Travelling solo is one of the most empowering experiences a woman can have—but managing your money abroad? That’s where things can get tricky. Between foreign transaction fees, dodgy exchange rates, and ATM withdrawal charges, the cost of spending money abroad can add up fast.
That’s where travel money cards come in. For UK-based solo female travellers, these cards offer a secure, smart, and budget-friendly way to manage money on the go.
In this guide, we’ll compare the best UK travel money cards for solo female travellers in 2025, looking at features, fees, and safety so you can travel confidently and stay in control of your finances.
Why Travel Money Cards Are Ideal for Solo Female Travellers
- 💷 Preloaded funds – Stick to a daily or weekly budget
- 🌍 Multi-currency options – Ideal for travelling across countries
- 🔒 Extra security – Freeze your card instantly if lost or stolen
- 📱 Smart apps – Track spending in real time
- 💸 Low fees – Avoid the costly charges of high street banks
1. Wise Card (formerly TransferWise)
Best for: Budget-conscious travellers seeking transparent fees and real exchange rates.
- Highlights: Mid-market exchange rates, 40+ currencies, virtual card, mobile freeze
- Fees: £7 one-time card fee, 2 free ATM withdrawals/month, 0.35%–1% conversion fee
Why it's great for solo female travellers: Wise’s transparency and mobile features make it a safe and reliable option for budgeting abroad.
2. Revolut Standard Card
Best for: Tech-savvy travellers who want budgeting tools and flexible spending.
- Highlights: 30+ currencies, spending breakdowns, virtual & disposable cards, optional travel insurance
- Fees: Free for standard users (limits apply), paid plans available
Why it's great for solo female travellers: Great for setting budgets, tracking expenses, and boosting security while abroad.
3. Monzo
Best for: UK travellers who want an all-in-one digital bank and travel companion.
- Highlights: No foreign transaction fees, £200 free ATM withdrawal/month, real-time alerts
- Fees: Free account, 3% ATM fee after limit
Why it's great for solo female travellers: Monzo keeps spending simple and clear with great user experience.
4. Starling Bank
Best for: Fee-free travel with strong customer support and UK-based protection.
- Highlights: Unlimited free spending and withdrawals abroad, 24/7 customer service, full FSCS protection
- Fees: None
Why it's great for solo female travellers: Reliable, fuss-free banking without the foreign fees.
5. Travelex Money Card
Best for: Travellers who prefer a traditional, preloaded option.
- Highlights: Lock in rates, holds 10 currencies, backup card, widely accepted
- Fees: £5 issuance fee, £1.50 ATM withdrawal, inactivity fee after 12 months
Why it's great for solo female travellers: Offers a safe, standalone way to manage money without using your main UK bank account.
Comparison Table: UK Travel Money Cards for Solo Female Travellers
| Card | Monthly Fees | FX Fees | ATM Fees | App Controls | Virtual Card | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise | £0 | 0.35%–1% | 2 free withdrawals | Yes | Yes | Multi-currency trips |
| Revolut | £0–£12.99 | Free (within limits) | £0–3% | Yes | Yes | Budgeting + features |
| Monzo | £0 | Free | Free up to £200 | Yes | No | Everyday travel |
| Starling | £0 | Free | Free | Yes | No | Long trips, zero fees |
| Travelex | £5 issuance | Locked rate | £1.50/withdrawal | Limited | No | Traditional prepaid card |
Tips for Choosing a Travel Money Card as a Solo Female Traveller
- Prioritise security: Choose cards with freeze options and virtual card features.
- Look for budgeting tools: Helps avoid overspending while on the road.
- Check withdrawal limits: Especially important if you rely on cash in certain countries.
- Match the card to your trip: Multi-country trip? Go with Wise or Revolut. City break? Monzo or Starling is ideal.
- Bring a backup card: Always good to have a secondary option in emergencies.
Final Thoughts
For UK-based solo female travellers, having the right travel money card is key to a smooth, secure trip. Choose Wise or Revolut for multi-country adventures, Starling for fee-free banking abroad, or Travelex if you want a prepaid option that doesn’t touch your main bank account.
No matter where you're heading, a smart money setup helps you focus less on fees—and more on memories. Safe travels!
Did you find this guide helpful? Share it with your fellow solo travellers or leave a comment below!
