- Mr Plane Guy
- Oct 26
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 27
Travelex Money Card vs Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card: The Smarter Way to Travel in 2025
By Mr Plane Guy, Plane Travel News & Reviews with Altitude
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It keeps this blog flying high (and fuels my habit of buying overpriced airport lattes). I’m not a financial advisor, always seek professional advice before taking any financial product.
Why Travellers Are Rethinking Prepaid Travel Cards
For years, the Travelex Money Card was the go-to choice for UK travellers heading abroad.You’d load it with foreign currency before your trip, lock in the exchange rate, and tap away stress-free.
But in 2025, there’s a better way to manage your travel spending one that doesn’t involve topping up, hidden FX fees, or watching exchange rates like a stock chart.
That’s where the Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card comes in. Full Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card review.
Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card: Luxury Travel Meets Smart Spending
If you like the idea of free breakfast, room upgrades, and elite hotel perks, without ever touching a credit card, this might be the smartest travel money card in the UK right now.
You’ll earn:
Instant Hilton Honors Gold status
15,000 Bonus Points (usually 10,000)
15 Elite Nights in your Hilton Honors account when you spend £4,500 within 3 months of joining
Unlike prepaid options such as the Travelex Money Card, Hilton’s card runs alongside your existing debit card (like Monzo or Chase), with no FX fees and better exchange rates, plus the bonus of Hilton Points on every spend.
Apply for the Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card here
Travelex vs Hilton: The Comparison Table
Feature | Travelex Money Card | Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card |
Type | Prepaid travel card | Linked debit card |
Top-ups required | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
FX fees | 1.5–2% typical | ❌ None |
Exchange rate | Fixed when loaded | Mastercard live rate |
Rewards | ❌ None | 🏨 Hilton Points + Gold status |
Perks abroad | ❌ | ✅ Free breakfasts, upgrades, late checkout |
Expiry | Yes | No expiry |
Cost | Free | Free |
Ideal for | Occasional travellers | Frequent or value-driven travellers |
Plane Tip: If you’re loading a prepaid card just to avoid FX fees, you’re missing out on free hotel nights and elite perks. The Hilton card turns every tap into travel rewards.
How It Works Abroad
💶 Use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted — from Paris cafés to Phuket resorts
💳 No top-ups, no prepaid balance — it simply links to your normal bank account
🌍 No foreign transaction fees — pay in local currency at great FX rates
📱 Apple Pay & Google Pay compatible — ideal for contactless travel
It’s as simple as using your Monzo, but with far better returns.
Real Rewards: Hilton Gold in Action
Gold status with Hilton normally takes 40 nights to earn, but this card gives it instantly.That means:
Free breakfast or dining credit
Room upgrades (I’ve had some incredible ones)
Late checkout where available
80% bonus points on stays
Free water, Wi-Fi & fifth night free on points stays
During my Hilton DoubleTree Beijing review, I stayed almost for free thanks to Hilton Points and Gold perks a true Plane Luxury Escape.
Plane Verdict
If you’re still topping up a Travelex Money Card, it’s time to upgrade.The Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card is a smarter way to spend abroad no FX fees, no top-ups, and actual rewards that get you closer to five-star stays.
👉 Apply for the Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card here and earn instant Gold status + 15,000 Bonus Points before 18 November 2025.
Plane Tip: I’ve had mine for over a year now, it’s honestly one of the best luxury-for-less hacks I use.
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Thanks for reading, Travelex Money Card vs Hilton Honors Plus Debit Card: The Smarter Way to Travel in 2025.
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