Best Travel Cards

1. Revolut: The Multi-Currency Powerhouse

Revolut is a firm favourite for international travellers, and it's clear why. This app-based card allows you to hold over 30 currencies at once, making it an excellent choice for globe-trotters who visit multiple countries in one trip. You can exchange currencies within the app at the real exchange rate, and you're only charged a small fee for weekend transactions—perfect for savvy spenders.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Multiple Currencies: Revolut allows you to hold and spend in over 30 currencies, so whether you're hopping from London to Paris, New York, and Tokyo, you’re covered.

• Global ATM Access: Use your card to withdraw money from ATMs worldwide, with up to £200 in fee-free withdrawals per month on the free plan.

• Advanced Features: Track your spending with detailed analytics, set budgets, and use handy tools like 'Vaults' to save for trips automatically.

Roote’s Top Tip: If you're heading to multiple destinations, make sure to load up on the local currencies in advance through the app—this helps you avoid any surprises when you’re on the go.

A Heads-Up: Revolut’s free plan limits you to £200 in fee-free ATM withdrawals per month. After that, there's a 2% charge on cash withdrawals. Plus, using the card for exchanging currencies on weekends will incur a 1% fee.

2. Monzo: The Stress-Free Option for Everyday Spending Abroad

Monzo is known for its transparency and ease of use, making it an ideal travel card for first-time users or those who want a simple, no-fuss solution for their overseas spending. This card is particularly popular for short-term holidays and weekend breaks.

Why You’ll Love It:

• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Monzo offers fee-free spending abroad, so you can use it just like you would in the UK, without worrying about additional charges.

• Free ATM Withdrawals: You can withdraw up to £200 from ATMs abroad for free each month, and Monzo’s real-time notifications help you keep track of your spending.

• Budgeting Made Easy: Monzo’s app has fantastic features for budgeting and saving. Use the ‘Pot’ feature to save for your trip, or keep track of your daily spending while travelling.

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Roote’s Top Tip: Set up a ‘Travel Pot’ to save for your holiday. You can add a fixed amount each month or round up your purchases for easy saving!

A Heads-Up: While Monzo doesn’t charge for foreign transactions, it doesn’t offer the same flexibility as Revolut when it comes to holding multiple currencies, so you’ll need to rely on your GBP balance and do the currency conversion beforehand.

3. Wise (formerly TransferWise): The Currency Conversion Expert

If you're travelling long-term or need to handle multiple currencies regularly, Wise’s borderless account is your best friend. Wise offers one of the most transparent and cost-effective ways to exchange currencies at the real exchange rate, so you’ll always get the best deal when making payments or withdrawing cash abroad.

Why You’ll Love It:

• True Exchange Rates: Unlike most other cards, Wise uses the real exchange rate, which means no hidden markups when converting currencies.

• Hold and Convert Multiple Currencies: You can store over 50 currencies in your account and convert them easily within the app at very competitive rates.

• No Monthly Fees: There’s no monthly charge for the Wise account, which is a big plus for long-term travellers.

  
  

Roote’s Top Tip: If you’re moving between countries with different currencies, Wise’s “borderless” feature allows you to manage and convert your money easily, without the hefty fees that come with traditional banking methods.

A Heads-Up: ATM withdrawals are free up to £200 per month, but after that, you’ll be charged 2% per withdrawal. Plus, you don’t get the same instant notifications as Monzo, so you'll need to stay on top of your spending manually.

4. Starling Bank: The Ultimate Fee-Free Travel Card

Starling Bank has quickly become a top contender for UK travellers, offering everything you need in a travel card without any monthly fees or foreign transaction costs. Starling’s ease of use and transparency are particularly appealing to travellers who want something simple and reliable, without the added complications.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Fee-Free Spending Abroad: Like Monzo, Starling offers fee-free spending abroad, so you can make purchases without worrying about extra charges.

• Free ATM Withdrawals: You can withdraw up to £300 per day abroad with no fees, which is ideal if you need cash for larger transactions.

• Instant Notifications: Get instant alerts every time you spend, making it easy to track your travel expenses in real-time.

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Roote’s Top Tip: If you’re travelling in Europe or other countries where cash is still king, use the £300 per day free ATM withdrawal limit wisely! It’ll save you from fees when you need cash on hand.

A Heads-Up: While Starling’s fees are minimal, the card’s ATM withdrawal limit abroad is £300 per day, which is more generous than others but could still be restrictive depending on your travel needs. Also, it doesn’t have the same multi-currency features as Revolut or Wise, so you’ll need to convert currencies beforehand.

So, Which Travel Card Should You Choose?

Let’s break down the options:

• Go for Revolut if you need to hold multiple currencies and want advanced features like budgeting, analytics, and fee-free currency exchange (unless it’s a weekend).

• Pick Monzo for a straightforward, no-fuss travel card with great budgeting tools—perfect for short trips and weekend getaways.

• Choose Wise if you’re a long-term traveller who needs the best exchange rates and multi-currency management at a low cost.

• Opt for Starling if you want a fee-free, easy-to-use option with generous ATM withdrawals abroad but don’t need multi-currency accounts.

  
  

Each of these cards is excellent, but they cater to different types of travellers. Whether you’re a short-term holidaymaker or a digital nomad, there’s a perfect card waiting for you!

Roote’s Top Tip: Always compare the live exchange rates before converting currencies. Apps like Revolut and Wise show you the best rates in real-time, so you can convert before you go abroad and avoid poor rates at airports or hotels.