Best card to use abroad

valib

Which is best, Halifax Clarity or Saga? Dont understand the Halifax 'free atm withdrawals' but interest charged even if you pay off in full, against Saga's £2 min/2% charge for atm withdrawals? Help plz :embarasse

pauljoecoe

I use Clarity. No charges and a good exchange rate.

As far as ATM withdrawals goes, any cash withdawal on a credit card will incurr interest from the day it is taken out. I'm sure Saga is the same. If you pay it back at the earliest opportunity it will be minimal. The Halifax card has a fairly low interest rate anyway.

chattychappy

Santander Zero also very good. I've used this card alot. Can get blocked sometimes. I think you must have an account with Santander to qualify. (Didn't used to.)

labp04

MetroBank all the way for me. Zero charges on either Debit or Credit Card whilst abroad. OK, if you live in M25 ring or maybe worthwhile visiting a branch even if you live a distance away if you spend extended periods abroad

chattychappy

labp04 wrote: »

MetroBank all the way for me. Zero charges on either Debit or Credit Card whilst abroad.

What experience have you had of using Metrobank cards abroad?

I know there were a number of problems with cards not being recognised overseas - have these been sorted?

pauljoecoe

I've just come back from Peru where I used my Clarity card for purchases and for cash. No issues at all. I did phone Halifax first and let them know I was going.

ManAtHome

The Clarity will be cheaper for ATM withdrawals - their worst rate is just under 2% (for the month), their best rate is around 1%. Note that you can pay off early which reduces the interest on the Clarity (no effect on Saga as you've already stumped up the 2%).

Important thing is to pay them off each month (same as any credit card really) - ongoing interest if you don't:
Saga 23.9%
Clarity 12.92% or 17.95% or 21.95% depending on which rate you get

Note that Saga apply interest from the transaction date even though you've already paid the 2% cash advance fee.

Bottom line - get the Clarity rather than the Saga (I'd get one as a backup even if you can get to a Metro branch).

heloid

I've had no problems with my MetroBank card in most of Western Europe and the rate is great on the transactions. I'll be trying it out in Lebanon in a few weeks.

labp04

So far have used 'em without problems in: France, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Austria, Greece and Turkey. From other postings it seems that outside of Europe there have also been good experiences :beer:

chattychappy

OK good. I would be using it mainly in Asia. When in the UK, I'm near Holborn and often go past their branch. I believe the issue was that equipment was not recognising the number ranges that Metronet use, but I suppose these have now filtered through as a result of software updates etc.

Apart from a brief problem in December, I've had no problem with Zero but I could do with a good backup solution. (Currently have Nationwide Flex - 1%).

dzug1

ManAtHome wrote: »

Note that Saga apply interest from the transaction date even though you've already paid the 2% cash advance fee.

Their website says they don't - as long as it's paid off in full with the next statement