FairFX offers a free multi currency prepaid Mastercard you can use in more than 190 countries. You can hold up to 21 wallet currencies on one card and spend in other currencies as well. Purchases in a wallet currency are free from FairFX fees. Purchases and cash in non wallet currencies incur a 2.25% out of currency fee. UK and international ATM withdrawals have a £1.00 fee per withdrawal from FairFX.
Initial Viewpoint:
Best for travellers who want a simple multi currency wallet, free card order and predictable low fees. Good for using Apple Pay and Google Pay if you choose a Standard account. Not ideal if you plan to spend frequently outside the wallet currencies on the free plan, since a 2.25% fee applies in those cases.
ptc. Rating: ⭐ 4 / 5
Highlights:
- Free first card order and no monthly management fee
- Hold up to 21 currencies on one card
- £1.00 ATM fee in the UK and abroad from FairFX side
- Apple Pay and Google Pay available on Standard accounts
Cautions:
- 2.25% out of currency fee when spending in a currency that is not one of the wallet currencies
- Over the counter cash withdrawals have a £2.00 flat fee plus 3.75%
- Expired card administration fee can apply if a balance remains
Methodology: Product and Help Centre pages reviewed and verified on 11 Oct 2025.
Overview
What it is
FairFX is a prepaid Mastercard that lets you hold and spend multiple currencies from one card and app. It works online and in store wherever Mastercard is accepted.
Who it’s for
UK travellers who want an easy wallet of popular currencies, low fixed ATM fee and optional mobile wallet support. Good for trips with spending inside the 21 wallet currencies.
Key Facts
- Issuer and scheme: The card is a prepaid Mastercard. FairFX states the card is issued by Equals Money International Limited in its FAQs. Funds are safeguarded under e money rules and are not protected by FSCS.
- Network: Mastercard with global acceptance.
- Wallet currencies you can hold on the card: 21 currencies GBP, EUR, USD, AUD, CAD, CHF, CZK, DKK, HKD, HUF, ILS, JPY, NOK, NZD, PLN, RON, SEK, SGD, TRY, ZAR, AED.
- Use in other currencies: You can also spend in currencies outside the wallet list. A 2.25% out of currency fee applies.
- ATM fees: £1.00 per withdrawal in the UK and abroad from FairFX side. ATM owners may surcharge.
- Digital wallets: Apple Pay and Google Pay available for Standard accounts.
Last updated: 11 Oct 2025
Pricing & Fees
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First card order | Free | Linked cards also free to order |
| Replacement card | First replacement free, then £6 | |
| Card renewal | Free | |
| Monthly management fee | Free | |
| Expired card admin fee | £2.00 per month if balance remains | Applies to expired cards with leftover balance |
| Purchases in wallet currency | Free | 21 wallet currencies |
| Purchases in non wallet currency | 2.25% | Out of currency fee |
| UK and international ATM withdrawals | £1.00 per withdrawal | Issuer side fee. ATM owner may surcharge |
| Over the counter cash withdrawal | £2.00 flat fee plus 3.75% | |
| GBP to GBP transfer or refund fee | £5.00 | |
| Card load fees | Free | |
| Point of sale | Free when in one of 21 wallet currencies |
FX & ATM Details
FX conversion
If you hold the local currency as one of your 21 wallet balances, spend from that balance and there is no FairFX purchase fee. If you spend in a currency you do not hold, a 2.25% out of currency fee applies. Decline DCC and choose to pay in the local currency.
ATM usage
FairFX charges £1.00 per ATM withdrawal in the UK and abroad from its side. Some ATM operators add their own surcharge.
Topups & Payments
| Method | Fee or limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Top up and exchange in app or online | Free card load fees | Manage balances and move between currencies in the app or online account |
| Virtual cards | Free to create. Use online and with wallets on Standard accounts | Ready to use within minutes |
| Apple Pay and Google Pay | Free | Available with Standard accounts |
Applying for the FairFX Card
Apply online; standard UK KYC (ID and address verification) applies. Funds are safeguarded at named UK banks; this is not FSCS coverage.
Limits & KYC
| Tier | Load limit (daily) | ATM limit (daily) | ID required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (lite KYC) | — | — | Name, email, phone (account opening) |
| Standard (full KYC) | Max balance €5,000 / $7,500 | €500 / $500 per day | Photo ID & address |
| Enhanced (higher caps) | Not advertised | Not advertised | Additional checks (e.g., source of funds) if requested |
App & Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Multi currency wallet | Hold up to 21 currencies and swap balances in the app |
| Controls and alerts | Set spending limits, freeze and unfreeze card, view PIN |
| Digital wallets | Apple Pay and Google Pay on Standard accounts |
| Rewards | Up to 3.5% UK retailer cashback on selected partners |
| Virtual cards | Create virtual cards for online or wallet use on Standard accounts |
Who it’s for (and who it’s not)
Best for
Travellers who like to preload and manage popular currencies in one place, want a free card and simple fees, and value Apple Pay or Google Pay support on Standard accounts.
Not ideal for
Trips where most spending will be in non wallet currencies, since a 2.25% fee applies. Heavy UK cash users may also prefer cards that waive UK ATM fees.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free first card order and no monthly management fee
- 21 wallet currencies
- £1.00 ATM fee from issuer side in UK and abroad
- Apple Pay and Google Pay available on Standard accounts
Cons
- 2.25% out of currency fee on spending in non wallet currencies
- Over the counter cash withdrawal has additional fees
- Expired card admin fee if balance remains
How it compares
At a glance: Multi currency wallets like FairFX suit varied itineraries since you can preload a matching currency. If you spend outside the wallet list, some rivals may have different fee structures or paid tiers.
| Feature | FairFX Currency Card | Multi currency rival | No fee abroad UK debit card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purchases in wallet currency | £0 issuer fee | Often £0 | Often £0 |
| Unsupported currency spend | 2.25% fee | Varies by provider | Often £0 FX, scheme rate |
| ATM fee | £1.00 per withdrawal | Often free to a cap, then fee | Often £0 issuer fee, daily cash caps |
| Currencies you can hold | Up to 21 | 20 to 40 plus | None |
Alternatives
| Alternative | Why consider it |
|---|---|
| Wise multi currency card | Interbank style FX, many currencies, strong global acceptance. Check ATM caps and transfer fees. |
| Revolut travel card | Multi currency wallets with plan tiers and advanced app features. Review weekend FX markups and fair use. |
| Starling Bank debit card | Simple fee free FX on a UK current account with strong acceptance. Check ATM and replacement policies. |
| Caxton travel money card | 15 wallet currencies, £0 Caxton fee abroad, optional paid plan positions 0% FX markup. |
Ratings
| Category | Score 1 to 5 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fees and FX | 4 | Free in wallet currencies, 2.25% out of currency fee, £1.00 ATM fee |
| ATM and cash | 4 | £1.00 per ATM from issuer side, operator surcharge may apply |
| Topups | 4 | Load and exchange in app or online, card load fees free |
| Features and app | 4 | 21 currencies, Apple and Google wallets on Standard accounts, virtual cards |
| Support and trust | 4 | Safeguarded funds, not FSCS. Issuer shown as Equals Money International Limited in FAQ |
Frequently Asked Questions About FairFX Currency Card
Are ATM withdrawals free?
No. FairFX charges £1.00 per withdrawal in the UK and abroad from its side. Some ATM operators may add their own surcharge.
What if I spend in a currency I do not hold?
A 2.25% out of currency fee applies to purchases and cash when the currency is not a wallet currency.
Can I add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Yes if you have a Standard account. Linked cards on Standard accounts can also be added.
What ID do I need to open an account?
You will need proof of ID such as passport or UK driving licence and proof of address such as a recent utility bill or bank statement.
Compliance & Methodology
Regulatory
FairFX accounts are safeguarded and not FSCS protected. The issuer is shown as Equals Money International Limited in the FAQs. The card is a prepaid Mastercard.
Data sources
Currency card pages, fees tables and Help Centre including currencies, ATM fee, out of currency fee, wallets and digital wallet support. Verified on 11 Oct 2025.
Editorial policy
Independent, fact‑checked comparison. Click here for editorial guidelines.
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