What a travel card can and cannot do
A travel card is not a bank account. It is a prepaid card loaded with money before you leave, designed to hold foreign currency or multi-currency funds while you travel. Because it is not a deposit account, the mechanics of moving money off it differ from transferring between two bank accounts.
Most travel cards let you withdraw cash from ATMs abroad and spend at merchants. Some also let you transfer money back to a linked bank account, but not all—and the ones that do often charge a fee or require you to meet specific conditions. The card issuer controls what is possible, not the card network (Visa, Mastercard) or your bank.
Before you attempt any transfer, check your card's terms or contact the issuer directly. The method available to you depends on which travel card you hold and whether you linked a bank account when you opened it.
Key Takeaways
- Not all travel cards allow transfers to bank accounts; some only let you withdraw cash or spend the balance down.
- If your card does allow transfers, you typically initiate them through the card issuer's app or website, not through your bank.
- Transfers usually take 1 to 5 business days and may carry a fee of $5 to $15 or a percentage of the amount.
- If your travel card does not support transfers, you can withdraw cash at an ATM and deposit it to your bank, though this costs more in fees.
- Currency conversion happens at the time of transfer, so the amount you receive in your bank account may be less than the card balance due to exchange rates.
How to transfer money from your travel card if the issuer supports it
If your travel card issuer allows transfers, the process usually starts in their mobile app or website. Log in, find the transfer or withdrawal section, and select the option to send money to a linked bank account. You will need to specify the amount, the destination account, and confirm the transaction.
The card issuer then initiates an ACH transfer (in the US) or a local bank transfer (if you are abroad) to move the funds. This is not instantaneous. Most transfers take 1 to 5 business days, depending on the issuer and the destination bank. Some issuers offer faster options for an additional fee.
Before you transfer, check whether the issuer charges a fee. Common fees range from $5 flat to 2 percent of the amount transferred. A few issuers waive the fee if you meet conditions—such as maintaining a minimum balance or transferring above a certain amount—so read the fine print.
What happens if your travel card does not support transfers
Some travel cards, particularly older ones or those issued by smaller providers, do not allow transfers to bank accounts at all. Your only option is to spend the balance down or withdraw cash.
If you withdraw cash at an ATM, you can then deposit it to your bank account. However, this route costs more. ATM withdrawals typically charge a fee of $2 to $5 per transaction, and if the ATM is in a foreign country, your card issuer may also charge a foreign transaction fee or currency conversion markup. Depositing cash to your bank account is free, but you have already paid to get the cash out.
If you have a significant balance left on the card and cannot transfer it, contact the issuer to ask whether they will close the account and refund the balance to a bank account. Some will do this as a courtesy, though it is not may provide.
Currency conversion and the exchange rate you receive
If your travel card holds foreign currency and you transfer to a bank account in a different currency, the issuer converts the money at the time of transfer. The exchange rate they use is usually their own rate, not the mid-market rate you see online.
This means the amount that lands in your bank account will be less than the card balance converted at today's mid-market rate. The difference—called the markup—is how the issuer makes money on the transfer. Markups typically range from 1 to 3 percent, though some issuers are more transparent about this than others.
Before you transfer, check the issuer's exchange rate policy. Some publish their rates in the app; others require you to ask. If the markup is steep, you may be better off spending the remaining balance or withdrawing cash instead.
Timing: when the money arrives in your bank account
Once you initiate a transfer from your travel card, the card issuer processes it on their end. The actual movement of money then depends on the banking system between the issuer and your bank.
Domestic transfers (from a US travel card issuer to a US bank account) typically arrive within 1 to 3 business days. International transfers take longer—usually 3 to 5 business days—because they move through correspondent banks and clearing houses.
Weekends and holidays do not count as business days. If you initiate a transfer on Friday evening, it may not process until Monday, and arrival could be Wednesday or later. Plan accordingly if you need the money by a specific date.
What to do if the transfer fails or gets stuck
Transfers occasionally fail if the account details are wrong, the account is closed, or the issuer detects a mismatch between the account holder name and the card holder name. When this happens, the money usually returns to your travel card within 5 to 10 business days.
If a transfer is stuck—meaning it has been more than a week and the money is neither in your bank account nor back on the card—contact the travel card issuer's customer service. Have your transfer confirmation number ready. They can trace the transfer through the banking system and either resend it or refund it to the card.
Do not assume the money is lost. Banks and card issuers keep detailed records of every transfer. It may take a few days to locate, but it will be found.
Alternatives if you cannot transfer directly
If your travel card does not support transfers and you want to avoid ATM fees, you have a few other options. Some travel card issuers partner with money transfer services like Wise or PayPal, allowing you to move money through those platforms instead. Check your card issuer's website or app to see whether this is available.
Another option is to spend the balance down before you return home. Use the card for purchases, meals, or services while you are still traveling. This avoids fees entirely, though it only works if you have time and places to spend.
If you have a small balance left and the fees are high, you might straightforward leave the card open and use it for future travel. Many travel cards do not expire when ready after your trip, so you can reload it or use the remaining balance on a later journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to transfer money from a travel card to my bank account?
Most transfers take 1 to 5 business days. Domestic transfers are usually faster (1 to 3 days), while international transfers can take 3 to 5 days or longer. The exact timing depends on the card issuer and your bank's processing speed.
Will I lose money to fees and exchange rates when I transfer?
Yes, typically. Most issuers charge a transfer fee ($5 to $15 or a percentage), and if you are converting currency, they explore a markup to the exchange rate. The total cost can be 2 to 5 percent of the amount transferred. Check your issuer's terms before you transfer.
What if I withdraw cash from an ATM instead of transferring?
You will pay an ATM fee (usually $2 to $5) plus possibly a foreign transaction fee or currency markup. You can then deposit the cash to your bank account for free. This is often more expensive than a direct transfer, especially for large amounts.
Can I transfer money from my travel card to someone else's bank account?
No. Travel cards are designed for the cardholder only. Transfers go to the bank account linked to the card in your name. You cannot send money to another person's account directly from the card.
What happens if my transfer fails?
The money usually returns to your travel card within 5 to 10 business days. If it does not, contact the card issuer with your transfer confirmation number. They can trace it through the banking system and resend or refund it.