Barclays Travel Wallet: A Secure Way To Explore

how does barclays travel wallet work

The Barclays Travel Wallet is a mobile app that allows customers to create a virtual travel wallet in euros or US dollars. Users can then top up their wallet and spend in that currency using their Barclays debit card. The app can be used to withdraw cash from overseas ATMs and make purchases in shops, restaurants and elsewhere without incurring foreign transaction fees.

Characteristics Values
What is it? A mobile app that lets you create a virtual travel wallet for euros and US dollars
How does it work? You top up your wallet with currency, then spend in that currency using your Barclays debit card
Currencies supported Euros and US dollars
Who is it for? Existing Barclays customers
Where can it be used? In the US and European countries where the euro is the official currency
Pros No foreign transaction fees when spending in euros or US dollars; use your normal debit card; buy currency at a fixed exchange rate; track spending and top up on the app; convert unused currency back into GBP
Cons Limited currencies available; exchange rate margins of around 4-5%; easy to accidentally spend the wrong currency and incur fees
How to set up Download the Barclays app; register and sign in; tap 'Cards' on the home screen; select 'Create a travel wallet'

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Using your existing debit card

Barclays Travel Wallet is a mobile app that lets you create a virtual travel wallet for euros and US dollars. You can top up your wallet with your ordinary Barclays debit card and spend in shops, restaurants, and elsewhere, without foreign transaction fees.

To set up your Barclays Travel Wallet, you will need to download the Barclays app and register. Once you've signed in, tap 'Cards' on the home screen and select 'Create a travel wallet' to open a new wallet in your chosen currency.

With your travel wallet, you can make purchases and withdraw money abroad for free in the local currency. You can also set up notifications to manage your wallet balance and keep track of your spending.

The travel wallet allows you to use your existing pound sterling debit card like a multi-currency card abroad. You can use the same card to spend from both wallets. If you have unused currency, you can swap it back to British pounds or keep it for your next trip.

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No foreign transaction fees

Barclays Travel Wallet is a mobile app that allows you to create a virtual travel wallet in euros or US dollars. It offers a convenient way to spend in foreign currencies using your ordinary Barclays debit card without incurring foreign transaction fees. Here's how it works:

Barclays Travel Wallet eliminates the foreign transaction fees that banks typically charge when you use your debit card abroad. This means you can make purchases and withdraw cash in euros or US dollars without paying any additional fees. It's important to note that this benefit applies only when you spend in the pre-loaded currency balances of euros or US dollars. If you choose to spend in British pounds while abroad, foreign transaction fees will still apply.

With the Travel Wallet, you can use your existing Barclays debit card like a multi-currency card. This eliminates the need for a separate travel money card, making it more convenient and secure. You can preload your app with the desired currency and use your debit card to make purchases or withdraw cash from ATMs. Always remember to select the local currency (euros or US dollars) if prompted, instead of choosing to 'pay in Sterling' to avoid unnecessary fees.

The Barclays Travel Wallet provides a simple and direct way to manage your money while travelling. You can buy foreign currency through the app at a fixed exchange rate, ensuring you don't have to worry about fluctuating rates. Additionally, you have the flexibility to top up your currency at any time, even while abroad. The app also offers features to help you stay on top of your finances, such as notifications for wallet balance and transaction history.

In summary, the Barclays Travel Wallet is an excellent option for existing Barclays customers travelling to destinations that accept euros or US dollars. It simplifies the process of spending in foreign currencies by utilising your ordinary debit card, eliminating the need for carrying large amounts of cash or separate travel money cards. By offering a fee-free way to transact in euros or US dollars, the Travel Wallet helps you save money and provides a more secure and convenient travel experience.

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Track spending on the app

Barclays Travel Wallet is an in-app multi-currency spending tool that allows you to track your spending on the app. It is available to all Barclays current account customers and can be set up directly from the mobile banking app.

Here's how you can track your spending using the Barclays Travel Wallet:

  • Notifications and Alerts: You can set up notifications to manage your wallet balance and receive alerts when your balance is low. This helps you stay on top of your spending and ensures you don't overspend.
  • Transaction History: The app provides an overview of your transactions, allowing you to see your spending history in both pounds and the foreign currency. This feature gives you a detailed record of your purchases and withdrawals, helping you identify any discrepancies or unauthorised transactions.
  • Balance Information: You can easily check your balance in the app at any time. This feature provides you with real-time information about your available funds, allowing you to make informed decisions about your spending.
  • Fixed Exchange Rate: When you buy currency through your travel wallet, you purchase it at a fixed rate, protecting you from fluctuating exchange rates. This feature helps you budget more effectively, as you know exactly how much foreign currency you will receive for your pounds.
  • Conversion Back to Pounds: With the Barclays Travel Wallet, you have the option to convert any unused currency back into pounds and transfer it back into your account. This feature ensures you don't get stuck with foreign currency after your trip and allows you to easily reconcile your spending.

By utilising these features, Barclays Travel Wallet users can effectively track their spending, manage their finances, and make informed decisions while travelling.

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Convert unused currency back to GBP

Barclays Travel Wallet is a mobile app that allows you to create a virtual travel wallet for euros and US dollars. You can then use your Barclays debit card to make purchases and withdrawals in the local currency when travelling abroad. One of the key features of the Travel Wallet is the ability to convert any unused currency back into British pounds.

Converting unused currency back to GBP is a simple process with the Barclays Travel Wallet. Firstly, you need to have the Barclays app downloaded on your device. This is essential as the Travel Wallet is managed through the app. Once you have the app, you can follow these steps:

  • Log in to the Barclays app.
  • Navigate to your Travel Wallet, which can be found under 'Cards' or 'Your Cards' on the home screen.
  • Within your Travel Wallet, you will be able to view your balance and see how much currency you have remaining.
  • Decide on the amount of currency you want to convert back to GBP. You can choose to convert all your remaining currency or only a portion of it.
  • Select the option to convert currency back to GBP. This may be done by tapping on the currency amount and choosing the conversion option.
  • Review the exchange rate and any applicable fees. Barclays does not charge a fee for converting Travel Currencies back to GBP, but there may be other charges involved.
  • Confirm the conversion. Your currency will be converted back to GBP and credited to your linked Barclays account.

It's important to note that the exchange rate applied when converting back to GBP may include a margin on the mid-market rate, resulting in you receiving slightly less GBP for your currency. Additionally, ensure that you are aware of any third-party charges that may be applied, such as ATM fees for cash withdrawals.

By following these steps, you can conveniently convert any unused currency in your Barclays Travel Wallet back to GBP, providing flexibility and ease in managing your travel funds.

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Fix your exchange rate before travelling

One of the key benefits of the Barclays Travel Wallet is that it allows you to fix your exchange rate before travelling. This means you can buy your currency at a fixed rate, removing the worry of fluctuating exchange rates. You can buy US dollars or euros at a competitive, fixed exchange rate through the app, and then use your ordinary Barclays debit card to spend in that currency when abroad.

The fixed exchange rate feature of the Barclays Travel Wallet provides security and peace of mind when it comes to your holiday money. You can top up your chosen currency at any time, even while abroad, and you have the flexibility to convert any unused currency back into pounds or keep it for your next trip.

With the Barclays Travel Wallet, you can avoid the hassle of carrying large amounts of cash and the stress of finding a currency exchange bureau. The app also allows you to track your spending and receive balance alerts, helping you stay in control of your finances while travelling.

It's important to note that the Barclays Travel Wallet currently only supports US dollars and euros. If you're travelling to a destination where a different currency is used, you may need to consider alternative options. Additionally, while there are no foreign transaction fees when spending in your pre-loaded currency, a fee may apply if you spend or withdraw money in pounds.

The Barclays Travel Wallet is a convenient and secure way to manage your money when travelling to the US or Eurozone countries. By fixing your exchange rate in advance, you can remove the uncertainty of fluctuating currency values and focus on enjoying your trip.

Frequently asked questions

The Barclays Travel Wallet is a mobile app that lets you create a virtual travel wallet for euros and US dollars. Once you’ve topped up one of these wallets, you can spend in that currency using your ordinary Barclays debit card.

You will need to download the Barclays app and register. Once you’ve done that, log in to the app, tap on ‘Cards’ on the home screen, and then tap ‘Create a travel wallet’.

The Barclays Travel Wallet allows you to use your existing pound sterling debit card like a multi-currency card abroad. You can buy foreign currency at a fixed exchange rate, track your spending and get balance alerts, and convert any unused currency back into pounds.

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