Marks and Spencer travel money explained: how to order, fees, limits and simple tips to get a better rate on your next holiday trip.
It was 9:00 PM the night before our family holiday, and I had just walked in from work. Suitcases sat half-packed all around me as I stood in the hallway.
At that moment, I realized that I had absolutely no euros. Not a single one. Zero. My imagination was running wild with thoughts about how much the airport currency exchange service would charge me.
The reason why I began paying more attention to how much money I spent on travel was because of that experience. After that time, I ordered holiday money from several sources. However, Marks and Spencer’s travel money was one of those sources that I returned to frequently because it was so simple and easy to use. But easy doesn’t always mean cheap. Also, the Marks and Spencer travel money service has undergone some changes since I first used it.
This is my honest, direct guide to M&S Travel Money; what it is, how to use it, why you should consider using it and where you may find better alternatives. Whether you are still reading up on Where to Travel in Summer: Top Destinations or you have already booked your trip, getting your holiday cash right is one of the first things to sort out.
What Is M&S Travel Money?
Put simply, Marks & Spencer travel money lets you buy foreign currency from a name you already know. You can order your currency online and collect it from a participating store, or you can walk into a store and buy it there and then.
Today, the process works as follows. Customers are able to purchase products from £150 up to £2,500 through the use of technology (ordering) and picking up their items at a Marks & Spencer location. Customers will need to be 18 years of age or older, as well as residents of the United Kingdom. This service is designed for individual use; therefore, customers cannot place an order for another person.
One thing can catch many people by surprise. The travel money provided by Marks & Spencer has been operated by Ignite FXCorp Ltd, which is part of Eurochange, since spring 2025. It is now only available through click & collect, meaning that there is no longer a possibility to have the money delivered to your home. If you were used to receiving your foreign currency via mail at your doorstep, this will no longer be possible. Please plan accordingly.
How to Order M&S Travel Money
Honestly, it’s easier than assembling flat-pack furniture. Here’s the process:
- Pick your currency and decide how much you want.
- Orders placed online must have a value between £150 and £2,500.
- Pick your delivery point. Enter your zip code and select one of the participating points closest to you.
- Your rate will be listed in the ordering screen where you are placing your order. This means that you can easily view your rate before you finalize your order.
- Pay for your order online using your Visa Debit or Maestro/Mastercard debit card when you place a click and collect order.
- Wait for the email. You’ll get a message when your currency is ready.
- Collect your items in person. Be prepared to show your order confirmation, the credit/debit card you purchased the items with, and a government issued photo ID. Only the individual who made the purchase is able to pick up their order.
The ID check process is quite stringent, and I found out first-hand what can happen when you use the incorrect ID to pick up your order. One day, a close friend arrived at the store with an ID other than the one he used to purchase the items online. He ended up leaving the store empty-handed. Make sure you have the right ID on hand prior to leaving your home.
How Fast Can You Get Your Money?
M&S is particularly useful at this point. Collections are available within as little as 60 seconds (subject to opening times and availability), unless you have chosen to collect on another day.
You can think of it like placing an order for a take-out coffee with an application on your phone. You press the button, you make payment, you enter the store, and it is ready. It is possible to collect most major currencies the same day; however, do not assume this will be the case. Store stock levels vary from location to location, and some less common currencies are not always available at all stores. If you need a less common currency, M&S recommends ordering in advance so you’re not left disappointed at the counter.
These days, I order my cash at least two or three days before the trip.On the other hand, when I did wait until the day of my departure to place an order for currency, my local store had run out of the denomination of currency that I needed. Therefore, I ended up with a strange combination of notes that I spent most of my vacation attempting to exchange.
Fees, Charges and the Small Print
Fees are where travel money gets confusing, so let’s slow down here.
Does M&S Charge Commission?
The good thing about this is that M&S doesn’t take any commission from your purchase when you order through Click & Collect, nor do they charge you for using your credit/debit card. In addition, you won’t have to pay anything to pick up your order at a store.
Fees and Charges to Watch
- The company that issued your credit card. If you pay with a credit card, your bank may treat the purchase as a cash advance and charge you extra for it. Using an M&S Credit Card? Then it’s free. With any other card, expect a possible fee, so it’s worth asking your bank first.
- Cancellation: If you cancel, or if you fail to pick up your order within seven days of the day that it was scheduled to be collected, then we will refund your money; however, we will deduct a £10 cancellation fee. It’s not a major issue, but it is a ten pound loss that could easily have been avoided.
- The actual cost of sending money. In other words, when a company states “no commission,” they have just included their profit within the exchange rate. It may not seem fair, however this is how the entire industry operates, therefore, it would be beneficial for you to check the actual exchange rate instead of paying attention to the initial charges.
Why the Exchange Rate Matters
Think of the exchange rate as the price of a pint. While two pubs may both say they don’t have a service charge, one will charge you £1 more for the exact same beer.
How Does the M&S Rate Compare?
One independent review has quantified the difference in rate between M&S and other top-performing online currency exchange providers. According to that review, M&S’s exchange rate is approximately €4-€5 lower than those offered by the most efficient online specialists per £500 exchanged. Although this is not a significant difference, it is still worth noting. Because rates can fluctuate on an ongoing basis, you should always verify the current exchange rate prior to completing an order.
Is M&S Travel Money Safe? What About Regulation?
Worthwhile being open about this, as it is a common query I receive. On the Marks & Spencer travel money website it clearly states that the travel money is not FCA regulated. Therefore, the consumer rights/protections of the FCA will not be available for the actual purchase of currency.
Is there any danger associated with this? No, not for a regular vacation money transaction. You give the merchant the money and they give you the cash immediately. As previously stated, this will not be an issue for most of your purchases. It may be beneficial to know about this though, particularly if you are the type of individual who wants all of their boxes checked off.
What About Leftover Currency?
I think everyone has a drawer. That’s right. The one I have is full of a “rainy day” stash of Turkish Lira, a few Czech Korunas that came from a trip to Prague, and one Moroccan Banknote that I simply cannot bear to throw out.
M&S can help you get rid of those unwanted foreign bank notes, if you have one of their branches close by. They have an in-store buyback scheme. The rate at which you sell back to them will always be less than the rate you bought from them, therefore don’t expect to receive all of your money back; however, this is better than having a drawer full of foreign currency. Before making a special journey to your nearest M&S branch, contact them to find out what types of foreign currency they will accept.
M&S Travel Money vs the Alternatives
The main point is whether or not you will really use this. I look at it this way.
| Option | Best for | Watch out for |
| M&S Travel Money | Convenience, quick collection, a brand you know | Rate usually behind online specialists; collection only |
| Online specialists | Better rates, often with delivery | Delivery fees or minimum spends |
| Post Office | Wide branch network, home delivery options | Rates and fees vary by amount |
| Travel cards (Wise, Revolut, etc.) | Spending abroad with great rates and low fees | You need to set it up in advance; not ideal if you need cash |
| Withdrawing abroad | Topping up as you go | ATM fees, bad “dynamic currency conversion” offers |
My style of working with money is divided into two parts. I will have some cash (a small amount) on hand to pay for things such as taxis, tips, and other small items at cafes where they do not accept credit/debit cards. The remaining funds are put onto my travel card. In many ways, this is similar to having both an umbrella and a rain coat with me. While it may seem like a “belt-and-braces” method of being prepared, I have never had a problem because of doing it this way.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
What I like:
- Quick, easy ordering
- Collection in as little as a minute
- No commission or card charges on click and collect
- A brand I trust, with plenty of stores
- In-store buyback
What I’d change:
- No home delivery
- Rates can trail specialists
- £150 minimum and £2,500 maximum won’t suit everyone
- Strict ID rules
- Not FCA regulated
Who Should Use M&S Travel Money?
It’s a great fit if you:
- Already shop at M&S and can collect on a regular trip
- Want your cash quickly without waiting for post
- Hold an M&S Credit Card and can avoid cash advance fees
- Value simplicity over squeezing out every last cent
You might want to look elsewhere if you:
- Want home delivery
- Need more than £2,500 in cash
- Are chasing the absolute best rate
- Plan to rely mostly on card spending abroad
My Top Tips for Getting the Best Deal
After a few trips and a couple of mistakes, here’s what I’d tell a friend:
- Compare costs prior to making a commitment. A few minutes of researching could result in saving yourself a nice cup of coffee or even more.
- Order early. Especially for less common currencies.
- Bring the right card and ID. I can’t stress this enough.
- Use the right card to pay. Avoid cash advance charges.
- Don’t over-order. Leftover cash loses value when you sell it back.
- Always keep a little emergency cash separate. Not in the same bag as your cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get M&S Travel Money delivered? No. It’s currently click and collect only.
How much can I order online? Between £150 and £2,500 per order.
Yes, many times you can pick up on the same day as long as there is an adequate supply of your preferred currency in stock at the store and the store is open. It’s always best to call ahead and make sure they have enough of your currency before coming down.
How can I pick up my order? You will need your order confirmation, the debit/credit card that was used for the purchase, and some form of identification (ID) with your photo. All three documents should have the same name.
Is there anyone else who can pick up my package? Unfortunately, no. Only the individual who made the purchase is able to collect their package.
Can I cancel if I change my mind? Yes, you may cancel prior to your scheduled collection date, however there will be a £10 cancellation charge.
Can I trade my leftover currency for cash? You can do this at the store where you bought it, however, make sure to find out what type of currency your local store will accept.
Final Thoughts
Is Marks & Spencer Travel Money worth using? It depends upon your priorities. If you are looking for an easy, simple and stress-free method of purchasing travel money during your regular shopping trips then you cannot beat Marks & Spencer. However if you are searching for the best possible exchange rates and/or delivery options then you may be able to find better deals from specialized companies and/or travel cards.
I would start with the same hallway experience. That is what I learned from. It wasn’t about the cost of things (rate/fee). It was about how to prepare yourself. If you order early enough, find out what the rate is, have your identification ready, you will be able to travel through the airport without having to worry about anything else.
Useful Resources
- How to Buy Euros will help you learn about comparing the exchange rate in your local area, why it may be better to use credit/debit cards than cash at times, and why most places will give you very low buy back rates when you return with extra money.
- Buying Travel Money on the High Street gives you independent advice on avoiding airport exchange rates, buying in advance and finding a better rate on holiday money.
