The holiday money hack Mumsnetters swear by for stress-free spending and budgeting abroad

There’s a lot to think about when planning a family holiday, and the money side of things can feel especially daunting. Saving up for the trip itself is no small task but then setting a realistic budget and actually sticking to it once you’re away can be tricky, particularly when ice creams, excursions and “can we just…” moments add up fast.

That’s why so many parents turn to the Mumsnet forums for honest advice on holiday budgeting and spending abroad. One tip that comes up time and again is the Post Office Travel Money Card. Mumsnetters recommend it as a simple, no-nonsense way to take control of holiday spending before you even leave home. By loading a set amount, avoiding surprise overseas card fees, and keeping everyday bank accounts safely separate, it’s a stress-free way of managing the holiday finances. 

For families that like to plan ahead (and keep holiday costs from creeping up), that reassurance can make all the difference. One less thing to worry about, and more headspace to focus on the fun stuff.

How does the Post Office Travel Money Card work?

The Travel Money Card is a prepaid travel companion that keeps your holiday spending neatly contained.

You load the card with money before you travel (choosing from up to 22 different currencies) and then use it when spending abroad, just like a regular card. Because it’s prepaid, you can only spend what you’ve loaded, which makes sticking to a holiday budget far easier. And you won’t pay any extra fees* when spending if you’ve pre-loaded the local currency onto your balance. 

Here’s how it works in practice:

• Order your card online via the Post Office travel app, or pick one up in a local branch if you need it quickly. You can load as little as £10 to get started

• Load your currencies before you go (or add more later). The exchange rate is locked in at the point you load

• Use it abroad wherever you see the Mastercard® Acceptance Mark in shops, restaurants, hotels and more. You can also use contactless, Apple Pay or Google Pay™

• Manage everything in the app, from checking your balance to topping up, switching between currencies, or freezing the card if it’s lost
  
  

Crucially for families, the card isn’t linked to your bank account. That means no accidental overspending, and extra peace of mind if the card goes missing. It’s your holiday money, neatly ringfenced.

What Mumsnet users say

We've found the post office cards really good, especially if you lose/run out of battery on your phone. Good rates and easy to manage.

-zaazaazoom

I've had a Post Office [Travel Money] Card for years and have used it in several countries with no problems. I like that you load it with currency so it's not attached to your bank account - I find that helps me stick to my holiday spending budget better.”

-DannyKin

I got [a Post Office Travel Money card] last year. Really great. Easy to add more money, switch currencies, check balance etc.

-WhereAreWeNow

We've just come back from holiday, absolutely no issues with the PO card.

-Invisablepanic

My 2 daughters and son have used the Post Office Travel [Money] Card more than once. It is great. It even links to your phone. When they have been saving cash for their holiday spending they can take the cash to the Post Office and put it onto the card.

-Iloveeverycat

Travel Money Card FAQs

Who can apply for a Travel Money Card?

You need to be a UK resident aged 18 or over. Parents often apply for one main card and use it to manage holiday spending for the whole family.

Do you need a credit check to apply?

No. There’s no credit check involved. Your details are used to confirm your identity and address, but this doesn’t affect your credit rating.

Where can the Travel Money Card be used?

You can use it across 36 million locations in over 200 countries wherever the Mastercard Acceptance Mark is displayed, as well as at ATMs (though withdrawal fees may apply).

Which currencies can be loaded on the card?

Up to 22 currencies can be loaded, including euros, US dollars, Australian dollars, Japanese yen and many more. You can hold multiple currencies on one card and switch between them in the app.

How much does the Travel Money Card cost?

There’s no fee to apply for the card. When you spend in a supported local currency that you’ve already loaded, there are no extra charges. Some fees can apply in certain situations, such as ATM withdrawals or using the card in a country with an unsupported currency.

Where can I buy a Travel Money Card?

You can order one online, through the Post Office travel app, or pick one up instantly in your local Post Office (with valid ID). Online and app orders are usually delivered within 2–3 working days.

Can I top up while I’m abroad?

Yes. You can top up at any time using the app or online account, as long as you stay within the card’s limits.

What happens if the card is lost or stolen?

You can freeze the card instantly in the app, helping to protect your balance while you sort out next steps. You can also benefit from 24/7 customer service.

*No Fees when spending abroad with an available balance of a local currency supported by the card. Terms & conditions apply.

About the Post Office Travel Money Card 

The Post Office Travel Money Card is designed to make spending abroad simpler for families who want clarity and control over their holiday money. Used by millions of UK travellers, it offers a practical alternative to taking large amounts of cash or relying solely on everyday bank cards overseas. With 24/7 dedicated customer support and the reassurance of a trusted high-street name, it’s built to help parents feel confident about managing money away from home - so you can spend more time enjoying the holiday.

About the author 

Rachel Erdos is an Editor at Mumsnet where she commissions, edits and writes content with a focus on family travel.

She has written hotel reviews, features and destination guides for top publications including the Guardian, Four Seasons Magazine, Travelzoo, Visit Britain and Visit London. She loves nothing more than researching and writing about fun things for families to do in destinations near and far, as well as trawling the Mumsnet holiday forum for inspiration for her next trip away with her husband and two kids.

The Post Office Travel Money Card is an electronic money product issued by First Rate Exchange Services Ltd pursuant to license by Mastercard International. First Rate Exchange Services Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales with number 4287490 whose registered office is Botanica Ditton Park, Riding Ct Rd, Datchet, SL3 9LL (Financial Services Register No. 900412).

Google Pay is a trademark of Google LLC.  

Apple and Apple Pay are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.