Halifax Reward current account review (2024)
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Thinking of getting a new debit card, or switching banks? There’s a lot of choice out there, so it can be difficult to know which debit card provider is right for you. There are traditional high street banks, new digital banks and a number of online money solutions too.
One popular option is Chase, the US-owned bank which first launched in the UK in 2021. It offers a debit card with its current account, but what does it offer? And crucially, how much does it cost?
In this guide, we’ll run through everything you need to know about the Chase debit card. This includes which accounts you can get a card with, plus features, fees and limits for spending and withdrawals. We’ll even look at how the Chase card works overseas.
If you’re looking for a convenient, low-cost card for spending internationally, check out the money services provider Wise. The Wise debit card lets you spend in the local currency in 150+ countries, with just a tap. Your money is converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend abroad, for just a small currency conversion fee*. If you already have the currency in your Wise account, there’s nothing to pay.
Learn more about the Wise debit card 💳
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Chase Bank offers a debit card as standard when you open a current account. We’ll look at the features and benefits of this account package next, so you can decide whether it’s right for your needs.
But just like other UK debit cards, you can expect the following card features as standard:
The Chase debit card uses the Mastercard payment network, which is accepted worldwide.
📚 Read more: Best debit card to use abroad: Top 6 UK picks |
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Chase UK only offers one debit card package, which is its standard current account.
Designed for UK residents over the age of 18, the account has no monthly fees and comes with a Chase debit Mastercard as standard. The card is contactless and numberless, with the number stored in the mobile app for extra security.¹
The account also offers 1% cashback on everyday spending for a year. This includes qualifying purchases both in the UK and overseas.¹
Chase current account holders have the option to open a linked Chase saver account, which offers 4.1% variable interest on your savings.¹
Chase Bank also offers 24/7 support through the app or over the phone, along with extra tools in the app to help your money go further.
The Chase debit card works in just the same way as other UK-issued bank cards. You can use it to withdraw cash at ATMs both in the UK and overseas. You can also use your Chase card to spend online and in real-world shops, restaurants, bars and transport hubs.
It’s contactless, so you can just tap to spend wherever you see the contactless symbol. Alternatively, you can enter your PIN into the payment terminal at the till.
The card might look a little different than you’re used to, though. Chase debit cards are numberless, so they don’t have the usual 16-digit number printed on the front or back. This is because the number is stored only in your secure mobile app, so that only you can see it. It’s an extra security feature to help protect you and your money.
The Chase debit card also offers rewards for spending. You’ll get 1% on everyday spending, both at home and abroad. Most types of purchases will qualify for cashback, except spending on gambling and betting, estate agent purchases and buying antiques.²
To get a new debit card from Chase, you’ll first need to apply for a current account.
You’ll need to download the Chase mobile banking app, which is available from App Store and Google Play. Then, follow the instructions in the app to create your account. You may need to provide proof of ID, such as a driving licence or passport, along with proof of address.
Once your account is open, you’ll be able to order your new Chase card in the app.
Already have a Chase card but need a replacement? Your card might be damaged, swallowed by an ATM, lost or stolen. Whichever is the case, you can easily order a new card in the Chase app.³
If your card has been lost or stolen, you can also freeze it using the app so that no one else can use it.³
So, how much does it actually cost to use a Chase debit card in the UK? You should find it fee-free to use in the UK. And Chase promises that it won’t charge you fees when you use the card in other countries.
Let’s take a look at the main Chase debit card fees you need to know about:
Transaction type | Chase fees⁴ |
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Maintaining the account | Free |
Withdrawing cash in the UK | Free (ATM operators may charge their own fee) |
Withdrawing cash overseas or in foreign currency | Free (ATM operators may charge their own fee + Mastercard exchange rates apply) |
Debit card payments in GBP | Free |
Debit card payments in foreign currency | Free (if you choose to pay in GBP, the merchant may apply a fee) |
Replacement debit cards | Free |
Chase is much cheaper and more flexible than some banks when it comes to using your card overseas.
However, when you spend overseas on your card, the currency conversion will be carried out by Mastercard’s exchange rates.⁵ These may be competitive, but they’re still likely to include a mark-up on the mid-market exchange rate. This is the one you’ll find on Google or on reputable currency sites.
So even if Chase doesn’t charge a fee for overseas spending or withdrawals, you could still be paying more than you need to.
For a fair exchange rate all the time, check out the Wise debit card. It can be used in 150+ countries, and automatically converts your money to the local currency using the mid-market rate - with no mark-up. There’s only a small, transparent fee for the conversion, or it's free if you already have the currency in your Wise account*.
Like other UK-issued debit cards, the Chase debit card does have some limits and restrictions. These mainly apply to how much money you can withdraw from an ATM per day.
Let’s take a look:
Transaction type | Limit |
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ATM cash withdrawal - daily | Up to £500⁵ |
ATM cash withdrawals overseas - monthly | Up to £1,500⁵ |
Contactless debit card spending | Up to £100 per transaction⁶ |
Chase is one of only a few UK banks which doesn’t charge fees for using your debit card in other countries. However, there are still a few considerations to bear in mind before you travel.
To start with, there’s a limit on how much cash you can withdraw with your Chase card overseas. This is currently set at a maximum of £1,500 a month. So if you need more spending money, you may need to use another card.
Another thing to check out is the contactless spending limit in the country you’re visiting. It’s £100 in the UK, but may differ in other countries. So, it’s a good idea to have your debit card PIN memorised just in case.
And of course, you’ll need to keep a close eye on additional costs when using your UK-issued debit card in another country.
If you choose to pay for something in GBP rather than the local currency, the merchant may charge a fee. Many ATM operators also charge their own fees, even if Chase doesn’t have a fee for overseas cash withdrawals.
And that’s pretty much it - all the essentials you need to know about the Chase debit card.
We’ve looked at how to get your hands on the card, and the features and benefits on offer with a Chase account. This includes ways to make your money go further, including cashback and access to savings accounts.
Plus, the limits, fees and other info you need to be aware of when using your Chase debit card in the UK and abroad.
So, you should now be all set to decide whether the Chase debit card is the right one for you.
And, if you want a card that has low, transparent fees for international spending and ATM withdrawals, consider using an alternative like the Wise debit card instead.
Sources used:
Sources last checked on date: 08-Feb-2024
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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