Buying US Dollars in NI

Cotta
Cotta Posts: 3,667 Forumite
Hi All,


Where is offering the best rates on purchasing US dollars at present?


Thanks.
«1

Comments

  • RikM
    RikM Posts: 810
    First Anniversary First Post
    Forumite
  • Cotta
    Cotta Posts: 3,667 Forumite
    Thanks, the Halifax Clarity card looks interesting, I might research this a little bit more.
  • Heisenbug
    Heisenbug Posts: 35 Forumite
    I've always used my Clarity card in the States and elsewhere both for purchases and ATM's. Can't beat the rates and is more convenient than carrying large amounts of money. Particularly useful for the south as no need to worry about having euro's or bank charges.
  • tara747
    tara747 Posts: 10,238
    Name Dropper First Anniversary Combo Breaker First Post
    Forumite
    I have a Clarity card - if withdrawing cash, do I need to pay the card on the day I withdraw, to avoid interest accruing?
    Get to 119lbs! 1/2/09: 135.6lbs 1/5/11: 145.8lbs 30/3/13 150lbs 22/2/14 137lbs 2/6/14 128lbs 29/8/14 124lbs 2/6/17 126lbs
    Save £180,000 by 31 Dec 2020! 2011: £54,342 * 2012: £62,200 * 2013: £74,127 * 2014: £84,839 * 2015: £95,207 * 2016: £109,122 * 2017: £121,733 * 2018: £136,565 * 2019: £161,957 * 2020: £197,685
    eBay sales - £4,559.89 Cashback - £2,309.73
  • Yes, but it would be difficult (if not impossible) to avoid interest due to transaction times. The interest is calculated daily and won't be significant over a normal holiday compared to the savings in fees and exchange rates. £1.50 per hundred if paid monthly on the better rate but pay earlier and you'll pay less.

    I've tended to pay close to the withdrawal whilst abroad but wouldn't worry if it was left until I got home.
  • Cotta
    Cotta Posts: 3,667 Forumite
    I've opted for the Clarity card, how does this work when I want to start using it, do I need to link this to my Halifax Current account?
  • tara747
    tara747 Posts: 10,238
    Name Dropper First Anniversary Combo Breaker First Post
    Forumite
    Cotta - if this is for an upcoming trip, I'd buy them NOW as the £ will be even further down the toilet by the time you go (thanks to the prospect of a hard Brexit).
    Get to 119lbs! 1/2/09: 135.6lbs 1/5/11: 145.8lbs 30/3/13 150lbs 22/2/14 137lbs 2/6/14 128lbs 29/8/14 124lbs 2/6/17 126lbs
    Save £180,000 by 31 Dec 2020! 2011: £54,342 * 2012: £62,200 * 2013: £74,127 * 2014: £84,839 * 2015: £95,207 * 2016: £109,122 * 2017: £121,733 * 2018: £136,565 * 2019: £161,957 * 2020: £197,685
    eBay sales - £4,559.89 Cashback - £2,309.73
  • There's no link between your Clarity card and your Halifax current account but I believe you'll be able to pay the credit card balance using online banking. I don't have a Halifax current account so I use my banks app to make early payments and have the direct debit setup to pay the balance in full each month.
  • tara747
    tara747 Posts: 10,238
    Name Dropper First Anniversary Combo Breaker First Post
    Forumite
    Heisenbug wrote: »
    There's no link between your Clarity card and your Halifax current account but I believe you'll be able to pay the credit card balance using online banking. I don't have a Halifax current account so I use my banks app to make early payments and have the direct debit setup to pay the balance in full each month.



    Thanks. I have a standing order set up to pay the full balance anytime I use the card, but I've never used it to withdraw cash - so I'd want to pay it immediately, in order to avoid paying interest.
    Get to 119lbs! 1/2/09: 135.6lbs 1/5/11: 145.8lbs 30/3/13 150lbs 22/2/14 137lbs 2/6/14 128lbs 29/8/14 124lbs 2/6/17 126lbs
    Save £180,000 by 31 Dec 2020! 2011: £54,342 * 2012: £62,200 * 2013: £74,127 * 2014: £84,839 * 2015: £95,207 * 2016: £109,122 * 2017: £121,733 * 2018: £136,565 * 2019: £161,957 * 2020: £197,685
    eBay sales - £4,559.89 Cashback - £2,309.73
  • Cotta
    Cotta Posts: 3,667 Forumite
    tara747 wrote: »
    Thanks. I have a standing order set up to pay the full balance anytime I use the card, but I've never used it to withdraw cash - so I'd want to pay it immediately, in order to avoid paying interest.
    So I should setup my Clarity card and when I use it the money is automatically cleared from my current account?
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 342.2K Banking & Borrowing
  • 249.8K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 449.3K Spending & Discounts
  • 234.4K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 606.7K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 172.7K Life & Family
  • 247.2K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 15.8K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards