Do you want a travel money card that lets you load multiple currencies at the same time? Look at what Commonwealth Bank has to offer.
The Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card is a MasterCard prepaid card that lets you load up to 13 currencies at any one time. When you add funds, you get to benefit from locked-in rates.
| Available Currencies | AUD, CAD, EUR, GBP, HKD, JPY, NZD, SGD, THB, USD, VND, CNY, AED |
|---|---|
| Multiple Currencies on One Card | Yes |
| Number of Cards Issued | 2 |
| Minimum Load Amount | $1 |
| Maximum Load Amount | 100,000 |
| 24 Hour POS Transaction Limit | $1,000 |
| Card Issue Fee | $15 |
|---|---|
| Initial Load Fee | $0 |
| ATM Withdrawal Fee | AUD 3.50, CAD 3.00, EUR 2.20, GBP 2.00, HKD 17, JPY 220, NZD 3.50, SGD 3.50, THB 80.00, USD 2.50, VND 50000 |
| Reload Fee | $0 |
| Transaction Fee for Purchases | $0 |
| Balance Enquiries | $0 |
| Card Replacement Fee | $15 |
| Currency Conversion Fee | 0% |
| BPay Reload fee | 1% of reload amount up to a maximum of AUD 15.00 or foreign currency equivalent |
| Account Closing Fee | $0 |
| Available To Temporary Residents | No |
|---|
Reloading funds and currencies
You can load as many as 13 currencies onto your Travel Money Card at once. If you travel to a country and have its currency loaded, the card uses the applicable currency automatically.
Supported currencies
Here are the currencies you can load onto your Travel Money Card.
- United States dollars (USD)
- Euros (EUR)
- Great British pounds (GBP)
- Australian dollars (AUD)
- Japanese yen (JPY)
- New Zealand dollars (NZD)
- Hong Kong dollars (HKD)
- Canadian dollars (CAD)
- Singapore dollars (SGD)
- Thai baht (THB)
- Vietnamese dong (VND)
- Chinese renminbi (CNY)
- Emirati dirham (AED)
Currency order
A currency order applies if you draw money in a currency you haven't preloaded on the card. The default order is:
1. United States dollars (USD) 2. Euros (EUR) 3. Great British pounds (GBP) 4. Australian dollars (AUD) 5. Japanese yen (JPY) 6. New Zealand dollars (NZD) 7. Hong Kong dollars (HKD) 8. Canadian dollars (CAD) 9. Singapore dollars (SGD) 10. Thai baht (THB) 11. Vietnamese dong (VND) 12. Chinese renminbi (CNY) 13. Emirati dirham (AED)
You can change this currency order online or over the phone.
Exchange rates
Commonwealth Bank sets exchange rates for loading, reloading and closure of Travel Money Cards. The applicable rate is its retail foreign exchange rate at the time of the transaction. You’ll get a quote for the latest rate at the time of loading or reloading your card.
Back to topWhere can you use the card?
This card can be used wherever MasterCard is accepted. This means you can use your card at over 35 million locations online and in store around the world. When using the card for ATM withdrawals or EFTPOS purchases, you'll just need to select 'credit' and enter your PIN to process the payment.
How much will the card cost me?
The Travel Money Card offers several fee-free services, but you have to pay fees in some situations:
| Main fees associated with Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card | |
|---|---|
| Card issue fee | $15 |
| Initial load fee | $0 |
| Reload fee | $0 |
| Transfer between currencies | $0 |
| Purchase transaction fee | $0 |
| ATM withdrawal fee | A cash withdrawal fee applies, which varies depending on currency you’re withdrawing. The fee applies in the currency you withdraw the cash. Here’s the full list:AUD 3.50, CAD 3.00, EUR 2.20, GBP 2.00, HKD 17, JPY 220, NZD 3.50, SGD 3.50, THB 80.00, USD 2.50, VND 50000 |
| ATM balance enquiry fee | $0 |
| MS alerts fee | $0 |
| Emergency cash advance fee | $0 |
| Transfer to Commonwealth Bank transaction account fee | $0 |
Managing your card
Commonwealth Bank gives you several different options for ordering and managing your card.
- Ordering your card.
You can apply for the Travel Money Card online or by visiting any Commonwealth Bank branch. If you are an existing Gold, Platinum or Diamond Credit Card customer, a Platinum Debit MasterCard customer or a student, the bank waives the card issue fee if you apply in branch. You should receive your card via mail within six business days, at which time you can also view its details via the NetBank. Delivery outside metropolitan areas may take longer. - Loading funds on your card.
You can load and reload funds onto your Travel Money Card in different ways. One option is to transfer funds from a Commonwealth Bank transaction account using online banking or by calling the Travel Money Customer Service Centre. You can add funds by visiting a Commonwealth Bank branch, using a Commonwealth Bank transaction account, cash or a credit card cash advance. Adding funds using BPAY is also an option. - Activating your card.
If you apply at a branch, the bank activates your card automatically. You can set up the PINs for your primary and backup cards in branch, online or over the phone. If you apply online, you’ll have to activate the card and set up a PIN before you can use it. You can do this online using your Travel Money Card and a six digit registration code you choose when you purchase the card. - Online.
The online platform gives you the ability to monitor your card’s activity from any Internet-enabled computer or smartphone. The online platform lets you change your PIN, check balances in different currencies, view transaction history, reload the card, transfer between currencies, transfer to and from Commonwealth Bank accounts, and change the currency order as well as lock and unlock your card. Reloading your card when you transfer through NetBank or the CommBank app.
Security and emergency contact details
The Travel Money card is protected by chip, PIN and signature. You’ll also be covered by 24/7 fraud monitoring. You’ll receive a complimentary additional card, meaning you’ll still have access to your cash if your card is lost or stolen.
If your card has been lost or stolen you can contact the customer service team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on:
- Within Australia: 1300 660 700 (local call).
- Outside Australia: +61 2 9374 0609* (call charges apply).
Getting your card
- Ordering your card. You can either order your card in person or through your NetBank. If you’re a Gold, Platinum and Diamond credit card holder, a Platinum Debit MasterCard customer or a student, the purchase fee will be waived. Cards purchased through NetBank will take around five business days to arrive.
- Activating. If you purchased your card in-store, your card will be activated on the spot and you can set up your PINs for both cards. If you ordered it through NetBank, you’ll need to contact the customer service team to activate your card and confirm your PINs.
- Loading funds. Once you’ve received and activated your card, you can start loading funds on the card. You can load funds on your card in a few ways:
- Online transfer. You can transfer funds from an eligible Commonwealth Bank transaction account via netbank. You’ll need to log on to NetBank, go to the ‘Transfers & BPAY’ page and select the transaction account you’d like to transfer from.
- Phone transfer. You can call the Travel Money Customer Service Centre and transfer funds from an eligible Commonwealth Bank account.
- BPAY. Use the BPAY Biller Code 113167 and enter your customer reference number which is your 16-digit Travel Money Card number.
Benefits and drawbacks
Pros
- Multiple currencies. The Commonwealth Bank Travel Money card offers one of the largest ranges of currencies in the Australian prepaid travel card market. For example, this is the only card that let’s you load Vietnamese dong, Chinese Renminbi and Emirati Dirham.
- No currency conversion fees. Even if you’re spending in an unsupported currency or a currency that isn’t loaded on your card, you won’t be charged currency conversion fees.
- Smartphone app. You can manage your Travel Money card through your netbank, meaning you’ll have no trouble checking your balance and transferring currencies on the go.
Cons
- ATM fees. You’ll be charged every time you use your card to withdraw from an ATM. Commonwealth Bank also doesn’t have an international ATM alliance.
- No rewards. The Travel Money card doesn’t come linked to a rewards program, so you can’t earn points as you spend.
- Online fee. If you order your card online, you’ll be charged a $15 fee.
When you travel overseas, the Travel Money Card offered by Commonwealth Bank can help you manage your finances easily. However, since this is not the only card of its kind, make sure you compare your options carefully.
Back to topFrequently asked questions
How can I manage my Travel Money Card while I'm overseas?
You can manage your card through Netbank — Commbank's Internet banking portal — and also through SMS alerts and phone banking.
What happens if I lose my card?
These cards come with a backup in the case the first card is lost or stolen. If you lose your primary card, contact CBA on (61+) 1300 660 700 (open 24 hours a day 7 days a week) and they will block the lost or stolen card and activate the backup card, you can continue to use the backup card as normal.
If both cards are lost or stolen, you can arrange for replacement cards to be sent out to you. There is a fee of $15 when you request that replacement cards be issued. This is debited from the funds in your account. Provided that you have not changed the default currency order, the currency which is highest in the currency order will be debited when you order a replacement card. You can also access tan emergency cash advance for no extra fee.
How do I redeem remaining funds on my travel money card when I return home?
If you have funds remaining on your card when you return home, you have a couple of options for getting the money off your card.
You can withdraw the funds from a Commonwealth Bank ATM in Australia for no charge or you can use the card to make over the counter purchases. If you don’t have money in your Australian currency wallet, a currency conversion fee of 2% will apply.
You can also transfer funds back to Australian dollars by calling the CBA customer service centre on (+61) 1300 660 700 or by visiting the CBA travel money online portal. You can also close your card redeem the funds on the card by dropping into a CBA branch.
What can I do if my Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card is not working at the ATM?
If your travel money card is not working at the ATM, double check the following things:
The ATM accepts MasterCard cards.
You have the correct PIN and you’re not using the 6-digit registration code - if you enter an incorrect PIN three times in a row, your card will be locked.
That you have activated the card.
You’re not trying to withdraw more than your available balance, or that you haven’t exceeded your transaction limits for the day.
What happens when my card expires?
Each card has an expiry date. If you have $100 or more on the card, you will be notified by the bank that your travel money card is about to expire one month before the expire date. If you do not redeem the funds prior to the card’s expiry, any funds left on the card will be lost.
With the Commonwealth Travel Card – when you go to load currency onto it – could you leave it in Australian dollars (to be converted as yo go when overseas) or load it onto the card in Euros.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each choice?
If i do leave it in Australian dollars – will i be offered a competitive conversion rate overseas when I go to use it?
Thanks
Hi Fay, thanks for your inquiry!
You can recharge AUD onto this card for converting to other foreign currencies. The main consideration is whether you prefer securing Euro currency now or at a future point of time, when the AUD may be stronger and give you more Euro’s per $1 of AUD. Unfortunately the exact exchange rate in the future is impossible to predict, so doing your research/ seeking professional investing advice will be the best course of action.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Just wondering when I’m at an ATM, do I choose savings or credit on my travel card.
Hi Carol,
Thanks for your question.
While the Commonwealth Bank Travel Money card is a prepaid travel money card, you’ll need to select ‘credit’ when making EFTPOS purchases or ATM withdrawals.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
What counts as an “eligible transaction account”? Can I transfer from my foreign currency account to my travel card?
Hi Karen,
You can only load Australian dollars on the Commonwealth Bank Travel Money. So, you won’t be able to transfer a foreign currency on to your travel card.
Cheers,
Sally
Do I have the ability to stop payments to a particular payee if the need arises (on-line)?
Hi John,
Thanks for your question.
If you have an automatic transfer organised with a particular payee, you should be able to pause or cancel this through your NetBank. If you’re unsure how, you can contact Commonwealth Bank on 13 22 21 for further assistance.
Cheers,
Sally
I’m planning on going to czech republic in a few weeks, the koruna isnt a currency i can load, what is the best way to load money on… if i just load it with AUD will it just take out CZK at the banks commonwealths current excchange rate? will there be fees every time i use the card or just every time i withdraw cash? if so how much would the fees be?
Hi Tom,
Thanks for your question.
Unfortunately, the CZK isn’t an available currency on any Australian prepaid travel money cards.
If you’re using the Commonwealth Bank Travel Money card, you can load the card with Australian dollars and it will exchange the funds into CZK each time you use the card to make a purchase or withdrawal.
This card doesn’t charge a currency conversion fee, so you will only be charged AUD$3.00 when you withdraw from an ATM. You’ll also be charged when you load funds on your card and if you need to replace it. You can see a full list of the applicable fees and charges on this review page.
I hope this has helped.
Cheers,
Sally
If I only have AUD in my travel money card can I withdraw local currency in Russia, Denmark, Switzerland and The Netherlands?
Hi Liesje,
Yes, if you have Australian dollars (or any other currency loaded on your card) you can withdraw local currency in Russia, Denmark, Switzerland and The Netherlands. Please note that the daily exchange rate will apply when you’re withdrawing or making purchases in those currencies that aren’t supported by your card.
Please note that ATM withdrawal fees will also apply.
Cheers,
Sally
If I am paying for something online do i choose debit card or credit card?
Hi Hilary,
Thanks for your question.
While the Commonwealth Bank Travel Money card is a prepaid travel money card, you’ll need to select ‘credit’ when making EFTPOS purchases or ATM withdrawals.
Cheers,
Sally
Can I still use the card to the currency which is not appearing in your list? Specifically my home country currency, Tanzania Shilling?
Thank you
Hi Felix,
Thanks for your inquiry. Please note that you’ve come through to finder.com.au we are an Australian financial comparison website and general information service, not actually Commonwealth Bank.
The Commonwealth Bank Travel Money Card can be used in many locations around the world or wherever MasterCard is accepted. So this can be used in Tanzania. No currency will be charged to this card when you spend in an unsupported currency, like the Tanzanian Shilling.
Just please note that you can only get or order this card in Australia and the currencies you can load onto it are the only ones listed above.
Cheers,
May
Hi i am wondering exactly how the lock in exchange rate works?
If i transfer 100 AUD to USD via netbank at say .725 in the morning and i transfer another 100AUD in the evening but the rate has dropped, do i get the first initial higher rate of that same day?
And in reverse if it goes up do i get the higher rate of that same day?
Hi Chad,
Thanks for your question.
With locked in exchange rate, say you transferred 100AUD to USD at .725 today, the $72.5 USD is the total amount that you can use to make purchases in USD in the future time, regardless if there are movements in the exchange rate.
If you decide to transfer again $50 in the evening when the rate dropped to say .72, that new rate applies, so only $36 will be added to your USD account. This is because the bank uses the latest rate at the time of loading or reloading your card.
Cheers,
Anndy
I am new to using Travel card and am in UK.I have tried to obtain funds at an ATM in Yorkshire and was unsuccessful. What could I be doing wrong?
Hi Gina,
Thanks for your question.
Just to confirm, you’ve come through to finder.com.au we are an Australian financial comparison website and general information service, not actually CBA.
If you are in the UK, the GBP (if you loaded GBP onto the card) you have will automatically be used provided you have enough funds in that currency for your transaction. With your CBA Travel card, you can use it in over 38 million locations where MasterCard is accepted, just make sure to select the ‘credit’ option.
Please also note that you must activate the card before using it for your transaction. Furthermore, while overseas, you can manage your card through Netbank — Commbank’s Internet banking portal — and also through SMS alerts and phone banking.
Hope this helps.
Cheers,
May