The Post Office Travel Cash Card is a convenient way to carry money while traveling abroad. It's available in various currencies and can be loaded with up to £2,500.
You can purchase a Post Office Travel Cash Card at any Post Office branch in the UK. The card is available in over 11 currencies, including euros, US dollars, and Australian dollars.
To load the card, you'll need to visit a Post Office branch and provide your passport or ID. The card can be loaded with cash or by transferring funds from your bank account.
The card can be used to make purchases, withdraw cash from ATMs, and pay for services like hotel rooms and car rentals.
Purchasing and Exchanging Money
You can buy travel money at the Post Office both online and in branch, and you'll get better rates the more you buy, so consider getting one friend or family member to bulk buy all of your holiday money.
The Post Office offers currency exchange both online and in branch, and you can then pick up your money at a local branch or have it delivered to your door. The Post Office also offers a currency buy-back service, giving you competitive rates to convert any unused foreign currency back into pounds when you return.
The Post Office exchange rates move up and down according to the demand for currencies, and you can check the rates on its website, travel money card app, and branches. Keep in mind that rates may vary whether you're buying online, via phone or in-store.
A margin or mark-up is added to the Post Office exchange rate, making it worse for you compared to the mid-market rate. This means you'll get less EUR, USD, or other currencies.
You can load any of the following currencies on to your card: Euro, US dollars, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, New Zealand dollars, Thai baht, UAE dirham, Turkish lira, South African rand, Swiss francs, Polish zloty, pounds Sterling, Chinese yuan, Czech koruna, Danish kroner, Hong Kong dollar, Hungarian forint, Japanese yen, Norwegian krone, Saudi riyal, Singapore dollar, or Swedish krona.
Here are some currencies supported by the Post Office prepaid travel card:
- 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 load your card with funds in any of these 23 currencies, and you can also use the "Swap" icon in the Post Office travel app or the "wallet to wallet transfer" icon online to move funds between currencies.
Choosing the Right Money Type for You
If you're planning a trip, it's essential to decide which type of travel money is best for you. A prepaid travel card, credit card, or debit card can all be effective ways to pay while traveling, but the right choice depends on your situation.
Prepaid travel cards are great for budgeting, as you can only spend what's already on the card. However, this can be a drawback in the event of an emergency, as you may run out of cash.
Prepaid travel cards often come with fees, such as loading, reloading, currency conversion, withdrawing cash, and more. ATM withdrawal limits may also apply, and you may need to pay extra for withdrawing larger amounts of money.
Some prepaid travel cards, like the Prepaid Travel Card by Mastercard, can earn you rewards, but it's essential to shop around and compare other travel money cards to get the best deal.
A combination of prepaid travel cards, credit cards, and debit cards might be the safest and most convenient way to have all your bases covered.
Money Card Options
There are several money card options available for travelers, including prepaid travel cards, credit cards, debit cards, and foreign currency.
Prepaid travel cards are a great option for budgeting, as they allow you to lock in exchange rates and earn cashback.
You can get a prepaid travel card in three ways: online, by phone, or in a Post Office branch.
Using a prepaid travel card can be convenient, as it's a contactless card and you can only spend what's on it, helping you to budget.
You can store 23 currencies on a Post Office travel card, making it a convenient option for frequent travelers or those taking multi-destination holidays.
However, be aware that the exchange rate may include a margin or mark-up on the mid-market rate, and there are also charges for using your card at an ATM.
Here are some key features of different money card options:
It's worth shopping around and comparing different money card options, as some may offer better exchange rates or lower fees.
The Wise card, for example, allows you to spend in 150+ countries and manage 40+ currencies in your Wise account, with no ATM fees for withdrawing up to £200 a month.
Managing Your Money Card
You can top up your Post Office Travel card using the app, which is available for download from the App Store or Google Play. The app shows your remaining balance in each currency, making it easy to keep track of your funds.
To top up via the app, simply use a credit or debit card, and your balance will be updated. Please note that some credit card providers may charge for foreign currency purchases.
The app is also a great way to check your balance, as it shows you the remaining balance in each currency. This is more accurate than using an ATM, which may provide a GBP figure using a different exchange rate.
You can also top up via the Post Office website or in a local branch, if you prefer not to use the app. Just remember to ask friends or family to top up on your behalf if you find yourself stuck abroad and your funds are low.
To view your transactions, log in to your online account or use the travel app account. You'll see a summary of your last 20 transactions displayed on the 'Cards' page in the travel app.
To see more than the 20 transactions shown by default, press the ‘View all’ button at the bottom of the screen to show all previous transactions.
Here are the ways to top up your Post Office Travel card:
- Using the app
- At the Post Office website
- In a local Post Office branch
Understanding Fees and Limits
The Post Office Travel Cash Card has its own set of rules when it comes to loading and using the card. There's a minimum top-up of £10 and a maximum of £5,000 per top-up, with a maximum balance of £10,000 at any time and a maximum annual balance of £30,000.
If you load your card with pounds sterling, a load commission fee of 1.5% will apply, with a minimum fee of £3 and a maximum of £50.
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 card. However, if you 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%.
Here's a breakdown of the ATM fees you can expect to pay when withdrawing cash from an ATM:
Lost Funds
Lost funds can be a real hassle, especially if you're not sure what to do. You need to call the company immediately on +44 (0) 20 7937 0280, which is available 24 hours a day.
If you think you've misplaced your card, you can freeze spend on your card using the Post Office Travel app, available on the App Store and Google Play. This can give you peace of mind while you're searching for your card.
You have a few options when it comes to dealing with lost funds. Here are the details:
- A fee may be charged if a replacement card needs to be couriered overseas.
- They'll work out the best way to replace your card after you've contacted them.
- They'll cancel your card to prevent any further transactions.
Limits and Fees
Let's dive into the limits and fees associated with Post Office Travel cards.
There's a minimum top-up amount of £10 and a maximum of £5,000 per top up. The maximum balance per card is £10,000 at any time, and the maximum annual balance is £30,000.
Loading your card with pounds sterling (GBP) incurs a load commission fee of 1.5%, with a minimum fee of £3 and a maximum of £50.
Topping up in the local currency while abroad is recommended to avoid these fees.
The following limits apply for all currencies supported by the Post Office Travel card: a minimum top-up of £10, a maximum top-up of £5,000, a maximum balance of £10,000 at any time, and a maximum annual balance of £30,000.
Here's a breakdown of the load commission fee for GBP:
Note that you'll be charged a cross-border fee of 3% if you use your card in a country with a local currency not supported by the card.
Key Features and Benefits
The Post Office Travel card is a convenient and hassle-free way to manage your finances while traveling abroad. It's contactless, making low-value transactions fast and easy.
Available with Google Pay and Apple Pay, you can use your card for contactless payments, making it a great option for small purchases.
The Travel app lets you manage your card, top up, transfer between currencies, and even freeze your card if you need to. You can also reload your card whenever you want, with up to 23 currencies available.
You can use your Post Office Travel card wherever Mastercard is accepted, giving you a wide range of options for spending your money. And if you need help, the 24/7 call centre is always available.
Here's a quick rundown of the key features and benefits of the Post Office Travel card:
- 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
- No charges when you spend abroad using an available balance of a local currency supported by the card
- Wallet-to-wallet feature - where you can transfer any leftover currency to a new currency of your choice
Troubleshooting and Support
If you're experiencing issues with your Post Office Travel Card, don't worry, there are ways to troubleshoot and get help. 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 overseas, and lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
To get in touch with the Post Office, you can call, email, or write to them. You can contact the Post Office Travel Card Customer Services department via email at [email protected] or by post at Post Office Travel card, PO Box 3232, Cumbernauld, G67 1YU.
If you need to contact the Post Office, here are your options:
- Call: 0344 335 0109 (UK) or +44 (0) 20 7937 0280 (overseas)
- Email: [email protected]
- Write: Post Office Travel card, PO Box 3232, Cumbernauld, G67 1YU
Troubleshooting Tips
Troubleshooting Tips can be a lifesaver when things go wrong with your travel plans.
Dealing with a Post Office Travel Card problem is often just a matter of knowing how to troubleshoot common issues.
If you're having trouble with your Post Office Travel Card, start by checking your balance to ensure you have enough funds.
Common problems with Post Office Travel Cards can often be resolved by simply checking your account online or contacting the Post Office customer service.
How to Contact
If you need help with your Post Office card, there's a dedicated contact centre you can reach out to. You can call them on 0344 335 0109 from within the UK, or +44 (0) 20 7937 0280 if you're overseas. They're available 24/7.
You can also contact Post Office Travel Card Customer Services in a few different ways. By post, send a letter to Post Office Travel card, PO Box 3232, Cumbernauld, G67 1YU. Alternatively, you can email them at [email protected].
Australia
Australia is a popular destination for travelers, and with a post office travel cash card, you can make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.
You can load a post office travel cash card with Australian dollars, making it easy to pay for everything from meals to souvenirs.
It's a good idea to load your card with a small amount of money at a time, so you can avoid overspending and keep track of your expenses.
In Australia, you can use a post office travel cash card to make purchases at many local shops and restaurants, including those in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
Be aware that some businesses may not accept cash or card payments, so it's always a good idea to have some local currency on hand, just in case.
Ordering and Using Your Card
To order a Post Office travel card, you can choose from three convenient options: downloading the Post Office Travel app, applying online at the Post Office website, or visiting a local Post Office branch in person.
If you're applying in a branch, be sure to bring a form of photo ID, such as a passport or UK driving licence, to speed up the process. You'll be able to pick up your card right away.
For online or app orders, you'll need to wait 2-3 days for your card to be delivered. Once you have your card, you can use it anywhere that accepts MasterCard, both online and at ATMs.
You can make contactless payments for small amounts, but be aware that different countries have different rules and limits for this feature. It's also worth noting that you shouldn't use your card for road tolls, self-service petrol pumps, car hire or hotel check-in deposits, or transactions on planes or cruise ships.
Ordering Your
You can order your Post Office Travel card in a few different ways.
Download the Post Office Travel app to place an order online, or apply online at the Post Office website.
If you prefer to order in person, you can pop into a local Post Office branch, but be sure to bring a form of photo ID, such as a passport or UK driving licence.
You'll be able to pick up your card in the branch if you order in person.
For orders made online or through the app, you'll need to wait 2-3 days for your card to arrive.
Using Your
You can use your Post Office travel card anywhere that accepts MasterCard, online and at ATMs. This means you can shop, dine, or book accommodations with ease.
To make a purchase in person, you'll need to enter your PIN. This is a standard security measure to verify your identity.
In some countries, like the USA, Chip & PIN might not be as widely available. In these cases, you may be asked to sign to verify your purchase instead.
You can also make contactless payments for small amounts, but be aware that different countries have different rules and limits for this. For example, you might be able to make a contactless payment of £20 in the UK, but only £10 in another country.
Here are some situations where you shouldn't use your Post Office travel card:
- Road tolls
- Self-service petrol pumps
- Car hire or hotel check-in deposits
- Transactions on planes or cruise ships
Funding and Refunding
Funding your Post Office Travel card is a breeze. You can top up via the mobile app, which is available to download from the App Store or Google Play. The app shows your remaining balance in each currency, and you can top up with a credit or debit card.
If you prefer not to use the app, you can also top up via the website if you've created an account, or ask a friend or family member to top up on your behalf in any UK Post Office branch. They'll just need your card number.
Refunds are also available if you need to cancel your trip. You'll need evidence of the holiday cancellation, your bank account number and sort code, and you should make the request within 28 days of buying the card. Payments can take between 3 and 5 working days, but commission-free currency buybacks are available if you bring your original Post Office receipt.
Topping Up
You can top up your Post Office Travel card using the mobile app, which is available to download from the App Store or Google Play. The app is the easiest way to top up, and it shows your remaining balance in each currency.
For security, your Travel Money Card isn't linked to your bank account when using the app, so you can top up with a credit or debit card. Some credit card providers may charge for foreign currency purchases, though.
To top up via the app, simply download the Post Office Travel app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also top up via the website if you've created an account.
You can also ask friends or family to top up on your behalf in any UK Post Office branch. All they need is your card number.
Getting a Refund
Getting a refund can be a straightforward process if you know what to do. If you need to request a refund for the funds loaded on your Travel Money Card, you'll need to speak to the team about it.
To make the process smoother, have your bank account number and sort code ready, as well as evidence of any holiday cancellation. Payments can take between 3 and 5 working days.
There's a time limit to request a refund, which is within 28 days of buying your Travel Money Card. If you've missed this window, you can still change currency back to sterling commission-free if you bring your original Post Office receipt.
Refunds are usually processed within 3-5 working days, but may take longer during widespread disruptions.
If you're unsure about the refund process, you can visit the refund guarantee page for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are post office travel cards a good idea?
Post office travel cards are not a good idea due to poor exchange rates and high fees. Consider using your regular bank debit card for a more cost-effective option.
Does the post office do a prepaid travel card?
Yes, you can order a prepaid travel card through our travel app or online application process, with delivery taking 2-3 working days.
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