Travel Money Card

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💳 Travel Money Card · Prepaid Multi-currency
Open today 09:30–20:00 · Sundays 09:30–16:00
✅ No appointment needed · Open until 8PM Mon–Sat & Sundays 09:30–16:00

Travel Money Card – collect in Rochdale Multi-currency Prepaid Mastercard · No Appointment

Visit Gale Street Post Office in Syke to apply for your Post Office Travel Money Card. Load multiple currencies, use with Apple Pay or Google Pay, and manage everything in the Post Office Travel app.

📍 Get directions📋 Apply in branch – what to bring

Bank holiday hours may vary. Please call 01706 725399 to confirm.

🕗 Open 7 days💶 Multi-currency📱 Apple Pay & Google Pay💳 Chip & PIN
Travel Money Card counter service at Gale Street Post Office in Syke, Rochdale
Last reviewed and updated: 3 June 2026. Information may change. Please confirm the latest details with Post Office or ask our branch team before travelling.

Quick answer

Apply at Gale Street Post Office, 3-5 Gale Street, Syke, Rochdale OL12 0SQ. Open Mon–Sat 09:30–20:00 and Sunday 09:30–16:00. Bring valid original photo ID. No appointment needed.

How to get oneFees & limitsBranch applicationFAQsAll currenciesVideo guideReviewsCommon problems

Your local branch in Syke, Rochdale

Pop in to see our team — here’s our branch and counter so you know exactly where to come.

Exterior shopfront of Gale Street Post Office on Gale Street, Syke, Rochdale
📍 Our shopfront on Gale Street, Syke
Post Office counter inside Gale Street Post Office, Rochdale
🛡️ Our secure Post Office counter

How to get your Travel Money Card

💳 How it works

Getting your Travel Money Card

A simple step-by-step of how to apply for and start using your card at Gale Street Post Office.

01
Plan Your TripDecide which currencies and roughly how much you’ll need for your trip.
02
Visit GSPOPop into Gale Street Post Office during opening hours — no appointment needed.
03
Bring Photo IDBring valid original photo ID so we can set up your card.
04
Get Your CardOur team set up your prepaid Post Office Travel Money Card in branch.
05
Load CurrencyLoad multiple currencies and pay by cash or debit card.
06
Travel ReadyManage it in the Post Office Travel app and pay with Apple Pay or Google Pay abroad.
🏬
In branch (fastest)

Pick one up instantly at our counter in Syke, Rochdale. Bring valid photo ID. No appointment needed.

💻
Order online

Order through the Post Office website and have your card delivered (typically 2–3 working days).

📱
Order in the app

Order and manage your card through the Post Office Travel app.

Need it today? Come into branch — same-day collection is subject to availability.

Before you travel – essential steps

📱
Download the app in the UK

Get the Post Office Travel app before you leave the UK.

🔢
Retrieve your PIN from the app

View your PIN securely inside the app.

💳
First transaction Chip & PIN

Complete activation with a Chip & PIN purchase before departure.

Welcome to your Travel Money Card – activation guide

1
Sign the back

Immediately sign the signature strip.

2
Activate via the Post Office Travel app

Download and follow the steps (UK only).

3
Retrieve your PIN

Available inside the app at any time.

4
First transaction Chip & PIN

Required to complete activation before travelling.

Post Office Travel App – control at your fingertips

💳
Top up anytime

Add money securely before or during your trip.

📊
Check balances & transactions

View your balance and recent spending.

💱
Move between currencies

Move funds between supported currencies.

🔒
Freeze if lost or stolen

Temporarily freeze your card in the app.

Travel Money Card vs cash – which is better for your trip?

Feature💳 Travel Money Card💷 Cash
Exchange rate✅ Lock the rate at load❌ Rate fluctuates
Security if lost✅ Freeze via app❌ Lost cash is gone
Tracking & top-ups✅ App balance & instant top-up❌ No tracking or top-ups
Digital wallet✅ Apple Pay / Google Pay❌ No digital wallet
Payment protection✅ Chip & PIN protected❌ Less secure

A Travel Money Card offers better security, budget control and convenience for most travellers.

Fees & limits at a glance

The Post Office Travel Money Card is a prepaid Mastercard you can use wherever the Mastercard Acceptance Mark is shown, in over 200 countries. The figures below are a general guide — fees, limits and currencies are set by Post Office and may change, so please confirm the latest details in branch or on the official Post Office website before loading.

DetailTypical guide
Card to buyFree to order; pick one up in branch, or order online or in the app
Currencies held22 currencies on one card
Minimum top-up£50
Maximum top-up£5,000
Maximum balance£10,000
Maximum annual load£30,000
Loading pounds (GBP) commission1.5% on GBP loads only (minimum £3, maximum £50)
Spending in a loaded currencyNo purchase fee when that currency wallet is loaded
Spending in a currency not on the card3% cross-border fee per transaction
ATM cash withdrawal feeA fixed fee that varies by currency (e.g. £1.50 GBP, €2 EUR, $2.50 USD); the ATM owner may add a surcharge
After expiryCard valid up to 3 years; £2/month maintenance fee if a balance remains 12 months after expiry
EligibilityUK resident, aged 18 or over

Figures from the official Post Office Travel Money Card welcome documentation. The card is an electronic money product issued by First Rate Exchange Services Ltd under licence by Mastercard International. Fees, limits and currencies may change — always confirm the latest terms at postoffice.co.uk/travel-money-card-terms or in branch.

Supported currencies

The card holds up to 22 currencies. Below are some of the most popular — load and manage them in the Post Office Travel app. The full list includes EUR, USD, AUD, CAD, NZD, THB, AED, TRY, ZAR, CHF, PLN, GBP, CNY, CZK, DKK, HKD, HUF, JPY, NOK, SAR, SGD and SEK. Availability, limits and fees may change, so please ask in branch for the latest information.

Post Office multi-currency Travel Money Card (prepaid Mastercard) available at Gale Street Post Office, Rochdale
The Post Office multi-currency Travel Money Card — a prepaid Mastercard you can load with up to 22 currencies.
CodeCurrencyFlag
EUREuro
USDUS Dollar
AUDAustralian Dollar
CADCanadian Dollar
NZDNew Zealand Dollar
THBThai Baht
AEDUAE Dirham
TRYTurkish Lira
ZARSouth African Rand
CHFSwiss Franc
PLNPolish Złoty
GBPBritish Pound
CNYChinese Yuan
CZKCzech Koruna
DKKDanish Krone
HKDHong Kong Dollar
HUFHungarian Forint
JPYJapanese Yen
NOKNorwegian Krone
SARSaudi Riyal
SGDSingapore Dollar
SEKSwedish Krona

Supported currencies, limits, fees and availability may change. Please ask our branch team or check the latest Post Office Travel Money Card terms before loading.

⏰ Counter opening hours

DayOpening hours
Monday09:30 – 20:00
Tuesday09:30 – 20:00
Wednesday09:30 – 20:00
Thursday09:30 – 20:00
Friday09:30 – 20:00
Saturday09:30 – 20:00
Sunday09:30 – 16:00
📞
⚠️
Bank holiday notice

The live status above shows normal hours. On bank holidays hours may differ – please call to confirm.

Before you visit for a Travel Money Card

Bring these with you to make your branch visit quick and smooth.

BringWhy it helps
Passport or UK photocard driving licenceNeeded for identity verification
Mobile phoneFor Post Office Travel app activation and alerts
Initial top-up fundsTo load your chosen currencies (cash or debit card)
Email addressFor card setup and app registration

Identification and setup requirements may vary depending on provider rules and verification checks.

Apply for your Travel Money Card in branch

What to bring

ID & initial load

Bring your passport or UK photocard driving licence. Same-day collection is subject to availability.

Reload & top-up

Add currency to an existing card

Top up via the app, online, or in branch.

Accepted identification

  • Valid passport
  • UK photocard driving licence
  • Other identification may be accepted subject to provider requirements

Identification requirements may vary depending on provider rules and verification checks.

Travel money safety tips

🔒 Never share your PIN
💳 Carry a backup payment method
📱 Enable app notifications
🏧 Use trusted ATMs only
🧾 Keep emergency contact details separately
🌍 Pay in local currency where possible

Who uses Travel Money Cards?

User typeWhy it suits them
HolidaymakersLock in exchange rates, manage spending, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Business travellersTrack expenses easily, reload on the go, and use contactless payments abroad.
Students travelling abroadBudget-friendly, secure, and can be frozen instantly if lost or stolen.
Families managing holiday budgetsLoad multiple currencies, set spending limits, and monitor balances via the app.
Frequent travellersMulti-currency access, reloadable, and works across multiple destinations.

Travel Money Cards offer flexibility, security and budget control for all types of travellers.

Once you’re back home

  • Use your card in the UK just like a debit card.
  • Any leftover foreign currency is simply moved across to sterling at the rate of the day.
  • Spend in shops, withdraw from an ATM, or use it at your local Post Office (fees may apply — see terms & conditions).
📌 Subject to availability: Travel Money Card availability, currencies and same-day services are subject to provider systems, verification checks and branch availability.

Holiday travel checklist

ItemDone?
Travel Money Card activated (Chip & PIN done)
App downloaded and PIN retrieved
Passport / visa valid
Travel insurance & backup payment
⚠️ Good to know before you travel: Some petrol stations, car hire companies, hotels and cruise lines may not accept prepaid cards, or may place a temporary “hold” on funds. For these, it’s wise to carry a credit or debit card as well. Always keep a backup payment method.

🔧 Common Travel Money Card problems – and how to solve them

❌Card declined abroad – check balance, ensure currency loaded, try Chip & PIN
🔢Forgot PIN – retrieve instantly from the Post Office Travel app
📱App not working overseas – download before leaving the UK; use branch or phone support
🏧ATM declined card – try another ATM, check daily withdrawal limit
📳Contactless not working – use Chip & PIN once to reset, then try again
💷Balance not updating – refresh app, wait a few minutes, or check online

If you still have issues, call us on 01706 725399 or contact Travel Money Card support.

Watch our Travel Money Card video guide

From our own Gale Street Post Office channel — a quick guide to the Travel Money Card.

The official Post Office video is provided by Post Office Ltd for general information.

Fraud alert: Never share your PIN, one-time passcodes or app login details with anyone. Gale Street Post Office staff will never ask for your PIN. If your card is lost or stolen, freeze it in the Post Office Travel app and call Post Office Travel Money Card support (24 hours) on +44 (0)20 7937 0280. Never send money or card details due to pressure from phone calls, WhatsApp messages, social media or “investment” schemes. Freeze your card via the app if it is lost.

Frequently asked questions – Travel Money Card

How do I activate my Travel Money Card?
Sign the back, activate via the Post Office Travel app, then retrieve your PIN. Your first transaction must be Chip & PIN to complete activation before travelling.
Can I use Apple Pay or Google Pay?
Yes, add your card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet for contactless payments.
How do I freeze my card if lost or stolen?
Freeze it instantly via the Post Office Travel app. You can also unfreeze it there once found.
Can I top up my card abroad?
Yes, use the app to top up while travelling.
Can I use the Travel Money Card for contactless payments?
Yes, the card supports contactless payments where available.
Can I withdraw cash from ATMs overseas?
Yes, from ATMs that accept the card network. ATM fees may apply – check your card terms.
What currencies can be loaded?
Multiple currencies including EUR, USD, AUD, CAD, AED, TRY, JPY, CHF, PLN, SGD and more. Ask in branch for the full list.
How do I check my balance?
Check your balance via the Post Office Travel app or online.
Does the Travel Money Card expire?
Yes, an expiry date is printed on the card. Unused funds remain available until expiry.
Are there inactivity fees?
Inactivity fees may apply. Please check the latest Post Office Travel Money Card terms.
What exchange rate applies when spending?
The exchange rate is locked in when you load the currency. For spending in a currency you have not loaded, the rate may vary.
Can I get a Travel Money Card in Rochdale?
Yes, Gale Street Post Office in Syke, Rochdale offers Travel Money Cards. No appointment needed.
Can I collect a travel card in branch?
Yes, you can collect your Travel Money Card in branch, subject to eligibility and stock availability.
Is Gale Street Post Office open weekends for Travel Money Card services?
Yes, we are open 7 days a week. Saturday 09:30–20:00 and Sunday 09:30–16:00.
What should I do if my Travel Money Card stops working abroad?
Contact the Travel Money Card support provider immediately using the emergency contact details provided with your card. Always carry a backup payment method.
Should I pay in local currency or pounds sterling abroad?
Choosing the local currency is often recommended to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion charges or poor exchange rates.
Is there a minimum age for a Travel Money Card?
Eligibility requirements, including minimum age, may vary depending on the provider’s latest terms and conditions.
Can the Travel Money Card be used for car hire or hotels?
Some hotels and vehicle rental companies may require a credit card or place temporary authorisation holds. Check with the provider before travel.
Can I use the Travel Money Card in multiple countries?
Yes. You can use supported loaded currencies across multiple destinations, subject to card network acceptance.
What happens to leftover money on the card?
Remaining balances may be transferred, spent later or managed according to the provider’s latest terms and conditions.
How much does the Travel Money Card cost?
The card itself is free to order. If you load pounds sterling rather than a foreign currency, a commission of around 1.5% applies (minimum £3, maximum £50). Spending in a currency you’ve loaded is free of Post Office purchase fees; spending in an unsupported currency adds a 3% cross-border fee. Fees are set by Post Office and may change — please confirm in branch.
How many currencies can the card hold?
Up to 22 currencies on one card, including EUR, USD, AUD, CAD, NZD, THB, AED, TRY, ZAR, CHF, PLN, GBP, CNY, CZK, DKK, HKD, HUF, JPY, NOK, SAR, SGD and SEK.
Can family members top up my Travel Money Card?
Top-ups are normally made by the cardholder through the Post Office Travel app, online account or in branch. Whether someone else can load your card depends on the provider’s current rules — please check the latest Post Office Travel Money Card terms.
Can I transfer leftover money back to my UK bank account?
When you return home, any remaining foreign currency is moved across to sterling at the rate of the day, and you can spend the balance in the UK like a debit card or withdraw it. Options for moving a balance to a bank account depend on the provider’s latest terms — ask in branch or check the official Post Office terms.
Who do I contact if I have a problem with my card abroad?
For lost, stolen or faulty cards, freeze the card in the Post Office Travel app and call the 24-hour Post Office Travel Money Card support line on +44 (0)20 7937 0280. For help applying or topping up in person, call our branch on 01706 725399 or pop in.
Are there fees to withdraw cash from an ATM?
Yes. A small fixed ATM fee applies and varies by currency, and the ATM owner may add their own surcharge. Check your card terms for the current amounts.
Will the Travel Money Card work everywhere abroad?
Acceptance depends on the card network and local merchant or ATM systems. Some smaller merchants may accept cash only.

You may also be interested in our Travel Money (cash orders), Western Union, Postal Orders, Document Certification and Everyday Banking services.

Why Rochdale customers trust Gale Street Post Office

Real Google reviews from customers using our Travel Money Card, travel money, banking and everyday Post Office services in Syke, Rochdale.

Reviews shown are from our verified Google Business Profile. Individual experiences may vary.

Find Gale Street Post Office

Visit us in Syke, Rochdale for Travel Money Cards, travel money, banking and everyday Post Office services.

📍 Open directions in Google Maps☎️ Call 01706 725399

3–5 Gale Street, Syke, Rochdale, OL12 0SQ

🎙️ Voice assistant

Ask about activation, currencies, Apple Pay, fees, lost cards or opening hours.

✨ Ask anything about the Travel Money Card – activation, currencies, top-ups or opening hours.
Last reviewed: June 2026. Gale Street Post Office.

Why customers choose Gale Street Post Office

✅ Open 7 days a week
✅ Open until 8PM Monday–Saturday
✅ Friendly in-branch help
✅ No appointment needed
✅ Local, trusted branch in Rochdale
✅ Travel money & banking in one visit

Serving our local community

Serving customers from Syke, Shawclough, Healey, Norden, Spotland, Lowerfold, Littleborough, Milnrow, Whitworth and the wider Rochdale area. We’re your local Post Office for Travel Money Cards, travel money and everyday banking.

📍 Syke📍 Healey📍 Shawclough📍 Norden📍 Spotland📍 Castleton📍 Bamford📍 Littleborough📍 Milnrow📍 Wardle📍 Whitworth📍 Rochdale Town Centre

Related services

Travel Money (cash)Western UnionPostal OrdersDocument CertificationEveryday Banking

Useful information

📞 Contact us🕗 Opening hours💱 Travel Money (cash)🏦 Everyday Banking🌍 Western Union
Financial promotion clarification: Gale Street Post Office provides access to Travel Money Card services offered by Post Office and partner providers. Availability, eligibility, limits, currencies and fees may change.

External provider responsibility: The Post Office Travel Money Card is an electronic money product issued by First Rate Exchange Services Ltd (registered in England & Wales, company no. 4287490; Financial Services Register no. 900412) under licence by Mastercard International. Services are subject to provider terms, identity verification checks and approval criteria.

Not financial advice: Information on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute financial, legal or investment advice. Please independently verify details before travelling.

Branch operator: Gale Street Post Office is operated by Bargain Universe Ltd (Company No. 11376774) under agreement with Post Office Limited.

Ready to apply for your Travel Money Card?

Visit Gale Street Post Office – open late & Sundays. No appointment needed.

📞 Call 01706 725399📍 Get directions

Last updated: 3 June 2026 by Gale Street Post Office.

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