Wise vs Revolut vs Travelex – Best Travel Money Card Comparison
Looking for the best travel card? We compare Wise, Revolut, and Travelex across key features like FX rates, fees, ATM access, and app tools so you can choose the smartest way to manage your money abroad.
💳 Wise vs Revolut vs Travelex – Which Travel Card Is Best?
If you’re heading overseas, a travel money card can help you avoid poor exchange rates, ATM fees, and nasty credit card surprises. But not all cards are created equal. In this review, we compare three of the most popular options: Wise, Revolut, and Travelex.
Which one gives you the best value? Let’s break it down.
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🧾 Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Wise | Revolut | Travelex Money Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange Rate | Mid-market | Mid-market (M-F) | Includes markup |
| FX Fee | 0.35–1% | 0.5–2% on weekends/limits | 3–5% |
| Currencies Supported | 40+ | 30+ (Premium: 150+) | 10 |
| ATM Withdrawals | Free up to $350/month | Free up to limits, then 2% | Free at Travelex ATMs, fees elsewhere |
| Top-Up Options | Bank, debit card | Bank, debit, Apple/Google Pay | Online, in-store, BPAY |
| App Features | Simple, reliable | Advanced: budgeting, crypto, trading | Basic |
| Card Fee | $10 (first card) | Free / Paid tiers | Free or small fee |
| Travel Insurance | No | Yes (Premium/Metal only) | No |
| Availability | Global (inc. AU, UK, US, EU) | Global (varies by features) | Available in select countries |
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🧠 Lets look at each of the card providers
✅ Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Best for: Transparent FX rates, low-cost transfers, and simple travel money
Wise gives you access to the real mid-market exchange rate with low, upfront fees. You can hold and spend in 40+ currencies and use the app to convert instantly or preload before you travel. Wise is ideal for travellers who want great rates and low fees without extra fluff.
Pros:
• Mid-market FX rates (no markup)
• Simple, transparent fees
• Real-time conversions
• Widely available & trusted
Cons:
• No extras like insurance or cashbacks
• Monthly ATM withdrawal limits
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✅ Revolut
Best for: Frequent travellers, budgeting, and premium features
Revolut offers mid-market exchange rates during weekdays and bundles in advanced features like savings vaults, crypto trading, and even travel insurance. Their free tier has limits, but Premium and Metal plans unlock extras and higher allowances.
Pros:
• Packed with features
• Budgeting tools & analytics
• Multi-currency spending and auto-conversion
• Travel insurance included in paid tiers
Cons:
• Weekend FX markup
• Can be overwhelming for basic users
• Some features country-dependent
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✅ Travelex Money Card
Best for: Simplicity and in-person service
If you prefer dealing in physical cash or want to load your card in-store, Travelex is for you. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s convenient and familiar. Great for one-time travellers or those nervous about app-based products.
Pros:
• Easy to pick up and top-up in person
• Free ATM withdrawals at Travelex ATMs
• Great for non-tech-savvy users
Cons:
• Poorer exchange rates
• Limited currencies and features
• Fees on reloads and inactivity
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📊 Best Card for various Use Cases
| Use Case | Best Card |
|---|---|
| Cheapest FX rates | Wise |
| Advanced features & budgeting | Revolut |
| In-store top-ups & simplicity | Travelex |
| Frequent global travel | Revolut (Premium) |
| Backup card for cash access | Travelex |
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💬 Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a short trip and want simple, cost-effective foreign spending, Wise is our top pick. For power users, digital nomads, and frequent flyers, Revolut offers more flexibility and perks. Travelex is best suited for one-time travellers who value in-person support and ease.
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🔗 Useful Links
• Revolut Card Review
• Travelex Card Review
🔍 Quick Verdict
| Provider | Best For | Overall Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Real exchange rates, transparency | ⭐ Best all-rounder |
| Revolut | Frequent travellers, budgeting | 🏆 Best for advanced features & FX tools |
| Travelex | Physical cash & easy top-up | 👍 Best for in-store convenience |
Disclaimer: Please note any provider recommendations, currency forecasts or any opinions of our authors should not be taken as a reference to buy or sell any financial product.