MBNA Everyday Plus - Horrible FX Rates!

jumperabv3

I made a post several months ago comparing the "MBNA Everyday Plus" with Halifax Clarity for using it abroad:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5352023

Well, this info doesn't seem to be accurate anymore unfortunately.
I just did 2 transactions for around £1,000 each a 2 days ago, same amount, same time - using the MBNA Everyday Plus card as well as the Halifax clarity.

The difference between the two cards was around £15! It's horrible, I don't think I would ever use this card again.

I was wondering if you have any suggestions for other similar cards that provide no fee on all foreign transactions (purchases, ATM withdrawals etc.) like Halifax Clarity? It could be either a Debit or Credit card ... I'd love to get new suggestions from you of such cards available to apply for nowadays.

Thanks!

pogofish

There are loads of suggestions in the Travel Money Subform!

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/forumdisplay.php?f=193

Candyapple

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5103888

grumbler

jumperabv3 wrote: »

I was wondering if you have any suggestions for other similar cards that provide no fee on all foreign transactions (purchases, ATM withdrawals etc.) like Halifax Clarity? It could be either a Debit or Credit card ... I'd love to get new suggestions from you of such cards available to apply for nowadays.

For purchases Aqua Reward is even better than Clarity and, I am pretty sure, is mentioned in MSE article.

I wouldn't bother looking for a backup card specially for ATMs.

jumperabv3

Candyapple wrote: »

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5103888

Many thanks for providing a much more specific answer.
:T

grumbler wrote: »

I wouldn't bother looking for a backup card specially for ATMs.

Why not?

grumbler

Because I hardly ever withdraw cash abroad and small amounts only. Some debit cards I have are a decent backup at low extra cost. Barclaycard is a decent backup too as it doesn't charge for ATMs specifically (i.e. charges only for exchange and the interest).

macalloa

grumbler wrote: »

For purchases Aqua Reward is even better than Clarity and, I am pretty sure, is mentioned in MSE article.

I wouldn't bother looking for a backup card specially for ATMs.

May I ask how the Aqua Reward is better than the Halifax Clarity card ?

The latter has no fees abroad for goods or services abroad, so I'm interested to know the benefit of the former in comparison.

adindas

macalloa wrote: »

May I ask how the Aqua Reward is better than the Halifax Clarity card ?

The latter has no fees abroad for goods or services abroad, so I'm interested to know the benefit of the former in comparison.

Both cards are Mastercards
Both cards are zero fee for PURCHASE in foreign currency.
So equally good for PURCHASE n foreign currency.

BUT
The Aqua Reward give you 0.5% cashback which also include purchase.in foreign currency./
You do not get any cashback for purchase with clarity card. You might get cashback for spending equivalent to £300+ if you qualify.

So if you only use the card for purchase and your purchase is lower than £300 and you do not meet qualifying criteria from Halifax, Aqua is better due to this 0.5% cashback.

macalloa

Thanks.

We qualify for the Clarity Reward card deal - looks like a swings and roundabouts scenario.