📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

What credit card gives better exch rate on purchases? Barclaycard rewards vs Halifax clarity

Have been using Halifax clarity for 10+ years. Wondering if Barclaycard rewards gives better rates on foreign purchases?
I am relationship expert. Don't feel shy, say hello.

Comments

  • Ebe_Scrooge
    Ebe_Scrooge Posts: 7,320 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    There's very little in it.  Visa tends to give a marginally better exchange rate than Mastercard, but it's a very small difference.  If a card offers additional rewards versus a different card, that'll make a bigger difference than the exchange rate usually.  Loads of info here: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards/

  • DullGreyGuy
    DullGreyGuy Posts: 18,613 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Second Anniversary Name Dropper
    The network set the base rate, the card issuer sets any markup or fees. From memory the two you mention dont markup or add fees and so it just comes down to the card network. If they are both visa or both Mastercard then the rate will be identical
  • Rates can be seen here - quite variable. MC tended to be slightly better, but Visa seem to have a very slight edge at the moment.

    Exchange Rate Calculator | Visa
    Discover our Mastercard Currency Converter Calculator
  • cymruchris
    cymruchris Posts: 5,562 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    The Barclaycard rewards also gives you fee-free interest-free withdrawals - whereas the Clarity charges interest on a cash withdrawal immediately. Barclaycard rewards also has a tiny amount of cashback. Neither a deal-breaker - but depends on your spend and likelihood of needing to withdraw cash. 
  • Andy7856
    Andy7856 Posts: 260 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 100 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Per above the exchange difference is minor.  But nothing to stop you holding both. I hold both, but tend to use the Barclays more so for the free ATM withdrawals.      Having a 2nd card also gives me the reassurance that if either Visa or MC goes down I have Plan B. (quite rare I admit).  But also one occasions I have found some ATM's would not accept one card  but not the other. rural Mexico I think it was. 
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 351.4K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.3K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.8K Spending & Discounts
  • 244.4K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 599.7K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177.1K Life & Family
  • 258K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.2K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.