Compare travel money deals before you buy to get the best value
As the world’s leading provider of foreign exchange, we’re committed to making sure travellers get great value.
We encourage anyone buying travel money to shop around and compare rates to find the best deal. Our Online Price Promise means that if you find a cheaper overall price, we'll refund the difference*.
Here are our top tips to make sure you get the best value when you’re comparing travel money deals online:
Check the total cost, not just the rate
It's important to look at the overall cost of buying your foreign currency, not just the exchange rate. The best travel money deal will involve a combination of a good exchange rate and low commission, together with good value on handling costs, credit card charges and delivery fees. You might also get a discount for buying over a certain amount.
And don't forget: we’re committed to offering you a great price on your foreign currency in the UK through our Online Price Promise. If you do find a cheaper overall price, we’ll refund the difference, reassuring you that you’re getting a great deal as well as buying from a trusted brand.
Make sure you compare travel money, like for like
Be sure that you’re making a like for like travel money comparison, here are some things to think about:
- When will you get your cash or prepaid currency card? If you’re travelling the next day you don’t want to wait ten working days for delivery.
- How will you get your foreign currency? Would it be more convenient to have your travel money delivered to your home, or to collect it from the airport?
- Is the rate advertised on the comparison site actually available?
- Will your credit card be charged? Some providers charge over 2% for using a credit card to buy travel money – which can make a huge difference.
Beware the pitfalls of comparison sites
Some comparison sites only promote foreign currency providers that they have a commercial relationship with. This can lead to confusing and conflicting results if you use a number of sites to compare travel money deals.
Which travel money comparison site should you use?
One of the only travel money comparison sites that currently provides impartial, accurate and up to date exchange rates across a broad range of currencies is travelmoneymax.com – part of Martin Lewis’s Money Saving Expert site.
But if you decide to use the travelmoneymax.com travel money comparison tool, remember to set the filters for delivery or collection to your requirements, so you can be sure you’re making a like for like comparison.
Knowing when to buy
Customers often ask: "When is the best time to buy currency?" The short answer is that there’s no way of knowing. Our advice is to plan ahead and use our Travel Rate Tracker.
Or, why not sign up to our newsletter? You‘ll be in with the chance of winning £1000 and receive details of our promotions and special currency happy hours. You can also follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
*Price promise terms and conditions apply