Going to USA Credit / Debit Card combo

mda99das

I am going to California in 2 weeks and have done some research.
Using credit cards to withdraw cash costs you.
The only debit card that I know that does not is metro bank.

If I take out a Halifax Clarity credit card and pay the balance off in full will I get the going exchange rate for GDP to USD or does the card fiddle with the rate?
Same question with the debit card?

What I aim to do is use the debit card for cash withdrawl for taxis etc and credit card for theme parks shopping etc.

Can anyone advise of any pitfalls?

A.Jones

Clarity is a good way to go. They don't play about with rates when shopping, they use the standard mastercard rate. I also use it for ATM withdrawals - just make sure you pay it off as soon as possible to minimise charges. I'm not near a metro bank, so cannot get one of their debit cards.

stphnstevey

Santander Zero Credit card is also good as well as the sainsburys one - have a look at Martins guide on travel money

Baldur

mda99das wrote: »

If I take out a Halifax Clarity credit card and pay the balance off in full will I get the going exchange rate for GDP to USD or does the card fiddle with the rate?
Same question with the debit card?

Having used both my Metro Bank Debit Card & Clarity card in Bulgaria & Dubai over the past two months, the Mastercard rate is what you get for POS or ATM transactions.

Norwich & Peterborough BS also do a VISA 'fee-free' debit card.

misa.blue

We just got back from our hols in California. Used Halifax Clarity for all the purchases and were getting great exchange rate each day! $1.64-$1.66