Halifax Clarity IT problem

Louie123

We're off on holiday on Monday and I saw on MSE that the Halifax Clarity Card not only offered no transaction fee but I'd get a £20 bonus. The card was approved immediately and I was notified of the credit limit.

With the holiday getting closer I was worried that I hadn't received the card so rang Halifax. After being passed to three people over 45 minutes I was told that even though the card had been approved they had an IT problem that was cancelling cards. Unfortunately there was nothing they could do and suggested I reappply but definitely wouldn't get it for Monday or the £20 bonus. Apparatly a widespread problem within Halifax according to the lady at the call centre.

So if you are thinking of getting one of these cards make sure you have a contingency plan in place just in case.

Candyapple

When did you apply for the card?

System

Louie123 wrote: »

We're off on holiday on Monday and I saw on MSE that the Halifax Clarity Card...With the holiday getting closer I was worried that I hadn't received the card so rang Halifax...So if you are thinking of getting one of these cards make sure you have a contingency plan in place just in case.

You shouldn't rely on a single card and certainly not one you don't even have in your possession.

Louie123

Two weeks ago

Louie123

Luckily I've got another two cards I can use but both charge a 2.75% transaction fee, not a disaster.

Candyapple

If you are going to Europe and you live near a Metro bank you can apply and receive the card there and then as they make them in-store. No fees for useage:
https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/bank-accounts/i-want-some-information-about/using-my-card-abroad/

And for future, the Creation card is every bit as good as the Clarity:
https://www.creation.co.uk/credit-cards/creation-everyday-credit-card

Louie123

Thanks, would have been perfect but we're off to Dubai and we live in Gloucester and the nearest Metro bank is in Swindon.

Good move for others though, I'd suggest others go for this rather than the Halifax Clarity that MSE recommend.

takman

Candyapple wrote: »

If you are going to Europe and you live near a Metro bank you can apply and receive the card there and then as they make them in-store. No fees for useage:
https://www.metrobankonline.co.uk/bank-accounts/i-want-some-information-about/using-my-card-abroad/

And for future, the Creation card is every bit as good as the Clarity:
https://www.creation.co.uk/credit-cards/creation-everyday-credit-card

I would say the Barclaycard Platinum Travel Credit Card is the best credit card to use abroad as you don't get charged an interest on cash withdrawals if you clear the balance in full every month (unlike other credit cards)

Plus it's also a Visa so you could then get a Starling Account as a second card which is a Mastercard which means it's likely at least one is accepted.

Emily_Joy

Candyapple wrote: »

And for future, the Creation card is every bit as good as the Clarity.

Creation are nasty. They don't count refunds towards Direct Debits. The customer service is very unhelpful if you have to dispute a purchase, attempt a chargeback, etc. Would never use it in a country where CC scams are common.

Candyapple

Emily_Joy wrote: »

Creation are nasty. They don't count refunds towards Direct Debits. The customer service is very unhelpful if you have to dispute a purchase, attempt a chargeback, etc. Would never use it in a country where CC scams are common.

Ironically I had to initiate a chargeback/dispute after a withdrawal made at an ATM in Mexico failed to pay out the equivalent of £200 but the money was still showing as taken from my account - it was a quick and easy process, I sent them a secure message via online facility and the money was back in my account the following month. Anytime I've called them they've always been polite and helpful.

chattychappy

Louie123 wrote: »

Luckily I've got another two cards I can use but both charge a 2.75% transaction fee, not a disaster.

Should one be a Barclaycard, then it's not too bad for ATM withdrawals. They charge one fee, but no loading and give you up to 56 days to pay without interest. (I know they have a promotional travel Barclaycard, but I'm talking about the "normal" one.)