Barclaycard Platinum Travel CC

eagle

Recently got one of these and have ditched Halifax Clarity.

Am I right in thinking I can withdraw cash on the Barclaycard (until the introductory period ends in 2022) and be charged tiny amounts of interest as per the Clarity Card?

I thought I saw this somewhere but can't for the life of me see it anywhere.

stevenhp1987

Barclaycard Travel Card is different than the Clarity card in that it charges zero interest for foreign cash withdraws, so long as you pay your balance off in full.

So you don't need to worry about making a bank transfer ASAP to clear the cash balance.

eagle

Wow, this is very good news. Thanks for this.

eDicky

Why ditch Clarity when you can carry it as backup in case for some reason there's a problem with the Barclaycard or it's lost or stolen..?

dresdendave

eagle wrote: »

Wow, this is very good news. Thanks for this.

On a typical family holiday this could literally save you pennies..... or possibly a whole pound!

zagfles

Make certain you avoid DCC. It could be very costly.

Also watch out for the cash limit - on mine the cash limit was under a third of the credit limit!

Shampton

I apologise if I ask a silly question jumping in on this post; I too have been attracted to the Barclaycard Platinum Travel CC. Until recently, I have been using preloaded cards for obtaining foreign currencies when I am away. But I am about to embark on a tour, where I will be needing several currencies for a short period. Am I correct in thinking: I can draw out foreign money, whilst overseas, without a charge. The exchange rate will be quite favourable, better than a street Bureau De Change, and so long as I pay my balance in full when I receive my statement, I will not incur any other charge? It seems clear in the blurb, but appears too good to be true, or am I missing something. I know I could ask Barclaycard, but, cynically, I fear I may not ask an important question, and they will not tell me the catch.
I appreciate any advice offered. PS, what is DCC.

zagfles

Shampton wrote: »

I apologise if I ask a silly question jumping in on this post; I too have been attracted to the Barclaycard Platinum Travel CC. Until recently, I have been using preloaded cards for obtaining foreign currencies when I am away. But I am about to embark on a tour, where I will be needing several currencies for a short period. Am I correct in thinking: I can draw out foreign money, whilst overseas, without a charge.

Yes. Sometimes the ATM itself will charge - but it will tell you if it does. I've never known one to charge in Europe, although in Spain people are reporting some ATMs charge. It's more common in places like the US and Thailand.

The exchange rate will be quite favourable, better than a street Bureau De Change, and so long as I pay my balance in full when I receive my statement, I will not incur any other charge?

It uses the VISA rate with a 0% markup, see here https://www.visaeurope.com/making-payments/exchange-rates

The rates are far better than BDC rates.

It seems clear in the blurb, but appears too good to be true, or am I missing something. I know I could ask Barclaycard, but, cynically, I fear I may not ask an important question, and they will not tell me the catch.

Or more likely their staff won't have a clue and will guess. Which seems quite common with bank call centres these days.

I appreciate any advice offered. PS, what is DCC.

It's essential to understand and avoid DCC, otherwise you'll be charged big. Google "credit card DCC".

Basically, if an exchange rate is offered always decline it - choose to be charged in local currency. With ATMs, you're in charge so it's easy - take the "without conversion" option if it's offered. Not all offer it - if it doesn't all is good and you'll be charged local currency.

Avoiding it with retailers is sometimes harder - always tell them to charge in the local currency, always check your receipts show ONLY the local currency and not GBP anywhere, and in restaurants etc with hand held terminals keep hold of it after entering the PIN to see if it asks the currency.

See https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/travel/2017/07/Asked-to-pay-in-euros-abroad-but-charged-in-pounds-You're-not-alone-in-being-ripped-off
and the linked discussion.

spragger

Tried to use this card to draw out cash in Toronto today
Been refused by Nova Scotia bank and RBC charge a fee
Any Canadian bank that will meet the no charge label that was on the tin

bigadaj

spragger wrote: »

Tried to use this card to draw out cash in Toronto today
Been refused by Nova Scotia bank and RBC charge a fee
Any Canadian bank that will meet the no charge label that was on the tin

You seem to have misunderstood, barclaycard won't charge you but any bank or ATM network might, they have no control over this.

We're currently in Thailand and everywhere pretty much charges a hefty fee so we've gone pretty much cash only.

stevenhp1987

spragger wrote: »

Tried to use this card to draw out cash in Toronto today
Been refused by Nova Scotia bank and RBC charge a fee
Any Canadian bank that will meet the no charge label that was on the tin

Barclaycard won't charge you a fee.

Individual ATM owners can still charge you. It's the same as using a paid ATM here, no different. They will charge you regardless of what card you use (for non foreign spend fee-free cards, this would be in addition to said fee).

Chargeable ATMs are commonplace in North America, I've never seen a free one in USA and I'd expect Canada to be similar.