Using Debit Card in America

Mr_LoL

I'm assuming it would just work as normal? I'm going for three weeks next month. I'm with the Halifax and I can't find anything on their website about usage abroad. Does it cost a lot to spend on it?

COIAHLGW

Yes, your card will work as normal. I can't advise about the charges that you will incur for doing so, but this information should easily be accessible on the Halifax web site.

One point to consider though when buying is to select "credit" at the payment terminal if one is used rather than "debit". All this means is that you want Visa to process the transaction rather than a local Debit network that your card won't have an affiliation with in the US. Nothing to do with the fact that your card is a debit card and certainly nothing to worry about.

lr1277

I don't know what you mean by normal, but are you aware, the majority of card readers over there read the magnetic strip and not the chip on your card?
If you are not aware, this is a less secure system than the security provided by the chip and pin system.
I don't know if you saw about the customer data stolen from Target stores back in December. According to the Department of Homeland security in the last couple of days, the malware that stole the details from the machines in Target is now prevalent on a large number of cash registers across the country. A couple of affected companies have identified themselves but the majority have not.


If I were travelling to the US soon, I am not sure what I would do.


Either make sure your card has excellent fraud prevention/recovery measures
or
use cash/travellers cheques.


You may get a better answer on the 'Overseas holidays and travel' board.

lr1277

I just had a look on the Overseas... board and another option presented itself.


That is get a pre-paid dollar card. There are pitfalls in terms of transaction costs, but this seems a viable option.


HTH

username

Beware of the £1.50 charge you'll be hit with each time you use your Halifax card abroad, as well as the 2.75% fee on the cost of the transaction.

Avoid using it where possible. Can't believe Halifax tack on the £1.50 charge...

The 2.75% fee I can just about deal with, but £1.50 for EACH transaction is taking the p1ss. :eek:

Always pay in USD wherever you go, don't bother paying in GBP as the rate will be crap.

PeacefulWaters

Mr_LoL wrote: »

I'm assuming it would just work as normal?

Yes. Ish. But don't forget to tell them where you will be. And research the fees.

I'm going for three weeks next month. I'm with the Halifax and I can't find anything on their website about usage abroad.

They have a very useful section on it full of clear information.

http://www.halifax.co.uk/travel/help-guidance/using-debit-credit-cards-abroad/

Does it cost a lot to spend on it?

Yes. Get their a Clarity credit card and use that instead.

Mr_LoL

Thanks a lot guys. I google prepaid travel cards and Fair fx, Caxton and the Post Office cards came up. I'll have a look at them later.

Mr_LoL

username wrote: »

Beware of the £1.50 charge you'll be hit with each time you use your Halifax card abroad, as well as the 2.75% fee on the cost of the transaction.

Avoid using it where possible. Can't believe Halifax tack on the £1.50 charge...

The 2.75% fee I can just about deal with, but £1.50 for EACH transaction is taking the p1ss. :eek:

Always pay in USD wherever you go, don't bother paying in GBP as the rate will be crap.

So if I went to mcdonalds and spent $7 I would be charged an extra £1.50? No way

PeacefulWaters

Mr_LoL wrote: »

So if I went to mcdonalds and spent $7 I would be charged an extra £1.50? No way

Plus 2.75%. Important to remember on the bigger transactions.

A $1 coffee would attract the same flat fee but the percentage would be less painful.

This site has a very helpful article to read alongside your other research:
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money?_ga=1.209665746.1116300417.1393518509

If you choose the credit card route apply quickly because cards can take a couple of weeks to turn up.

USA ATMs charge a fee each time you use them. So prioritising purchases over cash and making fewer withdrawals for larger amounts when you do need cash is the way forwards.

TD Bank did have free ATM withdrawals when I was in NYC last year and when sampling the local culture for breakfast a McDonalds had an ATM with a $1 withdrawal fee. Others ATMs were nearer $3. Google Maps will help you locate the nearest TD Bank or McDonalds to your location. If you're not in New York State you might struggle for the bank!

Halifax debit card? Take it as a back up and don't use it.
Halifax Clarity Credit Card? A gift from the gods to the traveller. Use it for everything. Be aware of interest on cash withdrawals but pay the valance down yo zero quickly to minimise them.

The prepay cards have different costs for different currencies, purchases and ATM use and are often awkward / expensive to get the last bit of money out of once you return home. Research them. Understand them. Know how to optimise them if you choose to use them.

Here's a link to a code that will save £6.95 on a Kalixa card. Not a recommendation, just something to help if you choose that option:
http://affiliate.kalixa.com/uk/moneysupermarket/prepaid

Cashback sites like TopCashback can also give you a nice bit of cash when applying for a credit card or prepay card.

Always have a plan B. If one card gets blocked or fails you in another way what's your fallback position?

reclusive46

One thing to note when using your Debit card in the US is that you always need to press credit when paying rather than pressing debit. Debit is just for US debit cards, Credit means the transaction will go through Visa, MasterCard, Amex etc.

Mr_LoL

Thanks for the replies. Really helpful forum.