I am a bit confused about the debit/credit cards that has been suggested we bring to Europe -- in my case, Italy. Is a Debit card ok, or does it need to be a credit card? Also, I had brought up Charles Schwaab, as there are no fees (to my knowledge). One person had responded to my previous post. Has anyone else had experience with this company? If so, how accessible is Charles Schwaab to the ATMs, as I am of the understanding that only certain ATMs are Charles Schwaab accessible. Many thanks for any help with this. Ruth
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
You should carry at least one of each. Debit cards are best for getting cash at ATM machines. Credit cards are best for charging hotel rooms, expensive train tickets, rental cars or any other "big ticket" item.
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
Some people use bank debit cards, some use debit cards tied to checking accounts at credit unions. We use the latter and have ever had one instance of an ATM not accepting it. We also have a travel money debit card account at AAA and leave a few hundred dollars in int when we take a trip. It serves as the emergency reserve. We do not use banks so I can't help you there. Wherever you have you cards you have to let that/those companies know when you will be in a foreign country and for how long otherwise your access to your money will probably be blocked.
Posted by
Bellevue, WA
257 posts
Hi Ruth, I think I am the one answer your previous post related to Charles Schwab Bank Debit card. I do not think a lot of people use Schwab DB because Schwab Bank is a online bank only. They do not have any retail office. Most of the people own Schwab DB or CD also have a brokerage account with Charles Schwab Stock Brokerage Company. As for their DB or CD. They are with the Visa network. That mean you can withdraw cash from any ATM have Visa or Plus loco anywhere in Italy. I have no problem in Italy and France. There are two ATM systems in Europe. Visa and Master. If you have Visa, it will not work with the ATM have only the Master.
However some of the ATM have both Visa and Master loco that mean that it will work with both Visa and Master network. Also in Italy all ATM machine will only withdraw money from you checking account. You can not withdraw from you saving account.
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
"...There are two ATM systems in Europe. Visa and Master. If you have Visa, it will not work with the ATM have only the Master.
However some of the ATM have both Visa and Master loco that mean that it will work with both Visa and Master network..." I'd estimate that 90% of the ATM machines one encounters accept both MasterCard and Visa affiliated debit cards. Only once in while you'll come across just one or the other. If that happens simply go to the other bank across the street.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32388 posts
Ruth, I'd suggest taking TWO debit / ATM cards (preferably on two different accounts) and at least one credit card (either Visa or MasterCard). I've had ATM cards fail in the past, so it's always a good idea to have a "backup". Note that your travel funds must usually be in a chequing account with a four number PIN. You may want to review your daily withdrawal limit with your financial institution prior to your trip, and perhaps have the limit increased for the duration of your trip. Also, BE SURE to notify your financial institutions and credit card firms that you'll be travelling, so they don't "freeze" the cards when they detect transactions in Europe. Happy travels!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23650 posts
That is an odd statement. I have never seen an ATM that took only a VISA or Mastercard even in the US. Technically it is the PLUS and Cirrus networks. But you will never have a problem with a VISA or Mastercard. I thought Schwaab had recently dropped it debit card operation. If Schwaab's debit is still working, then any ATM will take them.