Best Options for Travel Money in 2025
Traveling abroad in 2025? Choosing the right travel money option can save you hundreds of dollars in fees and poor exchange rates. With new fintech solutions, digital wallets, and changing banking policies, travelers have more choices than ever—but not all options are equal.
In this guide from CurrencyRatez.com, we'll explore the best travel money options for 2025, comparing fees, exchange rates, security, and convenience. Whether you're a frequent flyer or planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip, this article will help you maximize your travel budget.
Key Insight: The best travel money option combines low fees, fair exchange rates, and convenience. For most travelers in 2025, a multi-currency travel card + backup credit card is the ideal combo.
Why Your Travel Money Choice Matters
Carrying the wrong type of travel money can lead to:
- High foreign transaction fees (3-5% per purchase)
- Poor exchange rates (banks and airports often offer the worst rates)
- Security risks (lost cash or card fraud)
- Inconvenience (some currencies are hard to exchange abroad)
The best travel money options in 2025 will offer:
- ✅ Low or no fees
- ✅ Fair exchange rates (close to the mid-market rate)
- ✅ Wide acceptance (works in most countries)
- ✅ Security features (fraud protection, emergency card replacement)
1. Multi-Currency Travel Cards (Best for Most Travelers)
Top Picks: Wise Travel Card, Revolut, Chime
Multi-currency cards allow you to load and spend in multiple currencies at near-perfect exchange rates. They're accepted worldwide and often come with no foreign transaction fees.
Why They're Great for 2025:
- Lock in exchange rates before your trip
- Spend in 50+ currencies with minimal fees
- Free ATM withdrawals (usually up to a limit)
- Better security than cash (freeze/unfreeze via app)
Comparison of Top Travel Cards
| Feature | Wise | Revolut | Chime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange Rate | Mid-market + 0.5% fee | Free weekdays, 1% weekends | Free |
| ATM Fees | Free up to $250/month | Free up to $1,200/month | Free at in-network ATMs |
| Currencies Supported | 50+ | 30+ | USD only (but no FX fees) |
| Best For | Frequent travelers | Budget travelers | U.S. travelers |
Tip: Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC) when paying—always choose the local currency for the best rate.
2. Travel-Friendly Credit Cards (Best for Rewards & Protection)
Top Picks: Chase Sapphire Preferred, Capital One Venture X, American Express Platinum
Premium travel credit cards offer no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance, and reward points that can cover flights and hotels.
Why They're Great for 2025:
- Earn points/miles on every purchase
- Free travel insurance (flight delays, lost luggage)
- Airport lounge access (Amex Platinum, Venture X)
- Better fraud protection than debit cards
Best Travel Credit Cards in 2025
| Card | Annual Fee | Foreign Fee | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | $95 | 0% | 60,000 bonus points ($750 travel value) |
| Capital One Venture X | $395 | 0% | Free airport lounge access |
| Amex Platinum | $695 | 0% | 5x points on flights |
Warning: Always pay in full to avoid high interest rates (20%+).
3. Digital Wallets & Mobile Payments (Best for Convenience)
Top Picks: Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal
Contactless payments via smartphones and smartwatches are becoming the norm worldwide. Many countries (especially in Europe and Asia) prefer mobile payments over cash.
Why They're Great for 2025:
- No physical card needed (just tap your phone)
- Secure (tokenized payments reduce fraud risk)
- Works with travel cards (Wise, Revolut, etc.)
- Accepted in 85% of stores in major cities
Downside: Some small businesses and rural areas still prefer cash.
4. Cash – Still Necessary? (Best for Emergencies & Remote Areas)
While digital payments dominate, cash is still essential in:
- Japan (many places don't accept cards)
- Germany (cash is still king)
- Southeast Asia (street vendors, taxis)
Best Ways to Get Cash in 2025:
- ✔ Withdraw from ATMs (avoid Euronet—they charge high fees)
- ✔ Exchange before you travel (banks usually offer better rates than airports)
- ✔ Use a fee-free debit card (like Charles Schwab)
Avoid:
- ❌ Airport exchange kiosks (worst rates)
- ❌ Hotel currency exchange (high fees)
5. Cryptocurrency Travel Cards (Emerging Option for 2025)
Top Picks: Wirex, Crypto.com Visa Card
Some travelers now use crypto-backed cards to spend Bitcoin, USDT, or other stablecoins abroad.
Pros:
- Low FX fees (0.5-1%)
- Instant conversions from crypto to local currency
- Works anywhere Visa/Mastercard is accepted
Cons:
- Volatility risk (unless using stablecoins like USDC)
- Not widely understood (some merchants may reject it)
Best for: Tech-savvy travelers who already use crypto.
Which Travel Money Option is Best for You?
| Traveler Type | Best Option | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent Flyers | Travel credit card (Chase Sapphire) | Maximize rewards & lounge access |
| Budget Travelers | Wise or Revolut card | Lowest fees, best exchange rates |
| Backpackers | Cash + fee-free debit card | Needed for remote areas |
| Business Travelers | Amex Platinum | Luxury perks, concierge service |
| Digital Nomads | Multi-currency account (Wise) | Manage money in multiple currencies |
Final Tips for Managing Travel Money in 2025
- Never rely on just one payment method (carry 2+ options).
- Always check exchange rates before converting money.
- Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks.
- Use ATMs inside banks (safer and lower fees than street ATMs).
- Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC)—always pay in local currency.
Pro Tip
Use CurrencyRatez.com to check live exchange rates and find the best conversion deals before your trip.
FAQs About Travel Money in 2025
Q: Should I exchange money before traveling?
A: Only if going to a cash-heavy destination (Japan, Germany). Otherwise, withdraw local currency from ATMs.
Q: Are travel cards safer than credit cards?
A: Yes, because they're not linked to your main bank account.
Q: What's the cheapest way to get foreign currency?
A: Wise or Revolut cards (low fees + best exchange rates).
Q: Will cash disappear by 2025?
A: No—cash is still needed in many places, but digital payments are growing fast.