tesco travel card passport

Do Tesco do prepaid travel cards?

Yes, the Tesco Multi-currency Cash Passport is a contactless prepaid Mastercard currency card, designed for overseas use. However, there is a 2% fee if you use the card in the UK and a £1.50 ATM withdrawal fee.

Tesco prepaid travel cards hidden fees

You can load up to 7 different currencies onto the Tesco Multi-currency Cash Passport and use it wherever Mastercard Prepaid is accepted. However, as we've already stated there there is a 2% fee if you use the card in the UK and a £1.50 ATM withdrawal fee. You also can't apply for one online so have to go in branch and fill out forms which can be time consuming.

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 travel cards also don’t offer the same level of protection as credit cards.

5 Things to consider before choosing a prepaid travel card

1. what’s the rate.

Prepaid travel cards offer a huge range of rates that might not be as good as the rate offered by your bank. Whilst almost all providers say no fees, the fee is often hidden in the exchange rate. 

2. Does your prepaid travel card offer protection?  

Some cards are covered by section 75 protection, but not all, it’s worth checking the T&Cs before you sign-up to ensure that all your purchases will be covered by some kind of chargeback protection.

3. Can you get back unused currency?

Once your holiday has finished you’re unlikely to want to leave any leftover currency on your prepaid travel card. Make sure that you can easily get your money back, without incurring further fees. 

4. Are there any hidden fees?  

Check for any fees, prepaid travel cards generally have more hidden fees than credit or debit cards. Make sure that you keep an eye out for fees such as application and replacement fees, transaction fees, and inactivity charges.

5. Are there any limitations to where you can use the different types of cards?  

All providers say that they can be used wherever you see the Visa or Mastercard logo but there are some big exceptions that may impact your choice. If you want to pay at a petrol station, hire a car, or pay on a cruise - generally, you can only use a  Credit, Debit, or Currensea’s travels debit card - prepaid travel cards are often not accepted.

Better than a prepaid travel card

A better solution, offered by Currensea, is their 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.

Plus, our free travel debit card and takes minutes to sign up.

Currensea's travel debit card explained in 30 seconds

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Currensea's travel debit card can save you over £290 compared to your prepaid travel card and bank

Savings are based on a two week family holiday in florida, 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., you still get all the security of using your bank account, just without the fees. it’s as simple as that., see how much you can save, save in 180 currencies vs high street banks, prepaid travel cards and travel debit cards.

Find out more

Currensea's live exchange rate calculator

How much will you save?

Always get the best live exchange rates

Unlike Tesco we use the interbank exchange rate which guarantees to give you the lowest possible rates.

Our essential plan user's rate is 0.5% more than shown.

Our connected banks

We work with all the major uk high-street banks.

Read Currensea's reviews on Trustpilot

Why is currensea better than a prepaid travel card, we link with your current bank account via open banking to make saving money simple. you can find out more about open banking here.

No new bank account needed

Forget having to set-up and manage multiple accounts

No need to top-up or pre-pay

Remove the hassle and inconvenience of pre-loading another card

No ATM fees

Pay no ATM fees if you withdraw under £500

How Currensea works

Link your bank account with Currensea

Currensea connects to your bank account removing bank fees when spending in foreign currency's

No topping up, no moving money and no new bank account needed

Better rates than the banks, post office or any FX provider

Like your debit card, but without fees

Pay in any of the 180 currencies across the world

Transactions go through at the real-time rate without any fees

Get an app notification and email detailing your spend and savings using Currensea vs your bank

We process all of your transactions

We automatically Direct Debit your linked bank account

All transactions are shown in your Currensea App

• Once processed, your transactions appear on your bank account

Your account is secure with Currensea

Authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority

Freeze your card anytime at the click of the button via the app

All purchases protected by Mastercard Chargeback Protection

Tesco Bank Travel Money Review: Is It Safe? How Does It Work? What Are the Rates?

Co-Founder of Monito and money transfer expert, François has been helping Monito’s users navigate the jungle of money transfer fees, bad exchange rates and tricks for the last ten years.

Links on this page, including products and brands featured on ‘Sponsored’ content, may earn us an affiliate commission. This does not affect the opinions and recommendations of our editors.

Is Tesco Travel Money the best option for sending money abroad? Compare your options to make sure you get the best exchange rate and lowest fees for your transfer.

What Monito Likes About Tesco Travel Money

• Wide availability across the U.K.
• A range of currency exchange services
• Tesco Bank Travel Money services are safe, secure and regulated

What Monito Dislikes About Tesco Travel Money

• Exchange rates can be considerably more expensive than the base exchange rate or exchange rates from other providers
• Local bureau de change rates can be more expensive still and you can only get these rates by visiting a Tesco bureau de change

Compare Tesco To Cheaper Travel Money Cards Now

Read our in-depth guide for the best travel cards in the UK, such as Revolut , that can reduce or eliminate foreign transaction fees, ATM fees, and expensive currency conversion fees.

Our Independent Review of Tesco Bank Travel Money

Tesco Bank Travel Money is a currency exchange provider that offers foreign currency services. As part of the largest supermarket chain in the U.K., Tesco Bank is very widely available with over 360 in-store money exchange locations and pre-order money collection from over 550 Tesco stores. They have minimum order amounts of £50 and maximum order amounts of £2,500. You can exchange money for more than 120 currencies. 

Tesco travel money is provided through a partnership with Travelex .

Tesco Bank Click and Collect for Foreign Currency

You can choose to order foreign currency online through your Tesco bank account. You can then have the money delivered directly to your home address or to a Tesco store. If you order euros or U.S. dollars before 2 PM, you can pick them up the next day from most Tesco Travel Money locations.  Other currencies can take up to five days. You can also order any currency for the next weekday delivery to most Tesco customer service desks.

You can choose a collection date for picking up your money and you’ll need to bring a valid photo ID—either a passport, or a full UK photographic driving license. You’ll also need to bring the card that you used to place the order. 

Tesco Bank Currency Exchange at Local Bureaux de Change

Tesco Bank also provides immediate money exchange at  360 in-store locations across the U.K. Many of these locations are open seven days a week with same-day collections on many popular currencies. 

Tesco Bank Home Delivery for Travel Money

If you order foreign currency before 2 PM from Monday to Thursday, you can get next day home delivery to most homes in the U.K. Orders of £500 or more and there’s a £3.95 delivery charge for orders under that amount. You will need to have someone available to sign for the delivery. 

Tesco Bank Prepaid Currency Card

Tesco Bank offers a “Cash Passport” travel card. You can load up to seven currencies on the card including euros, U.S. dollars, U.K. pounds, South African rands, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars and New Zealand dollars. Tesco Bank does not charge a commission on foreign purchases, although there is a 2% fee if you use the card in the U.K. The travel money card is only available at a Tesco Bank location. 

Tesco Bank International Money Transfer

Tesco Bank allows you to send money to an international account so you can make a payment or deposit money with family or friends. Tesco Bank has a partnership with MoneyGram . This means you can send money to over 200 countries around the world. MoneyGram can’t be used for business transactions. 

You can send money through the MoneyGram app or by paying with a debit card or cash at a Tesco Bank location. Beneficiaries can get money deposited into their bank account, transferred to a mobile wallet or they can pick it up in cash at a MoneyGram agent location. Money transfers can take anything from a few minutes to a couple of working days. 

You can also collect 50 Tesco Clubcard points every time you send £50 or more.

No Card Fees Charged by Tesco Bank

Whether you buy online or in-store, Tesco Bank does not charge any card processing fees, although you may be charged by your card provider.

Tesco Bank Price Guarantee

Tesco Bank provides a price match guarantee on local bureau de change orders. This does not apply to online orders. Here’s what Tesco Bank says about its price guarantee:

“If you find a better exchange rate advertised by another provider within three miles of your chosen Tesco Travel Money Bureau, on the same day, we'll match it.

Price Match only applies in store on a like-for-like basis on sell transactions and does not apply to any exchange rate advertised online or by phone. This is not available in conjunction with any other offer. We reserve the right to verify the rate you have found and the three-mile distance (using an appropriate route planning tool).”

Tesco Travel Money Fees & Exchange Rates

In most cases, Tesco Bank makes its money on the difference between the “base,” interbank* exchange rate and the exchange rate that they charge to you. However, some services such as international money transfers do incur additional fees. 

*The interbank rate is also known as the mid-market or standard exchange rate, which is the midpoint between the buying and the selling prices of the two currencies.

Click and Collect Fees

There is no additional fee for Click and Collect orders, although if you cancel a Click and Collect order less than 24 hours before your collection date you will be charged a £10 late cancellation fee.

Tesco Bank Travel Money Money Card Fees

• Tesco Bank does not charge a commission on foreign purchases, although there is a 2% fee if you use the card in the U.K.
• There is a fee for ATM withdrawals as follows: GB £1.50, EU €1.75, US $2.30, AU $2.30, CA $2.40, NZ $3.00, ZA R20. Some cash machine operators charge an extra fee
• There may be other fees associated with the travel money card, you can get details of these fees from a Tesco Bank location

Tesco Bank Travel Money Money Card Limits

Tesco Bank locations will have details on any limits applicable to your travel money card. 

Overseas Money Transfer Fees

Tesco Bank has a partnership with MoneyGram and they do charge a fee for sending money directly to some countries. Typically, the fee charged by MoneyGram is £3.99.

About Fees Levied by Banks

Certain fees may be levied by banks when you are transferring money to another account. These fees are outside the control of Tesco Bank Travel Money. Circumstances, where banks may charge additional fees, include:

• Wire transfers into or out of sender or beneficiary accounts
• Transfers that are sent via SWIFT or certain other banking protocols
• Beneficiary banks charge a fee to receive a transfer
• Intermediary banks charge fees to process money in transit

These fees could mean that the beneficiary receives less money than stated by Tesco Bank Travel Money due to circumstances beyond Tesco Bank Travel Money’s control. If you want to understand what these extra fees are likely to be, please contact your bank and the beneficiary's bank.

Tesco Bank Travel Money Exchange Rates for Online Travel Money

Tesco does offer better exchange rates the more you order. You can start to access these better exchange rates when you buy £800 or more of foreign currency.

Tesco Bank Travel Money makes most of its money on the difference between the exchange rate they offer to customers and the base exchange rate. For example, the base rate to convert U.K pounds into euros is 1.146 euros per pound. Tesco Bank Travel Money offers an exchange rate of 1.125 euros per pound, a difference of 2%. That means if you’re exchanging 1,000 pounds into euros, you’ll pay an exchange rate fee of around £20.

Here are some other examples:

Exchanging 1,000 U.K. Pounds Into Australian Dollars

• Base exchange rate, 1,000 GBP converts to 1,862 AUD
• Tesco Bank Travel Money online exchange rate, 1,000 GBP converts to 1,819 AUD
• The Tesco Bank Travel Money exchange rate is 2.3% more expensive, or around 23 GBP in exchange rate fees

Exchanging 1,000 U.K. Pounds Into Danish Krone

• Base exchange rate, 1,000 GBP converts to 8,560 DKK
• Tesco Bank Travel Money exchange rate, 1,000 GBP converts to 8,107 DKK
• The Tesco Bank Travel Money exchange rate is 5.2% more expensive, or around 52 GBP in exchange rate fees

Exchanging 1,000 U.K. Pounds Into U.S. Dollars

• Base exchange rate, 1,000 GBP converts to 1,265 USD
• Tesco Bank Travel Money exchange rate, 1,000 GBP converts to 1,244 USD
• The Tesco Bank Travel Money exchange rate is 1.7% more expensive, or around 17 GBP in exchange rate fees

If you’re purchasing currency online or you want to transfer money to an overseas account, you can get much better deals by comparing specialist currency exchange providers . Several money exchange services have overall fees of 1% or lower, even when taking into account differences in exchange rates. 

All of the Tesco Bank Travel Money exchange rates quoted in this section are based on their online rates for converting money for home delivery or store pickup. Local bureau de change rates may vary and are likely to be more expensive than what we quote here. All rates correct as of early October 2019.

Tesco Bank Travel Money Exchange Rates for International Money Transfers

Here are the rates Tesco Bank charges for sending money to foreign bank accounts through MoneyGram.

Sending 500 U.K. Pounds to a Euro Account

• Base exchange rate, 500 GBP converts to 573 EUR
• Tesco Bank Travel Money exchange rate, 500 GBP converts to 550 EUR
• The Tesco Bank Travel Money exchange rate is 4% more expensive, or around 20 GBP in exchange rate fees

Sending 1,000 U.K. Pounds to a South African Rand Account

• Base exchange rate, 500 GBP converts to 9,343 ZAR
• Tesco Bank Travel Money exchange rate, 500 GBP converts to 8,551 ZAR
• The Tesco Bank Travel Money exchange rate is 8.5% more expensive, or around 43 GBP in exchange rate fees

Sending 1,000 U.K. Pounds to a New Zealand Dollar Account

• Base exchange rate, 500 GBP converts to 999 NZD
• Tesco Bank Travel Money exchange rate, 500 GBP converts to 937 NZD
• The Tesco Bank Travel Money exchange rate is 6.3% more expensive, or around 31 GBP in exchange rate fees

Note that you will need to pay a Tesco Bank Travel Money international money transfer fee, typically £3.99, to send money to a foreign account. 

All of the Tesco Bank Travel Money / MoneyGram exchange rates quoted in this section are based on their online rates for sending money to an overseas bank account. All rates correct as of early October 2019.

Comparing Tesco Bank Travel Money Rates To Other Providers

You can easily compare many money transfer services directly using our comparison tool . There are several new services that it’s worth comparing directly to Tesco Bank Travel Money.

Specialist Currency Providers for Other Destinations

You may also be able to get a better deal for money transfers when you’re sending money to certain countries. For example, if you’re sending 500 GBP to India, the beneficiary would get around 44,846 INR with Skrill compared to 44,373 INR with Tesco Bank Travel Money, a difference of around 1% or £10. 

How Easy Is It To Send Money With Tesco Travel Money

Tesco Bank Travel Money services provide convenient local and online currency exchange and money transfer services, combined with an international travel card.

Credibility Security

Tesco is a very well known, trusted brand. Here’s what they say on their website. 

“Tesco Travel Money ordered in-store is provided by Travelex Agency Services Limited. Registered No. 04621879. Tesco Travel Money ordered online or by telephone is provided by Travelex Currency Services Limited. Registered No. 03797356. Registered Office for both companies: 4th floor, Kings Place, 90 York Way, London N1 9AG.

Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Issued by Wirecard Card Solutions Limited. Registered Office: 3rd Floor, Grainger Chambers, 3-5 Hood Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6JQ. Registered in England No. 07875693. Authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority to issue e-money (Firm Reference Number: 900051).”

Customer Satisfaction

Tesco Bank Money scored very poorly for customer satisfaction on Trustpilot, achieving a score of just 1.4 out of 5 across more than 600 reviews. Around 11% of reviews said that they were “excellent” or “great” compared to 88% of reviews that said they were “poor” or “bad.” Note that these reviews were across Tesco Bank Money as a whole, not just for travel money or currency or online overseas transfers. 

We could not find any positive reviews for Tesco Bank’s travel money service. 

There were numerous negative reviews including problems with discrepancies in the amount of foreign currency received, complaints about customer service and issues of the late arrival of travel money. A typical review was, “Ordered travel money from Tesco. When counting the travel money, a significant amount was missing coming to the approximate value of £35. Tesco investigated and found no discrepancies. So I am £35 out of pocket due to their incompetence. Do not order travel money off Tesco.”

How Tesco Bank Travel Money works

If you want to pick up travel money in person, the individual who ordered the travel money must collect it. You will need to have an order reference number and the card you used to pay for your order. You will also need to know your card's PIN to verify your order. You should also have a valid photo ID like a passport, full photographic driving license or an EU ID card. 

Here’s what you’ll need to make a money transfer with MoneyGram.

• If you have a MoneyGram account you can log in, otherwise, you will need to create a new account
• Decide how much you’d like to send and where you want to send it to
• Enter all the required information about the beneficiary, this might include their name, address, bank account details, and other personal data
• Tell MoneyGram how the beneficiary wants to get their money—through a bank transfer, cash pickup, or via some other means
• Agree to the MoneyGram exchange rate and any fees
• Pay for your transfer
• Enter your information to verify your identity

In-app travel money allows our customers to easily buy before they fly!

We’ve worked hard to provide customers with a different kind of banking experience – one which is much less like traditional banking and much more like the service that customers have come to love and expect from Tesco stores.

Speaking to customers and finding out what really matters to them is so important to us and through these discussions, it’s clear that for Tesco shoppers, their time is precious.

At Tesco Bank, we’ve seen first-hand our customers' desire for ease and convenience, as evidenced by the growing number of customers opting to use our digital services. This is why we have decided to trial a new digital feature, enabling Android customers to purchase travel money directly through our Mobile Banking App.

We hope this feature will help customers in the lead up to the busy holiday period by offering a quick, convenient and simple way to check our current exchange rates and to purchase travel money. 

So, if you have a holiday coming up, why not give it a go? It’s really quick and easy to access – just follow the steps below. If you use this feature, we’d love to hear your feedback, so please do join the discussions on   Your Community.

Our Mobile Banking App offers all that you would expect from a banking app, as well as a number of innovative features to help our customers manage their finances quickly and easily. This includes:

• Quick and secure access to the app using either Face ID, Touch ID or Fingerprint, 5-digit passcode or existing online banking login details.
• Easy set up and management of credit card repayments by direct debit or debit card.
• An overdraft alert feature to help current account customers avoid account fees.
• Block / unblock feature which helps our credit card customers keep their account safe.
• Card scanning for credit card payments which enables customers to quickly add new card details using their camera.

How do customers access this new feature? To access this feature, Android customers simply need to log into the mobile app and swipe through the on-screen carousel until they reach the ‘Travel Money’ option. From there, the customers can check the rates by clicking on the fly out menu. From there they simply need to follow the on-screen instructions. Once the order has been processed, the customer will receive a confirmation email.

How quickly can I collect my currency?

If your online order is confirmed before 2pm, then you can collect Euro and Dollar the next calendar day from our bureaux, or any currency the next working day from our Travel Money Customer Service Desks.

What’s the difference between a Travel Money bureau and a Customer Service Desk Collection point?

A Travel Money bureau is a manned booth that sits inside a Tesco store where you will be served by a Tesco Travel Money adviser.  We also have selected stores where you can conveniently collect travel money from the Customer Service Desk which is at the front of the store and is manned by Customer Service Desk store colleagues.

What can I do with any currency left over after my trip?

We buy back all the currencies we sell, in most bank note values.  We do this at our in store bureau, but not at the Customer Service Desks.

If a customer places an order in this way, what do they need to show colleagues when they collect their order? You’ll need to bring valid photo ID e.g. passport, full UK photographic driving licence (we do not accept provisional driving licences) or EU ID card and the payment card you used for this order. If collecting from one of our in-store bureau, you will also be required to verify the PIN. The name on the card and the other identification must match the name of the person collecting the order.

Tesco Travel Money ordered online is provided by Travelex  Currency Services Limited .

Tesco Bank Travel Money – How Does It Work?

Planning your dream vacation? Alongside your flight bookings and luggage preparations, it’s essential to ensure your travel money arrangements are in order.

If you prefer having cash in hand while abroad, one convenient option for acquiring foreign currency is through Tesco Bank Travel Money. But what exactly is it, and how does it work? Let’s delve into the details, covering the process of ordering, collection and delivery options, fees, exchange rates, and more.

Additionally, we’ll explore an alternative that not only streamlines your travel expenses but also potentially saves you money – the Wise card . It’s an international debit card designed for spending and cash withdrawals in over 150 countries, boasting favourable exchange rates and eliminating the need to carry cash around, leaving extra room in your luggage.

But first, let’s focus on understanding Tesco Bank Travel Money.

What is Tesco Bank Travel Money and How Does it Operate?

Tesco Travel Money is a service that allows you to purchase foreign currency, either online or at a physical Tesco store. This flexibility enables you to either pre-order your currency or buy it on the spot at your local Tesco supermarket, provided they have a travel money bureau in-store.

Tesco Bank boasts a wide range of readily available foreign currencies for purchase, including popular options like EUR and USD. However, if the currency you require isn’t in stock, they can place an order for you.

Here are the key features offered by this service:

• Price Match : If you come across a better exchange rate advertised within three miles of your local Tesco Travel Money Bureau on the same day, Tesco Bank will match it. This applies exclusively to in-store, like-for-like transactions and not to rates advertised online.
• Clubcard Prices : Tesco Clubcard holders can benefit from improved exchange rates by providing a valid Clubcard number. This perk is available only for online currency purchases.
• Buy Back Service : If you have any unused foreign currency remaining after your trip, you can exchange it back to Tesco Bank for pounds.
• 10% Discount on Tesco Bank Travel Insurance : When you purchase Tesco Travel Money, you can enjoy a 10% discount on Tesco Bank travel insurance.

It’s worth noting that Tesco Travel Money received the ‘Best Travel Money Provider’ award in the Personal Finance Awards 2022/23, a recognition bestowed by the public. This foreign currency exchange service is powered by Travelex.

Fees and Exchange Rates

Now, let’s explore the cost associated with using Tesco Bank Travel Money. The good news is that there’s no commission fee when ordering currency in a Tesco store or opting for Click and Collect services.

However, for certain orders requiring home delivery, there are delivery fees to consider. Here are the main charges you should be aware of:

• Online foreign currency orders between £75 and £149.99: £4.99 delivery fee.
• Online foreign currency orders between £150 and £499.99: £3.95 delivery fee.
• Online foreign currency orders over £500: Free.
• Late cancellation of Click & Collect order (less than 24 hours before the collection date): £10 late cancellation fee.

It’s essential to keep in mind that additional charges might apply if you use a credit card to pay for your Tesco Travel Money order. While Tesco Bank won’t charge you, your credit card provider is likely to impose fees for cash-related transactions, which often include foreign currency purchases.

Tesco Travel Money Exchange Rates

Tesco Bank Travel Money, like many other foreign currency providers, incorporates its margin into the mid-market exchange rate. Also known as the interbank rate, this is the rate used by banks for inter-currency transactions, considered one of the fairest exchange rates. However, it’s rarely available through most providers, except for a few like Wise.

By adding its margin to the rate, Tesco Bank generates revenue from the transaction. Unfortunately, this means you’ll receive slightly less foreign currency in exchange for your pounds. Nevertheless, Tesco Bank offers slightly improved rates for Tesco Clubcard holders when they order online.

The exchange rates provided by Tesco Bank are transparent and can be checked in real time on their website.

Do Tesco Clubcard Holders Get Better Exchange Rates?

If you’re a Tesco Clubcard holder considering using Tesco Bank Travel Money, you might be wondering if this loyalty program can help you secure more favourable exchange rates.

The Clubcard Price offered by Tesco Bank Travel Money is designed to provide you with better rates compared to the standard ones advertised online at the time of purchase . This exclusive perk is accessible when you make your currency purchases online. To benefit from the Clubcard Price, you’ll need to input a valid Clubcard number during the transaction.

It’s important to note that exchange rates can fluctuate depending on the method you choose for purchasing your foreign currency. Whether you opt to buy in-store, online, or by phone, these rates may vary.

How to Order Travel Money from Tesco – A 9-step Guide

If you’re interested in obtaining travel money from Tesco, here’s a step-by-step guide for placing an online order:

• Visit the Tesco Bank Travel Money website.
• Choose your desired currency from the dropdown menu on the right-hand side.
• Indicate whether you possess a Tesco Clubcard. If you do, you’ll benefit from enhanced exchange rates.
• Select the amount you wish to order, either by choosing from the predefined options or entering a specific amount.
• Review the exchange rate and the amount of currency you’ll receive in exchange for your pounds.
• Click on ‘Buy Currency Online’
• Follow the on-screen instructions to place your order, including entering your Clubcard number (if applicable) and payment details. Note that online orders are payable by card only.
• Select either Home Delivery or Click & Collect, making the required delivery fee payment if applicable.
• Await the arrival of your travel money through postal delivery or head to your local Tesco Bank bureau on your chosen collection date to pick up your order.

The Collection and Delivery Process

If you opt for Click & Collect, you can conveniently locate your nearest Tesco store with a foreign exchange bureau by entering your postcode. You’ll receive a specified collection date, and your money will be ready for collection after 3 PM on that date. Don’t forget to bring photo ID and the card used for placing the order to verify your identity.

For home delivery orders, here’s what you can expect in terms of delivery times:

• Orders placed before 1:30 PM from Monday to Thursday: Next day delivery.
• Orders placed before 1:30 PM on Friday: Delivery on Saturday or Monday.
• Orders placed after 1:30 PM from Monday to Friday, or anytime on Saturday or Sunday: Delivery within 2 working days.

Remember that someone must be present to sign for the delivery of travel money orders.

The Tesco Multi-currency Cash Passport

Tesco Bank offers an interesting alternative known as the Tesco Multi-currency Cash Passport. This prepaid travel money card allows you to load up to seven different currencies before your trip, enabling spending abroad just like you would with a regular debit card in the UK. The added benefit is the ability to lock in the exchange rate every time you load, reload, or switch between currencies.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The available currencies are limited to euros, US dollars, UK pounds, South African rands, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, and New Zealand dollars. There are fees involved as well, including a £1.50 withdrawal fee at ATMs or a 2% commission on purchases made in UK Pounds.

The Wise Card – A Convenient Alternative to Currency Exchange

While Tesco Bank Travel Money provides a reliable option for obtaining foreign currency, it’s not the sole solution for managing your holiday expenses.

If you’re seeking more favourable exchange rates and a cashless approach, the Wise card is an attractive choice. This contactless international debit card can be used in over 150 countries, wherever Mastercard and Visa are accepted. This grants you the ability to make purchases in shops, restaurants, bars, and transport hubs worldwide.

When you use the Wise card, it automatically converts your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market exchange rate, with no additional margins or markups. There is only a modest currency conversion fee, or none at all if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

For cash needs, the Wise card allows you to withdraw up to £200 per month with no fees (up to two withdrawals). However, be mindful that overseas ATM operators may charge their own fees.

With the Wise card, you can enjoy the convenience of tapping and spending like a local, all while benefiting from a favourable exchange rate. Additionally, the Wise app allows you to manage your account, card, and expenses on the go.

By opening a Wise multi-currency account online, you can obtain a Wise card for a one-time cost of just £7, without any subscription fees. Be sure to review the Terms of Use for your region or check Wise fees and pricing for the most up-to-date information on costs and fees.

And there you have it – a comprehensive overview of Tesco Bank Travel Money and its operations, plus a cashless alternative for digital fans. If you prefer having foreign currency in hand before your trip, then Tesco Travel Money is certainly worth considering, particularly due to its lack of commission fees. Alternatively, you can conveniently visit your local Tesco store with a foreign exchange bureau to obtain your travel money instantly.

Remember, it’s advisable to conduct a quick comparison of exchange rates, as you may find more favourable options for obtaining foreign currency elsewhere but Tesco Travel Money solidifies its reputation with one of the more attractive offerings for travellers.

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The smarter way to travel

Multi-currency Cash Passport™. One Card, Ten Currencies.

Get your card   Get the app  

Multi-currency Cash Passport

10 currencies, locked in rates.

Lock in exchange rates each time you load and top up. Load up to 10 different currencies on one card. Pound Sterling, Euros, US Dollars, Australian Dollars, Canadian Dollars, New Zealand Dollars, South African Rand, Turkish Lira, Swiss Francs and Emirati Dirhams.

Stay in control

Manage and track your Cash Passport on the go via your mobile, tablet, laptop or PC. Login to  My Account  and stay in control of your money. 

Accepted at millions of locations

Preload your Cash Passport and use like you would a credit or debit card in-store, online or to withdraw local currency at ATMs.

Global assistance

Help is only a call away. If your card is lost, stolen or damaged, we can replace it quickly or provide you with emergency cash up to the available balance on your card (subject to availability).

Today's exchange rates*

Running low on travel money.

Multi-currency Cash Passport is reloadable, allowing you to top up any of your currencies, anywhere, anytime.

You can top up in 5 ways:

• Bank transfer (via phone or internet banking)
• Via the mobile app
• Over the phone
• In participating branches

Learn more about your top up options.

Keep track of your travel money

You can use your mobile, tablet, laptop or PC to login to My Account  and stay in control of your travel money.

Register for My Account , so you can:

• Track your spending
• Top up your card
• Transfer between currencies
• Retrieve your PIN number
• Suspend your card temporarily

You can also download the Cash Passport mobile app, available for iOS and Android devices.

Travel with confidence

Safe and secure access to your money

Cash Passport uses Chip and PIN technology which means you can rest assured you have additional security making your card safer than carrying cash. Accepted at millions of locations and cash machines worldwide.

Looking for a back-up card for safe keeping? Simply purchase an additional card when ordering online or in-store.

We're here to help

We're only a call or email away at all times. Our global assistance team will help you if your card is lost, stolen or damaged.

We can replace your card quickly or provide you with access to emergency cash up to the available balance on your card (subject to availability), so you can keep enjoying your holiday.

Need further help?

View our frequently asked questions or feel free to contact us .

Cash Passport™ app

The new Cash Passport app has an improved design that makes managing your travel money faster and easier.

Start travelling smarter in just a couple of taps. Activate your Cash Passport card from your mobile, download the app from the iOS or Android store, log-in, and load up with your preferred currency. Simple!

Now you can securely store your payment card details in the Cash Passport app, so whenever and wherever you are, you can top up with up to 10 currencies, including Euros, US, Australian and Canadian Dollars and British Pounds at the touch of a button.

Stay in control the smart way. The new message centre feature lets you stay on top of tailored notifications, including low balance and transaction alerts. Keeping you up to date with your own personal need to know information.

Move money between your currencies with just a couple of taps – it’s that simple! Quickly move money between 10 currencies and spend more time enjoying your holiday.

Priceless Cities

Priceless Cities is a program available exclusively to Cash Passport cardholders and provides access to unforgettable experiences in the cities where you live and travel.

There’s a world of possibilities waiting for you to explore, so why not break free from your routine for a moment, a night, or even a weekend? Fuel your passions. Make memories to last a lifetime. Start Something Priceless.

Find out more

Multi-currency Cash Passport is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard  International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

*Foreign exchange rates can fluctuate and the rate that applies one day will not necessarily be the same on any other day. The exchange rates set out on this website apply to top-ups that are made via this website only and that are applied to your card account within four hours. We will provide you with the applicable exchange rate at the time you top up.

Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

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Tesco Bank Travel Money Review 2022

After writing a review of Western Union, Skrill money and asking whether MoneyGram is safe, this article will look at Tesco Bank Travel Money.

Is it a good option for exchanging money or do better options exist in the UK?

If you have any questions you can contact me using   this form .

Table of Contents

Introduction

If you’re planning a pause on your everyday life, a vacation can be a great option, but there are a few things that you definitely need to decide ahead of time. 

Your passport, insurance, and flight tickets are essential for sure, but you have to save money if you also organize your travel money before departure.

Tesco offers travel money services provided through its banking division, including foreign exchange and travel money cards. Here is what we are going to talk about in this article.

You can either order cash in advance for delivery or collection, or call the branch with a money transfer agency. If you are thinking about your options, it is helpful to know how much commission Tesco may charge on your travel expenses. 

Make sure you compare them to other providers to get the best deal available, and especially look at the suggested exchange rate for your particular currency pair. 

It’s obvious these words can be not understandable for people who hear the name of Tesco for the first time, so continue reading to find out what is Tesco, what services does it offer and how it can be useful for you. 

For those who are already acquainted with Tesco, don’t hurry to close the tab, you’ll also find some new and helpful information, which will definitely help you decide if you need this service or not, so let’s go.

Tesco Bank Travel Money Overview

Tesco Bank Travel Money is a currency exchange provider offering services in foreign currencies. Being a part of the largest supermarket chain in the UK, Tesco Bank is widely available with over 360 in-store money exchange points and pre-order options in over 550 Tesco stores. 

They have a minimum order amount of £ 50 and a maximum order amount of £ 2,500. You can exchange money for over 120 currencies. Tesco’s travel money is provided through a partnership with Travelex.

Tesco, along with many other supermarkets, has joined the banking market. You can also use them to buy and sell travel money. 

However, any prospective traveler should keep in mind that while the traditional way of getting money to travel is good and good, there are a number of digital applications that can make the process easier. 

These include Starling, Revolut and N26. However, for the best way to get money for your trip with Tesco, all the information you can find below.

• Wide availability across the UK, about 500 stores
• A wider range of currency exchange services
• Tesco money services are safe, secure and guaranteed
• Partner with MoneyGram, which means money transfers are also available
• No fees over £ 500
• 7 currencies while withdrawing from ATMs
• Exchange rates can be considerably more expensive than the exchange rates from other providers
• Home delivery time can be longer (up to 5 days)
• ATM withdrawal fee

How does Tesco Bank work?

Tesco via its Tesco Bank offers several different ways to get holiday cash or prepaid travel money card. You can order the currency in advance for collection or home delivery, or simply call the money transfer bureau in the Tesco store if there is one nearby. Let’s discuss each option:

• Click and collect foreign currency

You can order foreign currency online and collect it later from one of Tesco’s money transfer bureaus or from the customer service at your local branch. 

There are over 300 money transfer bureaus throughout the country, as well as 100 more stores that offer payment through customer service. 

If you are ordering Euros or US Dollars, they may be ready the next business day if you place your order before 2 PM, and for other currencies, preparation can take up to 5 days.

• Home delivery of foreign currency

If it is inconvenient to receive foreign currency in a store, you can order it at your home address. It can also be a faster service, as all currencies arrive the next business day, provided they were ordered before 2 PM Monday through Thursday. 

However, these orders cannot be changed or canceled once they have been placed, and you will need to make sure someone at home signs for the delivery when it arrives. If your order value is less than £ 500, there is a £ 4 fee, but if you order over £ 500 you do not need to pay for shipping.

• Cash bureaus in stores

About 550 Tesco stores have their own money transfer agencies offering on-site currency exchange and roadmap sales. 

It is good to know that the exchange rates offered by Tesco differ from store to store, and online exchange rates may be different again. If you decide to buy holiday money from Tesco, make sure that you are happy with the proposed rate.

• Cash Passport travel prepaid multicurrency card

Tesco offers travel money that you have to buy in a store at the Tesco Road Money Bureau, which is the ‘Cash Passport’ card. You can load up to seven currencies onto your card, including Euros, US dollars, British pounds, South African rand, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars and New Zealand dollars. 

You can use it for ATM withdrawals or everyday expenses while traveling.  Tesco Bank does not charge a fee for foreign purchases, although there is a 2% fee when using the card in the UK. The travel money card can only be obtained from a Tesco Bank branch.

In most cases, Tesco Bank makes money on the difference between the “base” interbank exchange rate and the exchange rate they charge you. However, some services, such as international money transfers, are subject to additional fees.

Tesco Bank provides a price match guarantee for orders from the local exchange office. This does not apply to online orders. Here’s what Tesco Bank has to say about their price guarantee:

“If, on the same day, you find the best exchange rate offered by another provider within three miles of your chosen Tesco Travel Money Bureau, we will match it. Price matching only applies in-store on a consistent basis for sale transactions and does not apply to any exchange rate advertised online or over the phone. It is not available in combination with other offers. We reserve the right to check the speed and 3 mile distance you found.” – Tesco Bank

Now let’s become acquainted with more details about the Tesco fee and commission structure.

Tesco does not charge an explicit commission or exchange fee, however, you may find that there’s a markup added to the real exchange rate. 

Home delivery of travel money will cost you £ 3.9 for orders up to £500. No fees for orders over £500 as already mentioned.

With Tesco order cancellation is also available. Unless you cancel less than 24 hours before the collection date, you will then be charged a late cancelation fee of £10

Actually while withdrawing money with Tesco, you’ll be required to pay fees, which depend on the currency being withdrawn. About the precise fee amounts we will talk below.

About fees charged by banks

When transferring money to another account, banks may charge certain fees. These fees are outside the control of Tesco Bank Travel Money. Circumstances under which banks may charge additional fees include:

• Electronic transfers to the accounts of the sender or recipient or from the accounts of the sender or recipient
• Transfers sent via SWIFT or some other bank protocols
• Receiving banks charge a fee for receiving the transfer
• Intermediary banks charge a fee for processing money in transit

These fees may mean that the recipient receives less money than indicated in Tesco Bank Travel Money due to circumstances beyond Tesco Bank Travel Money’s control. 

Tesco Bank Travel Money card fees

Tesco Bank does not charge a commission for overseas purchases, although there is a 2% commission charged when using the card in the UK.

The following fees apply for ATM withdrawals: € 1.75 in the EU, £ 1.50, $ 2.30, AU $ 2.30, C $ 2.40, NZ $ 3.00, AU $ 20. Some ATM operators charge additional fees.

There may be other fees associated with the travel money card, you can get detailed information on these fees from a Tesco Bank branch. Tesco Bank branches will also provide details of any limits applicable to your travel money.

About the partnership of MoneyGram and Tesco Bank

Tesco Bank allows you to send money to an international account so you can make a payment or deposit money to your family or friends. 

Tesco Bank partners with MoneyGram. This means that you can send money to over 200 countries around the world. MoneyGram cannot be used for business transactions.

You can send money through the MoneyGram app or pay with a debit card or cash at a Tesco Bank branch. 

Beneficiaries can receive money into their bank account, transfer it to a mobile wallet, or receive it in cash at a MoneyGram dealership. Money transfers can take from a few minutes to a couple of business days. You can also collect 50 Tesco Clubcard points every time you send £ 50 or more.

More about the exchange rate you get with Tesco

If you’re buying travel money through Tesco, it’s a good idea to do a little research before deciding whether to order currency online or in a store. 

Online exchange rates differ from usual exchange rates at transferring agencies and may also vary from store to store. Store rates are not displayed online and cannot be checked without calling local offices.

Once you’ve found the best exchange rate Tesco offers, you’ll want to make sure it’s fair. This is easily done by comparing the Tesco exchange rate to the market average exchange rate.

While exchange rates do vary and rise and fall all the time based on market changes, your reference rate should always be the current market average. This is the only real exchange rate you will find if you Google your currency pair or use an online currency converter.

Compare the Tesco rate with the average market rate for your pair to determine the markup or spread that may have been added to the rate. 

Banks and exchange offices often add it to the real exchange rate to increase their profits. It is opaque and therefore difficult to know if you are getting a fair deal or not.

However, you can find a service that offers currency exchange at mid-market rates, with a small prepayment if you know how.

A great option if you are looking to exchange your pounds sterling for holiday money is to open a borderless multicurrency account with TransferWise. You can exchange your pounds to any of over 40 different currencies using the real exchange rate, and withdraw local currency from an ATM while traveling or spend using a linked debit card. More on this – and other tips for preventing unfair currency exchange fees – in a moment.

More about the multicurrency card

So you already know that Tesco offers a multi-currency card called Cash Passport. It is a prepaid currency card that allows you to load up to 7 different currencies onto it before you travel and then withdraw money from ATMs or use your roadmap for your daily expenses in shops and restaurants.

It is important to note that you can only obtain a Tesco Tourist Card by visiting a Tesco branch with a travel agency. 

Travel money cards are popular because they are convenient, but are often considered safer than using a credit or debit card abroad. 

This is because the prepaid currency card only stores the money you load onto it and is not linked to your main bank account. This way, even if you lose your card and PIN, thieves will never be able to access your regular bank account.

However, when using the Tesco travel money, there are fees for various services, including ATM withdrawals, about what you already learned. 

One unfair cost that you really don’t want to get into when using your credit, debit or road card abroad is Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC).

What is it? DCC is a common headache for travelers, and while banks and merchants offer this service to their customers, it could mean you are paying a lot more than you need to buy overseas.

DCC is where you are asked if you want to be charged in your local currency when buying or withdrawing from an ATM, rather than your local currency. 

The catch here is that if you say you want to be charged in your local currency, the exchange rate is usually poor and you may also face high fees. Avoid unnecessary costs by always requesting payment in your local currency.

Getting a borderless account and linked debit card is completely free and does not require a minimum balance. 

You don’t have to go to a Tesco travel agency to get your card and bill, which will save you time, and thanks to the low fees and great exchange rate, you can usually save money as well.

Getting money for the trip is never the most enjoyable part of your vacation. But without prior research, you may find that it costs a lot more than you need to get money for the expenses. 

Spend some time ahead of time researching the best travel money options for you and more in your pocket to spend while you’re away.

Customer satisfaction

Tesco Bank Money scored a very low customer satisfaction score on Trustpilot, scoring just 1.4 out of 5 in over 600 reviews. 11% of reviews were “excellent” or “great,” compared to 88% of reviews that said they were “bad” or “bad.” 

Please note that these reviews were for all Tesco Bank Money, not just travel money or currencies or online transfers abroad.

Now let’s see some of the real both positive and negative reviews and see what bothered the customers and why they are not satisfied.

5 star review

“I’ve just used Tesco Travel Money for the first time. I will only deal with financial institutions that are FCA registered and authorized which Tesco’s are. Their rate was a little lower than some companies but that’s a small price to pay for security. All I can say is that their service is excellent. I ordered Friday morning and the money was delivered to my home on Saturday morning at no extra cost. I was able to pay using my Tesco Credit Card without any transaction fees. Brilliant service, thank you very much Tesco.” – Customer

2 star review

“I have twice bought US dollars from click and collect. They arrived when they said both times. But both times I was given large bills $100 and $50. Not many places in the US accept these due to the chances of forgery, much like our higher value notes here. There is no option to select the denomination you want. Until this is an option or I know I will get $20 bills or less I will no longer use this service. This time I’ve come back with $200 in notes I couldn’t spend so I’ll see if they’ll let me change back to pounds like they say they do.” – Customer

1 star review

“Ordered travel money online. Had approximately £35 worth of travel money missing from my order, Tesco investigated this and found no discrepancies and refused to give my money back leaving me £35 out of pocket after trusting them to do their jobs correctly. Do not use them. Go to a trusted travel exchange.” – Customer

As you can see, the same service can make happy someone and sad another one. Yes the exchange rate is the main source of revenues, that’s why sometimes the fees can be higher, but anyways Tesco is one of the leading travel money providers in the financial industry.

Pros & Cons of travel money cards

Here are some significant advantages and disadvantages that can be provoked by travel money cards.

• Cash can be stolen. When traveling abroad, the last thing you can do is steal your international money. Using a travel money card means you only need to worry about one card, not wads of cash.
• Multiple currencies. All good travel cards can store multiple currencies at once. This is great if you are traveling to several countries with different currencies.
• Reserve card. Most travel money card come with a backup card that you can activate if your primary card is stolen. Just remember to store your backup card in another bag!
• Your savings are safe. When using the card, you will not be spending money from your regular account, but from another. This means you can keep your spending under control and if your card is stolen, you don’t need to worry about thieves gaining access to your savings account.
• Exchange rate lock. This one may also be on the pro list. Being able to lock in the exchange rate when transferring to a card can save you a little money if the rate goes up, but if it improves, you miss out on the savings.
• Fees. When using the travel card, you will be charged a certain fee, but the amount of costs may vary. Some cards charge a one-time transfer fee, others charge more. Make sure to read all terms and conditions before choosing a card.
• Reboot Delay. On some cards, the delay between transfer and access to funds is up to three days. This can cause some problems if you have unforeseen expenses while traveling.
• You may need cash. In some places you can go, you can only get cash from small shops or markets. Before traveling, be sure to study this problem so as not to get into an unpleasant situation!

Here they are, some really helpful pros and cons that can assist you in further decisions, to choose if you need any travel money card, and which one of the available companies will be a good match for you. 

Further Reading

The article below looks at Small World Money Transfer. Is this a good option for you, or do superior alternatives exist in the market?

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Tesco Bank: Travel Money reviews

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About the Travel Money

Before we go off on our holiday, there's always a last minute dash for some travel money! With more and more options available, it really does pay to do a bit of research to find the best travel money company. Smart Money People is the place for Tesco Bank travel money reviews. If you've used Tesco Bank travel money before, why not write YOUR own review? You can help other travellers looking for honest Tesco Bank travel money reviews.

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The U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized, plastic passport that has no visa pages. The card is proof of U.S. citizenship and identity, and has the same length of validity as the passport book.  

The card is for U.S. citizens who travel by land and sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and Caribbean countries.

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You can apply for either the book or card, or both documents.  

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We use the same forms for both passport books and cards. The first step on our forms is to select if you want a passport book, passport card, or both documents. 

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Can i apply for the passport card and passport book using the same application.

Yes. You can apply for both a passport book and passport card at the same time using the same application. When completing your form, let us know if you would like to apply for one or both documents. 

If you're renewing both your passport book and passport card, you must provide both documents. If you can submit a passport book, but you lost your passport card, you cannot renew the passport card using Form DS-82.

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You can do the same and apply for your first passport book by mail as a "renewal" if you already have a passport card.

May I use a passport card to fly?

You cannot use the passport card to fly to or from a foreign country.

The Transportation Security Administration accepts the passport card as ID for domestic flights in the United States.

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Use the passport book for international air travel.

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Yes. You can save time at the U.S.-Mexico border by using Ready Lanes that read the U.S. passport card’s Radio Frequency Identification technology. Find a complete list of documents accepted at Ready Lanes. 

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Travel money card

Planning a trip overseas? Our prepaid travel money card lets you load your chosen currency and lock in a top rate before you go. Spend safely abroad with a Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card.

Wherever you go, we’ve got your back

With a Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Card, spending money abroad has never been easier – or safer. Once you’ve experienced the benefits of a travel money card, it’ll be your first choice every time. Our prepaid money travel card allows you to:

Load up to 15 currencies at any one time. No more worrying if your currency will be in stock at the bureau de change

Make secure, contactless payments. Just look for the contactless symbol when eating out or shopping abroad. Contactless payment is subject to merchant acceptance, and there may be a maximum limit when paying this way

Manage your account on the go. Use the Sainsbury’s Bank travel money card app to manage your currency card wherever you are 

Put security first. Travel with confidence knowing your card is chip and PIN protected and there’s no direct link to your bank account

Live like a local. Use your travel money card to withdraw local currencies at ATMs worldwide for free. Remember to check whether the ATMs charge their own fee

Enjoy rates you can rely on. Fix the exchange rate any time you load or move money between currencies

Enter a world of convenience. Whenever you use your travel card, it automatically knows where you are and which currency to use

It’s free to get. And it won’t cost you a penny – or a cent – to load with foreign currency

Your adventure awaits. To get your travel money card next day from your local instore bureau click 'order for collection'. Or for the convenience of home delivery select 'order for delivery' (allow 5-8 days).

What is a travel money card?

Travel cards are a hassle-free alternative to taking cash on holiday. And a handy way of taking multiple currencies if you’re travelling to a few different destinations.

Use it like a debit card – without worrying about overseas bank fees when you spend in a currency loaded on the travel card. Pay contactless, pay with your PIN or withdraw at a local ATM. You can even use it to make online purchases.

Since it’s a prepaid travel money card, it’s also a great way to keep an eye on your holiday spending – just load your money before you jet off. And if you need a little extra you can even easily top up your card from the beach. Download the Sainsbury’s Bank travel money card app or find out more .

Which currencies can I load?

The world’s your oyster when you get a Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card. Pick up to 15 currencies at any one time. Along with the Great British Pound, you can choose from:

• Euros 
• US Dollars 
• Australian Dollars 
• NZ Dollars 
• Canadian Dollars 
• South African Rand 
• Turkish Lira 
• Swiss Francs 
• UAE Dirham 
• Mexican Peso 
• Polish Zloty
• Czech Koruna
• Swedish Krona 
• Japanese Yen  

When you use your travel money card abroad, it will automatically pick up where you are and know which currency to use.

And as soon as you load money onto your prepaid travel money card, you’ll get a fixed exchange rate for the currency, or currencies loaded. So you know exactly how much you’ll have to spend even if rates change while you’re away.

Ready to get your travel money card?

It's easy. To get your travel money card next day from your local instore bureau click 'order for collection'. 

Or for the convenience of home delivery select 'order for delivery' (allow 5-8 days). When it arrives, remember to sign the back of the card. 

To start using your card, simply load it with a minimum of £50. All that's left to do is decide where you’re going.

Fees, limits and terms and conditions

Get to know our Sainsbury’s Bank travel money card fees and limits. It’ll help you understand whether it’s the right option for you.

For a full description of fees, limits and terms and conditions, please click here .

± If the currency of your transaction does not match any of the currencies on your card, or there are insufficient funds on your card in a currency to cover the whole transaction, the (remainder of the) transaction amount will be exchanged to another currency (-ies) on the card in the order of priority, at an exchange rate determined by Mastercard® on the day the transaction is processed, increased by 5.75% (the foreign exchange fee).

‡ A foreign exchange rate will apply if transferring funds to another currency. The currency exchange rate is selected from the range of rates available in wholesale currency markets (which vary each day), together with a margin.

+ If, following the debit of any monthly inactivity fee, the card fund balance is less than the fee, we will waive the difference.

^^ The amount that can be loaded/reloaded will vary depending on which channel you choose, i.e. online, in store, telephone or internet banking.

^^^ If you’ve forgotten your travel money card PIN, you can contact us for a replacement.

Already got a card?

If you’ve already got a travel money card with us, login online or use the app to top up and manage your account.

Prefer to take foreign currency?

We can help with that too. With travel money bureaux all over the UK, it’s easy to find one near you . You can also order online for home delivery. There’s 0% commission, plus, if you’re a Nectar member, you’ll get better rates. ±

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does a sainsbury's bank travel money card work.

Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card is a chip and PIN protected prepaid Mastercard® currency card.

You can load multiple currencies onto it before you travel and then use it in millions of ATMs around the world displaying the Mastercard Acceptance Mark, to access your money quickly and safely. You can also pay for goods and services online and in-store.

Where can I use a Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Card?

Your Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card can be used to withdraw money from ATMs worldwide~ displaying the Mastercard® Acceptance Mark. All you need to do is to find your nearest ATM.

Alternatively, you can use the card to pay online and in stores around the world~.

You can use your Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card in countries or areas with a different currency to those on your Card. The system will automatically convert your stored currency (-ies) to the local one. Please note that for any transactions in a currency different from the Currencies loaded on your Card, the funds available on the Card will be used in the following order of priority: GBP, EUR, USD, AUD, CAD, NZD, ZAR, TRY, CHF, AED, MXN, PLN, CZK, SEK and JPY at an exchange rate determined by Mastercard on the day the transaction is processed, increased by a percentage determined by us (see the Fees and Limits section for more details).

How do I download the Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card app?

Search Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card app in the Apple App Store or on Google Play. 

How do I top up my Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Card?

Even with a zero balance, your card is still valid (up to the expiry date printed on the front of the card), and you can reload it any time before your next trip##.

For information on how to reload your Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card, please see the 'top up' section.

## Until card expiry and subject to reload limits (see Fees and Limits section).

What if an ATM asks for a six-digit PIN?

In some countries, you may be asked for a six-digit PIN when using an ATM.

Sainsbury’s Travel Money Card uses a standard four-digit PIN, which will still be accepted as normal if the ATM has been set up correctly in compliance with Mastercard regulations.

If you need assistance with any PIN issues, please call Card Services.

Can I get cash back with my Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Card?

No, cash back is not available on a Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card.

Terms and conditions

Sainsbury’s bank 2023 winter campaign t&cs.

How to enter 1. This prize draw (“Promotion”) is offered by Sainsbury’s Bank plc, Registered Office, 33 Holborn, London EC1N 2HT (registered in England and Wales, no. 3279730) (the “Promoter”) in partnership with Mastercard Prepaid Management Services Ltd (“MPMS”). 2. To enter into the Promotion, you must be a Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card Mastercard® (“Card”) holder. You will automatically be entered into the Promotion if you load or reload your Card with at least £250 worth of any currency between 04 December 2023 and 29 February 2024 inclusive, which will count as one entry into the Promotion. One entry per cardholder. 3. The Promotion is open to all UK residents aged 18 years or over. 4. You can’t use any other leaflet or coupon Promotion in the same transaction.

The Prize 1. Winners will receive a prize of one Sainsbury’s gift card loaded with £5000 (the “Prize”). Sainsbury’s gift card terms and conditions apply, please see https://help.sainsburys.co.uk/help/terms-and-conditions/giftcardtcs for more information. 2. Four winners and a reserve list will be selected at random, under independent supervision, from the valid entries received and they will be notified by email and/or phone by 31 March  2024 to their email address and/or phone number registered to their Card (“Notification” or “Notified” where appropriate). The winners will be Notified of their Prize by a representative of Mastercard. 3. To accept the Prize, winners are required to confirm they wish to accept the Prize in writing via email to the email address provided in the acceptance instructions within 7 calendar days from receipt of the winning Notification email. Failure to respond in time will result in the Prize being forfeited. 4. In the event that a winner does not respond to the Notification within 7 calendar days from receipt of the winning Notification, or if any Prize is declined, the Promoter reserves the right to disqualify that winner and draw another winner from the reserve list. 5. The terms and conditions are hosted on https://www.sainsburysbank.co.uk/travel-money/prepaid-travel-money-card if cardholders want more information. 

General 6. Proof of identity may be called for before the Prize is awarded. 7. The Prize is non-transferable and no cash or alternatives will be offered. The Promoter reserves the right to substitute the Prize for one of greater or equal value. 8. The Promoter reserves the right to refuse to award the Prize to anyone in breach of these terms and conditions. 9. The decision of the Promoter is final and binding and no correspondence shall be entered into in relation to the Promotion. 10. The winner’s’ surnames and counties can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed envelope to Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card Winter Promotion, Access House, 1st Floor, Cygnet Road, Hampton, Peterborough, PE7 8FJ within thirty (30) calendar days after the Promotion Period. If a winner objects to any or all of their surname and county being made available, the Winner must notify the Promoter by writing to the address above, however the Promoter must still provide the information to the Advertising Standards Authority on request. 11. The winners may be requested to participate in publicity related to the Promotion which may include the publication of their name and photograph in any media. Winners shall not receive any payment for such publicity. Winners may opt-out of publicity.  12. The Promoter reserves the right to alter, cancel or withdraw this Promotion without notice in the event of unforeseeable circumstances or technical reasons outside its control with no liability to any entrants. The Promoter is not responsible for entries not successfully completed due to a technical error of any kind. 13. The Promoter, Mastercard and their respective designees and assigns, and all of their respective officers, directors, employees, shareholders, representatives and agents shall have no liability and will be held harmless by entrants for any liability, loss, injury, claim, or damage to themselves or any other person or entity, including, without limitation, personal injury, death, or damage to personal or real property, to entrants or any other person or entity due in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by reason of the acceptance, possession, use, or misuse of a Prize or participation in this Promotion. 14. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for entries not successfully completed due to a technical fault of any kind. 15. Opt out – if you wish to opt out of the Promotion, please email [email protected] from your registered email address with your name and last four digits of your card number. You will be removed from the draw. 16. This Promotion is subject to the laws of England & Wales and the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.

Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

* Nectar members receive better exchange rates on single purchase transactions of all available foreign currencies. Excludes travel money card home delivery orders and online reloads. Exchange rates may vary depending on whether you buy in store or online. You need to tell us your Nectar card number at the time of your transaction. We reserve the right to change or cancel this offer without notice.

Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Card is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

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I'm going to Austria next month and I am looking for a good way to take euros, without using my credit card and getting stung with the FX. Last time I visited my family there (in Bregenz close to the Austrian Bodensee - absolutely gorgeous in September) I took travellers cheques which was such a headache! My sister told me about a card from tesco which worked a treat - the prepaid Tesco Travel Money Card. She got a great FX rate and she could use it to buy stuff in shops and get cash. I found their website - but can't seem to apply for the card. I really want one of these, so if anyone knows how to get it, please let me know.

[email protected]

I usually use credit cards for most things but in Germany and I think Austria (as welll as many other places)they are much less widely accepted so there is no alternative to cash.

I don't pay any charges as the post office credit card is completely free to use abroad - no admin charges etc.

_____________________

Although they probably give you a shoddy exchange rate to make up for it. There's no such thing as a free lunch.

AFAIK the Nationwide card didn't charge the Forex fee that most credit/debit card companies do but that has recently changed. I maintain cards in both the UK and US (my most regular places) so I avoid paying the Forex fees there but for the rest of the world I'll just stick it on plastic.

Not true! Post Office gives a better than most exchange rate. Nationwide now pass on the 1% charge made to them by Visa and give a better than most and equal at least to Thai banks exchange rate.

I'm using a Post Office credit card on holiday at the moment in Australia & have checked the rate I'm getting for purchases & it's much, much higher than the rate in the UK. We also used this card in America & the rate we got was brilliant.

Going to Austria, I would take half my money in cash Euros & take either the Post Office credit card or the Nationwide one as someone else said.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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