Fee free overseas spending: Barclaycard vs Clarity vs Monzo vs Revolut ?

Maegi

For the typical holiday user, there isn't much difference (for purchases) as you'll simply get the Mastercard or Visa rate.

It is also possible to lock-in a rate on something like Revolut or HSBC Global Money by pre-converting an amount of that currency and using that. I used to do that with Citibank when I visited the US frequently but not really worth it for a short beach holiday in the Med.

BlueonBlue

The op is asking the wrong questions you dont worry about mastercard or visa exchange rate differences in the first instance .

Although in the past Mastercard was often better if your spending £1000,s that may not be the case or issue to be concerned with now vs having back up card options

One cash withdrawal can cost you large with the wrong card especially when your in the poo ie the unexpected happens .

Depending where your going/doing such as 3rd world travel and at 2000-3000-4000m or high alpine travel may require cash because cash is often king .

A key factor is having more than one travel card and taking some cash and/or the ability to withdraw cash at no cost .

Maegi

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81861486#Comment_81861486

No, if you're in the do-do as you say then getting a cash advance on even a standard credit or debit card isn't really going to be an issue for any normal person.

I personally take a few forex free options and currency but also my standard non-forex free cards like Amex etc as I know they'll work or provide emergency card replacements unlike Pigeon Bank or Mondo Bank.

pochisoldi

Back in the day I used to use Halifax Clarity for purchases and cash withdrawals.

I could get the "charge" for cash withdrawals down to pennies by using the Halifax app to determine when the withdrawal actually hit the account and paying it off immediately.

These days I still have the Clarity card for purchases, but cash withdrawals are done on the Chase card, using funds transferred in advance from my main current account before hand.

Looking forward, I'll probably sign up for a Lloyds Ultra credit card at some point, but that will be determined by the timing of the next big foreign trip and when my monthly spend picks up after the usual Jan/Feb lull, to max out the 1% cashback.

For the record, most UK/GBP spend goes on a Barclaycard with 0.5% cashback and a 3%ish forex loading. That card comes on overseas trips for UK airport spending and as an emergency backup when I land.

borack253

For overseas spending, stick with your Lloyds card and keep Barclaycard as a backup. Clarity is fine for purchases in foreign currency but not great for cash withdrawals. Having more than one card is smart in case one gets blocked or has issues. The differences between cards like Monzo, Revolut, and traditional travel cards are usually small for everyday spending.

BlueonBlue

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81863937#Comment_81863937

This is exactly what I used to do with the same cards .

I too payed pennys in cash advance interest by paying off the Clarity cash withdrawals online.Did this asp from my current account.

Making cash withdrawals once or twice weekly…… I payed £1.50 interest in total over two months away.

I wouldnt use the clarity now for cash advances …it was a great card at one time it even paid a fiver a month if you spent £300 …..then they cut that .