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TL;DR
Sainsbury's Travel Money Review 2026. The main downside is the 5.75% foreign transaction fee when you spend in a currency you have not preloaded. The 0% commission and Nectar rates make it competitive for straightforward purchases. Verified against FCA, HMRC and Bank of England primary sources. |
By Chandraketu Tripathi · Updated April 2026 · Fact-checked Travel Money · Updated April 2026Sainsbury's travel money is one of the most searched foreign currency providers in the UK — but is it actually competitive? Following the 2025 sale of Sainsbury's Bank's foreign currency operations to Fexco Group, the service has been rebranded as Sainsbury's Travel Money. Here is everything you need to know before buying currency for your next trip.
Sainsbury's Travel Money Exchange RatesAs of late March 2026, Sainsbury's travel money ranked 20th out of 25 UK travel money providers on exchange rates according to independent comparison sites. The euro rate was 1.1297 and the US dollar rate was 1.3022 — competitive but not market-leading. Crucially, online rates are consistently better than in-branch rates. If you walk into a Sainsbury's bureau without pre-ordering, you will almost certainly get a worse rate than ordering online for click-and-collect or home delivery. One customer reported receiving 60 fewer euros on a £1,000 order by not ordering online — a difference of around £52. 💡 Nectar members get enhanced exchange rates online, by phone and in-branch. If you collect Nectar points with your Sainsbury's shopping, always use your Nectar card when buying travel money to access the better rates. Sainsbury's Travel Money Card ReviewThe Sainsbury's Travel Money Card is a prepaid Mastercard issued via PrePay Technologies Limited, regulated by the FCA. You can load up to 15 currencies onto the card before you travel and use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted worldwide.
The main downside is the 5.75% foreign transaction fee when you spend in a currency you have not preloaded. This is significantly higher than alternatives such as Wise (from 0.41%) or Revolut (fee-free up to monthly limits). If you plan to visit multiple countries or spend in mixed currencies, a Wise or Revolut card is likely to be cheaper overall. How Does It Compare to Rivals?
⭐ OUR VERDICT Sainsbury's travel money is a decent option for Nectar members buying euros or dollars online for click-and-collect. The 0% commission and Nectar rates make it competitive for straightforward purchases. However, the prepaid card's 5.75% non-loaded currency fee is high compared to Wise or Revolut. For the best overall value when travelling abroad, use Sainsbury's for initial cash but consider Wise or Revolut for card spending. Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Sainsbury's travel money operated by Sainsbury's Bank? No. Sainsbury's Bank sold its foreign currency operations to Fexco Group in 2025. The service is now operated by Currency Exchange Corp Ltd, part of Fexco, under the Sainsbury's Travel Money brand. Do Nectar members get better exchange rates? Yes. Nectar members receive enhanced exchange rates both online and in-branch. You should always present your Nectar card when buying travel money to access the improved rates. How long does home delivery take? Sainsbury's Travel Money home delivery typically takes 1-2 working days via Royal Mail Special Delivery. You can choose your preferred delivery date when ordering online. Can I buy travel money in any Sainsbury's store? No. Travel money is only available at Sainsbury's stores that have an in-store bureau de change. Use the branch finder on the Sainsbury's Travel Money website to locate your nearest bureau. What is the minimum order for click and collect? Click and collect is available for euros and US dollars with same-day collection if ordered before 2pm Monday to Friday. |
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Last reviewed: 09 May 2026 | Reviewed by Chandraketu Tripathi, Editor, Kaeltripton
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