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Under 18's Travel Money Card

Simplify your child's spending abroad with travel money cards designed for kids.

Getting access to money abroad can be tricky and can come with unwelcome additional charges. Foreign cash machines will usually charge a fee, and while initially it may not seem like a large amount, it can quickly add up, costing you a lot of money. For teenagers travelling abroad, this process can seem even more daunting, and carrying lots of cash isn't always the safest option. This is where travel money cards can be a great alternative.


A cup of coffee on a wooden table next to a receipt and a colourful travel money card featuring images of various currencies. The scene conveys the concept of convenient and secure spending while travelling abroad.

Key Points

  • Travel money cards are a safe and convenient alternative to carrying cash abroad, allowing children to make purchases and withdraw cash securely.
  • Parents can track spending, set limits, and reload funds easily via apps.
  • Cards can be cancelled and frozen if lost or stolen.

How does a travel money card work?

A money card works similar to a debit card, without the same bank rules and regulations. They are amazingly simple and safe to use, all you have to do is to make sure you remember to load it up with funds before your child's trip. Some providers will allow you to do this instantly via a website or App. Travel money cards are great for under 18's and can be used all over the world for things like:

  • Paying for goods online
  • Taking out foreign cash
  • Making purchases in shops or restaurants

What are the benefits of getting your child a travel money card?

It's important to prepare for any incidents abroad, including illness or lost luggage, which, unfortunately, is still an issue across airports all over the world. If your child is travelling alone, this can be especially stressful.

Cards can be safer than carrying around cash and can be cancelled and replaced if lost or stolen. Parents can also keep an eye on spending with smart apps that also have the ability to set budgets and send money easily.

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Our top-picks:


To help make finding the best travel money card a little easier, compare Money Saving Expert's top cards for under-18's below. Remember, these cards may not charge you but some ATMs may still charge their own fee.

Nationwide FlexOne

Age: 11-17
Annual Fee: None
Spending Fee: No Fee
Cash Withdrawal Fee No fee
Daily withdrawal limit: £300

Kids can open an account with an adult at a local branch

GoHenry

Age: 6-18
Annual Fee: £3.99/month

(free trial available)
Spending Fee: No Fee
Cash Withdrawal Fee No fee
Daily withdrawal limit: £150

HyperJar (prepaid card)

Age: 6-17
Annual Fee: One-off £4.99 fee

(credited with an Amazon gift voucher)
Spending Fee: No Fee
Cash Withdrawal Fee Cannot draw from ATM
Daily withdrawal limit: n/a

Revolut <18

Age: 6-17
Annual Fee: One-off £4.99 fee
Spending Fee: Possible (depending on plan)
Cash Withdrawal Fee: No Fee
Daily withdrawal limit: Up to £40/month for free

An adult will need to set up and approve the account

Starling (Kite)

Age: 6-15
Annual Fee: None
Spending Fee: No Fee
Cash Withdrawal Fee No fee
Daily withdrawal limit: £100

An adult will need to set up and approve the account




Other cards

Travel money card providers such as FairFX will allow your child to make purchases anywhere around the globe that accepts Mastercard. A little closer to home, the FairFX card can be used in the UK without charge, so it can be a great introduction to money management. Other banks such as Barclays and Lloyds have kids accounts where it can still be possible to use a card abroad.





Things to Consider

  • Security features: Pick cards with safety features such as PIN protection, freeze/unfreeze options, and fraud alerts. Some cards offer instant blocking if lost or stolen, providing reassurance in case anything goes wrong.
  • Know the limits: Understand the card's daily spending and withdrawal limits to prevent your child from overspending or getting stuck without funds.
  • Getting support: It's good to check there's reliable customer service available to help with any problems that could arise while your child is abroad.

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Related articles

If you found the tips and insights useful, then check out our other helpful articles on travelling as an under-18:




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Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Holiday Extras Cover Limited, registered office address: Ashford Road, Newingreen, Hythe, Kent CT21 4JF.

Holiday Extras Cover Limited is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 828848. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register

Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited. The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 10 Fenchurch Avenue, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN.

Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this by visiting the Financial Services Register