Virgin Holidays introduces multi-currency cash passport card

A multi-currency cash passport card is being introduced by Virgin Holidays in conjunction with MasterCard.

A multi-currency cash passport card is being introduced by Virgin Holidays in conjunction with MasterCard.

The card is initially available to order online or at 18 Virgin Holidays shops around the UK, with more to be added.

This follows the introduction of a travel insurance policy by the operator.

The chip and PIN-enabled pre-paid card can be loaded with one currency or a selection of up to seven while locking in the exchange rate at the time of load, reload or when moving funds between currencies. The card can be topped up online or over the phone.

It can be used to withdraw local currency at almost two million cash machines around the world, or used to pay for goods at over 31 million merchants displaying the MasterCard acceptance mark.

The card intelligently selects what currency to use wherever it is in the world.

If the local currency is not available on the card or there is insufficient balance for the transaction, other currencies on the card will be used to pay the shortfall for a small foreign exchange cost.

Virgin Holidays sales and customer director Mark Anderson said: “Our ambition is always to ensure that every aspect of our customers’ holiday experience – from how they research and choose where they go, to arriving at their hotel and even when they have to head home – is as worry-free as they possibly can be so they can truly relax and enjoy their well-earned break.

“These two new services mean we’re expanding that protective umbrella to include their spending money and insurance, giving them holiday assurance in a way that is quick, easy, flexible and secure. We’re sure they’ll like what we’ve introduced.”