
Travelex has a wide range of currency exchange services, including online ordering, in-store pickup, and home delivery. They also offer a mobile app for easy access to their services on-the-go.
However, some customers have reported issues with Travelex's exchange rates, which can be less favorable than those offered by banks or online services. This can result in a smaller amount of currency being exchanged for the same amount of money.
US Safety
Travelex has been in existence since 1976, over 40 years, and is the largest travel money exchange service in the world.
Travelex processes over 5,000 transactions every hour and services 40 million customers a year, which is a staggering number.
Travelex is rated by the Better Business Bureau at an A+, which is a great indicator of their reliability.
Travelex scores well with its customers, with an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Trustpilot, and 86% of reviews saying they are "Excellent" or "Good".
Travelex is fully regulated and uses strong encryption technology to keep your identity, transactions, and money safe.
Travelex partners with other businesses, including some popular US banks, the American Automobile Association (AAA), and Mastercard.
Cost and Fees
When exchanging money with Travelex, be aware that online transactions can come with hidden charges, which can be as high as eight percent of the total amount being exchanged. This is a significant cost to consider.
You might also be charged a service fee if you exchange dollars or another currency at a Travelex kiosk or counter, which will reduce the amount of foreign currency you receive.
If you order home delivery for your currency, you'll need to pay a fee if you're exchanging less than $1,000.
To buy currency in-store, you'll need to follow two steps: tell the staff what currency you need and how much, and then pay in cash or by card.
Here are the fees associated with buying currency in-store:
In some cases, Travelex might be the cheapest option, such as when exchanging euros - at the time of purchasing, you can order online and have the money delivered on the day you choose.
Online Services
With Travelex's online services, you can order foreign currency with ease. You can purchase over 45 currencies online, including popular currencies like euros and British pounds.
Travelex's online rates are competitive, with the company checking exchange rates daily to ensure the best deals. However, be aware that you may still pay around 9% of the total amount in exchange rate fees.
If you order online, you can expect to receive your currency in a timely fashion, with most orders being delivered within two to three working days.
Here are some tips to get the best exchange rate online:
- Ordering online will give you a better rate than visiting a store.
- Ordering over $2,000 in New Zealand can often get you a better rate on popular currencies.
Additionally, Travelex offers a mobile app for both Apple and Android devices, allowing you to manage your money on-the-go and order cash for delivery or collection.
US Online Rates
US Online Rates are a major concern when using Travelex. Travelex charges around 9% of the total amount you're converting in exchange rate fees, which is not great.
You could end up paying up to $90 in hidden charges if you exchange $1,000 for travel to another country. This is a rip-off!
If you're exchanging US dollars to euros, the Travelex website offers a rate of 1 USD to 0.829 EUR, compared to the base, midmarket exchange rate of 1 USD to 0.909 EUR.
Exchanging 500 USD to EUR would get you 414.75 EUR with Travelex, compared to 454.50 at the base exchange rate. That's about $44 more expensive, around 9 percent of the dollars you're converting.
If you're exchanging 2,000 USD to EUR, you would get 1,659 EUR with Travelex, compared to 1817.20 EUR at the base exchange rate. That's about $175 more expensive, around 9 percent of the dollars you're converting.
Here's a comparison of Travelex's exchange rates for some popular currencies:
To get a better exchange rate with Travelex, you can try ordering online, exchanging over $2,000, or asking for a better rate in-store.
Travel Cards
You can purchase the Travelex Money Card online or at your local Travelex store, excluding HSBC branches. It's a simple process that involves filling in an application form in-store and attaching acceptable photo identification, along with the money you initially want to load onto the card.
Travelex then issues the card on the spot, and you're ready to use it overseas. The card is available in 22 currencies, making it a convenient option for international travel.
The Travelex Money Card is a prepaid debit card that you can preload and top up with dollars or another currency. It's a great alternative to carrying cash, as you can use it like a debit card in other countries.
However, be aware that the card charges a 5.5 percent currency exchange fee, which is much higher than other popular cards. This fee is higher than what you'd expect, so make sure to check the Travelex Money Card Product Disclose Statement (PDS) for all terms and conditions before making a purchase.
Payment Methods
You can pay for your Travelex travel money online through their website using a debit card or credit card. If you use a credit card, be aware that you'll likely be charged a cash advance fee by your credit card provider.
Using a debit card is generally a better option, as it avoids these extra fees. Travelex also offers a prepaid debit card called the Travelex Money card, which can be preloaded and topped up in various currencies.
The Travelex Money card comes with a 5.5 percent currency exchange fee, which is quite high compared to other popular cards. For international transfers and payments, Travelex partners with OFX, allowing you to send money overseas to individual or business bank accounts.
How to Pay
You can pay for your Travelex travel money online through their website using a debit card or a credit card. Using a credit card will likely incur a cash advance fee from your credit card provider.
If you choose to use a credit card, you'll probably start paying interest on the cash advance amount immediately, and at a higher rate than usual.
Using a debit card is a recommended option to avoid these extra charges.
Card Payment
You can pay for your Travelex travel money online through their website using a debit card or a credit card. Using a credit card will likely result in a cash advance fee.
If you use a credit card, you'll probably need to start paying interest on the cash advance amount immediately, and you may be charged at a higher rate. This is a good reason to use a debit card instead.
Travelex offers a prepaid debit card called the Travelex Money card, which you can preload and top up in dollars or another currency. This card can be used like a debit card in other countries.
The Travelex Money card charges a 5.5 percent currency exchange fee, which is much higher than other popular cards. This is something to consider before choosing this option.
You can use the Travelex Money Card abroad wherever you see the Mastercard logo, as long as you've topped it up with one of 22 available currencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who gives the best currency exchange rate?
International money transfer specialists typically offer the best currency exchange rates due to their high daily transaction volumes, allowing them to negotiate competitive FX rates. They often provide more favorable exchange rates than banks or other financial institutions.
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