Compare Prepaid Currency Cards

The ICE Travellers Cashcard is a robust and flexible card from a well-known and trusted currency provider. There are no transaction fees for using this card in the UK or abroad, withdrawing cash is free and you will also receive a free back-up card in case of emergencies. A 1.85% top-up fee does apply to this card however, so be wary if you are planning on reloading often.

The OPTIMUM Sterling Card doesn't have a lot going for it. Expect to pay 2.95% on all purchases, plus a further 1% FX charge at the point of sale. Cash withdrawals cost at least £1.50 at home and abroad, with an additional 2% surcharge on amounts over £50. Even cancelling could cost you £5 plus 2.5% of the remaining balance. Shop around if you are able to because there are more competitive cards out there.

The Splash Prepaid Maestro is an expensive card to use. You will pay a 2.5% transaction fee every time you make a purchase, as well as a 1% FX surcharge if you use it abroad. Withdrawing cash from an ATM costs money regardless of where you are, and there's a £4.95 annual fee just to top it off. The Splash Maestro is not the worst card we've seen, but it ranks among the lowest. Avoid if you can.

The FairFX Anywhere Card has the lowest FX mark-up of all the cards we compare at just 1.4% per transaction. A great card for use in and out of the UK. Get this card for FREE (pay no Application Fee) when you buy it through Compare Holiday Money and load it with at least £50.

Moneybookers cards are intimately linked with a Moneybookers account and withdrawing money into a bank account will attract a flat fee of €1.80 per withdrawal. Fees and charges are somewhat competitive, but bear in mind that there is an annual fee of €10 for this card and all fees associated with it are in Euros so the actual cost to you will be determined by the exchange rate set by Moneybookers.

The First Premier MasterCard is ideally suited to frequent travellers as the fees and charges are generally low but there is an ongoing monthly management fee of £1. Be wary of the maximum balance limit – at £3000 this card isn't a good choice if you are planning a big (or expensive) trip!

The Prepaid MasterCard by Card One Banking offers mediocre rates for purchases outside of the UK, but a £12.50 monthly management fee and extremely excessive ATM charges eliminate it from the competition. On the plus side transactions in the UK are free – but better deals can be found elsewhere.

The CaxtonFX Global Traveller offers free ATM cash withdrawals overseas (charges still apply in the UK) and is free to purchase which makes it a great back-up card. The FX rate is set at 2.75% which means you'll pay slightly more than some other cards for purchases overseas, but there are no individual transaction fees so this card could be a top contender if you get a good exchange rate.

The Prepaid MasterCard by Secure Trust Bank is primarily aimed for use in the UK, and for good reason. As well as a £12.50 application fee, you can expect to pay a hefty ongoing monthly fee of £12.50, a 2.75% charge on all purchases AND a 2.75% FX mark-up on any transactions not in Pounds Sterling. Do not consider this card for use outside of the UK.

A very competitive prepaid card from VIDA FX that beats most of the competition hands-down. Highlights include no transaction fees, no application fees and free overseas ATM withdrawals. A perfect card for use as a main payment method or an ideal accompaniment to cash. Recommended.

The my Travel Cash Multi-Currency Card will earn you 1% cash back on all purchases, but avoid using it in the UK where a 2.99% transaction fee will apply to each purchase. This card is intended for use outside of the UK, but if you are heading to Europe or the USA, consider the my Travel Cash Euro or US Dollar cards as better alternatives.

The Travel Money Card Plus prepaid MasterCard® with the Post Office is a safe, secure and convenient way to take your holiday money abroad. If you're heading to the Eurozone or America, consider the Post Office Euro or US Dollar cards instead as there are no reloading fees or FX fees if used in the specified country.