Post Office Travel Card – Honest Review, Fees & Guide for 2025
The Post Office Travel Card is a prepaid multi-currency Mastercard designed for spending abroad. It allows users to load money in advance, hold up to 23 currencies, and manage the account through the Post Office Travel app. In 2025, it competes with specialist travel cards from Wise, Revolut, and Currensea, but its fee structure and exchange rate margins have drawn mixed reviews.
For UK travellers who value a familiar high-street brand and the ability to top up in branch, the card offers convenience. However, hidden loading fees and a modest Trustpilot rating mean it is not the cheapest option for every journey.
Is the Post Office Travel Card Worth It? (Honest Review)
- Card Type: Prepaid Multi-Currency Mastercard
- Currencies: 23 available, 8 major wallets
- Key Fee: No annual fee, load fee after £500
- App Feature: Freeze, unlock, view history
- Best for: UK travellers who want a backup to a bank card
- Watch out for: 2.99% fee on loads over £500, ATM fees after free allowance
- User sentiment: Mixed – convenience praised, exchange rate criticised on Trustpilot
- 2025 Update: App now supports biometric login and instant freeze
- The card is a prepaid Mastercard, so no credit check is needed
- Minimum top-up is £10; maximum balance is £10,000
| Feature | Detail | Rating/Note |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | £0 | Good |
| Load Fee (under £500) | £0 | Excellent |
| Load Fee (over £500) | 2.99% fee | Negative |
| ATM Free Limit | £200 per month | Average |
| Currencies | 23 (8 major + 15 minor) | Good |
| App Score (Trustpilot) | 2.1 / 5 | Poor |
User Ratings & Trustpilot Breakdown
On Trustpilot, the Post Office Travel Card holds a rating of approximately 2.1 stars. Users frequently praise the ease of use and the convenience of the mobile app, but many complain that the exchange rate markup makes it more expensive than using a standard debit card abroad. One review summarised: “Easy to use but the exchange rate is worse than using my bank card.” Trustpilot reviews show consistent criticism of the fee structure.
Martin Lewis’s Take on Post Office Travel Cards
MoneySavingExpert founder Martin Lewis has described the card as a “good backup card, but watch the loading fees – it’s not the cheapest.” His guidance, available on MoneySavingExpert, recommends comparing the total cost of loading and spending before committing.
Post Office vs Currensea: Which Is Better?
Currensea, a specialist travel debit card, links directly to your existing bank account and charges no loading fees. According to Currensea’s comparison, the Post Office card has hidden costs in the exchange rate margin, making it less competitive for frequent travellers.
How Do I Apply & Activate My Post Office Travel Card?
Step-by-Step Application Guide (Online & In-Branch)
You can order the card through the Post Office website, via the Post Office Travel app, or in person at any Post Office branch. No credit check is required because it is a prepaid product. Delivery typically takes 5–7 working days if ordered online, or you can collect the card instantly in branch.
Because this is a prepaid card, no credit check or bank account link is required to apply. Anyone aged 16 or over can order one.
Activation Process: App vs Website
Once you receive the card, activation can be done through the Post Office Travel app or by logging into your online account. You will need to verify your identity and set a PIN. The app also allows you to add the card to Apple Wallet or Google Pay immediately after activation.
Eligibility & Documentation Requirements
Applicants must be at least 16 years old and resident in the UK. No proof of income or address is required beyond standard identity verification for online applications.
How to Log In, Top Up, and Manage Your Card
Login Troubleshooting Guide
The card is managed through the Post Office Travel app and website portal. Common login issues include forgotten passwords, outdated app versions, or account locks after multiple failed attempts. Resetting the password via the app or website usually resolves the problem. If the account remains locked, contacting Post Office support is recommended.
If you cannot log in, check that the app is updated to the latest version and try resetting your password. Also confirm that your email address is correctly entered.
Top Up Methods: App, Bank Transfer, In-Branch
You can top up the card in three ways:
- Via the app: Open the Post Office Travel app, log in, select your card, choose “Top up,” pick a currency and amount, then pay.
- Via the website: Log into your account online, go to the card section, and select top up.
- In a Post Office branch: Present your card or card number at any branch. Friends or family can also top up on your behalf if you are abroad.
A loading fee of 1.5% applies if you add GBP instead of a foreign currency, with a minimum of £3 and maximum of £50. Maximum top-up per transaction is £5,000, with a daily limit of three transactions.
App Features: Freeze Card, View Balance, PIN Change
The Post Office Travel app allows you to freeze and unfreeze the card instantly, view your balance and transaction history, and obtain your PIN. In 2024, biometric login was added for faster access. You can also manage multiple cards from one account.
What Are the Fees, Exchange Rates & Hidden Costs?
Complete Fee Schedule (2025)
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Annual fee | £0 |
| GBP loading fee (if loading pounds) | 1.5% (min £3, max £50) |
| Cross-border fee (unsupported currency) | 3% |
| Dormancy fee (12 months after expiry) | £2 per month |
| ATM withdrawal (after free monthly allowance) | Varies by currency |
How the Mastercard Exchange Rate Works
The exchange rate used is the Mastercard wholesale rate, which is generally close to market rates. However, the Post Office adds a margin through the loading fee and cross-border charges. The exact markup fluctuates daily and is not always transparent. The FCA register lists the Post Office as a regulated provider, but fee details are subject to change.
If the card expires and funds remain after 12 months, a £2 monthly maintenance fee applies until the balance is cleared or refunded. Always withdraw or spend remaining money before the expiry date.
Avoiding Unexpected Charges Abroad
To minimise fees, load foreign currencies directly rather than adding GBP. Avoid spending in unsupported currencies to dodge the 3% cross-border fee. Stay within the free ATM limit of £200 per month if you plan to withdraw cash.
Is It Safe? What Happens If I Lose My Card?
Security Features: Chip, PIN, & Contactless Limits
The card is a standard Mastercard with chip and PIN protection. Contactless payments are supported up to the usual limit, and you can add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay for added security.
Lost or Stolen Card: Emergency Steps
If the card is lost or stolen, freeze it immediately via the app. Then contact Post Office support to report it and request a replacement. Any remaining balance on the frozen card can be transferred to the new card.
Fraud Protection & Chargeback Rights
As a prepaid card, the Post Office Travel Card offers limited chargeback rights compared to credit cards. However, Mastercard’s zero liability policy applies for unauthorised transactions if you report the loss promptly.
How Has the Post Office Travel Card Changed Over Time?
- – Launch of Post Office Travel Money Card.
- – App overhaul; support extended to 23 currencies.
- – Fee structure revised; loading fees introduced.
- – Biometric login and enhanced security features added.
- – Current iteration with no major update; focus on maintenance.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About the Card?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| The card is a prepaid Mastercard. | Specific exchange rate margin vs market rate (fluctuates daily). |
| There is a 2.99% fee on loads over £500. | Future fee changes are not announced publicly. |
| Trustpilot rating is approximately 2.1 stars. | Whether the Post Office will add more currencies or crypto support. |
What Is the Post Office Travel Card’s Place in the Market?
The Post Office Travel Card occupies a mid-tier position in the UK travel money market. It is less competitive on fees compared to digital specialists like Revolut and Wise, but it benefits from the trust associated with the Post Office brand and the convenience of physical branches. The typical user is an older traveller or someone who makes only occasional trips abroad and values the ability to top up in person. For frequent travellers or those seeking the best exchange rates, the card is often less attractive.
What Do Users and Experts Say About the Post Office Travel Card?
“Easy to use but the exchange rate is worse than using my bank card.”
Trustpilot User
“Good backup card, but watch the loading fees – it’s not the cheapest.”
Martin Lewis (MoneySavingExpert)
“The Post Office card has hidden fees in the exchange rate margin.”
Currensea Comparison
Should You Get the Post Office Travel Card in 2025?
The Post Office Travel Card suits travellers who want a prepaid card from a trusted UK brand, appreciate app-based control, and plan to load foreign currencies directly. It is less appealing if you frequently top up in GBP, spend in unsupported currencies, or leave balances idle after trips. For a deeper look at how it compares, see our Post Office Travel Money Card Review, Fees & Guide 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Post Office Travel Card contactless?
Yes, it supports contactless payments up to the standard limit and is accepted anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
Do I need a credit check to get the card?
No, it is a prepaid card, so no credit check is required.
How long does the card take to arrive?
Delivery typically takes 5-7 working days, or you can pick it up in a branch.
Can I withdraw cash at ATMs?
Yes, but there is a fee after the free monthly limit of £200.
How do I freeze my card?
Open the Post Office Travel app, select your card, and tap the freeze option. You can unfreeze it the same way.
Can I add the card to Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Yes, you can add it to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet directly from the app after activation.
What is the minimum top-up amount?
The minimum top-up is £10 per transaction.
What happens if I lose my card abroad?
Freeze the card via the app immediately, then contact Post Office support to order a replacement and transfer any remaining balance.
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