travel money card in uk

• Travel Money Card

The Travelex Money Card is the quick, easy and secure way to spend abroad

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Travelex Money Card

• A safe way to carry and spend travel money abroad
• Load up to 15 currencies on your Travelex Money Card
• Manage your balance 24/7 through the Travelex Money App
• Freeze and unfreeze your card, reveal your PIN or other card details via the Travelex Money App
• Pay with confidence anywhere Mastercard Prepaid is accepted

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Travel money card benefits, safe & secure, find the right balance for your trip.

With our multi-currency prepaid card, you can reduce the amount of cash you need to carry on holiday and find the right balance for your trip. Plus, your card is not linked to your bank account, providing an extra layer of security against potential financial threats, and reducing the risk that comes with carrying cash.

Control at your fingertips

Manage your travel funds effortlessly with the Travelex Money App . Along with the essential features of freezing/unfreezing your card for enhanced security, the app provides seamless options to top up your card on-the-go. Always have secure access to your PIN and stay in full command of your travel money, ensuring a worry-free experience.

Peace of mind

Lock in your rates.

No more fluctuating exchange rates causing stress during your travels. With our multi-currency prepaid card, you can lock in your exchange rates 1 , shielding your budget from unexpected currency fluctuations.

Free and secure cash access

Forget about ATM fees eating into your travel budget. Our card provides free cash access with no overseas ATM charges 2 , allowing you to withdraw funds wherever you are. And in case your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, our 24/7 global assistance team is here for you. We aim to replace your card swiftly or provide emergency cash to keep your journey on track.

Easy to use

Effortless transactions.

Experience the ease of secure contactless payments – no signature or PIN required. Streamline your transactions and enjoy the convenience of a smooth payment process at millions of locations worldwide, wherever Mastercard Prepaid is accepted.

Easy money management

Enhance your travel experience with the flexibility to top up in 22 different currencies, including EUR, USD and AUD, and the convenience of transferring funds between your currency wallets in our app all through one versatile card, making international spending more seamless and efficient.

Seamless spending

You can easily add our card to your Apple Pay or Google Pay Wallet, making your payments smooth frictionless.

How does a Travelex Money Card work?

It’s fast and easy to get a Travelex Money Card.

1 | Order your Card

Order your Travelex Money Card online or in-store. Enjoy the flexibility of free delivery or convenient in-store collection.

2 | Register

Use the Travelex Money App to effortlessly register your card, granting you complete control over your account

Explore the world of hassle-free spending! Use your card at millions of locations globally, wherever Mastercard Prepaid is accepted.

Currencies and Rates

Explore the 22 currencies available to you on our prepaid travel card.

Fees and Limits

Free atm withdrawals worldwide.

Access your money without the hassle of ATM fees 2 , whether you're in the UK or exploring abroad.

Free Replacement Card

Enjoy peace of mind with our free replacement card service, available if your card is lost, stolen, or damaged while you're away or access to emergency cash.

Low Minimum Load/Top-up

Get started with a minimum load of just £50.00 GBP.

Generous Spending Limits:

Generous Spending Limits Spend up to £3,000.00 GBP at retailers and merchants within a 24-hour period

With our flexible fees and limits our Travelex Money Card is your perfect travel companion.

Download the Travelex Money App

• Top-up your Travelex Money Card in a flash
• Manage your money on the move
• View your latest transactions and track your spending
• Instantly freeze your card to protect your account

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Common questions about the Travelex Money Card

What is a travel money card.

A travel money card (sometimes referred to as a prepaid currency card) is a global multi-currency card that’s not linked to a bank account. Like a debit or credit card, travel money cards can be used to make purchases in stores, online, and to withdraw cash at ATMs while travelling.

Do you get charged for using a travel money card?

Some providers may charge you for using your card abroad, but we do not charge spending fees 3 on our Travelex Money Card.

How do I get a Travel Money Card?

You can get a Travelex Money Card by purchasing currency online or in-store. Find our full list of stores here.

Where can I use my Travel Money Card?

You can use the Travelex Money Card in most countries across the world, wherever Mastercard Prepaid is accepted. Choose from 22 available currencies: British pounds, euros, US dollars, Australian dollars, Canadian dollars, New Zealand dollars, South African rand, Turkish lira, Swiss franc, UAE dirham, Mexican peso, Polish zloty, Czech koruna, Swedish krona, Japanese yen, Thai Baht, Hong Kong dollars, Singapore dollars, Danish kroner, Norwegian krone, Hungarian forint and Icelandic krona.

Can I withdraw money from my Travel Money Card?

Like most bank accounts, you can withdraw money from your travel money card at ATMs worldwide. The maximum withdrawal amount is 500.00 GBP within a 24-hour period. Please bear in mind Travelex does not charge ATM fees but some operators may do so, check before you withdraw cash. Travelex Money Card T&Cs can be found here.

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Explore our support categories for more help.

Basic information about the Travelex Money Card.

Getting started

Details on obtaining and eligibility for the card.

Managing your Travelex Money Card account.

Managing card

PIN, balance checks, and card management.

Using & topping up card

Card usage, currencies, and transaction limits.

Details about adding your card to an Apple Wallet.

Details about adding your card to a Google Wallet.

Fees and limits

Information on fees and limits.

Getting help

Support for lost/stolen cards and troubleshooting.

Previous cards

Information for Cash Passport customers.

• Travelex Money Card Terms & Conditions can be found here.
• 1 Lock in your exchange rates mean the exchange rate is locked in for the initial load only. The exchange rates for subsequent reloads will be set at the prevailing exchange rate at the time of the transaction.
• 2 Although Travelex does not charge ATM fees, some operators may charge their own fee or set their own limits. We advise to check with the ATM operator before using.
• 3 No charges when you spend abroad using an available balance of a local currency supported by the Travelex Money Card.
• Travelex Money Card is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard International.
• PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.
• Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

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• Prepaid Cards >
• Travel Prepaid Cards

Compare our best prepaid travel cards

Simplify your spending abroad with a prepaid travel card, find a prepaid travel card, what is a prepaid travel card.

A  prepaid travel card , also known as a 'travel money card', is  a debit card that you preload with money  and take on holiday. It's a good way to stick to your holiday budget and avoid carrying a lot of cash. 

Prepaid travel cards  can be used at cashpoints, in shops and restaurants , or anywhere that accepts Mastercard or Visa debit or credit cards.

However, a prepaid travel card is  not the same as a  credit card  for two key reasons:

You can only spend the amount you have put on the card; the pre-loaded limit prevents you overspending and getting into debt 

You can choose which currency to preload your travel money card with depending on where you're going, which often means you can secure a better exchange rate

Pick a card with fees that suit how you plan to use it, e.g. choose one with no withdrawal fees if you'll be withdrawing cash often while travelling.”

What are the different types of prepaid travel cards?

Multi-currency prepaid cards.

These can be loaded with several different currencies , making them ideal for both frequent travellers and those taking trips to multiple destinations. For example, you holiday in Europe but often visit the US on business, you could use a prepaid travel card to cover your everyday spending wherever you are by topping it up with say £600 then exchanging £200 into euros and £200 into US dollars. The different currencies will then be stored in separate “wallets” , allowing you to switch currencies when you like.

Sterling prepaid cards

These can be used at home and abroad , making them even more flexible than the best travel cards offering multiple currencies. You don’t need to worry about setting up a wallet for the currency you want to use; the card provider simply converts your pounds to the required currency each time you make a purchase . However, this can make holiday budgeting harder and may increase your costs, depending on the charging structure.

Euro prepaid cards

As well as multi-currency cards, you can take out prepaid cards designed to hold a specific currency . This can work out excellently if you're trying to lock in a good rate now by loading your euro prepaid card, but if you then use the card to buy things in a country that isn't in the eurozone. That's because if you spend in a country that does not use the euro, it converts to the local currency each time you make a purchase, which can work out more expensive.

Prepaid US dollar cards

These keep your balance in dollars . If you spend in countries that use a different currency, the card will exchange your dollars to the local currency, and you might well be charged a fee. The currency exchange takes place as soon as you load your card . If the pound strengthens afterwards, you won’t be getting the best value for money, but it if weakens you'll do well.

How to get a prepaid travel card

Compare cards.

Use our table below to find prepaid travel card that offers the features you need with the lowest fees

Check your eligibility

Make sure you fit the eligibility criteria for your chosen travel money card and can provide the required proof of ID

Apply for the card

Click 'view deal' below and fill out the application form on the provider's website with your personal details

What are the eligibility requirements?

Anyone can get a prepaid travel card. There's no need to have a bank account, and  no credit checks are required . Some providers have a minimum age of 18, but many will let you have a prepaid card from the age of 13 with parental consent. 

Sometimes parents like to use travel money cards to give their children a set amount of  holiday money , and to help teach them about budgeting and financial responsibility. 

Pros and Cons

What exchange rate do you get.

Exchange rates vary over time depending on what is happening in the wider economy. That means the exchange rate you get on a US dollar travel card today, for example, might not be the same as you get tomorrow or next week.

What prepaid cards offer is the ability to lock in today's rate to use later on. That could see you better off if the pound weakens, but might also mean you get a poor deal if the pound strengthens.

That offers is certainty - you'll know exactly how many dollars, euros, lira or whichever currency you load onto the card you have to spend on holiday.

Today’s best exchange rates

At what point is the currency exchanged with prepaid travel cards.

Some prepaid travel cards hold the balance in pounds sterling. These convert the required amount to the local currency every time you spend on them .

The exchange rate isn’t fixed, so you’ll only know how many pounds you have on the card - not what it will buy you while overseas.

But the cards in our comparison table convert your money when you add it onto the card. This means you know the exchange rate used and your card's exact balance before you go away.

Compare the rates before you choose a prepaid card. Although rates can change several times a day, some travel cards will be more competitive than others.

Using a card with competitive exchange rates will mean you get more local currency for your pound.

You also need to watch out for fees as well as withdrawal limits when choosing a card, as these can vary between providers.

What are the alternatives to prepaid travel cards?

Travel credit card.

A travel credit card works just like a regular credit card, with which you can make purchases by borrowing money. The main difference is that travel credit cards don't charge foreign transaction fees for spending abroad. 

Travel money

For many people, cash is the most comfortable form of payment when travelling. It's hassle-free and universally accepted. But it’s riskier, as you'll lose out if it’s lost or stolen and you’ll need to budget carefully to ensure your foreign currency lasts the length of your trip. 

Travel debit card

These days, there are plenty of specialist banks and providers that offer bank accounts that don't charge foreign transaction fees when used abroad. This offers you a chance to take advantage of the best exchange rates. And if it's your main current account, you won't have to worry about topping up your account before you go.

What other costs or fees are there with prepaid travel cards?

As well as the exchange rate, you might have to pay several other charges on your prepaid travel card.

These could include:

A fee to buy the card

A monthly or annual fee for keeping the account open

Cash withdrawal fees

Transaction fees when you pay for anything on the card

Inactivity fees

Loading fees when you add money onto the card

Some cards also charge fees for withdrawing cash or making purchases inside the UK .

But some of the cards in this comparison do not charge fees in countries that use currencies loaded on the card - just make sure the right one is selected before spending on them.

Check carefully for fees before you pick one.

Read our full guide on how much it costs to use a travel prepaid card and how to choose one .

"With multi-currency cards, check you've selected the right currency before you arrive."

How long does it take to get a prepaid travel card?

You can apply online and get a decision immediately. However, it can take up to two weeks before your card arrives in the post.

Can I use any prepaid card abroad?

Yes, you can use prepaid Visa or Mastercard cards in most destinations worldwide.  Travel prepaid cards  are usually cheaper to use overseas than a standard credit or debit card. 

Can I withdraw cash abroad?

Yes, you can use a travel money card in a cash machine outside the UK. Some cards  charge fees  for this, so always check if you want to use your prepaid travel card to make cash withdrawals.

What currencies can my card hold?

All the travel money cards in our comparison can hold a balance in popular currencies such as euros or dollars, while some support more than 50 different currencies.

Can I make international payments?

Yes, some providers let you send or receive money from abroad by logging into your online account, which works in the same way as standard internet banking.

Who sets the exchange rate?

This depends on the company that processes the transactions. Typically, it’s down to  Visa or Mastercard , as well as your card provider, which may take an additional cut.

Can I use my prepaid card in the UK?

You can use prepaid cards to withdraw cash or buy things in the UK or online. However, you may pay fees or even an exchange rate if your card is loaded with a foreign currency.

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Best Prepaid Travel Money Cards

Matt Crabtree

Rebecca Goodman

Prepaid travel cards have various names, such as travel money cards or multi-currency prepaid cards, but they all work in the same way to make spending abroad easier.

Using your debit card or usual bank account on holiday can accrue fees, and spending more than you have may be tempting, like dipping into your overdraft or savings accounts.

With a prepaid card, you can stick to your budget and be aware of all the fees involved before spending.

In this article, I'll discuss everything you need to know about prepaid cards to use when you're abroad, and I've picked a list of the best prepaid travel cards on the market to help you decide.

What are multi-currency prepaid cards?

A prepaid card works much like a debit card in terms of how you use it to make purchases and withdraw cash from an ATM. The only difference is that a prepaid card isn't attached to a bank account; you must top it up to use it.

Anyone can sign up for a prepaid card and use it for travelling. There are no credit checks, so even if you’ve got a history of bad credit, you can still apply for a prepaid travel card.

A prepaid multi-currency card is like a gift card in the same way you top it up and use it. With multi-currency prepaid cards, you use them as an alternative to carrying cash or traveller's cheques when travelling . You top the card up in the currency of your choice and then use it as you need it.

You can top-up prepaid cards on the go, usually by an app, and you can use them in most places worldwide. You’ll have to check with your prepaid card provider to see what currencies you can use on the card and where you can use it.

The pros and cons

Like any financial product, there are benefits and drawbacks to using a prepaid card.

✔️ Budgeting: You can preload all of your spending money on the card, and as you can only spend what's there, it's much easier to stick with a budget and not overspend.

✔️ Safer than cash : If you lose your prepaid card, or if it's stolen, you can get a replacement card sent to you. A prepaid card isn’t attached to a bank account , so you don’t have to worry too much about anyone potentially accessing your everyday banking.

✔️ No foreign exchange fees: Most travel money cards are made for spending abroad, so there are usually no foreign exchange fees.

✔️ Accepted in most places: Most countries accept prepaid cards. Double-check with your prepaid card provider if your card is accepted before you fly out to your destination.

✔️ Different foreign currency: You can spend money in your chosen currency.

✔️ Top-up on the go: Most prepaid cards have an app that allows you to add money, exchange multiple currencies and view transaction history in one place.

✔️ Good credit not required: Anyone can apply and use a prepaid multi-currency card and there are no credit checks .

❌️ Fees to cash withdrawals: Some prepaid cards charge you for cash withdrawals.

❌️ Other fees: Fees will vary between prepaid card providers, but there may be administration fees, monthly charges or other additional fees.

❌️ Limits: Some travel prepaid cards limit how much money you can hold on your prepaid card, and some cards have a minimum amount to deposit to use the card.

Best prepaid travel cards

Here are the best prepaid travel money cards:

1. Wise: Digital and physical cards available

• Application fees: One-time fee of £7
• Conversion Fees: Fixed fee + 1.75% after free allowance
• Minimum loading amount: No limit
• Cash withdrawal fee: Fee-free cash withdrawals up to £200 monthly

With the Wise Travel Money Card, you can use it straight away as a digital card.

If you want a physical card, there is a £7 delivery fee, but you can use a digital card instantly with Google Pay or Apple Pay. You can create up to three free digital cards.

With the mid-market rate, you can top up your currency card from the Wise app . On the app, you can check your balance and transactions and receive spending notifications to see how much you spend to help you stay within your budget.

You can manage your Wise account from the mobile app or their website. You can exchange money for over 40 other currencies in real time. If you have leftover money from your holiday or your plans have changed, you can spend the money at home in the UK with a small conversion fee.

You can use your currency card to withdraw cash from over 3 million ATMs worldwide. You can use your currency card in more than 160 countries. The Wise prepaid travel money card is eco-friendly, biodegradable, reloadable, and has no subscription fee. There are no fees if you choose not to use the Wise travel card. 

2. Asda Money Travel Money Card: Apply online or in store

• Application fees: None
• Conversion Fees: 5.75%
• Minimum loading amount: £50
• Cash withdrawal fee: Fee-free

You can apply for an Asda Money Travel Money Card online or in-store.

You can load up to 15 currencies and use your card contactless worldwide. You don't have to worry about cash withdrawal fees when you use this prepaid currency card; you can manage it on the go with the app. You can exchange 16 currencies with a fixed conversion fee.

You can top up via the app, online, or over the phone. You can top up while abroad, so you don't have to worry about running short of money. There are no fees when you spend in a currency preloaded to your card.

There is a £2 inactivity fee per month after 12 months. With this card, you can withdraw £500 a day, but the maximum it can hold is £5,000. This card has no link to your bank account for fraud protection.

Asda Travel Money Card is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to a licence by Mastercard International. The Financial Conduct Authority authorises PrePay Technologies Limited under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 .

3. Caxton Currency Card: Up to £12,000 on a card

• Conversion Fees: Live exchange rates
• Minimum loading amount: £10
• Cash withdrawal fee: Fee-free abroad, £1.50 for domestic ATM withdrawals and transactions

The daily cash withdrawal limit for the Caxton Currency Card is £300, and you can hold up to £12,000 on the prepaid card.

When you use this currency card abroad, you can make purchases fee-free with no worries. You can convert your money into 15 currencies with live exchange rates and hold multiple simultaneously.

You can use your Caxton prepaid card anywhere that accepts Mastercard; watch for the Mastercard Acceptance Mark. You can manage your finances from the mobile app as it allows you to check your card balance, top up, and block the card if you misplace it.

Caxton offers customer service that is live 24/7 to help with any of your issues or concerns. Caxton also runs an international trading online platform.

4. Easy FX Currency Card: Fee-free international cash withdrawals

• Conversion Fees: Exchange rate plus 1.8% for up to £1,000
• Cash withdrawal fee: International cash withdrawals are free

There are zero international fees when you use the EasyFX Personal Currency Card.

There is a £1.50 withdrawal fee for using a cash machine in the UK. You can benefit from highly competitive exchange rates and store multiple currencies on one account.

There are conversion fees with this currency card. However, the more money you convert, the lower the cost. You'll pay 1.8% on top of the exchange rate for conversion up to £1,000. The conversion fee lowers to 1.2% for up to £4,000.

As well as a currency card, you'll gain access to risk management tools provided by VFX Financial. You can manage your balances in real time on any device using the smart app or EasyFx website. If you don't use your card for 12 months, you'll be charged £2 monthly for inactivity.

5. Travelex Money Card: Use in millions of locations

• Application fees: One-time fee of £15
• Minimum loading amount: £50 in person and £100 online
• Cash withdrawal fee: None

The Travelex Travel Money Card allows you to use your card across millions of locations that accept Mastercard Prepaid. Look for the Mastercard International Incorporated logo when you're travelling, and you can use the Travelex Travel Money Card at those locations.

With the Travelex Money Card, you'll get free WiFi worldwide without worrying about roaming fees. There are no charges for withdrawing cash from an ATM overseas. You can exchange GBP into 15 other currencies with fixed exchange rates.

There is a monthly £2 inactivity fee. There is currently a giveaway running with Mastercard that's open until 30 September, where all you need to do is load £220 or more onto a Travelex Money Card. You'll enter into a prize draw to win a dream holiday.

6. Post Office Travel Money Card: No fee for spending abroad

• Cash withdrawal fee: Fees vary between locations

Carry up to 22 currencies with the Post Office Travel Money Card. Wherever you see the Mastercard Acceptance Mark , you can use this travel money card, including millions of shops, restaurants, and bars in over 200 countries.

There are cross-border fees of 3% when you use your currency in other countries than what the Post Office offers. There is also a load commission fee of 1.5%.

Use the Post Office accessible Travel app to top up, manage your prepaid card, transfer funds between currencies and more. You can connect your prepaid card to Apple Pay and Google Pay. If you return from your holiday with money left on your card in another currency, you can use the wallet-to-wallet feature and transfer it to a new currency you choose.

7. Sainsbury's Bank Prepaid Travel Money Card: Lower exchange rate for Nectar cardholders

You may get better exchange rates than a non-card holder if you're a Nectar cardholder and want to apply for Sainsbury's Prepaid Travel Money Card. If you hold a Nectar card, you can earn 500 bonus Nectar points when you load at least £250 onto your travel money card.

You can load money onto your card in 15 currencies at once. You can use your prepaid travel card to make purchases worldwide and withdraw cash without worrying about ATM fees.

You can check out all your transactions and load money onto the card with the Sainsbury's Bank travel money card app. There is no direct link to the prepaid card to your bank account, so you don't have to worry about security.

There is a 2% fee for loads and reloading into GBP purses. Additionally, if you don't use your card for 18 months, you may be charged a £2 inactivity fee.

8. FairFX Prepaid Card: Earn cashback in select retailers

• Application fees: Free
• Conversion Fees: 1.12%
• Cash withdrawal fee: £2 flat rate + 3.75% of the transaction amount

The FairFX Prepaid Card holds 20 major currencies, including GBP, Euros, US dollar, Japanese yen, Australian dollar, and more.

You can use this free multi-currency card in over 190 countries worldwide. You can top up on the go, either before you travel or whilst you're travelling.

Travel smarter with FairFX; when you become a customer, you can access offers and deals from partners to help your money take you further, for example, discounts on lounge access and more. You can earn 3.5% cashback in-store or online at select UK retailers.

If your car expires with a leftover balance, there will be a monthly £2 charge. Card renewal is free so that you can avoid expiration. There are no subscription fees or monthly fees.

Tips for looking after your money as you travel

Money is a massive element of travelling; it pays for your trips, food, and all the fun activities you get up to. A prepaid currency card can make your journey much more accessible.

We've compiled a list of further tips to help manage your finances a little more easily while you travel:

• Check the expiry date on the card: For any cards you take with you on your travels, ensure they're within the expiry date. Otherwise, you may be stuck without access to money. If your cards are close to expiring, consider contacting your provider and getting a new one sent out before you fly out.
• Travel insurance: Always travel with travel insurance to protect yourself and your belongings. Travel insurance can cover your medical costs if you become ill or have an accident.
• Check exchange rate: If you choose a prepaid card provider that uses live exchange rates, keep an eye on the exchange rates at specific types of the day.
• Top up your card online: If you're running low on holiday money, choose a prepaid travel card that allows you to top up online to add money to the card quickly.
• Check foreign exchange fee: Most prepaid travel cards offer minimum foreign exchange fees, but always check with the card provider for potential fees before you travel.
• Have card provider details at hand: If any issues occur, you should have the contact number or support team access to contact prepaid providers. If your card is stolen or you find fraudulent transactions on it, contact your provider, and it's worth alerting local police, too.

The verdict

A prepaid card is the ideal companion if you're someone who travels regularly and wants to be on control of tour cash.

They allow you to stay within budget, control your account from an app on your phone, and spend abroad without worrying too much about fees. With one of the prepaid currency cards from our best list, you can spend abroad securely and confidently.

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Is it Worth Getting a Prepaid Travel Card?

Using your debit card or usual bank account can accrue many travelling fees. With a prepaid card, you can stick to your budget with no credit options available and know all the fees involved before spending. You can spend without worrying about security, as your prepaid card has no direct link to your bank accounts. Prepaid cards are safer than cash and are accepted in most places. You can spend money in your chosen currency and top up on the go.

How Does a Prepaid Card Work?

You can top-up prepaid cards on the go, usually by an app, and you can use it in most places worldwide. It works similarly to a debit card, like how you use it to spend, but a prepaid card isn’t attached to a bank account, and anyone can use one.

What is the Best Travel Money Card?

The Wise Travel Money Card is at the top of our best travel money card list. There is no minimum loading fee; you make free monthly cash withdrawals of up to £200. While waiting for your card to be delivered, you can use your balance immediately as a digital card with Google Pay or Apple Pay. You can create up to three free digital cards. You can use your currency card to withdraw cash from over 3 million ATMs worldwide.

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• Peru Nuevo Sol PEN
• Philippino Peso PHP
• Polish Zloty PLN
• Romanian New Leu RON
• Saudi Riyal SAR
• Swedish Kronor SEK
• Singapore Dollar SGD
• Thai Baht THB
• Turkish Lira TRY
• Taiwan Dollar TWD
• US Dollar USD
• Uruguay Peso UYU
• Vietnamese Dong VND
• East Caribbean Dollar XCD
• French Polynesian Franc XPF
• South African Rand ZAR
• Brazilian Real BRL
• Qatar Riyal QAR

Delivery options, available branches and fees may vary by value and currency. Branch rates will differ from online rates. T&Cs apply .

Why get your holiday cash from Post Office?

• Order online, buy in branch, or choose delivery to your home or local branch 
• 100% refund guarantee* if your holiday’s cancelled, at the same exchange rate, excluding bank and delivery charges. Just send your receipts and evidence of cancellation to us within 28 days of purchase. *T&Cs apply
• Order euros or US dollars to collect in branch in as little as 2 hours

Euros and US dollars in 2 hours

Click and collect euros and US dollars in 2 hours. Terms and conditions apply 

Today’s online rates

Rate correct as of 07/09/2024

Travel Money Card (TMC) rates may differ. Branch rates may vary. Delivery methods may vary. Terms and conditions apply

Safe and secure holiday spending

Manage your holiday funds on a Travel Money Card with our free travel app. Top it up, freeze it, swap currencies, view your PIN and more.

New-look travel app out now

Our revamped travel app’s out now. It makes buying, topping up and managing Travel Money Cards with up to 22 currencies a breeze. Buying and accessing Travel Insurance on the move effortless. And it puts holiday extras like airport hotels, lounge access and more at your fingertips. All with an improved user experience. Find out what’s changed .

Need some help?

Travel money card lost or stolen.

Please immediately call: 020 7937 0280

Available 24/7

Travel money help and support

Read our travel money FAQs or contact our team about buying currency online or in branch:

Visit our travel money support page

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Cards, Loans & Savings

Car & home insurance, pet insurance, travel insurance, travel money card, life insurance.

Travel money card

Planning a trip overseas? Our prepaid travel money card lets you load your chosen currency and lock in the current rate before you go. Spend safely abroad with a Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card.

Wherever you go, we’ve got your back

With a Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Card, spending money abroad has never been easier – or safer. Once you’ve experienced the benefits of a travel money card, it’ll be your first choice every time. Our prepaid money travel card allows you to:

Load up to 15 currencies at any one time. No more worrying if your currency will be in stock at the bureau de change

Make secure, contactless payments. Just look for the contactless symbol when eating out or shopping abroad. Contactless payment is subject to merchant acceptance, and there may be a maximum limit when paying this way

Manage your account on the go. Use the Sainsbury’s Bank travel money card app to manage your currency card wherever you are 

Put security first. Travel with confidence knowing your card is chip and PIN protected and there’s no direct link to your bank account

Live like a local. Use your travel money card to withdraw local currencies at ATMs worldwide for free. Remember to check whether the ATMs charge their own fee

Enjoy rates you can rely on. Fix the exchange rate any time you load or move money between currencies

Enter a world of convenience. Whenever you use your travel card, it automatically knows where you are and which currency to use

It’s free to get. And it won’t cost you a penny – or a cent – to load with foreign currency

Your adventure awaits. To get your travel money card next day from your local instore bureau click 'order for collection'. Or for the convenience of home delivery select 'order for delivery' (allow 5-8 days).

What is a travel money card?

Travel cards are a hassle-free alternative to taking cash on holiday. And a handy way of taking multiple currencies if you’re travelling to a few different destinations.

Use it like a debit card – without worrying about overseas bank fees when you spend in a currency loaded on the travel card. Pay contactless, pay with your PIN or withdraw at a local ATM. You can even use it to make online purchases.

Since it’s a prepaid travel money card, it’s also a great way to keep an eye on your holiday spending – just load your money before you jet off. And if you need a little extra you can even easily top up your card from the beach. Download the Sainsbury’s Bank travel money card app or find out more .

Which currencies can I load?

The world’s your oyster when you get a Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card. Pick up to 15 currencies at any one time. Along with the Great British Pound, you can choose from:

• Euros 
• US Dollars 
• Australian Dollars 
• NZ Dollars 
• Canadian Dollars 
• South African Rand 
• Turkish Lira 
• Swiss Francs 
• UAE Dirham 
• Mexican Peso 
• Polish Zloty
• Czech Koruna
• Swedish Krona 
• Japanese Yen  

When you use your travel money card abroad, it will automatically pick up where you are and know which currency to use.

And as soon as you load money onto your prepaid travel money card, you’ll get a fixed exchange rate for the currency, or currencies loaded. So you know exactly how much you’ll have to spend even if rates change while you’re away.

Ready to get your travel money card?

It's easy. To get your travel money card next day from your local instore bureau click 'order for collection'. 

Or for the convenience of home delivery select 'order for delivery' (allow 5-8 days). When it arrives, remember to sign the back of the card. 

To start using your card, simply load it with a minimum of £50. All that's left to do is decide where you’re going.

Fees, limits and terms and conditions

Get to know our Sainsbury’s Bank travel money card fees and limits. It’ll help you understand whether it’s the right option for you.

For a full description of fees, limits and terms and conditions, please click here .

± If the currency of your transaction does not match any of the currencies on your card, or there are insufficient funds on your card in a currency to cover the whole transaction, the (remainder of the) transaction amount will be exchanged to another currency (-ies) on the card in the order of priority, at an exchange rate determined by Mastercard® on the day the transaction is processed, increased by 5.75% (the foreign exchange fee).

‡ A foreign exchange rate will apply if transferring funds to another currency. The currency exchange rate is selected from the range of rates available in wholesale currency markets (which vary each day), together with a margin.

+ If, following the debit of any monthly inactivity fee, the card fund balance is less than the fee, we will waive the difference.

^^ The amount that can be loaded/reloaded will vary depending on which channel you choose, i.e. online, in store, telephone or internet banking.

^^^ If you’ve forgotten your travel money card PIN, you can contact us for a replacement.

Already got a card?

If you’ve already got a travel money card with us, login online or use the app to top up and manage your account.

Prefer to take foreign currency?

We can help with that too. With travel money bureaux all over the UK, it’s easy to find one near you . You can also order online for home delivery. There’s 0% commission, plus, if you’re a Nectar member, you’ll get better rates. ±

Travel tools and guides

Going on holiday.

Read our holiday checklist to help you create the perfect travel plan

Keeping your valuables safe abroad

Helpful tips on how to protect your valuables while you’re on holiday

Currency converter

Use our calculator to find out how much foreign currency you could get

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a sainsbury's bank travel money card work.

Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card is a chip and PIN protected prepaid Mastercard® currency card.

You can load multiple currencies onto it before you travel and then use it in millions of ATMs around the world displaying the Mastercard Acceptance Mark, to access your money quickly and safely. You can also pay for goods and services online and in-store.

Where can I use a Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Card?

Your Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card can be used to withdraw money from ATMs worldwide~ displaying the Mastercard® Acceptance Mark. All you need to do is to find your nearest ATM.

Alternatively, you can use the card to pay online and in stores around the world~.

You can use your Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card in countries or areas with a different currency to those on your Card. The system will automatically convert your stored currency (-ies) to the local one. Please note that for any transactions in a currency different from the Currencies loaded on your Card, the funds available on the Card will be used in the following order of priority: GBP, EUR, USD, AUD, CAD, NZD, ZAR, TRY, CHF, AED, MXN, PLN, CZK, SEK and JPY at an exchange rate determined by Mastercard on the day the transaction is processed, increased by a percentage determined by us (see the Fees and Limits section for more details).

How do I download the Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card app?

Search Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card app in the Apple App Store or on Google Play. 

How do I top up my Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Card?

Even with a zero balance, your card is still valid (up to the expiry date printed on the front of the card), and you can reload it any time before your next trip##.

For information on how to reload your Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card, please see the 'top up' section.

## Until card expiry and subject to reload limits (see Fees and Limits section).

What if an ATM asks for a six-digit PIN?

In some countries, you may be asked for a six-digit PIN when using an ATM.

Sainsbury’s Travel Money Card uses a standard four-digit PIN, which will still be accepted as normal if the ATM has been set up correctly in compliance with Mastercard regulations.

If you need assistance with any PIN issues, please call Card Services.

Can I get cash back with my Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Card?

No, cash back is not available on a Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card.

Terms and conditions

Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

* Nectar members receive better exchange rates on single purchase transactions of all available foreign currencies. Excludes travel money card home delivery orders and online reloads. Exchange rates may vary depending on whether you buy in store or online. You need to tell us your Nectar card number at the time of your transaction. We reserve the right to change or cancel this offer without notice.

Sainsbury's Bank Travel Money Card is issued by PrePay Technologies Limited pursuant to license by Mastercard International. PrePay Technologies Limited is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority under the Electronic Money Regulations 2011 (FRN: 900010) for the issuing of electronic money and payment instruments. Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and other countries. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

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Global Money 

Access the world with one account

Spend, send and manage your currencies in one place using the HSBC UK Mobile Banking app.

Join the many customers who are benefitting from HSBC UK's best exchange rates, and access to more than 200 countries and regions worldwide.

Spend money at home or abroad using your Global Money debit card, or simply add it to your digital wallet for spending free from HSBC fees. Non-HSBC fees may apply.

Your currency balances are protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme.

Available exclusively via the latest version of the HSBC Mobile Banking app.

Here's what you get with a Global Money Account

Send money internationally without any HSBC or intermediary fees

• Send money abroad via the HSBC UK Mobile Banking app with a Global Money Account with no HSBC or intermediary bank fees
• Send money free from HSBC fees in more than 50 currencies to 200 countries and regions with Global Money transfers. You can also hold up to 18 currencies securely to use at any time
• Live exchange rates during market hours so you know exactly how much you're sending
• Send up to GBP50,000 per day (or currency equivalent)
• See the estimated arrival time on screen when you send a payment

More than just a travel money card

• Order your Global Money multi-currency debit card when you apply at no extra cost and add it immediately to your digital wallet. It can be used at home, abroad and online
• With your Global Money debit card, you can spend or withdraw cash with no HSBC fees. Check for other non-HSBC charges, for example when using cash machines
• Use your card abroad and spend like a local. We'll debit the payment from your currency balance if funds are available. If not, or if the transaction is in a currency you can't hold a balance in, we'll debit your GBP balance

HSBC UK's best exchange rates

• Benefit straight away from our competitive live exchange rates
• You can view these rates in the HSBC UK Mobile Banking app before you convert
• You can add or convert currency at any time, storing it until you need it. Convert on the go or when the rate is right for you
• When you're using your card abroad and have the funds in the currency balance you are spending in, there won't be a conversion
• If there aren't enough funds in the right currency balance, but you have funds in GBP and spend in one of the currencies you can hold with us, the conversion will be done using the HSBC Global Money Exchange Rate. Any other currencies will be converted using the VISA exchange rate

Before you apply

Who can apply.

You can apply for an HSBC Global Money Account if you have:

• An active HSBC UK current account (excluding Basic Bank Account, Amanah, Appointee and MyAccount)
• A valid email address that's on our records
• A valid mobile number on our records
• The HSBC UK Mobile Banking app (Global Money is only available via the app)

Find out how to add or update your contact details .

You must also read the important documents.

Important documents 

• HSBC Global Money Account Terms and Conditions (PDF, 582 KB) HSBC Global Money Account Terms and Conditions (PDF, 582 KB) Download
• HSBC Global Money Account fee information document (PDF, 181 KB) HSBC Global Money Account fee information document (PDF, 181 KB) Download
• UK FSCS Information Sheet and Exclusions List (PDF, 106 KB) UK FSCS Information Sheet and Exclusions List (PDF, 106 KB) Download
• Privacy notice (PDF, 498 KB) Privacy notice (PDF, 498 KB) Download

Apply for a Global Money Account

Already an hsbc customer.

On your mobile and have our app?

New to HSBC?

If you're not yet an HSBC customer with an eligible current account, find out more about our current accounts and how to apply.

Not on your mobile?

Scan the code to get started.

Frequently asked questions

What is an hsbc global money account .

It's a digital account you can use to hold money in different currencies. It's also an easy-to-use instant payment service that lets you manage, send and spend money in different currencies securely. It's free from HSBC fees. Non-HSBC fees may apply. If a payment is sent to your Global Money Account in a non-GBP currency it will be received, but will be converted into GBP. In the future you’ll be able to receive foreign currency into your account without it being converted to GBP.

What currencies can I hold and use with an HSBC Global Money Account? 

You can send and spend money in more than 50 currencies to 200 countries and regions. If you don't hold a balance in the currency you are spending in, simply ensure funds are available in your GBP wallet.

You can hold balances in these currencies:

• GBP - pound sterling
• USD - US dollar
• AUD - Australian dollar
• ZAR - South African rand
• PLN - Polish zloty
• CAD - Canadian dollar
• NZD - New Zealand dollar
• CHF - Swiss franc
• SEK - Swedish krona
• HKD - Hong Kong dollar
• AED - UAE dirham
• CZK - Czech koruna
• NOK - Norwegian krone
• DKK - Danish krone
• SGD - Singapore dollar
• JPY - Japanese yen
• CNY* - Chinese yuan renminbi

*Whilst you can hold a CNY balance, there are are regulatory restrictions that prevent you being able to send or spend inside or outside China. Chinese regulations only allow for payments in GBP, USD or EUR, so you will need to ensure you have funds available in these currencies.

How do I use my Global Money card? 

Simply add GBP or any supported currency to your HSBC Global Money Account. Use your debit card as you would at home. We'll debit payment from your currency balance if funds are available. If not, or if the transaction is in a currency you can't hold a balance in, we'll debit your GBP balance.

If using local currency where you don't hold a balance, this will debit your GBP balance and not any other currency balance. For example, if you use Mexican pesos this will be debited from your GBP balance and not your USD balance.

Please bear in mind spending limits may apply.

Is a Global Money debit card the same as a travel money card? 

Global Money is more than just a travel card. You can convert currency as and when you need to, even on the go. You can use your Global Money debit card like a local, at home or abroad with no HSBC fees including at cash machines. Non-HSBC fees may apply. We'll debit payments from your currency balance if funds are available. If not, or if the transaction is in a currency you can't hold a balance in, we'll debit your GBP balance.

If using local currency where you don't hold a balance, this will debit your GBP balance and not any other currency balance. For example, if you use Mexican pesos this will be debited from your GBP balance and NOT your USD balance.

Are my balances in Global Money protected? 

Yes, they're covered up to £85,000 by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. You can find the UK FSCS Information Sheet and Exclusions List under Important documents on this page where you can, view, print and download the document.

What exchange rate will I get when I use my Global Money Account? 

The HSBC Global Money Exchange Rate is made up of the cost to HSBC and a foreign currency conversion margin that we include.

Sending money - international payments

The HSBC Global Money Exchange Rate is a live rate updated by the second during market hours. This means we can always offer our most up-to-date rate. This provides you with visibility and certainty of how much you're sending. The exchange rate will be displayed in the mobile app before you confirm your payment and will be valid for 40 seconds before refreshing. This rate is quoted to you before you complete any foreign currency transaction using Global Money.

Spending – card transactions.

If you have enough funds in the currency of the transaction, no exchange rate will apply. If the transaction is in one of the 17 currencies you can hold a balance in and you don't have enough funds in that currency to cover it, we'll convert available GBP funds using the HSBC Global Money Exchange Rate to cover the transaction. If the transaction is in a currency you can't hold a balance in, it'll be converted using the VISA exchange rate.

Is the Global Money debit card a prepaid debit card? 

No, but you can convert currency before you go, and hold it in your currency balance ready to use at any time. This can help you control your budget by choosing how much you want to spend. Alternatively, you could choose to convert currency as and when you need it.

Are there any fees for using a Global Money Account? 

You can send money internationally without any HSBC or Intermediary fees. However, other banks may charge to receive a payment.

With your Global Money debit card, you can spend or withdraw cash with no HSBC fees. Check for other non-HSBC charges, for example when using cash machines.

Winner at the 2024 Card and Payments Awards

Our Global Money Account was awarded 'Best Industry Innovation' for making everyday international banking easier.

• Find out more about the awards   Find out more about the awards This link will open in a new window

You might also be interested in

Using your card abroad vs travel money  , using your card outside the uk  , starting a new journey  , customer support.

Hays Travel Money Card

How would you like to WIN a £5,000 holiday of your choice? Whether it’s a tropical beach paradise, a multi-destination adventure or an epic city getaway you could be in with a chance to win! One lucky winner will win a £5,000 holiday AND £1,000 spending money on their Hays Travel Mastercard. PLUS, 10 runners up win £1,000 on their card.  Sign up and load, or top up, your Hays Travel Mastercard with £500 or more before 30 September 2024 for a chance to win. T&Cs apply. No wonder we’re the Nation’s Favourite Foreign Exchange provider!

The Hays Travel Mastercard® is free to use in millions of locations worldwide where Mastercard® Prepaid is accepted when you spend in a currency loaded on the card: including restaurants, bars, and shops. This easy-to-use pre-paid card allows contactless transactions, chip and PIN, worldwide cash withdrawals, and also 24/7 phone support. Take your currency card with you on every holiday, simply top up and go! Just call into your local Hays Travel branch today to purchase your Hays Travel Prepaid Travel Money Card. *The Hays Travel Mastercard is only available to UK residents aged 18 or over. A valid Passport or Drivers Licence must be presented in the branch at the time of purchase.

BUY YOUR HAYS TRAVEL MASTERCARD

The Hays Travel Money Card is the safe and easy way to take your money on holiday!

• BUY IN BRANCH

Connect to your Google Pay Wallet

You can now link your Hays Travel Mastercard® with Google Pay for swift and secure transactions wherever you go. Say goodbye to carrying physical cards and hello to effortless payments with just a tap of your phone. Simplify your travel experience today!

Your iPhone is now your Hays Travel Mastercard®. With Apple Pay, you can pay quickly and easily with your Hays Travel Mastercard from your iPhone or Apple Watch. 

Pay with just a tap.

Double-click. Face ID. Hold iPhone near reader. Done.

• Add your card today

The Hays Travel Currency Card app

The Hays Travel Currency Card App enables you to fully manage your travel card account and stay in control of your holiday finances at home and abroad. The app enables you to:

• Instantly top up multiple different currencies from anywhere in the world
• Check your real time balance
• Lock-in exchange rates when you top up and transfer money between currencies
• Keep track of your spending and view transactions
• Freeze/Unfreeze your card
• Check your card PIN
• Manage your personal details

Download our app here

Manage the card on the go via Hays Travel Currency Card App

*Terms and conditions apply. View full T&C's HERE

My Account Portal

Available currencies.

Useful links

• Card Services Support Numbers
• Terms and Conditions

How to get airport lounge access

Far from the chaos of airport terminals, airport lounge access could be just the ticket to transform your travel experience

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Let’s face it – nobody loves the typical airport grind, so having airport lounge access can be a game-changer when you’re travelling. 

Everyone loves a good break, and whether you’re jetting off on a cheap, last-minute holiday or travelling for work, the way you start your journey can set the tone for the whole trip. Instead of dealing with loud announcements, slow charging outlets, frenetic travellers and mediocre food, airport lounges can be a peaceful oasis.

If you’re a frequent flyer, with the right credit card or loyalty rewards membership, you may be able to get airport lounge access for a reduced fare – or even free. 

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However, not all airport lounges are created equal. Some provide luxurious five-star amenities, while others may be more no-frills. And it doesn’t always pay to go premium. A recent investigation by Which? into UK airport lounges revealed that despite charging upwards of £40, some lounges lack essentials like toilets, quiet zones or family areas.  That’s why it’s essential to know how you get into the best airport lounges without breaking the bank. Here are five ways to get airport lounge access.

1. Credit card rewards  

Credit cards can be your golden ticket to accessing airport lounges. Travel credit cards often come with lounge access as a perk, letting you enjoy a bit of pre-flight luxury for a small fee. Some services extend beyond lounges, where you also get discounts on restaurants that are within the airport terminal. But how exactly do you access this perk? 

Here are a few ways you can use credit cards to their maximum potential when it comes to lounge access: 

American Express lounges

American Express (Amex) credit cards regularly feature in our best cards to use for travel guide. For instance, with The Platinum Card from Amex, card members can access over 1,400 airport lounges across 650 cities in 140 countries. 

This includes access to the Centurion Network, which is known as one of the flashiest lounges with top-quality service. They offer amenities from high-speed Wi-Fi to gourmet meals and cocktails, spa services and even conference rooms for business meetings. At the moment, there are 24 Centurion Lounges worldwide, including New York, London, Hong Kong, Mumbai and Sydney. This does come at a price, of course, the annual fee for the Platinum Card from American Express is £650.

You can get some free lounge passes if you’re an Amex Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card member. With this, you can get four complimentary Priority Pass airport lounge visits per year. It’s a great deal if you’re not a frequent flyer. 

Capital One lounges

If you hold a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card , you can visit one of its all-inclusive lounges with unlimited complimentary access for you and two more guests per visit. It offers premium chef-inspired food, relaxation and fitness spaces and custom cocktail bars. You can visit one of their lounges in Washington (Dulles), Denver, New York and Las Vegas. Holders of the Venture X card also get a free Priority Pass membership with access to over 1,400 airport lounges in nearly 150 countries.

Chase lounges

In recent months, Chase – a MoneyWeek Readers' Choice favourite , has pulled some of its best savings deals due to a Bank of England interest rate cut. However, Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card holders are still in luck. You can take advantage of complimentary lounge access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide with up to two guests. If you hold a Priority Pass from another credit card, you can visit Chase lounges in the US once a year. 

While the annual fee for the card is high ($550), you also receive up to $300 in annual travel credit and significant welcome bonuses, which can help justify the expenses.  

2. Get a membership  

For those who don’t think they will get their money’s worth out of a credit card, consider purchasing a membership to an airport lounge. Executive Lounges by Swissport offers a membership of £260 a year, though you’d need to use it at least 15 times to get your money’s worth.

Alternatively, a Priority Pass could be a better fit. This pass grants access to over 1,600 lounges worldwide, from JFK and Heathrow to Doha, Hong Kong and Sydney. You don’t need to be a business class flyer. Anyone can buy a membership, and you get services like spas, sleeping pods and fine dining to elevate your journey. 

Many credit cards like the Amex Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card also let cardholders register for Priority Pass Select memberships. 

Here are the three different Priority Pass memberships depending on how frequently you travel:

If you’re not a frequent flyer, a lower-tier membership like DragonPass might be more beneficial. Starting at £68 for a Classic membership with an additional £24 for each guest, you get one free lounge visit included, and depending on your plan, up to eight free visits a year. 

But if you’re going to use a lounge more than a handful of times a year, you might find better value in a credit card that offers lounge access, given the extra perks on top.

3. Fly premium 

Your boarding pass can make all the difference. Many airlines offer VIP lounge access to first-class and business-class passengers, like the Admirals Clubs by American Airlines, Sky Clubs by Delta Air Lines and United Clubs by United Airlines. However, note that for domestic and short-haul flights, a business class ticket might not always grant lounge access – you often need to be flying internationally. 

Some airlines really go the extra mile for their top-tier flyers. Cathay Pacific's The Wing, First, for example, is a first-class lounge with an à la carte menu, champagne bar, private workstations and luxurious cabanas with rain showers. Similarly, Air France’s La Première lounge offers fine dining, beauty and botanical treatments, and even a personal chauffeur who drops you off at the airport. But be prepared to splash out – this lounge can set you back around €800 (or £673) for access. 

4. Have airline elite status 

Airlines often reward their most loyal customers with an ‘elite status’. This is basically where you get a host of benefits depending on how frequently you fly with them, and the rewards can range from complimentary checked baggage to priority check-in and even free access to its lounges. 

For example, British Airways extends complimentary lounge access to Emerald and Sapphire level members of any Oneworld airline frequent flyer programme on a flight operated by BA or a Oneworld partner. United Airlines provides United Club access to Premier Gold, Platinum and 1K members flying internationally on Star Alliance flights, with one guest allowed. 

5. Tap into your packaged bank account perks 

Packaged bank accounts , while they come for a monthly fee, can offer great value. From just around £15, you could get travel and home insurance , car breakdown cover , cashback, freebies and some of the best savings rates . In some cases, you can also get free access to airport lounges, which can be a great perk if you travel often. 

The Barclays Travel Plus Pack , for instance, costs £22.50 per month and gives you six free airport lounge passes annually, valid at over 1,000 lounges. The NatWest Premier Reward Black account with a £36 monthly fee also offers lounge access, but not everyone is eligible. You need to pre-book your lounge entry for £5 per person via the DragonPass Premier Plus app, and it costs £24 to bring a guest.

How to get one-time airport lounge access 

If you’re only after a one-off visit, a single lounge pass might be cheaper than buying food and drinks at the airport. Sites like Lounge Pass , LoungePair and Holiday Extras let you book these, or you can book directly through lounges such as No1 Lounges or Executive Lounges by Swissport . 

Prices usually start around £20 but can vary depending on the lounge and its services. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to book in advance, as prices on the day of travel are typically more expensive. 

If you’re unsure about which airport lounge you’re looking for, it’s a good idea to check directly with the airport you’re going to be visiting.

Can you get airport lounge access for free? 

Sometimes. If you’re flying business or first-class, or have a credit card that includes lounge access (like the Platinum Card from American Express Gold), you could get in for free. Some lounge memberships also allow free entry for guests, and military members often enjoy complimentary access. 

Ultimately, whether you’re looking to relax in style or just dodge the crowds, there’s an option out there to suit every traveller. Bon voyage!

Our team, led by award winning editors, is dedicated to delivering you the top news, analysis, and guides to help you manage your money, grow your investments and build wealth.

Oojal has a background in consumer journalism and is interested in helping people make the most of their money. Oojal has an MA in international journalism from Cardiff University, and before joining MoneyWeek, she worked for Look After My Bills, a personal finance website, where she covered guides on household bills and money-saving deals. Her bylines can be found on Newsquest, Voice Wales, DIVA and Sony Music, and she has explored subjects ranging from luxury real estate to the cost of living, politics and LGBTQIA+ issues. Outside of work, Oojal enjoys travelling, going to the movies and learning Spanish with a little green owl. 

After years of decline, M&S seems to have turned a corner. But is this just a “dead cat bounce”?

By Dr Matthew Partridge Published 6 September 24

Professional investor Ken Wotton highlights British small caps that hit the sweet spot of the British equity market

By Ken Wotton Published 6 September 24

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Full list of card providers charging up to £24 a year in ‘sneaky’ fees which eat away at your cash

• Sara Benwell
• Published : 8:10, 1 Sep 2024
• Updated : 9:43, 1 Sep 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

IF you’ve got a prepaid card you haven’t used in a while, check the terms and conditions, as you could be stung by sneaky charges that eat away at your money.

Several providers charge ‘dormancy’, ‘inactivity’, or ‘account maintenance fees’ if you’ve not used your card for a set period - often a year. 

This is particularly common among currency and prepaid cards, which is a problem because if you skipped your annual holiday thanks to the cost-of-living crisis, you might be losing cash without realising it.

Some companies even charge you if you have an unused balance on a card that has since expired.

Most providers charge around £2 a month until the balance is cleared after which you won’t pay any more fees.  

If you have an inactive account, you can typically stop the charges by either topping up cash, withdrawing money , or spending on a transaction.

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The exact amount charged varies from bank to bank, but you can check by looking up the terms and conditions for your card.

We’ve rounded up a list of cards that charge dormancy or account management fees, how much it will cost each month, and what triggers the charges.

Asda travel money card

Asda says it charges an inactivity fee of £2 per month on its Travel Money Card.

The fee kicks in after a 12-month period where you have not topped up your card, paid for transactions or withdrawn money.

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This still applies after your card has expired, but there is no fee if you have a zero balance.

Caxton Mastercard Prepaid Card

Caxton says that if there hasn’t been any activity on your card for 12 months or more, you will pay a £2 per month dormancy fee.

The dormancy fee will continue until either you re-activate the account, or the available balance is completely depleted.

You can stop the fees and reset the 12-month period at any time by:

• Loading your account
• Switching a balance
• Using your card for a payment

If your balance is at zero, you will not pay any fees.

Easy FX Currency Card

Easy FX says it charges a card dormancy fee of £2 per month if there have been no card transactions in the preceding 12 months.

FairFX Currency Card

FairFX doesn’t charge a dormancy fee, but it does charge a £2-per-month "expired card administration fee" on cards that still have balances.

This doesn’t apply to cards that have not expired.

Iceland Bonus Card

The Iceland Bonus card is designed to help shoppers save and gives you a £1 bonus for every £20 that you load.

But Iceland says it reserves the right to withdraw, decline, cancel or issue a new card at any time and without notice. If your account is cancelled, the remaining balance will be lost. 

If you choose to cancel the account you must make sure that any savings or balances on your Bonus Card are redeemed, otherwise you’ll lose the money. 

Iceland also says that your Bonus Card will automatically expire 24 months after the last time you used it. Any remaining balance, of any type, will be forfeited and will not be retrievable.

PayPal charges an inactivity fee of £9 each year, which it says is to cover the cost of maintaining inactive accounts. 

To avoid the fee, you need to do one of the following:

• Log in to your account
• Pay with PayPal
• Send money to friends or family using your PayPal account
• Withdraw money from your PayPal account
• Donate to a charity using PayPal 

This fee only impacts accounts that haven't been active within the past 12 months. Accounts with a zero balance aren’t charged and PayPal says the charge won’t result in any negative balances.

If an account remains inactive, PayPal says it may be closed.

Post Office Travel Money Card

The Post Office charges a monthly maintenance fee of £2 for Travel Money Cards that have expired and not been replaced, despite having a positive balance.

If, after the expiry of your current card, you would like to apply for a new one, you can contact customer services, and the balance will be transferred across.

The fee starts to be deducted from your balance 12 months after your card expires. All cards are valid for up to 3 years.

Sainsbury’s Bank Travel Money Card

If you don't use your card for 18 months, a £2 dormancy fee (also known as inactivity fee), will be taken off your balance each month.

If, following the debit of any monthly inactivity fee, the card fund balance is less than the fee, Sainsbury’s says it will waive the difference.

If the balance is £0, then you won’t be charged.

Travelex Money Card

Travelex says it charges a £2 per month fee after a 12-month period of you not using your card.

To prevent the charge, you need to either top up your card, pay for transactions or withdraw money.

The fee is still charged if your card has expired, but there is no fee if you have a zero balance

If you don’t have enough currency available in pounds to pay the charge, Travelex says it will convert the inactivity fee into a non-Pound Sterling currency on your card in the usual wallet order. 

It will use the Mastercard foreign exchange rate to do the conversions.

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WeSwap says that an inactivity fee of £2 will be charged if there is no activity on your account for a consecutive period of 12 months.

It also charges a £2 expired card management fee on cards with leftover funds.

Options for holiday spending if you don't want to exchange currency

THERE are several specialist cards that can give you a great exchange rate.

These cards include travel credit cards and pre-paid cards which can let you pay abroad without fees or at a set exchange rate.

Travel credit cards:  Travel credit cards allow you to spend money abroad without being hit by any fees or hidden charges.

But, they may still charge you for taking cash out.

We recommend the  Halifax's Clarity Card  as it won't charge you for using it abroad, nor are there any fees for withdrawing cash.

But you will be charged interest if you don't repay your balance in full at a rate of 19.9 per cent.

And you will be charged interest on cash withdrawals until your balance is paid off too, at a rate of between 19.9 and 27.95 per cent depending on your credit score.

In other words, just because you are using plastic abroad doesn't mean you don't have to pay these credit cards off like you normally would.

Always pay off your balance before the end of the month with these cards to make sure that any money you saved isn't wiped away by paying interest.

For more on travel credit cards you can  read our guide here .

Pre-paid cards:  An alternative to carrying cash around is to get a pre-paid card.

These cards allow you to put a set amount of cash on the card at a fixed exchange rate.

So if the rate is good at the moment, you can put money on your card and it will stay that rate when you are on holiday.

Just keep in mind that these cards can sometimes have hidden costs and charges so be sure to read the small print.

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Deal alert: Points and miles travel deals for September 2024

Editor's Note

From lucrative deals for bonus points on hotel stays to generous sales of airline miles, we're finding plenty of travel deals to help you earn and redeem your points and miles so you can book the vacation of your dreams.

Recently, we found discounted flights to Europe starting at $446 round-trip, new Hyatt promotions and double points on Best Western stays . We also learned about Bilt's new health care partnership with Walgreens . But that's not all.

We help our readers each week by rounding up ongoing monthly promotions so you don't have to scour the internet for the best reward redemptions and offers. From frequent flyer programs and hotel rewards programs to credit card offers that help maximize your spending , you can make the most of your points and miles redemptions with these lucrative offers.

Here's our list of some noteworthy new points and miles promotions for September.

Airline loyalty program promotions (September 2024)

Airline loyalty programs can offer trip discounts on certain dates, the chance to earn more miles for future travel and deals to rack up points toward elite status. Below are some of the offers we found for September.

Delta SkyMiles and perks for Seattle Seahawks fans

In an effort to build its presence in Seattle, Delta Air Lines is trying to win over the city's football fans. Delta 12Status is an annual promotion that's been running since 2016, and it's back for the 2024-2025 football season.

• Earn 1 mile for every yard the Seahawks throw on the field at regular and postseason home and away games.
• You'll also get priority (Group 5) boarding on departure flights at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) from Sept. 8, 2024, to the end of the Seahawks' 2024-2025 season and a 12% discount at Seahawks Pro Shop retail stores on the 12th of each Seahawks in-season month.
• You must first register here (even if you've registered for Delta 12Status in previous years).
• To be eligible, you must be a Washington State resident who is at least 18 years old.

Lufthansa companion sale: Up to 50% off premium-cabin tickets

Lufthansa's Companion Special is back with deep discounts on premium cabin seats when you book two tickets together on flights out of the U.K.

• Save up to 50% in first class , 40% in business class and 30% in premium economy on select flights out of London and Manchester.
• You can see some of the eligible destinations on this page , but Lufthansa states that "the offer is also valid for many other worldwide destinations."
• Book by Sept. 3, 2024, and travel by June 30, 2025.

Related: Best airline credit cards

Hotel loyalty program promotions (September 2024)

Hotel loyalty programs occasionally offer discounted stays, ways to earn extra points and deals at various properties. We collected some of this month's best deals below.

Bonus Hyatt points for cardholders at The Unbound Collection

If you hold a World of Hyatt Credit Card , you're in luck — you can earn up to 20,000 bonus points this fall when you stay at The Unbound Collection.

• Earn 1,000 bonus World of Hyatt points per night (up to 20,000 points) at participating hotels within The Unbound Collection by Hyatt.
• Register here by Oct. 31, 2024. Stay between Sept. 1 and Nov. 30, 2024.
• You must be a World of Hyatt Credit Card or a World of Hyatt Business Credit Card holder to participate.

Bonus Marriott points when you rent a car with Hertz

If renting a vehicle is in your fall travel plans, don't forget that you can earn Marriott Bonvoy points on select car rentals. With this promotion, Marriott is offering double rewards when you rent with Hertz.

• Earn double Marriott Bonvoy points on Hertz rentals of three or more days in Canada and worldwide that are booked via Marriott's car rental platform . This includes both base points (all members will earn 1,000 points instead of 500 per rental) and elite bonus points (elite Bonvoy members will earn 400 instead of 200 additional points per rental).
• Book by Sept. 30, 2024, and pick up your rental by Nov. 30, 2024.

Targeted bonus points on Best Western stays

For travelers planning a fall trip in North America or the Caribbean, Best Western is offering a potentially lucrative promotion. (This promotion is targeted, so some members may not be eligible or may see a slightly different offer.)

• Earn 7,770 Best Western Rewards bonus points per eligible stay (up to 10 stays maximum) at any Best Western-branded hotel in the U.S., Canada or the Caribbean.
• An eligible stay is defined as a stay of at least one night at a rate eligible for earning points, with the exception of stays booked through an online travel agency , through a tour operator or at a special discounted rate. So, if you took a road trip and stayed one night at 10 different hotels, you could maximize this promotion and earn over 77,000 points.
• Go here to see if you're eligible and can register for the promotion.
• Book by Sept. 2, 2024, and complete your stay by Nov. 18, 2024.

Related: Best hotel credit cards

Credit card promotions (September 2024)

Card issuers sometimes offer deals and discounts for certain cardholders on everything from airfare to restaurant dining. Here are some of the offers we've rounded up this week.

Targeted American Express Offer at CoralTree

If you're heading to Hawaii or Colorado, check your Amex Offers. We found this one on The Platinum Card® from American Express :

• Get a one-time $200 statement credit when you spend a minimum of $1,000 on one or more room rate and room charge purchases at CoralTree Residence Collection properties. CoralTree has several locations in Hawaii, as well as Snowmass and Vail, Colorado.
• As with all Amex Offers, you must register your card and use your registered eligible card to make the purchase.
• This offer expires Nov. 6, 2024.

Targeted American Express Offer at MGM Resorts

Here's another offer we found on the Amex Platinum, this time at select MGM Resorts in the U.S.

• Get a one-time $80 statement credit when you spend a minimum of $400 on one or more room rate and room charge purchases at participating MGM Resorts properties.
• This offer expires Nov. 30, 2024.

Targeted American Express Offer at Aria Resort & Casino, Bellagio Las Vegas and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

You could save even more if you stay at certain MGM brands with this Amex Offer:

• Get a one-time $140 statement credit when you spend a minimum of $700 on one or more room rate and room charge purchases at Aria Resort & Casino, Bellagio Las Vegas and The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Targeted Chase Offer at Marriott

Planning a last-minute getaway? Check your Chase Offers — we found this on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card :

• Earn 10% cash back on your Marriott Bonvoy stay when you spend $100 or more. (Note that there's an $80 cash-back maximum.)
• Payment must be made directly with the merchant (as opposed to an online travel agency, for instance) for the offer to apply.
• As with all Chase Offers, you must add the offer to your card and make the payment with your enrolled card.
• This offer expires Sept. 15, 2024.

Related: The ultimate guide to saving money with Amex Offers

Ongoing travel deals

In addition to these new offers, many others from previous weeks are still available:

• Enroll in a Sixt rental car status match with multiple airline and hotel program partners .
• Enroll in an Air France-KLM Flying Blue status match opportunity if you're a resident of an eligible country (including the U.S., the U.K., Canada, Germany and Spain; others can be found here ). Successful enrollment in the status match is contingent upon submitting an application , proving equivalent elite status in one of 18 eligible airline loyalty programs and paying a fee determined by your status match level. There is no publicly available end date for this promotion.
• Earn bonus World of Hyatt points for attending a virtual timeshare presentation. You must reside in an eligible U.S. state and meet an annual income requirement, among other requirements . You must request information to learn more about this promotion. There is no publicly available end date for this offer.
• Some IHG One Rewards members are being targeted for a promotion to earn 12,000 bonus points by staying twice in 60 days. There is no minimum night requirement as long as you spend $30 each stay. See if you're eligible and register for the promotion here .
• Earn double Wyndham Rewards points at these new hotels . You don't need to register for this promotion, and there is no published end date.
• If you hold elite status with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines or United Airlines, you can earn comparable JetBlue Mosaic status for three months with the airline's Match to Mosaic offer. See what level you're eligible for and submit your status match application here . There is no published end date for this offer.
• Earn triple ANA Mileage Club miles (9 miles per dollar) when you stay at an IHG property through Aug. 31. Register for the promotion and set ANA Mileage Club miles as your point-earning preference.
• Earn bonus Marriott Bonvoy points when you stay at The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Use "M11," the deal's promotional code , at checkout. Book and stay by Aug. 31, 2024.
• Take advantage of United MileagePlus and Marriott Bonvoy's partner offer to earn 750 Bonvoy points on each qualifying United flight and 500 MileagePlus miles for each qualifying stay at participating Marriott hotels. Also, earn a one-time bonus of 350 miles and 350 points after your first combined flight and stay. Register for this offer and complete your travel by Aug. 31, 2024.
• Earn 2,000 bonus Radisson Rewards points per stay at select Radisson hotels in Europe, Africa, the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. Register here , then book and stay by Aug. 31, 2024.
• Receive a discount on an IHG One Rewards redemption when booking at a select new or renovated property this summer. Book and stay by Aug. 31, 2024.
• Earn bonus Wyndham Rewards points for staying with the brand. Your bonus is determined by how many consecutive nights you stay. Register for the deal by Aug. 31, 2024 , for stays completed by Sept. 3, 2024.
• Earn bonus Marriott Bonvoy points when you stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna. Use "M11," the deal's promotional code , at checkout. Book by Aug. 31, 2024, for stays through Sept. 13, 2024.
• Earn 6,000 bonus Air Canada Aeroplan points — enough for a one-way short-haul flight within North America — when you take one round-trip or two one-way Air Canada flights from the U.S. to Canada. Register for this promotion here . Book by Sept. 1, 2024, and travel by March 31, 2025.
• Earn bonus Best Western Rewards points when you register before your stay and book at least three nights (separate or consecutive). Complete your eligible nights by Sept. 2, 2024.
• Get up to a 35% discount when you purchase a one-year membership to Ennismore's "Dis-loyalty" program by Sept. 2, 2024 (new members only). See full terms and conditions here .
• Earn double points on each qualified stay at any Best Western-branded hotel globally. To register for this offer, log into your Best Western Rewards account, click the blue button in the upper right corner and select "Special Offers." On the next page, click "Offers" under "Manage Your Account," find this one in the "North America" tab and check the "Register" box next to it. Then, book and complete your qualifying stay between Sept. 3 and Nov. 18, 2024.
• Earn bonus Marriott Bonvoy points for stays in the Caribbean and Latin America. Register with "MRP," the deal's promotional code , and book by Sept. 3, 2024. Stay by Sept. 9, 2024.
• Earn 2,500 bonus Hilton Honors points per stay (with no earning cap) completed between Sept. 3 and Dec. 31, 2024, at any hotel or resort within Hilton's portfolio. You must register for this promotion here .
• Choice Privileges members in the U.S. and Canada can earn 8,000 Choice points for every two separate stays at participating Choice hotels. You can then redeem 8,000 points for a selection of $50 gift cards at retailers like Amazon, Mastercard and Walmart. Register here , then book and complete two stays by Sept. 4, 2024, and redeem your gift card within 60 days.
• Earn bonus points for joining IHG One Rewards and staying at an IHG property within 21 days of joining. The promotion ends Sept. 13, 2024.
• Earn double World of Hyatt points (up to 25,000 points) when you stay at Hyatt Place and Hyatt House hotels. Register for this promotion by Sept. 15, 2024, and book and complete your stay by Oct. 15, 2024.
• Earn 10,000 bonus Radisson Rewards points when you stay four or more nights at a participating resort in Africa, Asia, Europe or the Middle East. Register and book by Sept. 15, 2024, and complete your stay between Oct. 27, 2024, and Feb. 28, 2025.
• Get a discount at participating Fairmont properties when you book directly with the brand . Book by Sept. 15, 2024. Stay by Dec. 30, 2024.
• Earn quadruple Accor Live Limitless points at select new and reopened Accor hotels. Register and book by Sept. 29, 2024, for stays by Nov. 17, 2024. Click "Please see the sales terms for details" to see a full list of participating hotels.
• Earn bonus World of Hyatt points for every three qualifying nights at participating hotels in Latin America and the Caribbean. Register for the promotion before booking. You have until Sept. 30, 2024, to register.
• Save 15% on award nights when you stay at a new or newly renovated property in IHG's portfolio. You can register and see the list of participating properties here . Book and stay by Sept. 30, 2024.
• Enjoy three months of complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status , which you can extend through February 2026 by staying three qualifying nights. Register by Sept. 30, 2024, then book your qualifying nights directly through Marriott and complete your stay before the end of your three-month period.
• Receive up to a $200 hotel credit per stay when you redeem Marriott Bonvoy points for five consecutive nights at a participating hotel or resort in the Caribbean and Latin America. Book by Oct. 1, 2024, with promo code "MRW" and stay by Nov. 19, 2024.
• Earn 250 bonus Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles when you join Marriott Bonvoy. Create your free Bonvoy account here by Oct. 18, 2024, and be sure to enter your KrisFlyer number and set your earning preference to KrisFlyer miles when you sign up.
• Earn bonus Hilton Honors points on car rentals with Alamo, Enterprise and National. Earn 1,000 bonus points on each qualifying rental of four or more days before Oct. 24, 2024, plus 500 points per day on rentals completed by Dec. 31, 2024. Reserve your car here .
• Earn triple World of Hyatt base points per dollar spent on eligible room rates at properties booked through Homes & Hideaways, Hyatt's vacation rental platform . Book and complete your stay by Nov. 3, 2024. See the full terms and conditions here .
• Earn 250 miles in the Lufthansa Miles & More program by registering for the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program using this link . The offer expires Nov. 30, 2024.
• Get 3,000 or 5,000 bonus Avios when you join Qatar Airways Privilege Club and take your first flight. Sign up using promo code "JOIN0324" by Dec. 31, 2024, then book your first flight and travel by June 30, 2025.
• If you book hotels, car rentals and attractions through the Citi travel portal with your Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees ), you will earn 3 additional bonus Citi ThankYou Rewards points per dollar spent. This gets you a total of 5 ThankYou Rewards points per dollar spent on eligible bookings through the Citi travel portal. The offer expires Dec. 31, 2024.
• Earn bonus Spirit Airlines Free Spirit points for completing an eligible round-trip flight at any time in 2024. Register with your Free Spirit number to redeem this offer. Travel must be completed by Dec. 31, 2024.
• If you haven't set up a Free Spirit account yet, you can get bonus points by registering as a new member through this promotional link . You must register by Dec. 31, 2024.
• If you aren't a member of Qatar Airways Privilege Club, you can earn bonus Avios if you join by Dec. 31, 2024. Register with "PCAMER24," the deal's promo code , and book a flight by June 30, 2025, to earn bonus Avios.
• Those who hold Citi rewards credit cards , including the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card (see rates and fees ), the Citi Rewards+® Card (see rates and fees ) and the Citi Double Cash, can earn both Citi ThankYou Rewards points and Select Guest points through Omni's loyalty program if you book a stay at one of 50 Omni Hotels & Resorts through the Citi travel portal. This offer is also available to those with the Citi Simplicity® Card and the Citi® Diamond Preferred® Card (see rates and fees ).

The information for the Citi Simplicity has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Additionally, there are many stand-alone Amex Offers and some Chase Offers still available across a variety of credit cards.

Targeted Amex Offers

• Get a one-time statement credit on purchases across multiple Boyne Golf resorts in Michigan. The offer expires Sept. 1, 2024.
• Earn 5 Membership Rewards points (up to 50,000) for each dollar spent on purchases made directly with AmaWaterways. The deal expires Sept. 1, 2024.
• Earn a one-time statement credit on a stay at participating Langham Hotels and Resorts in North America. The offer expires Sept. 2, 2024.
• Get a one-time statement credit when you use your enrolled eligible card on purchases with Avis Car Rental. The offer expires Sept. 9, 2024.
• Earn cash back or extra Membership Rewards points on purchases at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations and spa and personal care centers. These deals expire Sept. 13, 2024.
• Earn a one-time statement credit when you spend at The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. The offer expires Sept. 15, 2024.
• Get a one-time $150 statement credit when you spend a minimum of $750 on one or more room rate and room charge purchases at select WorldHotels in the U.S. and internationally. This offer expires Sept. 30, 2024.
• Get a one-time statement credit at participating Hilton all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Latin America booked directly through Hilton. This offer expires Sept. 30, 2024.
• Get a one-time statement credit when you spend a minimum of $1,800 on one or more purchases at Virgin Atlantic's website. This offer expires Sept. 30, 2024.
• Earn cash back as a one-time statement credit on purchases at participating Hilton properties. The offer expires Sept. 30, 2024.
• Earn a one-time statement credit on stays with Omni Hotels & Resorts in the U.S. and Canada. The offer expires Sept. 30, 2024.
• Get a one-time statement credit when you spend at least $750 on one or more room rate and room charge purchases at participating Waldorf Astoria, Conrad and LXR properties. This deal expires Sept. 30, 2024.
• Earn cash back as a one-time statement credit on a stay at select Opal Collection properties, PGA National Resort or Margaritaville Beach House Key West. These offers expire Sept. 30, 2024.
• Earn cash back on online purchases with ResortPass. The offer expires Sept. 30, 2024.
• Earn cash back as a one-time statement credit on stays at Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, California. The offer expires Oct. 4, 2024.
• Get a one-time statement credit when you spend a minimum of $1,000 on one or more purchases at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. This offer expires Oct. 14, 2024.
• Earn a $100 statement credit when you make a single purchase of $500 or more on room rate and room charges at participating Mandarin Oriental properties in the U.S., Europe and Asia. This offer ends Oct. 17, 2024.
• Earn cash back as a one-time statement credit on a stay at Lotte Hotel Seattle. The offer expires Oct. 29, 2024.
• Get a one-time statement credit when you spend at least $300 on one or more purchases at participating Wynn Las Vegas and Encore Las Vegas properties by Oct. 31, 2024.
• Earn a $100 statement credit when you spend at least $500 in one or more purchases on room rates and room charges at participating Relais & Chateaux properties in the U.S., Canada and Europe. This offer expires Oct. 31, 2024.
• Earn a one-time statement credit when you use your card to spend with Micato Safaris. The offer expires Nov. 15, 2024.
• Earn a one-time statement credit when you use your card to pay for a stay at Lotte New York Palace. The offer expires Nov. 22, 2024.
• Earn a one-time statement credit when you use your card for a stay at a U.S. AKA property. The offer expires Nov. 22, 2024.
• Get a one-time statement credit when you spend at least $500 on one or more purchases on room rates and room charges at the Sunset Marquis Hotel in West Hollywood, California. This offer expires Dec. 31, 2024.
• Get a one-time statement credit when you spend at least $250 on one or more purchases on room rates and room charges at participating Staypineapple boutique hotels. This offer ends Jan. 25, 2025.

Targeted Chase Offers

• Earn cash back on a Sandals or Beaches stay of at least $400 by Sept. 19, 2024.
• Earn cash back when you rent a car with Turo and pay directly through the Turo site or app. This offer expires Nov. 7, 2024.

Remember that these are targeted, and you must activate the offers before making eligible purchases to enjoy the cash back or bonus points.

Related reading:

• Best travel credit cards
• The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare
• 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
• Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
• The best credit cards to reach elite status
• What are points and miles worth? TPG's current monthly valuations

There Are Only 3 Days Left To Get a $250 Travel Credit With the Capital One Venture Rewards Card

This extra bonus will be gone soon, so act fast if you want to save on your upcoming holiday travel.

Evan Zimmer

Staff Writer

Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.

Courtney Johnston

Senior Editor

Courtney Johnston is a senior editor leading the CNET Money team. Passionate about financial literacy and inclusion, she has a decade of experience as a freelance journalist covering policy, financial news, real estate and investing. A New Jersey native, she graduated with an M.A. in English Literature and Professional Writing from the University of Indianapolis, where she also worked as a graduate writing instructor.

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Is the air getting a bit crisper, or is it just me? Despite summer winding down, it doesn’t mean your travel plans need to. If there’s something coming up on your calendar, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card * could help you save some money. But you’ll need to act quickly.

Right now, the Venture Rewards card is offering a $250 Capital One travel credit in addition to 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening an account. But the $250 credit is only available until Sept. 9.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

We rate credit cards using our Rewards / Travel methodology for cards tailored to earning rewards. We focus on each card’s reward potential, the value you get compared to the card’s cost, the benefits and the card’s rates and fees. Credit card issuers have no say or influence in our ratings. How we rate credit cards

How to earn the $250 travel credit

You don’t have to do anything to earn this credit except get approved for the Venture Rewards Card. You’ll need good to excellent credit to qualify, but can check to see if you’re likely to be approved with Capital One’s preapproval tool .

Is the Venture a good travel card beyond its welcome offer?

The Venture is one of the best travel cards you could pick at its $95 fee level. In addition to the limited-time credit, it provides an application fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry -- up to a $100 value. Just keep in mind that will only apply every four years when you need to renew.

Its rewards are simple -- 2x miles for every purchase and 5x miles for hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel -- but that makes them easy to earn and turn into value. 

However, if you’re looking for airport lounge access, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Capital One Venture Rewards cardholders will lose complimentary access to Capital One lounges and Plaza Premium partner lounges after Dec. 31, 2024.

The only other thing holding the Venture back is Capital One’s selection of travel partners. There aren’t any domestic airlines you can transfer your points to. But, if you don’t use point transfers, that shouldn’t be a deal breaker for you.

*All information about the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

CNET editors independently choose every product and service we cover. Though we can’t review every available financial company or offer, we strive to make comprehensive, rigorous comparisons in order to highlight the best of them. For many of these products and services, we earn a commission. The compensation we receive may impact how products and links appear on our site.

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Can you travel with an expired passport?

September 6, 2024 | 4 min read

A valid U.S. passport is required for international travel. If yours has expired, you likely won’t be able to go abroad or reenter the U.S.

In fact, some countries require passports to be valid six months after your travel dates.

What you’ll learn:

A valid passport is required to travel abroad and to reenter the U.S.

To enter other countries, passports might have to be valid for as many as six months past travel dates. 

TSA may accept an expired passport as a form of ID for domestic flights if it’s expired within the past year.

There are ways to get a new passport or passport renewal expedited.

Earn 75,000 bonus miles

When is a passport needed to travel.

Passports are documents that allow travelers to visit foreign countries, access services and assistance abroad from U.S. consulates, and reenter the U.S. when returning home.

If you’re traveling within the U.S., you can also use your passport as ID to board domestic flights.

How long is a passport valid?

How long passports are valid depends on age. For people 16 and over, passports are good for 10 years. Passports for people 15 and under are good for five years.

But just because it’s not expired doesn’t always make it valid. For example, some countries require passports that won’t expire for at least 6 months past travel dates. Wherever you’re headed, it’s important to check requirements before you travel. For country-specific information, the State Department’s destination guide might help.

Can you fly with an expired passport?

TSA accepts passports as valid ID up to one year after they’ve expired. But that might only help for domestic flights. That’s because the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol requires a valid passport to reenter the U.S. There are also rules specific to destination countries.

Can you travel with an expired passport in the United States?

TSA might accept expired passports. But it may be safe to use another valid form of ID , including a driver’s license or state-issued ID card. Just remember to check on Real ID requirements before your departure.

Can you travel with an expired passport internationally?

If you’re traveling internationally , TSA accepts passports up to one year after they’ve expired. But remember that a valid passport is required for citizens to reenter the country. Plus, other countries might require a valid passport to enter.

There may be some exceptions. For example, if you’re returning to the U.S. from Canada, you can use a NEXUS card .

How do you renew your passport quickly?

Getting or renewing a passport generally takes around 6-8 weeks. But the State Department will expedite the process for a $60 fee:

Urgent renewal: By making an appointment at a passport agency, you could get a passport in 2-3 weeks.

• Life-or-death emergency: If you have a family member who has died or is critically ill, you can provide documentation during an in-person appointment to get a passport within 72 hours.

Can you travel with an expired passport FAQ

Still have questions about traveling with an expired passport? These answers may help.

Can you travel to Mexico or Canada with an expired passport?

No, all U.S. citizens entering Mexico and Canada must present a current passport. This applies whether you’re driving or flying.

Is there a grace period on expired passports?

You don’t have to rush to renew your passport the moment it runs out. If you got it within the past 15 years, the State Department says you can renew it by mail. Passports are good for 10 years, so that five-year window is like a little grace period. But keep in mind that the State Department recommends getting a new passport 6-9 months before your current one expires.

Will TSA accept an expired passport?

Yes, an expired passport is accepted as ID up to a year after expiration. Just remember that in most cases, you won’t be able to enter other countries or return to the U.S. without a valid passport.

Key takeaways: Can you travel with an expired passport?

To help make sure domestic travel goes smoothly, it’s best to either travel with a current passport or have a second form of Real ID with you. And if you’re traveling internationally, being without a current passport could make travel difficult—or impossible.

If you find yourself traveling more, check out Capital One’s travel credit cards . You’ll earn unlimited miles with every purchase and enjoy great benefits.

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5 Best Travel Credit Cards, According to Finance Experts

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If you’re someone who travels a lot , whether for business or pleasure, you may be wondering if it’s worthwhile to look into the best travel credit cards. The finance experts we spoke to agree that the right card can help with cashing in on rewards. And when it comes to choosing, it boils down to the annual fee amounts, any airline benefits, and the best options for international travel (if that’s a priority for you). Other travel perks can include elite airport lounge access, free hotel nights, and no foreign transaction fees, benefits that are sometimes even offered on cards with no annual fees. Below, experts break down what to look for in a travel card, as well as the top five picks to consider.

Your travel credit card questions, answered

What are travel credit cards, should you get a travel credit card, what to look for in a travel credit card, is a high annual fee a red flag, 1. best travel credit card for beginners: chase sapphire preferred card.

• APR: 21.49% to 28.49%
• What it offers back: Points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners or redeemed directly for travel at a rate of 1.25 cents per point through Chase Travel
• Annual fee: $95
• Rewards rate: 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel and Lyft purchases; 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery store purchases (not including Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases; 1 point per dollar on everything else
• Intro offer: 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
• What to note: Lower annual fee, high welcome offer, no foreign transaction fees
• Credit score needed: Not specified

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is ideal for beginners for various reasons. For starters, its $95 fee is on the low end compared with other travel cards. Perks include travel protection benefits (including trip-cancellation insurance, primary car rental insurance, and lost-luggage insurance), and annual hotel credit (through Chase Travel).

This card also has a welcome offer of 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. For rewards, users get 5 points per dollar on travel booked through Chase Travel and Lyft purchases; 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services, and online grocery store purchases (not including Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases; and 1 point per dollar on everything else. Points can be transferred to airline and hotel partners or redeemed directly for travel at a rate of 1.25 cents per point through Chase Travel.

2. Best Credit Card for Domestic Travel: Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Plus Credit Card

• What it offers back: Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Southwest purchases, Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming; 1 point per $1 spent on everyday purchases, and 25% back on inflight purchases (i.e. Wi-Fi and alcoholic beverages)
• Annual fee: $69
• Rewards rate: 1 to 2 points per dollar
• Intro offer : 50,000 points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
• What to note : Low annual fee, generous welcome and anniversary offer, no foreign transaction fees
• Credit score needed : Not specified

This travel credit card is my card of choice, and I've held it for 10 years now. Given the ability to quickly accumulate points and a generous anniversary bonus, the card’s low annual fee has paid for itself and then some every year, since I often manage to rack up enough points for a handful of one-way flights (or at least a couple of round-trip ones). Southwest also flies to several international destinations in Central America and the Caribbean—in fact, my husband and I booked our honeymoon in Belize in 2017 entirely with points. This card also has no transaction fees, and other perks include 25% back on in-flight purchases (such as Wi-Fi and alcoholic beverages, which are $8 each) and two early bird check-ins per year.

3. Best Credit Card for International Travel: Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card

• APR: 0% intro APR for the first 15 statement closing dates following the opening of your account; after that, 19.24% to 29.24%
• What it offers back: 3% cash back on gas and EV charging stations, online shopping,​ cable, ​streaming, Internet, ​phone plan, dining, travel, drug store or ​pharmacy, and home improvement or ​furnishings purchases; 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs; 1% cash back on all other purchases; as well as 3% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter
• Annual fee: None
• Rewards rate: 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases, everywhere, every time
• Intro offer: 25,000 online bonus points, a $250 travel or dining statement credit value, after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
• What to note: No annual fee, 0% intro APR, no foreign transaction fees

Bank of America’s Travel Rewards credit card is another great choice for frequent travelers, as it comes with no annual fee or foreign transaction fees, which is ideal if you intend to spend a lot of time abroad. A huge added bonus is a 0% introductory APR that applies to the first 15 statement closing dates. Additional perks include 25,000 online bonus points and a $250 travel or dining statement credit value after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days.

Card holders can also earn unlimited points, with 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases; points also don’t expire. Finally, this card doesn’t have any blackout dates, which means you can use it on any hotel or airline, at any time.

4. Best Travel Card With Lounge Access: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

• APR: 19.99%, 26.24% or 29.99%, depending on your credit score
• What it offers back: 10,000-mile anniversary bonus, $300 annual travel credit, $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
• Annual fee: $395
• Rewards rate: 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars; 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel using this Rewards card account; 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases
• Intro offer: 75,000 bonus miles if you spend at least $4,000 within three months of your enrollment date
• What to note: One drawback is the high annual fee, but perks include a higher rewards rate on travel-related purchases
• Credit score needed: Excellent (800 to 850)

If you like to travel in style, one of this card’s top perks is unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests at more than 1,300 airport and travel lounges. That’s huge if you don’t like the buzzkill that comes with not being able to share the finer things with your travel companions.

It’s worth noting that this card comes with a higher annual fee than most others, and you need excellent credit to qualify. But the rewards it comes with (specifically, that annual miles bonus and travel credit) will quickly make that fee pay for itself. The benefits quickly outweigh the fee as well, and include 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months, equal to $750 in travel.

The rewards rate structure includes 10 miles for every dollar spent on hotels and rental cars that were booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles for every dollar spent on flights booked through Capital One Travel, and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases.

5. Best for Everyday Rewards: American Express Gold Card

• APR: 21.24% to 29.24%
• What it offers back: $120 dining credit, $120 Uber Cash, $100 travel experience credit when booking through The Hotel Collection
• Annual fee: $250
• Rewards rate: 4 points per dollar at restaurants or groceries, 3 points per dollar on flights, 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
• Intro offer: 60,000 points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership
• What to note: While this card does have a higher annual fee than most, it offers a generous rewards structure and welcome bonus, as well as no foreign transaction fees

This card is great for racking up dining and grocery rewards, which are things everyone uses on a regular basis, especially if your travel volume is on the lower end. So if you’re a foodie, you’ll love the incentive to dine out more often than usual.

While it does have a hefty $250 annual fee, this card also comes with an introductory offer of 60,000 membership points after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership. Its points-earning ability includes 4 points for each dollar spent on dining at restaurants and US supermarkets (up to the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar) and 3 points for every dollar spent on flights booked directly with an airline or with Amex Travel.

Other perks include a statement credit of up to $120 annual for dining, up to $120 in annual Uber Cash, and up to $100 in hotel credits, all of which would prove beneficial when using the card while traveling.

There are two main types of travel credit cards: cobranded hotel and airline cards and transferable-points bank cards. With both these cards, you’ll typically get a large sign-up bonus in the form of rewards points and perks that will offset several years’ worth of the annual fee.

Transferable-points cards allow you to earn rewards points on everyday purchases like dining and groceries, which ultimately go to your stockpile of points to eventually put toward travel.

According to Torres, key features of travel cards include sign-up bonuses for quick rewards; the ability to earning points across spending categories, including travel and everyday expenses; and flexible redemption options. When comparing cards, you should consider perks like airport lounge access, travel insurance, and statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

“If you can make the most of the rewards and perks offered by the card, it can be a savvy financial move, regardless of your travel frequency,” says Jannese Torres, host of the Yo Quiero Dinero podcast and author of Financially Lit!: The Modern Latina’s Guide to Level Up Your Dinero & Become Financially Poderosa . “Ultimately, it's about aligning the card’s features with your lifestyle and financial goals to make the most of your spending, whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler.”

Even if your total annual travel is on the lower end, you might think about snagging a travel credit card if you find yourself booking airfare and hotel stays a few times a year, says personal finance expert Nicole Lapin , who also hosts Money Rehab podcast.

“These cards can be great for earning rewards faster on travel spending, and even if you’re not jet-setting often, using one for daily expenses to collect points or miles for an occasional lavish getaway can still be a smart move,” she says. “It’s like putting away a little extra for a future vacation every time you shop.”

Generally speaking, as with any credit card, it also makes sense to consider a travel credit card if your finances are in good standing and it would benefit your travel plans . Experts universally agree that everyone should have some type of rewards credit card, assuming they have an appropriate credit score and can pay the card off in full every month. The decision to get a travel credit card hinges on various factors, including how much you spend, the card’s rewards structure, and whether the benefits outweigh any associated fees, Torres says.

According to Lapin, you should look for a travel credit card that offers a solid rewards rate on your spending.

Sign up bonus: Look for a juicy sign-up bonus and perks that suit your travel style, she says. “Key features might include things like no foreign transaction fees, comprehensive travel insurance, and freebies like airport-lounge access or credits for Global Entry and TSA PreCheck. But be cautious of cards with unreasonable minimum-spending requirements to earn sign-up bonuses, Torres says. “Make sure you can comfortably meet the spending threshold without overspending or accruing unnecessary debt,” she says.

Rewards program: In that same vein, though, consider a rewards program with perks you will actually use—if you regularly fly in and out of an airport that doesn’t have a lounge, then a premium card with lounge access probably shouldn’t be a priority. “Other red flags include restrictive redemption options that tie you to one airline or hotel chain, unless you’re totally okay with that limitation,” Lapin says.

However, you’ll also want to avoid cards with limited redemption options or complex rewards structures that could make it challenging to maximize your rewards, and steer clear of cards with high foreign transaction fees, especially if you frequently travel internationally, Torres says: “These fees can quickly diminish the value of your rewards when using the card abroad.”

Annual fees: While many travel cards will come with an annual fee, they also typically come with a sign-up bonus worth far more than that fee, making it easily pay for itself. It’s also key to zero in on your own travel habits, so if you’re flying a specific airline multiple times a year, it can make sense to get a branded card for that airline.

Airline perks: Some airline credit cards also offer free checked bags as a benefit for holding the card, which can be a huge advantage to those who typically check bags, as this can save you around $40 per bag, per leg of your trip.

Ultimately, “balance annual fees with benefits, prioritize cards with no foreign transaction fees for international travel, and explore additional perks like concierge services,” Torres says.

At first glance, a high annual fee can send people running from signing up for a travel credit card. Experts often see them as green flags instead of red one, however, assuming you get the value out of them in points and perks. Even a no-annual-fee travel card that has no foreign transaction fees can be worthwhile for a single trip abroad, considering that foreign transaction fees can otherwise add 2% to 3% to the price of every international purchase.

“In certain cases, a high annual fee on a travel credit card can be justified by the valuable perks and benefits it offers,” Torres says. “For frequent travelers who prioritize convenience and luxury, these cards often provide access to airport lounges, elite status with airlines and hotels, and comprehensive travel insurance coverage, enhancing the overall travel experience. “

Additionally, cards with high annual fees may offer generous rewards rates, lucrative sign-up bonuses, and flexible redemption options, allowing cardholders to accumulate points or miles quickly and redeem them for premium travel rewards, Torres says.

Cards with annual fees also tend to have other big benefits, such as travel insurance, as well as some niche benefits on certain cards, for example, statement credits at Saks Fifth Avenue, Uber, or Equinox.

“Just remember to align the card with your actual travel habits and financial goals, and calculate whether you’ll use enough perks to offset any fees,” Lapin says. “Choosing the right travel credit card can really help make your travels more enjoyable and a bit more economical.”

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Money blog: House prices hit two-year high - see the average cost in your region

House prices have hit a two-year high after jumping 0.3% in August, the latest data from Halifax has shown. Scroll through the Money blog for this plus more personal finance and consumer posts - and leave your comments below.

Friday 6 September 2024 19:36, UK

• Liam Gallagher jokes about Oasis ticket prices
• Reality star tells Sky News she didn't have pension in her 40s 
• Sharp rise in price of first class stamp
• House prices hit two-year high - see how they vary by region
• Supermarket's tea beats more expensive brands in taste test  

Essential reads

• Who's to blame for concert prices going through roof - and who gets money?
• Fake voucher trend sees supermarket call in police
• How data roaming charges compare by network
• How your pension could be taxed

Tips and advice

• Weekly mortgage guide
• Free school meals guide
• Cheapest holidays dates before Xmas
• Money Problem : 'My dog died but insurance still wants a year's payment'

Ask a question or make a comment

By Jimmy Rice , Money blog editor

Away from Oasis ticket prices, the news agenda in Money this week was dominated by pensions.

We learned on Wednesday that the state pension looks set to rise by just below 4% next April - equalling around £400 extra per year for those on the full state pension.

Pre-2016 retirees who may be eligible for the secondary state pension could see a £300 per year increase.

Because of the triple lock, each year the state pension rises by whatever is highest from inflation, average wage growth or 2.5%.

Officials did nothing to downplay a BBC report, apparently based on internal Treasury figures, that average wage growth would be the highest of these this year.

The figures that would be used to set next April's rise are released next week but the OBR forecast is for 3.7% - which would take the full state pension to around £12,000.

Whether or not pensioners would view this as good news is up for debate (see our last post), but there was definite bad news for older Britons earlier in the week, as Chancellor Rachel Reeves refused to rule out heavier taxation on pensions in the October budget.

How could pensions be taxed further? We had a look here...

Ms Reeves also confirmed on Tuesday that she'd impose a cap on corporation tax.

She said the tax would be capped at its current level of 25% to "give business the confidence to grow".

A final piece of news from Money this week that could have consequences for your bank balance was confirmation that the Household Support Fund would be extended until April.

Councils decide how to dish out their share of the fund but it's often via cash grants or vouchers. Many councils also use the cash to work with local charities and community groups to provide residents with key appliances, school uniforms, cookery classes and items to improve energy efficiency in the home.

People should contact their local council for details on how to apply for the Household Support Fund - they can find their council here .

On the Oasis ticket price story, which continued to make headlines through the week including today, a post in Money appeared to help prompt a U-turn from official reseller Twickets.

The company told us it would be lowering its fees after criticism online...

Unofficial resellers were also in the spotlight and, on an episode of the Daily podcast, Niall Paterson spoke to Viagogo - eliciting an admission that things need to change...

Here in Money, we published a few explainers that are well worth checking out...

We'll be back with live updates on Monday - but do check out our Money blog spin-off tomorrow, a student finance special.

Have a good weekend.

We start this week's round up of your comments with Virgin Media O2's decision to axe its weekly free Greggs perk...

Customers on social media claimed they'd review whether they remained with O2 - while one Money blog reader asked what his rights were if he wanted to cancel...

I signed a new O2 contract on 16 August based largely on the advertised promise of the Greggs priority offer. I'm angry that I have been mis-sold my new contract and I will not be able to enjoy the benefit that I signed it for. I want to end it early, what are my rights? Phil

We looked at O2 Priority's T&Cs - and they clearly set out that they can make any change to the terms of the agreement and service without giving you a right to cancel.

Therefore, if you want to cancel you'll have to pay an early termination charge.

There is one exception - but only if you're in the first two weeks of your contract.

Consumer champion Scott Dixon says: "When you enter into a phone contract with a mobile phone provider online, it is classed as a distance sale and is covered by legislation.

"This legislation binds traders to provide key information at the point of sale including right to cancel information. This gives you a 14-day cooling-off period to leave without paying any termination fees, although you would have to pay for what you have used such as calls, texts and data.

"If you entered into the contract in-store, this would not apply." 

This probably isn't what Phil wants to hear - but we did look at other ways he and others might be able to get free or discount Greggs...

This post, which we hoped would be helpful, didn't go down well with everyone...

How to eat Greggs on the cheap?! Give me strength... Pork Pie Percy

Another topic that elicited a strong response from readers was a campaign group's call for the chancellor to impose a pay-per-mile tax on electric vehicles.

EV drivers obviously don't pay fuel duty - and the pay-per-mile proposal would make up for lost revenue to the Treasury as more people ditch petrol and diesel cars.

The Campaign for Better Transport group proposing the tax says the public would be on board - but our LinkedIn poll suggests this isn't the case...

Readers said...

I wonder how many people realise that an introduction of pay per mile, I guess by means of a tracker type of device, will actually allow big brother to watch your every move when travelling in your car, your speed on any given road, accident data etc... our freedom is diminishing. Big Ian

EVs need electricity to work, the cost of electricity in the UK is mad. I pay higher electricity bills because I don't have a diesel anymore. Why should I be charged pence per mile just by having an EV? It's money and NOT pollution targets the government are looking at. A Grant

The proposed introduction of pay per mile for ZEV will clearly by necessary to compensate for the taxes lost from the sale of petroleum based fuels. This was always going to happen. EU4ME

Only a matter of time before they came for the electric clan. I wonder if sales of electric will now suffer?  Chappers2013

Read more on this story here...

Pension stories always attract a lot of feedback - and this week's suggestion that the state pension will rise in line with average earnings growth next year was no different.

A rise of 3.7% would equal another £400 a year...

Wow how generous, suggested £400 rise to state pension would equate to a rise of £7.69 a week to a pensioner. But in reality, take away winter fuel and the rise is £100, that's £1.92 a week - will be rolling in the money. SueP

Without raising the personal allowance any pension increases will be eaten up with tax. This country is unbelievable in the way it treats its old folk. Monkee knows best

A potential £400 rise in state pension is hardly a headline, it's still a long way off from the minimum living wage. Prendy

An Oasis fan who spent more than £350 on a single ticket says she was left "fuming" after extra show dates were announced. 

Diane Green, from Middlesbrough, was close to buying a ticket costing £158 but said she was kicked out of an online queue. 

She then had to wait four hours to pay £357.95 for one ticket.

The 60-year-old wanted to buy a total of four tickets to take herself, her son and two friends to see the band at Heaton Park in Manchester, but said "there's just no way I could have got more".

"I would never have done it (purchased the ticket)," she said.

"If I had known they were putting more dates on, I would have just thought 'no, I'll chance it again', but it was really frustrating."

"I paid double. I could have got two tickets when I paid and now only one person can go. In our household, it's like, who goes?"

Ms Green said she bought the ticket thinking it was her only chance to see the band and was "absolutely fuming" when they announced more dates.

"It's disgraceful," she added. "For me to purchase a ticket for £358, it's a lot of money. I regret doing it in a way."

Oasis announced two new Wembley Stadium dates due to "phenomenal public demand" earlier this week.

It comes after controversy over the sale of tickets for their reunion tour, with 17 shows across Cardiff, Manchester, Wembley, Edinburgh and Dublin selling out.

Fans were beset with problems getting on to ticket websites, from being labelled bots and being kicked out of queuing to some ending up paying more than the advertised price of £148 as costs surged past £355. 

Liam Gallagher appeared to brush off the controversy earlier as he joked about ticket prices on social media, telling one person to "shut up" after Oasis were accused of ripping off fans.

Nationwide's £2.9bn takeover of rival Virgin Money is expected to complete next month after the deal was approved by the UK's financial regulators.

The deal will still need to be sanctioned in court, with a hearing set to take place on 27 September, but it is due to be formally complete on 1 October. 

It comes after Nationwide agreed to the takeover of its London-listed rival in March.

The building society struck the deal with a 220p-a-share offer for Virgin Money, including a planned 2p-per-share dividend payout.

It will bring together Britain's fifth and sixth-largest retail lenders, creating a combined group with around 24.5 million customers and more than 25,000 staff. 

The new owners of The Body Shop are lining up tens of millions of pounds in new financing as they finalise a deal to buy the chain out of administration.

Sky News has learnt that Aurea, an investment company led by cosmetics entrepreneur Mike Jatania, is in advanced talks to secure more than £30m in working capital from Hilco Capital, a prolific investor in and lender to the retail industry.

Banking sources said that the deal between Aurea and FRP Advisory, The Body Shop's administrators, was likely to be finalised within days.

If confirmed, the new debt from Hilco would be used to help place the cosmetics chain back on a growth footing, the bankers said.

The UK economy would need investment of £1trn over a decade for an annual growth rate of 3% to be achieved, according to a business lobby group.

The Capital Markets Industry Taskforce (CMIT), which represents leaders in the financial services sphere, said £100bn a year must be found to help the country catch up after trailing its peers for many years.

It urged a focus on energy, housing and venture capital, arguing the money could be unlocked from the £6trn in long-term capital within the pensions and insurance sector.

The government has made growing the economy its top priority.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer let it be known during the election campaign that he was seeking to achieve a growth rate of 2.5% - a level the economy has struggled to reach since the financial crisis of 2008.

You've waved your magic wand, and your "happily ever after" home appears... 

It sounds like a buyer's dream - and one property has come to market that could be a dream come true for a Disney fan. 

A semi-detached house in Rhyl, Wales, looks ordinary from the outside, but its interior has been decorated as an homage to Disney and other cartoon characters. 

The cast of Aladdin, Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty and Tinkerbell from Peter Pan are just some of the characters displayed around this three-bed house. 

It's been put on the market for £179,950 - more than £44,400 less than the average price of a property in Wales (you can read more about this in our 8.54 post). 

On Zoopla, it is listed as being close to public transport and within walking distance to the town centre. 

It also has two reception areas, a shed and a garden. 

According to the online estate agent, it is "ideal for first time buyers". 

Daniel Copley, consumer expert at Zoopla, told the Money blog: "It goes without saying that this property would make the perfect home for a Disney fan with its spectacular murals showcasing a whole new world.

"Aside from this, the property is conveniently located near the local leisure centre and schools, while Rhyl’s beautiful beaches are also within walking distance." 

Visa says it is planning a new service which offers more control and better protection to people paying bills by bank transfer.

The dedicated service for account-to-account (A2A) payments will launch early in the UK next year, it said - with an "easy to use" resolution service that could make it easier for customers to claw their money back if something goes wrong.

Visa said consumers using the service will be able to monitor their payments more easily and raise any issues by clicking a button in their banking app, giving them a similar level of protection to when they use their cards.

Biometrics will also be incorporated to offer a new level of security, it added.

Royal Mail is hiking the price of first class stamps again - this time by 30p. 

From 7 October, they will increase to £1.65, while second class stamps will remain at 85p.

In April, first class stamp prices increased by 10p to £1.35, and by 10p to 85p for second class.

Royal Mail said it had sought to keep price increases as low as possible in the face of declining letter volumes, inflationary pressures and the costs of maintaining the Universal Service Obligation, under which deliveries have to be made six days a week.

It added that letter volumes have fallen from 20 billion in 2004/5 to around 6.7 billion a year in 2023/4. 

This means the average household now receives four letters a week, compared to 14 a decade ago.

In the same period, the number of addresses Royal Mail must deliver to has risen by four million, meaning the cost of each delivery has also risen. 

Nick Landon, Royal Mail's chief commercial officer, said: "We always consider price increases very carefully. 

"However, when letter volumes have declined by two-thirds since their peak, the cost of delivering each letter inevitably increases."

He called for the universal service to be adapted to reflect changing customer preferences, saying the financial cost to meet the current demands are "significant". 

"The universal service must adapt to reflect changing customer preferences and increasing costs so that we can protect the one-price-goes anywhere service, now and in the future," he added. 

Postal regulator Ofcom said this week that Royal Mail could be allowed to drop Saturday deliveries for second class letters under an overhaul of the service.

Up to 60 new Wagamama restaurants could be coming to the UK. 

The Asian food chain's owner, The Restaurant Group (TRG), said it wanted to operate between 200 and 220 premises across the country as part of a long-term plan. 

It's currently on track to open 10 new sites this year, which would create around 500 jobs, according to The Caterer. 

It comes as TRG posted its financial results for the year ending December 2023. 

It said Wagamama saw its dine-in like-for-like sales increase by 11%. 

It's other brand, Brunning and Price Pubs, saw sales go up by 10%. 

TRG's chief executive Andy Hornby said 2023 was a "genuinely transformational" year for the company. 

"We traded strongly throughout the year thanks to the phenomenal efforts of our restaurant and pub teams," he said. 

"We are on track to open 10 more Wagamama sites in the UK during 2024 and we have acquired 100% ownership of our Wagamama business in the USA." 

He added that he was "confident" that the company would continue to grow in the years ahead, despite the "challenging" consumer backdrop. 

Amazon has announced it will boost pay for tens of thousands of its UK workers by nearly 10%.

The online retail giant said the minimum hourly wage for frontline staff would rise to between £13.50 to £14.50, depending on their location. For those with 36 months' service, the increase will be to between £13.75 and £14.75 an hour.

Amazon said the pay rise was worth at least 9.8% and will come into effect on 29 September.

However, GMB, the union representing Amazon workers, said the move was "too little too late" from bosses who have been "forced to act by workers' industrial action".

Amazon workers in the UK have staged a series of strikes recently, including a walkout of hundreds of staff at the site in Coventry in March.

The company said it has invested £550m in increased pay for UK operations employees since 2022, representing a 35% increase in the hourly rate over the period.

Amazon UK's country manager John Boumphrey said: "Our frontline employees across the UK Operations network are a huge part of the success of our business and we appreciate everything they do to deliver for our customers."

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