Visa has launched a new digital card replacement service for travellers, providing those who lose their cards with the ability to secure a digital replacement via email or text.

The Digital Emergency Card Replacement Scheme allows users to receive, authenticate and securely add a new card to their digital wallet.

According to Visa, around 74 per cent of US travellers now use digital wallets on their trip.

“We've all felt that moment of panic while on vacation – the loss of a card and the feeling of being stranded,” said Kathleen Pierce-Gilmore, global head of issuing solutions at Visa. “Our new digital emergency card solution addresses these very issues.

“It offers instant, secure access to funds for travellers, while enabling issuers to deliver superior customer service. It's a win-win, demonstrating the power of digital payments to improve experiences for everyone.”

Earlier this month, Lloyds Bank and NatWest separately announced new measures aimed at people travelling abroad.

NatWest launched a new travel account that allows customers to spend euros abroad without being charged non-sterling fees. The UK bank’s new account links euros to an existing current account debit card which can be used for purchases in euros abroad or online.

Meanwhile Lloyds Bank announced its packaged account customers will be able to use their debit cards abroad for no fee from July. The bank said its debit card data shows increasing customer demand for card spending overseas.

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