Sainsbury's Travel Card: Pros and Cons
The Sainsbury's Travel Card is a prepaid currency card designed for spending abroad without the need for cash. It allows you to load multiple currencies and use it just like a debit or credit card. The idea is to lock in exchange rates before you travel, potentially saving money if exchange rates fluctuate.
How Does It Work?
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Load money onto the card in your chosen currency at a Sainsbury’s Travel Money bureau or online.
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Use it abroad for shopping, dining, and ATM withdrawals.
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No need for a bank account—it’s a standalone prepaid card.
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Manage your balance via an app or online portal.
✅ Pros of the Sainsbury’s Travel Card
✔ Avoid carrying cash – Safer than carrying large amounts of foreign currency.
✔ Fixed exchange rate – Lock in a rate before you travel.
✔ Supports multiple currencies – Useful for multi-country trips.
✔ Not linked to your bank account – Reduces fraud risk.
✔ No UK purchase fees – Use it online or in-store at home before your trip.
❌ Cons of the Sainsbury’s Travel Card
✖ Limited fee-free spending – If you spend in a currency not preloaded, you get hit with a 5.75% conversion fee.
✖ GBP loads have a 2% fee – Topping up in British pounds costs extra.
✖ Inactivity fees – If unused for 18 months, you’re charged £2 per month.
✖ ATM withdrawal limits – Some cash withdrawals may incur fees.
✖ Not the best exchange rates – You might get better rates with other services like Wise or Revolut.
Are There Cheaper Alternatives?
Yes! Several options offer better exchange rates and lower fees:
1. Revolut – Best for real exchange rates
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Uses real exchange rates (not marked-up ones)
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Free spending abroad (up to a limit)
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Budgeting tools & multi-currency support
2. Wise (formerly TransferWise) – Best for multi-currency holding
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50+ currencies supported
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Uses mid-market exchange rates
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Low conversion fees compared to traditional banks
3. Chase UK – Best for free ATM withdrawals
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No foreign transaction fees
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Unlimited free cash withdrawals abroad
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1% cashback for a year
Why Curve is the Smartest Alternative
If you want the simplest, most hassle-free way to save abroad, Curve is the best option. Unlike prepaid travel cards, there’s no need to top-up or switch banks. Just link your existing debit and credit cards to Curve and spend abroad without foreign exchange fees.
How Curve Works
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Link all your bank cards to the Curve app.
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Spend abroad with Curve—it automatically applies zero foreign transaction fees.
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Get cashback – Curve’s premium plans offer 1% cashback at travel retailers like EasyJet, Booking.com, Uber, BP, Shell, and Four Seasons Hotels.
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ATM withdrawals abroad – Get up to £1,000 free cash withdrawals per month.
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Use "Go Back in Time" – Move past transactions to a different card up to 30 days later.
Why Curve Beats Prepaid Travel Cards
✔ No faffing with top-ups – Unlike prepaid cards, Curve just works.
✔ No need to switch banks – Keep using your existing bank cards.
✔ Save on every trip – No worrying about exchange rate lock-ins or topping up the right amount.
✔ Perfect for frequent travelers – Upgrade to a premium plan for unlimited FX-free spending and cashback rewards.
Final Verdict: Should You Get a Sainsbury’s Travel Card?
If you want a prepaid option and don’t mind topping up in advance, the Sainsbury’s Travel Card can be useful. But cheaper, smarter options exist, like Revolut, Wise, and Chase UK.
For the simplest way to spend abroad without fees, Curve is the winner. It kills FX fees, removes the hassle of prepaid travel cards, and rewards you with cashback at top travel brands.
📲 Want to travel smarter? Get Curve today and start saving instantly.
