Barclays today becomes the second UK bank to roll-out a pre-pay chip and PIN card which can be used at cash machines and payment terminals worldwide.

The Travel Money Card is designed to be an easy alternative to travellers' cheques.

'The Barclays travel card is safer than cash and more flexible than travellers’ cheques,' said Barclays current and savings account director Andrew Jones.

'The added security features give card holders the peace of mind that their money is protected,' he said.

The card will be free to purchase and top-up and is available in British pounds, US dollars or Euros. Lloyds TSB, Yorkshire Bank, the Post Office and Travelex also offer a similar service. However there will be a two per cent fee (minimum £1.50) on all overseas withdrawals.

A card user cannot go overdrawn to minimise the risk of fraud, and can be topped up in any Barclays branch with cash, debit or credit cards.