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

izawa

Have been using Halifax clarity for 10+ years. Wondering if Barclaycard rewards gives better rates on foreign purchases?

Ebe_Scrooge

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

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

steffangl

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.

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cymruchris

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

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.