post office money travel card reviews

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Post Office Travel Money Card   Reviews

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Reviews 3.7.

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Really useful plus competitive rates

Needed a Euro card for a holiday as we didn't want to carry much cash. The PO Money card was easy to order online and the rate was competitive. We got one each and downloaded the app which told us exactly how much we were spending and where - and what was left. Unlike other cards I've had, we had the option to change back to £ (or any other currency) using the app and we can carry on spending at home.

Date of experience : September 05, 2024

Reply from Post Office Travel Money Card

Hi Caroline, thank you for your review and great feedback!

Card declined

Card has been declined and now I have no money to use on holiday! Only have credit cards. What is the point of taking taking out Post Office Card! Cannot contact them either as no emergency number only of card lost or stolen. Not good at all.

Date of experience : September 15, 2024

Hi Katrina, Thank you for your review, we’re sorry to read that the Travel Money Card hasn’t met with your expectations on this occasion, we would like to understand more so we can help resolve this. Could you call us at 0207 937 0280 using option 2, which will take you through to on of our agents or email us at [email protected] , Thanks - Brooke

Highly recommended

Very practical debit card to use abroad and pay in local currency and avoid costly foreign currency transaction fees applied by credit cards. Checking balances & topping up using the app is a breeze. Beware your bank may charge you interest / fee if you use your credit card for top-up. Highly recommended

Date of experience : September 08, 2024

Hi Alpaslan, Thank you for your great review and feedback, it really helps us. It’s really good to hear that you are enjoying your Travel Money Card. - Brooke

Fairly simple to use

Fairly simple to use, only thing I would say is finding your PIN on the app was a bit confusing, but everything else was nice and easy

Hi there, thank you for your review and feedback, we do appreciate it!

This was so easy to use and safer than cash

This was easy to use and was accepted everywhere. I really didn’t need cash as I could just use the card, although did require the PIN number. It was much safer to carry. It is easy to top up so you don’t need to add too much cash in advance. I also like the option to freeze the cards if stolen or mislaid.

Date of experience : September 03, 2024

Hi Sheila, thank you for your great review and feedback!

As yet untested!

Very easy to add money (foreign currency for holiday) - but have yet to go and use it, so cannot comment further...

Date of experience : September 04, 2024

Thank you for your great review and feedback, it really helps us. It’s really good to hear that you are enjoying your Travel Money Card

Easy site to navigate It would have…

Easy site to navigate It would have been helpful if I could have ordered 3 cards at the same time but this did not appear to be possible. Travellers often like to spread their money for safety reasons.

Date of experience : September 11, 2024

Hi there, thank you for your review, and feedback!

I have not been able to access my…

I have not been able to access my account therefore while using it I had no idea what was left on it and I still can’t get in now I am home

Good way to control your spending…

Good way to control your spending overseas, you are always in control of your transactions with the app, the only think that needs to be done is to be able to use google wallet as this hasn’t been done yet

Date of experience : September 13, 2024

Hi Ahmed, thank you for your review! You can link your card to Google Wallet, this can be done through the Google Wallet app, hope this helps!

Card declined twice in a row

My post office travel card has just been declined twice, once in a restaurant, once in a supermarket. Really annoyed as I specifically took out the travel card to save carrying cash or other cards for safety. Not impressed at all.

Hi Karen, we are sorry to hear this. We have requested further details from yourself to be able to look into this

Well it’s OK-ish, but overtaken by competitors

Well it’s OK-ish, but increasing numbers of businesses refused to accept the Post Office’s pre-payment MasterCard debit card in Crete. Given the numerous alternatives which are fee-free and which give slightly better exchange rates, I personally would opt for these in preference to the somewhat dated Post Office Travel Card for Central European holiday card expenditures.

Date of experience : September 07, 2024

Thank you for your review, we’re sorry to read that the Travel Money Card hasn’t met with your expectations on this occasion, we would like to understand more so we can help resolve this. Could you call us at 0207 937 0280 or email us at [email protected]?. - Shannon

Using a Post Office Travel Money Card…

Using a Post Office Travel Money Card was so simple and safe. I travelled between Canada and the US and switching between currencies was very easy. I would highly recommend.

Date of experience : August 31, 2024

Hi Beth, thanks for your great review!

Post Office Money Card great option

Given that the most convenient way to spend money is contactless or via phone, having the post office travel card was a great way to manage my money abroad. As the money is already converted to the currency of choice there are no fees or conversions per transaction. You can also keep tabs easy on the app on what has been spent. Highly recommended.

Date of experience : August 14, 2024

Thank you for your great review and feedback, it really helps us. It’s really good to hear that you are enjoying your Travel Money Card and the features we have available on the mobile app.

My son is currently on holiday and was…

My son is currently on holiday and was able to use card but now can't and has no other way of getting money. I've had to send money to his UK bank account and for him to draw money at the cash machines. This is not acceptable So cross

Thank you for your review, were sorry to read that the Travel Money Card hasn’t met with your expectations on this occasion, we would like to understand more so we can help resolve this. Could you call us at 0207 937 0208 or email us at [email protected], Thanks, - Rhys

Straightforward to set up

Straightforward to set up. Minimal cost. Needs to be made clearer if the card is a debit card or a credit card. Became very confusing in a liquor store as I thought I was using a debit card and they couldn't process it but could have done if they knew it was mastercard.

Hi Thank you for your review and feedback!

I had a wonderful experience

I had a wonderful experience. I had forgotten to change my address so didn’t get new card and didn’t realise until on holiday and of course it was out of date. Came home and I had to telephone which I was dreading but no straight through to a person and she was brilliant. New card came in three days.

Date of experience : August 05, 2024

Hi Lesley, thank you for your review and great feedback regarding calling in! It really does help us!

SUSPENDED CARD

SUSPENDED CARD ! I have 9k in my account it’s been suspended for 2 months now 30 emails . More emails more print outs of my personal accounts . Left me in a place not having any money because of this . Court proceedings after this is complete , Go with tui a reliable company . There a joke they are . You send a PDF of accounts and if it’s not good enough they don’t tell you ! You have to chase it up . Ombudsman hasn’t even replied like they said they would too , All recorded and all monitored for the courts . Still in going . How they can keep your money is a joke !

Hi John, we are sorry to hear this. We have requested further details from yourself in order to look into this for you.

Great card easy to use app everywhere…

Great card easy to use app everywhere accepted it

Date of experience : August 30, 2024

Thank you for your great review and feedbacks. It’s really good to hear that you are enjoying your Travel Money Card

We are currently on holiday on…

We are currently on holiday on Vancouver Island our travel card has been declined several times even although we have a considerable sum of Canadian dollars on the card.Very very frustrating.Card declined again this evening.Help line is no help at all.Told to use atm.I also notice we do not have a reply.What happens now?

Date of experience : August 22, 2024

Thank you for your review, we’re sorry to read that the Travel Money Card hasn’t met with your expectations on this occasion, we would like to understand more so we can help resolve this. I regret that you feel that the helpline has not provided you with the required support as of yet, however if you could you call us back at 0207 937 0280 or email us at [email protected] we can attempt to further investigate this issue for you. Thanks.

Spending made easy on holiday

Very happy and most helpful with our local PO where we obtained the card. Easy to register online to activate and no problem using on holiday.

Date of experience : July 08, 2024

Hi there, thanks for your great review!

Post Office Travel Card Review 

Travelling is one of the most exciting and liberating experiences out there. Whether you’re jetting off to a far-off destination or just exploring your own country, having the right travel card can make the whole experience easier and more enjoyable.

Are you planning a trip? If so, you may be wondering if the Post Office Travel Money Card is a good option for you. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the Post Office Travel Money Card, how it works, and what you need to know before using it. 

By the end of this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision about whether or not the Post Office Travel Money Card is right for your next trip.

Table of Contents

Benefits of Having a Travel Card

First and foremost, travel cards are an excellent way to earn miles and points. This can be incredibly valuable if you are a frequent traveller or want to visit somewhere far off where you’ll have to pay high airfare. Plus, you can use these miles and points to book travel, hotels, flights, vacation packages, and more. 

Another major advantage of travel cards is their versatility. As you travel, you’ll have the ability to withdraw cash from ATMs using your card, pay for purchases using your card, and even get roadside assistance on select cards. You’ll also have access to excellent trip cancellation and travel insurance. 

Plus, travel cards are typically easier to qualify for than other types of credit cards. This is because many companies view travel cards as a “safe” type of credit. However, having a travel card can also help to improve your credit score.

Post Office Travel Cards: What Are They?

The Post Office Travel card is a Mastercard prepaid card, which can be loaded with a choice of 23 currencies. ATMs are available in more than 200 countries where you can spend and withdraw money.

You can load your account with any currency before travelling and then use it abroad without having to convert your currency.

Post Office Travel offers a contactless card that can be accessed through its app.

Post Office Travel Cards Benefits and Features

Here’s a quick look at the Post Office Travel card’s main features and benefits:

• Payments for low-value items can be made quickly and conveniently using contactless technology
• Compatible with Apple Pay and Google Pay
• With the Travel app, you can manage your card, top it up, transfer currencies, as well as freeze it.
• You can choose from 23 different currencies and top it up whenever you need it
• Accepted everywhere Mastercard is accepted
• Call centre assistance is available 24/7
• Whenever there is currency left over, it can be transferred into another currency by using the wallet-to-wallet feature
• If you use a local currency supported by your card to spend abroad, there are no fees 

Post Office Travel Card Costs

Travel money cards from the Post Office cost nothing to order and no fees apply when you pay for purchases using the currency you hold. Provided your available balance is in a currency accepted by the card, you can shop, dine, and drink without any charges.

When using your card in a country that doesn’t support the currency of your card, you will have to pay a 3% foreign transaction fee. Using your card in Brazil, for example, will result in a 3% foreign transaction fee since the Brazilian Real isn’t a supported currency.

Despite the card’s currency support, you’ll still have to pay ATM withdrawal fees. Each currency has a different ATM fee. 

An example would be:

• Euro – 2 Euros
• Canadian Dollar – 3 Canadian Dollars
• US Dollar – 2.5 United States Dollars
• Swiss Franc – 2.5 Switzerland Francs
• Australian Dollar – 3 Australian Dollars
• Pound Sterling – 1.5 Pounds Sterling plus 1.5% commission

Regarding fees, one final note. There is a three-year validity period on all Post Office Travel cards. After your card expires, you will be charged a maintenance fee of £2 per month.

Exchange Rates

Exchange rates fluctuate based on the demand for currencies at the Post Office. Thus, you’ll receive a particular amount of travel money depending on the current exchange rate.

For travel money cards, you can get exchange rates at Post Office branches and on the website. Be sure to remember that rates may differ whether you are purchasing online, by phone, or in person.

In addition to the margin, the exchange rate at the Post Office will probably include a markup. When you search for the rate on Google or currency websites, you’ll most likely get an accurate one. Consequently, a margin will reduce the amount you receive when exchanging EUR, USD, or another currency.

A Post Office Travel Money company profits by offering its customers a better rate than the base rate. U.K. pounds are converted into U.S. dollars at a rate of 1.23 dollars per pound, for example. 

If you exchange £400 through Post Office Travel Money, you can get 1.18 USD per pound. In this case, there is a difference of £16 or 4%. Exchange rates are better when you exchange large sums of money . 

Exchange Rates for In-Branch Travel Money

According to the Post Office, in-branch exchange rates are determined by many factors, including branch location, competitor pricing, convenience, etc. The company will always strive to offer the best possible rate within these parameters. Online orders/distribution is the cheapest method for many retailers, as they can use centralised packing costs. Because of this, online exchange rates are always better than branch rates.

Comparing Post Office Travel Money Rates to Other Providers

There are several new services that it’s worth comparing directly to Post Office Travel Money.

Online-Only Banks

There have been several purely mobile banks launched in recent years both in the UK and across Europe. With services like Monzo, N26, Revolut, Monese, or Bunq, consumers can access a wide range of banking options. 

Each of these modern financial institutions provides services such as money transfer agencies and international travel cards, and it makes sense to compare them with Post Office Travel Money.

For example, Monzo facilitates international money transfers through the popular exchange company Wise. For example, when sending a thousand pounds to a Swedish account using Monzo/Wise, the recipient receives 12,103 Swedish crowns versus 11,546 with Western Union, a difference of around 5%.

Other Currency Providers

It may also be possible to transfer money at a better rate in some countries. Using Xendpay, you could send 500 pounds to Saudi Arabia, and the beneficiary would receive 2,289 Saudi Riyals instead of 2,158 Saudi Riyals with Post Office Travel Money.

Supported Currencies

Prepaid travel cards from Post Office can be loaded with any of the following 23 currencies:

• CAD – Canadian dollar
• JPY – Japanese yen
• USD – US dollar
• AUD – Australian dollar
• CHF – Swiss franc
• AED – UAE dirham
• CNY – Chinese yuan
• DKK – Danish kroner
• PLN – Polish zloty
• CZK – Czech koruna
• ZAR – South African rand
• GBP – Pound sterling
• TRY – Turkish lira
• HKD – Hong Kong dollar
• THB – Thai baht
• HRK – Croatian kuna
• SGD – Singapore dollar
• HUF – Hungarian forint
• SEK – Swedish kronor
• SAR – Saudi riyal
• NOK – Norwegian krone
• NZD – New Zealand dollar

Sending Money With the UK Post Office

Many Post Office branches and their website offer Post Office Travel Money. They offer convenient and quick foreign exchange services. They are useful for local currency exchanges because they are so widely available. Post Office services like international money transfers and travel cards offer additional options for sending and spending overseas.

How to Get and Use a Post Office Travel Card?

Post Office travel cards are only available to UK residents over 18 years old.

Ordering Your Card

To order a Post Office Travel card, you can do one of three things:

• You can order through the Post Office Travel app
• Visit the Post Office website to apply online
• Get your card at your local Post Office. It will be necessary to bring photo identification, like a passport or driver’s licence

Your card should be available immediately if you apply at a branch. Your card will be delivered within two to three days after you apply online or via the app.

Card Activation

It’s necessary to activate your travel card before you can use it. You’ll find detailed instructions in your welcome letter.

Using Your Card

ATMs and online sites that accept MasterCard accept Post Office travel cards, too. If you are buying something in person, you’ll need your PIN to verify your purchase and possibly your signature if the Chip and PIN system is not widely available in the country.

In some countries, contactless payments are also allowed for small amounts, although the rules and limitations vary.

According to its terms and conditions, you should not use your Post Office card in certain situations. 

Some of them include:

• Tolls on the road
• Petrol pumps with self-service
• Deposits for car rentals or hotels
• Airline or cruise ship transactions

Adding Money to Your Card

With the Post Office Travel app, you can add money to your card easily. Additionally, you can add money at a local branch or on the Post Office website.

Buying Back Currencies

Having unused currency on your card gives you a few options. You may be able to withdraw cash at your local Post Office branch or ATM, but there may be a fee.

Wallet-to-wallet transfers are also available in the app. You can transfer unused balances from one currency to another. In preparation for your next trip to Europe, you can convert unused USD into EUR.

Each currency listed above can be topped up for between fifty pounds and five thousand pounds on your card. Your card can hold up to ten thousand pounds, as well as carry out transactions of up to thirty thousand pounds annually.

Different currencies have different limitations on cash withdrawals. For example, in a single transaction, you may withdraw up to 450 euros or 500 dollars.

App Overview

On Google Play and the App Store, you can download the Post Office Travel app for free. With the app, you can activate and order your card, check your balance, add money to it, and more. 

In addition to transferring leftover currency between wallets, it’s possible to convert it to another currency you prefer by using the new wallet-to-wallet feature.

Furthermore, you can book airport parking, purchase travel insurance through the app, and use other features.

Contacting the Post Office 

If you need assistance, you may reach the contact centre by dialling 0344 335 0109 in the United Kingdom or 0044 20 7937 0280 from abroad. Customer service is available each day of the week at any time of the day.

In addition, you can reach Customer Services at the Post Office in the following ways:

• Postal mail at PO Box 3232, Cumbernauld, G67 1YU, Post Office Travel Card
• Send an email to [email protected]

Post Office Travel Card: FAQs

Here are some common travel card problems you might encounter.

When I lose or damage a card, what do I do?

Post Office currency cards are easy to replace if lost or damaged. Your card will be blocked, and another one will be sent to you. App users can also freeze their cards.

How should I deal with a declined or blocked card?

The first thing you need to do is ensure that you have enough money in your account via the app. If you don’t have enough money in your account to purchase your item, call the customer care centre.

If I forget my PIN, what should I do?

Call the customer service centre if you cannot remember your travel money card PIN. If you need a new one, they can issue it for you.

My card is about to expire. What should I do?

A new card should automatically be sent to you. You can call the contact centre if it hasn’t arrived after the expiration date, and they’ll issue you another.

Post Office Prepaid Travel Card Summary 

Travel cards from the Post Office are handy if you want to keep your money safe while you’re away from home. The convenience of not carrying cash around with you and not having to change money during your trip will make your trip much more enjoyable.

Because it’s a contactless card, you can pay in local currencies quickly and easily. This helps you budget because you can only spend what’s on it.

If you travel frequently or take multi-destination holidays, the card is convenient since you can store 23 currencies on it. A card that supports a variety of currencies might be more useful if you love exploring far-flung areas.

The exchange rate is a drawback to take into account. Post Office rates may be competitive (compared to airport exchange rates, for example), but they will likely include a margin or markup. ATMs also charge fees when you use your card.

Comparing other travel money cards could help you find a better deal, so make sure to shop around.

by Matt Woodley

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Reviews 3.7.

Most relevant

Have discussed problems that happened…

Have discussed problems that happened when I was away and sort of rectified through a phone call. For some reason the card didn't work in a few places ie taxis, restaurant, bars we visited. Worked fine in airport ATM which I was told to do and glad I did so at least had cash. Just disappointed and inconvenienced by this problem Was told probably machines not online?? Managed to use on return journey in duty free but only with the pin not contactless. Honestly don't think will use again.

Date of experience : 09 August 2024

Reply from Post Office Travel Money Card

Hi Angela, Thank you for your review, we’re sorry to read that the Travel Money Card hasn’t met with your expectations on this occasion, we would like to understand more so we can help resolve this. Could you call us at 0207 937 0280 or email us at [email protected] Thanks

More inconvenient than the worth of it!

We were led to believe we could have 2 cards on one account - we couldn’t. We then had to phone to be able to transfer money from the original card to the new card, as this wasn’t possible through the app, so an added inconvenience. Getting charged when we wanted to take cash out was a bit of a ripoff and now we have a total of around 12€ left between 2 cards, which we will get charged to have back. Would have been much easier if we’d stuck with our original option of having all cash with our credit cards for back up. Won’t be using them again.

Date of experience : 26 August 2024

Hi there, Thank you for your review. I apologise if you were ever advised misinformation regarding our Travel Money Card. If you do require further information please contact us at [email protected]. Thank you.

Easy to use

Had a bit of a job setting up as was locked out and had to ring customer service Who were brilliant. Actually loading and using the card was easy.

Date of experience : 03 August 2024

Thank you for your great review and feedback, it really helps us. It's really good to hear that you are enjoying your Travel Money Card. - Rhys

Great, easy to use accepted everywhere we went in France

Date of experience : 15 September 2024

Hi Frances, thank you very much for your review, we hope you enjoyed your time away also!

Unable to load money

Travelling tomorrow and unable to load money onto my travel card have been trying for hours 🤨 even reloaded app still no joy. What's the point of having card you can't load !

Date of experience : 31 August 2024

Hi Laura, sorry to hear you are having issues trying to top up your Travel Money Card. Can I ask you to give us a call on 0344 335 0109 and we can troubleshoot this for you. - Stephen

An easy application process and…

An easy application process and delivered within a few days. Using the card abroad was really easy and useful. Topping up currency was easy and transferring between currencies with rates shown.

Date of experience : 23 August 2024

Hi Andrew, thank you so much for your great review!

Great for € / $

Love the card and will use in the future but it does not allow me to add Mexican pesos so please add more currency options.

Date of experience : 02 September 2024

Hi Roishin, thank you for your review and feedback! This feedback has been passed over to the relevant team

Disappointing that the exchange rate…

Disappointing that the exchange rate you get when transferring money to this card is worse than the rate you get if you are at the post office counter to get euros in cash on the same day. Why? Unsurprisingly it was not explained to me when I got the card that the exchange rate you get when loading the card would not be as good as when you buy foreign cash from the counter

Date of experience : 25 August 2024

Hi Beverley, thank you for your review. The rates do differ from buying Travel Money to loading your Travel Money Card as you are paying for a service with the Travel Money Card, such as 24/7 support, your funds will be protected if the card is lost, our mobile app and being able to use the card in over 36 million locations worldwide. We do appreciate your feedback and will pass this along to the relevant team. Thank you.

Post Office travel card - using out in the US

Apart from struggling to transfer money onto my card from the app initially (not sure if there was just a system problem - and in the end my local postoffice helped with this) i found using the card very easy whilst out in the US. Thankfully i had topped it up with a sufficient amount so didn't need to top up whilst away. The app is great for seeing what you are spending and checking your balance. Will use again on my next trip abroad.

Hi Elaine, thank you very much for your review! If you would like us to look into the reason why you could not top up on the app, please contact us at [email protected]. Thank you!

Not very useful as the app was down…

Not very useful as the app was down most of the time so couldn't access it to check pin and couldn't use chip and pin as country didn't have this option.

Date of experience : 11 August 2024

Thank you for your review, we’re sorry to read that the Travel Money Card hasn’t met with your expectations on this occasion, we would like to understand more so we can help resolve why the mobile app was down. Could you call us at 0207 937 0280 or email us at [email protected] , Thanks

Positive but mixed experience …

Actual card payment in euros (Italy) was easy. However, the app kept crashing when trying to transfer money. Therefore, unable to transfer money across to card that way. Ended up having to use post office website, which added extra time. Once that is fixed, 5 stars await.

Date of experience : 08 August 2024

Hi there, thank you for your review! We would like to understand more regarding the problems you faced on the app, so can I ask you email us at [email protected] so we can look further into this? Thank you!

Easy to use and easy to top up and…

Easy to use and easy to top up and convert to currency required highly recommend

Date of experience : 13 September 2024

Hi there, thank you very much for such a great review!

Couldnt activate my card via the app

Couldnt activate my card via the app. Had to phone up to sort the card out because the woman got My birth date wrong. An hour before i jetted off. Once in Australia I couldn't swipe my card to use. Getting in touch helped me to use my pin but sadly not swipe. Bit diassapointed to be fair.

Date of experience : 31 July 2024

Hi Mandy, Thank you for your review, we’re sorry to read that the Travel Money Card hasn’t met with your expectations on this occasion, we would like to understand more so we can help resolve this. Could you call us at 0207 937 0280 or email us at [email protected] , Thanks.

Bought a Post Office Money Travel card…

Bought a Post Office Money Travel card and ;loaded it with saudi riyals for holiday. First tried to use in Riyadh on 23 June 2024 at 3 different ATM's. Machines said to contact card issuer, This I did by telephone and website to be told I need to verified my id . They ask me to send my passport I did I called them and then they said the need my driving license and utilities bill I sent it , and then I called them they said they need my bank statement I sent it ,,, my holiday it’s finish I’m back home still can’t used the card ,, I will get my money back if you are travailing don’t even think about it .

Date of experience : 12 August 2024

Hi there Salah, thank you for your review. So we can take a further look into this please can you call the number on the back of your card, or email us at [email protected]. Thank you

So much more convenient …

So much more convenient than carrying currency in cash and everything accepted payment by card . Also I found it useful to use the app to keep track of the amount of money I spent.

Date of experience : 18 August 2024

Thank you for your great feedback, It’s really good to hear that you are enjoying your Travel Money Card

Worked well but with problems

Worked well. Was able to transfer money onto the travel card from my Nationwide account but was unable to transfer back the remaining amount upon my return. Was not told this on commencement. Had to use the card as a debit card in the uk until it ran out. Also bought some items on this card that I wanted to return but unable to put back on the Post Office card. Good, but not without annoying problems in my case.

Date of experience : 19 August 2024

Hi Julia, thank you for your review! We do appreciate your feedback and will pass this along to the relevant team. Thank you again.

This card was easy to use you can…

This card was easy to use you can transfer funds as you need them instantly, every where I shopped in Spain except the card I would highly recommend it

Hi Julie, thank you very much for your review!

Bought a Post Office Money Travel card and ;loaded it with Thai Baht for holiday. First tried to use in Phuket on 17 June 2024 at 3 different ATM's. Machines said to contact card issuer, This I did by telephone and website to be told card validated and ready to use. Tried in 2 shops, one restaurant to be embarrassed when card would not work, Tried in 2 further ATM's and no Baht issue. Card did not work for 4 days resulting in me having to use credit card for hotels and Bank charges to get my hands on cash Baht. I raised a complaint with Post Office on my return to Dundee and they said they would reply to my complaint by 5 August. I have now been advised by letter that they shall reply by 2 September. I am NOT a satisfied customer

Date of experience : 17 June 2024

Hi Kevin, we are sorry to read this. Can you contact us at [email protected] so we can look into this further?

Can use it in Europe

Can use it in Europe. No need for conversion fees and rates.

Thank you for your great review and feedback, it really helps us. It’s really good to hear that you are enjoying your Travel Money Card

Great product …

I was unable to get two online so got my second one direct from post office. They did not both connect to my app. Customer services were extremely helpful and sorted it for me. Once I had them both set up they worked really well.

Date of experience : 01 August 2024

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Reviews 3.7.

Most relevant

Have discussed problems that happened…

Have discussed problems that happened when I was away and sort of rectified through a phone call. For some reason the card didn't work in a few places ie taxis, restaurant, bars we visited. Worked fine in airport ATM which I was told to do and glad I did so at least had cash. Just disappointed and inconvenienced by this problem Was told probably machines not online?? Managed to use on return journey in duty free but only with the pin not contactless. Honestly don't think will use again.

Date of experience : 09 August 2024

Reply from Post Office Travel Money Card

Hi Angela, Thank you for your review, we’re sorry to read that the Travel Money Card hasn’t met with your expectations on this occasion, we would like to understand more so we can help resolve this. Could you call us at 0207 937 0280 or email us at [email protected] Thanks

More inconvenient than the worth of it!

We were led to believe we could have 2 cards on one account - we couldn’t. We then had to phone to be able to transfer money from the original card to the new card, as this wasn’t possible through the app, so an added inconvenience. Getting charged when we wanted to take cash out was a bit of a ripoff and now we have a total of around 12€ left between 2 cards, which we will get charged to have back. Would have been much easier if we’d stuck with our original option of having all cash with our credit cards for back up. Won’t be using them again.

Date of experience : 26 August 2024

Hi there, Thank you for your review. I apologise if you were ever advised misinformation regarding our Travel Money Card. If you do require further information please contact us at [email protected]. Thank you.

Easy to use

Had a bit of a job setting up as was locked out and had to ring customer service Who were brilliant. Actually loading and using the card was easy.

Date of experience : 03 August 2024

Thank you for your great review and feedback, it really helps us. It's really good to hear that you are enjoying your Travel Money Card. - Rhys

Great, easy to use accepted everywhere we went in France

Date of experience : 15 September 2024

Hi Frances, thank you very much for your review, we hope you enjoyed your time away also!

Unable to load money

Travelling tomorrow and unable to load money onto my travel card have been trying for hours 🤨 even reloaded app still no joy. What's the point of having card you can't load !

Date of experience : 31 August 2024

Hi Laura, sorry to hear you are having issues trying to top up your Travel Money Card. Can I ask you to give us a call on 0344 335 0109 and we can troubleshoot this for you. - Stephen

An easy application process and…

An easy application process and delivered within a few days. Using the card abroad was really easy and useful. Topping up currency was easy and transferring between currencies with rates shown.

Date of experience : 23 August 2024

Hi Andrew, thank you so much for your great review!

Great for € / $

Love the card and will use in the future but it does not allow me to add Mexican pesos so please add more currency options.

Date of experience : 02 September 2024

Hi Roishin, thank you for your review and feedback! This feedback has been passed over to the relevant team

Disappointing that the exchange rate…

Disappointing that the exchange rate you get when transferring money to this card is worse than the rate you get if you are at the post office counter to get euros in cash on the same day. Why? Unsurprisingly it was not explained to me when I got the card that the exchange rate you get when loading the card would not be as good as when you buy foreign cash from the counter

Date of experience : 25 August 2024

Hi Beverley, thank you for your review. The rates do differ from buying Travel Money to loading your Travel Money Card as you are paying for a service with the Travel Money Card, such as 24/7 support, your funds will be protected if the card is lost, our mobile app and being able to use the card in over 36 million locations worldwide. We do appreciate your feedback and will pass this along to the relevant team. Thank you.

Post Office travel card - using out in the US

Apart from struggling to transfer money onto my card from the app initially (not sure if there was just a system problem - and in the end my local postoffice helped with this) i found using the card very easy whilst out in the US. Thankfully i had topped it up with a sufficient amount so didn't need to top up whilst away. The app is great for seeing what you are spending and checking your balance. Will use again on my next trip abroad.

Hi Elaine, thank you very much for your review! If you would like us to look into the reason why you could not top up on the app, please contact us at [email protected]. Thank you!

Not very useful as the app was down…

Not very useful as the app was down most of the time so couldn't access it to check pin and couldn't use chip and pin as country didn't have this option.

Date of experience : 11 August 2024

Thank you for your review, we’re sorry to read that the Travel Money Card hasn’t met with your expectations on this occasion, we would like to understand more so we can help resolve why the mobile app was down. Could you call us at 0207 937 0280 or email us at [email protected] , Thanks

Positive but mixed experience …

Actual card payment in euros (Italy) was easy. However, the app kept crashing when trying to transfer money. Therefore, unable to transfer money across to card that way. Ended up having to use post office website, which added extra time. Once that is fixed, 5 stars await.

Date of experience : 08 August 2024

Hi there, thank you for your review! We would like to understand more regarding the problems you faced on the app, so can I ask you email us at [email protected] so we can look further into this? Thank you!

Easy to use and easy to top up and…

Easy to use and easy to top up and convert to currency required highly recommend

Date of experience : 13 September 2024

Hi there, thank you very much for such a great review!

Couldnt activate my card via the app

Couldnt activate my card via the app. Had to phone up to sort the card out because the woman got My birth date wrong. An hour before i jetted off. Once in Australia I couldn't swipe my card to use. Getting in touch helped me to use my pin but sadly not swipe. Bit diassapointed to be fair.

Date of experience : 31 July 2024

Hi Mandy, Thank you for your review, we’re sorry to read that the Travel Money Card hasn’t met with your expectations on this occasion, we would like to understand more so we can help resolve this. Could you call us at 0207 937 0280 or email us at [email protected] , Thanks.

Bought a Post Office Money Travel card…

Bought a Post Office Money Travel card and ;loaded it with saudi riyals for holiday. First tried to use in Riyadh on 23 June 2024 at 3 different ATM's. Machines said to contact card issuer, This I did by telephone and website to be told I need to verified my id . They ask me to send my passport I did I called them and then they said the need my driving license and utilities bill I sent it , and then I called them they said they need my bank statement I sent it ,,, my holiday it’s finish I’m back home still can’t used the card ,, I will get my money back if you are travailing don’t even think about it .

Date of experience : 12 August 2024

Hi there Salah, thank you for your review. So we can take a further look into this please can you call the number on the back of your card, or email us at [email protected]. Thank you

So much more convenient …

So much more convenient than carrying currency in cash and everything accepted payment by card . Also I found it useful to use the app to keep track of the amount of money I spent.

Date of experience : 18 August 2024

Thank you for your great feedback, It’s really good to hear that you are enjoying your Travel Money Card

Worked well but with problems

Worked well. Was able to transfer money onto the travel card from my Nationwide account but was unable to transfer back the remaining amount upon my return. Was not told this on commencement. Had to use the card as a debit card in the uk until it ran out. Also bought some items on this card that I wanted to return but unable to put back on the Post Office card. Good, but not without annoying problems in my case.

Date of experience : 19 August 2024

Hi Julia, thank you for your review! We do appreciate your feedback and will pass this along to the relevant team. Thank you again.

This card was easy to use you can…

This card was easy to use you can transfer funds as you need them instantly, every where I shopped in Spain except the card I would highly recommend it

Hi Julie, thank you very much for your review!

Bought a Post Office Money Travel card and ;loaded it with Thai Baht for holiday. First tried to use in Phuket on 17 June 2024 at 3 different ATM's. Machines said to contact card issuer, This I did by telephone and website to be told card validated and ready to use. Tried in 2 shops, one restaurant to be embarrassed when card would not work, Tried in 2 further ATM's and no Baht issue. Card did not work for 4 days resulting in me having to use credit card for hotels and Bank charges to get my hands on cash Baht. I raised a complaint with Post Office on my return to Dundee and they said they would reply to my complaint by 5 August. I have now been advised by letter that they shall reply by 2 September. I am NOT a satisfied customer

Date of experience : 17 June 2024

Hi Kevin, we are sorry to read this. Can you contact us at [email protected] so we can look into this further?

Can use it in Europe

Can use it in Europe. No need for conversion fees and rates.

Thank you for your great review and feedback, it really helps us. It’s really good to hear that you are enjoying your Travel Money Card

Great product …

I was unable to get two online so got my second one direct from post office. They did not both connect to my app. Customer services were extremely helpful and sorted it for me. Once I had them both set up they worked really well.

Date of experience : 01 August 2024

•   Argentina
•   Australia
•   Deutschland
•   Magyarország
•   Nederland
•   New Zealand
•   Österreich
•   Singapore
•   United Kingdom
•   United States
•   繁體中文 (香港)
•   简体中文 (中国)

Post Office Travel Card review

The Post Office Travel Card is a prepaid travel card you can load in cash or online, to switch to the currency you need for spending and withdrawals. It’s not linked to your regular bank account, and can be managed from your smartphone, for secure spending across 23 currencies.

Before you order a Post Office Travel Card check out this full review - we’ll look at what the card can do , how to order your card and how much it’ll cost .

And to help you compare we’ll also touch on Post Office Travel Card alternatives like Wise and Starling, which may offer cheaper and more flexible options for taking travel money abroad.

TL;DR - it's a solid prepaid card

• The card supports most major currencies for holidays, including Euros (Europe), Lira (Turkey) and UAE Dirhams (Dubai)
• Several top-up methods , with the option of doing so online or in-store
• Only convert what you want to spend; good for holiday budgeting

However, there are some downsides.

• There are better exchange rates available with other travel cards
• You'll get a worse exchange rate (a.k.a "buy-back rates") when converting leftover foreign currency to pounds

Find out more about the card on the Post Office website or click the button below to purchase a card. Order a card

Not sure yet? Continue reading to decide whether this is the right prepaid card for you.

What's in this guide?

What is the post office travel money card, how does it work.

• Fees & limits

How do I get a Post Office Travel Money Card?

What happens when the card expires, what are the alternatives.

The Post Office Travel Money Card is a prepaid card you can top up in cash or from your bank account, in any of 23 supported currencies.

Once you have funds on your card you can use it as you would a regular debit card, for contactless and mobile payments, and cash withdrawals. There’s no fee to spend currencies you hold on your card, although other transaction fees do apply depending on how you use the account.

Use your Post Office card to buy travel money before you head off on holiday, or top up as you go online.

As pictured, you can also manage, view and freeze your card in the Post Office app for security.

• Top up your card in cash at a Post Office or online by purchasing one of 23 different currencies
• If you choose to top up in GBP and convert later, you’ll be charged an administration fee of 1.5%, from a minimum of 3 GBP up to a maximum of 50 GBP
• Exchange rates are shown in the Post Office app, and may include a markup on the market exchange rate - but rates often improve if you top up more
• It’s free to spend currencies you hold. You can also spend unsupported currencies, but a foreign transaction fee of 3% will apply

It’s worth noting that the Post Office exchange rates are shown in the Post Office app before you convert your funds. They may include a markup, which is an extra fee added into the rate applied to switch to the currency you need.

Another thing worth noting is that the exchange rate gets better for higher top up amounts - meaning you’ll pay a smaller markup the more you add to your card.

Using a markup is pretty common but does make it tricky to see what you’re really paying for your foreign currency transactions.

Spending limits and card fees

Before you order a Post Office Travel Card it’s good to know a bit about the fees and limits that apply to card usage.

When you transact with your Post Office Travel Money Card, there are also fees to pay.

While these do vary slightly by currency, they’re roughly similar.

It’s easy to get your Post Office Travel Card online or in person by calling into a Post Office near you. Here’s what you’ll need to do.

• Head to the Post Office website
• Select "Order Your Card >"
• Top up in your preferred currency - there’s a minimum top up of 50 GBP, through to a maximum of 5,000 GBP
• Input personal details following the prompts
• Delivery of your card will take 2-3 days by post
• Head to your local Post Office branch
• Show a valid form of ID (driving licence, passport or EEA ID card)
• Apply in branch and load your card

The expiry date for your card will be printed on the back of the card - usually it’s valid for 3 years from the point you order it.

Once your card has expired you’ll pay a monthly inactivity fee of £2 per month if you don’t redeem your balance within 12 months of the card expiring. This fee continues until there’s no remaining balance, at which point your account will be closed.

If you’re not sure whether the Post Office Card is right for you, check out a few alternatives to see which gives you the best balance of cost and convenience.

The Wise card allows you to hold and exchange 50+ currencies, and spend in 170+ countries. It's a fully-fledged debit card, meaning it works at home just as well as it does abroad.

There’s no markup on the exchange rate, and they are super transparent about the fees (usually around 0.4% for foreign spending) they'll charge you.

Starling card

The Starling debit card is a good option for international spending as there are no foreign transaction fees and no ATM fees .

You can sign up entirely online for an account with no monthly fees which you can manage from your phone, with instant notifications and a whole range of banking features. Get a Starling Card

Frequently Asked Questions

Post Office is a trusted institution and will keep customer funds safe according to all applicable legal requirements.

When it comes to travel money, the Post Office works in partnership with First Rate Exchange Services, which is a registered business and holds a Money Services Business License in the UK.

You can hold up to 23 different currencies:

• Australian dollars
• Canadian dollars
• New Zealand dollars
• Croatian kuna
• Turkish lira
• South African rand
• Swiss francs
• Polish zloty
• Pounds sterling
• Chinese yuan
• Czech koruna
• Danish kroner
• Hong Kong dollars
• Hungarian forint
• Japanese yen
• Norwegian krone
• Saudi riyal
• Singapore dollar
• Swedish kronor

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The Post Office Travel Money Card Review: Key Features, Rates and Fees

If you’re heading overseas, a travel card could be a handy solution for covering your spending. They tend to be cheaper to use than your ordinary bank debit card, and can even offer better exchange rates compared to buying currency.

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There are lots of travel cards out there, but here we’re going to focus on the Post Office Travel card. We’ll run through what it is and how it works, along with fees, exchange rates, supported currencies and how to apply for one.

You are watching: The Post Office Travel Money Card Review: Key Features, Rates and Fees

And while you’re comparing spending options ahead of your trip, make sure to check out the Wise card. This international card can be used in 175 countries worldwide, automatically converting your pounds to the local currency at the mid-market rate. There’s only a small fee to pay for the conversion¹, or it’s free if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

But for now, let’s focus on the Post Office travel card.

¹ Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing: Only Pay for What You Use for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information.

What is the Post Office travel card?

The Post Office Travel card is a prepaid Mastercard that you can load up with up to 23 currencies. You can use it for spending and ATM withdrawals in over 200 countries, in 36 million locations².

Simply top up with your chosen currency before you travel, then spend overseas without needing to convert currency.

The card is contactless and can be managed using the Post Office Travel app.

Key features and benefits

Here’s your quick at-a-glance guide to the main features and benefits of the Post Office Travel card ²:

• Contactless for making fast and convenient low-value transactions
• Available with Google Pay and Apple Pay
• Manage, top up, transfer between currencies and freeze your card using the Travel app
• Reload whenever you need to, with up to 23 currencies available
• Can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted
• 24/7 call centre help is available if you need it
• Wallet-to-wallet feature – where you can transfer any leftover currency to a new currency of your choice
• No charges when you spend abroad using an available balance of a local currency supported by the card (although there are some fees to know about – we’ll look at those next).

Post Office travel card fees and charges

Post Office travel cards are free to order and there are no charges for paying retailers in the currencies held on your travel money card. So, you can spend in shops, bars and restaurants without any charge – as long as you’re paying with an available balance of a currency supported by the card².

If you do use your card in a country with a local currency that isn’t supported by the card, you’ll be charged a cross-border fee of 3%². For example, if you go to Brazil and use your card at a local restaurant, you’ll be charged the cross-border fee of 3% as Brazilian real isn’t supported by the card.

You’ll also be charged for withdrawing cash from any ATM, even in currencies supported by the card. These ATM fees vary depending on the currency used. For example ²:

• Euro – 2 EUR
• US Dollar – 2.5 USD
• Australian Dollar – 3 AUD
• Pound Sterling – 1.5 GBP + commission of 1.5%
• Swiss Franc – 2.5 CHF
• Canadian Dollar – 3 CAD.

One last thing to note on the subject of fees. All Post Office Travel cards are valid for up to 3 years. Exactly 12 months after your card expires, you’ll start to be charged a monthly maintenance fee of £2².

Here is also a list of the European countries that charge the highest ATM fees.

Exchange rates

The Post Office offers exchange rates that move up and down according to the demand for currencies. So, the exact amount of travel money you’ll receive on your travel card will depend on the rate at the time of your purchase.

You can check the Post Office exchange rates on its website, travel money card app and branches. Keep in mind though that rates may vary whether you’re buying online, via phone or in-store.

The Post Office exchange rate is also likely to include a margin or mark-up on the mid-market rate. This is the rate you’ll find on Google or currency sites like XE.com, and is generally considered to be a fair rate. A margin added on top of this makes the rate worse for you, so you’ll get less EUR, USD or whatever other currency you’re exchanging.

Read more : Grading Standards

Wise only ever uses the mid-market exchange rate, with no mark-ups or margins. This means that your pounds go further, wherever you’re travelling to.

Currencies supported

You can load your Post Office prepaid travel card with funds in any of these 23 currencies²:

• EUR – Euro
• USD – US dollar
• AUD – Australian dollar
• AED – UAE dirham
• CAD – Canadian dollar
• CHF – Swiss franc
• CNY – Chinese yuan
• CZK – Czech koruna
• DKK – Danish kroner
• GBP – Pound sterling
• HKD – Hong Kong dollar
• HRK – Croatian kuna
• HUF – Hungarian forint
• JPY – Japanese yen
• NOK – Norwegian krone
• NZD – New Zealand dollar
• PLN – Polish zloty
• SAR – Saudi riyal
• SEK – Swedish kronor
• SGD – Singapore dollar
• THB – Thai baht
• TRY – Turkish lira
• ZAR – South African rand

You can top up your card with between £50 and £5,000 in any of the currencies listed above. The maximum you can hold is £10,000, plus you can load and spend up to £30,000 on your card each year².

Cash withdrawal limits vary from currency to currency. For example, you can withdraw a maximum of €450 euros or $500 US dollars² in a single transaction.

App overview

The Post Office Travel app is free to download from the Google Play and Apple App stores. You can use it to order and activate your card, monitor your balance and top up with currencies. Using the new wallet-to-wallet feature, you can also transfer leftover currency to other currencies of your choice in just a few taps.

You can also buy Post Office travel insurance, book airport parking and access other features through the app.

How good is the Post Office prepaid travel card?

The Post Office travel card is handy to have if you’re travelling and want to keep your money safe. You won’t need to carry cash around with you, or have to take time out of your trip to change currency.

Paying in local currencies is quick and easy, especially as it’s a contactless card. Plus, you can only spend what’s on it, so this can help you to budget.

As you can store 23 currencies on it, the card is convenient if you travel regularly or are taking multi-destination holidays. If you love visiting far-flung places, however, you might need a card that supports more currencies.

One drawback to consider is the exchange rate. While rates may be competitive (compared to changing money at the airport, for example), the Post Office is likely to include a margin or mark-up on the mid-market rate. There are also charges for using your card at an ATM.

So, it’s important to shop around and compare other travel money cards, as some could offer you a better deal.

Take the Wise card, for example. With this contactless international card, you can spend in 175 countries and manage over 50 currencies in your Wise account. There are no ATM fees¹ for withdrawing up to £200 a month (2 or less withdrawals) and you’ll get the mid-market exchange rate on every transaction. Note, that Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks.

The Wise card will automatically convert your money to the local currency at the mid-market rate when you spend, for just a small conversion fee¹.

How to get and use a Post Office travel card

You can only get a travel card from the Post Office if you’re aged over 18 and a resident of the UK.

Ordering your card

There are three ways to order a Post Office Travel card:

• Download the Post Office Travel app and place an order there.
• Apply online at the Post Office website.
• Pop into a local Post Office branch to apply for a card. You’ll need to take a form of photo ID with you, such as a passport or UK driving licence.

If you’re applying in a branch, you should be able to pick up your card there and then. For applications made online or in the app, you’ll need to wait 2-3 days for your card to be delivered.

Card activation

You’ll need to activate your travel card before you can use it.

Read more : Write a postcard of about 50 words about your holiday in a city

You’ll be given instructions on how to do this in the welcome letter delivered along with your new card.

Using your card

You can use your Post Office travel card anywhere that accepts MasterCard, online and at ATMs³.

If you’re buying something in person, you’ll need to enter your PIN. If you’re in a country where Chip & PIN isn’t as widely available (such as the USA), you may be asked to sign to verify your purchase instead.

You can also make contactless payments for small amounts, although different countries have different rules and limits for this.

The Post Office’s terms and conditions list a handful of situations in which you shouldn’t use your card. These include the following³:

• Self-service petrol pumps
• Car hire or hotel check-in deposits
• Transactions on planes or cruise ships.

How to top up your card

The easiest way to top up your Post Office Travel card is using the app. If you prefer, you can also top up at the Post Office website or in a local branch³.

Buying back currencies

If you have unused currency on your card, there are a couple of options available. You may be able to withdraw it at a local Post Office branch or ATM, although fees may apply³.

Alternatively, you can use the new wallet-to-wallet feature in the app³. This lets you transfer unused balance in one currency over to another. For example, you can transfer unused USD to EUR, ready for your next trip to Europe.

How to contact the Post Office about your card

You can call the contact centre on 0344 335 0109 when you’re in the UK or +44 (0) 20 7937 0280 when you’re overseas³. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can also contact the Post Office Travel Card Customer Services department via the following methods³:

• By post at Post Office Travel card, PO Box 3232, Cumbernauld, G67 1YU
• By email at [email protected].

Post Office Travel Card: troubleshooting tips

Here’s how to deal with some common problems you might have with your travel card.

How do I report a lost or damaged card?

If you lose your Post Office currency card or discover that it’s damaged, just phone the contact centre. They’ll block it and send you another. You can also freeze your card using the app.

What should I do if my card is declined or blocked?

Firstly, check your account via the app to make sure you have enough money in it. If you have enough to pay for your item or have less than you should have in your account, call the contact centre.

What if I’ve forgotten my PIN?

If you can’t remember your travel money card PIN, phone the contact centre. They can issue you with a new one.

What happens when my card expires?

You should receive a new card automatically³. If it hasn’t arrived after the expiry date, call the contact centre and they’ll issue you with one.

And that’s pretty much it – everything you need to know about the Post Office Travel card. It’s handy if you don’t want to carry cash around or exchange currency while on holiday. And you can use it in multiple countries, as it supports 23 currencies. The app is another great feature, letting you top up and manage your money on the move.

But just remember to compare exchange rates and fees (especially for those all-important ATM withdrawals) before choosing a travel card for your trip – as you could be getting a better deal elsewhere.

Sources used:

• Wise – terms and conditions & pricing
• Post Office – Travel Money Card
• Post Office Travel card – Terms and Conditions

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Cannot praise post office travel lodge…

Cannot praise post office travel lodge high enough ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Sadly husband had an intracranial bleed and was hospitalised for 4 months, we had booked 2 holidays abroad and could no longer go. Everything was made easy to claim and no issues with pay out My one tip for anyone make sure you disclose EVERYTHING. My husband had a mini stroke 4 yrs before and I thought do I need to disclose as so long ago !! Am I glad I did , yes you pay more but the lose of 2 holidays outways the extra cost

Date of experience : 10 April 2024

Honestly don't use this company for…

Honestly don't use this company for travel insurance avoid avoid avoid!...if u make a claim they will totaly disregard you and any claim. Worse u will come across for sure, this is incompetent company called Collinson insurance hiding behind the Post office name. THIS COMPANY IS NOT ACTUALLY THE POST OFFICE!...BE WARNED!!!

Date of experience : 29 August 2024

Not happy with the poste office

Not happy with the poste office. Rang them to disclose another medical condition before traveling and ended up paying more than the insurance cost in the first place. I was expecting a small fee not £170. Unbelievable.

Date of experience : 02 September 2024

I wouldn’t use them again if they were half the price!!

Someone drove into the side of my car, post office car insurance decided the car was a write off and the driver of the other vehicle was at fault. Even though it was a no fault claim they paid me out, but charged me £750 for the pleasure! Also, as stated in another review, they pass you around from company to company and it gets pretty confusing as to who is actually dealing with it. The first company they passed me to actually sent me a letter stating that they can no longer be bothered with the claim and passed it back to the PO, who then passed it on to someone else!…communication is awful …… wished I had read the reviews before taking out the policy. Had to chuckle, just been on their website and from my experience, not quite sure where they get their stars from, certainly not the support I received.

Date of experience : 18 October 2023

Use a different insurer for cars

Took out a policy on 7th Aug to begin on 24th Aug. Proof of NCD uploaded showing all requested information (name, vehicle earned on etc) from previous insurer. Email reply to say NCD not accepted and resubmit. (I do not have time to spend hours chasing old insurer for different format than the standard one provided. Decided to cancel as with in cooling off period due to lack of availability to speak to advisor for help. Cooling off charge £35 administration fee within the 14 days. Not clear in terms. Avoid this company for car insurance.

Date of experience : 19 August 2024

My husband had a spinal operation and…

My husband had a spinal operation and cannot travel for 3 months , we had to change his travel plans. 2 of us on the policy, phones them and asked if the can change his dates for traveling as I will be travelling alone, they said no we can't and need to take a brand new travel insurance for him, how pathetic and ridiculous that is. So we have paid for 2 people and that cost us about £300 , one person with no medical conditions has to loose money like this. Will never ever use post office travel insurance

Date of experience : 20 August 2024

I have had the horror of claiming on my…

I have had the horror of claiming on my post office insurance. It got that confusing who was dealing with what they couldnt even tell me. I paid extra for car hire but when the time came was told I wasnt entitled to it due to my employ (pet carer..which they knew at inception. Lost files, LOST EMAILS (how?) months of chasing, numerous different companies involved and just ineptitude from start to finish I even tried to make a formal complaint Customer services passed me to renewals Renewals passed me to claims Claims passed me to the underwriters Who cut me off So i gave up Took a year to settle a £200 claim for loss of eanings even Then they had the audacity to send me my renewal which had gone up by £40 a month for “your claim” which was not my fault Just the most god awful service from the first call to the last. Avoid like the plague

Horrendous experience with this company…

Horrendous experience with this company . Delaying tactics , asking the same questions numerous times , moving the goal posts , not disclosing what information they wanted until weeks had passed. Different representatives telling me different stories (that claim had gone to underwriters when it had not). Quibbled over descriptions , letters from travel company had to be rewritten because it said “technical issues” and not technical problems” . All in all I cannot rate them low enough . They paid up what was due but only after 3 months of constant badgering . I would never insure with them again .

Date of experience : 01 June 2024

Waited almost 2 months for a response about a claim I made in June. They called when I was out of town, when I called back I waited over 30 minutes on the line. As soon as they picked up I gave them my reference number, and they disconnected the call. Unacceptable service, please choose an alternative service.

Rip off euro exchange rate

Purchased euro currency in branch to later find totally ripped off in terms of exchange rate, never again.

AVOID AT ALL COSTS

AVOID AT ALL COSTS. Partner took unwell night before our cruise with vomiting bug which lasted 5 days. He became unwell on the Friday night due to fly Saturday morning. Initially thought it was a 24 hour bug, consulted a private doctor on the Saturday as his own GP was closed - they advised he was unfit to travel but don't fill out travel insurance forms. He finally got through to his doctor on the Tuesday who confirmed he was still unfit to travel. Form asks when patient was advised not travel GP wrote 9th as this is when they spoke to him but patient decided not to go on 5th as he was unwell. They won't accept this as they think my partner just decided not to go on the holiday - have gotten medical notes from the online GP who advised he was unfit to travel - this is still not acceptable as it is an email - they have also been given screenshots of the appt on a Saturday. Don't seem to understand the doctors are closed over the weekend. Due to size of claim it appears they are trying to avoid paying out.

Date of experience : 16 August 2024

Do not use "Post Office" travel…

Do not use "Post Office" travel insurance take a nettle with you at least when you touch it you will know you have been stung. Mere criminals maskarading as legitimate traders. We all know insurance is a con in most cases, not worth the paper it's written on but never thought such a recognised brand could act so low. Living in a rural area with no public transport or contactable taxi service, our own vehicle our lifeline about to set out 04:15 for flight 07:15 discovering our battery was flat and rushed around for an alternative, try that in a rural area 5am. Long story short missed my flight and paid a rescue fee to Easyjet next available flight, 3 days later obviously missing that period of my holiday also. Having this misfortune remembering my Post Office insurance I saw a very dim light at the end of the tunnel, which was soon extinguished when I reached out to "Post Office" claims call handlers. Twice relaying my predicament they hung up, all stuck in some sweat shop in India, had loose understanding of the English language and even less in the use of the language. Then questioned like a criminal as if I intensionally missed my flight, loosing three days of my holiday!!. Luckily I've had the misfortune of coming across such charlatans before and well versed in the services of the Financial Ombudsman, which I can assure the Post Office is where they are going to be overhauled.

Date of experience : 31 August 2024

Poor service, misleading advice

Told me I had to wait to arrange the transfer my house insurance until the day of my move, when I had to call them. Then refused to insure my new home (which was already insured by the previous owner), causing great stress on my removal day. Refused to provide any reason for not insuring the property, other than repeating the statement 'the system says no'. Don't insure with these people.

Date of experience : 10 July 2024

Horrendous Customer Service

Horrendous experience, no customer goodwill whatsoever. Unfortunately following problems with our hotel we were told to change holidays, which we did, Greece to Turkey. Telephoned the post office to say this would increase our insurance from 40 pounds to 78, ok that's fine but I found a significantly cheaper quote online 52 pounds. What followed was an hour of wrangling, being told perhaps I could make a claim against the lost holiday, despite still travelling?? Claims saying Natalie will arrange a refund, Natalie categorically denying this, and being told Linda the manager would call me back, that day which never happened, I was also repeatedly told we could only offer a refund if I died (insurance policy clearly says I'm recovering from Breast Cancer) and it wasn't their fault. All I want was to cancel as a better deal had been found, just appalled and shocked at their rigidity, will never use again for anything.

Best travel insurance company ever

We unfortunately had to cancel our cruise the day before sailing due to illness. Post Office insurance team couldn’t have been more helpful, they kept in touch and explained the process fully. They paid out within two weeks. Absolutely brilliant we wouldn’t use anyone else. Highly recommend five stars. Thank you

Date of experience : 14 June 2024

Avoid at all costs ,it would appear…

Avoid at all costs ,it would appear that the Post office still has Massive Massive problems with its computer systems ,an absolute rip off I took out a travel policy day before travel ,was unable to log into system Tried numerous times ,tried calling on phone ,but they do not work weekends.E mailed Early the next morning to say was in cooling off period and had not commenced my journey and I wanted to cancel policy .I received a response to say to speak to some one at my convenience. Was unable to do until I had returned from holiday . When I phoned and Spoke to them I was told the post code was not the same as entered on application and travel had commenced so computer would not allow them to give me a refund . I took out travel insurance else where I intend to pass my complaint on to the financial services authority for there advice I would advise anyone to avoid using the post office for Any financial reason The thing that the post office is known for doing ,delivering mail is also shocking now With the public enquiry into post office IT faults recently been aired and the shocking way it has acted ,I will never trust them again and would certainly not trust them with any of my money Again

Poor Service.

Initially, charged twice and spent hours on the telephone, unsuccessfully trying to find details of the policy I had allegedly taken out. I was forced to travel not knowing if I had insurance. Eventually, asked for a refund, which was the only thing that was negotiated successfully! Overall, very disappointing. I shall not use Post Office travel insurance in future.

Date of experience : 06 June 2024

Wished Id checked reviews before taking…

Wished Id checked reviews before taking out insurance! Took Policy out 8th March same day holiday was booked. Unfortunatley, my daughter ended up in hospital 29th March with a virus so unable to travel. Post Office sent email refusing claim stating I would have forseen this??? And just realised Post Office filtering what reviews show on their google page. Reviews on Trustpilot not good. Post Office not trustworthy at all...very disappointing. Will be escalating matter to FCA.

Date of experience : 13 April 2024

Paid for this insurance may still…

Paid for this insurance may still waiting for policy details So beware if this common its key!! To have what Paid for

This company can improve greatly by…

This company can improve greatly by being simply contactable. You can't get through ona phone and when you do they hand you out a mail faield address for Collinsons insurance who they are with, who you also cannot contact. Not only that but when you do try on the PO site to make a claim despite having the policy document number to hand they don't recognise it. Scammers of the first order. All right so we are 50 quid down here on medical treatment. Imagine though if you were hundreds down.

Date of experience : 04 May 2024

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• Travel Money
• What Is a prepaid currency card

Prepaid currency cards are a secure way to make purchases on trips abroad. They can be a handy alternative to paying with cash and debit or credit cards.

They can also help you manage your spending and stick to a holiday budget. This guide explains how they work and how to use them effectively.

What is a prepaid currency card?

A prepaid currency card is a type of payment card. It allows you to load and store multiple currencies to use on your travels or for online purchases. You can even use it to spend in the UK if you like.

You might have heard this type of payment method referred to as a prepaid travel card , multi-currency card, Travel Money Card , foreign currency card or even forex card. They’re all similar, though their features can differ by card provider.

These cards are a convenient and secure way to manage your foreign currency and spending needs without having to carry lots of cash. Carrying one also avoids the need to use a debit or credit card, which could charge higher fees for transactions overseas.

What’s more, many prepaid currency cards aren’t linked to your bank account but topped up with an amount of your choosing instead, they make budgeting for your travels easier.

Benefits of a prepaid currency card

There are lots of potential benefits of using this kind of card.

• They’re convenient: You can use a prepaid currency card to pay at shops, restaurants, online merchants and anywhere else that accepts payments from the major network the card is linked to (eg Mastercard®, Visa). You can also withdraw cash at any ATM linked to that network.
• They hold multiple currencies: While some cards hold just one specific currency (eg, a prepaid euro card), many enable you to load and store several. You can move funds between different currencies if, for instance, you’re interrailing between different destinations and need to spend in different currencies.
• They’re accepted worldwide: Just like debit and credit cards, travel cards are widely accepted around the world. They’re usually linked to one of the major credit card networks, Mastercard, Visa or AmEx, and accepted anywhere you see their mark.
• They’re secure: With PIN protection and the ability on some prepaid currency cards to easily block or unblock them, they keep your funds protected if they get lost or stolen.
• You can top up any time:  Most prepaid currency cards are reloadable, allowing you to add more funds to the card as needed. Some enable you to do this online or through a mobile app. You may also be able to top up by visiting a bank or a partner location of the card provider. This flexibility ensures that you can access funds whenever necessary.
• You can top up when the rate’s good: You can lock in savings by loading currencies onto your card when their exchange rates are favourable. Its value won’t change if the currency fluctuates.
• They help you budget: By loading a set amount of money onto your card, you can avoid overspending. Many cards let you to track your spending online or with a mobile app too.
• You may save on fees:  The fees for foreign transactions, currency conversion and overseas ATM withdrawals may also be lower than using debit or credit cards.

How do I use a prepaid currency card?

Here's how you can make the best use of a prepaid currency card:

• Do your research: You need to know a card is going to work for you, your spending plans and any holiday budget you’re hoping to set. So research different prepaid currency card providers to compare the features and exchange rates they offer, and what customers say about them online. Look for a card that’s accepted worldwide and can provide reliable support – like the ability to get help fast if your card is lost or stolen.
• Understand the fees: Depending on the card, you may need to pay a fee to activate or reload it, perform transactions or use it to withdraw cash at an ATM. There may also be a fee if the card is left inactive for a period. So compare the fees from different providers carefully to see which setup suits you.
• Get familiar with the security features: Find out about the card’s security measures to safeguard your money. These should include how to block or unblock the card, transfer funds to other cards, and order a replacement if yours is lost or stolen.
• Keep an eye on exchange rates: If you’ve got the luxury of time before you travel, monitor the exchange rates and try to buy at a time where you’ll get a favourable exchange rate for your pound to the currencies you’re loading. Some providers hold flash sales on currencies, offering them at discounted rates, so look out for their sales.
• Use it like a regular card: Use your pre-loaded travel card as you would your debit or credit card: to make purchases in shops and restaurants, buy things online and withdraw cash at ATMs. You may also be able to make contactless payments, such as by adding them to Apple Pay or Google Pay on your mobile device with some cards.
• Keep track of what you’re spending: The balance on your card (and so the amount you can spend) is limited to the funds you load onto it, which is handy for budgeting. You can typically manage it online or with an app with most cards, including checking your transaction history. If anything that looks out of place it’s easy to spot and report quickly.
• Keep a backup: It's usually worth taking a backup card or some cash on your trip in case of emergencies or situations where the card may not be accepted. Some providers’ apps enable you to add and manage multiple currency cards, if you prefer to take more than one as a precaution.

Remember to always review a card's terms and conditions to understand its features and any limitations, and decide which option is right for you.

Does Post Office offer a prepaid currency card?

Yes, we do. It’s called the Post Office Travel Money Card .

Here’s a summary of what it offers:

• Accepted at millions of locations worldwide, wherever Mastercard is accepted.
• You can load and store up to 22 different currencies onto a single card.
• Competitive exchange rates mean value for money when you convert currencies.
• Top up online, with our free travel app, via our website , or at any Post Office branch across the UK.
• You can also move funds between different currencies in the app or online.

Did you know?

Prepaid currency cards can be a handy and secure way to spend at music festivals both in the UK and abroad. Read our guide to using a travel card at music festivals .

Find out more about our Travel Money Card

Common questions, how does a prepaid currency card differ from a regular debit or credit card, how do i load money onto a prepaid currency card.

You’ll usually be able to load money onto a prepaid currency card using a card provider’s secure online portal or mobile apps. These enable you to top up funds on the card from an account of your choice. Card issuers may also let you know about designated places where you can top up in person, using cash or card. For the Post Office Travel Money Card , you can do this in any of our branches.

Can I use a prepaid currency card in multiple countries and currencies?

Yes, most prepaid currency cards are multi-currency, meaning you can load them with different currencies and use them in multiple countries. They’re a convenient way to store, manage and pay with your holiday funds, without carrying lots of physical currency, especially if you’ll be visiting several destinations.

Be sure to check the card you choose supports the currencies you need as this could save you money. If the currency you need isn't supported, cross-border fees may be charged to move the amount you need from a different currency.

Are prepaid currency cards a better option for travel than cash or other cards?

It really depends on what you need. It can be handy to have some physical currency for smaller payments like public transport and tolls, or for situations when cards aren’t accepted. But a prepaid currency card can provide convenience and security, as well as competitive exchange rates.

While you may like to take a debit or credit card as a backup, paying with them may incur foreign transaction fees you may not have to pay using a multi-currency card instead. Note, though, that using a card in country whose currency it doesn’t support may incur a cross-border fee.

Some prepaid cards also offer extra protection if they get lost or stolen, if they aren’t linked to your bank account or line of credit.

Are there any fees for using a prepaid currency card?

The fees you can expect to pay for using a prepaid multi-currency travel card can vary by provider. They may charge a fee for purchases or ATM withdrawals, or to convert funds between currencies. Check the Terms and Conditions of any card you’re considering and compare providers with other options to make an informed choice.

How do I check my balance and transactions?

Most card providers enable you to check your card balance and review your transactions online or using a mobile app. Set up and log into your account, then navigate to the balance or transactions sections to see them listed. You may also be able to check the funds remaining on your card, move them between different currencies, and check your transaction history for any signs of fraudulent activity.

Check latest currency exchange rates

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Post Office Travel Money Card is an electronic money product issued by First Rate Exchange Services Ltd pursuant to license by Mastercard International. First Rate Exchange Services Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with number 4287490 whose registered office is Great West House, Great West Road, Brentford, TW8 9DF, (Financial Services Register No. 900412). Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

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Post Office Travel Money Card   Reviews

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Reviews 3.7.

Most relevant

Useful foreign currency card

Found the card very useful, was accepted in all shops and would recommend this type of card again.

Date of experience : July 31, 2024

Reply from Post Office Travel Money Card

Hi Andy, thank you very much for your review!

Avoid getting this

Avoid getting this. I have the latest app and cannot top up my card. It just keeps on saying "Sorry, something went wrong. There seems to be an issue with our system". It's been like this for days. There are superior travel cards out there. What a waste of time.

Date of experience : July 14, 2024

Thank you for your review, we’re sorry to read this, we would like to understand more so we can help resolve this for you. Could you call us at 0207 937 0280 or email us at [email protected]. Thank you

Easy to apply for and transfer money…

Easy to apply for and transfer money onto accepted in many places abroad with the ability to keep a track on useage

Date of experience : August 01, 2024

Hi Dave, Thank you so much for your review.

The car did not work n menorca.

The car did not work n menorca. Would not work if you put the pin in or contactless either. Phoned and all you said it should work. Not very helpful.very disappointed .

Date of experience : July 13, 2024

Hi Sarah, thank you for your review, we’re sorry to read that the Travel Money Card hasn’t met with your expectations on this occasion. We would like to understand more so we can help resolve this. Could you call us at 0207 937 0280 or email us at [email protected] Thank you

I’m so glad I chose the post office…

I’m so glad I chose the post office travel card will always use this on holidays abroad, amazing

Date of experience : July 16, 2024

Hi Tracy, thank you so much for your review! We hope you enjoy any future trips you may have planned!

Travel card is great for ease of use…

Travel card is great for ease of use whilst on holiday, but the APP just doesn’t work?

Hi there, thank you for your review! Glad to hear you enjoy using the card, but we are sorry to hear about the app. Can you please contact us at 0207 937 0280 or email us at [email protected] so we can look into this further. Thank you

I was able to use the card everywhere I…

I was able to use the card everywhere I went with no issues. The top up feature was simple.

Date of experience : August 24, 2024

Thank you for your great review and feedback, it really helps us. It’s really good to hear that you are enjoying your Travel Money Card.

Post office travel money

It was easy to apply for the card and to top up when the money ran low The app makes it easy to access information any time

Date of experience : July 23, 2024

Hi Lilly, thank you for your review!

This holiday to the US was the first…

This holiday to the US was the first where I'd used a travel card as opposed to a credit card. It was very useful and saved me about £20 in commission fees. I loaded it daily so that, if it was lost, all I'd lose would be a day's spending money. A very useful card to have.

Date of experience : June 29, 2024

Hi Rob, thank you so much for your review!

The staff at Hessle post office East…

The staff at Hessle post office East Yorkshire are always helpful, friendly and knowledgeable about the products.

Date of experience : May 06, 2024

Hi Jean, thank you for your review and feedback! I'll be sure to pass this over to the branch!

Holiday essential …

Easy to top up and with a convenient app to keep an eye on your balance. Great card!

Date of experience : August 17, 2024

Thank you for your great review and feedback, it really helps us. It’s really good to hear that you are enjoying your Travel Money Card and find it so convenient

The Post Office Travel card the secure…

The Post Office Travel card the secure way to Travel with your Currency it’s an absolute Winner a very Happy Customer 😃✅👍!!!

Date of experience : June 15, 2024

Hi Andrew, thank you for your review, from a very happy Post Office we hope you continue to enjoy your card for any future trips!

So easy to use

So easy to use! No hassle whatsoever! Could even use once got back to uk just converted back to sterling when in use! Would definitely use again

HI Annette, thank you so much for your review!

Excellent staff!

The staff were excellent in helping me to get a card and recommending this instead of cash for my travels!

Date of experience : July 05, 2024

Hi Adesh, thank you so much for your review and feedback!

Easy To Use…

It was so easy to download the Post Office travel app and set the card up. The app let you know your card balance and it was easy to top up the card. I was able to use the card everywhere when I was away.

Date of experience : July 03, 2024

Hey Ronnie, thank you very much for your review!

This was a great card to take on holiday

This was a great thing to have on holiday to Spain as it saved taking lots of Euros. We had no issues at all and it was so easy to top up.

Date of experience : July 08, 2024

Hi Kim, That's great to hear, Thank you so much for your review.

Excellent could use on aeroplane for…

Excellent could use on aeroplane for food instead of cash.

Date of experience : August 02, 2024

Hi Sharon, thank you for your review! Just to advise that we recommend not to use the card on an aeroplane as we have to authorise your card immediately which means they may not able to authorises the payment until a few days later. Thank you again!

No problems, easy use

Arrived quickly, easy set up, easy to use abroad, easy to convert when home. No problems so far.

Date of experience : August 11, 2024

Hi Michelle, thank you for your review!

Great card for travelling!

Great card to use, can be used via Apple Pay too. Very easy to add money and the card comes with contactless too.

Date of experience : August 23, 2024

Thank you for your great review and feedback, it really helps us. It’s really good to hear that you are enjoying your Travel Money Card. - Katie

Care Free Card Use

When I got the P.O. money card the staff at Laygate P.O. in South Shields explained everything about the card. So when I went to Spain I used my card with easy and a sense of my money was in safe hands.

Hi John, Thank you for your great review and feedback! it really helps us. It’s really good to hear that you are enjoying your Travel Money Card.