How to prepare for travel money emergencies

Getting stuck overseas without a penny to your name is the last thing you want on a vacation. Thankfully, there are a few simple things you can do to prepare for a worst-case money scenario abroad.

How can I prepare myself for a travel money emergency?

Making sure you’ve prepared yourself financially could save you a lot of grief in the long run. Here are a few simple tips you should consider before and during your trip to ensure a stress-free vacation:

1. Notify your provider that you’re traveling
   If you’re planning on using your regular debit or credit card overseas, let your card lender know where you’ll be traveling. This will save you the hassle of having a transaction declined or blocked as a result of a security precaution. This can also help your bank identify whether a new transaction is actually fraudulent in the event that your credit card is stolen.
2. Organize more than one travel money option
   The saying “never put all your eggs in one basket” applies here. — take a few spending options. Travel-friendly credit cards can be used for large purchases or reservations for hotels and car rentals. A debit or prepaid travel card can come in handy for ATM withdrawals and smaller purchases. You could also prepare ahead of time by sending money overseas before you go. Last, but certainly not least, bring cash — you never know where and when your card will be accepted.
3. Create a travel emergency kit
   You’ll want to have a safe location to store several important emergency items, such as your emergency documentation as well as your emergency cash. Don’t carry this kit with you during your day to day travels — you’ll want to keep it separate, such as in a safe location in your hotel or luggage you aren’t carrying with you.
4. Have your provider’s contact numbers on hand
   Doing your research on knowing who to call, what the process is and what options are available — whether it be an emergency cash transfer or a replacement card — will save you time and a headache. Before you leave, jot down your provider’s contact details in both your phone and luggage. All of this information should be available via your cards Terms and Conditions or you can contact the customer service team directly.
5. If you notice something’s wrong, report it immediately
   If you notice suspicious transactions on your account or are unable to access your funds, contact your provider immediately. Resolving the issue could take some time, so the sooner you report it, the better. Some lenders may have a policy about the cardholder taking reasonable steps to protect the account and report irregular behavior, if you fail to do so, you may find yourself unable to get the assistance you need.
6. Scout out the nearest consulate
   If you’re experiencing a travel money emergency and don’t have the emergency resources of a travel kit, call or visit the local US consulate. In the worst-case scenario, the consulate can help you contact a friend or family member and facilitate a funds transfer to a new account. You can read more information on the US Bureau of Consular Affairs website.

Compare travel money cards

• Travel credit cards
• Prepaid travel money cards

Data indicated here is updated regularly

We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.

Learn how we maintain accuracy on our site.

Close

{"niche":"USCCF"}

Sort by:

Name	Product	Foreign transaction fee	Welcome offer	Rewards	Filter values
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card		None	60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months, a value of up to $750 through Chase Ultimate Rewards	5x points on Lyft, 2x points on travel and dining and 1x points on all other purchases		Earn a signup bonus worth $750 with this popular travel card. Combine with other Chase Ultimate Rewards cards for even greater value.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
American Express® Gold Card		None	60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months	3x points on directly-booked flights; 4x at restaurants; 4x at US supermarkets on up to $25,000 annually (then 1x points)		Earn up to 4x points on select purchases, a bevy of travel perks, and a welcome offer worth up to $600 with this upper-mid tier travel card. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Petal® 2 "Cash Back, No Fees" Visa® Credit Card		None	N/A	Up to 10% cash back from select merchants, on other purchases earn 1% back, 1.25% after six on-time payments and 1.5% after 12 on-time payments		Build your credit with rewards and no fees: Apply if you're new to credit or have a fair to good score of 600 or higher. See if you prequalify with no impact to your score.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi		None	N/A	4% at gas stations on up to $7,000 annually (then 1%), 3% at restaurants and on travel, 2% at Costco and 1% on all other purchases		An impressive cashback card that offers up to 4% back on everyday purchases like gas, travel and dining all for the cost of a Costco membership.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Chase Sapphire Reserve®		None	50,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months	10x points on Lyft rides, 3x points on dining and travel after earning your $300 travel credit and 1x points on all other purchases		Get a generous $300 in annual travel credits, 3x points on travel and dining, and a 50% bonus on point redemptions with Chase's premier card.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
TD Cash Credit Card		None	$150 after spending $500 in the first 90 days	3% on dining, 2% at grocery stores and 1% on all other eligible purchases		3% on dining and 2% on groceries make this a valuable card for food purchases. Use it while traveling, too, with no foreign transaction fees. Available in: CT, DC, DE, FL, MA, MD, ME, NC, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, SC, VA, VT	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Luxury Card Mastercard® Titanium Card™		None	N/A	1x points on all purchases with 2% point value when you redeem for airfare and 1% for cash back		Enjoy unique excursions, privileged access to exclusive events and insider opportunities.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
CardMatch™ from creditcards.com			See terms	See terms		Use the CardMatch tool to find cards you're likely to qualify for with your credit score, without a hard pull on your credit.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
The World of Hyatt Credit Card		None	25,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. 25,000 points after spending another $6,000 in the first 6 months	4x total points at Hyatt hotels as a World of Hyatt member, 2x on gyms, commuting, dining and airlines and 1x on all other purchases		Earn 25,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. 25,000 points after spending another $6,000 in the first 6 months.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card		None	40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months	2x points on Southwest and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rentals and 1x points on all other purchases		Earn 40,000 points after you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
IHG® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card		None	140,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months	25x points at IHG hotels, 2x on gas, groceries and dining and 1x on all other purchases		140,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Luxury Card Mastercard® Black Card™		None	N/A	1x points on all purchases with 2% point value when you redeem for airfare and 1.5% for cash back		Receive an annual $100 air travel credit toward flight-related purchases including airline tickets, baggage fees, upgrades and more.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
IHG® Rewards Club Traveler Credit Card		None	100,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months	15x total points at IHG hotels, 2x points at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants and 1x points on all other purchases		Earn 100,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
British Airways Visa Signature® Card		None	50,000 Avios after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus 50,000 Avios after spending $20,000 in the first year	3x Avios on British Airways and partner airlines, 2x on hotels and 1x on all other purchases		50,000 Avios after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months, plus 50,000 Avios after spending $20,000 in the first year	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card		None	40,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months	2x points on Southwest Airlines and 1x points on all other purchases		Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.	See offer View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card		None	35,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months	2x miles on Delta purchases, restaurants and at US supermarkets and 1x miles on all other purchases		With a welcome offer worth up to $600, up to 2x miles on select purchases, and assorted Delta perks, this is a strong choice for Delta fans. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
The Platinum Card® from American Express		None	100,000 points after spending $5,000 in your first 6 months, plus 10x points at US gas stations and US supermarkets on up to $15,000 in combined purchases in the same timeframe	10x points at US gas stations and US supermarkets on up to $15,000 combined in the first 6 months, 15x points on directly-booked flights or on flights and hotels on Amex Travel. 1x points on all other purchases. Starting January 1, 2021, your 15x points on flights will be capped on up to $500,000 annually (then 1x points).		One of the most valuable premium travel cards, featuring two welcome offers worth up to $4,500, multiple travel credits and unrivaled lounge access. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Hilton Honors American Express Card		None	80,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months	7x points on Hilton Honors purchases, 5x at US restaurants, US supermarkets and US gas stations, 3x on all other purchases		With a massive welcome offer for a no-annual-fee card and up to 7x points at Hilton, this is a solid pick for Hilton fans and occasional travelers. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card		None	130,000 points after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months	12x points on Hilton Portfolio spending, 6x at US restaurants, US supermarkets and US gas stations, 3x on all other purchases		With a big welcome offer worth up to $650, up to 12x points on spending, and free Gold status, this is an upgrade from the entry Hilton card. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card		None	40,000 miles and 5,000 MQMs after spending $2,000 in the first 3 months, plus $100 after making a Delta purchase in the same timeframe	3x miles on Delta and direct hotel purchases, 2x miles at restaurants and US supermarkets and 1x miles for all other purchases		This card boasts a welcome offer worth up to $720, an annual companion certificate and valuable Delta perks. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card		None	40,000 miles and 10,000 MQMs after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months	3x miles on direct Delta purchases and 1x miles on all other purchases		Delta's luxury offering shines with access to Delta Sky Clubs, Centurion Lounges, an annual companion certificate and more valuable travel perks. Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card		None	100,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months, plus earn 25,000 after the first anniversary of card membership (offer expires 1/13/2021)	6x points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 3x at US restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2x for all other purchases		Earn 100,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 or more within your first 3 months, plus earn 25,000 after the first anniversary of card membership (offer expires 1/13/2021). Rates & fees	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Citi Premier® Card		None	60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months	3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, flights and hotels and 1x points on everything else		Earn 60,000 bonus points after making $4,000 in purchases with your card within the first 3 months of account opening.	Apply now View details	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

loading

Load More

Compare up to 4 providers

Clear selection

Compare

Our pick for a prepaid travel card
Travelex Money Card

View details

Hide details

See offer
Read review

• 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.

Bottom line

While it’s a drag to prepare yourself for an unexpected emergency, it’s a surefire way to reduce stress and minimize further issues. Your travel strategies will depend on your individual circumstances, so consider what will be best for you, and be sure to learn about all your travel money options before going abroad.