A multi-currency prepaid Mastercard you can load with up to 22 currencies, manage in the Post Office Travel app and use worldwide wherever Mastercard is accepted. Spending from a matching wallet currency is fee-free from Post Office’s side. Using the card in a country whose currency is not supported triggers a 3% cross-border fee. ATM withdrawals have a small fixed charge that varies by currency, and GBP loads by card or bank can include a 1.5% load commission with a £3 minimum and £50 maximum.
Initial Viewpoint:
Best for travellers who want a simple, branch-friendly prepaid card that holds many currencies, shows clear ATM charges per currency and works with Apple Pay and Google Wallet. Not ideal if you often spend in currencies the card does not support, because a 3% cross-border fee applies in those cases.
ptc. Rating: ⭐ 4 / 5
Highlights:
- Load and hold up to 22 currencies on one card
- Order online or pick up instantly in branch with ID
- Apple Pay and Google Wallet support via the app
- Transparent per-currency ATM withdrawal charges listed on the site
Cautions:
- 3% cross-border fee if you spend in a non-supported currency
- 1.5% GBP load commission with £3 minimum and £50 maximum
- Card is for travel use, not everyday UK spending
Methodology: Product page, Help and Terms reviewed and verified on 18 Oct 2025.
Overview
What it is
A Post Office prepaid Mastercard you can top up before or during your trip and use in stores, online and at ATMs. The card is managed in the Post Office Travel app or web portal, with wallet-to-wallet moves between currencies.
Who it’s for
UK residents who prefer a prepaid travel card with branch access, many supported currencies and simple, published ATM fees by currency.
Key Facts
- Issuer and scheme: Electronic money prepaid multi-currency card on the Mastercard network, issued by First Rate Exchange Services Ltd (FCA FRN 900412). Not a credit or debit card.
- Loads and balance: Minimum top-up £10, maximum top-up £5,000, maximum balance £10,000, maximum annual balance £30,000.
- Cross-border fee when spending in a non-supported currency: 3% of the transaction.
- GBP load commission: 1.5% with £3 minimum and £50 maximum.
- Card validity and dormancy: Card valid up to 3 years. £2 per month maintenance fee starts 12 months after expiry if a balance remains.
- Order routes: Online delivery in 2 to 3 working days or same-day collection in branch with passport or UK driving licence.
Last updated: 18 Oct 2025
Pricing & Fees (UK)
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Purchases in a supported wallet currency | £0 issuer fee | Spend from the matching currency balance. |
| Cross-border fee in a non-supported currency | 3% of the amount | Applies where the card does not offer that currency. |
| GBP load commission | 1.5% (min £3, max £50) | For GBP loads. |
| ATM withdrawal fees | Fixed by currency | |
| Maintenance fee after card expiry | £2 per month | Starts 12 months after expiry if a balance remains. |
FX & ATM Details
FX conversion
The card is designed for use in supported currencies. When you spend from that matching wallet there is no Post Office purchase fee. If you spend where the local currency is not supported, the cross-border fee of 3% applies. Always choose to be charged in the local currency to avoid DCC.
ATM usage
ATM withdrawals are allowed worldwide where Mastercard is accepted. A fixed withdrawal fee applies and some ATM owners add their own surcharge.
Supported currencies
EUR • USD • AUD • AED • CAD • CHF • CNY • CZK • DKK • GBP • HKD • HUF • JPY • NOK • NZD • PLN • SAR • SEK • SGD • THB • TRY • ZAR. Load and move funds between these wallets in the app.
Topups & Payments
| Method | Fee or limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Top up in GBP | 1.5% commission (£3 min, £50 max) | Then convert to wallet currencies in-app if needed. |
| Top up in wallet currency | Use app or web | No GBP load commission if loading directly in that currency from available methods. |
| Wallet to wallet moves | In app | Manage balances and switch travel funds. |
| Refund of balance | 3 to 5 working days to UK bank once processed | Contact support to request a refund. |
Applying for the Card
You must be a UK resident aged 18 or over. You can order the card online, via the app or pick it up from a branch. Delivery typical 2-3 working days. You may bring an existing Post Office travel-card product if you have one. Activate the card, set PIN and load funds.
Limits & KYC
| Topic | Limit or rule | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age and residency | UK resident, 18 plus | ID required. |
| Min and max top up | £10 min, £5,000 max per top up | Per transaction. |
| Maximum balance | £10,000 at any time | Annual maximum balance £30,000. |
| ATM daily cash limits | Vary by currency |
App & Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Post Office Travel app | Load, move between 22 currencies, check rates, see PIN and transactions, freeze card, find ATMs and branches. |
| Mobile wallets | Add card to Apple Pay and Google Wallet from site links. |
| Branch convenience | Collect a card instantly in branch if you need it today. |
Who it’s for (and who it’s not)
Best for
Travellers who like to preload specific currencies, value branch pickup, want clear ATM fees and prefer app control with Apple Pay or Google Wallet support.
Not ideal for
Trips that involve unsupported currencies, since a 3% cross-border fee then applies. Also not suitable for everyday UK spending according to the terms.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 22 supported currencies with in-app wallet management
- Instant branch pickup and broad ATM acceptance
- Apple Pay and Google Wallet supported
- Clear per-currency ATM fee list on the product page
Cons
- 3% cross-border fee for non-supported currencies
- GBP loads include 1.5% commission with min and max caps
- Card is for travel use rather than day-to-day UK spending
How it compares
At a glance: A strong fit if you visit countries with one of the 22 supported currencies and you want branch pickup. Multi-currency app-first rivals may offer different FX models for unsupported currencies, while UK bank debit cards can have simple FX but lack wallet control.
| Feature | Post Office Travel Money Card | Multi-currency rival | UK bank debit card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supported wallets | 22 currencies | 10 to 40 plus | GBP only |
| Purchases in wallet currency | £0 issuer fee | Often £0 | Often £0 |
| Non-supported currency | 3% cross-border fee | Varies by provider | Bank’s FX fee or rate |
| ATM fee | Fixed per currency | Often free with caps | Varies by bank |
| Branch pickup today | Yes | Rare | Not applicable |
Alternatives
| Alternative | Why consider it |
|---|---|
| Wise multi-currency card | Competitive FX with many wallets and strong acceptance. Check ATM caps. |
| Revolut travel card | Multi-currency wallets with tiered plans and smart controls. Review weekend FX markups and fair use. |
| Caxton travel card | 15 wallet currencies and simple ATM pricing. Paid plan positions 0% FX markup. |
Ratings
| Category | Score 1 to 5 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fees and FX | 4 | £0 issuer fee in wallet currency, 3% cross-border fee, small fixed ATM fees. |
| ATM and cash | 3 | Fixed per-currency ATM fee, operator surcharges possible. |
| Topups | 5 | GBP load commission 1.5% with caps. |
| Features and app | 3 | App wallet moves, Apple Pay and Google Wallet, branch pickup. |
| Support and trust | 5 | Issued by First Rate Exchange Services Ltd, FCA FRN 900412. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Post Office Travel Money Card
Are purchases fee-free?
Yes when you spend from a matching wallet currency supported by the card.
What happens if I spend in an unsupported currency?
A 3% cross-border fee applies to the transaction.
What are typical ATM fees?
What are typical ATM fees?
A fixed fee applies by currency, for example €2 in EUR, $2.50 in USD or £1.50 in GBP. The site lists the full table and daily cash limits for each currency. ATM owners may add their own fee.
What are the load limits?
£10 minimum per top up, £5,000 maximum per top up, £10,000 maximum balance, £30,000 maximum annual balance.
Compliance & Methodology
Regulatory
Post Office Travel Money Card is an electronic money product issued by First Rate Exchange Services Ltd under licence from Mastercard. FRN 900412.
Data sources
Product page with currencies, ATM fees, limits and fee notes; cross-border fee page; Help and Terms. Verified on 18 Oct 2025.
Editorial policy
Independent, fact‑checked comparison. Click here for editorial guidelines.
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