Review of John Lewis Travel Money

John Lewis Finance, part of the respected John Lewis Partnership, offers a reliable and trusted option for UK travellers looking to purchase travel money. The brand’s reputation for excellent customer service extends into their travel money offerings, making them a popular choice among British holidaymakers. While John Lewis Travel Money has yet to win awards for its travel money services, it benefits from the overall trust and quality associated with the John Lewis name.

Travel Money Services Offered

John Lewis Travel Money offers a broad range of services to meet the needs of travellers:

• Currency Orders: You can order over 60 different currencies online for collection at one of their many John Lewis or Waitrose stores across the UK.
• Home Delivery: They offer currency delivery to your home, with free delivery on orders over £500.
• Buy-Back Service: If you have leftover currency after your trip, you can sell it back to John Lewis in a branch. International Payments: Through a partnership with Western Union, John Lewis Finance provides international money transfers, which is ideal for those who need to send money abroad.

What People Are Saying

Online customer feedback for John Lewis Travel Money is generally positive, though mixed reviews do appear. Many customers praise the convenience of the service, particularly the ability to order currency online and collect it at their local John Lewis or Waitrose. Others appreciate the home delivery service, especially the free delivery on larger orders.

However, some customers have raised concerns over the exchange rates offered by John Lewis. There have been mentions of better rates available elsewhere, and a few users have reported dissatisfaction with the buy-back process, feeling the rates for returning unused currency are less favourable than they had hoped.

Trustpilot Insights

On Trustpilot, John Lewis Travel Money has a respectable rating, with many customers commending the straightforward and reliable service. Positive reviews often highlight the efficiency of the collection process and the customer service experience. However, recurring themes in less favourable reviews mention disappointment with the exchange rates and some confusion regarding the buy-back process, with a few customers noting they received less than expected when selling back currency.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Convenient Collection Options: Ordering currency online and collecting it from a nearby John Lewis or Waitrose store is highly convenient for many customers.
• Free Delivery: On orders over £500, customers enjoy free home delivery, which is ideal for larger purchases.
• Trusted Brand: As part of the John Lewis Partnership, they benefit from a well-established reputation for customer service and reliability.

Cons:

• Exchange Rates: Some customers find that the exchange rates offered by John Lewis are not as competitive as other providers, especially when compared to online-only companies or specialist foreign exchange providers.
• Buy-Back Rates: The rates for selling unused currency back to John Lewis are often lower than those offered by other exchange services, which may result in a loss of value.
• Buyback is only available in branches, not via mail.

What You Need to Know

• Order Early: If you need your currency in a timely manner, ordering well in advance ensures that you don’t face delays. For a more favourable rate, consider ordering your currency online and planning for collection ahead of time.
• Check Rates Before Selling Back: The buy-back rates might not be as high as you’d expect, so it’s worth comparing with other providers before deciding to sell back any leftover currency.
• Free Delivery: Take advantage of the free delivery for larger orders to maximise value, particularly if you’re ordering a substantial amount of travel money.

Our Thoughts

John Lewis Travel Money is a solid option for UK travellers who value convenience and reliability. While their exchange rates may not always be the most competitive, the convenience of home delivery, the ability to collect from local stores, and the trust associated with the John Lewis name make it a great choice for many.

If you’re looking for a simple, dependable way to buy travel money or sell back unused currency, John Lewis Travel Money is worth considering. However, if the best possible exchange rate is your primary concern, it may be worth comparing their rates with other providers before making a final decision.

Quick Links

• View John Lewis Travel Money Rates.
• Go to the John Lewis Travel Money website.
• See how The John Lewis Travel Money rates compare to other providers.