ATMs in Europe

If you have enough money to maintain the minimum balance, a Wells Fargo bank's PMA account will give you several "Free" ATM withdrawals per period. After that, they are 3%/$5 which is no bargain. Look for smaller regional bank that don't have foreign currency operations. They generally only pass on the Network's 1% currency conversion charge plus the few dollar out-of-system fee, the same thing the charge you for using another bank's ATM in town.

I only use credit unions. I have never had a problem with withdrawals anywhere (Ireland, Spain, Costa Rica, China), and one of my credit unions charges nothing additional for foreign withdrawals. The other charges 1% - way better than the big banks. Shop around for a local credit union that gives you the best foreign transaction rate.

I went with USAA, they charge a flat 1% on foreign withdrawals. No balance or other requirements.

Brad, isn't USAA only open to military/former military/families?

Schwab Bank permits fee-free withdrawals with its ATM cards. I'd still get a local bank (or, better, credit union) after you relocate and then transfer funds to Schwab before you travel. You can set it up so you can do it online, just give it at least a week for the transfer to take effect.

The Captial One Interest Online Checking account gives you an ATM card that is fee-free worldwide. Their Visa card does not charge a foreign currency conversion fee. It's a hard to beat combination.

I got an Ally online checking account for my upcoming trip, and plan on completely switching over to them. They don't charge anything for using any ATM, and will reimburse you what other banks charge for using their ATM. The only fee you have to pay overseas is the 1% Mastercard fee.

I have an Ally account, too, and so far I'm really pleased with them. Very easy to set up and use, and very helpful customer service with live people available 24/7.

Jaime,
What is the 1% Mastercard fee? Just the usual foreign conversion fee? That's nothing. Has anyone had any luck with Wells Fargo? I have a credit card and it would be the easiest, plus they have several ATMs in the city I'm moving to.

Yes, just the usual foreign conversion fee. I have found Ally to be very easy to use and they are very easy to communicate with. They have 24/7 chat support, and have responded to my emails within minutes. I also have a Wachovia account (which will be Wells Fargo very soon in Florida), and they charge A LOT of money! I think the rep told me $5 per ATM PLUS 3% foreign transaction fee. This is why I got the Ally account and will eventually drop Wells Fargo/Wachovia altogether.

From reports on this site, Wells Fargo seems to be one of the worst offenders for their high fees. With enough money on deposit I'm sure there are cheaper options with them, but for the average person their fees are much higher than other places.

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. Sounds like Wells Fargo is def out of the picture. I will look into Ally, sounds great!

Went to Capital One today as was told that they do charge ATM fees anywhere in Europe. They charge a $2 fee everytime you use an ATM machine in or out of the system. So, there is no such thing as no fee ATM card at Capital One. I am looking for other options myself. They even called an international branch manager who confirmed this.