I use Nationwide Select Credit Card for foreign currency purchases, and Nationwide Flex Plus (best paid current accounts out there) for cash withdrawals when abroad. So for that reason, I'm out:-)

Let me tell you guys what I know about payment transactions and FX rates, some might find it very interesting.

There are three main parties who take a small chunk of the money you pay to the retailer - the payment processor (normally a subsidiary of a financial institution, a familiar example would be iZettle), Visa, and the card issuing bank. There may be multiple payment processors involved in a given transaction. For the sake of simplicity, I'll describe the below assuming there is just one payment processor.

In a normal UK GBP transaction, the retailer is charged 0.5% - 2% of the transaction cost by the payment processor depending on the negotiation between the two. Visa then charges anywhere between 30% - 50% of this transaction cost to the payment processor to transfer the money from the credit/debit card to the retailers account. A small but fixed amount (generally a few pennies) is paid to the card issuing bank. Consider an example. You buy a £1000 tele from Amazon.co.uk with your Visa card. Since Amazon.co.uk is a large retailer, their payment processor would charge them 0.5% fees = £5 to facilitate this payment. The payment processor will then pay, say 30% of this fee to Visa, 30% of £5 = £1.50. Visa then pays a fixed cost to you card issuing bank, say 5p.

When FX comes into picture, Visa adds a nominal 1% - 3% on top of the wholesale FX rate (this is your the exchange rate quoted on Visa's website) The payment processor still gets the same cut, but the cut for Visa and the issuing bank increases. To give an example, you buy a tele from Amazon.de for €1400. Again, since Amazon.de is a large retailer, their payment processor will charge a small fee or 0.5% = €7. Again, 30% of this fee goes to Visa, i.e 30% of €7 = €2.10. Your issuing bank still gets paid a higher fixed charge of 10p by Visa for helping facilitate an FX transfer. Say the wholesale € to £ rate is 1.401. Visa charges your issuing bank a rate of 1.400, taking a small cut (I'll explain the cut later). If your issuing bank doesn't charge any FX fees, it charges you €1400/1.4 = £1000 for the transaction. If your issuing bank charges a fee (say 2.5%, which is largely the norm), it bumps up the FX rate in its favour by 2.5%, i.e. 1.4 - (2.5% of 1.4) = 1.365, and charges you €1400/1.365 = £1025.64, pocketing the £25.64.

As for the money Visa makes in FX transactions, in the above example, Visa gets £1000 from your bank and has to transfer €1400 (minus costs) to the retailers account. Visa buys €1400 from the wholesale market at a rate of 1.401 paying in £. So Visa pays €1400/1.401 = £999.29. So now it pocketed £1000 - £999.29 = £0.71 as FX fees.

Now let's come to the matter at hand - the Supercard. This is all speculation since I don't know of a similar model that exists (paypal is different since it is its own payment processor). It might be the case that TravelEx, who is the issuing bank, has negotiated a better deal with Visa for these transactions (think about it, TravelEx is a huge FX broker, I am sure it has sorted out some deal with Visa to take a cut of the transaction fees that Visa makes, and in return provide a favourable wholesale rate to Visa?). The credit/debit card issuing bank gets paid as per a normal UK GBP transaction.

If my understanding is correct, looks like this model might be sustainable and other FX brokers (ICE, etc) will be coming up with similar models.

Hot Deal!

I'm sorry sir, we only take landscape cards here

Will UK banks charge for the debit transaction? That's the key. For example you can walk into a travel agent, buy currency, have your debit card debited in sterling and some banks charge you.

Will UK banks charge for the debit transaction? That's the key. For example you can walk into a travel agent, buy currency, have your debit card debited in sterling and some banks charge you.

Looks promising. Would be good to have Visa alternative to my Halifax Clarity reward card.
I imagine if you link it to a Credit card and use it for ATM withdrawal you ought to get it interest free too.

and like paypal with give you a poor exchange rate to make them some money. Link to engadget

Does sound really good, signed up for the launch.....just wondering how they make any money off this. Maybe they skim a bit of the bank vs retail FX rate? Anyway sounds like a useful travel card,

Cheers OP

Not like PayPal, it says they charge the Visa exchange rate which means they won't be making any margin on the FX. Seems a good deal to me.

I've been pondering on this for nearly an hour and I still can't see the catch!!! Apart from the fact it's Travelex!

Limited amount of cards for free - might as well apply anyway

I'm sure there will be a catch somewhere ,possibly Exchange rates -but bears examination - A Tentative "Hot" from me -must look into it when I have the time .

Yeah signed up, nothing to lose in guess. Could work well with the Halifax Clarity.

Doesn't look like that's gonna fit in my wallet

Comment

I just mean as it's Visa and not MasterCard. If it's fee free it's a good back up. Only registered interest so will check it out further once I need to apply or not for full T&Cs.

I suppose it may be that any spend is treated as a cash advance ,attracting interest ? haven't looked into it yet .

So is this good for Amazon.de purchases or do you still need say a clarity card ?

Sounds great - hopefully there is no catch!

Will cash withdrawals still affect your credit rating if completed abroad?

Seems almost too good to be true so far! My only query that is unaddressed on the website is how cash advances work? If I travel to the U.S, and I want to deposit a chunk of money directly from my 'Supercard' to an account there, is there any charges?

Interesting and I'm interested.

I'm sorry sir, we only take landscape cards here

Can't see the catch either! I have a pre load card with travelex at the moment and have had no issues. With the euro so weak at the moment it might be better to preload at the current rate of about 1.40 euro per pound though.....

So basically as there are no charges when used abroad, it will just debit your registered UK bank card at the current exchange rate? -am I right?
pretty smart idea possibly.

The 'JUNK' button is never far away if it doesn't work out...and I got an itchy trigger finger.

Registered. This will do for a backup overseas spend card.

I have been using Caxton FX cards for yeara for international travelling. No fees what so ever when abroad.

For credit cards. It makes you seem desperate. I don't think it's a large factor but may be best to avoid for a mortgage for instance.

I am suspicious. No terms and conditions. Only promises. They speak like politicians. I have never trusted Travelex.

That's me dead in the water then! I've been using a Clarity card for overseas cash for some years now! I better have a word with Experian.

There's an article on Reuters - http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/12/travelex-supercard-idUSL6N0U33E920150312 - you can read more about it and the margins they make (from Visa)...

There will absolutely be cash advance fees from credit cards.

I use kalixa card when I'm abroad. You can load it for free in the uk from your bank account and it charges no foreign transaction fees when used abroad. It also offers market leading exchange rates much better than any bank or building society.
The card costs £6.95 one off charge and they also text you every time you use the card with the amount and remaining balance.

Definitely there, in the faq section - "Supercard processes transactions using the Visa Exchange Rate, with no commission or foreign-exchange fees added on."

lHow does it work?


All transactions charged to Supercard are processed by your bank as domestic payments, rather than foreign ones – saving you bank roaming charges whether you’re in Bali or Berlin. To get started, add at least one of your existing credit or debit cards to your in-app Supercard mobile wallet - you can add up to 5. Once your Supercard arrives in the post you’re ready to spend! Your bank card is only charged when you use your Supercard, so you don’t have to preload your card with foreign currency, or buy any foreign currency upfront. Supercard processes transactions using the Visa Exchange Rate, with no commission or foreign-exchange fees added on.

I have checked visa exchange rate today its Euro 1.41 against mastercard rate euro 1.42 which Halifax clarity uses so its only 1 cent less than Halifax clarity card. So this is a great deal.

Ok, I've signed up. Hope I won't regret it.

Great timing. I was just about to open a Metro bank current account for travel money. Saves having to run a separate bank account.

Anyone know if this works for online foreign transactions? e.g. I buy some goods from amazon.com and my bank whacks a £2 foreign transaction fee on... seems a way to avoid?

I've used FairFX for years.
Pros: good exchange rates, lack of fees
Cons: you can only top up the card once a day, and if you have friends and family cards, you can only make one transfer a day without having to contact customer service (because, so they say, extra transactions get flagged as potential fraud).

Signed up. Will wait for launch to decide whether it's too good to be true or not. Been using FairFX to now. Thanks op!

Visa credit transaction gives the card issuers a kickback percentage of each transaction. I wonder if this 'debit' card charges the retailer the 'credit' rate and hence travelx make their money.

Just get a GoldClassic from N&P and job done
http://www.nandp.co.uk/current-account/

Transfer £500 in and then straight back out to keep it active.

What we see here is that people are writing theory which could be right but could also be wrong. We will need to hear testimony from people who have used it and compare it with the result of other well known specialist CC or DC.

Here is direct quotation:

- Link your existing debit or credit cards to Supercard through the app
- Pay with Supercard
- Use Supercard to avoid foreign-transaction fees when you spend money abroad.

Where is here saying that they are using "VISA GLOBAL exchange rate" .
Yes "avoid foreign-transaction fees is stated clearly", but they might be using their own conversion rate. If this is the case, it will undoubtedly, it will be lower than "VISA GLOBAL exchange rate" for very obvious reason.

Knowing the Travelex business background I pretty much doubt that they are using VISA GLOBAL exchange rate".

VISA GLOBAL exchange rate" is the rate you will get if you are using the specialist no fee for non-sterling transaction to be used abroad for CC (e.g clarity card, Santander Zero) or DC.( e.g Metro bank to be used in the EU, N&P, Santander Zero).

Other possibility: when you withdraw the cash, it will be tagged as Cash Advances and you will be paying the fee for this.

But too good to be true could still turn to be true but we will need to hear testimony from people who has used it not theory or assumption ....

Open a metro bank account and use your debit card for free in Europe! Voila.

I have concerns:

I'd need confirmation that it's definitely the official visa fx rate, the blurb isn't concrete enough for me.

My bank account which I use to link there isn't additional charges applied by them. This point needs to be in the FAQs

Seems like it's definitely the official visa exchange rate. Mentioned on the website and also found this article:

http://www.engadget.com/2015/03/12/travelexs-supercard-eliminates-bank-charges-when-spending-abroa/

I can't see it stating anywhere that it uses the Visa Global Exchange rate. Op care to clarify?

Are there any advantages to this over using the Halifax Clarity Card, apart from cash withdrawals?

link doesn't work for me

Relevant extract below:

"You can connect up to five of your own accounts, travel to a far-away destination and it'll automatically deduct your purchases using Visa's own exchange rate."

Seems pretty clear to me.

I use Nationwide Select Credit Card for foreign currency purchases, and Nationwide Flex Plus (best paid current accounts out there) for cash withdrawals when abroad. So for that reason, I'm out:-)

Let me tell you guys what I know about payment transactions and FX rates, some might find it very interesting.

There are three main parties who take a small chunk of the money you pay to the retailer - the payment processor (normally a subsidiary of a financial institution, a familiar example would be iZettle), Visa, and the card issuing bank. There may be multiple payment processors involved in a given transaction. For the sake of simplicity, I'll describe the below assuming there is just one payment processor.

In a normal UK GBP transaction, the retailer is charged 0.5% - 2% of the transaction cost by the payment processor depending on the negotiation between the two. Visa then charges anywhere between 30% - 50% of this transaction cost to the payment processor to transfer the money from the credit/debit card to the retailers account. A small but fixed amount (generally a few pennies) is paid to the card issuing bank. Consider an example. You buy a £1000 tele from Amazon.co.uk with your Visa card. Since Amazon.co.uk is a large retailer, their payment processor would charge them 0.5% fees = £5 to facilitate this payment. The payment processor will then pay, say 30% of this fee to Visa, 30% of £5 = £1.50. Visa then pays a fixed cost to you card issuing bank, say 5p.

When FX comes into picture, Visa adds a nominal 1% - 3% on top of the wholesale FX rate (this is your the exchange rate quoted on Visa's website) The payment processor still gets the same cut, but the cut for Visa and the issuing bank increases. To give an example, you buy a tele from Amazon.de for €1400. Again, since Amazon.de is a large retailer, their payment processor will charge a small fee or 0.5% = €7. Again, 30% of this fee goes to Visa, i.e 30% of €7 = €2.10. Your issuing bank still gets paid a higher fixed charge of 10p by Visa for helping facilitate an FX transfer. Say the wholesale € to £ rate is 1.401. Visa charges your issuing bank a rate of 1.400, taking a small cut (I'll explain the cut later). If your issuing bank doesn't charge any FX fees, it charges you €1400/1.4 = £1000 for the transaction. If your issuing bank charges a fee (say 2.5%, which is largely the norm), it bumps up the FX rate in its favour by 2.5%, i.e. 1.4 - (2.5% of 1.4) = 1.365, and charges you €1400/1.365 = £1025.64, pocketing the £25.64.

As for the money Visa makes in FX transactions, in the above example, Visa gets £1000 from your bank and has to transfer €1400 (minus costs) to the retailers account. Visa buys €1400 from the wholesale market at a rate of 1.401 paying in £. So Visa pays €1400/1.401 = £999.29. So now it pocketed £1000 - £999.29 = £0.71 as FX fees.

Now let's come to the matter at hand - the Supercard. This is all speculation since I don't know of a similar model that exists (paypal is different since it is its own payment processor). It might be the case that TravelEx, who is the issuing bank, has negotiated a better deal with Visa for these transactions (think about it, TravelEx is a huge FX broker, I am sure it has sorted out some deal with Visa to take a cut of the transaction fees that Visa makes, and in return provide a favourable wholesale rate to Visa?). The credit/debit card issuing bank gets paid as per a normal UK GBP transaction.

If my understanding is correct, looks like this model might be sustainable and other FX brokers (ICE, etc) will be coming up with similar models.

Hot Deal!

I am going to look into this. If you have a UK rewards card (like Amex BA PP) that charges for non-UK use, you could presumably still channel foreign spend to that card via Supercard. Thus, your point boosting potential is increased, especially if you are, like me, a frequent traveller. Even if Supercard didn't allow you to rebill to AmEx, you could rebill to something like the MBNA Miles & More Visa, and take your points that way.

Slightly off topic, I think I will stick to Halifax Clarity Rewards CC for cash withdrawals, as I used it everywhere from China to Ivory Coast with no issues whatsoever. You can even avoid the interest if you are diligent enough to pay off the card via online banking the same day.

Cheers OP, nice one.

plus they could make money by debiting quickly and paying slowly?

but isnt the mark up within the buy/sell rates set by visa?

Some providers charge a fee for monies put on the card. Does anyone know if that applies to this card? If not fee, for paying, this deal should be VERY hot

New foreign exchange transaction regulations are being brought in, stuff being capped I think so the big boys can't make as much money anymore. A little like how the EU capped roaming rates. This card I think is a response to that.

They shouldn't, since it is a local GBP currency transaction for them, they will be completely sheilded from the FX transaction.

I'm thinking this would be useful for overseas business purchases. There is no free business credit card with 0 overseas transaction fees. So if you use this to link to your business bank account, you would be able to save on that. However, would it be complicated when balancing your books if you use this card?

Thanks!
Agreed, if you get the rates from the likes of xe.com, oanda.com, etc, you get the mid mark price (not the bid or ask), so the difference appears very small. However, it is the bid/ask that Visa pays to the FX brokers. Moreover, the FX market is completely OTC (regulations were introduced after the 2008 crisis to put some controls over these and make these more of an exchange styled markets, but given the nature of FX, it is very difficult to completely standardise these markets), so two parties negotiate over the phone - so there's always some leeway in fixing the prices.

Halifax Clarity Mastercard, no ATM fees except those levied by ATM operator plus money taken out charged as cash advance at low rate. Also long period to pay for card purchases

Wish we'd known about this a little earlier. As it is we've gone with an AA (as in The AA) prepaid currency card + Halifax Clarity + foregin cash money for our recent trip (the AA one was the best/only zero fees card we could find for both spending and atm withdrawals). Halifax are a bit tight on their credit limits though!

Looks promising., I dont think there will be any charges on the card usage but what rate of conversion we get would be important in this case., If the conversion rate is low then it would ofset the savings you make in the charges.,

looks good thanks op. pre-ordered!

COLD
Travelex give some of the worst exchange rates around...

Much better cards out there, even if they do require topping up.

FairFX for example gives 11 cents more on the Euro & Dollar compared to Travelex.

Backed by Travelex so hardly raises any legitimate issues..

Not quite that bad. Its 12% per year, so if you pay off your bill at the latest time each month, it will be a max of 1.5%.
But you are right, it is a minor hassle.
It's a pity that Metro now restrict free ATM withdrawals to EU countries, so this does look like a possible replacement.

Just signed up and waiting for the terms & cons.
The point is exchange rates actually.

Very curious to see if TravelEx will run a credit check...

Have your spending money set aside in your bank account, when you return from your holiday (usually 2 weeks) pay off in full, you will incur very little interest.
Tried and tested MANY times!
If you cant afford to clear it, flip it to a no fee 0% balance transfer card, jobs a good un.

This may be a silly question but does application leave a credit footprint?

I'm thinking of going around Europe a bit over the summer, is it worth getting this card for this or should I just change my money before I go?
Thanks :smile:

this seems like a good idea. just out of curiosity, if anyone knows. Does it work if I link this supercard to my debit card, and I withdraw cash abroad... this would be really useful since metrobank scrapped the free worldwide cash withdrawal..

it just pre-order? so we need to wait for april to really register this card?

I usually take a reasonable amount of sterling when I go abroad, plus debit and credit cards as back-up. I always inform my card companies when I'll be out of the country and give them my mobile number in case of any queries. It might be useful to have a card like this which simply took the money from my linked account as and when needed but I'm confused about the App. I don't have a smart phone and have no wish to get one so there is no way I could have an App except on my tablet. What is this actually for?

can you use it for online purchases in non-GBP currencies ?

There are a lot of too good to be true comments.Without knowing the full sp Its hard to say on this but the same was said for Transferwise and thats an awesome way to transfer internationally and saves loads against bank charges.

Might aswell just open a metro bank account or get a clarity credit card. plus you won't get any charge back protection with this.

it definitely does NOT offer market leading exchange rates! ukash, fairfx, caxton are all better.

"scheduled to launch in April 2015" pity the ms could have used it on her trip 1st April

Yes, equally we could be getting 1.50€ to the pound soon - no one can know. If you look (e.g. on Yahoo! Finance) at the €:£ over the last 2 years, the Euro has lost 20% of its value over the 2 years. Unless you are a professional trader, buying currency early based on the rate is nothing short of gambling - the Euro could slump overnight - your £1000 worth could be worth £950 or less tomorrow - personally I think the pound is more stable & I would wait.

would this be the best card to use in the UK but when buying abroad? I buy from the states and china frequently and mbna and amex chage extra for currency conversion. is there a card that I can use direct that can charge me in the converted currency instantly and not charge me a percentage charge on top? I wont be travelling abroad - I am a cash only person but use cards for online purchasing

https://www.supercard.io/ if you look at the bottom there's more info now.

I like the idea that you don't need to load it. I checked another one like this and any money u load stays with the card unless you cancel it. I go to the US in may!! I hope this comes out by then. with this card you wont get any extra changes if you don't use it over 12 months etc.

would this work iwht amazon eu stores?

I think it's only prudent to reserve judgement on this card until it has actually launched and some more detailed T & Cs and exchange rate information is available, however I do have a feeling this sort of concept was way overdue and almost inevitable. It's a pretty clever way of developing a hybrid card which combines the security and convenience of a prepaid card with the flexibility of a credit card. If the exchange rate is as good as they seem to suggest, this could very handy!

There was just a bit of confusion over terms. Cash withdrawal normally refers to bank accounts (if I'm not mistaken) whereas people tend to use the term cash advance to refer to taking money out on credit cards. That's why I thought your comment was a bit odd.

The main advantage I can see is that the money is only taken from your account when it is needed, rather than the card having to be loaded first, so as long as your linked account has enough in it you neither run out nor have money left on it which you have difficulty transferring back.

Good choice, I have the same cc. But if you only use the free overseas cash withdrawals perk of the paid current account then it'd make sense to use the supercard in lieu of paying the fee. Though it'd be a small saving and I do see why one might stick with nationwide's offering (they're awesome).

Visa currency exchange rates are much worse than mastercard!

Get a halifax clarity card or any other mastercard with no foreign transaction and cash fees.

Cheers

They may have taken out a great position on Euros and are going to make their money on FX arbitrage.

Just take your debit card ... hope to see these pre-paid cards wither away for eternity.

No you never got section 75 protection for a cash advance. But then again, I never actually said you did?????

It's a bit of a generalisation to say that people are using this for foreign cash withdrawal. What about people that can't get a credit card, or dont want a credit card?

Actually I have checked it against USD and you would be better off with a Visa! Its worth checking which one is better for which currency so you can choose the more favourable one.

If you look at GBP/PLN MC: 1/5.90 VIS: 1/5.80.

If you spend 100quid for the extra 10PLN you can get a 4 pack of beer now that's something lol

Was going to like that, but it is a comment of 2 halves; how anyone can say a 'bank' who has adverts openly mocking other banks for charging foreign transaction fees to 'pay for the shareholders bubbly' then a few years later introduces them themselves is awesome bemuses me.

Well clearly I'm missing something as I don't pay forex transaction fees on the select credit card.

Nor do I on my Nationwide CC, hence I still use it - when they introduced the fees on their debit card, they lost at least 3 members of my family who used them as their main current account. Santander have a little publicised option of using Santander cash machines in Spain fee free (subject to funding £500/mth) - I will be trying the supercard & that at the same time to see which actually gives the better rate - they should be the same as they are both Visa.

Take out one big ATM cash transaction(money that you will need)....Just one.....you don't need this pre-paid card rip off.

You are missing the point BIG STYLE - there are NO FEES with this card, which is INSTANT PAY rather than PREPAY.

So you would recommend taking out like 500€, which would be a security risk, may even involve €100 notes (which most of the places I frequent would not take), on my recent holiday would have devalued by over 5% during my holiday & still cost me over 2.8% in fees on my Nationwide Debit Card.

Let me think; with this Supercard, if true to the promises, being charged at the same time I could take out 20€ or 500€ as I choose with NO FEE.

You need to take your head out of the sand & stop your childish 'pre-paid card rip off' rants.

To summarise; Supercard, if true to the promises, charges your normal card at the same time with NO FEE - possibly saving up to 7% fees (on €20). No brainer! If everyone took up this offer (rather than wanting to pay fees to their bank), it would be profitable for Travelex (making it a fixture) & would likely force the banks to remove the huge fees.

The flaw in your plan is depending on country and bank there may well be a fee by the atm bank for each cash withdrawal so you'd still want to keep withdrawals higher. For example in Thailand generally the fee is 180 baht (£3.60) for each withdrawal.

I have never been out of Europe, so never experienced that, but point taken. Minimising the other fees would be even more important (£3.60 is wince-worthy; adding another 2.5+% would make me cry)!

I very doubt you get attractive currency exchange rates. Just makes more sense to take cash with you and change at bank at your location : better rates, peice of mind and easy.

malabus I am sorry to say but it's now official "you just don't get it"

OMG - you are really showing that you don't have a clue! I know enough to laugh at your suggestions, but others may think you are giving good advice! Take cash, get mugged & holiday over (I have seen it happen to fellow travellers)!

For anyone wanting to travel cost effectively, unless you have one of they very limited Debit Card options with no fees (Metro, Peterborough, etc.) then, if this supercard does what it says on the tin, it is gold dust. Back it up with a true prepaid card like Caxton (using cashback to uplift the rate on the minimum load). The Halifax Clarity CC is another option, but research the effect of CC cash advances on your credit rating first.

Quite saddening to see a lot of dumb travellers on their jollies this summer.

I thought that was harsh - now liked! :smiley:

Question:

Live in London.

If I purchase an item from one of the other european Amazon sites, e.g Amazon.de or amazon.es, to deliver to me in the UK, and I pay directly in euro's (rather than using the amazon to do it for me) - would this be classed as a domestic transaction on the supercard (50p charge in faqs), or would it be overhead free?

Don't suppose that you have heard anything more from them? This seems too good to be true, so would like to try it out before our Autumn trip (we go out of season in true HUKD style).

Do you have evidence that foreign cash advances on a CC effect your credit rating? I kind of get your logic but I have never seen this on a bureau report before. What is material is whether you are revolving a balance or not but a cash advance, although you pay interest, does not make you a revolver.

This should be listed on your report in the monthly breakdown for your cc

What happens if you take out the money and you have nothing in your bank account?

Not sure you can technically do a back to back authorisation due to the number of hops involved.

Do any of you bright sparks out there know whether applying leaves a credit footprint?

Prepaid is a KYC check only so no credit check.

Yes you're right, credit bureau data has many usages these days which has nothing to do with credit. You can see the searches were done but they are not returned to anyone doing a credit check.

Anyone have a better date for when this is coming? I am leaving the UK on 10th May so ideally would love to have it well before then.

I noticed that they changed the terms now.

If you're successful in getting onto the Supercard pilot, we'll be in touch as we get closer to launch, to let you know what you need to do next. Demand is expected to be very high and supply during the pilot is limited, so if we can't get a Supercard to you immediately, we'll be sure to keep you in the loop and let you know when we can.

Has anybody heard back from this yet?

ive not heard owt yet

Was meant to launch in April ....... I like probably many was hoping for this by now to use.

After the initial fanfare I think that there will be a quite a few disappointed with the apparent delay; and does nothing but potential reputational damage to the company. Surely it wouldn't have been hard for them them to send an email keeping people up to date.

"...and it's all gone quiet over there,
I said it's all gone quiet over there,
It's all gone quiet, all gone quiet, all gone quiet over there!"

"Hi guys, the apps have been submitted to app stores for approval. We'll update you as soon as they're available."
:smile:
https://twitter.com/SupercardUK/status/595602543289475073

Well I never knew that! Thank you sooo much! I can stop moving money around to buy it on one that doesn't!

Looks like they expect to launch mid-May now.

Thank you for the heads up on the Supercard.

I have now downloaded the App from Google Play and have requested my card, which is being sent to me.

You have to use the App to link the Supercard and your credit or debit cards. You can also use the App to monitor what you have spent etc.

Maybe a bit annoying you can't do this on a computer and need use a mobile device, although I guess it makes the card easier to use when abroad.

So where is the App and why have I not received any communication from them? Should I trust a company that doesn't keep me updated?

Thanks. But does the app assume you already have the card in hand? Or will it perform a fresh registration? What was the point of the pre-registration if anybody can download the app? What am I missing here?

I've registered using the app as well. No idea what they are up to but I figure two registrations must be better than one.

The App assumes you don't have a card and you reregister. The App takes further details off you like a postal address and other personal details etc. The App then states it will send you a card, which you can link to a Credit or Debit card within the App once your Supercard has arrived. I have now received an email to say my Supercard will arrive in 2 to 4 business days.

At this stage it appears there was no advantage to registering in advance.

Any chance you can copy and paste the Terms and Conditions here? That would be awesome.

Can't register, I get "We've been unable to verify your identity" bla bla :/

I get "We've been unable to verify your identity" as well

I can't find an entry with Apple Store ... anyone else?

Found the app and have applied - have tweeted them to find out when to expect the card to come through - it doesn't appear to have officially launched yet!

Applied through android app, says on the screen that it will be sent to me soon. No confirmation email yet.

Does anyone know if this will be using the same exchange rate as the Halifax One Card?

Also t'd off at no email - I had even checked the play store this morning! Nasty!

You can now apply for the card via the app

Google Play https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.travelex.supercard

Apple https://itunes.apple.com/GB/app/id981065202

Did you manage to apply? I get an error...is the service live yet?

Applied for using app and card on the way. This could be just what I'm looking for as I usually spend most of my time overseas. Thanks OP.

Interesting

I applied, but the only confirmation I see is in the app. Did anyone receive an email?

I just get registration failed when using the app - no info as to why or who I should call.

I will be traveling to Canada in the very near future and looking at my bank online, if I was to withdraw money there I would be charged 2.5% plus £1.25 I think it is. By getting this card, would it let me link that card (is a Visa) and then make withdrawals paying purely exchange rate and no fees? And could I pay for items over the counter too in say a shop?

EDIT: Downloaded the app and filled in the application and does say the card is on the way. Presume people will say it in here so will see when it arrives. From what I've read online seems like a perfect solution to spending abroad so will have to see :smiley:

applied said the card is on it way

The website is down and the app isn't working. Doesn't exactly fill me with confidence :smiley:

It does seem a bit cowboy at the moment

I have the N and P account and have used it worldwide for about 4 years now. Its brilliant!

I had no end of trouble with the app - from saying check internet connection (when on 12Mb BB) to something went wrong try later, but at about the 20th try, I got it to register & looks like I did get an email confirmation within about 10 minutes. Good luck everyone.

EDIT: LMAO - they just emailed me to say live & start downloading - 8 hours after I registered!

It appears that the registration limit may now have been reached.

Registered yesterday evening without any problems at all via Android app on Lollipop.

Super-hot deal, a massive game-changer in how we spend abroad I suspect.

Also pre-registered but cannot register on the app. Weirdly the alert message came through at pretty much the same time I started downloading the app. My Play account is different to the address I registered with so it wasn't that.
Either way it's a shambles from the start.

I should have said that I preregistered months ago and downloaded the app a minute after getting the email from them, but that doesn't seem to matter.

I signed up for the trial the first the other month. Got email this morning and completed process within 20 minutes of receiving it. Didn't get a card

MoneySavingExpert circulated the news that registration was open yesterday on their early email shot so those who get that will have got in first.

Yes, exactly. It's no problem, there just seems little point in having pre-registered. You'd have though those of us that had already given them our email addresses would be on the list.

I use Clarity to withdraw cash in local currency, then I immediately pay off the card.

Quite! Seems like MSE had a few hours to spread the news before Travelex alerted those who'd pre-registered, therefore making pre-registration utterly pointless!

Wait...so pre-registration didn't do anything? I bothered to register months ago...

Anyone managed to get around this message ? "We've been unable to verify your identity"

don't know why its got a bigger forehead

Are you saying you can get cash back when you top up with Caxton? If so, how?

I just get Thanks for registering your interest, we will email you shortly etc, still not had the email and i did it yesterday

I've just received the official invitation by email. Anybody else?

And can I use a different postal address from the one that I give to my bank?

Travelex has really let those down that pre-registered. I'm so annoyed. Haven't even had a chance to order a card.

registration is closed for now ///

Quidco offers £5 cashback for topping up a prepaid card online and TopCashBack offers £5.25.

Just recieved an email saying no more availability and yes uk transactions are charged for

Sounds really good, but in my recent experience I have always found MasterCard to offer better exchange rates (certainly for USD and EUR) than Visa.

Taking yesterday as an example, the Visa GBP-USD exchange rate (from here) was 1 GBP = 1.5357 USD whereas the MasterCard exchange rate (from here) was 1 GBP = 1.5707 USD, a difference of over 2%.

Similarly, on a recent European holiday (using my Nationwide FlexPlus fee-free debit card) I got a cash withdrawal rate of 1 GBP = 1.35410 EUR, whereas the MasterCard exchange rate on the same day was 1 GBP = 1.372842 EUR, a difference of almost 1.5%

Definitely a great idea, but I would be far happier to see MasterCard eventually offer a similar service.

Took a wile to registered though success after trying 10 times . Once I registered instantly got the e-mail in saying card was on it's way . Think the trick is to " Try & Try again

Does the Halifax CC distinguish between foreign cash withdraw with normal spending? Can you share your experience with us the charges when you withdraw cash and pay the CC on the same day?

But aren't there UK only fees if you withdraw from a cash point? Are you charged anywhere in the world when you withdraw from a cash point?

EDIT: Yep no fees at abroad ATMs too, these FAQs are extremely useful for anyone like me who has never used these card before: https://www.supercard.io/faqs

Bumbags! I am going for a drive across california for a couple of weeks on Saturday, this'd have come in very handy!

Very disappointed with the whole process. Pre-registered weeks ago but only got an email from them this morning, hours after it had appeared on MSE. What was the point in pre-registering? Being trying to register all morning without success.

what a complete mess

the only question is if I link a uk credit card with this card. when I withdraw cash from aboard, is that a cash withdrawal or spending for my uk credit card?

Thailand charges a flat 180Bht ATM fee so I assume this fee would still be taken?

Works again? Or not. Just get stuck at registering

I withdraw cash on the card all the time. Typically €200 plus maybe CHF 50 per month. All I am charged is the interest until my month-end full Direct Debit payment. I used to transfer money the same day - which avoided any charge at all. However, there are two reasons I stopped doing this:

1. If you accidentally overpay, your credit card balance can actually go into debit, which is against the T&Cs on the account, and can cause problems (up to and including cancellation). Overpayment may occur if you transfer cash and it arrives on the same time as a scheduled Direct Debit, for example.
2. The interest charges are tiny. Typically less than 50p per month, never (for me) more than £1.

Farce! Waste of time pre-registering.
Very disappointed

With the Halifax card, purchases in shops abroad work like shops in the Uk, and give a great exchange rate. No interest payments assuming you pay it off at the end of the month.
For ATM withdrawals abroad, you can get charged by the local bank, but it should tell you onscreen. Halifax won't charge you, but it will start charging interest straight away. You can avoid this by keeping a positive balance on your credit card.

Thank you for visiting Supercard.

We are experiencing significant demand at present. Please check back later.


Buffoons!

I was able to register via Android App after several retries.
"Your supercard is now in the post and on the way to you"

They start charging interest from the day they post the withdrawal to your account - not the day you do it. Things update overnight, so you see the withdrawal in your account the day after they post it. You can then pay it off.

You *can* keep a positive balance on it, but you're not meant to.

I think you are missing the boat ...
Try to see what other people are doing to get a much better deal than what you have got with prepaid card such as Caxton, ....

Soo I can make another PayPal account with this?

I used uKask while im amsterdamn recently and that work very well. No feens in UK or Europe on cashpoints or by using it. Main disadvantage its Europ only :/

You can connect Supercard to your Mastercard as well as Visa, but not Amex.

I never thought about using my Halifax CC to withdraw cash as I anticipated extra 'bank charges' but this sounds useful
Let's say I withdrew €500 and didn't pay it off for a month cos I'm being lazy on a beach somewhere, lol.
CC current apr is 17.95% so less than 1.5%/month. Does that mean I'd end up paying a max €7.5 interest on the €500 for a month?
Cheers

After trying for so many hours altogether, finally got a mail saying that my Supercard is on its way!

Tried on Android app - and received the mail in the past couple of minutes.

Keep trying people.

Caxton charge a 2.75% fee

got it!

I've overpaid my clarity card to cover overseas withdrawals never caused a problem.

Have applied for the traveled supervised too so will be nice to have both available if it comes before an upcoming holiday.

I've re-read the FAQ and now I have a doubt. Can I use the Supercard for online transactions, say in Dollars or Euro, or will it only work if I am physically abroad? I wanted to use this card to buy goods on Amazon US.

have people had any success using iphone app?

they will be making their profit through currency exchange rates.

Keep getting "unable to verify your identity". Did anyone get past this?

Finally managed to get registered. Had to keep going through the registration process until it worked. Lets see how long it takes until the card arrives, and if it will live up to all that it is claiming to be.

I don't pay much P&P and don't pay any VAT at all because I make small orders. There's a lot of electronics in USA under $10 and postage free, but end up paying £5 in bank fees.

Clarity is not an option for me because I wouldn't pass a credit check.

I suppose the Supercard would be valid for online transactions, but Travelex is not very transparent in their T&C.

After 2 hours of trying I am happy to confirm that they can shove the 'Supercard' up their a***. Applied for Halifax Clartiy instead - took 2 minutes!

I have no idea why it is saying thanks for registering interest on the app when I did it on the website about 3 months ago? How did people get to saying card sent?

How on earth have people got to the registration page? No sign of it and I've been refreshing all day, about 10 times an hour.

I've got to registration but several times it tells me it can't verify my identity! I've not moved house for 10 years!! Very frustrating

Here is what I have noticed after some investigation and lots of failed tries(tried both iPhone and Android)

There are three areas of failures
Android: The first screen asking email is a failure screen, I would rate the failure as 3 out of 10 in difficulties
iPhone: It is better than Android for this screen as on the app it asks you to enter email and phone number in one screen, so the failure rating for iPhone here is 2 out of 10

Address entry:
For me it sometimes failed to find my address, so I ended up entering manually using the manual address entry option, I would rate this as 1 out of 10 for failure

Security details submission page
This is the mother of all failures, I would rate it 9 out 10 in terms of difficulties. I found iPhone having more failure than Android app at this stage, so I gave up trying iPhone. On Android I found a trick to speed up the retries by pressing the multitask button and again coming back to the Supercard app when I saw the "Registering" dialog is taking more than a couple of minutes(it did take more than 10 minutes before showing me error on Android). This trick helped me a lot to speed up the retries. I just have tried like 100 times if not more before this trick and failed, after the trick I tried like 10 times and it went through to next stage

The final failure:
I found that during the security details submission page the "Registering" dialog changes to "Initialising Security card", this means the request must have passed through the registration and was trying to initialise the card, I had one failure at this stage in my Android app which means when I started the app I had to start from beginning, but luckily using the trick I mentioned earlier I went through quickly and managed to get the registration successful screen in the end along with an email stating my card is on the way through post. Good Luck to all who have time and patience to try registering. The concept is good but the execution could have been better by arranging a first register interest and first get served for the pilot.

After the Security page I keep getting hit with "Looks like something's gone wrong, please try again later." where is everyone else getting stuck.

All I get is the email and phone number screen - followed by thanks for registering your interest? How do people get these other screens?

What a nightmare. Finally got the application accepted after trying for 6 hours on my android phone. Gave up on the iPad after 5 hours.

Can anyone even get to an application via iPhone?

Worked first time with my note 3, got email confirmation card will be in the post. Thanks. Op

I've got to registration but several times it tells me it can't verify my identity! I've not moved house for 10 years!! Very frustrating

Ah!!! this is infuriating! I'm on the last screen too with the registration submission error, I'm on an iPhone. I'm questioning my sanity as to whether this is really worth the constant submit, ok, submit, ok, submit, ok..................!

App finally got to the end after, who knows, 30 trys but of course it crashed near the end and no email confirmation. Now when I start the app it asks me to login. A few more trys to get logged in and I get the congrats screen saying cards on its way. Still no email so I doubt it'll ever show up.

took a while but just make sure your screen doesnt go on standby. if you keep getting error just keep submitting.

i quit the application once and came back later but my registration details were saved on there so just kept pressing submit until it went through...once you see it change to 'creating card' you know you are in but took about 5min from there to get to congratulations screen!

Just succeeded first time on android after trying all afternoon on my iPad!

Has anyone actually managed to do it on an iOS device?

update from moneysavingexpert site:

IMPORTANT UPDATE: 5.59pm 13 May 2015

Supercard* was included in today's weekly email which is sent in batches to 11m people over 18 hours. Travelex has drowned with demand since batch 1 - even though we pre-warned it and it had said it would cope. Its site's struggling and it's talking of closing the pilot. I'm afraid it looks like we're the Kryptonite to Supercard. Here's the latest status:

Supercard is still live and available, though its website is struggling - some are getting through, some not.
It originally said numbers were limited but didn't give a cap. It has now told us it will cap the number of cards at 25,000. Currently 12,500 have gone, but mainly as some people are struggling to get through.
We hear some people are being told "we aren’t able to get a card to you right now". We believe this is because it has decided to not give it to people who don't travel often. We have explained we believe that is inappropriate communication and it needs to explain that the card is open but it has now added qualifying criteria.
Some people have got other error messages, or indication they won't get a card. Frankly it is creaking at the sides. The information we put here is coming from the people at the top. And we are in communication with them and asking for hourly updates, which we will then pass on here.
We are waiting to hear what the status is for people who completed the application but got an error message at the last stage.
We will next update this at 9pm or earlier if all cards have gone before then.

Couldn't register using the website all day after receiving my introduction email this morning. However, I downloaded the Android Supercard by Travelex app about half an hour ago from Google play, as per many others here and with a little persistence, I've just got the message that my Supercard is on its way. We shall see.

EDIT : Just got confirmation email.

Crashed! Been trying all day :0(

After many many attempts I had success using the Android app. No confirmation email yet though.

UPDATE - Confirmation email arrived shortly after posting. Keep trying guys it will eventually let you register.

I was basically in the same boat as most folk.

Tried to register via iPhone lastnight and at the end it kept saying, "something has went wrong", and other similar error messages. So just gave up after 5 mins.

Tonight, at 7pm I got a confirmation email saying I'm successfully registered and card will be on it's way, follow instructions/no signature required.

So the upshot is, the details must be going through and around 15 hours later in my experience you'll probably get a email.

They must be experiencing high levels of applications.

Has anyone else had the unable to verify your identity message? ??

I registered when this was first posted, but haven't heard anything since. Have people received their card?

Downloaded the Android app, registered and confirmation email all within the last 30 minutes.

I got the confirmation email 45 mins ago despite still trying to complete registration. The super card team are suggesting on Twitter huge issues with their iOS app.

i give up

Sorry for sounding thick, but how? TCB only links to new card applications. No mention of topping up

Tried all day at various times and gave up in the end despite pressing submit button and getting and error saying something is wrong. Got an email about 45mins ago saying all done and card on its way!

getting reg submission error :-(

AFAIK it provides cashback when you carry out an online transaction (e.g. loading your card)

See here

Been trying clllllll day. Stuck on registration submission error on the final page -.-

Can anybody please tell me if I can use the card for online transactions?

I give up, been trying all day : (

Thats what i did earlier. Takes you to new card applications

:confused:

is that some sort of credit check!??

I was not - you can get cashback (topcashback) on new cards.

No, it's an identity check.

Just give me your password and mother's maiden name, and I shall check for you...

No, its just a poor company, had that message a 100 times along with, error as well as "oops something has gone wrong" Gave up in the end and will continue to use my Clarity card. Better things to do than spend hours fecking about with these people

You'd be surprised how many thickos would fall for that one...

I know this sounds odd, but I heard people were having more luck through an android system. As I don't have one I downloaded an emulator on my Mac (sad I know) and after a few tries it went through! I imagine the iPhone / iPad apps are getting a lot more use and maybe they have individual connection 'routes', separate from Android? Either way, if your desperate for this it's worth a try. I used Emulator 'Droid4X'. I hope that helps (at least someone).

Comment

I got two emails! I hope they don't send me two cards (only because that way some poor sod missed out!)

Took several goes. Patience is required with usual profanity. Keep pressing submit.

MSE page is saying they have now closed the pilot, people who registered yesterday will get a email update.

There is a list of them! http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17825361

Has anyone been able to sign up yet?

Good to know thanks, I was always worried about overpaying.

Just had email telling me to try again. Tried, did not work via their website.
However, I clicked on Google Play for Android on the bottom of said page, installed app that way on my phone, added all details and it took 3 minutes from start to finish - my card is on it's way. Result B|

I registered my interest on the app for my android phone, now waiting for the e-mail.

Apparently MSE are saying pilot scheme is now closed... l

I missed out yesterday,but managed to install the app from the email link given yesterday at 6pm ,and again 3 mins later card is on it's way!

I got An email today and installed the app just got confirmed my card is on its way!

Registered again on the app yesterday morning.
Just got the email to say that they have cards left.
Opened the app again and registered - card is on the way.

tried a thousand times yest but it wouldn't go through, didnt get any email but today when I open the app it says congratulations you've successfully registered and the card is on it's way???

Anyone know if we are authorizing Supercard to do any credit checks by agreeing to their T&C or not?

Kept getting registration error yesterday.
Just got email today to say card is on the way.

Any idea when we are made aware of account number? This seems to be required to sign in to the app but I haven't been given one - or will it become apparent when the card arrives?

Also kept getting error emails, but card's on its way :smiley:

Have to say it looks like Travelex have done the right thing & kept some places for those who pre-registered - my wife registered tonight having been emailed today. Seems those (myself included) complaining about the handling may have been a little harsh! :smiley:

i pre registered but recently moved - every time i try i cant get it to accept - given up

*** SCAM *** SCAM *** SCAM

After downloading and installing the app, filling all necessary details and being disqualified, I have received two text messages regarding PPI. I couldn't believe this was related to the Supercard app, then I checked on the MSE forum and a couple of posters had exactly the same problem.

This whole business looks like a glorified scam. I have uninstalled the app and will not touch Travelex with a bargepole.

tried to sign up a few days ago...just got the email today saying there's no more :/

Just to let you all know they have done the credit check through equifax to those who have been accepted for the card......

you can now add a bank account on the app, it isn't clear whether you could use a credit card instead. Only one card can be added. Hopefully when the card arrives there will be T&Cs

"We are experiencing significant demand at present. Please check back later"

Expired?

Must have missed the option, being spammed. Shows what kind of organisation we are dealing with.

I unchecked the option to receive promotional material from Travelex and that was it. To be fair I have not received any further texts.

I unchecked the option to receive promotional material from Travelex and that was it. To be fair I have not received any further texts
I ticked not to receive any promotional stuff from them and nothing here so far.

Hope this comes quickly as I'm due to go away soon!

Fair enough I forgot to tick the box, not fair enough I get bombarded with texts re PPI and Gambling before they even send the card out.

Has anyone received their supercars yet? I was told my card was in post last week, not sure how many days it will take to arrive.

Hope my card arrives soon, going to try it in Las Vegas in 2 weeks if possible.

Have you received your card then already? Ive logged into my account but need the card number to go any further

Nope, not got the card yet. My supercard app (Android) allowed me to "link bank card", and is now waiting at "Activate Supercard" which it would be foolish to press until I have the physical card.

Can somebody post the link of the card please,I can only see other service like cash passport not this.
Cheers

Supercard app still wont let me login following registration. :disappointed:

Comment

Cheers

Ordered one of these but have since gone with the Clarity Card from Halifax. Just seems simpler than having to keep an eye on the app, plus possibly messing around with Travelex's fees. Desparate to buy a playbar from amazon.it but the conversion is over £20 so I'd be foolish not to wait!

Have been informed supercard will be delivered in 7 to 10 working days. If you email support they'll give you your account number too :smiley:

Got the card this morning, activated through the app. Everything looks great.
Interestingly, the pin only has 4 digits, and the security code at the back only has 3 digits.
Quite clearly it is not a standard UK visa card, I wonder whether it classified as debit or credit card?

Yes, he must be confused.

Ditto? All ATM pins are 4 digits and CCVs are 3.

Yes, every card I've seen anyway.
It isn't a credit card, more like a debit card or hybrid, each transaction is funded so no credit. I read the T&Cs yesterday which look professional and gives much more detail. Available on the supercard site.

>.< yeah, sorry I'm confused.
I have a few visa cards with 6 digits pin, which are all issued abroad apparently...
cvv are always 3 digits, true. what I mean is usually there are 7 digits at the back (4+3). this one only got 3 digits

Also got my card through the mail today. Will be linking my accounts and setting it up for my trip to Majorca next 2 weeks.

Not sure if mine has come...But a day too late if it has!

Anyone know whether a cash withdrawal abroad will go through the same on the linked card? so use a linked credit card for purchases and linked debit card for cash withdrawals.

CVV2 and CVC2 are always 3 digits, the Amex 4DBC is 4 digits. PINs in the UK are 4 digits but in many countries they are 6.

The back is one of the standards for a Visa Card but you are right mine is different too.

So those who got cards, did you order early on Tuesday? I just got a warning email that I have not added any cards - don't plan to until I have the card. Anyone know if you can register a partner card (i.e. can I add my card which is on my wife's account)?

Anyone attempted to change the pin in a UK cash point?

I think I registered on the same day as you but in the afternoon I guess. I registered after reading post 159. Check it out to have an idear when some of those who have received the card signed up via the app.

Still no card but plenty of spam must have signed up to Superspam not Supercard.

I preregistered ages ago and finally managed to get my app through the whole process late Wednesday night

I pre-registered in the early days of this thread. I signed up properly a good 8 hours before they let me know it was available! Getting worried that the card has gone AWOL.

Checking my emails (since HUKD no longer give accurate time of posts), I think that post was around 2PM. I guess if everyone who has got a card or not could post, stating when they applied & whether or not they have got their card. Gonna be Tuesday now! :disappointed:

Looking through their twitter, found what seems to be confirmation that you can register any card registered at the same address as the Supercard, regardless of the name on it - to think I was worried if a partner card in my name would be ok!

https://twitter.com/SupercardUK/status/600387892716838912

For all those out there still waiting like me... They should be coming soon. This is an email from travelex:

"We understand the delay in card delivery.

Due to many duplicate applications there has been delay in production of cards. Our designated team is already working on it to expedite the process. Also, we have noticed that some of our customers have their cards. Thus, we would request you to bear with us.

Further to your query, in order to login online in your account we request you to wait for the card to be delivered."

If anyone withdraws cash abroad it would be good to hear if your bank definitely doesn't charge

Still waiting for mine after 10 days whats the norm for the card to arrive?

Wasn't it 10 "working" days?

If so, my registration was confirmed on 13th May and therefore still within the time.

Just called 0843 506 5244 as my card hasn't turned up yet and the guy said that there has been a delay and should receive card in the next 7 working days from today.

Still no card, plus my account says its suspended :disappointed:

Same story here.

Just got a new email:

Hello,

Welcome to Supercard, and what a couple of weeks it’s been! When we launched two weeks ago, demand went through the roof – there are clearly many more people in the UK than we first imagined, who want to eliminate their bank card roaming fees when spending abroad.

With this being the case, we decided to release another batch of Supercards, so that more of you could take part in the pilot. And you’re one of the lucky few selected to be part of our extended pilot!

We’re now working through the initial list first and getting these cards in the post as quickly as is (super) humanly possible. But with all the extra cards we’ve released, this means there will be a delay before your Supercard wings its way to you. It may be a few weeks, but we are beavering away and if we can get it to you any quicker, we will.

Thanks once again for joining us on this journey, we’ll be sure to keep you updated.

Best wishes,

The Supercard team

Was just about to share that.

Got the same email but already have my card

has anybody had a chance to use their card yet. I'm in the next batch.

I'm Still waiting..... I feel like a Diana Ross song (those of you old enough to remember)
13 may I applied have emailed them see what they say.

Well still waiting for my card too but its cost nothing so not too bothered. I guess they didn't realise how much demand they would get for the pilot

Still no card and got confirmation very early I was successful. Going to Vegas on Wednesday and really hope it comes before then so I can try it.

I got my card, got the pin on my phone, used it online, lost the pin, went to retrieve it again, now I get an image saying "PIN IMAGE EXPIRED"

E-mailed CS with no response in a week, phoned some weird sounding lady who took my number and said "I get call back" which never happened...

Great customer service so far :smile:

I'm 99% sure it will be treated as cash so you'll pay interest from that day

On money saving expert it states cash is treated as a purchase if I ever get a card I can check!

Quick update - got the pin number refreshed and changed it at a UK ATM, it worked and the new pin number shows up in the "Show pin number" section of the app.

Nearly 3 weeks now, still no card. Wife got the second batch email, which is fine, but all I have had is a still not registered any cards email! Would be nice if they had a rep on here to answer queries...

Anyone else notice the mistake in the second batch email? I think the wording means that they underestimated the number of people in the UK! Good old English where word order changes the meaning!

Has anyone used the card yet and checked out the conversion rate?

Is it as good as they say?

There we go - Online purchase, $28.99 = £18.67 (Visa exchange rate at the time of transaction

Somehow the exchange rate is the wrong way round but I get what it means :smile:

Just done another one today, more useless rubbish from china, but it was too cheap to ignore :smile:

£2.63
$4.00
1 USD = 0.6575

Estimated Saving £2.10, i'm sure its more than that as I think its £2.50 a transaction my account charges plus x%

Another good use is when the Amazon.es/de/it deals come on, as Amazon's exchange rates are pretty poor, these cards will be awesome

Awesome

The exchange rate does move throughout the day too, I just did another one

£13.13 - $19.95 (£0.658145 = $1) - Compared to the 0.6575 I got a few hours ago.

Paypal wanted £13.56 for the same transaction.

Not a lot saved, but they do add up. I am at a loss as to how these guys make any money.

Has anyone tried cash yet curious to see if its treated as a purchase. I'm in Dublin but my card hasn't arrived yet.

Yipee card arrived today applied 13 May

Got mine today, A couple of weeks too late for my trip abroad.

I've used it online with Aliexpress and apparently saved £2.33 on a £12 transaction. The exchange rate was marginally lower than the xe.com currency app when I checked it on the phone a minute or two later. All in all I'm very impressed.

A welcome addition to my clarity credit card!

I received my card today. Will need to wait till next month before I can use it.

Can the pin be changed like any other card at an atm?

Looks like that

My card arrived today.

I have a Zero card with Santander; so I am going to look for a couple of cheap foreign purchases, to purchase at same time, to see which comes out cheaper.

In my restless dreams,
I see that card.

"Supercard"

You promised me you'd sent it to me the other day.
but you never did.

Well, I'm alone now...
Waiting, for it to come...

Wow.....

:neutral_face:

Cash from an overseas atm and no 'cash' fee from my credit card provider. Absolutely fantastic.

I guess it depends on abuse etc

Santander finally catches us! Transaction at exactly same time came through at £7.58.

So Supercard is the winner!

Card arrived Tuesday or Wednesday (reg. 13th May 00:13) & just made first purchase to test; AU$ 3.43 on ebay;

XE.com £1.71
Paypal £1.79 & (drum roll please)
Supercard £1.73

Not too bad!

Just got my card, unfortunately a few days late for my last overseas trip. Still gives me a reason to go someplace soon! FYI I got my acceptance email on the 14th in case that helps others

Can't believe this, after all this time I got my card, well no I didn't I got someone else's a Mr Peter Jennings. :disappointed:

Still waiting here, Ordered my dad a few days after mine and his came a week ago!

Card finally arrived today - I registered back in March. Off to Spain in a fortnight so will give it a go.....

Still no sign of mine!! Realistic to expect it for the summer hols in 5 weeks????

How do you get the pin to show up? Mine just keeps saying pin expired??

Right - Im confused. Have received my card and tried to use it online for purchases in USD to a few place including Google and Amazon.com but it has declined. I have phoned the CS team who advise that some retailers might not accept the card (not sure why not - its a Visa card), and that it is meant to be for chip and pin transactions only. This seems to contradict their Twitter feed.

Has anyone else experienced issues using it online?

Didn't use on the sites you tried but worked smoothly on a couple of others like dealextreme.

I used the card on Amazon.com without issue. It was a $105 purchase linked to a UK debit card

I don't think the card works offline as needs to debit the linked cards account before it can authorize the charge to the super card.

Given this that's probably why it won't work at 25000 ft

This makes sense.

No I shipped to the US but was able to use the SuperCard, with a UK Billing address.

Can you add more than one card?

Finally got mine yesterday.

upto 5 cards I think...

I've received mine last week (originally signed up in March). Perfect timing - off to Belgium on Wednesday.
I read with interest that you can withdraw cash via a linked Credit Card rather than linked Debit Card, and not suffer from Cash Advance fees. I'll be testing this out and will report back (unless anyone has already tested this and got a definitive answer??). I guess I could switch it to the Debit Card for cash withdrawals, but that's a bit of a faff I could do without!

How long does it take to charge your debit cards?
because my one seems to take ages, i'm not complaining, just feeling weird...I paid about 4k on a few air tickets 5 days ago, and it still haven't shown up on my bill. it's a good thing in a way but it worrys me...

Took 5 days for my transaction to show on my linked card

My wife had got the second batch email & her card arrived Friday (IIRC) - it was glued into to wallet thing!

Still cant use the card online. Had a call from the team to advise that my transactions were being declined due to a '3 second time out' restriction on the card. Random, especially when others are able to use their cards absolutely fine.

I've used mine on a Aliexpress a few times now with no issues.

Still no sign of my card turning up!!

Worked in France €100=£72.55 much better rate than Sainsburys currency exchange!

All Visa Electron products ( young person cards, prepaid cards) are online only and won't work on a plane irrespective of whether it is linked to a back end card.

Just received my card today... finally...

Do you link your debit or credit card to your Supercard?

Just Saved myself a few beers, Amazon UK £319.99 (2 week wait). Amazon.DE €415.34 inc Monday (Next working day) Delivery.

Amazon's currency converter wanted £308.86, Travelex charged me £298.30

I got my card in the 1st batch and did all the required setup. To my surprise, another card was delivered yesterday with a completely new card number and expiry date. Has this happened to anyone?

Thanks. I just wonder if I link my credit card and withdraw money via ATM machine at Barcelona, will I get charge for cash advance fees? Anyone tried before?

See post #409 They withdrew cash from an overseas ATM via Supercard linked to a credit card and didn't get charged for a cash advance.

That's great! Thanks again.

I might go overseas next week, if I do I'll advise how the states likes the Supercard.
I just renewed my VPN subscription of $24.50 their website accepted cards, as well as Paypal.
Supercard won again:

website card processor = 1.51048 = £16.22
paypal = 1.53861 = £15.92
supercard rate = 1.58371 = £15.47

Ok not epic in cash terms but over 7 cents is a large difference in rate, and all free

It was indeed :smiley: I got a 50% off for life offer code in 2013 - no longer available im afraid but so far they seem to be honouring the deal, as this is my second renewal after the offer. I use the vpn all the time so was very lucky!

I thought it was cheap! Nice one!

OT - the vpn i use has a 40% off code SING40

Thanks very much for that.

It will take twice as long to appear on your account than with another type of card as Travelex have to receive the transaction and then send it make into the system for it to reach the issuer of the linked card.

Well off to the states tomorrow taking super card and Halifax clarity as back-up. Looked at the terms, should be ok £500 cash per day and up to 15 transactions..

compared this to my halifax card over the course of 3 days in Hungary.

Day 1: HUF/GBP- Halifax won by 1.2% (437.4HUF/GBP with Hal vs. 432.3HUF/GBP vs. Supercard)
Day 2: HUF/GBP- Halifax and Supercard were the same
Day 3: HUF/GBP- Halifax and Supercard same again
EUR/GBP- Halifax won by 0.6% (1.40EUR/GBP with Hal vs. 1.39EUR/GBP with Supercard)

From the MSE site, it appears that they are losing transactions. Use the product while you can.

Bought $27.60 of stuff from Gearbest.

Xe.com said £17.55 and the supercard transaction came out at £17.54!

Very happy with this card so far!

Is that means that it is recommended to link your Supercard with your debit debit when using abroad especially withdrawing cash via the ATM machine?

i think once the credit card companies realise that these transactions are cash withdrawals abroad then they will want to charge interest from that day.
Has anyone actually withdrawn cash abroad yet linked to a credit card?

I just think once the credit card companies realise what's going on they will either block the cash withdrawals or backdate interest charges, we shall see.
I have the card linked to my debit card so for cash withdrawals I'll use that.

I got my card 2-3 weeks ago and finally used it on Jun 22 in Amsterdam. The Euro rate that day was 1.3904 as per xe.com and when I checked my bank statement, it looks like I have got a rate of 1.3901. Excellent!

the credit card company will be funding your cash withdrawal, I.e. no interest will be earnt, they would be crazy to allow that. I think once they find out it will be stopped. Maybe backdate the interest charge, or they will write it off and block future transactions

But it is cash. You withdraw it from an ATM, it may get processed as a purchase but it is cash, some institution is losing interest on it. Usually credit card companies charge a fee for a legitimate co. purchase, they won't be receiving a fee so they should be alerted unless their systems are crap

On the same side of the coin, you best call up Barclays, HSBC, Santander and every other bank and tell them that this card is making them "Lose out" on the rip off conversion rates too.

While you are on with it, call Tesco and tell them all the misprices.

The bank get paid for the transaction by Supercard, it's irrelevant to them whether it is cash or a retail purchase. Read my post, it's Supercard who lose out.

still waiting for my card. They say there is a delay in printing zzzzz

So far no issues using the card in the states

I'm not sure if setting up this card is worth the hassle! When I tried to register for it three months ago it kept on failing. I was therefore surprised to receive an email later saying that my card had been successfully registered.

Anyway, I finally received the card today! No instructions apart from to log on to the app. I suppose I'm supposed to guess that the account number is what is printed on the card. I entered it into the app,but keep getting "looks like something's gone wrong, please try again later". A feeling of deja-vu all over again...

I rang up Customer Services in the end and the chap reset my password. It has now registered fine. It's a pity that I'm not due to go abroad until October. However,I think between this, my Halifax Clarity credit card and Metro bank debit card, I'm more than covered on minimising foreign exchange costs!

So there are a few issues with the card/app. The posting time for it to hit your card has already been mentioned, but in addition it appears temporary transactions don't vanish from the application.I had what looked like a duplicate transaction on my account. It's dropped off on supercards transaction list, the guy I spoke to insisted only one of them is there, but my app still shows the other. Sigh... anyway these temporary or pending transactions are a pain as you'll only really know once they actually appear on your card statement.
I don't get why they don't vanish once they expire. I tried to explain this on the phone but as their list does update the guy couldn't understand why I'm querying a transaction he couldn't see!

Overall its an inconvenience, but an annoying one!

I had the same issue with my American Express card, a rogue transaction was under pending which eventually disappeared, so I don't think this is just a Supercard thing

The point is it disappeared from their system just not my app! I have no issue with temporary pending type transactions, its the nature of credit cards. I just don't get why the transaction list in the app doesn't drop transactions of this kind once expired!

So it seems a few transactions haven't yet hit my credit card! I'm going to wait another week for the pending transactions to settle. Hmm this card may indeed be super if I dont see these transactions at all :smiley:

I have a transaction that hasn't gone through my linked bank account for a few days so far. I think something fishy is going on.

it can take 5-7 days for transactions to show.
I'm reconciling the transactions on the super card app vs my statement from my last trip. I'll report back

OK so of the £2800 I spent there's still £1600 to appear on the credit card and most of that are old transactions. (26th June) Interestingly many newer transactions have appeared, so not sure why certain transactions take a lot longer to show!

10/07/2015 All transactions finally posted so it seems two weeks is the maximum time. The rate is set at time of transaction so the only downside is not knowing for a few weeks where you are with the card you are posting to

Anybody had a refund of a transaction via the supercard?

Ordered a phone online using supercard, went through fine and appeared on the app.

The website (gearbest) then emailed saying as part of the online security policy they wanted a picture of the card I used to pay and my driving licence or passport. I refused to this so they refunded me. The original transaction from 30th June shows on the app but no refund shows(do they show) and the money has now been taken from my debit card. I'n a bit concerned with how a refund would work

I've emailed supercard twice but no response!

Any ideas?

I've not had a refund but had pending (temp) transactions drop off. Do you know gearbest actually processed the refund yet? Sometimes they can take a few days. Once they have confirmed they have processed the refund I'd call SuperCard directly as they are faster to answer calls than emails. The number is 02035030945

you can now login via supercard.io this makes it easier to copy paste transactions from a webpage etc

If i pay on amazon.fr should i use to pay in eur or gbp?

Can I pay in U.S. Dollars?

Thanks buddy.
When I pay at amazon France shall I deselect the Amazon currency settings?

yes always select local currency over any offered dynamic currency conversion

Used it the other day for CAD. Rate was off by 2% (got 1.98 vs 2.01 from mastercard/halifax)

Yeah, I know (i'm not blind). But it shouldn't be that far off. I've been finding the halifax card has been consistently better...

if I send money via western union using the travelex card....would it be classed as visa purchase or cash transaction?

just for the record when I send money via western union using my visa credit card they class it as a cash transaction.

The app behind this thing is such a pile of ****. It drives me crazy.

I have mine linked to 3 different cards (2 debit, 1 credit) and it works fine for foreign purchases online.
However I was unable to withdraw cash from any ATMs in the Philippines recently despite numerous attempts with all linked cards.
Very disappointed. Anyone been able to draw cash in SE Asia ?

Hi yes I have taken cash many times from an atm. It's treated like everything else on my credit card. A UK purchase :smiley:

totally forgot about this now. wanted it at that time. Its been 6 months and they still haven't re-open this program yet...

Shame they blocked Credit Cards via POS/ATM transactions in GBP - it used to be OK to do a POS transaction on a CC but not any more.

I had to pay £45 in CC fees when I booked my holiday! It would have only cost me 50p if I did it a few months back.

I've been waiting 3 weeks for Supercard to process a refund, still not done. Based on that I wouldn't buy anything that you might need refunded

Is anyone else having problems linking their supercard to their paypal account

it justs says this card cannot be linked try another

To use Supercard a transaction needs to be chip and pin, Im currently in Thailand who ask for signature instead and so this card doesn't work. So, moral to the story is check for the country you are visiting whether chip and pin is accepted. Ive now switched to using Revolut card which is working perfectly.

Chip and pin not required - I used the card in the States and Egypt with signature no issues..

The transaction needs to be online so the only place its not worked for me is on board aircraft etc.
But always good to have a backup have a Revolut too

All I can think is that its regional?? Anyway at least you had a backup!

It should work globally but not been to Brazil.
So far I've used in USA, Ireland, Holland and Egypt without issue either way I'd take a backup just in case :smiley:

OK, Thailand is the only place it doesn't seem to work so far - but as stated earlier always take a backup - Revolut seems a sensible backup. I've never needed it so far but always take it when I travel. When you do go to Brazil - let us know how you get on.

I think you can use at the ATM machine? So, the same as anywhere?

I was in Thailand at the end of November and used in hotel, supermarket, restaurant and ATM with no problem. The only issue I had was a 200 Baht charge which I thought was excessive but I had little option at the time.

The signature with no pin worked ok?

Most banks now charge 200 baht atm fee

Just tried it out for the first time for a online purchase just to test it out, so I try it on a $1. Just what rate are they using? How $1 is equal to £1 exchange rate?

Well, shows it as a Pending Purchase on the supercard and my credit card right now. It still 1 GBP = 1 USD.
http://imgur.com/sSJRY97

Id give them a call:

UK: 0207 078 2720 International: +44 203 503 0945

I gave them a phone call, they said that it is pending right now and when it finish it should show the right exchange rate and charge me the right amount. Did anyone get the same problem as me or should I stop using it? Should it be like this?

I last used it in November and extensively in Singapore, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand and never noticed anything as strange. The only issue I had was remembering whether it needed to be charged to credit or check accounts at ATMs (check a/c) and at the shops (credit a/c).

I would definitely would be checking my card regularly.

Just used it:
17 FEB LONDON , WWW.ALIEXPRESS.COM,- (USD) 5.89=£4.11
Exchange Rate 1 USD = 0.70 GBP
You've saved £2.14 GBP

So it seems OK

Sure
click here

Interested to see that this thread is active again. Maybe I should try again with my Travelex card??
I wanted it for ATM withdrawals in S.E.Asia and it has been a complete failure. Tried in various countries with it linked to different cards...phoned them twice and they said each time "try again, we have unlocked it" but same problem. Anyone else had this?
Gone back to using my Halifax Clarity card now.
Can someone who has used both comment on which works out cheapest for foreign cash withdrawals please?

I tried using it in Thailand for purchases and its useless, you need to use your PIN but in Thailand they mostly require signatures only. I recommend using the Revolut card which uses interbank spot rates. My second option is Halifax Clarity.

Last time I used it overseas was Egypt in Oct - worked fine for both purchases and cash from ATM's
I'm off to Denmark next month so will use it then, an then off to the states so will use it again there.

I always take back up plastic (Revolut santander zero and a Clarity card) so far though the Supercard has worked fine.

The supercard needs realtime online transactions, so wouldn't expect 100% coverage.

ALWAYS take backup cards just in case!

Which is the rate confirmed by the Visa Travel Tools app

Small update, it now change from Pending Purchase to just Purchase now on the Supercard.
My credit card still show it's pending £1.

​I had the same issue with them not refunding to my linked card. I spoke to them and they had to manually process it. Quite disappointing.

Yep, £1 has been charger on my credit card, was going to take it with me on my holiday tomorrow but now I won't. I'll try it again when I get back.

Just came on here to see how refunds seem to be handled - looks like I may have to go for a refund on some AerLingus flights (they have moved the flight by over 4 hours) & I want to change to a flight that is cheaper to re-book.

Anyone else had refunds work/not work & any comments on how quickly they resolve issues with them?

Sorry to hear that you have had issues - I have used mine heavily on 2 trips (plus the odd ebay purchase) with no issues. I just fear that this may get pulled due to the EU capping the merchant fees (M&S have slashed their loyalty scheme & UKASH have gone from zero fees to silly fees as a result).

Used on several trips, worked perfectly

will be using next weekend in Denmark and the week after in the states. Not expecting issues (well except a weak £)

will report back if any

Hopefully that can be sorted out in 4 months time :smile:

That confused me for a moment! For anyone else wondering, think 23rd June...

:smiley:

Trial ending 7th June :disappointed:

Then we all need to reapply for another card when they are publicly released.

Thanks for the warning. Just hope they can get the new cards out before the Summer holiday season!

Bet there's a charge when we apply for a new card.

They have refund back some of the money, so I thought a might as well try it again and yes, it charge me £1 = $1 again.... 100% not going to use ther card anymore, phone them again for the refund when it stop pending purchase.

Very odd as just used it in Denmark and the States (mostly without issue)

a few transactions:

10 MAR SENOR FROG'S - ORLANDO, ORLANDO- (USD) 9.00=£6.35

Exchange Rate1 USD = 0.71 GBP
You've saved £2.15 GBP

06 MAR7-ELEVEN KVIKK, KOBENHAVN V- (DKK) 25.00=£2.60
Exchange Rate1 DKK = 0.10 GBP
You've saved £2.10 GBP

16 MARRICHFIELD , BEST BUY 0994,- (USD) 1,214.07=£858.36
Exchange Rate1 USD = 0.71 GBP
You've saved £29.85 GBP

I hope it stays free, once officially launched!

The app says total savings: £263.87 (no sure if that's from inception etc?)

Hi guys,

Heading to the US in a few weeks. Are there any atms/banks i should avoid? Struggling to find any info on whether US banks charge for withdrawals with the card.

Thanks,
Mike

maybe a bit of a silly question, but im going abroad next week and had intended to use it. whilst the card has a 2018 date on it, i noticed that the 'pilot' for the card ends in 'JUNE' and the cards wont work after that. however, my n00b question is, which year is this 'June'? i havent used it yet.. had it over a year.. this thread was over a year old, and the website doesnt actually state which year. is it june 2016, or have i missed the window by a whole 10 months !!!! lol

edit, apologies, ive just re read all of post #553 and can see the email stating 2016. thanks

I was hoping the "new Supercard" scheme would be up and running by Summer but they're leaving it a bit late.

I think the new scheme should have been up and running then they could have phased the pilot people over. To me it seems stupid to have loss of service when there's no need

I have a card which was part of the trial, anyone know whether Travelex will issue a new card automatically in June when it goes live?

Has June been confirmed? I thought it was just "This summer" and the end of the pilot is 7th June.

Impression i got was it would be June, they've already decided to go live but it isn't clear what happens next to trial people. I think they will issue a new card but i got an email yesterday about registering, no mention of me being an account holder already

I haven't had an email yet, I'll look out for one, thanks.

Just got the email regarding the new card. You have to re-apply even if you had one before. They've also introduced a fee of 2.99% for ATM withdrawals.

Wasn't enthusiastic about a 2.99 fee raised a new thread on this http://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/travelex-supercard-back-good-pilot-2463976