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Can I Get a Travel Money Card at the Post Office?

Published in Travel Money 3 mins read

Yes, you can get a travel money card at the Post Office. The Post Office offers its own prepaid currency card designed for use abroad.

What is the Post Office Travel Money Card?

The Post Office Travel Money Card is a prepaid, reloadable electronic money product that allows you to carry multiple currencies securely when traveling. This particular card is issued by First Rate Exchange Services Ltd pursuant to a license from Mastercard International, ensuring its wide acceptance wherever Mastercard is recognized. It functions much like a debit card but is not linked to your personal bank account.

Key Benefits of Using a Post Office Travel Money Card

Using a dedicated travel money card for your foreign expenses offers several advantages over carrying cash or relying solely on your standard debit or credit cards:

  • Security: As it's not linked to your main bank account, your primary funds remain protected if the card is lost or stolen. You can also block the card and often get emergency cash or a replacement.
  • Fixed Exchange Rates: You can load funds onto the card at a locked-in exchange rate, helping you budget more effectively and avoid fluctuations that might occur if you wait to exchange money.
  • Multi-Currency Options: The Post Office Travel Money Card can typically hold multiple currencies, allowing you to switch between them depending on your destination, often without conversion fees between pre-loaded currencies.
  • Budget Management: It helps you manage your spending as you can only spend the amount loaded onto the card.
  • Reloadable: You can top up your card with more funds online or in Post Office branches, providing flexibility during your trip.
  • Wide Acceptance: Being a Mastercard product, it is accepted globally at millions of locations, including shops, restaurants, and ATMs, wherever Mastercard is displayed.

How to Get Your Post Office Travel Money Card

Obtaining a Post Office Travel Money Card is a straightforward process, typically involving these steps:

  1. Application: You can usually apply for the card online through the Post Office's dedicated travel money website or by visiting a Post Office branch in person.
  2. Loading Funds: Once you have the card, you can load your desired currency (or currencies) onto it. This can be done online via bank transfer, debit card, or in person at a Post Office branch.
  3. Activation: Before using it, you may need to activate the card and set a PIN, often through an online portal or a dedicated phone line.

Who Can Benefit from a Travel Money Card?

Travel money cards are an excellent solution for a wide range of travelers, including:

  • Holidaymakers: For a secure and convenient way to manage expenses on vacation.
  • Business Travelers: To simplify expense tracking and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
  • Students Abroad: As a safe method for managing their funds while studying in another country.
  • Anyone Seeking Budget Control: To pre-allocate funds for their trip and stick to a budget.