Managing Money in the USA: Recommendations from Camp America Participants

From receiving camp pay to travelling after camp, managing your money in the USA can feel confusing at first.

To help future participants decide, we asked returning Camp America participants which money apps, banks and payment methods they actually used during their summers in America.

While there wasn't one solution that worked for everyone, a handful of options came up repeatedly in their recommendations.
 

The Most Recommended Money Apps and Banking Options

Based on recommendations from returning Camp America participants, these were the options mentioned most often:

The right setup depends on how you'll be paid, how often you'll transfer money between currencies and what your plans are after camp. Some participants prioritised simplicity, while others looked for the best option for travelling and spending abroad.

How Do Camp America Participants Manage Their Money in the USA?

There isn't one approach that works for everyone.

However, Wise, Revolut and Monzo were the options mentioned most often by returning participants, while some preferred Chase, Starling or opening a US bank account after arriving in America.

Participants commonly looked for:

• Easy currency exchange
• The ability to send money to friends
• Convenient spending while travelling
• Access to account details and payment tools before arriving in the USA
• Simple ways to manage money across different currencies

Why Do Participants Recommend Wise?

Wise was one of the most positively mentioned options in the feedback we reviewed.

Participants often highlighted:

• Easy currency exchange
• Access to US account details
• Convenient spending in multiple currencies
• Simplicity when travelling after camp
• Easy transfers between friends

What Returners Had to Say

💬 Anna

"Wise - it's so easy and straightforward and so extremely easy to change and spend any currency. It made travelling after camp a lot less stressful when thinking about money."

💬 Holly

"Wise card! Easy to use with both a physical and digital card, plus inexpensive."

💬 Josephine

"Get Wise! Everyone at my camp uses it and it's so easy to send money to each other after sharing payments!"

Do You Need a US Bank Account to Get Paid?

Not necessarily. Some participants choose to open a traditional US bank account once they arrive, while others prefer to use services such as Wise, Revolut, Monzo, Chase or Starling throughout the summer.

Before deciding, it's worth checking how your camp plans to pay staff and whether they have any recommendations or requirements. You should also consider how you'll manage your money outside of camp, including spending, transfers and any travel plans after the summer.

Top tip: Even if you use Apple Pay or Google Pay regularly at home, it's worth carrying a physical debit card in the USA. While mobile payments are common, not every store accepts them, particularly in smaller towns and rural camp locations.

Our Wise Partner Offer

Wise was one of the most positively mentioned money apps from our returner community, which is why we've partnered with them to offer Camp America participants an exclusive sign-up offer.

Whether you're looking for an easy way to manage different currencies, send money internationally or travel after camp, Wise could be worth exploring. As with any financial product, make sure it meets your needs and check how your camp plans to handle payroll before making a decision.

👉 Explore Wise

We partner with Wise to offer participants an option for international money transfers and spending abroad. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our referral links.