Capital One Debit Card

While we don’t usually need to use ATMs in Europe (mostly use Apple Pay), we often access them in Mexico (much more cash centered and we tip in pesos). Our Capital One debit card was replaced with one in the Discover network and we were unable to use it anywhere in Mexico last month. No ATMs…no banks…. We had a backup debit card from our brick and mortar bank, as we anticipated a problem. Because we’ve just tried to use it in Mexico, I can’t speak about where it might be accepted (outside of the U.S.). We’ll be returning to Italy in a few months and we’ll probably open a Schwab account, as so many travelers here have suggested.

I have a Capital One debit card that was recently switched over to Discover. I have not tried to use it internationally yet. However, I did receive an email from Capital One that advised bringing an alternative card when traveling internationally since Discover is not widely accepted at this time.

I now use a no fee Schwab card.

Headed to Mexico next week, so will bring my local bank card for the ATMs. Wife actually has a Schwab account but stocks only, not a checking or savings account. The email from Capital One included a GIS map of ATMs in the Pulse network, it had 2 in Central Oaxaca associated with HSBC bank branches. I noted there were no ATMs in central Mexico City in the Pulse network. I may also just bring cash.

Adding I just used the Capital One Discover / Pulse at a nearby ATM shown on the link to a GIS map of Pulse ATMs. Even though nothing on the outside was right (decals for Visa, Mastercard, Maestro and others) it accepted the card. So hopefully Oaxaca will work out too.

It worked! Went to one of the 2 HSBC ATM locations marked on the emailed from Capital One ATM locations map for central Oaxaca, Mexico, and got pesos at the reasonable charge of US $2 over official rate (ATM charge + rate commission). Was not offered dynamic conversion, either. Pleased! Not ready to give up on Capital One just yet.

We only use our ATM cards to receive foreign currency and rarely need a lot of that.

Legally, if your credit card is stolen with fraudulent charges, you are better protected than if it is an ATM or Debit card.