Halifax Clarity abroad

chattychappy

grumbler wrote: »

I don't think that local banks/ATMs differentiate between debit and credit cards when charging the fee.

reclusive46 wrote: »

Outside of the EU they are essentially the same thing to ATMs and POS machines in the way they are processed and the way they are charged.

I've sometimes been charged for one card but not for another in Taiwan. Not necessarily a debit/credit card thing either.

SnowTiger wrote: »

Generally a tip.

One potential downside is that cash withdrawals are marked as such by the credit reference agencies. It's arguable that future lenders might see them as a negative when viewing your credit report.

I'm constantly withdrawing cash on my cards overseas - mainly Santander ZERO and Clarity, sometimes Barclaycard.

I've long since given up worrying about any negative factor re. the CRAs. I can only assume it's only negative when taken with other factors - eg you're close to your limit and paying minimums only. (Which might suggest you are using advances to make payments.)

PeacefulWaters

The advise to use the card for purchases as much as possible is sound and we managed to do a 12 day driving holiday across three states without withdrawing any cash.

But for cash withdrawal charges applied by the card issuer Halifax Clarity is the best out there by a mile.

My Barclaycard costs £2.75 plus 6p a day interest for a £100 withdrawal.

My Halifax Clarity Card costs 3p a day for a £100 withdrawal.

My Halifax debit card costs £4.25 for a £100 withdrawal.

It's not close.

chattychappy

PeacefulWaters wrote: »

My Barclaycard costs £2.75 plus 6p a day interest for a £100 withdrawal.

Are you sure?

For foreign cash, mine charges a fixed 2.99% and then it's treated rather like a purchase - ie if you pay off in full when you get the statement you get up to 56 days interest free. This is a good deal if you need cash overseas, but need a little credit.

I thought all Barclaycards were the same - which one do you have?

PeacefulWaters

chattychappy wrote: »

Are you sure?

For foreign cash, mine charges a fixed 2.99% and then it's treated rather like a purchase - ie if you pay off in full when you get the statement you get up to 56 days interest free. This is a good deal if you need cash overseas, but need a little credit.

I thought all Barclaycards were the same - which one do you have?

Old Egg Card.

I should probably double check.

Still, the overarching point remains the same.