Capitol One debit card not a good choice for Netherlands

Alan, thanks for the heads up on the Capitol One debit card in the Netherlands as a group of us are headed there next spring & 2 of the group were planning on using theirs.

This is curious, and I am not certain you have the correct info. We have a Capital One ATM card, it is tied to their Hi-Yield Money Market Account. And we have had no problems using it at ATMs anywhere, including Amsterdam. Could the issue be that it is a debit card, rather than a bank ATM card?
Our ATM card can NOT be used as a debit card (which suits us fine)

There has to be more to the story or a big change in policy. We used our COne card with no problems all through the Netherlands last year. First question, did you notify C One where and when you would be? However, your complaint about service is accurate. From prior postings it does not appear that C One has good customer service. But you get what you paid for, also. And you always need back up. We take 3 credit and 3 debit cards but have never had to use any of the backup.

Were you using it as a debit card to make purchases, or just in ATMs?

I have a feeling we won't get any more information about this supposed situation.

Just for the record, we've had no problem with calling for customer service at Capital One. However, every time I have called I have known exactly what I was talking about and what i was referring to. From other postings around, it seems that if you don't know what it is that you want you can get the wrong action or the incorrect product given to you. In particular, it seems you have to be clear that what you want is an ATM card, and not a debit card.

Thank you folks, for getting back. Looks like there may be more nuances to this debit card stuff than we knew about going in. We assumed that a debit card and ATM card are one and the same. Also that you got that one card through a checking account. Maybe we were wrong on that one. Looks like we'll survive, and probably the Capitol One card will work in Germany, which is where we go next. Next time we'll be sure we have the exact right card. On another topic, I cannot say enough good stuff about our tour guides, and tour support! They hire local talent to help in some tours. Suzanne (the lady in the red leather jacket) gave us such a great tour around Amsterdam! Man, I am fried, but doggone, we had a great time. Tomorrow on to Germany! Seeya
ATB

As far as I know a debit card is an ATM card. Supposedly some banks will issue a card that can only be used at an ATM and therefore is called an ATM card. Neither my bank or credit union will issue an ATM only card. But do not think that is your situation. There have been some reports recently that some card issuers, mainly credit unions, are blocking certain countries because of fraud issues. Given how wide spread C One is I doubt if they would be blocking countries. When you get home I hope you can follow up on this and post the results. C One is highly recommended in many travel circles and it would be very helpful to know exactly what your problem was. I assume you did advise C One fraud department of your travel schedules by dates.

ATM cards vs. debit cards
http://www.ehow.com/about_5460012_difference-atm-card-debit-card.html

We had an unusual experience with our Capital One credit card in Greece. We had alerted them of our travel plans (locations, dates) but the first time I tried to use the card to pay a hotel bill, it was blocked ... not by Capital One, but by her bank, she said. She said it happens frequently. The hotel owner made a phone call and verified that I was sitting in front of her, and that she had my passport, and that I am indeed the cardholder, and then they unblocked it. I only used it two other times, about 4 weeks later on a different island and in Athens, and it worked fine both times. This has never happened to me before, and I've never used Capital One in Europe before. Not sure if it is just a Capital One issue?? It was a little disconcerting.

Guys: the Netherlands are ancient history. Our Capitol One card has worked just fine in Germany, and now in Italy. I'm having a Spritz at the Hotel Serenissima in Venice, and gotta go to hook up with Dimitri and our group. Wife is happy. Happy wife, happy life!