Best ways to take money to the United States - 2024

Let’s kick off with a quick summary of the travel money options we’ll cover in this full guide - click to check out the providers we’ve highlighted, or read on for more detail.

Prepaid cards are often issued by specialist providers, although some banks do also offer this facility.

With a prepaid card you’ll need to add money to a digital account before you can spend. The features and fees of prepaid cards can vary quite widely - some are designed for overseas use, while others may have pretty high fees when you’re overseas. Comparing a few will help you pick.

Ideal for: Setting your travel budget in advance, and then spending and making withdrawals as you travel in the United States

With a credit card you’ll be able to spend to your credit limit and then repay your bill later - fees apply if you don’t pay in full and on time.

Credit cards can come with a few extra fees compared to debit and prepaid cards, such as interest, penalties and cash advance costs. However, they’re still an attractive option if you have a travel optimised card which lets you earn rewards as you spend, or if you need a card to act as a payment guarantee when you hire a car or check into a hotel.

Ideal for: Spending now and paying back later - you may also earn rewards or cash back spending on the card you pick

There are likely to be times in the United States when cash is handy - for smaller purchases, tipping and taxis for example. Having some cash in your pocket is also reassuring in case your preferred payment card isn’t available or can't be accepted for some reason. Carrying too much cash is a security risk, so do be careful as tourists are often prey to opportunist thieves  - in the United States and the world over. Take out cash from ATMs little and often if you can.

Ideal for: Those times when only cash will do - market purchases, tipping and taxis for example

How much cash should I bring to the United States?

The budget you need to set for your trip depends a lot on what type of trip you’re expecting – you may be travelling or a shoestring, or you might be all up for a big blow out, with the very best of everything available in the United States. In either case you can avoid spending money unnecessarily with a bit of advance planning, booking accommodation online before you travel, and looking out for deals and offers.

How much money do I need per day in the United States?

While the amount of money you need depends a lot on the type of trip you’re taking, there are some things pretty much all travellers need to consider, including:

• Accommodation

• Meals

• Transportation

• Entry to tourist locations

• Activities and entertainment

• Tips and discretionary spend

• Any tourist taxes or visas that apply

You can start to set your budget for different spending types long before you travel - it’s also worth taking into consideration less obvious costs like the fees you’ll pay for currency conversion.

The exchange rate between the British Pound and US Dollar changes all the time, but getting a better rate means your money goes further when you’re in the United States. Right now, 1 GBP/USD = 1.27015. Get familiar with the exchange rate by using a reputable online currency converter, so you know what to expect.

In the United States, the average accommodation typically costs around 204 GBP per night, offering a wide range of options from cozy hostels to luxurious resorts, ensuring there's something to suit every traveler's budget. Local transportation, like buses, trains, and trams, provides convenient and affordable ways to explore the cities and other areas, with an average price of 36 GBP.

Dining experiences in the United States offer many options, from fresh seafood to multicultural cuisines, with meals averaging around 46 GBP. For people seeking hassle-free adventures, organized tour packages are readily available, showcasing the country's iconic landmarks, wildlife encounters, and cultural highlights, with prices starting from 43 GBP.

Is the United States expensive?

The amount of money you’ll spend in the United States depends a lot on the type of travel you like - whether that’s low cost or luxury. You can always make sure you stick to your planned budget by booking accommodation well in advance, and looking for great local places to eat rather than sticking to tourist hotspots where the prices tend to be cranked up. There are loads of great, and up to date, online resources to help you plan your trip to the United States which include hot tips and ways to save - do some research before you go to make your money go further.

What is the best way to pay in the United States?

Card payments are common - and often preferred - in the United States. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted and in most places you can make contactless payments with your physical card or a wallet like Apple Pay. Having some cash in your pocket can be reassuring, but it’s not necessary to carry a lot in most cases.

Can I use my bank card in the United States?

Generally you can use your bank card in the United States wherever the network is accepted. However you might find you can get a better deal with a specialist provider like Wise. Using a bank card issued in the UK for spending in the United States may come with a few headaches. You might need to inform your bank of your travel plans in advance, you could run into fees such as foreign transaction fees - and there’s a good chance you won’t get the very best exchange rate available either.

Is it better to exchange money in the UK or in the United States?

There’s no strict right and wrong when it comes to exchanging currency in the UK versus the United States. Ultimately, the best option comes down to the exchange rates and fees you can find both here and on arrival - and the convenience. Changing money on arrival means wasting precious time looking for a good deal, but carrying too much with you when you travel might not be the safest option.

Having some cash on hand can be very useful and reassuring, as you know you’ll always be able to pay for immediate expenses, or for emergencies. It’s also a handy back up if your preferred card isn’t accepted.

Because carrying lots of cash can make you a target of thieves, be sure to use the safety box in the hotel where you can, and split funds between a few different spots in your baggage as well. No matter whether you exchange at home or abroad, it’s also a smart idea to keep an eye on exchange rates so you’ll know you’re getting the best available deal on currency exchange.

How to buy USD on arrival in the United States?

If you plan on changing your money on arrival in the United States you’ll want to research currency exchange options in advance to avoid wasting time on your trip. In many cases physical exchange offices are clustered in one area of a city, such as the CBD or financial area. Compare your options based on fees and rates available before you hand over any money. It’s also worth stressing the importance of using a licensed money changer to avoid scams.

If you don’t want to waste time changing your money to US Dollar on arrival, consider an alternative like the Wise card. With the Wise card you can add money in GBP and tap to pay in USD without needing to do a manual exchange. Your money is changed using the mid-market rate and low, transparent fee - with no extra foreign transaction fee to worry about.

Does the United States accept British Pounds?

Generally it’s not possible to pay in GBP anywhere except in the UK. The official currency in the United States is US Dollar - and in most cases this is the only currency you can use to pay.

Conclusion - Best ways to take money to the United States

There’s no single best way to spend in the United States - and for most people, having a blend of payment options gives flexibility and reassurance. Consider getting a low cost debit card from an international provider like Wise, alongside your regular bank debit or credit card, and some cash in USD. That way you’re prepared no matter what happens.

FAQ - Best ways to take money to the United States

What is the best way to take money internationally?

The best way to take money with you when you travel depends on your personal preferences and where you’re headed - usually having an international debit or prepaid card, alongside your bank debit or credit card and a little cash is a smart plan.

Should I exchange money before I travel to the United States?

While you can exchange money before you travel, it’s not necessary and can eat up your precious planning time. If you don’t want to change your money in advance you can get a low cost international card from a provider like Wise or Revolut, to make ATM withdrawals with low or no fees when you arrive in your destination.

Can I withdraw USD from a local ATM?

You can’t withdraw US Dollar from a local ATM in the UK. You’ll need to wait until you arrive to make a cash withdrawal - ATMs are often found in airports, train stations and other travel hubs to make this easier.

Are debit travel cards a good way to take money to the United States?

Generally debit travel cards are cheap and flexible for international spending and withdrawal. Pick a low cost international card from a provider like Wise or Revolut, to get flexible international services and low overall fees.

Can I use cash in the United States?

You can often use cash, but carrying a lot of cash isn’t a smart move for safety. Using a mix of cards and cash, and making ATM withdrawals as and when you need to can give you the best of all worlds when it comes to your travel spending.

Data sources & references

Data on the cost of accommodation, meals, travel and entertainment is kindly provided by BudgetYourTrip. The information is correct as of April 2024.

Note: “accommodation” refers to the cost of a double-occupancy hotel room and “entertainment” refers to outgoings on shows, excursions, etc.

According to the 2024 WorldPay Global Payments Report, the most popular point-of-sale payment method in the United States is credit cards.