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How to use your own money when overseas

Explore how you can take your own money overseas and track your spending too.

Ready to travel with freedom?

There’s something really satisfying about paying for your overseas trip with your own hard-earned money. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy some time off – without having to worry about heading into debt.

If you don't want to use credit to pay for your upcoming holiday, one of the simplest things to do is to load up your debit or traveller card with savings.

Here are some options for you.

NAB Visa Debit cards

NAB Visa Debit cards  give you easy and secure access to your money – wherever Visa is accepted in the world. Unlike a credit card, using a debit card means you won’t have to worry about high credit interest rates, or paying off any holiday debts.

If you use a  NAB Platinum Visa Debit card , *   you won’t be charged an international transaction fee on your international purchases. And, if you’ve pre-paid at least $500 on transport, tours, and/or accommodation on your NAB card, you could be eligible for complimentary overseas travel insurance. You’ll need to be 81 years or under and have a return overseas travel ticket before you take off. *  For the full list and any limits and excesses that apply, please read our  NAB Card Insurance Policy Information Booklet (PDF, 604KB) , opens in new window .

Spend your money the way you want

You'll be able to use your card wherever Visa is accepted, including overseas and online. Remember, you're only ever spending funds from your transaction account.

Use your NAB Visa Debit card to: 

• Withdraw money at ATMs or at a branch, and to make purchases in person, online or over the phone.
• You can also use your card for ATM withdrawals and overseas purchases - but remember you may be charged international transaction fees and other non-NAB ATM fees (For more information please refer to Personal Banking Fees and Charges (PDF, 177KB) , opens in new window ).

Budgeting along the way?

How do you make sure you’re sticking to your budget? It’s simple. Just keep track of your spending to see how your budget measures up.

If you’re using any of your NAB Visa cards, log into the  NAB app  or  NAB Internet Banking . You'll be able to see how much you have in your account, as well as all your transactions.

It’s also important to keep exchange rates in mind. This way, you can see how far your dollar is going and plan your spending around it. Stay on top by using our  foreign currency calculator . For more helpful features, check out our  NAB app Travel Tools .

Use your own money overseas with the NAB Visa Debit card.

Other life moments

Money saving tips for travel

Before your next overseas trip, read our best tips on getting the best value for your dollar.

Travel smart with the NAB app tools

Use the NAB app's travel tools to track your spending on your NAB Visa card.

Related products and services

Bank accounts.

Transaction and savings accounts for all your everyday and savings needs.

NAB Platinum Visa Debit card

With additional benefits and features, this platinum debit card is your premium everyday card both at home and overseas.

Foreign currency cash service unavailable

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, you’re currently unable to order foreign currency cash in branch or online.

Get in touch

Customer support tool.

Solve problems quickly online with our easy-to-follow guides. Simply select a topic and we’ll direct you to the information you need.

Visit our personal banking contact page for FAQ’s and how-to-guides, help from our virtual assistant and contact numbers.

Visit a NAB branch

Visit us in person at your nearest NAB branch or business banking centre.

Important Information

Important information.

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The information contained in this article is intended to be of a general nature only. It has been prepared without taking into account any person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, NAB recommends that you consider whether it is appropriate for your circumstances. NAB recommends that you seek independent legal, financial and taxation advice before acting on any information in this article.

Target Market Determinations for these products are available at  nab.com.au/TMD .

• Credit Cards

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When covering investment and personal finance stories, we aim to inform our readers rather than recommend specific financial product or asset classes. While we may highlight certain positives of a financial product or asset class, there is no guarantee that readers will benefit from the product or investment approach and may, in fact, make a loss if they acquire the product or adopt the approach.

To the extent any recommendations or statements of opinion or fact made in a story may constitute financial advice, they constitute general information and not personal financial advice in any form. As such, any recommendations or statements do not take into account the financial circumstances, investment objectives, tax implications, or any specific requirements of readers.

Readers of our stories should not act on any recommendation without first taking appropriate steps to verify the information in the stories consulting their independent financial adviser in order to ascertain whether the recommendation (if any) is appropriate, having regard to their investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs. Providing access to our stories should not be construed as investment advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any security or product, or to engage in or refrain from engaging in any transaction by Forbes Advisor Australia. In comparing various financial products and services, we are unable to compare every provider in the market so our rankings do not constitute a comprehensive review of a particular sector. While we do go to great lengths to ensure our ranking criteria matches the concerns of consumers, we cannot guarantee that every relevant feature of a financial product will be reviewed. We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information. However, Forbes Advisor Australia cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness or timeliness of this website. Forbes Advisor Australia accepts no responsibility to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in our stories or any other information made available to a person, nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information.

NAB Travel Cards: The Complete Guide

Updated: May 28, 2024, 1:00pm

Reviewed By

Table of Contents

Nab debit cards for travelling, nab credit cards for travelling, should i use a bank card or travel card while abroad, bottom line, frequently asked questions (faqs).

In 2012, NAB released a Traveller Card with the intention to make it easier for jet-setters to access their cash while abroad.

However, since November 2020, the bank closed the card to new customers. These days, NAB customers travelling overseas can opt for one of NAB’s other cards that can be used internationally, or use a rival bank or money transfer service.

This guide outlines the pros and cons of the Traveller Card for those existing customers whose cards may not have reached their expiration date yet, as well as the other NAB cards that can be used overseas. We break down international fees; conversion rates; included insurance; and other features.

All fees, interest rates and benefits are accurate at the time of writing and are subject to change.

The debit cards offered by NAB that can be used for travelling—as in, used overseas—include the discontinued NAB Traveller Card, the NAB Visa Debit Card, and the NAB Platinum Visa Debit Card.

The details of each card, primarily in relation to international use, are outlined below.

Note that as these are debit cards, there is no interest rate to take into consideration. The NAB credit cards for travelling, which we explore later, will outline the various interest rates among different credit cards.

There are eight credit cards on offer from NAB, all of which can be used abroad. For ease of reference, we have split the comparisons of these cards into standard credit cards and rewards credit cards.

Let’s start with the standard credit cards —the NAB Low Fee Card, NAB Low Fee Platinum Card, NAB Low Rate Card and the NAB StraightUp Card .

As these are credit cards, there is the interest rate to consider on purchases, whether at home or abroad. This is unless it is an interest-free card.

Related: Balance Transfer Credit Cards Explained

Now, let’s look at the rewards cards , including the frequent flyer credit cards that allow you to earn travel perks, such as bonus points to redeem on flights or upgrades, lounge access, complimentary travel insurance and more.

For information on what you could buy with bonus points, read our guide on what Qantas points are worth, including how many points you would need to redeem domestic and international flights.

Related: Our Pick Of The Best Qantas Points Credit Cards For Frequent Flyers

There are many cards on the market that can be used when travelling, with some companies offering cards designed for this purpose alone. Wise and Revolut , for example, offer debit cards that allow Australian cardholders to store numerous currencies on the single card, create local bank account details in multiple countries, and save on foreign transaction fees and/or currency conversion fees.

As stated, NAB discontinued its travel-specific card that allowed its customers to hold multiple currencies. However, its Big Four competitors still have their own versions available: the Westpac Travel Money Card allows for 11 currencies, while the Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card can hold 13.

Like NAB, ANZ discontinued its version of a travel card in recent years as well.

While it’s unfortunate that NAB no longer offers its travel-specific card with multiple currencies, NAB still has options for Australians when travelling.

If you are after a NAB card to use abroad, you will need to consider whether you want a debit or credit card, whether you’re willing to pay an annual fee, any additional perks you are after, and the foreign transaction fees you’ll be charged while travelling.

Does NAB have travel cards?

NAB used to have a travel-specific card, allowing Australians to travel internationally and spend money in one account with various currencies while abroad. This card was discontinued in recent years, with NAB not publicly explaining why this occurred.

Now, NAB customers wanting to use their NAB cards while overseas will have to consider the foreign transaction fees as well as any ATM withdrawal fees. If they’re using a credit card, they will also need to consider the interest rate on purchases if they don’t pay their card off in full each month.

Luckily, all NAB cards can be used abroad.

Is NAB’s travel insurance good?

Some of NAB’s card offerings include complimentary domestic and international travel insurance when you book your trip with your card. Often this complimentary insurance offered by credit card companies is more of a ‘bare bones’ policy, rather than a comprehensive travel insurance policy .

With NAB, the complimentary international travel insurance can be claimed if you:

• charge at least $500 of your prepaid travel costs to the account holder’s card account before leaving Australia
• have a return overseas travel ticket before leaving Australia
• be aged under 81 years at the time you become eligible for the cover by meeting the conditions above.

On NAB’s website, it states that the “the below information is a limited summary only and is subject to applicable terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, sub-limits and excesses that may apply”. In summary, it says it may cover:

• Overseas emergency assistance and medical expenses;
• Accidental death and loss of income;
• Cancellation;
• Travel delay and alternative transport expenses;
• Luggage and luggage delay;
• Rental vehicle excess; and
• Personal liability.

It’s important to read the terms and conditions of your individual card and its travel insurance conditions before you rely on it for your insurance needs while abroad.

What are the international transaction fees on NAB cards?

International transaction fees charged on NAB cards vary from card to card, but are usually around 3% to 4% of the transaction. There are additional charges for cash withdrawals overseas, as well as a transaction fee, and usually a withdrawal fee from the ATM operator.

• Best Credit Cards
• Best Frequent Flyer Credit Cards
• Best Qantas Points Credit Cards
• Best Virgin Velocity Credit Cards
• Best Business Credit Cards
• Best Debit Cards
• Best Credit Card Offers
• What Is A Credit Card
• How Do Credit Cards Work
• List Of Credit Card Companies In Australia
• How To Apply For A Credit Card
• Balance Transfer Credit Cards Explained
• Interest Free Credit Cards
• Rewards Credit Cards
• How To Apply For A Business Credit Card
• How Much Are Qantas Points Worth?
• How Much Are Velocity Points Worth?
• What Does ‘APR’ Mean On Loans And Credit Cards?
• How To Transfer Your Credit Card Balance
• What Is A Cash Advance
• How To Use A Mobile Wallet
• How To Crush Your Credit Card Debt
• CommBank Neo Credit Card Review
• American Express Velocity Escape Credit Card Review
• Qantas Points Credit Cards Explained
• NAB StraightUp Credit Card Review

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Sophie Venz is an experienced editor and features reporter, and has previously worked in the small business and start-up reporting space. Previously the Associate Editor of SmartCompany, Sophie has worked closely with finance experts and columnists around Australia and internationally.

• Travel Advice

Travel money cards were ranked in order of highest value of USD/ euros after fees and conversions

HERE’S a list of the Top 10 best travel money cards to use when holidaying in the United States and Europe, revealing the least withdrawal fees.

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WHEN it comes to travelling there’s lots to tick off the “to-do” list and more often than not, travel money cards become an afterthought.

But don’t be lazy, that’s the advice from comparative site finder.com.au ’s money expert Bessie Hassan, who says by settling for your standard credit or debit card it can leave you with plenty of unsuspecting fees .

“Taking your everyday credit or debit card on holiday instead of getting a travel money card will mean you’ll be charged on average 3 per cent per transaction,” Ms Hassan said. “That’s a lot in fees so don’t be lazy or leave it to the last minute.”

Most people will turn to their avid travelling mate for advice on which banks provide the best travel cards and according to the site that’s Travelex Money Card and ANZ Travel Card.

The Best Travel Money Card analysis also revealed that NAB’s Traveller Card was the only one not to have any fees, but it ranked fifth for not offering as much as the others when converting $10,000 to US dollars and euros.

Unfortunately for some travellers, it’s not until they check out of that luxurious hotel on the Amalfi Coast or go on that major shopping spree in Hawaii, when they realise their everyday card has clocked a bunch of fees.

Ms Hassan said prepaid travel money cards are often a better alternative than taking your standard card as you can load it with different currencies at a locked-in exchange rate.

“Often, you can load up to 10 different currencies on the card and they typically come with fewer fees, such as $0 foreign currency conversion fees,” she said.

“Travel money cards protect you from exchange rate fluctuations while you’re travelling, and they also help you better stick to your budget.”

TRAVELLING TO AMERICA

Based on the lowest withdrawal fees, reload fees and initial load fees, the best travel money card is Travelex, according to the finder.com.au.

It topped its Best Travel Money Card survey for having no ATM fees when it comes to withdrawing money and gives you the most when converting $AU10,000 to US dollars at $7140.

While the NAB Traveller Card was the only one out of the 10 to not have any withdrawal, reload or initial loading fees, it gives you $US7,066 when converting it from $10,000 (that’s $US74 less than Travelex) — ranking it as fifth on the list.

ANZ Travel Card came in second, followed by CBA and Suncorp.

All three slapped customers with a $AU3.50 withdrawal fee but gave the most US dollars when converting $AU10,000.

Westpac Global Currency Card had a $AU2.00 withdrawal fee and Qantas came second, behind Tavelex and NAB for having the least overall fees, but respectively came sixth and seventh on the list when it came to converting it to $US10,000.

Travel Money Oz had a $AU3.50 withdrawal fee and the highest reload fee at 1.10 per cent.

Finder.com.au assessed the travel money cards based on fees and conversion rates then ranked them in order of the highest value of US dollars after fees and conversions.

TRAVELLING TO EUROPE

Based on the lowest withdrawal fees, reload fees and initial load fees, the best travel money card is the ANZ Travel Card, according to finder.com.au.

Please note, the ranking in the euro table is different when compared to the USD table due to the conversion rate.

Again, NAB Traveller Card was the only one out of the 10 with no fees.

It only ranked fifth for giving €95 less than ANZ’s card when converting it euros (€6,047 compared to ANZ’s €6,142).

In second spot was Travelex Money Card which also had no additional fees, except a 1 per cent reload fee.

Suncorp Cash Passport Platinum and CBA Travel Money Card both have $3.50 ATM withdrawal fees but no reload or initial load fees, ranking them in third and fourth place.

Westpac Global Currency Card and Qantas Cash followed Travelex and NAB for having the lows withdrawal fees at $2.00 and $1.95 respectively, but their overall currency conversion offered less than those who had the higher withdrawal fees.

Travel Money Oz had the most all-round fees, offering just €5,988 when converting $10,000, compared to ANZ at €6,142.

But it was AusPost Cash Passport that ranked 10 for its $AU3.50 withdrawal fee combined with its currency conversion of €5,951 which was €191 less than ANZ.

Finder.com.au accessed the travel money cards based on fees and conversion rates then ranked them in order of the highest value of euros after fees and conversions.

TOP TIPS — finder.com.au

• The right travel money card depends on your personal situation, including your destination, the length of your trip, and the features you value most.
• Opt for a travel money card with $0 conversion or ATM withdrawal fees, and one that supports the currencies you’ll need.
• Be cautious of fees including initial load fees and inactivity fees that may apply to ensure you get the most cost-effective product.
• If you choose a card with an inactivity fee, make sure to take any remaining funds off your card when you get home as fees can result in your money dripping away unnoticed.

BIGGEST MISTAKES — finder.com.au

• Taking your everyday credit or debit card on holiday instead of getting a travel money card will mean you’ll be charged on average 3 per cent per transaction.
• Withdrawing too little from the ATM — having to find an ATM when you’re travelling is not only annoying when but will add up if your bank charges international ATM fees.
• Not all travel cards give you the same exchange rates, and while only 1c seems small, it can add up substantially if you’re converting thousands of dollars so don’t forget to compare the exchange rates between providers.
• Using a card with foreign transaction fees — by using a card with no international transaction fees you’ll save on ATM fees. Depending on where you’re travelling to, it may also be safer and more convenient than having to carry cash.

THE MAIN FEES TO LOOK OUT FOR — finder.com.au

• Initial load fee: Depending on the card, you might be charged a fee (such as a percentage of the loading amount) when you first load funds on the card.
• Reload fees: If the card doesn’t charge an initial load fee, it may charge another fee each time you load funds on the card. If this is the case, you might want to reconsider how often you reload the card.
• ATM withdrawal fees: Some cards will charge a different ATM withdrawal fee depending on where you’re withdrawing your cash. If the bank provider belongs to an ATM alliance, you might be able to avoid ATM withdrawal fees from the issuer. It’s important to note that local ATM fees may still apply.
• Inactivity fee: An inactivity fee is charged if you don’t use the card (usually after 12 months) and there’s money remaining on the account.
• Currency conversion fees: Charged when you make a purchase overseas.

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The smarter way to travel

Multi-currency Cash Passport™. One Card, Ten Currencies.

Get your card   Get the app  

Multi-currency Cash Passport

10 currencies, locked in rates.

Lock in exchange rates each time you load and top up. Load up to 10 different currencies on one card. Pound Sterling, Euros, US Dollars, Australian Dollars, Canadian Dollars, New Zealand Dollars, South African Rand, Turkish Lira, Swiss Francs and Emirati Dirhams.

Stay in control

Manage and track your Cash Passport on the go via your mobile, tablet, laptop or PC. Login to  My Account  and stay in control of your money. 

Accepted at millions of locations

Preload your Cash Passport and use like you would a credit or debit card in-store, online or to withdraw local currency at ATMs.

Global assistance

Help is only a call away. If your card is lost, stolen or damaged, we can replace it quickly or provide you with emergency cash up to the available balance on your card (subject to availability).

Today's exchange rates*

Running low on travel money.

Multi-currency Cash Passport is reloadable, allowing you to top up any of your currencies, anywhere, anytime.

You can top up in 5 ways:

• Bank transfer (via phone or internet banking)
• Via the mobile app
• Over the phone
• In participating branches

Learn more about your top up options.

Keep track of your travel money

You can use your mobile, tablet, laptop or PC to login to My Account  and stay in control of your travel money.

Register for My Account , so you can:

• Track your spending
• Top up your card
• Transfer between currencies
• Retrieve your PIN number
• Suspend your card temporarily

You can also download the Cash Passport mobile app, available for iOS and Android devices.

Travel with confidence

Safe and secure access to your money

Cash Passport uses Chip and PIN technology which means you can rest assured you have additional security making your card safer than carrying cash. Accepted at millions of locations and cash machines worldwide.

Looking for a back-up card for safe keeping? Simply purchase an additional card when ordering online or in-store.

We're here to help

We're only a call or email away at all times. Our global assistance team will help you if your card is lost, stolen or damaged.

We can replace your card quickly or provide you with access to emergency cash up to the available balance on your card (subject to availability), so you can keep enjoying your holiday.

Need further help?

View our frequently asked questions or feel free to contact us .

Cash Passport™ app

The new Cash Passport app has an improved design that makes managing your travel money faster and easier.

Start travelling smarter in just a couple of taps. Activate your Cash Passport card from your mobile, download the app from the iOS or Android store, log-in, and load up with your preferred currency. Simple!

Now you can securely store your payment card details in the Cash Passport app, so whenever and wherever you are, you can top up with up to 10 currencies, including Euros, US, Australian and Canadian Dollars and British Pounds at the touch of a button.

Stay in control the smart way. The new message centre feature lets you stay on top of tailored notifications, including low balance and transaction alerts. Keeping you up to date with your own personal need to know information.

Move money between your currencies with just a couple of taps – it’s that simple! Quickly move money between 10 currencies and spend more time enjoying your holiday.

Priceless Cities

Priceless Cities is a program available exclusively to Cash Passport cardholders and provides access to unforgettable experiences in the cities where you live and travel.

There’s a world of possibilities waiting for you to explore, so why not break free from your routine for a moment, a night, or even a weekend? Fuel your passions. Make memories to last a lifetime. Start Something Priceless.

Find out more

Multi-currency Cash Passport 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.

*Foreign exchange rates can fluctuate and the rate that applies one day will not necessarily be the same on any other day. The exchange rates set out on this website apply to top-ups that are made via this website only and that are applied to your card account within four hours. We will provide you with the applicable exchange rate at the time you top up.

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.

Today’s exchange rates*

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Best Travel Cards for Australians Heading Overseas in 2024

We compare the best travel money cards including prepaid cards, debit cards and credit cards. Whether you want ease of access to money at any cost or no-frills or fees cash, find the best money solution when you travel overseas.

Wise - our pick for travel card

• No annual fee, hidden transaction fees, no exchange rate markups
• No minimum balance requirements
• Allows you to make payments and withdrawals wherever you are in the world in over 40 currencies
• Local bank account details in Australia (AUD), the UK (GBP), the USA (USD), Europe (EUR), Canada (CAD) and New Zealand (NZD)
• Available in the US, UK, Europe, Australia, Singapore, Japan and New Zealand

Find out more about the Wise card .

With this card:

• It's very easy to set up and order
• You can receive foreign currency into a multi-currency account linked to the card
• Pay with your Wise card in most places overseas where debit cards are accepted
• Get the mid-market rate for currency conversion

Go to Wise  or read our  review .

It's not all good news though

• There is a 2% ATM withdrawal fee when you withdraw over $350 during a month
• It takes 7-14 days for delivery

How do I pick the best travel card for me?

Fed up with ATM charges when you travel overseas? Or running out of money when you need it the most? You probably brought the wrong card with you.

It can be tricky to choose the best travel card to use when you travel overseas. The best one for you will really depend on what you need from the card you're using.

You will generally use travel cards to make purchases online, in-stores and to withdraw money at ATMs. All travel cards have these basic capabilities. This means what you should really compare between travel cards are the following:

Exchange Rates and Fees

Compare exchange rates and fees

Conditions and limits

Spending conditions and max/min limits

Make sure your money is secure

Best Travel Cards for Australians Travelling Overseas

Wise is our pick for travel debit card.

• You can transfer money to a bank account overseas
• Currency conversion using the mid-market exchange rate

Click here to see the full list of cards and how Wise compares

Read the full review

• No annual fee, hidden transaction fees, exchange rate markups
• Local bank account details in Australia (AUD), the UK (GBP), the USA (USD), Europe (EUR) and New Zealand (NZD)
• It takes 7-14 business days to receive the card
• Can't always access local technical support depending on where you are
• Free cash withdrawals limited to under $350 every 30 days
• Only currently available in the US, UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand

Revolut - multi-currency travel card

• No purchase fee, load fee, reload fee, exchange rate margin or minimum balance requirements
• Unlike other Travel Cards, its free and easy to use the balance of your currency or convert it back to AUD
• Mid-market exchange rate, they add a mark-up for currency conversion during weekends
• For the free Standard account, there is a 2% ATM withdrawal fee when you withdraw over $350 during a month
• The premium account costs $10.99 a month, which can really add up if you are not using it often

Click here to see the full list of cards and how Revolut compares

• Very easy to use app
• Free to set up
• No hidden fees or exchange rate mark-ups (except on weekends)
• You can use it to transfer money to a bank account overseas
• Additional fees for using the card on a weekend
• 2% ATM fee once you withdraw more than $350 in any 30 day period
• 3-4 business days before you receive your card
• Ongoing subscription fee for Premium and Metal cards

Citibank Saver Plus - bank travel card

The Citibank Plus Everyday Account - bank debit card. With this card you can:

• withdraw money for free at over 3000 ATMs Australia-wide and overseas
• take advantage of no foreign transaction fees, monthly fees, or minimum opening balance
• transfer money to friends and family anywhere in the world for free

We think this is the ideal debit card whether you're staying local in Oz or travelling to destinations in Asia or Europe.

• No international ATM or transaction fees
• Fee-free international money transfers to any account worldwide
• SMS notifications through Citi Alert
• Cash deposits available within 24-48 hours
• Can't have two cards active at the same time
• $5 account closure

28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard - travel credit card

28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard - travel credit card. With this card:

• There are no annual fees
• No overseas purchase fee or currency conversion fee
• You get 55 days interest free on purchases
• Access to free 24/7 concierge service
• Emergency card replacement worldwide

The 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard has additional benefits including shoppers and repayments benefits cover. For more information read our review .

• Can have 9 additional cardholders
• No overseas purchase fee, or currency conversion fee
• No foreign transaction fee
• Free Replacement Card
• High interest rates after the initial 55 days
• Minimum credit limit is $6000
• No introductory offers or rewards

Learn more about the 28 Degrees Platinum Mastercard

Travelex money card - prepaid travel card.

Travelex Money Card - prepaid travel card. With this card:

• There are no ATM fees so you can withdraw cash at no extra cost
• You can access Travelex's online rates
• You can lock in your initial loading cross currency rate
• Ideal for the organised traveller.
• Can load up to 10 currencies including AUD, USD, EUR, GBP, NZD, CAD, THB, SGB, HKD and JPY.
• Smartphone App & Free Wifi Cross
• $0 overseas ATM fees (Australia excluded)
• 24/7 Global Support
• Limited Currencies
• 5.95% currency conversion rate
• $100 minimum initial load
• 2.95% Australian ATM withdrawal fee

Learn more about the Travelex Money Card

What are the other travel card options.

Check our travel card comparison table for a comprehensive list of fees and features for different travel debit and credit cards available for Australians travelling overseas.

*ATM operators will often charge their own fees.

** Up to 5 ATM fees and unlimited currency conversion costs may be rebated if you deposit $1,000 and make 5 purchases per month.

***Account fee waived if you meet eligibility criteria, including depositing $2,000 per month

What are the different types of travel card in Australia?

There are 3 popular travel cards you can take with you on your trip:

Prepaid Travel Card

Travel Debit Cards

Travel Credit Card

1. Prepaid Travel Card

For prepaid travel cards, you're able to load the card with a set amount of money in the currencies you need. Ideally you do this before your trip, but often you can reload them as well.

Most prepaid travel cards allow for multiple currencies to be loaded onto the card. So it's important to know what currency you'll be using on your travels. Airlines also offer prepaid cards so the money you spend can earn you reward points.

With prepaid travel cards you need to be careful, as they can have numerous fees and charges which can make it more expensive than other options. But if you're organised and travelling to multiple cities a prepaid travel card is a good option. Read more of how to find the best travel card with no foreign transaction fees .

If you need more flexibility or you don't want to pay the multiple fees associated with prepaid travel cards, the HSBC and Citibank global accounts are better options.

• Exchange rate margins when you load your card
• Exchange rate margins when you close the card
• Flat or percentage-based fees to load the card
• ATM withdrawal fees
• Exchange rate conversion fee when you use the card
• Reloading fees
• Closing fees

Prepaid travel cards are best if:

• You want to lock in a rate
• You want to stick to a budget
• You lose it/it's stolen

Prepaid travel cards are not great if:

• You want the absolute best rates
• You need to hire a car, make payments on a cruise ship, or pay for a hotel

2. Travel Debit Card

An international card or your bank card offers the convenience of a credit card, but work differently. They draw money directly from your bank's everyday transaction account when you make a purchase. It's designed for everyday money transactions and means that you're not accumulating debt.

A debit card could make you stick to your travel budget, because you can't overdraw money from your account. And for daily purchases, we think a debit card can help you stick to your travel budget, because you can't overdraw money from your account.

We recommend bringing both a debit card and credit card for safety, flexibility and convenience on your trip.

• Currency conversion fee for overseas debit transactions
• Flat fee or percentage-based ATM withdrawal fees
• Foreign ATM owner fees
• Flat fee or percentage fee for debit card purchases via EFTPOS

Debit cards are best for:

• When you have time and you're happy to open a bank account to get one
• Fee-free cash withdrawals from ATMs

Debit cards are not great if:

• You switched from a better account to get one
• Or if you want to switch, but pick a costly travel debit card instead

3. Travel Credit Card

Credit cards have obviously been around for a long time. But now there are specialised travel credit cards. Generally, these cards give you longer to pay back what you've spent but the interest rates after this time can be quite high.

The main advantage with credit cards are the reward points you get in return for your customer loyalty when you spend. But it only works if you pay off the balance in full each month.

Credit cards are great to use for car hire, restaurants and accommodation - larger expenses that are easier for you to pay back over time. Some services only take credit cards to hold purchases so they can definitely be handy while you're travelling.

• Annual and reward scheme fees
• Cash advance fees
• Interest charges

Travel credit cards are best for:

• Getting the best spending rates
• If you have decent credit score and are legible for the credit card
• Frequent flyer points to help you get discounted or free flights
• Low or zero international transaction fees
• Complimentary travel and/or medical insurance offered with a lot of cards

Travel credit cards are not great if:

• Your credit score is poor
• You won't repay in full every month
• Can't afford high minimum credit and annual fees
• Want additional card holders (usually an extra cost)
• Your monthly salary minimum isn't high enough
• For some travel credit cards you have to be a permanent Australian resident

Best travel money card tips

Before you decide which travel money card will best suit your needs, it’s worth comparing a few, bearing in mind these handy travel money card tips:

• Exchange rate - check what rate is used to convert your dollars to the currency needed for spending in your destination. A card which uses the mid-market rate or as close as possible to it is usually the best value
• Coverage - make sure your card covers the currency you’ll need in your destination, as fees may apply if it doesn’t. Picking a card which covers a large number of currencies can also mean you’re able to use your travel money card on future trips.
• Safety - check the card’s safety features. Most cards are linked to an app which allows you to view transactions, check your balance and freeze or unfreeze your card if you need to
• Fees - read through all the possible fees associated with your card before you sign up. Costs may include a foreign transaction fee when spending an unsupported currency, ATM fees, a cash out charge or inactivity fees if you don’t use your card often for example
• Rewards - some travel money cards also offer some nice extras, like ways to earn rewards or discounts, or free wifi when you travel. Travel credit cards in particular have lots of rewards on offer, although you may have to pay an annual fee to get them

Travel card fees

The fees you pay for your travel money card will vary depending on the type of card you select, and the specific provider. 

Travel prepaid cards fees can include:

• Fees when you get your card in the first place
• Load or top up fees
• An exchange rate margin when topping up foreign currencies
• Foreign transaction fees if you spend a currency you don’t have in your account
• ATM charges at home and abroad
• Cash out, close or inactivity charges

Read more about prepaid cards here

Travel debit card can include:

• Card delivery fee
• International ATM fees
• Currency conversion charges

Read more about travel debit cards here

International credit card fees can include:

• Annual fees to hold the card
• Cash advance fees if you use an ATM
• Foreign transaction fees
• Interest if you don’t repay your bill in full
• Penalties if you don’t pay your bill on time

Read more about credit cards here

Conclusion - What is the best card to use while travelling?

There’s no single best travel money card - which works best for you will depend on your personal preferences and where you’re heading. 

Using a multi-currency debit card which supports a large range of currencies can keep your costs low and allow you to skip foreign transaction fees . Plus you’ll be able to use your card for online shopping in foreign currencies, or for your next trip abroad, with no ongoing fees to worry about.

Prepaid travel money cards are safe and easy to use , and you can often pick one up instantly if you’re in a hurry. You’ll be able to add travel money before you leave or top up as you travel, although it’s worth converting to the currency you need in advance, and looking for a card with mid-market exchange rates to avoid extra costs.

Generally using a credit card will come with the highest overall fees - but you’ll be able to spread out the costs of your travel over a few months if you need to, and you may also be able to earn rewards or cash back as you spend. Use this guide to compare different card types and options, and pick the perfect one for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions - Best travel cards to use overseas

Which is the best travel card for use in australia.

The Citibank Plus Everyday Account is the best travel debit card for use in Australia. It works as a normal debit account, with no ATM fees at 3000 ATMs across Australia and has no account minimums.

Which travel card is best for Europe?

The best travel card for Europe is Wise . Not only do you get a great rate when spending in Euros, You get a set of bank account details with which you can recieve EUR transfers, as if you were a local.

Which high-street bank has the best travel card?

The best travel card from an Australian high-street bank is either the Citibank Plus Everyday Account or the CommBank travel money card . While Citibank's card offers more as a travel card (fee-free ATM withdrawals and excellent exchange rates), CommBank has far more in-person branches in Australia if you're someone who prefers doing your banking in person.

What is the best card to use while travelling?

There’s no single best travel money card - which is best for you will depend on your personal preferences. Usually having a few different ways to pay is a smart move, so packing a travel debit card or prepaid card, your credit card and some cash can mean you’re prepared for all eventualities.

Which bank travel card is best?

Australian banks offer travel credit cards, and some also have travel debit or prepaid card options which can be worth considering. Which is best for you will depend on the type of card you’d prefer, so comparing a few options from banks - and from specialist providers like Wise or Revolut - can help you find the best deal for your needs.

NAB credit card complimentary travel insurance

Got a nab credit card with complimentary travel insurance here’s the lowdown on what’s covered and how to make a claim..

In this guide

Which NAB credit cards have complimentary travel insurance?

How to get cover with nab credit card international travel insurance, what's covered by nab complimentary international travel insurance, what's not covered, pre-existing medical conditions, how to make a claim through your nab credit card complimentary international travel insurance policy, other types of nab complimentary credit card travel insurance, nab credit card complimentary insurance for shopping, nab business credit card complimentary insurance options, frequently asked questions, what you need to know:.

• NAB credit cards with complimentary international travel insurance offer comprehensive cover for up to 3 months with a Level 2 card and up to 6 months with a Level 1 card.
• You'll get cover when you meet the requirements before travelling (e.g. by paying for your trip with the card).
• Your spouse and dependants travelling with you can also get cover, but there are some requirements and exclusions .
• Do you have a question or need to make a claim right now? Call the insurance provider, Allianz Global Assistance, on 1800 187 025 (from Australia) or +61 7 3305 8800 (from overseas).
• Use your NAB credit card to pay for at least $500 of overseas travel costs before you leave Australia (e.g. your overseas airfare or accommodation bookings).
• Have a return ticket to Australia before the start of your trip.
• Permanently live in Australia or have a visa that entitles you to residency under the Migration Act (1958).
• Be under 81 years of age at the time you meet the rest of these requirements.
• Make sure your trip is for 3 consecutive months or less with a Level 2 Card (e.g. NAB Rewards Platinum) or up to 6 consecutive months with a Level 1 Card (e.g. NAB Qantas Signature). Trips over these length requirements won't be covered by this policy.

When you meet all of these requirements, cover is automatically available to you and eligible family members travelling with you (when they also meet the requirements).

Need written confirmation of cover? Use the “Check eligibility” tool online or call Allianz on 1800 187 025 for more details.

Here, we've broken down the key options for different types of claims and situations. But remember: you should always read the insurance policy booklet for complete details of the cover.

Medical, dental and emergencies cover with a NAB credit card

Example of when you might use this cover on an overseas trip.

If you got sick overseas and had to go to hospital for a few days, you could get cover for costs related to:

• Doctor's fees
• Hospital fees
• Changes in your travel plans

Just keep in mind that each travel claim is subject to an assessment and there may be excess payments if you're eligible for a payout.

NAB complimentary international travel insurance for cancellation, delays, accommodation and transport

⚠️ Keep in mind: Cancellations and other changes to your travel plans are only covered under specific circumstances. For example, if you missed a flight because you needed urgent medical treatment for a covered health issue.

Luggage and personal items cover offered with NAB credit card complimentary insurance

Hijacking, personal liability, death and other cover offered with nab complimentary credit card travel insurance.

Claims under these benefits are less common and usually only apply in extreme circumstances. None of them have an excess payment but we have listed their claim limits.

• Hijacking: Up to $10,000 per cardholder or spouse
• Emergency accommodation due to terrorism: Up to $300 per day and a maximum of $3,000 per cardholder or spouse
• Personal liability: Up to $2.5 million for Level 1 cards and up to 1 million for Level 2 cards
• Legal expenses: Up to $15,000 per cardholder or spouse
• Accidental death: $50,000 per cardholder or spouse, up to $25,000 per dependant and a maximum total of up to $150,000.
• Funeral expenses: Up to $60,000 for a cardholder or spouse

Note: Unless a specific limit is listed for dependants, any claims related to them will come out of the limit for the cardholder and/or their spouse.

Some of the key things you won’t be covered for with NAB credit card complimentary international travel insurance include:

• If you don’t follow advice from any government, official body or mass media announcements
• Issues related to drinking alcohol or taking non-prescription drugs
• Travel that’s for the purpose of medical treatment
• If you or your partner give birth during the trip, or there are complications arising after week 26 of the pregnancy
• Dangerous activities including rock climbing (with equipment), white water rafting, bungy jumping, off-piste snowboarding or skiing and quad or motorbike riding if the engine has a capacity of 200cc or more

Does NAB complimentary credit card travel insurance cover COVID?

Yes, if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or another epidemic/pandemic illness, this insurance offers cover for claims relating to:

• Overseas emergency assistance
• Overseas emergency medical
• Cancellation
• Additional expenses

If you're travelling with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, some cover is also available under the cancellation and additional expenses benefits.

⚠️ Remember: Check the NAB credit card insurance policy booklet or call Allianz on 1800 187 025 for more details about COVID-19 claims and any exclusions.

Does NAB credit card travel insurance cover family members?

Yes, your spouse and dependants (i.e. your children) can also get cover when they are travelling with you for at least 50% of your trip. They also need to meet the same travel booking requirements and other conditions of the insurance policy. Check the policy document for full details.

This travel insurance doesn’t automatically offer cover for any pre-existing conditions. But you can apply for an assessment of your pre-existing condition/s by calling Allianz Global Assistance on 1800 187 025.

If you are eligible, you will get written confirmation from Allianz that a pre-existing medical condition is covered. A $75 administration fee applies as part of this process.

What if I don’t apply or get approval for a pre-existing condition?

You won't get cover for any claims related to the pre-existing condition/s. This includes conditions that you've had professional treatment for and untreated conditions you're aware of before you travel.

Got a pre-existing health condition? Compare other travel insurance policies that offer cover for conditions including anxiety, high blood pressure and knee replacement.

If it's an emergency, call Allianz on +617 3305 8800 when you're overseas or 1800 010 075 in Australia. You can also submit a claim online by following these steps:

• Go to the online claims portal at https://claimmanager.com.au/nab/agreement
• Confirm you agree with the terms and conditions, then select "Create new claim"
• Select the "Credit card insurance" option and provide details of your card
• Fill in the details on the claim form and upload your supporting documentation

You will be contacted about your claim within 10 business days, according to the online claims website.

What to include in your claim

With insurance claims, include as many details as you can. This makes it easier for the insurer to look at the claim and your eligibility for a payout. Some examples include:

• A referral or letter from a doctor or other professional you see in relation to a claim
• Photo evidence
• Police reports

Tip: Use a travel wallet or create an online folder to keep all your important documents together. This could include your passport, itinerary, printed tickets, a copy of the NAB card insurance policy booklet – plus anything that could become supporting documentation for claims.

Domestic travel insurance

• What is it? Cover for specific issues that come up when you're travelling to a different state or territory in Australia. This includes:
• Cancellation: Up to a maximum of $3,000.
• Flight delay expenses: After 4 hours or more, $125 per person up to a maximum of $300.
• Additional expenses: Up to $3,000.
• Luggage: Up to $750 per covered item with a maximum of $2,000.
• Luggage delay: After a delay of 12 hours or more, $150 per person up to a maximum of $400 for all claims combined.
• When can I use it? If you have paid for your return domestic flight with your eligible NAB credit card before you leave. Or, if you have a return domestic flight and have paid for at least $250 domestic travel costs with your NAB credit card before you leave (such as accommodation).
• Is there an excess cost? There is a $75 excess for cancellation, additional expenses and luggage claims.

Rental vehicle excess in Australia insurance

• What is it? Cover for damage or theft of a car or other vehicle you have hired in Australia, up to a maximum of $5,000 for Level 2 cards and a maximum of $10,000 for Level 1 cards.
• When can I use it? If you’ve used your NAB credit card to pay the full cost of the vehicle rental. The rental contract also needs to specify an amount that you would need to pay if the vehicle is damaged or stolen while you have it.
• Is there an excess cost? $100 per claim.

How to make a claim under one of these policies

You can also get access to other types of insurance for items you buy with an eligible NAB credit card. Here's a basic explainer of each one:

• Purchase protection insurance: Offers cover for up to 90 days when you buy a new item with your eligible card and it's then stolen, accidentally damaged or lost. It covers household and personal items such as jewellery, watches, glasses and new works of art. There is no excess but specific claim limits may apply.
• Extended warranty insurance: Cover that doubles the manufacturer's warranty for items bought in Australia, up to a maximum period of 12 months.

Don’t have complimentary insurance on your credit card yet? Compare NAB credit cards or other cards that offer insurance .

NAB business credit cards offer complimentary unauthorised transaction insurance to help protect you if an additional cardholder uses the account for something that's not allowed.

Some NAB business credit cards also offer complimentary transit accident insurance. These are your options with different NAB business cards:

Can I get proof of my cover?

Yes. If you're going on a cruise or tour that requires proof of insurance, you can get a letter of eligibility online at www.checkyourcover.com.au/nab

How do I get cover with a NAB Platinum Visa Debit Card?

The NAB Platinum Visa Debit Card is classified as a Level 2 card, giving you access to complimentary insurace options including international travel insurance. If you have met the eligibility requirements, you can make a claim online at https://travel.agaassistance.com.au/nab/make-a-claim or by calling Allianz on +617 3305 8800 from overseas or 1800 010 075.

Amy Bradney-George

Amy Bradney-George was the senior writer for credit cards at Finder, and editorial lead for Finder Green. She has over 16 years of editorial experience and has been featured in publications including ABC News, Money Magazine and The Sydney Morning Herald. See full profile

More guides on Finder

The NAB Rewards Platinum offers up to 80,000 bonus NAB Rewards Points, a reduced first-year annual fee and other perks.

This offer on the NAB Low Rate Card gives you a way to get $300 cashback as a new cardholder. Is it right for you?

The NAB Rewards Business Signature lets you earn points as you manage your business expenses and offers exclusive business travel and retail deals from Visa.

With up to 100,000 bonus NAB Rewards Points, a reduced first-year annual fee and perks, is this NAB card right for you?

The NAB Business Card offers additional cardholders with individual credit limits, up to 35 interest-free days on business purchases and liability insurance.

Get a card facility you can tailor to your company’s needs, with multiple cards, expense tracking tools and the option of a custom design.

The NAB Low Rate Business credit card offers cards for employees and low-cost features, including 0% p.a. on purchases for the first 12 months.

You'll get a complimentary Qantas Frequent Flyer membership, Qantas Points for your everyday purchases and 5 complimentary insurance covers with the NAB Qantas Rewards Premium Card.

You can use the NAB Low Fee Platinum Card to consolidate your debts and reduce your interest costs with a balance transfer offer.

The NAB Low Fee Card offers up to 44 interest-free days on purchases, a competitive annual fee and a low minimum credit limit.

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6 low-fee debit cards to use overseas

Debit cards from anz, westpac, nab and commbank charge travellers high fees..

Fact-checked

Checked for accuracy by our qualified fact-checkers and verifiers. Find out more about fact-checking at CHOICE .

Need to know

• Fee-free debit cards are a good choice for overseas purchases and travel
• Watch out for overseas ATM fees and currency conversion fees before using your debit card
• Westpac, ANZ, CommBank and NAB also have debit cards you can use overseas or online, but they charge high fees

What could be easier than using your bank card when travelling overseas? Many everyday debit cards are now on the Visa or Mastercard network, which means they're accepted at multiple retailers and ATMs in most countries. 

If you have a low-fee debit card that doesn't charge a currency conversion fee, the exchange rate you get is set by Visa or Mastercard and is usually better than the high exchange rate margins set by travel money cards . 

But use your standard debit card (especially if it's from the Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, Westpac or NAB) and you could be in for some high fees and exchange rate margins.

On this page:

Should you use your regular debit card overseas?

Low-fee travel debit cards, debit cards from anz, commbank, nab and westpac, foreign currency accounts.

While it may be convenient to just use your normal debit card from one of the major banks for online shopping and travel, you can be up for high fees, including:

• fees from your bank for using overseas ATMs
• ATM fees from an international bank
• currency conversion fees.

There are now a handful of fee-free debit card accounts with no account keeping fees. Therefore you could open one just for travel and online shopping purposes, so you don't have to switch your everyday transaction account if you don't want to. 

CHOICE tip: When withdrawing cash from an overseas ATM using your debit card, always check the screen before making the transaction to see what fees you're in for. Also be aware that your bank may also charge you a fee if you just check your balance without making a withdrawal.

If you have a debit card with high fees and you don't want to open a new bank account just for travel, it's a good idea to use a low-fee travel credit card that you can use for overseas travel purchases and online shopping to avoid currency conversion fees.

The debit cards on these accounts are a good option to use when getting money from overseas ATMs, making purchases overseas such as hotel bookings, or for international online purchases. They have:

• no monthly account fee 
• no fee for the debit card and debit card purchases 
• no foreign exchange fee 
• no fee for getting money from an overseas ATM (the operator of the foreign ATM may charge you a fee though). 

Here are six low-fee travel debit card accounts:

• Bankwest Easy (Platinum)
• Macquarie (Platinum) 
• Suncorp Carbon Insights
• Suncorp Everyday Options
• Ubank Spend 
• Up Everyday.

The major banks have some accounts that don't charge account keeping fees or waive them if you make a monthly deposit of a few thousand dollars (such as your salary). But they're not a good option for using overseas or for international purchases as they charge overseas ATM fees and exchange rate fees.

• No monthly account fee.
• Free at overseas ANZ ATMs ($5 at other banks' ATMs). 
• 3% foreign exchange fee applies to all transactions, including purchase and ATM withdrawals in a foreign currency.

ANZ Access Advantage

• $5 monthly account fee (can be waived if you deposit at least $2000 a month, for example).
• 3% foreign exchange fee applies to all transactions, including purchases and ATM withdrawals in a foreign currency.

CommBank Everyday Account Smart Access

• $4 monthly account fee (can be waived if you deposit at least $2000 a month, for example).
• $2 at overseas CommBank and ASB Bank ATMs ($5 plus 3% of transaction at other banks' ATMs).
• 3% foreign exchange fee applies to all other transactions, including purchases in a foreign currency.

NAB Classic Banking Account with Visa Debit Card

• $5 at overseas ATMs. 

Westpac Choice

• Free at overseas Westpac Global ATM Alliance ATMs ($5 at other banks' ATMs).
• If you or the merchant or financial institution are located overseas, a 3% foreign exchange fee applies to all transactions, including purchases and ATM withdrawals.
• If you're shopping online with a merchant or financial institution located in Australia but they're charging you in a foreign currency, a 2.2% foreign currency exchange fee applies.  

These accounts allow you to buy, hold and spend money in a range of foreign currencies and have no monthly account fee.

They're a good alternative to travel money cards and can also be useful if you frequently transfer money to family and friends overseas or earn money in another currency.

HSBC Everyday Global Account

While not a traditional foreign currency account, this account allows you to hold ten currencies in the one account.

Currencies: AUD, USD, GBP, EUR, HKD, CAD, JPY, NZD, SGD, CNY (currency restrictions apply to CNY).

• $0 at overseas HSBC ATMs. Non-HSBC branded ATMs and HSBC Group ATMs in Argentina, France, Greece, Malta, Mexico and Turkey may charge an ATM operator fee for withdrawals or balance enquiries at their ATMs.

Wise (formerly TransferWise)

Wise allows you to hold money in 40 currencies in your account.

• Two international ATM withdrawals of up to $350 in total fee-free every 30 days. After that, a fee of 1.75% of the amount and $1.50 per additional withdrawal applies.
• $10 debit card fee for your first Visa or Mastercard.
• Foreign exchange fees start at 0.43% depending on the currency.

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To share your thoughts or ask a question, visit the CHOICE Community forum.

Sex worker takes on financial sector 'debanking', with outcome hailed as transformative for adult industry

Matthew Roberts just wanted to keep using his EFTPOS facility.

For several years, the black device provided by Australian fintech Mint Payments had been allowing his clients to pay for his sexual services using their credit or debit cards.

"About half my clients are paying with cards now," Mr Roberts, a Victorian-based sole trader, tells ABC News.

"If I was to only work in cash, I'd lose about half of my income."

The curveball came in 2021 when Mint suddenly asked Mr Roberts to re-apply to use the small handheld device.

Mr Roberts was honest with Mint during this process and still recalls the phone conversation where he told one of the company's hotline professionals that he was self-employed as a sex worker.

"There was about 10 seconds of silence, and then (the person) hung up," Mr Roberts recalls.

"I felt humiliated. I was shocked. And I was speechless.

Mint soon afterwards emailed Mr Roberts to tell him the fintech's risk management team now considered his business to be within "a restricted category".

The humiliation dragged on into 2022, when Mint sent another letter to Mr Roberts, indicating its denial came down to the banking institution that facilitated its back-end transactions, which it had recently switched.

"Unfortunately, according to the contractual terms and conditions of our current acquirers, we are unable to provide our services to you in relation to this application," a letter sent in June 2022 noted.

"It would cause Mint Payments to be in breach of its contracts with our acquirers."

The crucial timing of Mint's formal denial

Mint's final denial of services to Mr Roberts in June 2022 came just one month after a crucial milestone for sex workers in Victoria.

In May 2022, the state passed anti-discrimination protections as part of its broader decriminalisation of sex work and associated providers like brothels.

Matthew Roberts, an advocate for sex worker rights, had been one of the people cheering on these changes in the public gallery of state parliament.

Knowing his new rights, he decided to take on Mint.

Maurice Blackburn's lawyers knew they potentially could set a new precedent when Mr Roberts walked into the national law firm's Melbourne office to discuss his EFTPOS rejection.

"We thought it was a really important case to run," the firm's principal lawyer Jennifer Kanis told ABC News.

Maurice Blackburn ended up taking both Mint and its acquirer First Data Merchant Solutions Australia to the Magistrates Court of Victoria, with a challenge under the state's newly amended Equal Opportunity Act 2010.

"The respondents defence was essentially that it was a risky business because they thought that it was prone to money laundering," Ms Kanis says.

The case eventually settled out of court under confidential terms that ABC News has not seen.

However, Maurice Blackburn and Mr Roberts say they have been given permission under those terms to speak about the case's broad outcome.

"It was a long process. It was stressful. It was emotional," Mr Roberts says.

"But I think it was worth it because we ultimately got both companies to flip their policies and their blanket ban on sex work."

And the sex worker has his little black EFTPOS machine back.

"Interestingly, when financial service providers deny these financial services, it again has the effect of driving the industry underground."

Why a win in one state doesn't make it easier for other sex workers

Mint and First Data's owner FISERV both declined interviews.

Mint said it had no comment, besides that it complied with the rules of its acquiring partners, while FISERV told ABC News that it was "pleased to have reached an agreement" with Mr Roberts.

"(We) are committed to assessing all applications on their merits and in accordance with our legal obligations," they added.

Maurice Blackburn's Ms Kanis says the anti-discrimination protections for sex workers recently brought into play in Victoria were crucial in resolving Mr Roberts's case against Mint and its acquirer.

"It would have been very difficult to fight this case under the old laws," she adds.

More states have been moving towards decriminalisation and anti-discrimination protections, with Queensland to do this from August 2024.

The state government says this is an "evidence based" move that will bring greater oversight to the sector and protect workers who are currently operating illegally.

It's been mostly welcomed, however, some conservative groups such as the Australian Christian Lobby said the only winners will be "pimps and brothel owners".

Nationally, there is today a patchwork of rules, with many states still giving sex workers little to no anti-discrimination protection and some still classifying sex work as illegal, according to analysis from advocacy group Scarlett Alliance.

"If it's unlawful, it does make it very difficult for the workers to get banking services," Ms Kanis says.

That has been the experience of Mary-Anne Kenworthy.

The woman who dubs herself as Australia's first openly loud and proud madam has operated a brothel in the centre of Perth for decades, despite them being illegal under Western Australian state laws.

In that time she has faced raids , unsuccessful prosecutions for prostitution by police, and today appears to operate along with other brothel owners in Western Australia under a blind eye policy with local enforcement agencies.

A WA state government spokesperson declined to comment on that situation.

With her business illegal under the law, Langtrees Perth has little recourse to fight back against the denial of financial services when it still regularly happens.

The latest example was 12 months ago when Ms Kenworthy says they were dropped by the global credit card provider Amex due to an unproven allegation that Langtrees Perth was at risk of stolen card use from clients.

She also says the brothel takes stolen card fraud seriously and already makes all people who use cards enter a PIN to decrease the chances of this happening.

Amex did not respond to the specifics of Langtrees Perth's case by publication deadline.

Ms Kenworthy says less than one per cent of the clients who come into Langtrees use Amex cards and that it is "not worth (her) effort to fight" the company's denial of service.

"Personally, I don't give two knickers about Amex," she says.

However, the industry legend says the credit card company's denial of service shows the broader issues impacting the Western Australian sex industry, where workers are not supported by anti-discrimination protections.

Financial discrimination rife 

The people who provide sexual services at Langtrees Perth – who operate as sole traders that rent out a bedroom – regularly report financial discrimination back to Ms Kenworthy.

"I know four girls at the moment that are going away every second week of their life to work in fly-in fly-out mining just to get a wage slip to get a loan to buy a house," she says.

"They've got the deposit, they've got tax paid on sex income, and the bank's not recognising the sex income as legitimate income."

Ms Kenworthy "blames the government first and foremost" for this "horrendous" situation, and believes it is on policymakers to make it easier for sex industry professionals and financial service providers to do business together.

"They've created the problem and buried their head in the sand," she says.

"I've been here 43 years and the Western Australian government have bought the issue (of decriminalisation) up four times and wasted a fortune.

"We should have a standard law across all of Australia."

A spokesperson for the WA government said it is not currently considering amending the state's Prostitution Act.

"Any future reforms in this area will be undertaken with the full support, and in consultation with, the Cabinet and the community of Western Australia," they added.

Banking institutions blame the patchwork of rules on their denial

As states such as Western Australia stick their stilettos in, major banks are blaming the patchwork of rules and illegalities around part of sex work on their blanket denial of services.

One of Australia's big four banks NAB – which markets itself as the bank for business – does accept applications from sex workers but has a blanket policy against escort agencies and brothels.

That is despite these businesses being allowed under licensing in some parts of the country.

In a statement, NAB said this was not a moral stance, but because the bank deems these sorts of businesses at high risk for modern slavery, tax evasion, money laundering and the proceeds of crime.

NAB also pointed to the "complexity of laws, licensing and oversight regimes" across Australia.

Other financial service providers including Commonwealth Bank, payments system Tyro, and Amex said they assessed applications from the sector on a "case by case basis".

"When businesses choose to accept American Express, they agree to follow our policies and the laws and regulations of the country where they operate," the credit card provider said.

Yet the peak body for Australian sex workers says these explanations by the financial sector are not good enough.

The chief executive of Scarlet Alliance said they are aware of another case that challenged debanking using new anti-discrimination frameworks that still failed once a financial services company fell back onto arguments about risk. 

"They fall back onto some obscure risk based reasoning that we don't have any line of sight into," Mish Pony said.

"Our argument is that (the financial industry's) risk based assessment is based on stigma and discrimination, but without having a clear line of sight into an algorithm or risk matrix, then it is hard to know how their decisions are made."

Financial services firms on notice

Maurice Blackburn's Ms Kanis says financial companies that deny services in places now covered by anti-discrimination laws should rethink if they are breaking the law.

"We're really happy to see that those laws have stood up (in Victoria)," she says.

"It is a really important question for state legislators to consider whether they are putting people within their state in vulnerable positions because sex work is still unlawful or brothels are still unlawful.

"I really commend Matthew for the work that he's done to put himself on the line."

Mr Roberts says he hasn't always felt so comfortable speaking publicly about a still stigmatised profession but that he hopes this will continue to break down barriers.

"It's actually taken me many years to come up to the courage to speak about what I experienced.

"I have decided to come forward because I got so tired of seeing all my friends and colleagues in the industry, suffering from similar discrimination."

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