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How many days does it take for a travel card to arrive?

Organising your travel money at the last minute? Here's how long it'll take to get your travel money card.

Sally McMullen
Sally McMullen

Updated

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Maybe it slipped your mind, maybe you took your time comparing your options or maybe you just have a tendency of leaving things to the 11th hour, but now it's time to pick your travel money card. If your holiday is fast approaching, you can compare the quickest ways to snatch up a travel money card below.

How long will it take for my travel card to arrive?

Depending on how long you have until you fly out, you can order a card online (which will arrive in a few days) or pick up a card on the spot in the branch. Compare your options with the different providers below:

CardAvailable at Branch?Available Online?Available in Store?How much will it cost?How long will it take to arrive? In-branch / online
NAB Traveller Card (Discontinued)YesNoNo$0Purchase card instantly at any NAB branch.
Cash Passport Platinum MastercardoYesNo$0Your card will arrive by mail within 3 business days of your online application via Express Post. Instantly in branch or in store.
Commonwealth Bank Travel Money CardYesYes
(existing NetBank users)		No$15 (waived for Gold, Platinum and Diamond Credit Card customers, Platinum Debit Mastercard customers or students when they apply in branch)Purchase the card instantly at any CommBank branch. Existing NetBank customers who apply online will receive their card by mail within 5-6 business days (delivery may take longer outside metropolitan areas).
Travelex Money CardNoYesYes
any local Travelex (excluding HSBC branches)		$0Get your card instantly when you apply in-store, or apply online and receive your card by mail within 5-7 business days (delivery may take longer outside metropolitan areas). You can also pick up online orders from your local post office.
Qantas Travel MoneyNoYesNo$0If you're a Qantas Frequent Flyer eligible for Qantas Cash, you can request a new card at the Qantas Cash website. Otherwise, you can become a frequent flyer member and apply for your new card at the same time online too. Your card will arrive by mail in 10-14 business days or in 5 business days if you opt for the $30 express courier service.
Velocity Global Wallet CardNoYesNo$0You can join the Velocity program or request your Velocity Global Wallet Card online if you're already a Velocity member. Your card will arrive by mail in approximately 14 working days.
Australia Post Load&Go Travel CardYesNoNo$0 (with mandatory initial load amount between $100 and $10,000)You can get the card instantly at your nearest participating Australia Post Office.
Suncorp Cash Passport Platinum Mastercard Travel Money CardYesYesNoInitial card and load fee: $0 (via online) or $15.00 (via branch)You can visit any Suncorp branch to pick up your card instantly. If you apply online, the card will arrive by mail in approximately 5 business days.
STA Travel CashFLEX Visa CardsYesNo$0Get your card instantly at an STA Travel Store or receive it by mail within 7-10 working days when you apply online.
Westpac Global Currency Card - DiscontinuedYesYesNo$0 (Note: If you load in branch, initial load fee is the lesser of 1% of the load amount or $10)Get your card instantly at any Westpac branch, but note the initial in-branch loading fee. Otherwise, apply online for free and receive your card by mail in 5-7 business days (delivery may take longer outside metropolitan areas).

What if my card hasn't arrived?

If you've applied online but still haven't received your card, it may be time to touch base with your card provider and make sure your card is on its way. You can find a full list of the emergency numbers for travel card providers here.

It's probably a relief to know that you can always hop down to the nearest store or bank branch and still get your travel card on the spot if you need. Otherwise you'll need to leave up to a week to receive your card if you order it online. To quicken the application process, make sure you have all of the necessary documents handy. This usually includes two acceptable forms of identification for verification purposes, but please check and be sure to bring everything you need so you don't make a wasted trip to your local branch.

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