Travelex vs Wise: Which Travel Card is Better for Australians in 2026?

When you’re travelling overseas, the card you use can make a real difference in how much you spend, and how easy your money is to manage. Two popular choices for Aussie travellers are the Travelex Money Card, and Wise card.

Both of these cards are designed for overseas spending, but work in different ways and suit different types of travellers. In this guide, we’ll compare Travelex vs Wise side by side, looking at features, fees, exchange rates, and practical use, so you can decide which travel card makes more sense for you.

What is a Travelex Money Card?

Travelex is an international company offering foreign exchange services in over 70 countries.¹ Within Australia, they have foreign currency ATMs, storefronts and online services to order foreign cash, and the Travelex Money Card.

When it comes to customer service, the Australian division of Travelex is particularly well rated.² They are ranked “Excellent” on Trustpilot, with over 20,000 reviews. Most consumers find the service to be straightforward and convenient, although some feel the exchange rates could be better.

One of the main services offered by Travelex is the Travelex Money Card. This pre-paid card is designed for travel, allowing customers to load up to 10 supported currencies.⁴

• Works wherever Mastercard prepaid is accepted
• Hold AUD, EUR, GBP, USD, JPY, NZD, THB, CAD, SGD and HKD
• Tiered exchange rates based on the amount being converted
• Compatible with Google Pay and Google Wallet

One of the main benefits of the card is that it’s not linked to your bank account, which provides an extra layer of security while travelling.

What is Wise?

Launched in 2011, Wise is a global fintech company that specialises in managing money across borders. With a Wise account, customers can hold balances in 40+ currencies, get local account details for some of the world’s major currencies, and order a Wise card for easy international spending.

Wise has +230,000 reviews on Trustpilot, and like Travelex, it’s rated “Excellent 4.3 out of 5 stars”. Customers praise the user-friendly app and intuitive design, along with the fast transfer speeds, fair exchange rates, and ease of using the Wise card.

For travellers, the Wise card is a great resource.

• Spend in 150+ countries and territories
• Hold 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend in more
• Convert money at the mid-market rate with no hidden fees
• Compatible with multiple digital wallets including Apple Pay, Google Pay and Garmin Pay

For both your security and peace of mind, the card has multiple layers of protection including 24/7 anti-fraud teams, industry leading security, and the ability to freeze and unfreeze it any time through the app.

➡️ Learn more about the Wise card

Travelex vs Wise travel card: Main comparison

Both Travelex and Wise have cards that are suitable for travel, but which is best for you? The most sensible way to decide is by comparing the features, fees and exchange rates, to see which suits your travel plans best.

Let’s compare the key features of the Travelex Money Card and Wise card, to see how they stack up.

*'Interest' is a custody and nominee service offered through Wise Australia Investments Pty Ltd. Capital at risk, growth not guaranteed.

One of the stand out differences is how each company handles the exchange rate, something we’ll delve into more soon.

Travelex vs Wise travel card - Fees and charges

Knowing the fees for using a card is important in deciding who to partner with for your international spending. Here’s how some of the main fees for Travelex and Wise compare.

It’s also worth being aware there are some limits that apply to the Travelex Money Card that simply aren’t relevant to the Wise card.

• Minimum initial load: 100 AUD in-store, or 350 AUD online or using the app
• Maximum initial load: 5000 AUD
• Minimum top-up amount: 50 AUD
• Maximum top-up: 10,050 AUD

With Wise, you can add however much money you want, whenever you want.

Travelex vs Wise travel card - Exchange rates

When determining how much an international transaction will cost you, the fees are only part of the equation. The exchange rate can make a huge difference depending on whether or not a margin has been included.

Travelex has tiered exchange rates that vary depending on how much money you’re converting; the more money, the more favorable the rate.⁴

Wise handles things a bit differently. All currency conversions are done at the mid-market rate, which is the midway point between the buy and sell prices on the currency market. It has no margin and no hidden fees, representing a fair and transparent way to convert your money.

To see the difference in the exchange rates in action, here’s an example of topping up 100 AUD online, and converting it to USD.

At 100 AUD, the difference isn’t large. But, when you travel, you can be spending thousands on flights, accommodation, experiences, meals and shopping, so over time these differences can add up.

Which is a better travel card for AU residents?

Both Travelex and Wise offer travel cards that can be used overseas, but they’re built differently. By assessing the pros and cons, you can decide which is the better card for you and your plans.

Taking it all in, Travelex can work quite well for shorter trips and holidays, especially to countries that use the supported holding currencies. It’s a familiar option for travellers who like getting support from a person in-store if needed.

Wise, on the other hand, is designed for people who want flexibility, transparency, and ongoing control of their money. With support for 40+ currencies, access to mid-market exchange rates, and a wider range of features, the Wise card is often better suited to longer trips, multi-country travel, or anyone who wants to actively manage their money while abroad. You also have the option to activate Wise Interest*, so you can grow your eligible balances and let your money work for you between trips.

🚀 Order a Wise card