Managing Money In A Crisis
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AAA Visa TravelMoney card review
This travel expert can get you access to local currency from Visa ATMs around the world.
Updated
You may rely on AAA for roadside assistance and travel plans — add foreign currency to its suite of services. Its Visa TravelMoney card can make you feel less like a tourist by simplifying currency conversions and foreign exchange rates. And the good news is you don’t have to be a member to get it.
The chip and PIN protected AAA Visa TravelMoney card comes with the security of traveler’s checks and the simplicity of a Visa branded credit card. Accepted all over the world, the Visa TravelMoney card will convert your USD to the local currency almost anywhere around the world. And you’ll enjoy Visa’s zero liability policy protecting you from fraud and unauthorized purchases.
What is the AAA Visa TravelMoney card?
The AAA Visa TravelMoney card works like a debit card — use your card at merchants and ATM to access money when traveling abroad. But, this card isn’t attached to your bank account. Instead load the card with the money you plan to take on your trip, and use it to pay for dinner, souvenirs, excursions or anything else.
What’s more, if you buy your plane tickets with the AAA Visa TravelMoney card, your purchase is protected in case of a canceled or delayed flight. You’ll also have access to emergency cash replacement and 24-hour customer service.
Load this card with as little as $100, and as much as $5,000 at a time, with a maximum balance of $9,999. You can manage your balance at your local AAA store, by phone or online at AAA.MyPrepaidBalace.com
Consider an alternative to the AAA TravelMoney card
- Load your card with your choice of 6 available currencies: Euros, British pounds, Australian dollars, Japanese yen, Canadian dollars, and Mexican pesos
- Lock in your exchange rate
- Use your card abroad at millions of locations
How much will the AAA Visa TravelMoney card cost?
How much will I pay on the exchange rate?
Because your funds aren’t immediately converted into a foreign currency, you don’t have the benefit of locking in an exchange rate. Instead, Visa charges its conversion rate — typically close to the midmarket rate.
How much are the fees?
The biggest disadvantage of this card are the fees that come along with it. Each time you use the card, the AAA Visa TravelMoney Card charges a 3% transaction fee and a $3 international ATM fee — typical for most credit cards. The benefit of the TravelMoney card is that because it’s your money, you won’t pay interest on your purchases.
The initial purchase price is determined by whether you’re an AAA member or not. It’s $5.95 for AAA members and $9.95 for non-members. And once you’re done with the card, be sure to deactivate it, or you’ll be charged $1.25 each month you don’t use it.
| Product name | AAA Visa TravelMoney |
| Card issue fee | AAA members: $5.95 Non-members: $9.95 |
| Initial load fee | None |
| Reload fee | None |
| Transaction fee | 3% outside of the US |
| ATM withdrawal fee |
|
| Bank withdrawal fee | $5 |
| Inactive fee | $1.25 per month |
Benefits
The security of this card is it’s greatest benefit. It’s protected by chip technology and a PIN, and because it’s not connected to any accounts, your personal information is protected. Other benefits include:
- Accepted worldwide. Access to over one million ATMs.
- Travel assistance. Enjoy emergency services and lost luggage reimbursement when you pay for your flight with your TravelMoney Card.
- Additional card. Request an additional card for a travel companion or in case of an emergency.
- High balance maximum. Load up to $9,999 — that’s more than its competitors.
Drawbacks and limits
- Limited transactions. You’re limited to three ATM transactions and $1,000 per day.
- Fees. You’ll pay fees for purchases, conversion and ATM withdrawals.
- Not reliable for deposits. Use credit cards to put a temporary hold on your card, like hotels, car rentals and gas stations with automated pumps.
- Card restrictions. Before you leave, be sure to check the AAA Visa TravelMoney website to see what countries have card restrictions — usually related to US travel and financial warnings.
Consider using the Travelex Money Card instead of the AAA Visa TravelMoney card.
A note about tipping with your card
When you use prepaid cards to pay for restaurant and bar tabs — or anywhere a gratuity is expected — budget a “tip tolerance” of 10% to 20% on top of your bill’s base amount.When swiping your card, many establishments reserve what they expect you’ll add as a tip. If you don’t have enough money on your prepaid card to cover up to 20% on top of the base amount, consider using another card to avoid an uncomfortable card denial.
How to get a AAA Visa TravelMoney card
To be eligible for a AAA Visa TravelMoney card, you must:
- Be at least 16 years old
- Provide personal information like name and address and a government issued ID.
Cards can be purchased and reloaded at one of the many AAA retail offices throughout the country. The benefit of being a AAA member is that you have the flexibility of reloading online www.aaa.com or calling 866-674-9622. Nonmembers needs to reload at the same location they bought the card.
I got the card. Now what?
If you’re loading funds onto your card, be aware that they may not post immediately. It may take a day or two depending on weekends or holidays.
- Spend wisely. Keep track of your spending and balances by registering your card on the AAA Prepaid website, AAA Prepaid app or calling 866-674-9622.
- Factor in fees. Each time you use your card, you’ll pay a fee. Be sure to factor in those amounts when calculating your balance.
- Security. If you have any questions or your card is lost or stolen, call 866-674-9621 to get a replacement.
- Closing your card. To avoid inactivity fees, close your card when you’re done traveling by calling card services 877-856-2471.
If your card has been lost or stolen, customer service can arrange for a replacement card to be sent to you for a fee of $5.95.To avoid waiting for a replacement card, it’s wise to initially purchase an additional card for only $1.50.
Bottom line
If you’re looking for a travel card that gives you the perks of a credit card — without the interest rates, the AAA Visa TravelMoney Card is worth looking into. Before deciding on a travel money card, consider your options and compare.
Frequently asked questions
Ask an Expert
How long does an AAA Travel Card go before you consider it inactive?
Hi Jeff,
Thank you for your comment.
It will take 6months to a year for the card to become inactive. There’s an inactivity fee charged after 12 consecutive months of inactivity which is for $1.25/month.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
PLS LET ME KNOW HOW MUCH AMOUNT OF EUROS I CAN USE AT THE SAME DAY (ONE DAY)TO PAY FOR PURCHASING GOODS IN GREECE
Hi Theofanies,
Thanks for reaching out to finder.
AAA Visa travel money card’s daily spending limit is $9,999 (or amount equivalent in Euros). This spend limit refers to the maximum cumulative point-of-sale signature or point-of-sale PIN transactions you can make per 24 hours. The maximum card balance that you can have at any time is also $9,999.
You can use the AAA Visa travel money card everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted as well as for online and telephone purchases.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Charisse
Is it possible to load more money onto my AAA Visa Travel Money Card? If so, how do I do it? Thanks.
Hello Daryl,
Thank you for your comment.
Yes, it is possible to load money on the AAA Visa TravelMoney card. You can reload your card at any participating AAA office, call their toll-free or through their website. Please note that the maximum balance on the card is $9,999.
Should you wish to have real-time answers to your questions, try our chat box on the lower right corner of our page.
Regards,
Jhezelyn
Can you obtain a AAA visa travel money card and load balances onto it from an American Express gift card?
Hi Mark,
Thanks for getting in touch with finder.
Unfortunately, you can’t use your American Express gift card. According to our page, cards can be purchased and reloaded at one of the many AAA retail offices throughout the country. The benefit of being a AAA member is that you have the flexibility of reloading online http://www.aaa.com or calling 866-674-9622. Nonmembers needs to reload at the same location they bought the card.
I hope this helps. Should you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach us out again.
Have a wonderful day!
Cheers,
Joshua
How do I load my AAA visa debit card from outside USA?
Hi David,
Thanks for your inquiry
Just to confirm though that AAA Travel Money card is no longer available, hence it’s no longer possible to reload this card. Instead, you may want bring Travelex Money Card overseas. This card can be reloaded with funds conveniently via Travelex Money app, online, phone or any Travelex store in the US. Aside from Travelex, there are travel money cards listed on this page for your comparison.
Hope this can help.
Best regards,
Rench
I phoned my local AAA office on Thursday, 8/30/18, and was told I could come that day before 5pm to organize my prepaid Visa travel money card.
If you are a AAA member, check with AAA locally to verify availability. As of last week the card was not discontinued.