What is Halifax?
Halifax features & plans
Halifax Clarity exchange rates & fees
Halifax rates include the card scheme foreign exchange rate that is set each day by major credit card networks such as Visa and Mastercard.
While the value of currencies fluctuates throughout the day, the card scheme rate stays the same for the whole day. The rate will contain a mark-up to protect the card schemes from fluctuation risks.
We don’t believe fees should ever be hidden- so we’ve done the calculations for you. Tests in Q2 2025 showed that on average, the markup built into the card scheme rate was 0.72% for Mastercard and 0.66% for Visa. Since Halifax uses Mastercard, this means that you're typically being charged 0.72% above the interbank rate when you use their card to spend abroad.
- Daily interest: You will be charged interest on the amount of money you withdraw from the day you withdraw it until you pay off the balance in full. The interest rate for cash withdrawals is usually higher than the interest rate on purchases.
- Cash advance fee: This is usually a percentage of the amount you withdraw, or a fixed fee, depending on the amount of money you withdraw. This is charged each and every time you withdraw money on a credit card.
Is Halifax Clarity good for travel?
Halifax Clarity offers fantastic rates for spending abroad and can be a great option, especially for those specifically on the hunt for a credit card. However, the prohibitive impact of using a credit card for ATMs means you'll likely either use your regular bank card at ATMs or take out another bank account to minimise those fees. The end result is probably either going to be expensive, or a lot of hassle.
So, what is Currensea?
Currensea is a travel debit card that connects directly to your existing bank account. Currensea allows you to spend abroad just as you would at home, without needing to transfer or manage funds separately. You simply spend, and the money comes directly from your bank account.
Currensea’s pricing plans
Currensea offers three travel card options:
- Currensea Essential (free)
- Currensea Pro & Currensea Elite (paid plans with market-leading FX rates and exclusive perks)
For this comparison, we’ll focus on Currensea Essential, which is free free like the Clarity Credit Card.
Currensea vs. Halifax Clarity – What’s Different?
Unlike the Halifax Clarity card, your Currensea card is a debit card and so won't charge you interest on the amount you spend. Fees don't fluctuate or change depending on your credit history, and ATM use abroad is just like it would be at home with a regular high street bank card.
What Currensea offers is a card that partners directly with your trusted bank account. Funds come straight out of your bank account, and you can spend whatever balance you have.
Because it’s not a prepaid card, you never have to top up your Currensea card. You don’t have to worry about losing it and any funds that might remain on it, nor do you have to constantly top it up and remember how much you have on it: we offer travel, but without the hassle.
We also check how much your bank would have charged you to use your regular debit card abroad- and we can tell you exactly how much money you saved by using your Currensea card.
Currensea Fees & Limits
Card spend:
- Essential: £500/month fee-free at the Realtime Rate, then 1% FX fee
- Pro and Elite: Unlimited fee-free spending at the Pro Rate
ATM withdrawals:
- Essential: £200/month fee-free, then 2% FX fee
- Pro & Elite: Higher limits with only 1% FX fee beyond them
Delivery:
Currensea charges just £4.95 for the delivery of essential cards. Currensea Pro and Elite customers receive free delivery when they sign up.
Halifax and Currensea are fairly similar when it comes to fees for typical spend. Both products offer competitive rates that significantly undercut those offered by high street banks, and whichever product you choose there is no doubt that you'll save a significant amount when spending abroad.
However, given the prohibitive impact of using a credit card for ATM's, then you're either going to be using your regular bank card, or taking out yet another bank account just to minimise those fees. The end result is probably either going to be expensive, or a lot of hassle.
- Know exactly what fees you’re paying when you’re spending abroad
- Have a card that's viable to use at ATM's abroad
- Avoid risking the temptation of overspending on credit
- Get a card that's dedicated to reducing your charges when spending abroad
