

The Travelex Card is a good all rounder.

You can use it to take money out of the ATM, for merchant purchases like restaurants and even for online shopping in foreign currency. While the exchange rates aren't as good as the Wise or Revolut Card abroad , the support network if the card is lost or stolen is very good.

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card - Lowest Interest Rate

• Lowest interest rate at 9.90%
• No international transaction fees on purchases
• 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months
• Up to 55 days interest free on purchases
• Low annual fee
• Complimentary international travel insurance

Bankwest Breeze Platinum Credit Card

• Free annual fee first year, then $69 annual fee
• 55 interest free days
• Free international travel insurance that includes the basics but does not cover cancellation costs, pre existing conditions and travellers over 80
• $6,000 minimum credit card
• 0% p.a. on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months, then reverts to 9.90%
• 21.99% interest rate on purchases and cash advances
• Cash advance fee of the higher of $4 or 2% of cash advance

The Bankwest Breeze Platinum is a great no frills credit card that offers ‘no foreign transaction fees’ and the lowest interest rate on the market, at 9.90%. These two factors alone will save you hundreds of dollars when travelling overseas.

In addition it has a low annual fee and complimentary international travel insurance. Finally for its price point it is a great value credit card that will be accepted most places around the world.

HSBC Everyday Global Debit Card

• No initial card or closure fees
• No monthly or account fees
• No international ATM fees
• No cross currency conversion fees
• Lock in very competitive exchange rates before travel
• No maximum balance
• Earn 2% cashback

• 10 Currencies can be loaded are AUD, USD, GBP, EUR, HKD, CAD, JPY, NZD, SGD, CNY (currency restrictions apply to CNY)
• Awarded 5 gold stars by CANSTAR in 2021 for Outstanding Value
• Very competitive exchange rates on all currencies when you have currencies already loaded on your card
• ATMs within Australia need to be HSBC and overseas they need to display a VISA or VISA Plus logo, not be be charged fees
• Earn 2% cash back when you tap and pay with Visa pay wave, Apple Pay or Google Pay for purchases under $100. With a maximum of $50 cash back per month. In addition you need to deposit $2,000 or more into your Everyday Global Account each calendar month.
• Daily maximum ATM withdrawal is $2,000
• Fraud protection covered by Visa Zero Liability

The HSBC Everyday Global Debit Card is a good option to take travelling and to spend money in Australia with no international transaction fees, international ATM fees and monthly fees. In addition there is no maximum balance on currencies held and a 2% cash back incentive when you tap and pay under $100.

Finally it is one of the only travel cards that offers Chinese Yuan. To avoid ATM fees you need to find HSBC branches in Australia and only use ATMs overseas with a VISA or VISA Plus logo.

Best Student Card

Pelikin student traveller card.

• Use promo code SMONEY10 for a $10 discount
• Up to 15% off international flights
• A globally accepted virtual student ID card
• 2% cash back on food & drinks, transport and accommodation
• Over 150,000 discounts worldwide

• $30 for 12 months
• 20+ currencies available
• Split bills, pay and get paid instantly

Pelikin is one of the only travel cards in Australia specifically for students. While it has a small annual fee, the range of discounts and offers more than make up for it.

The app is relatively easy to use and card arrives in under a week.

Best Rewards Card

Qantas travel money card.

• No monthly fees, purchase fees and currency conversion fees
• No load fees if you pay by bank transfer or BPay
• Locked in exchange rates: 4%+ margin on exchange rates
• Earn 1.5 Qantas points for every AU$1 spent in foreign currency

• 10 currencies offered USD, GBP, EUR, THB, NZD, SGD, HKD, CAD, JPY, AED
• Free Australia ATM withdrawals
• 0.5% fee debit card reload fee
• ATM fees overseas (USD 1.95; GBP 1.25; EUR 1.50; THB 70; NZD 2.50; SGD 2.50; HKD 15.00; CAD 2.00; JPY 160; AED 6.50)
• Minload of $50 and max of $20,000
• Available to 16 year olds, has a lower age restriction than most credit cards (18 year olds)

Qantas Travel card is a great option to spend foreign currency overseas if you are already a loyal Qantas customer and use your frequent flyer points regularly on flights, accommodation or gifts. The fees are low, the exchange rate is average however the ATM fees are expensive and will easily add up.

Other popular travel money cards

Aside of the Top 5 travel money cards, there are many more options to consider. These include well known brands such as the Commonwealth Bank and Travelex and less known services like Up Bank and Revolut.

Here is a rundown of their best features, fees and available currencies:

• 13 currencies available, including Vietnamese Dong and Chinese Yuan
• No issue fee, load fees, closure and card replacement fees
• Additional card offered
• Can be accessed through Commonwealth Bank app

Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card

• $3.50 fee at ATMs overseas
• 13 currencies offered USD, GBP, EUR, THB , NZD, SGD, HKD, CAD, JPY, AED, AUD, VND & CNY
• Minload of $1 and max of $100,000
• Available to 14 year olds, has a lower age restriction than most credit cards (18 year olds)
• When you use your card for a purchase or withdrawal in a currency that is not loaded, or when they automatically transfer funds between the currencies on your card to enable the completion of the transaction at the Visa retail exchange rate plus 4%
• To transfer money between currencies or a transaction account, it will be at the bank rate which is normally 4% above the market value

The Commonwealth Bank travel money card is great if you are already a Commonwealth bank customer who banks online and knows exactly how much money in each country you want to spend. However if you need to transfer between currencies or make a purchase in a currency you don't have funds loaded, then you can get an additional expensive charge. Watch how many withdrawals at ATMs you make as well to keep the costs down.

• Exchange rates most competitive for USD, GBP and THB
• No fee on initial card or load (not BPay)
• No fee on reloads via bank transfers
• No monthly or inactivity fees
• Card is valid for 5 years

Travel Money Oz Currency Pass

• 1.1% reloading fee via Travel Money Oz Login or with debit or credit card
• 1% reloading fee for BPay
• $10 closure fee and replacement card fee
• 2.95% on withdrawals from Australian ATMs is expensive
• Roughly $3.50 on withdrawals from overseas ATMs is expensive.
• $3.99 + 5.95% fee on cross currency transactions
• 10 Currencies can be loaded are USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD, THB & AUD
• Exchange rates for SGD and CAD are the least competitive
• Minload of $20 and max of $10,000
• Only 1 card per account
• According to the website they won't take online orders if you are departing within 14 days as the card can take up to 2 weeks for delivery.

The Travel Money Oz travel money card seems to be an outdated version of the Travelex or Australia Post travel card as it does not offer Global Emergency Assistance or Boingo hotspots. However exchange rates and fees are similar to Travelex, so if you are travelling to the US, UK or Thailand, this is a great card to pay for accommodation and things in shops. We would avoid using it at any ATM, to save costs.

• No ATM fees in Australia or internationally
• No minimum monthly deposit
• No account keeping fees
• Can be used in Australia as an EFTPOS card
• Available to 14 year olds and older

Macquarie Travel Card

• $2,000 daily limit for ATM withdrawals
• Simple and easy to work out costs for account
• Exchange rates are MasterCard exchange rates, which are normally 4%+ market rate.
• 90-day theft and damage protection on eligible purchases and stolen wallet protection up to $500
• Can be used in Australia to buy goods overseas and not pay international transaction fees
• Get discounts of up to 10% on eGift cards to use at over 50 leading retailers

The Macquarie Travel Card is a very good option to take overseas for ATM withdrawals as they are all free. In addition in Australia you can buy goods online and not pay an international transaction fee. Furthermore you can use the card like a normal debit card in Australia with no hefty fees or monthly minimum deposits. However the exchange rate is the MasterCard rate which is normally 4%+ above the market rate. Finally we would recommend this card for cash withdrawals at ATMs internationally but not paying for accommodation due to the added margin on the MasterCard exchange rate.

• Cheapest way to send money overseas through a bank
• UI and UX better than traditional banks making it super easy to use
• Competitive savings interest rate

Up Bank Travel Card

• Backed by Bendigo Bank and Adelaide Bank and partnered with Wise so it has financial backing and access to the cheapest exchange rates to send money overseas
• Nifty online tools to help you track spending, budget and save. These include a detailed transaction history often including a company logo, when you paid down to the minute and the suburb where the transaction was made. In addition it has a ‘Regulars feature that detects regular billers and estimate of upcoming bills so you get a heads-up before they are due
• Good savings account interest rates of 1.85% (0.10% base rate plus 1.75% bonus). Bonus interest is easily unlocked after making five successful card or digital wallet purchases each month

The Up Bank Travel Card is aimed at younger markets who are looking to save on bank costs and receive online tools to help them budget and save for their goals. It is also able to be used overseas at any ATM without fees, no international fees and is the cheapest way to send money overseas through a bank due to their partnership with Wise (the largest money transfer company in the world). In addition the exchange rates are Mastercard rates which are normally 4% above interest rates. Finally, while this card is very useful domestically and for ATMs overseas we would not recommend it for big ticket items overseas as it is an expensive card to use.

• No foreign transaction fees
• No fee on initial card, load, unload or inactivity fees
• No cross currency transactions fees
• Lock in exchange rates before you leave
• Exchange rates most competitive for USD, GBP, EUR and CAD and JPY
• No ATM fee at 50,000 Global Alliance ATMs worldwide
• Free additional card
• Flight delay pass

Westpac Travel Money Card

• 11 Currencies can be loaded are USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD, THB, AUD & ZAR
• $2,000 maximum limit on ATM withdrawals overseas within 24 hours
• $50,000 maximum limit on currencies loaded on to travel card
• $3 roughly for ATMs that are not within the Non Westpac Global Alliance
• If you run out of one currency on the card, you can pay with other currencies without the expensive cross currency transaction fee
• No foreign transaction fees, initial card, load, unload or inactivity fees
• According to the Westpac it can take upto 8 business days to receive the travel card
• Secure from fraudulent transactions with Mastercard Zero Liability protection
• 2 cards per account for free

The Westpac Travel Card is a no frills handy travel card with very low fees, no foreign transaction fees, access to some free ATMs worldwide and competitive exchange rates, especially on USD, EUR, GBP, CAD and JPY. In addition it has the South African Rand (ZAR) which is not common in prepaid travel cards. Finally it has access to a flight delay pass in case your flights are delayed and you need to access airport lounges.

• Linked to ANZ Rewards program
• 7 types of insurance for free
• 55 days interest free
• Good security on card purchases

ANZ Travel Adventure Card

• 20.24% interest on purchases and cash advances
• $120 annual fee
• No international transaction fees in person or online
• Offer 7 types of insurance for free
• ANZ Reward points can be used to buy gift cards, swap for Virgin or Singapore airline points or cash into your account.
• Earn 1.5 Reward points per $1 spent on eligible purchases up to $2,000 per statement period
• ATM fees at non ANZ ATMs
• Minimum credit of $6,000

If you utilize rewards points then the ANZ Travel Adventure Card might be suitable for you. Reward points can be used to buy a wide range of gift cards, swap for Virgin or Singapore airline points or cash into your account. In addition no international transaction fees are charged for purchases online or whilst you travel overseas. Finally this card is not recommended for cash withdrawals as the interest rate of 20.24% will eat up any savings.

• No ATM fees
• Can be used in Australia with no additional costs
• No fees for paying via bank transfer or Bpay
• Transfer limits can be set by user

ING Orange Everyday Account Debit Card

• As long as you you deposit at least $1000 and make at least 5 payments each month ING will waive international transaction fees and refund overseas ATM withdrawal fees
• Can be used in all countries
• Works with Apple Pay and Google Pay
• Visa currency conversion rates apply, which are normally 4% above market

The ING Orange Everyday Account Debit Card is a good card for most Australians travelling overseas for ATM access, with no fees. It also allows you to to buy goods online without an international transaction fee.

Furthermore you can use it in Australia for free and there are no fees to get your initial card, for account keeping or to top up your card. A word of caution however, if you travel overseas for longer than 1 month, you still need to deposit at least $1,000 and make at least 5 payments each month to get the rebates.

• Initial card and replacement cards are free
• Increased protection with Mastercard Zero Liability
• Access to cash from your account through the Global Emergency Assistance, if your card is lost or stolen

Australia Post Travel Money Card - Platinum Mastercard

• 1.1% Admin fee for instore loads, including initial load
• $5 fee for reloads via debit bank card
• $10 closure fee
• $3.50 on withdrawals from overseas ATM is expensive
• Currencies that can be loaded are USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, THB, CAD, HKD, JPY, SGD , AED and AUD
• Minload of $100 and max of $100,000
• If your card is lost or stolen you can access cash that is in your account through Moneygram or Western Union agents, with no charge
• Boingo hotspots offer the free wifi and you can look at their number of free hotspots per country on this map

The Australia Post travel money card is a popular option for Australian travellers due to the convenience of stores. However we would recommend the Australia Post travel money card for paying in shops or accommodation as it is costly to withdraw cash from ATMS. As the Australia Post travel money card is fee heavy we recommend not making withdrawals at ATMs or making cross currency transactions to keep additional fees down.

• Up to 11 currencies available
• Manage your account and card online
• 24/7 global assistance
• Access to emergency cash
• Free additional card when ordered at time of purchase
• Can be used at millions of locations worldwide – wherever Mastercard purchase symbol is displayed

Greater Bank Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard

• $5 fee for reloads via debit bank card, FREE reloads via BPAY
• Admin fee of up to the greater of 1.1% of the load/reload amount or $15 for in-store purchases
• Debit card load fee 0.5% of the amount loaded, per Debit Card Load transaction
• Domestic ATM fee 2.95% of value Withdrawn
• International ATM fee USD 2.50, EUR2.50, GBP 2.00,NZD 3.50, THB80.00, CAD 3.50,HKD 18.00, JPY260.00, SGD3.50, AED 10.00, AUD 3.50
• Minimum load of AUD100 and a Maximum of AUD100,000

The Cash Passport is one of the most popular travel cards in the Australian market. With Greater Bank, you can purchase it online and at one of their branches, then download the app or use the website to manage your card. While the card may be useful for international purchases, be mindful when using an ATM both locally or overseas as the fees can add up if you are withdrawing money often.

Learn more about the Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard through Greater Bank .

The best travel card in Australia depends on its use, for ATM withdrawals it is ING Orange , for best exchange rates it is Wise Travel Card, the best credit card is Bankwest Breeze Platinum , for overall best card by a bank its HSBC Global  and the best rewards card is the Qantas Travel card .

A travel money card is safer than cash overseas and if you select a Wise travel card , it is the best exchange rate as well. Most places around the world accept MasterCard or Visa, so you should be able to pay for all your purchases by card.

Yes you can use all travel cards in Australia but you might choose not to due to the fees. ING , Macquarie , Up , Citibank are all good examples of travel money cards that do not charge for ATM withdrawals in Australia. However examples of travel money cards that charge $3.50 per Australian ATM withdrawal include Travelex , Australia Post and Travel Money Oz .

Both if you buy your cash from S Money and pay with a Wise card overseas, as they both use the exchange rate you see online and charge very low fees. However if you buy your foriegn currency at the airport, you are paying top prices so using a card is cheaper.

There are many travel money cards that no longer exist but appear in search engine page results. Travel money cards that no longer exist include 7-11 Just Go, NAB Travel Money Card, Travelex Cash Passport, Australia Post Cash Passport, ANZ Travel Card, Westpac Global Currency Card and the Virgin Velocity Global Wallet program.

Learn more about the best debit, credit and prepaid cards for travel

Best Prepaid Cards

Credit Card

More Travel Card Guides

Learn more about the best travel money cards for your holiday destination.

ASIC regulated

Like all reputable money exchanges, we are registered with AUSTRAC and regulated by the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC).

S Money complies with the relevant laws pertaining to privacy, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism finance. This means you are required to provide I.D. when you place an order. It also means the order must be paid for by the same person ordering the currency and you must show your identification again when receiving your order.

• Travel Insurance

Qantas Travel Insurance Review

The journalists on the editorial team at Forbes Advisor Australia base their research and opinions on objective, independent information-gathering.

When covering investment and personal finance stories, we aim to inform our readers rather than recommend specific financial product or asset classes. While we may highlight certain positives of a financial product or asset class, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product or investment approach and may, in fact, make a loss if they acquire the product or adopt the approach.

To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. As such, any recommendations or statements do not take into account the financial circumstances, investment objectives, tax implications, or any specific requirements of readers.

Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by Forbes Advisor Australia. In comparing various financial products and services, we are unable to compare every provider in the market so our rankings do not constitute a comprehensive review of a particular sector. While we do go to great lengths to ensure our ranking criteria matches the concerns of consumers, we cannot guarantee that every relevant feature of a financial product will be reviewed. We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, Forbes Advisor Australia cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of this website. Forbes Advisor Australia accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in our stories or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information.

Updated: Oct 11, 2023, 10:36am

Qantas Travel Insurance is an above-average choice of insurance for travelling Australians, offering unlimited medical coverage and good Covid-19 cover for both medical diagnoses and trip cancellations. However, due to certain limitations on age and below-average customer reviews, it may be best suited to Qantas Frequent Flyer members who can earn points with every dollar spent on their policy.

• Unlimited medical includes dental
• Good Covid-19 cover
• Over 69 year olds need to purchase a separate policy
• Fraudulent credit card activity is not covered

Table of Contents

About qantas travel insurance, what is covered, who should take out this insurance.

About Star Rankings: You will note that we have included a star rating next to the product or provider reviewed. This rating was determined by the editorial team once all of the data points were considered, and the pros and cons of each product attribute was reviewed. The star rating is solely the view of Forbes Advisor editorial staff. Commercial partners or advertisers have no bearing on the star rating or their inclusion on this list. Star ratings are only one factor to be considered, and Forbes Advisor encourages you to seek independent advice from an authorised financial adviser in relation to your own financial circumstances and investments before you decide to choose a particular financial product or service.

Featured Partners

Fast Cover Travel Insurance

On Fast Cover’s Secure Website

Medical cover

Unlimited, 24/7 Emergency Assistance

Cancellations

Unlimited, (Trip Disruption $50,000)

Key Features

25-Day Cooling Off Period, Australian Based Call Centre, 4.6 Star Product Review Rating

Cover-More Travel Insurance

On Cover-more’s secure website

Unlimited, with a $2000 limit to dental

Yes, amount chosen by customer

Southern Cross Travel Insurance

Medical Cover

Including medical treatment, doctors’ visits, prescribed medication, specialist treatment & medical transport costs

$2,500 with option to increase to unlimited

Whether or not you choose to fly with Qantas for your travels, you can still purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy from the airline. In addition to travel insurance, Qantas also offers cover for your health, car and home–all of which Qantas Frequent Flyer members can earn Qantas points with.

Despite Qantas being Australia’s most popular airline–dominating the market share with 60.8% of Australian travel according to an ACCC report–its travel insurance policy isn’t highly regarded by some of its customers. On Product Review, Qantas Comprehensive Travel Insurance received only 1.1 stars from 25 customer reviews. This is admittedly a small number of reviews so that needs to be taken into account.

The standard Qantas Comprehensive Travel Insurance policy is available to Australians aged up to 69 years old, with a separate policy available to those over 70.

For those travelling with family, the policy also covers accompanying children–as long as the child is under 18 at the time the insurance is issued. The child must also be travelling with you for the entire duration of the trip and be listed on the insurance certificate in order to qualify for any claims.

Unfortunately, fraudulent credit card activity is not covered with Qantas Travel Insurance. Qantas will, however, cover the cost of a replacement credit card, stolen or lost passports or travel documents to a maximum of $2,000. It also covers personal liability up to $3 million.

When it comes to missed connections, Qantas will only provide cover if it is for a special event–such as missing a wedding or a funeral–and up to $2,500. Travel delays are also only covered if it is more than six hours, with a maximum of $250 per 24 hours of delay up to a maximum of $1,500.

Unlimited cancellation cover is included, and is valid for cancellations due to Covid-19 as explained below.

Lost Luggage

Lost luggage is covered by Qantas in its travel insurance policy up to $15,000. Sub limits apply within this amount, and customers can increase item limits for high value items if desired.

Medical Coverage

Qantas Travel Insurance includes unlimited overseas medical expenses.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you will need to meet certain criteria in order to be covered. There are 43 conditions that are automatically covered (as long as they meet said criteria), while other conditions will require an assessment to determine if cover will be provided.

Is Dental Cover Included in Medical?

Yes, overseas emergency dental expenses are covered with unlimited medical cover. However, dental expenses due to sudden and acute pain are only covered up to $2000.

Does it Cover Me for Covid?

Yes, being diagnosed with Covid-19 is covered under the unlimited overseas medical expenses within Qantas’ travel insurance.

Cancellations are also covered due to a positive diagnosis, along with ‘reasonable’ additional expenses, such as if you are required to quarantine, up to $2,500.

What about pregnancy?

Qantas’ travel insurance policy covers pregnancy up to week 26. If there are pregnancy-related conditions that require treatment, they are classified as pre-existing conditions and therefore require an assessment at the time of taking out the policy to determine if cover will be provided.

What about Sports and Activities?

Qantas claims that “most amateur sporting activities are covered” under its comprehensive travel insurance policy. It does not provide a list of what these included activities are, however, there is a list of seven activities that will not be covered.

• Activities on snow and ice (unless the additional snow package has been purchased);
• Base jumping;
• Racing (except on foot);
• Any professional sporting activity;
• Running with the bulls;
• Mountaineering and rock climbing using support ropes; and

Customer Service

Qantas provides 24/7 emergency assistance to its comprehensive travel insurance policyholders. There is also a phone number for general enquiries, as well as a call back service.

Claims can also be lodged 24/7, from overseas or when you return home to Australia. There is an online claims form available to download which can then be sent to Qantas via post or email.

While Qantas Comprehensive Travel Insurance can suit a wide variety of Australians–particularly travelling parties under 69 years old–it is best suited to Qantas Frequent Flyer members keen to take advantage of earning one frequent flyer point per $1 spent on the policy premium.

The policy also offers good Covid cover, substantial cancellation cover for a range of reasons, and unlimited medical cover.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does qantas have travel insurance for over 70s.

Yes, Qantas does offer comprehensive travel insurance for those aged over 70. For travellers under 69 years old, the standard comprehensive travel insurance policy is offered, which has been reviewed above. You can read the PDS here .

For those over 69 years old, a separate policy is offered.

Who underwrites Qantas travel insurance?

Qantas travel insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance, an Australian owned insurance company.

Where is the Qantas travel insurance PDS?

The Qantas Comprehensive Travel Insurance policy disclosure statement for those aged 0-69 years old can be found via the Qantas Insurance website here . For those aged over 69 years old, the policy disclosure statement is here due to differing coverage allowances.

Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally.

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