Westpac Global Currency Card Review

While it’s straightforward to obtain foreign currency overseas, a quick trip to an ATM, or a currency exchange bureau, can leave you at the mercy of hidden fees and exchange rates. This is when a travel money card can be your friend. Travel money cards allow you to load up on foreign currency online wherever you are, so you can enjoy your holiday without the worry of sky-high exchange rates and fees.

What is the Global Currency Card?

Westpac’s Global Currency Card is a prepaid multi-currency travel card that allows users to spend like a local when travelling overseas or shopping online.

What can I use a Global Currency Card for?

You can use a Global Currency Card like any other travel money card. Load your Global Currency Card with NZ$ online using your debit Mastercard or bank transfer. From there you’re free to spend online or instore, anywhere that Mastercard is accepted.

Manage your Global Currency Card online, at any time. Load and switch between currencies from anywhere in the world, all without any bank transfer costs or monthly account fees.

Some key features of the Global Currency Card include:

• Pre-load up to nine different currencies
• Lock in exchange rates to avoid fluctuating conversion rates
• Obtain local currency from millions of Mastercard ATMs globally
• Contactless payment with Mastercard Tap & Go

How do I get a Global Currency Card?

Global Currency Cards are only available online, meaning you’ll have to apply through the Westpac website.

You’ll need your NZ passport or driver licence on hand, plus a Mastercard debit card to load up currencies. Or, you can use a bank transfer to pay for foreign currencies.

Once you have completed the application process and your information has been verified, Westpac will mail your Global Currency Card to you. The card should arrive within 5-10 business days.

You need to activate your Global Currency Card once it arrives. This can be done via the Westpac website.

Once your card has been activated and you’ve set a PIN, you can start spending.

Does a Global Currency Card cost to use?

There is no fee for the issue of your first Global Currency Card, and you can get a replacement card for free if your original card is misplaced or stolen.

However, there are some fees when using the card, including:

• 1.5% debit Mastercard load fee
• NZ$4 domestic ATM withdrawal fee
• Currency conversion fees apply

See here for a complete list of fees and limits.

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