Review of Barclays Travel Money

Barclays, a leading UK bank, offers a range of travel money services designed to meet the needs of British holidaymakers. Known for its wide network of services and trusted reputation, Barclays allows customers to order foreign currency online and collect it from their branches or have it delivered to their homes. Their competitive exchange rates and convenient services make Barclays a popular choice for those looking to prepare for international travel.

Travel Money Services Offered

Barclays offers several convenient options for purchasing travel money:

• Currency Orders: You can order up to £5,000 worth of foreign currency per person within a 90-day period. Orders can be delivered to your home address or collected from a Barclays branch. This service is ideal for travellers looking to secure their currency in advance.
• Home Delivery: Currency orders can be delivered directly to your home, ensuring you have your foreign cash ahead of time. Orders placed before 2pm Monday to Thursday will be delivered the next working day.
• Branch Collection: Alternatively, you can collect your foreign currency from a Barclays branch if you prefer to pick it up in person. Collection is available the next working day if the order is placed before the 2pm deadline.
• Buy-Back Service: Barclays offers a buy-back service, where you can return any unused foreign currency for a refund. However, you must visit a Barclays branch to complete this process.

Customer Feedback and Trustpilot Insights

Customer feedback on Barclays Travel Money is largely positive. Users appreciate the convenience of ordering currency online and the option of home delivery or branch collection. Many also highlight the ease of the buy-back service, although some reviews mention that the exchange rates can be less competitive compared to specialist foreign exchange providers.

On Trustpilot, Barclays Travel Money has a generally positive rating, with customers praising its reliable service and ease of use. However, a recurring theme in less favourable reviews is the exchange rates, which some customers feel are not as competitive as those offered by other providers. Additionally, some users expressed dissatisfaction with the buy-back process, as they were required to visit a branch in person.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Convenient Services: Barclays offers both home delivery and branch collection, giving customers the flexibility to choose what suits them best.
• Trusted Brand: As a major UK bank, Barclays offers a high level of security and customer service, giving peace of mind to users.
• Wide Availability: Barclays has numerous branches across the UK, making it convenient for those who prefer in-person service.

Cons:

• Exchange Rates: Some customers have noted that the exchange rates are not as competitive as those of specialist currency providers.
• Buy-Back Restrictions: To use the buy-back service, you must visit a Barclays branch, which may not be convenient for all customers.
• Account Requirement: You need a Barclays debit card or Barclaycard to place an order, which may limit access for non-Barclays customers.

What Currency Buyers Need to Know

• Order Ahead: To secure the best rates and ensure timely delivery or collection, it’s advisable to order currency in advance.
• Check Buy-Back Rates: If you plan to return unused currency, be aware that you must visit a branch for the buy-back process. Additionally, rates for buy-back may not be as high as those from other providers.
• Debit Card Requirement: To place a currency order, you must have a Barclays debit card or Barclaycard.

Our Thoughts

Barclays Travel Money is a solid choice for those who are already customers of the bank or prefer the convenience of branch-based services. The ability to order currency online and have it delivered or collected is very convenient, especially for those who want to plan ahead for their trip. However, the requirement to have a Barclays debit card or Barclaycard and the need to visit a branch for the buy-back service may limit access for some travellers. If you’re looking for the best exchange rates, it may be worth comparing Barclays’ offerings with those of other specialist currency exchange providers. Overall, if you value convenience and security and are already with Barclays, this is a reliable option for your travel money needs.

Quick Links

• View Barclays Travel Money Rates.
• Go to Barclays Travel Money website.
• See how Barclays travel money rates compare to other providers.