ATM card vs. Debit Card

I've been using a debit card to get cash in Europe (not for purchases) for years because a Visa or MC logo allows you to use virtually any ATM in Europe. I think an ATM with Cirrus or Plus may work just as well now. Apparently they have merged with Visa and Master Card and offer the same coverage. If you have used your ATM card without problems, you probably don't need a debit card. It's possible your bank sees a change in ATM syndicates they subscribe to on the horizon and are concerned you may end up with limited access when you get to Europe.

I think ATM cards with Mastercard or Visa Logo (on front) are considered debit cards. Is it on interlink or cirrus system (on back)? The advantage of the MC or Visa is you can also use it anywhere MC and Visa are accepted, with a regular ATM you can only get cash from ATMs.

Golden 1 has good policies for foreign travel (fees, etc.); that's the account we use (although my husband's ATM card didn't work the entire time we were in Europe last time...grrrrrr...at least mine did). Anyhoo, I have a combo ATM/debit card but I NEVER use it in Europe except at the ATM. If Guido at Momma's Trattoria decides to 'borrow' my debit card number after my fantastic lunch, he can wipe out my checking account before dinner time...If Guido buys ski equipment with my VISA card, however, he might max-out my card but he can't 'use up' my money. I would just dispute the charges, and instead use my OTHER credit card that I always carry with me as back-up until things got straightened out. Yes, you can get your money put back into your checking account if you follow the rules set forth, but that can (although not always) take a while. So, my husband and I each carry 2 ATM cards on 2 checking accounts (or, 4 cards), and at least 2 different credit cards each (so,at least 4 cards). They, of course, go into our moneybelts ;-) No debit cards for everyday purchases - use at ATM only. If you want to avoid using credit cards then use that ATM card to get cash to use instead of a debit transaction. If possible, check that account online very often while overseas...but be careful with your internet connection...

An ATM card is more secure than a debit card. A thief would have to know the ATM card's PIN to be able to use it. But with a stolen debit card, he can make point-of-sale purchases all day long without having to know the PIN.

Cindy, In my experience (so far), I've never been able to use my Credit Union Debit / ATM card for POS transactions in Europe, only ATM withdrawals. The situation seems to be changing all the time, so I may try a POS transaction on the next trip. I have another card that has the MasterCard logo on it, and I suspect that would work for all types of transactions. Happy travels!

Lest you think that Eileen is overdoing it, let me tell you about our almost worst case scenario. Once, when we were traveling in Spain, our atm cards, which had worked in Portugal. Wouldn't work. 3 calls to Wells Fargo produced no result. Additionally, we left a cc in a restaurant and had to cancel it. Fortunately, we had another cc. Fortunately, we were traveling with friends, who let us charge their meals and hotel rooms on our card and gave us the cash. Since then, we always do as Eileen does; have multiple cc's and atm cards with us, each carrying different ones.

Cindy,
Yes, both cards work easily, you must have a Plus or Cirrus logo on the back since you used it in Europe before. The ATM card is more secure, as noted by Tom. The bank encourages you to get a debit card because they make more money from it.