Halifax & Visa Debit Card?

[Spyguy]

Hey all

With my credit history, theres no chance of getting a credit card.

I've been using 3v for a few years now. And have also moved to the payzone alternative.
But, its just the fact you have to go to the shop after taking money from the ATM and putting cash on it etc etc etc.

Too much hassle for my liking !

Anyway, long story short, have been thinking of moving to Halifax, mostly because they have the Visa Debit card, which would make life a lot easier, especially when buying stuff online.

Few brief questions.

1. Is it 100% like a Visa CC in terms of use online, like can it be used everywhere, its not restricted like Lazer.
2. I've seen posts / threads about hassle using it on paypal and a few other websites, like HMV, is this still the same?
3. I've also seen posts about people having difficulty using it in Lidl / Aldi....rarely shop there, but would be mortified if I did my shopping then they refused the card, again, is this still the case?
4. I recall a lot of media banter about Halifax closing branches, is this still on the cards, if so would that mean they are gone out of the country or would they just be an online-type bank....I very rarely do go into the bank itself, but at least I know I can with AIB.

Any other bad or good points that might help me make up my mind?
Similarly, good or bad points about halifax in general.

Cheers All,
Spy

[almalahide]

Originally Posted by Spyguy

Hey all

1. Is it 100% like a Visa CC in terms of use online, like can it be used everywhere, its not restricted like Lazer.

Yes im with Halifax, Ive used it online across europe, America etc. ONLY been refused in Lidl and Aldi, never had another place refuse it. Choose the Visa option if theres no visa debit and it works.

1. I've seen posts / threads about hassle using it on paypal and a few other websites, like HMV, is this still the same?

Perhaps with UB, but I downloaded music earlier from HMV and have done without problem and ive used paypal. Id imagine UB will sort this out quickly.

1. I've also seen posts about people having difficulty using it in Lidl / Aldi....rarely shop there, but would be mortified if I did my shopping then they refused the card, again, is this still the case?

Yes but I dont shop there so it wont bother me.

1. I recall a lot of media banter about Halifax closing branches, is this still on the cards, if so would that mean they are gone out of the country or would they just be an online-type bank....I very rarely do go into the bank itself, but at least I know I can with AIB.

Who knows, so many rumours according to most media they should have closed in August. My guess is that Lloyds will sell off Halifax UK/IRE/Spain as a whole next year to perhaps Virgin. Worst case they decide to close Halifax Ireland and you have to set up another account.

Any other bad or good points that might help me make up my mind?
Similarly, good or bad points about halifax in general.

Ive only had excellent dealings with them, they have rang me when im making unusal purchases or big ones on my mobile the odd time just to see its me. The online banking gives full details of tranactions down to time of purchase and you can set up standing orders/payments etc without ringing them up like BOI and waiting a week.

I certainly would die if i Had to go back to Laser/BOI!!

[almalahide]

Sorry about the way i replied there im only new.

[Jet Black]

Is it 100% like a Visa CC in terms of use online, like can it be used everywhere, its not restricted like Lazer.

Yes its accepted everywhere. Almost 100%, you are only spending your own money.

I've seen posts / threads about hassle using it on paypal and a few other websites, like HMV, is this still the same?

There was a lot of trouble with the card to begin with but the majority of the issues has been resolved, have used it in HMV and for paypal with no trouble.

I've also seen posts about people having difficulty using it in Lidl / Aldi....rarely shop there, but would be mortified if I did my shopping then they refused the card, again, is this still the case?

Have a look here.



Im not 100% sure but question 4 may fall into this category.
Ulster bank also issue visa debit cards.

[Spyguy]

All sounds sweet. Is there any hassle with moving back to Aib if I don't like halifax? Any time restraints or similar ?

[BuffyBot]

Nope, no time restraints at all

[daithijjj]

Been with halifax for just over 12 months for the visa debit card alone, never had an issue on the street or online.

[**Timbuk2**]

Visa Debit won't work (yet!) in Aldi or Lidl, but it has nearly 100% acceptance everywhere else.

I have an Ulster Bank one, and have never had a problem with it. The Halifax one has been around longer so in theory it should be superior to the UB one (at the moment anyway!)

[Spyguy]

Great, all sounds class! Was up north yesterday and one or two shops in Belfast wouldn't accept lazer or maesto! That did it for me, going to put through the application today!

Thanks for the advice lads!

Spy

[almalahide]

Yep, it so handy up North and everywhere else. Its funny when you see people trying to pay for stuff in Uk with Laser (I usually have to bail friends out). I think they must presume it works in shops worldwide. Once you go to Visa Debit you wont go back!

[Supercell]

The Halifax visa debit doesnt work abroad (not in the UK, Netherlands or China where i tried it). My regular Mastercard works fine in all countries, maybe something that might be relevant to your choice.

[BuffyBot]

I've used mine on 4 different continents without problem..and I'd suspect most people will. I've had a Visa debit from a UK bank before and used it all over without problem - so I suspect your problem is a little less general than you make it sound.

[uberwolf]

Originally Posted by Supercell

The Halifax visa debit doesnt work abroad (not in the UK, Netherlands or China where i tried it). My regular Mastercard works fine in all countries, maybe something that might be relevant to your choice.

as I understand it, this is an issue which is dependent on whether the store uses MC or visa as its POS. If it's visa then visa can check its own system, MC don't have access. I used my visa debit in london last week with mixed results

[BuffyBot]

as I understand it, this is an issue which is dependent on whether the store uses MC or visa as its POS.

Mastercard and/or VISA don't operate the point of sale terminals, so it doesn't actually have any impact. The only thing that should stop the card being accepted is if the retailer doesn't accept Visa and only accepts Mastercard etc (which would be highly unusual)

[MarkR]

Originally Posted by Supercell

The Halifax visa debit doesnt work abroad (not in the UK, Netherlands or China where i tried it). My regular Mastercard works fine in all countries, maybe something that might be relevant to your choice.

I used it in several shops in London and it worked fine each time. Couple of clothes shops, and a atm. No problems for me.