Halifax Clarity Card

DannyWhoWorks

Heya, I am going on holiday soon and after following the advice on here, I have got myself a Halifax Clarity Card.


I understand it is best when it comes to spending overseas on the card but I am a little confused when it comes to taking cash out (euros).


However, can anyone advise me the best way to spend cash. I am fully aware that sometimes it will be a must to spend on cash (for shops and stalls who do no take card) so I will need cash on me. Is it best for me to withdraw the euros on the card on holiday or get euros here to take over with me when I am unable to spend on card.


Thanks for any advice! (bit of a holiday / credit card novice)

manchestermargo

I think you will be charged if you withdraw money using your Clarity card but not if you it use for purchasing items. I would take Euros with me.

sueh6

We withdraw cash on our Clarity when we get there - we just make sure we use a fee free ATM - there is no withdrawal fee using the Clarity card. Simply repay as soon as you get home as you do pay interest from the date of withdrawal. We still find it more worthwhile to do it this way however as the exchange rate is so good.

PeacefulWaters

manchestermargo wrote: »

I think you will be charged if you withdraw money using your Clarity card but not if you it use for purchasing items. I would take Euros with me.

The only charge would be interest on the amount withdrawn as cash.

This is typically 3p per day per £100 withdrawn.

The exchange rate achieved from an ATM withdrawal on a Halifax Clarity would be far superior to that from a UK bureau de change. Probably by well over £3 for every £100 of currency purchased.

I would suggest taking a minimum amount of currency, prioritising spending using card purchases and relying on minimal fee free ATM withdrawals to top this up as and when needed. Then repaying ASAP.

Oh, and tell Halifax where and when you're going and have a back up plan just in case the card is lost, stolen, damaged or blocked.

bigsy

Here's a recent real world example.

On 24th June I withdrew €200 from an ATM in France on my Clarity card.

This cost £160.07. This is spot on with the Mastercard exchange rates for that day published at https://www.mastercard.com/global/currencyconversion/.

On the same day my Danske Bank mobile app was quoting over £166 for the same amount of euro.

I transferred cash to the Clarity account on my return on 30th June to cover this withdrawal plus a few quid. Total interest charged on my statement was 27p.

DannyWhoWorks

Thanks so much guys for your advice! Makes a lot of sense!


Just one thing, because I want to pay it off as soon as I arrive (within reason), is it the same process as I would when I want to pay someone else through online banking? but just use the sort code and account number of my credit card? Thank you!

sueh6

DannyWhoWorks wrote: »

Thanks so much guys for your advice! Makes a lot of sense!


Just one thing, because I want to pay it off as soon as I arrive (within reason), is it the same process as I would when I want to pay someone else through online banking? but just use the sort code and account number of my credit card? Thank you!

Yes, it is. You also use your 16 digit card number as the reference. I don't know about your bank but if I'm paying a new bill I just have to type the first few letters of the payee in and it automatically 'suggests' who it may be and will default the account number and sort code in. I'm still nervous though and check this against the bank details given by Halifax Clarity or whichever organisation it is

SnowTiger

DannyWhoWorks wrote: »

Thanks so much guys for your advice! Makes a lot of sense!


Just one thing, because I want to pay it off as soon as I arrive (within reason), is it the same process as I would when I want to pay someone else through online banking? but just use the sort code and account number of my credit card? Thank you!

Pay to their sort code and account number and use your credit card number as the reference.

Details here.

wwfc_2

Take a little bit of cash in case you need it at the airport, saves having to search for an ATM

Use fee free ATMS for withdrawal

Use card where you can for purchases, meals etc

On your last day withdraw some cash so when you go next time in Europe you already have some (not a lot, I usually like to have 20 or so euros when I land) saves messing with tring to get little amounts of euros in England then

Pay off when you get home

People say you don't need to do it but I ALWAYS ring Halifax and tell them where im going and have NEVER had a declined transaction so far

By taking money out when you are there the exchange rate will be miles better than here

knightstyle

You can arrange with your bank to pay a sum of money to your Clarity card on any date in the future.
So we went to France on 1st of the month and drew cash on the 2nd. I had previously arranged for a payment to the card to be made on the 3rd. No fees and 2p interest! Real MSE.

manchestermargo

Thanks everyone for correcting me! I have also just obtained a Clarity Credit Card and will be taking it to Canada with me. Good to know I can withdraw cash without being charged.