Is the Asda Travel Money Card the Best Way to Spend Abroad?

If you're planning a trip and looking for the best card to use abroad, you might have come across the Asda Travel Money Card. Marketed as a convenient way to manage travel expenses, it lets you load multiple currencies and use it worldwide. But is it really the best way to spend abroad? Let’s take a deep dive into the pros, cons, and alternatives like Curve which eliminate fees abroad without the hassle of topping up a prepaid travel money card.

What is the Asda Travel Money Card?

The Asda Travel Money Card is a prepaid travel money card that allows you to load funds in up to 15 different currencies and use it anywhere that accepts Mastercard Prepaid. You can top up online or at Asda Travel Money bureaux, and use it for shopping, dining, and ATM withdrawals abroad.

✅ Pros of the Asda Travel Money Card

✔ Multi-currency support – Load up to 15 currencies for global travel.
✔ Contactless payments – Use it like a debit or credit card for quick transactions.
✔ Security – Since it’s not linked to your bank account, it’s safer in case of theft.
✔ Budget control – Preloading funds helps you stick to your travel budget.
✔ No Asda ATM withdrawal fees – If you withdraw in a preloaded currency, Asda won’t charge you (though some ATM operators may).

❌ Cons of the Asda Travel Money Card

✖ GBP top-ups have a 2% fee – If you load money in British Pounds (GBP), you’ll be charged 2% every time.
✖ High FX conversion fee – If you spend in a currency that isn’t preloaded, you pay a 5.75% foreign exchange fee.
✖ Inactivity fees – If you don’t use the card for 12 months, you’ll be charged £2 per month until your balance is gone.
✖ Exchange rates aren’t always the best – Rates are locked in when you load the card, but they may not be as competitive as live market rates offered by alternatives like Revolut,  Wise or Curve. 

Alternatives to the Asda Travel Money Card

If you want to avoid fees and get better exchange rates, here are three smarter ways to spend abroad:

1. Chase UK bank 

• 0% foreign transaction fees on purchases abroad.

• Unlimited free ATM withdrawals worldwide.

• 1% cashback on spending for 12 months.

2. Revolut pre-paid travel card 

• Uses mid-market exchange rates (no added markup).

• Multi-currency accounts – hold, exchange, and spend in 30+ currencies.

• Free ATM withdrawals up to £200/month (fees apply after).

3. Wise pre-paid travel card

• 50+ currency support for holding and spending abroad.

• Low-cost international money transfers.

• Uses the real exchange rate with small fees.

Why Curve is the Smartest Alternative for Spending Abroad

If you     want a simple, hassle-free way to avoid FX fees while traveling, Curve is the smartest solution. Unlike prepaid travel money cards, you don’t need to preload money, switch banks, or open a new account.

How Curve Works

1. Link your existing debit & credit cards to the Curve app.

2. Spend abroad with zero FX fees – Curve automatically converts your purchases at the best exchange rates.

3. No need to top-up – Since it works with your current bank cards, there’s no need to transfer money to a separate account.

4. Free foreign ATM withdrawals – Up to £1,000 per month (on premium plans).

5. "Go Back in Time" feature – Move past transactions to a different card up to 30 days later.

Why Curve is Better Than a Travel Money Card

✔ No need to preload funds – Unlike prepaid cards, you can use your existing bank cards without restrictions.
✔ No foreign exchange fees – Spend in 150+ currencies with zero FX fees.
✔ No new bank account needed – Just link your current cards and travel worry-free.
✔ Automatic currency conversion – Curve gives you the mid-market exchange rate without the need to pre-select a currency.

Maximizing Curve’s Travel Perks with Premium Plans

If you travel frequently, upgrading to Curve’s premium plans unlocks even more travel benefits:

🚀 Curve Premium Travel Benefits:

✅ 1% cashback on all spending outside Europe.
✅ 1% cashback at top travel brands – Earn at Booking.com, Uber, EasyJet, BP, Shell, and more.
✅ Free ATM withdrawals abroad up to £1,000/month (on top-tier plan).
✅ Travel insurance & lounge access (on top-tier plan).

With Curve Premium, you’re not just avoiding fees—you’re earning cashback while spending abroad

Verdict: Should You Get the Asda Travel Money Card?

The Asda Travel Money Card is better than using a standard UK bank card abroad, but it has limitations like loading fees, high FX charges, and inactivity fees. If you want the best card to use abroad, there are smarter alternatives like Chase UK, Revolut, and Wise.

However, the easiest, most convenient way to avoid foreign exchange fees is Curve. It removes the hassle of topping up, gives you zero FX fees, and lets you use any debit or credit card abroad. Plus, with Curve Premium, you can earn cashback at major travel brands while you spend.

Want to travel smarter? Get Curve today and spend abroad without fees!