Under 18's Travel Money Card
Simplify your child's spending abroad with travel money cards designed for kids.
Getting access to money abroad can be tricky and can come with unwelcome additional charges. Foreign cash machines will usually charge a fee, and while initially it may not seem like a large amount, it can quickly add up, costing you a lot of money. For teenagers travelling abroad, this process can seem even more daunting, and carrying lots of cash isn't always the safest option. This is where travel money cards can be a great alternative.
Key Points:
- Travel money cards are a safe and convenient alternative to carrying cash abroad, allowing children to make purchases and withdraw cash securely.
- Parents can track spending, set limits, and reload funds easily via apps.
- Cards can be cancelled and frozen if lost or stolen.
How does a travel money card work?
A money card works similar to a debit card, without the same bank rules and regulations. They are amazingly simple and safe to use, all you have to do is to make sure you remember to load it up with funds before your child's trip. Some providers will allow you to do this instantly via a website or App. Travel money cards are great for under 18's and can be used all over the world for things like:
- Paying for goods online
- Taking out foreign cash
- Making purchases in shops or restaurants
Our top-picks:
To help make finding the best travel money card a little easier, compare Money Saving Expert's top cards for under-18's below. Remember, these cards may not charge you but some ATMs may still charge their own fee.
Nationwide FlexOne
Age: 11–17
Main Cost: Free
Overseas Spending: No fee
Overseas ATM Withdrawals: No Nationwide fee
ATM Limit: £300/day
Notes: Full UK bank account. Can be opened in branch with parent/guardian.
Monzo Under 16s
Age: 6–15
Main Cost: Free
Overseas Spending: No fee
Overseas ATM Withdrawals: No Monzo fee
ATM Limit: £100/day
Notes: Parent must have Monzo account.
Monzo 16-17s
Age: 16–17
Main Cost: Free
Overseas Spending: No fee
Overseas ATM Withdrawals: No Monzo fee
ATM Limit: £400/day UK
Notes: Independent account for older teens.
Starling Kite
Age: 6–15
Main Cost: Usually free
Overseas Spending: No fee
Overseas ATM Withdrawals: No Starling fee
ATM Limit: £100/day
Notes: Parent must hold Starling account.
HyperJar
Age: 6–17
Main Cost: Free
Overseas Spending: No fee
Overseas ATM Withdrawals: No ATM withdrawals
ATM Limit: n/a
Notes: Good for budgeting abroad.
Revolut <18
Age: 6–17
Main Cost: Free basic plan
Overseas Spending: Free within limits
Overseas ATM Withdrawals: Depends on plan
ATM Limit: Variable
Notes: Weekend FX markups may apply.
GoHenry
Age: 6–18
Main Cost: £3.99/month
Overseas Spending: No fee
Overseas ATM Withdrawals: No GoHenry fee
ATM Limit: £120–£150/day
Notes: Strong parental controls.
NatWest Rooster
Age: 6–17
Main Cost: Free for NatWest parents
Overseas Spending: No fee
Overseas ATM Withdrawals: Small charges may apply
ATM Limit: Variable
Notes: Best for NatWest families.
What are the benefits of getting your child a travel money card?
It's important to prepare for any incidents abroad, including illness or lost personal belongings, which, unfortunately, is still an issue across airports all over the world. If your child is travelling alone this can be especially stressful, but with Under 18s Travel Insurance, you can be confident they’re covered if something doesn’t go to plan.
Cards can be safer than carrying around cash and can be cancelled and replaced if lost or stolen. Parents can also keep an eye on spending with smart apps that also have the ability to set budgets and send money easily.
Under-18s are covered when a parent or guardian makes the purchase on their behalf. Whether it’s a school trip, family getaway or weekend adventure, you can rest assured that everyone is protected. Choose from our three cover levels – Gold, Silver, and Bronze, each offering their own levels of protection. Book your Travel Insurance Today
Jetting off more than once this year? Save time with an annual multi-trip policy. 
Insure gadgets like mobile phones or laptops for an additional premium. 
We consider most pre-existing medical conditions with our specialised medical travel insurance.
Things to Consider:
- Security features: Pick cards with safety features such as PIN protection, freeze/unfreeze options, and fraud alerts. Some cards offer instant blocking if lost or stolen, providing reassurance in case anything goes wrong.
- Know the limits: Understand the card’s daily spending and withdrawal limits to prevent your child from overspending or getting stuck without funds.
- Getting support: It's good to check there’s reliable customer service available to help with any problems that could arise while your child is abroad.
Over 40 years experience in travel services.
Voted Best Insurance Provider 16 years running – since 2009.
A choice of cover levels and add-ons to help you pick the policy that suits your trip
£10.4 million paid in 2025, providing reliable support when it matters most.
Holiday Extras Travel Insurance is sold and administered by Holiday Extras Cover Limited, registered office address: Ashford Road, Newingreen, Hythe, Kent CT21 4JF.
Holiday Extras Cover Limited is an insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registration number 828848. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting: http://register.fca.org.uk
Holiday Extras™ is a Trading Name of Holiday Extras Cover Limited. The insurance is underwritten by Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited. Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 13436330 and whose registered office address is 1 Fen Court, London, United Kingdom, EC3M 5BN.
Great Lakes Insurance UK Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Firm Reference Number 955859. You can check this on the Financial Services Register by visiting: http://register.fca.org.uk
Our flight delay cover is underwritten by Astrenska Insurance Limited and serviced by Collinson Insurance Services Limited.