Halifax Clarity card moving from MasterCard to Visa

rismackay

I've had a Halifax Clarity card for many years, originally acquired for its cost-effective handling of transactions when abroad.  One additional benefit I have perceived with this arrangement in the past is that it is on MasterCard, thus providing an alternative clearing infrastructure if Visa isn't working for some reason.  I have just been informed that Halifax is moving this card to Visa, thus removing that element of useful redundancy.  Should I be bothered about this?  If I should, the next question would be whether a competitor card with similar foreign transaction advantages exists that is not on Visa.

On-the-coast

Worry, maybe not go that far, but I always make sure I have at least one card on each network. 

When travelling it’s more important to have 2 cards (of any type) than just one because of the chance one could get blocked, lost or stolen. 

Currently travelling (with Amex Mastercard and visa!)

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6636212/halifax-moving-from-mastercard-to-visa#latest

Zeerust

Hi,

I received a new Clarity Credit Card in the post. My previous one was still in date - noticed change from Visa to Mastercard and wondered why. It never mentioned anything in the letter.

Below is an AI summary why the change happened.

AI Overview Yes, Halifax is currently migrating its credit cards, including the Clarity card, from Mastercard to Visa, with changes occurring throughout early 2026. Eligible customers are receiving new Visa cards to replace their existing Mastercard, following a 2024 announcement by Lloyds Banking Group. 

• Action Required: Customers are being urged to ensure their contact details (email, home address, and mobile number) are up-to-date in the app or online to avoid disruption during the switch.
• The Switch: Approximately 10 million cards across Lloyds Banking Group (including Halifax) are moving to Visa to take advantage of improved fraud prevention capabilities.
• What to Expect: If you are eligible for the switch, you will receive a new card in the mail in the coming weeks. 

This migration affects many consumer and commercial cards, not just the Clarity card, with the process continuing through 2026

flaneurs_lobster

I'd be amazed if the actual reason were not that LBG have got a better deal (ie cheaper) from Visa.

EarthBoy

AI wouldn't have been my first port of call to find out more information.

It's been mentioned on the Forum before. See this existing thread here:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6636212/halifax-moving-from-mastercard-to-visa

All Lloyds Banking Group credit cards are changing from Mastercard to Visa. This was announced two years ago, and you should have received an email telling you that your card was changing. I received an email from Halifax a couple of months ago, and one from Lloyds this week.

https://www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/media/press-releases/2024/lloyds-banking-group-2024/lloyds-expands-partnership-with-visa.html

born_again

Long running thread here.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6636212/halifax-moving-from-mastercard-to-visa

queline

I received my card today. I knew this was happening because I had a letter via my Halifax online banking messages. I have received the same from Lloyds.

It is true that there is no accompanying explanation with the cards that arrived today.

northwalesd

But we haven't all received notification, I have a Lloyds Mastercard and have received nothing about the changeover from them (though of course I know it happening from reading threads on here).

Zeerust

I did not receive any explanation from Halifax, did search the forum and missed the previous mention of the change. Thought it may be of interest to others who may have Clarity credit cards.

Barkin

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81912293#Comment_81912293

I had an email back in February, and my new card arrived a couple of weeks later.

Perhaps they're just doing it in stages?