Best card for traveling in 2024 Revolut, Wise or N26?

One of the best pieces of advice I can give you is to choose a good travel card. I personally travel with these three and I consider them to be the best ones, but you have to know what each one works best for.

In this article, you will solve your doubts once and for all. I will explain the characteristics of each card and which one is best for your situation.

Top 3 Travel Cards Comparison

This table will help you to better understand the features of each card. They are very similar, you will make your decision based on small details. After the table, you will find detailed information about each travel card and its plans. At the end of the article, I will tell you about my experience using each of these cards and why I travel with all three.

Comparative table

Feature	Wise (2024)	Revolut (2024)	N26 (2024)
Maintenance	Free	Free (Standard); $3.99 (Plus); $8.99 (Premium); $15.99 (Metal); $45 (Ultra)	Free (Basic); $4,90 (Smart); $9,90 (You); $16,90 (Metal)
SEPA Transfer Fees	Free	Free	Free
International Transfer Fees	From 0.41% depending on the country	Varies according to plan (see below)	Varies according to plan (see below)
ATM Withdrawals	2 free up to 200€/month, then 1,75% on the amount + 0,5€ fixed	Up to 200€/month (Standard and Plus), 400€/month (Premium), 800€/month (Metal) free of charge	Free of charge up to a certain limit, (see below)
Online Operations	Yes	Yes	Yes
Credit Card	No	Yes	No
Bizum	No	No	Yes
Currency Exchange	0.50% approx. depending on currencies	Up to 1,000€/month free (Standard and Plus), Up to 20,000€/month free (Premium), Unlimited free (Metal)	Free
Sending the Card	7€	4,99 (Standard); Free (Plus, Premium, Metal, Ultra)	1,99 (Standard); Free (Smart, You, Metal)
Foreign Exchange	More than 50 currencies with the app and free accounts	36 currencies and free accounts	Euro and GBP account only
Travel Insurance	No	Only in Premium and Metal plans	No
Points for Travel	No	Cashback with Pro card: 0,4% (Standard and Plus), 0,6% (Premium), 0,8% (Metal)	No
VIP Room Access	No	Access to more than 1000 VIP rooms with SmartDelay on Premium and Metal plans	No
Multicurrency Account	Yes	Yes	No

Wise Travel Card

Wise, formerly known as TransferWiseis an online money transfer platform that allows users to make international money transfers, manage and maintain accounts in multiple currencies, as well as receive money efficiently in different parts of the world.

These are its characteristics:

1. Low and transparent rates: This means that you will be able to see the total cost of your transfers in advance, with no hidden charges. It is especially useful for budgeting your travel expenses.
2. Real exchange rate: Uses the mid-market exchange rate in more than 50 different currencies. This generally results in better exchange rates compared to banks and other money transfer services. It works the same as Revolut, but Wise handles more currencies.
3. Fast international transfers: Efficient transfer times, which are often faster than traditional bank transfers.
4. Multi-currency: It allows users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. In short, you can create multiple local accounts in specific currencies ,. This is one of the things I like and use the most with Wise.
5. Ease of use: Wise offers an online platform and a mobile application that make it easy to make transfers.
6. Security: It is regulated by financial institutions in the countries in which it operates, which guarantees a certain level of security and compliance with financial laws.

Advantages and Disadvantages of using Wise to travel

Advantages of using Wise

1. Travel Budget Optimization: By saving on currency exchange costs and fees.
2. Efficient Management of Multiple Currencies: The ease of exchanging between currencies allows you to quickly adapt to the local economy of each destination without the need to look for exchange houses.
3. Convenience in Access to Funds: The Wise debit card allows travelers to access their funds easily at international ATMs, offering convenience in accessing money.

Disadvantages of using Wise

1. Dependence on Internet Connectivity: The need for Internet access to manage transactions can be a drawback in destinations with limited connectivity or in rural areas.
2. Limitations in Some Regions: Wise is not available in all countries. This may be a limitation if you visit less common or remote destinations.
3. Additional Charges on Cash Withdrawals: Despite the low overall fees, travelers may face additional charges for exceeding certain limits on cash withdrawals, which requires careful monitoring of expenditures.

N26 Travel Card

Since its founding in 2015, N26 has experienced significant growth and has become one of the most recognized fintechs in Europe and other international markets. The company has focused on the digitization of international financial services and cards, the main reason for its popularity among people on the go.

These are its characteristics:

1. International Digital Bank Account: N26 offers a digital bank account that can be opened online from anywhere in the world.
2. International Transfers in Multiple Currencies: N26 facilitates international transfers in 38 different currencies.
3. Cash Withdrawals Abroad: With the N26 You and Metal account, you can make free cash withdrawals at ATMs abroad.
4. Simplified Expense Management: The N26 app automatically categorizes expenses. This will make it easy for you to keep track of how much they are spending on accommodation, food, entertainment and more.
5. Online Customer Service: You can contact N26 customer service directly through the app from anywhere in the world.

If you choose N26, with this link you will receive €15 after creating your account and making a purchase equal to or greater than this amount:

*** Only available until October 31

Comparison of N26 plans

Plan	Monthly Cost	Free ATM Cash Withdrawals	Free Currency Conversion	International Medical Insurance	Theft or Accident Coverage
Standard	0,00 €/month	3 free withdrawals in Euro zone	Yes	No	No
Smart	4,90 €/month	5 free withdrawals in Euro zone	Yes	No	No
You	9,90 €/month	5 free withdrawals in Euro zone and Worldwide	Yes	No	No
Metal	16,90 €/month	8 free withdrawals in Euro zone and Worldwide	Yes	No	Yes

*With the You and Metal plans you can withdraw money without commissions from any ATM anywhere in the world.

Advantages and Disadvantages of N26 for traveling

Advantages of using N26 for Travel

1. International Access: N26 allows you to open accounts from anywhere in the world.
2. International Card: The N26 Mastercard debit card is widely accepted globally.
3. Real Exchange Rate: It offers favorable exchange rates for transactions in foreign currencies.
4. Transparency in Rates: There are no hidden commissions, which facilitates budget planning.
5. Free Cash Withdrawals: The premium account allows free cash withdrawals at ATMs abroad.
6. Real Time Alerts: Instant notifications help keep track of expenses and detect unauthorized activity.
7. Simple Expense Management: The application automatically categorizes expenses, facilitating tracking.

*** Only available until October 31

Disadvantages of using N26 for Traveling

1. Dependence on the Internet: Requires Internet access to manage the account, which can be a problem in areas with limited connectivity.
2. Geographic Limitations: It is not available in all countries, which may be a drawback in some destinations.
3. Pre-planning: Opening an account and receiving a card takes time, which can be inconvenient for last minute travel.
4. Possible Currency Conversion Charges: Some users have reported additional charges in certain situations when converting currency. It is important to verify the specific fees.

Revolut Travel Card

Revolut was founded in 2015 by Nikolay Storonsky with the aim of offering a solution to high currency exchange rates and bank fees. Therefore, it is a very useful tool for managing money in different currencies. Especially for people who travel frequently or conduct international transactions.

These are its characteristics:

1. Multicurrency Accounts: Allows you to keep and exchange money in several currencies from the same application. Ideal for traveling to different countries.
2. Competitive Foreign Exchange Rates: Interbank exchange rates. You will save more than exchanging currencies in traditional banks or exchange houses.
3. Global Debit Cards: Revolut cards can be used worldwide, facilitating payments and withdrawals in different currencies.
4. Travel Insurance: Some Revolut plans include travel insurance, offering additional protection during travel.
5. International Cash Withdrawals: Allows cash withdrawals at ATMs abroad, often with generous limits and low commissions.
6. Expense Control: Revolut's application offers tools to track and manage expenses while traveling, helping to maintain a budget.

Comparison of Revolut plans

Plan	Monthly Cost	Free Cash Withdrawals	Free Currency Conversion	International Medical Insurance	Theft or Accident Coverage
Standard	Free	Up to 200 € or 5 times/month	Up to 1,000 €/month	No	No
Plus	3,99 €	Up to 200 € or 5 times/month	Up to 3,000 €/month	No	Yes
Premium	8,99 €	Up to 400 €.	Unlimited	Yes	Yes
Metal	15,99 €	Up to 800 €.	Unlimited	Yes	Yes
Ultra	45 €	Up to 2000 €.	Unlimited	Yes	Yes

Advantages and Disadvantages of using Revolut for travel

Advantages of Revolut

1. Multicurrency Transactions: Facilitates the exchange and handling of several currencies.
2. Competitive Rates: Offers low exchange rates and commissions on international transfers.
3. Usability: Its mobile application is intuitive and easy to use, providing total control over finances.
4. Global Cards: Allows you to make payments and cash withdrawals worldwide.
5. Integrated Insurance: Some plans include travel insurance and other types of coverage.
6. Enhanced SecurityCard freezing: Offers advanced security features, such as instant card freezing.

Disadvantages of Revolut

1. Not a Traditional Bank: It does not offer all the services of a traditional bank, such as loans or mortgages.
2. Customer Service Limited: Some users have reported difficulties with customer service, especially in resolving complex problems.
3. Transaction Limits: Cash transactions and withdrawals are subject to limits, especially in the basic plans.
4. Geographical Availability: Not available in all countries, which limits its usefulness for some users. It operates with 29 currencies.

My Experience Revolut, Wise and N26 Which one do I choose?

Yes, I keep all 3 cards and this is my final recommendation. When you are traveling, it is best to have several options. You never know what can happen and at least you should travel with 3 cards. For me these are the 3 best cards, but in any case here I will tell you my experience with each one and what I use them for.

My Experience using Revolut

I've been using Revolut since 2018, it was my first travel card, during my Erasmus to Poland. Back then it wasn't as well known as it is now, and only people who traveled abroad knew about its existence.

Since then, I have been using it non-stop. It is very useful for managing the daily economy because it provides you with detailed expense reports. In addition, from the app itself you can set your own savings goals.

My main use of Revolut is when I am traveling in Europe or making transfers or transactions with European residents. If you are going to travel in Europe you definitely have to create an account with Revolut. Here most of the people use this card for traveling, it is very useful to transfer money fast to your friends.

My Experience using Wise

I have been using Wise since 2021 thanks to a friend who discovered the platform. Wise is the card I've been using the most lately, it allows you to manage payments and collections with any currency. It is especially useful if you work for a foreign company and prefer to collect your salary in their local currency.

In addition, you can invest from the app itself and the app itself generates passive income by simply keeping your money in the account.

My Experience with N26

I have been using N26 since 2020, of the 3 cards it is the one I have used the least, mainly because I was very happy with the other two. However, with the usage I've had I can say I've never had any problems. I would say it's a mix between Wise and Revolut.

The only thing I don't like about n26 is that I can't manage accounts in different currencies. This can be a disadvantage depending on your situation.