Halifax is one of the UK’s most recognisable banking brands, offering a range of credit cards tailored to different financial needs. Whether you’re looking to consolidate debt, earn rewards, or avoid foreign transaction fees when travelling, Halifax has several options to consider.
This 2025 review breaks down everything you need to know about Halifax credit cards, from the types available to their key benefits and fees. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether a Halifax credit card suits your financial goals or if better alternatives exist.
Key Takeaways
- Halifax offers three main credit cards — one for balance transfers, one for rewards, and one for travel, covering a wide range of financial needs.
- The Halifax Clarity Card is consistently one of the best travel credit cards for UK residents, thanks to its no foreign transaction fees and use of Mastercard’s exchange rate.
- While Halifax Rewards Card offers monthly perks, its rewards programme is less generous compared to competitors like American Express.
- Halifax’s 0% balance transfer periods are competitive, but longer deals are available from providers like Virgin Money and Barclaycard.
- Halifax credit cards have no annual fees, making them cost-effective, but they lack premium perks like airport lounge access or luxury travel benefits.
- Existing Halifax customers benefit from seamless app integration, but those prioritising high rewards or exclusive perks may find better value elsewhere.
What is the Halifax Credit Card?
The Halifax credit card is a financial product issued by Halifax Bank, part of the Lloyds Banking Group. Halifax offers several credit card options, each designed for a particular purpose — from interest-free balance transfers to earning cashback or making cost-effective purchases abroad.
Halifax credit cards are available to UK residents aged 18 or over who meet the bank’s credit and affordability criteria. Applications are typically assessed based on your credit history, income, and existing financial commitments. It is relevant to highlight that despite the fact that Halifax offers great cards, most of them aren’t considered “premium cards“
Types of Halifax Credit Cards Explained
Halifax currently offers three main credit cards, each designed to cater to different types of users:
Halifax Balance Transfer Card
The Halifax Balance Transfer Card is aimed at individuals looking to consolidate existing credit card debt onto one card, typically with a promotional 0% interest period. This allows you to pay off your balance without incurring interest charges for a set period — often up to 20 months or more, depending on your creditworthiness.
Best for: People carrying existing balances who want to reduce interest costs.
Key Features:
- Long 0% interest on balance transfers.
- Fixed transfer fee.
- Option to transfer balances from other credit cards (excluding Halifax or Lloyds).
Halifax Rewards Credit Card
The Halifax Rewards Credit Card is designed for everyday spending, allowing cardholders to earn rewards on qualifying purchases. Rewards may include cashback, discounts, or monthly benefits such as a £5 statement credit if you meet minimum spending requirements.
Best for: Regular spenders who want to earn something back for their purchases.
Key Features:
- Earn rewards on qualifying transactions.
- Monthly perks if spending thresholds are reached.
- Competitive purchase rates (after any promotional period).
Halifax Clarity Card (for Travel)
The Halifax Clarity Credit Card is aimed at travellers who want to avoid the hefty foreign transaction fees often applied by UK credit cards. With this card, you can spend abroad at Mastercard’s exchange rate with no additional fees.
Best for: Frequent travellers and holidaymakers looking for fee-free spending outside the UK.
Key Features:
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Competitive rates on cash withdrawals abroad.
- No annual fee.
Key Benefits of Halifax Credit Cards
Halifax credit cards come with a range of benefits tailored to different spending habits. Whether you want to save on interest, earn perks on your spending, or enjoy stress-free spending abroad, there’s a card to match.
Rewards & Cashback
The Halifax Rewards Credit Card is the primary option for customers who want to earn something back from their everyday purchases. Depending on the latest offers (which can change from year to year), you may earn:
- Monthly rewards if you meet a minimum spend.
- Cashback on qualifying transactions.
- Occasional promotional bonuses on selected categories, such as supermarket or fuel purchases.
Unlike some premium reward cards, Halifax does not currently offer a dedicated air miles scheme or luxury perks, so the rewards are more suited to regular UK spending rather than high-end travel or lifestyle purchases.
Balance Transfers
For those managing existing debt, the Halifax Balance Transfer Card offers one of the longest 0% interest periods available in the UK market. The key advantage is the ability to transfer balances from other cards (except within Lloyds Banking Group) and avoid interest for up to 20 months or more.
This allows users to pay off debt faster, although it’s important to factor in:
- An upfront transfer fee (usually a percentage of the balance).
- Interest applying after the promotional period ends.
This makes it ideal for short-term debt clearance, but less suited to those wanting ongoing spending flexibility.
Travel Perks (Fee-Free Abroad)
The Halifax Clarity Card is widely recognised as one of the best UK credit cards for overseas use. Unlike many competitors, it offers:
- No foreign transaction fees on spending abroad.
- Access to Mastercard’s exchange rate, which is generally very competitive.
- No annual fee — making it cost-effective even for occasional travellers.
While the Clarity Card charges interest on cash withdrawals abroad, the lack of a cash withdrawal fee offsets this slightly, making it still one of the top choices for UK travellers.
Fees, Interest Rates & Charges
Before applying for any Halifax credit card, it’s important to understand the associated costs and charges. These vary depending on the card type and your personal circumstances.
| Fee/Charge | Balance Transfer Card | Rewards Card | Clarity Card (Travel) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Representative APR | Around 24.9% (variable) | Around 24.9% (variable) | Around 24.9% (variable) |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Typically 3-4% | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | Standard 2.95% (if applicable) | Standard 2.95% | None |
| Cash Withdrawal Fee (UK) | 3% (min £3) | 3% (min £3) | None (interest applies from withdrawal date) |
| Annual Fee | None | None (subject to reward conditions) | None |
| Late Payment Fee | £12 | £12 | £12 |
Key Notes:
- The representative APR reflects what at least 51% of accepted applicants receive, but your personal rate could be higher based on your credit profile.
- For the Rewards Card, keeping the rewards benefits active may require meeting a minimum monthly spend — otherwise, the rewards could be forfeited.
- With the Clarity Card, while spending abroad is fee-free, cash withdrawals abroad incur interest immediately, so it’s best suited for card payments rather than cash.
How to Apply for a Halifax Credit Card
Applying for a Halifax credit card can be done entirely online, through the Halifax website or app. The process typically takes around 10 minutes if you have all the necessary information ready.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply, you need to:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a UK resident
- Have a regular income
- Pass a credit check
Application Process
- Check your eligibility. Halifax offers a soft search eligibility checker that won’t affect your credit score.
- Choose your card. Compare the different Halifax credit cards to find the one that suits your needs.
- Submit your application. You’ll need to provide personal details, employment information, and financial commitments.
- Get a decision. In many cases, Halifax provides an instant decision, but some applications may need further review.
- Receive your card. If approved, your card typically arrives within 5 to 7 working days.
Who is the Halifax Credit Card Best For?
Halifax credit cards appeal to different types of users, depending on their spending habits and financial goals. Here’s a closer look at who benefits most from each type of Halifax card.
Travellers
The Halifax Clarity Card is ideal for anyone who regularly travels abroad. With no foreign transaction fees, it’s one of the most cost-effective options for spending overseas. It’s especially useful for holidaymakers who want to avoid carrying cash.
People Looking to Build Credit
If you have fair to good credit and want to improve your credit score, Halifax credit cards can help — provided you use them responsibly. Regular on-time payments and keeping your balance low relative to your limit can help build a positive credit history.
Shoppers Who Want Rewards
The Halifax Rewards Credit Card works well for people who use their card frequently and want to get something back from their spending. While the rewards scheme isn’t the most generous in the UK market, it offers consistent value if you hit the minimum spend requirements each month.
Halifax Credit Card Pros & Cons
Pros
- Broad range of cards suited to different needs (balance transfers, rewards, travel)
- No annual fees on any Halifax credit card
- Soft search eligibility checker before applying
- Competitive 0% balance transfer periods
- Clarity Card offers fee-free spending abroad
- Easy to manage through the Halifax app
Cons
- Rewards scheme is less generous than competitors like American Express
- Balance transfer fee applies (can be 3% or higher)
- Interest on cash withdrawals starts immediately (including abroad)
- Travel perks are limited — no airport lounge access or travel insurance
- Not suitable for those wanting premium perks like concierge services
How Halifax Compares to Other Credit Cards
Halifax vs Barclaycard
| Feature | Halifax | Barclaycard |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None (Clarity) | None (Rewards Card) |
| Rewards | Monthly rewards on qualifying spend | Cashback or Avios, depending on the card |
| Balance Transfer Period | Up to 20 months | Up to 29 months (with fees) |
| App Experience | Strong | Strong |
Summary: Barclaycard offers longer balance transfer periods and more flexible rewards options (including Avios for travel enthusiasts), but Halifax’s Clarity Card still holds an edge for fee-free spending abroad.
Halifax vs Virgin Money
| Feature | Halifax | Virgin Money |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None (Clarity) | 2.99% on standard cards |
| Rewards | Monthly cashback and perks | Points earned on spending (Virgin Points) |
| Balance Transfer Period | Up to 20 months | Up to 28 months (with fees) |
| App Experience | Strong | Strong |
Summary: Virgin Money appeals more to those who want to earn Virgin Points for travel, while Halifax is the stronger pick for regular travellers thanks to fee-free spending abroad.
Halifax vs American Express
| Feature | Halifax | American Express |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None (Clarity) | Typically 2.99% |
| Rewards | Monthly cashback and perks | Highly rewarding points system |
| Acceptance Rate | High | Lower (some places still don’t take Amex) |
| Annual Fees | None | Varies, some cards have fees |
Summary: American Express offers far more valuable rewards — particularly for high spenders — but Halifax is more widely accepted and better for spending abroad. If rewards are the priority and you’re confident in merchant acceptance, Amex may be the better fit.
Halifax Credit Card Alternatives
If you’re considering a Halifax credit card, it’s worth comparing them to some of the best alternatives in the UK market. Depending on whether you want rewards, travel perks, or a strong balance transfer offer, there may be better options.
Best for Rewards
- American Express Platinum Credit Card – Offers some of the highest reward rates in the UK, especially for larger spenders.
- American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Card – A great choice for those who want flexible points that can be redeemed for travel, shopping, or experiences.
- British Airways American Express Card – Perfect for those who want to earn Avios points on every purchase, with a companion voucher if you hit the annual spending target.
These options outperform Halifax’s Rewards Credit Card in terms of pure value, but Amex cards aren’t accepted everywhere — particularly at smaller shops.
Best for Travel
- Chase UK Debit Card – Though not a credit card, Chase offers fee-free spending abroad and 1% cashback on everyday purchases, making it a strong alternative to the Halifax Clarity Card.
- Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card – Another solid travel option, offering fee-free spending and cash withdrawals abroad, with the added benefit of earning cashback on your spending.
Halifax Clarity remains a top contender for simple fee-free travel, but newer digital banks and competing credit cards are closing the gap.
Best for 0% Balance Transfer
- Virgin Money Balance Transfer Card – Offers up to 28 months 0% interest on balance transfers, one of the longest deals available in 2025.
- Sainsbury’s Bank Balance Transfer Card – Combines a competitive 0% transfer period with Nectar points on purchases.
- Barclaycard Platinum Balance Transfer Card – Offers up to 29 months 0% interest, with regular promotional offers for new customers.
Halifax’s 0% period is competitive but not market-leading, so those looking purely to shift debt might find better deals elsewhere.
Expert Verdict: Should You Get a Halifax Credit Card?
Halifax credit cards remain a reliable choice for UK consumers in 2025, particularly if you already bank with Halifax and want the convenience of managing everything in one app.
The Clarity Card continues to shine as one of the best travel credit cards, thanks to its no foreign transaction fees — a feature many other mainstream banks still lack.
However, for those chasing the highest rewards or the longest balance transfer periods, competitors like American Express, Virgin Money, and Barclaycard offer more compelling value.
Who should choose Halifax?
- Frequent travellers who want fee-free spending abroad.
- Existing Halifax customers who value seamless app integration.
- Shoppers who want straightforward, no-fuss monthly rewards.
Who should look elsewhere?
- Luxury travellers wanting airport lounges, travel insurance, or concierge services.
- Big spenders who want to maximise cashback or points.
- **People with large balances to transfer who need the longest 0% deals.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Halifax Credit Card
Can I apply if I have bad credit?
Halifax credit cards are designed for applicants with fair to good credit. If you have a poor credit history, your chances of approval are lower. Before applying, you can use Halifax’s eligibility checker, which performs a soft search and won’t affect your credit score.
If you’re rebuilding your credit, you may have more luck with dedicated credit builder cards from brands like Aqua or Capital One.
What’s the minimum income requirement?
Halifax does not publish a fixed income requirement, but you typically need a regular, stable income to be approved. Self-employed applicants will need to provide evidence of their income, and affordability will be assessed based on your outgoings as well.
Is Halifax good for travel spending?
Yes — particularly with the Halifax Clarity Card, which offers:
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Spending at the Mastercard exchange rate.
- No annual fee.
It’s consistently recommended as one of the best travel credit cards for UK residents.
