Two simple travel money cards (Euro or US Dollar) tied to your Zempler current account. Purchases and overseas ATM withdrawals are fee-free in the card’s currency; spending in other currencies (including GBP) uses Mastercard’s wholesale rate + 2.99% fee.
UK ATM withdrawals in the card’s currency have a fixed fee (€4 for Euro / $3 for USD). Best for existing Zempler customers visiting the Eurozone or the US.
Initial Viewpoint:
Best for Zempler customers who want predictable, fee-free EUR/USD spending and cash abroad. Not ideal for mixed-currency trips due to the 2.99% fee on non-card currencies.
ptc. Rating: ⭐ 3.8 / 5
Highlights:
- Free purchases in card currency (EUR/USD)
- Free overseas ATM in card currency
- Easy in-app ordering and management (typical delivery 3–5 working days)
Cautions:
- 2.99% fee for non-card currencies (incl. GBP)
- Requires a Zempler current account to load and manage
Methodology: Data taken from Zempler’s Travel Cards page and Currency Card Terms & Fee Summary; verified 11 Oct 2025.
Overview
What it is
Zempler’s Euro and US Dollar prepaid currency cards (Mastercard) linked to your Zempler current account for fee-free purchases/ATM in the card’s currency.
Who it’s for
UK residents (18+) who already bank with Zempler and want low-friction EUR/USD travel spend without FX surprises in those currencies.
Key Facts
- Issuer (UK): Zempler Bank Ltd (authorised by the PRA, regulated by the FCA & PRA; FRN 671140).
- Network: Mastercard (contactless).
- Protection: FSCS-eligible deposits up to £85,000 (scheme rules apply).
- Card type: Bank-issued prepaid currency cards (Euro / US Dollar; not credit).
- Monthly fee: FREE (both cards).
- FX fee: 2.99% on non-card currencies (e.g., spending GBP on the Euro card; EUR on the USD card).
- ATM fees: Abroad in card currency = FREE. UK in card currency = €4 (Euro) / $3 (USD).
- Topups: Transfer from linked Zempler current account; funds usually within ~30 minutes.
- Limits: Max balance €5,000 / $7,500; daily ATM €500 / $500; annual ATM withdrawals unlimited.
- Apple/Google Pay: Not stated for the travel currency cards (manage via app/online banking).
Last updated: 11 Oct 2025
Pricing & Fees
| Fee Type | Euro Card (EUR) | US Dollar Card (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly/plan fee | FREE | FREE | Cards are free to hold |
| Purchases in card currency | FREE | FREE | No transaction fee in EUR/USD respectively |
| Purchases not in card currency | 2.99% of amount | 2.99% of amount | Mastercard rate + 2.99% |
| ATM cash withdrawal (Abroad, card currency) | FREE | FREE | ATM owner surcharges may apply |
| ATM cash withdrawal (UK, card currency) | €4 per withdrawal | $3 per withdrawal | Fixed fee in the UK |
| Topup by bank transfer (from Zempler) | £0 | £0 | Transfer from linked GBP account; ~30 minutes |
| Topup by debit card | N/A | N/A | Not supported for currency cards |
| Cash load (PayPoint/Post Office) | N/A | N/A | Not supported |
| Additional card | €7.50 | $10.00 | Optional |
| Card renewal | €4.95 | $4.95 | |
| Replacement card | €7.50 | $7.50 | |
| Cancellation/refund fee (if applicable) | €10.00 | $15.00 | When refunding remaining balance on closure |
FX & ATM Details
FX conversion
Non-card currencies use Mastercard wholesale rate + 2.99% fee. Avoid DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) at ATMs/merchants.
Free ATM allowance
Free when withdrawing in the card’s currency overseas; UK fee applies for card-currency cash withdrawals.
Topups & Payments
| Method | Fee/Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Faster Payments (bank transfer) | £0 | Transfer from linked Zempler GBP account; ~30 minutes |
| Debit card load | N/A | Not supported for currency cards |
| Cash load (PayPoint/Post Office) | N/A | Not supported |
| Apple Pay / Google Pay | N/A | Use the physical currency card; manage via app/online banking |
Applying for the Zempler Travel Card
Apply from your Zempler account. Standard ID and account checks apply for eligibility. Designed primarily for existing Zempler customers.
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 |
|---|---|
| Virtual/disposable cards | Not stated for travel cards |
| Controls | Manage card & view transactions in Mobile App and Online Banking |
| Budgeting/analytics | Real-time balance/transactions in app |
| Cards | Physical Mastercard; easy in-app ordering; typical delivery 3–5 working days |
| Security | Standard card security; PIN help/activation via support flows |
Who it’s for (and who it’s not)
Best for
Zempler personal customers travelling to the Eurozone/US who want fee-free card-currency purchases and ATM withdrawals, with simple top-ups from their GBP account.
Not ideal for
Mixed-currency itineraries or travellers who expect to spend frequently in currencies other than the card’s currency (2.99% FX fee); anyone who doesn’t hold a Zempler current account.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free purchases in card currency (EUR/USD)
- Free overseas ATM in card currency
- Clear, predictable fee model
- Simple top-ups from linked Zempler account
Cons
- 2.99% fee for non-card currencies (incl. GBP)
- Requires a Zempler current account
- Balance and daily ATM cap
How it compares
At a glance: Zempler’s fixed‑currency model (EUR/USD) gives fee‑free usage only in the card’s currency; multi‑currency e‑money cards often offer interbank‑style FX but may charge for ATM or require paid tiers.
| Feature | Zempler Travel Currency Card | Multi currency travel card | No fee abroad UK debit card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wallets | Single currency (EUR or USD) | Multiple currencies | No wallets |
| Purchases in wallet currency | Free | Often free | Often free |
| Non wallet currencies | Mastercard wholesale rate plus a fee | Provider rate or spread | Scheme rate, sometimes no FX fee |
| ATM pricing | Free abroad in card currency; Euro card €4 in UK | Free up to a plan cap then fee | Often £0 issuer fee with daily cash caps |
Alternatives
| Alternative | Why consider it |
|---|---|
| Wise multi-currency card | Hold many currencies with interbank-style FX and strong global acceptance. Check ATM caps and transfer fees. |
| Revolut travel card | Multi-currency wallets with plan tiers, smart app controls and travel perks on higher plans. Review weekend FX markups and fair usage. |
| 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 | Multi-currency wallet with 15 currencies and £0 Caxton fees abroad. Red plan advertises 0% FX markup. |
Ratings
| Category | Score (1–5) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fees & FX | 4 | 0% in card currency; 2.99% otherwise |
| ATM & cash | 4 | Free overseas in card currency; UK fee applies |
| Topups | 3 | Internal transfers only |
| Features & app | 3 | App controls; physical card; 3–5 day delivery |
| Support & trust | 5 | UK bank; FSCS on eligible deposits |
Frequently Asked Questions About Zempler Travel Money Card
Are ATM withdrawals free?
Yes, when withdrawing overseas in the card’s currency. UK withdrawals in the card currency have a fixed fee (€4 / $3)
What if I spend in a different currency?
Mastercard wholesale rate applies plus a 2.99% fee
How do I top up?
Transfer from your linked Zempler current account; funds usually appear within about 30 minutes.
Is my money protected?
Zempler is covered by the FSCS for eligible deposits if it can’t meet obligations; see the bank’s FSCS information and Currency Card Terms.
Compliance & Methodology
Regulatory
Zempler Bank Ltd is authorised by the PRA and regulated by the FCA & PRA (FRN 671140). FSCS eligibility up to £85,000 on deposits.
Data sources
Zempler Travel Cards page; Currency Card Terms & Conditions (Fee Summary); Help Centre; FSCS info page – checked 11th Oct 2025.
Editorial policy
Independent, fact‑checked comparison. Click here for editorial guidelines.
Ready to apply?
Compare Zempler Travel Money Card with
- Caxton Travel Money Card
- Wise Travel Money Card
- Revolut Travel Money Card
- Starling Bank Travel Money Card
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