Wise vs Revolut vs Travelex Which Travel Money Card Wins for Australians

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If you want the best travel money card for 2025, Wise stands out for Australians. Wise lets you pay in over 40 currencies, makes budgeting simple, and keeps fees low. You get transparent rates, easy app controls, and strong security. Many travelers in Australia still use cash to dodge fees, but prepaid travel cards like Wise are gaining ground. When you compare the best travel money cards, focus on fees, exchange rates, and how easy it is to use the card overseas. For the best travel cards for 2025, Wise ranks high for flexibility and clear pricing. If you want best travel money card tips, always check supported currencies and ATM access. Looking for tips for using a travel money card? Always keep an eye on conversion fees and card limits.

Key Takeaways

• Wise is the best travel money card for Australians in 2025, offering support for over 40 currencies, low fees, and a user-friendly app with strong security.
• Revolut provides advanced app features like budgeting tools and virtual cards, making it ideal for travelers who want to track spending and use contactless payments.
• Travelex offers unlimited free ATM withdrawals abroad, which suits travelers who need frequent cash access, but it has higher fees and fewer supported currencies.
• When choosing a travel money card, check fees, exchange rates, supported currencies, ATM limits, and app usability to match your travel style and budget.
• Using multi-currency cards helps avoid carrying cash, locks in good exchange rates, and reduces risks like losing your main bank card while traveling.

Best Travel Money Cards: Comparison

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Features Table

Here’s a quick look at the best travel money cards compared side by side. You can see how each travel money card stacks up on the most important features for travel.

You get the most currencies with Wise and Revolut. Travelex supports fewer currencies, but offers unlimited ATM withdrawals, which can help if you need cash often while you travel.

Fees Overview

When you compare travel money cards, fees matter a lot. Wise charges a one-time $8.50 card order fee and gives you two free ATM withdrawals each month up to $215. After that, you pay $1 plus 1.75% per withdrawal. Revolut lets you pick a plan. The standard plan is free, but premium plans cost $6.50 or $16.50 per month. You get free ATM withdrawals up to your plan’s limit, then pay a 2% fee. Both Wise and Revolut use the mid-market exchange rate, but Revolut adds a 1% fee on weekends. Travelex charges a 4% currency conversion fee and a reload fee of 1% or $6.50 minimum. You may also face weekend fees and monthly withdrawal limits with Travelex, making it less clear if you want the travel money card with the lowest fees.

Pros and Cons

Let’s break down the main pros and cons of these multi-currency cards so you can pick the best travel money cards for your next trip.

• Wise
  • Pros: Low fees, transparent rates, supports the most currencies, easy to use app, no inactivity fees.
  • Cons: Card delivery can take time, fees after free ATM limit.
• Revolut
  • Pros: Flexible plans, travel perks, free spending of held currencies, supports the most currencies.
  • Cons: Complex fee structure, weekend fees, premium plans cost extra.
• Travelex
  • Pros: Simple currency support, unlimited free ATM withdrawals, in-store support.
  • Cons: Higher fees overall, must collect card in-store, supports fewer currencies.

Tip: Multi-currency cards help you avoid carrying lots of cash and let you lock in rates before you travel. Prepaid travel cards also reduce the risk of losing your main bank card.

You should always check which travel money card supports the most currencies and offers the lowest fees for your travel plans. When you see all the travel money cards compared, Wise and Revolut stand out for multi-currency support, while Travelex is better if you want unlimited ATM access. The best travel cards for you depend on how you spend and where you travel.

How We Compare Travel Money Cards

Criteria

When you look for the best travel money cards, you want a clear and fair comparison. Here’s how we do it. We check each card side by side, focusing on what matters most for travel. You see the supported currencies, so you know if a card works for your trip. We look at exchange rates, especially if you get the mid-market rate or if there’s a markup. You want to know about fees—like account fees, loading fees, and ATM withdrawal limits. We also check if you get a physical or virtual card, and if there are any monthly or inactivity fees. Managing your money should be easy, so we test the app and see if you can top up funds quickly. Security is a big deal, so we look for chip and PIN, freeze options, and emergency card replacement. Last, we consider customer support, because you might need help while overseas. We put all this info in a simple table, so you can compare travel money cards like Wise, Revolut, and Travelex at a glance.

You get a full picture of each card’s pros and cons, so you can pick the one that fits your travel style and spending habits.

Why It Matters

You want your travel to go smoothly, whether you’re heading overseas for a holiday or a work trip. Here’s why these criteria matter for travelers from Australia:

• Fees can eat into your travel budget fast. You lose money on ATM withdrawals, currency conversion, and card maintenance. Lower fees mean more cash for your adventures.
• Exchange rates make a big difference. If you can lock in a good rate when you load your card, you avoid nasty surprises from currency swings.
• Supported currencies matter if you visit more than one country. Multi-currency cards let you spend in different places without juggling cash or extra cards.
• Usability is key. You want an app that lets you reload, track spending, and freeze your card if needed. This makes managing your travel money simple, even while you’re overseas.
• Security keeps your money safe. Features like chip and PIN, freeze functions, and emergency replacement protect you from fraud or loss.
• Customer support is your safety net. If something goes wrong while you’re overseas, you need quick help—no matter the time zone.

When you choose travel money cards with these features, you make your travel easier, safer, and cheaper. You get more freedom to enjoy your trip and less stress about your money.

Wise Travel Money Card

Features

You want a travel money card that makes your trip easy. Wise gives you multi-currency support, letting you hold and spend in over 40 currencies. You can use the card in more than 150 countries. You get no loading or subscription fees, and you do not need a minimum loading amount. Wise offers up to three free digital cards for online shopping, which adds extra security. You can freeze or unfreeze your card instantly in the app. The app also helps you find ATMs that do not charge extra. Wise gives you 24/7 customer support in many languages. Research shows Wise is up to five times cheaper than top banks in Australia for spending abroad and sending money.

Fees

Wise keeps fees simple. You pay a one-time card issuance fee of about $3 USD. There are no subscription or monthly fees. Spending with your travel money card is free if you use the same currency you loaded. You get two free ATM withdrawals each month up to $235 USD. After that, you pay $1.10 USD per withdrawal and a 1.75% fee on amounts over the free limit. Loading your card does not cost extra, but topping up external e-wallets has a 2% fee. Currency conversion fees start from 0.77%. Wise helps you avoid hidden costs, so you keep more of your money.

Exchange Rates

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate, which is the rate you see on Google. You do not pay a markup like with many other travel debit cards. Wise charges a small, clear fee for currency conversion. This means you get the lowest fees and more value when you spend or send money in foreign currencies. Competitors often add hidden markups, so you end up with less money. Wise’s transparent pricing helps you plan your travel budget better.

Currencies

Wise supports the most currencies among travel money cards for Australians. You can hold, convert, and spend in over 40 currencies. This makes it easy to travel across different countries without worrying about loading new cards or juggling cash. You can see some of the supported currencies below:

Benefits and Drawbacks

You get a lot of flexibility with the Wise travel money card. You can use it anywhere Visa and Mastercard are accepted. You can hold multiple currencies and spend in over 150 countries. Wise gives you two free ATM withdrawals per month up to $235 USD, and you pay low, clear fees after that. You always get the lowest fees and the real exchange rate. You can create virtual cards for safer online shopping. Wise does not let you add cash directly to the card, and some ATMs may charge their own fees. You also need to check if your card supports all the foreign currencies you plan to use. Wise stands out for multi-currency support, the most currencies, and easy loading, but you should always check your travel needs before choosing.

Revolut Travel Money Card

Features

Revolut gives you a travel money card packed with features that make travel easier. You can spend in over 130 currencies and hold up to 27 different currencies in your account. The card works in more than 200 countries and connects with over 55,000 ATMs worldwide. You can top up your card instantly from your bank account or debit card, usually with no extra charge. The app lets you freeze or unfreeze your card, set spending limits, and get real-time notifications for every purchase. You can use both physical and virtual cards, which helps keep your online shopping safe. The budgeting tools in the app help you track your spending by country and category. You also get compatibility with Apple Pay and Google Pay for contactless payments. Revolut stands out among travel debit cards for its advanced security and easy-to-use app.

Fees

Revolut offers three plans: Standard, Premium, and Metal. The Standard plan has no monthly fee. You get free ATM withdrawals up to $230 USD per month or five withdrawals, whichever comes first. After that, you pay a 2% fee on each withdrawal. Currency exchange is free up to $1,300 USD per month during weekdays. If you go over this limit or exchange on weekends, you pay a 1% fee. Premium and Metal plans increase your free limits and add perks like higher withdrawal caps and free express card delivery. Card delivery for the Standard plan costs $6.50 USD for standard shipping or $22 USD for express. Foreign currency transfers usually cost between 0.3% and 1.5%, depending on the currency and plan. You can avoid most fees by staying within your plan’s limits and exchanging money during the week.

Exchange Rates

Revolut uses real-time interbank exchange rates on weekdays, which often beat traditional banks and some competitors. On weekends and public holidays, a 1% fee applies to currency exchanges. You get fee-free currency exchange up to your plan’s monthly limit, but after that, a 1% fee kicks in. Wise offers the mid-market rate with a small, clear fee, while Revolut’s rates are strong during the week but less competitive on weekends. If you want to save money, try to exchange foreign currencies during weekdays and stay within your plan’s free allowance.

Currencies

With Revolut, you can hold and manage up to 27 different currencies in your multi-currency account. You can spend in over 130 currencies worldwide. This makes the travel money card a great choice if you visit several countries on one trip. You can switch between currencies in the app, and the card will automatically use the right one if you have enough balance. This flexibility helps you avoid extra conversion fees and makes budgeting easier.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Revolut’s travel money card gives you lots of control and flexibility. You get no account opening or maintenance fees on the Standard plan, competitive exchange rates, and strong security features. The app is easy to use and helps you manage your money on the go. You can use both physical and virtual cards for extra safety. However, the free ATM withdrawal limit is low at $230 USD per month, and you pay a 2% fee after that. Customer support is limited on the Standard plan, and you do not get credit card perks. There are no physical branches, so you need to handle everything online. If you want a multi-currency travel money card with a user-friendly app and strong security, Revolut is a solid choice, especially if you stay within the free limits.

Travelex Travel Money Card

Features

You might like the Travelex travel money card if you want a simple way to manage your money overseas. This card lets you load funds in AUD and convert them to several foreign currencies. You can use it for special offers in some Asian countries. If you lose your card, you get a free replacement. You also get unlimited free ATM withdrawals when you travel, but some ATM operators may charge their own fees. The card comes with Mastercard Zero Liability protection, so you stay safe if something goes wrong. You can reach customer support any time, day or night.

Fees

You need to watch out for the fees on this travel money card. When you load AUD, you pay at least $15 or 1.1% of the amount. Loading other currencies is usually free. If you top up using BPAY or bank transfer through the Travelex website, there is no fee. If you use BPAY outside the website, you pay 1%. If you want an extra card, it costs $5. ATM withdrawals overseas are free from Travelex, but the ATM owner might charge you. If you use the card in the United States or another country with a currency you did not load, you pay the Mastercard rate plus a 5.95% fee. If you do not use your card for 12 months, you pay $4 each month. Closing the card costs $10.

Tip: Always load the right currency before you travel. This helps you avoid high conversion fees.

Exchange Rates

When you load your travel money card, you lock in the exchange rate for that first load. This gives you some certainty about how much you have to spend. If you reload later, you get the new rate at that time. If you spend in a currency you did not load, the card uses the Mastercard exchange rate and adds a 5.95% fee. This can make things expensive if you do not plan ahead. The locked-in rate only applies to your first load, so keep an eye on rates if you plan to add more money.

Currencies

You can load and spend up to 10 different currencies with this multi-currency travel money card. These include AUD, USD, EUR, GBP, CAD, NZD, HKD, SGD, JPY, and THB. If you have enough balance in the local currency, you pay no conversion fee. If you do not, the card will convert from your other loaded currencies in a set order.

Benefits and Drawbacks

You get some good perks with this travel money card:

• Hold up to 10 currencies, which helps you avoid repeated conversions.
• Lock in exchange rates when you load funds, so you know what you have.
• Manage your money with an app and avoid carrying cash.
• High daily withdrawal limits and strong security features.
• 24/7 customer support if you need help.

But you also need to watch for the downsides:

• You pay fees for loading AUD, inactivity, and closing the card.
• The 5.95% conversion fee is high if you spend in a currency you did not load.
• The locked-in rate only applies to your first load.
• Minimum top-up is $100 AUD, which can be a lot if you just want to add a little.
• Using AUD abroad can cost more, so always load the right foreign currencies.

Note: This multi-currency travel money card works best if you plan ahead and load the currencies you need before your trip.

Best Multi-Currency Card: Head-to-Head

Fees

When you look for the best multi-currency card, you want to keep more money for your travel. Wise keeps things simple. You pay a one-time fee to get your travel money card, and you do not pay monthly fees. Revolut gives you a free plan, but you can pay for extra features if you want. Travelex charges a fee when you load money, and you might pay more if you use the wrong currency. Wise and Revolut both show you clear fees before you spend. Travelex can surprise you with extra costs if you do not plan ahead. If you want to save on fees, Wise and Revolut are strong choices for your overseas trips.

Exchange Rates

You want the best exchange rate when you travel. Wise uses the real mid-market rate, so you get the same rate you see online. Revolut also gives you a good rate during the week, but adds a fee on weekends. Travelex lets you lock in a rate when you load your travel money card, but if you spend in a currency you did not load, you pay a big fee. Wise stands out for giving you the best multi-currency card rates with no hidden markups. Revolut is good if you exchange money during the week. Travelex works if you plan ahead and load the right currencies.

ATM Access

You need cash sometimes when you travel overseas. Wise gives you two free ATM withdrawals each month up to $230 USD. After that, you pay a small fee for each withdrawal. Revolut lets you take out cash for free up to $200 USD per month, depending on your plan. After you reach your limit, you pay a 2% fee. Travelex lets you withdraw up to $500 USD per day, and you do not pay a fee to Travelex, but the ATM owner might charge you. Here’s a quick look:

You should always check your travel money card limits before you go overseas.

App Usability

A good app makes your travel easy. Wise gives you a simple app with clear fees, exchange rate alerts, and strong security. You can freeze your travel money card if you lose it. Revolut’s app has more features, like budgeting tools and even stock trading. Both apps let you manage your multi-currency cards and track spending. Travelex does not have as many app features, so you might find it harder to manage your money on the go. Wise and Revolut both get high ratings from users for their easy-to-use apps.

Support

When you travel overseas, you want help fast if something goes wrong. Wise gives you 24/7 support in many languages. Revolut offers support in the app, but you get faster help if you pay for a premium plan. Travelex lets you call or email for help, and you can reach Mastercard services if you lose your card. You can also contact the Australian Financial Complaints Authority if you have a problem with your travel money card. Wise and Travelex both give you strong support options, so you can travel with peace of mind.

Scenarios: Using Travel Money Cards Overseas

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Europe Trip

You want to explore Europe and visit several countries. A multi-currency travel money card helps you pay in euros, pounds, or Swiss francs without stress. Wise lets you hold over 40 currencies, so you can switch between them as you travel. Revolut also supports many currencies and gives you good rates during the week. Travelex works if you load the right currency before you go. If you forget to load euros, Travelex charges a high fee for conversions. Wise and Revolut make loading money onto your card easy with their apps. You can top up in USD and convert to local money before you spend.

Asia Trip

Traveling to Asia from Australia is common. You might visit Japan, Singapore, or Thailand. Wise and Revolut both support these currencies. You can use your travel money card for purchases and cash withdrawals in local money. Travelex covers fewer Asian currencies, so check before you travel. If you need to reload, Wise and Revolut let you do it in seconds. Travelex may take longer for loading, especially if you use BPAY. Multi-currency cards help you avoid carrying lots of cash in Asia.

US Trip

If you travel to the United States, all three cards work for shopping and eating out. Wise and Revolut use the real exchange rate, so you save money. Travelex lets you lock in a rate when loading, but you pay extra if you spend in a currency you did not load. You can use your travel money card for both purchases and cash withdrawals at most places in the US. Wise and Revolut make it easy to track spending in their apps.

ATM Withdrawals

You sometimes need cash when you travel overseas. Wise gives you two free ATM withdrawals overseas each month up to $230 USD. Revolut offers free withdrawals up to $200 USD, then charges a fee. Travelex allows unlimited withdrawals, but some ATM owners may charge their own fees. Always check your card’s limits before you travel. Multi-currency cards help you avoid high fees if you plan your withdrawals.

Online Purchases

You can shop online while you travel. Wise and Revolut both offer virtual cards for safe online shopping. You can pay in local currencies, which helps you avoid extra fees. Travelex works for online purchases if you have loaded the right currency. If you use a currency not loaded, Travelex adds a big fee. Multi-currency travel money cards make online shopping overseas simple and safe.

Reviews: What Australians Say

Wise

You probably want to know what other travelers from Australia think about Wise. Many people say Wise makes travel easy. You can load your travel money card in minutes and see your spending right away. Users like the real exchange rates and low fees. Some say the app feels simple and safe. You can freeze your card if you lose it, which gives you peace of mind. A few people mention that card delivery can take a while, so you should order early. Most reviews from Australia highlight Wise as a top choice for a multi-currency card.

“I used Wise on my trip to Europe. The app showed me every transaction. I saved money on fees compared to my old bank card.” — Review from Sydney

Revolut

Australians who use Revolut often talk about the app’s features. You can track your spending, set budgets, and use both physical and virtual cards. Many users enjoy the flexibility of holding different currencies. Some say the free plan works well if you stay within the limits. Others mention that weekend fees can add up. You might find the customer support a bit slow unless you pay for a premium plan. Still, many people in Australia like Revolut for its multi-currency support and easy app.

• You can switch between currencies fast.
• The app helps you manage your money on the go.
• Some users wish for higher free ATM limits.

Travelex

People in Australia choose Travelex when they want a simple travel money card. You can pick up your card in-store and load it with the currency you need. Many users like the unlimited ATM withdrawals. Some say the fees feel high if you do not plan ahead. You should always load the right currency before your trip. Reviews mention that the app is basic, but customer support helps if you have problems. Travelex works best if you want a straightforward card for a single trip.

Note: You can find more reviews on travel forums and social media. Always check recent feedback before you choose your travel money card.

Verdict: Best Travel Money Card

Overall Winner

You want a travel money card that works everywhere, keeps your costs low, and makes travel simple. Wise stands out as the overall winner for Australians in 2025. You get a card that supports over 40 currencies, so you can travel across Europe, Asia, or the US without worrying about juggling cash or extra cards. Wise uses the real mid-market exchange rate, which means you keep more of your money for your adventures. You pay no monthly fees and only a small one-time fee to get started. The Wise app lets you freeze your card, track spending, and reload funds in seconds.

Many experts agree with this choice. The Mozo Experts Choice Awards 2025 reviewed 186 travel money cards and highlighted Wise for its multi-currency support, low fees, and easy setup. You get a travel money card supporting the most currencies, which is perfect if you visit several countries on one trip. Wise also gives you strong security and 24/7 support, so you can travel with peace of mind.

Wise gives you the best value if you want a travel money card that works almost anywhere, keeps fees clear, and makes travel easy.

Best for Low Fees

If you want the travel money card with the lowest fees, Wise takes the lead again. You pay a one-time fee of about $3 USD to order your card. After that, you do not pay monthly or annual fees. You get two free ATM withdrawals each month up to $230 USD. If you go over this limit, you pay a small fee, but it stays clear and easy to track. Wise does not charge you for loading funds or spending in the same currency you hold. You also avoid hidden markups because Wise uses the real exchange rate.

Revolut also offers low fees if you stay within the free plan limits and exchange money during the week. However, weekend fees and premium plan costs can add up. Travelex charges more for loading AUD and has higher conversion fees if you spend in a currency you did not load. If you want to keep more money for your travel, Wise is the best choice for low fees.

Best for App Features

You want a travel money card that comes with a smart, easy-to-use app. Revolut shines in this area. The Revolut app gives you budgeting tools, instant notifications, and the ability to freeze or unfreeze your card with one tap. You can set spending limits, create virtual cards for online shopping, and even track your spending by country or category. The app supports Apple Pay and Google Pay, so you can pay with your phone anywhere that accepts contactless payments.

Wise also offers a strong app with clear fee breakdowns, exchange rate alerts, and simple controls. You can manage your travel money card, reload funds, and freeze your card if you lose it. Travelex’s app is more basic and does not offer as many features. If you want the best app experience, Revolut is your top pick for travel.

Tip: A good app helps you manage your travel money card on the go, so you always know where your money is.

Best for Cash Withdrawals

Sometimes you need cash while you travel. Travelex gives you unlimited free ATM withdrawals abroad, which is a big plus if you use cash often. You can withdraw up to $500 USD per day, and Travelex does not charge you for these withdrawals. However, some ATM owners may still charge their own fees, so always check before you take out money.

Wise and Revolut both offer free ATM withdrawals up to a set limit each month. Wise gives you two free withdrawals up to $230 USD, then charges a small fee. Revolut lets you withdraw up to $200 USD for free, then charges 2% after that. If you plan to use ATMs a lot during your travel, Travelex is the best choice for cash withdrawals.

Note: Always check ATM fees in the country you visit, as some machines may charge extra even if your travel money card does not.

Summary Table: Best Travel Money Card Picks

You have many options for travel money cards. Wise gives you the best value for most travelers, especially if you want a card that works almost everywhere and keeps your costs low. Revolut is great if you love app features and want to track every dollar. Travelex is your pick if you need lots of cash on your trip. Always think about how you travel, where you go, and how you spend. The right travel money card makes your next adventure smoother and cheaper.

You want the right travel money card for your next trip from Australia. Wise stands out as the best choice for most people in Australia because it offers low fees, strong security, and support for many currencies. Before you pick a travel money card, think about how you travel and what matters most to you. Check out the best travel money card tips and remember these tips for using a travel money card. Ready to save money? Compare your options and apply for the card that fits your needs.

FAQ

Can you use these travel money cards in China?

Yes, you can use Wise and Revolut cards in China at places that accept Visa or Mastercard. Travelex also works if you load Chinese yuan. Always check if your card supports the currency before your trip.

What happens if you lose your travel money card overseas?

You can freeze your card in the Wise or Revolut app right away. Travelex lets you call for a free replacement. Always contact customer support as soon as possible to protect your money.

Do you need to show ID to use a travel money card abroad?

No, you do not need to show ID for regular purchases. You may need to show ID when picking up your card in-store or if a merchant requests it for large transactions.

Can you reload your travel money card while overseas?

Yes, you can reload Wise and Revolut cards instantly through their apps. Travelex lets you reload online, but it may take longer. Always check your balance before you travel to avoid running out of funds.

Travel cards like Wise, Revolut, and Travelex each have their strengths, but they also come with complex fees, weekend markups, or limits on withdrawals. If you want a truly simple way to manage money across borders, BiyaPay gives you the clarity and flexibility that traditional travel money cards often lack.

With BiyaPay, you get multi-fiat and cryptocurrency conversions, real-time transparent exchange rates, and fees as low as 0.5%. The platform also supports same-day settlement and is available in most countries and regions worldwide — making it the smarter choice for travelers who want to save money and time.

Before your next trip, register with BiyaPay and enjoy a seamless, low-cost way to move money globally.