Founded by Travellers, for Travellers
Microbacte began in 2019 when our founders, returning from separate overseas trips, compared notes about how much they had lost to poor exchange rates and hidden fees. The conversation started over coffee in Sydney and ended with a determination to create something better.
What struck us was not just the financial loss, but the lack of transparency. Traditional banks and currency exchange services seemed designed to confuse rather than inform. We believed Australian travellers deserved clarity about what they were paying and options that genuinely served their interests.
Five years later, we have helped over 200,000 Australians manage their travel money more effectively. Our team has grown from three people working out of a shared office to a dedicated group of 45 professionals across product development, customer support, and compliance.
What Guides Us
Our approach to building travel card products reflects principles we established from day one. These are not aspirational statements but operational realities that shape every decision we make.
Clarity Over Complexity
Every fee, rate, and charge is visible before you commit. If something seems complicated, we have not done our job properly.
Security Without Compromise
Your money and data are protected by the same standards used by major financial institutions. We invest heavily in security because trust is earned through action.
Practical Innovation
We add features that solve real problems, not technological novelties that look impressive in presentations but complicate actual use.
Our Regulatory Framework
Microbacte operates under the regulatory oversight of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC). We hold an Australian Financial Services Licence and comply with all applicable anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing requirements.
Our cards are issued in partnership with authorised deposit-taking institutions and operate on the Mastercard network. Customer funds are held in segregated accounts with Australian banks, separate from our operational capital.
We undergo annual external audits and maintain comprehensive insurance coverage appropriate to our operations. Detailed information about our regulatory status and licensing is available upon request.
Looking Forward
The travel industry continues to evolve, and so do the financial needs of travellers. We are investing in expanded currency coverage, enhanced mobile features, and partnerships that will deliver additional value to our cardholders.
Our focus remains on serving Australian travellers specifically. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone globally, we prefer to understand our market deeply and serve it exceptionally well.