Hi, I'm going to Ireland in September and was wondering if there are any good credit card companies and banks that don't charge a lot of fees for using their credit cards and for ATM withdrawals. I heard that Capital One charges very little fees for using their credit cards. I currently have a Wells Fargo bank account and I know they charge a lot for ATM withdrawals. Are there any banks that don't? Thanks for your help!
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19273 posts
If you have a PMA account with Wells Fargo, they don't charge anything for ATM withdrawals (at least for Colorado accounts). But their CC rate is 3% (which doesn't matter to me, because I only use cash in Europe.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Using your credit card for purchases, hotel stays and restaurants is just fine. However, some credit card companies charge point-of-sale fees.
I would suggest that you never use your credit card for withdrawing money. It's not yours; its the banks money and you are borrowing against a credit line.
ATM fees do vary. As Steve says above, the Schwab debit card reportedly does not have any fees added on to your cash withdrawl.
CLICK HERE to see the FlyerGuide listings of ATM fees and credit card charges.
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Credit cards: Capital One charges no conversion fees for purchases made with their cards.
Debit cards: Shop around at your local credit unions for better deals than you will get from banks. I have two ATM cards, at two different credit unions. Neither has a per-transaction fee. One charges at 1% conversion fee, one charges nothing at all for ATM withdrawals.
Posted by
Los Angeles, CA, USA
1003 posts
I opened an Ally money market account and got a debit card for traveling. I wasn't charged any fees in Italy.
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Remember to take 2 cards in case one gets eaten by machine or does not work. Also read an article today about many US CC's not working in europe as they are going to a diff sys. So far I have not had prob. but shall be aware for future travels.
Posted by
Tipton, Iowa
332 posts
Steve's creditcard.com link has at least one error. Wells Fargo charges 3% on foreign currency withdrawals in addition to the $5.00 fee listed (except for select customers). https://www.wellsfargo.com/wfonline/deposit_acct_fees . Wells Fargo is a leader in fees.