It’s fun making travel plans. And it pays to update your knowledge about the best way to take money for your next trip. In other words, don’t assume that the situation overseas will be the same as back home. Give yourself options by having a reasonable number of travel money choices.
Choose a debit card with worldwide acceptance.
While there will always be times when you’ll need foreign currency while travelling, debit cards are a super handy way to pay for purchases when you’re overseas.
Debit cards are convenient, secure and widely accepted, and as they let you use your own money, it’s a very cost-friendly payment option.
The trick is to look for a debit card that is recognised globally.
A Defence Bank Visa Debit card is accepted worldwide, wherever Visa is accepted. And with the Defence Bank award-winning app, you can manage your money on the go, report a lost or stolen card and order replacement cards.
Credit cards? Head for a low rate.
There’s something about travel that often sees us spend more than we planned. That’s why a credit card can be so handy. It lets you enjoy those spontaneous experiences that make your trip memorable. It can also be a useful source of cash in an emergency.
A Defence Bank Foundation Credit card not only gives you up to 55 days interest-free, it also comes with a super-low rate. So you can enjoy those unplanned purchases guilt-free. Even better, half of the annual $45 card fee is donated to the Defence Bank Foundation, a charity whose sole beneficiary is Defence Community Dogs.
Cash Passport.
If you’re overseas plans include travel to multiple countries, a cash passport travel money card is one to consider as it allows you to maintain control over your travel finances. With cash passport cards you can load multiple currencies onto the one card, so if you’re moving around you will have peace of mind knowing that you’ll always have local currency. Plus you’re not creating spur-of-the-moment debt as you’re using your own money. Reloading funds to your cash passport travel money card is convenient and can be done online via BPAY or at any Defence Bank branch.
Consider a digital wallet.
If you’ve never used a digital wallet, now could be the time to get onboard. They are a convenient tool for travellers. Not only is your digital wallet a great place to store your boarding pass, it can also be used to pay your way around the world.
Defence Bank Visa cards are compatible with Apple, Fitbit, Garmin, Google and Samsung Pay, so you can pay in-store, via the app or on the web.
Read the fine print on fees and charges.
As we’ve noted, things can work a bit differently overseas. For instance, if you use a debit or credit card to make payments while travelling, you could face high merchant fees. That’s because retailers and service providers in other countries may need to pay for the cost of converting your money into their own currency.
Be mindful of these fees as they can quickly add up, especially on an extended trip.
Don’t carry all your money options, all the time.
When you’re travelling, aim to keep at least some of your money options in a secure place (such as a hotel safe) rather than carrying all your cards and cash on you at all times. That way, if you lose your wallet or have it stolen, you have an alternative payment method to fall back on.
If you’re heading overseas, set a date to speak with the team at Defence Bank team. You can count on them to help you organise your holiday money. Call our Contact Centre on 1800 033 139 or visit your local branch to find out more.
Got questions? We have the answers. See our FAQs.
Important note: This information is of a general nature and is not intended to be relied on by you as advice in any particular matter. You should contact us at Defence Bank to discuss how this information may apply to your circumstances.
