Monzo^ has become one of the most popular digital banks in the UK. It’s simple to use and especially handy when travelling. If you’re wondering whether you can use your Monzo card abroad, how to deposit cash or cheques, or how to set up an account, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Using Your Monzo Card Abroad
You can use your Monzo card in most countries including the US without hassle. Card payments usually come with no extra fees and Monzo offers competitive exchange rates. You can use your card in shops, restaurants and to withdraw cash from ATMs.
Monzo says there can be occasional issues using the card in countries such as Cuba, Portugal, North and South Korea, and Bulgaria.
Before you withdraw cash from an ATM, check the app to see if Monzo will charge a fee. Some foreign ATMs add their own charges and Monzo will warn you about these before you proceed.
Monzo lets you withdraw fee-free from ATMs abroad, starting at £200 every 30 days on the Standard plan^. Higher-tier plans increase this limit up to £600. After you hit your plan’s limit, a 3% fee applies to further withdrawals. If you regularly need cash overseas, it’s wise to plan ahead. Keep in mind local ATMs may charge their own fees, which differ by country.
Using Monzo In The US
Monzo works well in the US wherever Mastercard is accepted – which is likely everywhere. You can pay using chip and PIN or contactless, whichever you prefer. Cash withdrawals at ATMs are easy but local fees may apply so check beforehand in the app.
Before you travel, make sure your Monzo card is activated for use abroad. You can do this quickly in the app.
How To Deposit Money To Monzo Before Traveling
There are several ways to add money to your Monzo account. For cash deposits, Monzo partners with PayPoint^ and other retailers in the UK. Visit one of these shops, hand over your cash, and it will appear in your account within 10 minutes.
To deposit a cheque, use the Monzo app. Select the cheque deposit option and take photos of the front and back of your cheque as instructed. It usually takes a few working days for the money to clear.
How To Deposit A Cheque Into Your Monzo Account
Cheques are becoming less common, but some employers or older generations still use them. Here’s how to pay a cheque into your personal or joint Monzo account using the app (for cheques up to £500).
- Open the Monzo app and tap the Home icon.
- Select the account you want to pay money into.
- Tap Add money under your card. If you don’t see this, tap the three dots for more options.
- Choose Other ways to add money.
- Tap Cheques and follow the on-screen instructions.
Deposited cheques usually take up to three business days to clear. If your cheque is for more than £500, you’ll need to send it in by post.
Getting Travel Insurance With Monzo
If you want built-in travel insurance, upgrading to Monzo Max might be worth considering. It includes multi-trip cover for UK residents aged 18 and over, with some decent protection:
- Up to £5,000 for cancellations
- Up to £10 million for emergency medical bills
- Up to £750 for lost or stolen valuables
- Winter sports cover
- Car hire excess waiver up to £3,000
The insurance is provided by Zurich and powered by Qover. You can also add your partner or family for an extra £5 a month.
Monzo Max costs £17 a month, so whether it’s worth it depends on how often you travel and how much cover you’d need anyway. Everything is managed in the Monzo app, which keeps things simple.
How To Open A Monzo Account
Opening a Monzo account takes just minutes. Download the app, enter your details like name and address, then verify your identity with a photo of your ID and a quick selfie. Once verified, your account is ready and your card will arrive in the post within a couple of weeks. If you are travelling, make sure you open your Monzo account in advance in case of delays.
Monzo is designed to be easy to manage at home or abroad. Knowing how to deposit money, use your card overseas and set up an account means you can avoid most common problems. Keep the app handy when travelling to stay on top of your money.
Always have a backup account just in case something goes wrong abroad – there’s nothing worse than being stranded without access to your funds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about Monzo? Here are some quick answers to the most common ones.
Can I freeze and unfreeze my Monzo card abroad?
Yes, you can instantly freeze or unfreeze your card anytime through the app if you lose it or suspect fraud.
What happens if my Monzo card is stolen abroad?
Freeze your card immediately in the app and order a replacement. Monzo support is available 24/7 for emergencies.
Do I need to let Monzo know when I’m travelling abroad?
No need to inform Monzo before you travel. Just make sure to freeze your card and contact customer support right away if it’s lost or stolen – both can be done easily through the app.
What happens if I lose my phone abroad?
If you lose your phone or can’t access the Monzo app, you can log in to a simplified version of your account online at web.monzo.com.^
