What is a multi-currency card and why should you get one?

Do you travel frequently and love discovering new destinations? Having a multi-currency card when staying abroad is a real advantage, giving you the flexibility you need for your day-to-day payments.

In this article, we explain how a multi-currency card works, as well as all the benefits it offers.

 

Key takeaways:

• A multi-currency card allows you to hold multiple balances in different currencies (EUR, GBP, USD, etc.) and pay directly in the local currency, without systematic automatic conversion on every transaction.
• It works simply: you top up your account in your chosen currency or currencies, then either convert your funds manually or let the conversion happen automatically at the time of payment.
• It is particularly suitable for frequent travellers, business professionals on the move, international online shoppers and expatriates managing expenses in multiple currencies.
• It helps reduce exchange fees by offering rates generally closer to the interbank rate and by avoiding additional commissions often applied by traditional banks.
• It also provides greater transparency on applied rates and real-time expense tracking via a dedicated app, making budget management and spending limits easier to control.

 

Unlike a traditional bank card, a multi-currency card allows you to hold balances simultaneously in EUR, GBP, USD or other currencies, enabling you to make payments directly in the local currency without automatic conversion for every transaction.

The process is very straightforward:

• You create your account with our multi-currency virtual card service
• You add funds in the currency or currencies of your choice
• You can then manually convert your currencies from your account or allow automatic conversion at the time of payment
• When paying with your virtual card, the amount is deducted in the corresponding currency if available; otherwise, conversion from your available balances happens automatically

Multi-currency cards are particularly useful in several situations:

• You travel abroad regularly for holidays
• You frequently go on business trips
• You regularly shop online from international retailers
• You are an expatriate managing expenses in multiple currencies

If you recognise yourself in any of these situations, having a multi-currency card will significantly simplify your daily life and may even help you save money.

Whether you are an avid traveller, a professional often travelling for business, or a fan of international online shopping, a multi-currency card offers numerous advantages.

Having a multi-currency card allows you to significantly reduce exchange fees during your travels.

You benefit from better exchange rates, generally closer to the interbank rate applied on the Forex market.

You also avoid additional fees often charged per transaction by banks. Typically, banks add 2% to 3% of the exchanged amount on top of their margin.

Going directly to a bureau de change or using a traditional bank is not always the best way to obtain foreign currency. Exchange rates are not always clearly communicated, and it can be difficult to understand exactly what the transaction costs you.

By contrast, when using your multi-currency card, you know precisely which exchange rate is applied to your transactions, helping you avoid unpleasant surprises at the time of payment.

Good to know: whether you use our online currency exchange service or our multi-currency card, we always communicate the exchange rate we apply. This way, you remain in control of your spending and know exactly how much you receive after the transaction.

Stop wasting money when travelling

Get your virtual multi currency card now and enjoy our best exchange rates in minutes

GET MY CARD

Thanks to our app, you can easily track your spending and stay in control of your travel budget.

With our app, you can:

• View your spending history across all your currencies
• Freeze/unfreeze your virtual card in one click
• Manage your spending limits easily
• Receive instant notifications when your balance is running low

In summary, a multi-currency card is a flexible, cost-effective and transparent solution for managing your international payments. Whether you travel frequently, work abroad or shop online in different currencies, it helps you better control your fees, exchange rates and budget. Adopting a multi-currency card means simplifying your transactions abroad while optimising your everyday spending.