Halifax Clarity v travel money card

wwfc_2

Hi all

I am going to America in may and plan to take 750 US dollars in cash and my Halifax Clarity as ive budgeted 2.5k spending and don't want to take that much cash.

My Clarity has over a 9k limit at there lowest rate and I keep the balance at NIL as I always pay it off

My plan is to use the clarity for paying for all the main meals and any shopping the wife does. I plan to use the cash im taking for minor purchases and when I run out to use the Clarity to withdraw some more.

Now everyone keeps telling me my idea is bad and that I should take a preload travel card that keep popping up everywhere.

However im not convinced, even if I don't log on to my Halifax account the interest on the cash withdrawals wont be that much for 2 weeks away, no purchase fees and no withdrawal fees apart from the interest. also the clarity card wont cost me to 'load' and then 'unload' when I get back.

I used my clarity in Lanzarote with no problems, I rang Halifax before I went and told them id be going abroad and ive done the same for America



Am I right in taking my Clarity (I have a back up card if it fails)or am I missing something and should therefore take a preloaded card?

scottishblondie

You are right.

I would pay for everything I possibly could on the card itself - they take cards pretty much everywhere in the USA - and you probably won't need to withdraw much cash at all.

guesswho2000

Yep, I'd take the Clarity card and a backup and use it exclusively, if possible. I wouldn't even bother taking the cash, as you'll get a better exchange rate drawing out on the Clarity if you need it.

YorkshireBoy

Never been, but aren't ATM fees more commonplace there than they are here?

reclusive46

YorkshireBoy wrote: »

Never been, but aren't ATM fees more commonplace there than they are here?

Yes but you'll also struggle to find anywhere that doesn't take card.

Last few times I've been in the states i haven't even used any cash.

elantan

went to the U.S last year and the year before, both times for three weeks, i took $500 in cash and used my clarity all the time, it makes such a difference using the card, life is easier, they accept them everywhere, got money from the atm no problem, and the charges were negligable, i did however have online banking so that if i thought i was getting close to my max i could pay something off and keep on using the card.

i know people that have got those front loaded cards, bought them when we went to floriday two years ago and didnt spend all the money, two years later they still have money on the card as transferring it back they were losing far too much money so they decided to keep it for when they go to america again ( probably next year )

not very handy for them really

lisyloo

Never been, but aren't ATM fees more commonplace there than they are here?

Yes, but they aren't huge e.g. $3, which is £2.
Better not to make lots of small withdrawals
As already stated they are very card friendly.