Tandem vs Halifax Clarity for foreign travel?

NoodleDoodleMan

Now I AM confused !!!

The "fee free" ATM usage terminology encompasses all the various add on fees and interest charges which can be applied if used at a foreign ATM.

That's the bottom line for punters - how much extra, in total, will be added on.

The next statement date reference is irrelevant as far as foreign transactions on this Barclaycard are concerned - there are no fees etc. to settle.

Not clear at all where other card users come into this scenario.

No, obviously, I struggling with the distinction - I'll need to consult my brothers in law, they are from the Kingdom.

fifeken

NoodleDoodleMan wrote: »

The "fee free" ATM usage terminology encompasses all the various add on fees and interest charges which can be applied if used at a foreign ATM.

That's where I think you're misunderstanding. Fee Free ATM usage is solely the charge for using an ATM which can be avoided by getting cash over the counter, for example. The interest from the time of withdrawal is a seperate fee not included in this ATM Charge.

Perhaps the results from the MSE analysis of cards would help. If you go here https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards/ and scroll down to "How much does your card charge" then select a CC type, you'll see the two charges listed seperately.

Cards may have one, both or neither (like the Barclaycard). Hope this helps put this to bed.

NoodleDoodleMan

I understand all the charges that can be made against specific credit (and debit) cards abroad, without further need to consult the MSE guide.

I thought this was about ATM usage ?

Going into branch in a foreign country is a different scenario - and not something that most tourists will be prepared for, especially as holes in the wall are so common.

That's where I think you're misunderstanding. Fee Free ATM usage is solely the charge for using an ATM which can be avoided by getting cash over the counter, for example.

So, if I go into a branch of any bank in Spain and present my (SEPA zone) fee free Metrobank (for example) debit card to withdraw Euros from the teller then there will be no added fees ?

fifeken

Sorry you can't (won't?) see the difference between the two charges, hopefully others can and avoid ATM Fees and interest too.

And hopefully you don't get caught in the future should a card you have available charge the one you don't see.


No idea on the final question. Haven't been to Spain since I was a kid and no Metrobank cards.

chattychappy

Clearly "fee free" and "interest free" are different.

For ATM withdrawals, Clarity is fee-free. It is not interest free. But some people avoid interest by pre-loading (against the T+Cs). I pay pennies by paying back a day or so later. How much interest you pay is up to you.

I don't see the issue. My Barclaycard (and old one) charges a fee, but no interest.

Locally applied charges (inc. DCC) are another issue, just like here in the UK, though I know some ATMs seem to distinguish between cards when applying charges.

Once we're down to a few pence here or there, it doesn't matter. The most important thing is whether the cards are reliable.

NoodleDoodleMan

For the umpteeth time - I completely, fully and totally understand the difference between ATM charges (and surcharges) abroad and separate interest charges when used to withdraw cash.

The latter is only applicable when using a credit card (rather than a debit card) at a hole in the wall.

With the exception of the appropriate Barclaycard which has no fees or interest added if the balance is settled by payment due due date.

I had forgotten the Sainsbury's Gold credit card was also fee and interest free at ATMs - however that came with a modest £5 monthly membership fee with worldwide travel insurance until age 65 - pulled in 2012 for new customers and the insurance benefit ended last year, along with the fiver fee.

To avoid fees and interest I generally use a "user friendly" debit card like the Metrobank card (in SEPA countries) or the Starling card, there are others.

In the recent(ish) past it was the Norwich & Peterborough card until they dropped that benefit on being absorbed by Yorkshire B.S., and before that the standard Nationwide debit card which was fee free at the time.

Then there's the Nationwide FlexPlus debit card which is fee free for currency, but oddly not for goods and services abroad where 2.75% is applied.

That's where I think you're misunderstanding. Fee Free ATM usage is solely the charge for using an ATM which can be avoided by getting cash over the counter, for example [/QUOTE

I'm unclear on the cash over the counter reference - do you mean in a foreign bank ?

I visited a Santander branch in Spain last year, there was a notice to the effect that the tellers could not access Santander UK accounts.

Missus_Hyde

chattychappy wrote: »

Once we're down to a few pence here or there, it doesn't matter. The most important thing is whether cards the cards are reliable.

Exactly; as previously advised, I would always carry a couple of back up cards to use when abroad.

We always have the Clarity as the main card, with the Creation Everyday and Aqua Reward as back ups.