We have a Capital One debit card which we have used at ATMs in Europe very easily in the past. Unfortunately, Capital One is now connected with the Discover Network. I just talked to our Capital One Bank and they said that there are very few, if any, ATMs in Europe that would work with our Capital One Card! They said there is no work-around for staying with Capital One for ATMs in Europe! So, does anyone know of another banking company with no foreign transaction fees that has a debit card which works in Europe? I like Capital One as a bank and have it all set up for our banking needs. But, we may have to open another account at a different bank so we can access ATMs in Europe. Thanks so much for any help!
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
7374 posts
Yours is the second thread on this subject today
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/capital-one-debit-card-woes
In that thread is a link to another earlier thread
Posted by
Tampa, FL
754 posts
Here’s a link to the info on Capital One’s page about using their debit card abroad. https://www.capitalone.com/help-center/checking-savings/traveling-with-debit-card/
It has a way to search for ATMs for either the Master Card or Discover networks. I have their new Discover debit card and searched for ATM locations in Rome, Italy. Quite a lot of options came up. I’ll be testing this card in Italy for the first time this September.
I’m not sure why a Capital One rep told you that. Perhaps call again and see what someone else says? Try searching the cities you’ll be in and see what shows up. Of course, you should always have a backup card from another bank just in case. Good luck!
Posted by
Long Beach, Ca, usa
3293 posts
Ray,
We have always used our BofA debit card fee-free in Europe, South America, Canada and Mexico, even Egypt. However, before a trip I obtained the names of the major banks that have a reciprocal agreement with BofA in a particular country (e.g. Scotia bank in Chile). BofA is a large enough bank that we have always easily found ATMs under those agreements (they are large banks also, with many branches). I do have a family member with an account at a smallish credit union who was unable to use their debit card anywhere in Spain or Portugal, so size probably matters. Best of luck!
Posted by
AZ 🌵
3633 posts
Ray, I use Fidelity Cash Management ATM, linked to a small “travel” account. Have not had a problem. ATM fees are reimbursed, no Foreign transaction fees.
If I need a large amount of € or £ for cash only B&Bs, I buy it from my German neighbor or from BAC before leaving home.
Posted by
Washington DC
30613 posts
In addition to Fidelity, Charles Schwab also offers a no-fee debit/ATM card. I've already moved part of my Capital One funds to Schwab and will be taking care of the rest within the next week. It was easy to complete the transfer online.
Posted by
Reston VA
567 posts
I do have a family member with an account at a smallish credit union who was unable to use their debit card anywhere in Spain or Portugal, so size probably matters. Best of luck!
Sadly, no BoA partners in Spain or Portugal, but we've also used our BoA in ATMs at a whole bunch of partners in places like France or Australia, so definitely check one's bank - no matter the size or type - to see what their options are internationally.
With cash becoming less and less necessary, it often also makes sense to check the cash/payment apps in use wherever you are going. Worldwide, there are lots of emerging (and now even established) options like Tikkie in the Netherlands or in China they have Alipay & WeChat, India has UPI, Brazil has PIX, or even the emerging EU one for Europe - WERO/Digital Euro.
They don't generally make sense NOW for most US travelers, but the future is coming fast and furious, so being aware of the evolving landscape is a good idea.
Posted by
928 posts
We opened a Betterment Bank checking account that will contain only the amount allotted to travel.
They issue a Visa debit card to access that checking account. They will issue a card to your spouse at the same time - no need to return later. It's amazing that they refund ANY and ALL fees the very next day directly to you. So far it's worked out perfectly for us. More details are described in the previous "Woes" thread.
Posted by
Los Angeles
5610 posts
Like acraven I have used my Schwab debit all over Europe, no fees are charged to you. Any fees are refunded by Schwab, it's clean and simple. Before your trip you move a bunch of money into the account, and move it back out when you're home.
Posted by
California
558 posts
I have a visa network debit card that reimburses fees. But I recently got a Wise account to test it out and it worked fine in France, Spain and Morocco. You can put money in different currencies on it and use as a debit card or to take cash at an ATM. You can move money around thru the app. I still have a balance with Euros on it, and will convert them to zloty when I travel to Poland.
But more often than not, I use very little cash on my trips but good to have options. I got Wise as a backup ATM card after an ATM in Europe swallowed my debit card on a weekend and I traveled out of that country on Monday. I had to cancel that card and glad I had US dollars in cash to exchange, which I always bring for emergencies.