Halifax Clarity VS HSBC Advance - Italy

jl45

Hi I am going to Italy. I have a Halifax Clarity and a HSBC Advance card. Which should I use for withdrawing from cash machines? Which should I use for payments. Should I bother taking any euros with me?

SW17

HSBC Advance waives the HSBC ATM cash fee (2%, min £2 / max £5), but HSBC will still charge you a 2.75% non-sterling transaction fee on top of the Visa/MC daily rate, on purchases and cash advances.

Halifax Clarity will not charge any of these fees, but of course interest will be charged on cash advances from the date of the transaction, at whatever rate you have on your account. However, assuming you pay off the balance at the end of the month (or even before once you have made the transactions), the interest is likely to be less than the fees on the HSBC card.

Personally I never change currency before travelling, I just withdraw on arrival (convenience and you usually get a better rate), but it's a personal choice and not everyone is comfortable doing that.

Doshwaster

I have HSBC Advance and the Halifax Clarity cards but would always use the Clarity in preference. Not only is it cheaper but you get more protection with it. Take the Advance card with you but only as backup just in case anything goes wrong with the Clarity.

The only Euros I take abroad are any I have left over from previous trips to Euroland.

SW17

Should have added that my preferred option for cash withdrawals in Europe these days is a Metro Bank debit card on their current account (no fees, no interest), but although they are expanding their network, it is still really only an option if you live/work in London or the SE. Cambridge and Milton Keynes are about as far north as they reach from London currently.

[Deleted User]

Lots of shops in Italy don't take cards, maybe only local pay cards (like Bancomat or Cartasi). I would buy some pocket change Euros in Britain before leaving. If you live near London Victoria, that's the best place to exchange.

PeacefulWaters

ciaccino wrote: »

Lots of shops in Italy don't take cards, maybe only local pay cards (like Bancomat or Cartasi). I would buy some pocket change Euros in Britain before leaving. If you live near London Victoria, that's the best place to exchange.

You'll get a better exchange rate sticking your Metro Bank debit card or Halifax Clarity credit card into one of those new fangled ATMs that they have in Italy these days.