Halifax Clarity Card Warning!

Roger1

I agree with the wise words of chattychappy and others and always carry alternatives.

The OP makes interesting points saying 'Halifax like other banks perform updates on their system ...' and 'Remember this is just not Halifax, every bank updates their system ...' so it is disappointing that s/he feels it necessary to issue a warning about Halifax Clarity cards when his/her advice applies to cards in general.

jackieblack

chattychappy wrote: »

Because they never have a problem in the UK, the marketing talks about "worldwide acceptance", banks are international organisations and we live in an age of global networks. People assume that provided they have sufficient credit limit, their card will work. In fact they feel entitled to expect it to work - hence threads from people moaning about how they were left stranded somewhere having to make expensive calls back home.

Anyone who believes the marketing and assumes they'll never have a problem definitely displays a distinct lack of common sense.

chattychappy

jackieblack wrote: »

Anyone who believes the marketing and assumes they'll never have a problem definitely displays a distinct lack of common sense.

Common sense isn't common as it used to be!!

jackieblack

chattychappy wrote: »

Common sense isn't common as it used to be!!

Ain't that the truth! :wall:

At least on this thread no-one's asking how much compensation they're entitled to or claiming it's a scam!:D

walesrob

Having travelled to Hong Kong and the Philippines many times, I've never had a problem with any of my cards being declined, and I've used them in ATM's, hotels, airports, etc. Taking 7 cards seems overkill in my opinion, I would have thought a Visa and a Mastercard would be sufficient. I have heard stories while in country of these declines happening, but having spoken to a someone at the head office of Metrobank in Manila, they joked that the banking network in the Philippines is a bit creaky and will sometimes fall over.

Doshwaster

reclusive46 wrote: »

While American Express is not accepted as much abroad, I've found it to be the most reliable card/network. It is the only card I've never had any problems using abroad. Its also the only one that doesn't seem to want to instant block my first transaction in the USA.

I always take an AmEx as my emergency card for visits to the US as unlike in other counties it is accepted almost everywhere and their customer service is excellent. It doesn't have the best APR but in times of emergency, cost isn't the most important thing.

There's some good advice about having backup cards in this thread. I don't think I'd dare leave the country without at least 3 independent forms of plastic from different issuers. I keep two on me in case a card is swallowed or declined plus a third I keep hidden back in the hotel. This was a life saver in Spain a few years ago when my wallet was pinched.

reclusive46

Doshwaster wrote: »

I always take an AmEx as my emergency card for visits to the US as unlike in other counties it is accepted almost everywhere and their customer service is excellent. It doesn't have the best APR but in times of emergency, cost isn't the most important thing.

There's some good advice about having backup cards in this thread. I don't think I'd dare leave the country without at least 3 independent forms of plastic from different issuers. I keep two on me in case a card is swallowed or declined plus a third I keep hidden back in the hotel. This was a life saver in Spain a few years ago when my wallet was pinched.

Indeed another reason to have an Amex abroad. You can normally get an emergency replacement within 24 hours (If shipped) or same day if there is an Amex agency.

Vortigern

So that's why I couldn't get any cash in Abu Dhabi at 7am (3am UK)
Do any of the UK banks publish details of their scheduled outages?

chattychappy

walesrob wrote: »

Having travelled to Hong Kong and the Philippines many times, I've never had a problem with any of my cards being declined, and I've used them in ATM's, hotels, airports, etc.

I've had a a couple of declines in HK. Royal Pacific and Towers hotel and a Hang Ten shop on a recent trip. In one case it triggered a block. In the other it just worked afterwards as per normal.

bigadaj

Was in Costa Rica in February, no problems with clarity over half a dozen cash withdrawals and a couple of hotel bills.