CapitolOne Debit Card in Italy

Didn't try the ATMs, but used it everywhere else they would accept it. It should work if you have your pin. Also, Capital One does not pass on the 3% charge that Master card charges. It's the best card to go with. Just make sure they know you are going to Italy so they won't suspect any foul play with your using it. THey wanted our leaving and return dates.

I am going to Italy in September with my daughter and am so confused on these cards. I have called the banks and it seems that you get different answers depending on who you talk to. I have a CapitalOne Visa card, and got a pin for it. Will this work, and not be charged the fee?? Anyone have any answers. Or, do I need to call CapitalOne and get the Mastercard?? Thanks!

Naomi,

The distinction isn't between Mastercard and Visa, but rather a debit vs. credit card.

Your Visa from Capital One might have come with a PIN, but if it doesn't pull directly from your bank account, it is a credit card (not a debit card). Credit cards typically have steep cash advance fees.

If you have a card (either Visa or Mastercard) that pulls from your checking account, that is a debit card and will offer you the best rate when pulling cash from ATM machines.

What you want to ask your bank is (1) is there a fee per-ATM transaction (typically none to $3, mine is none) and what is the foreign conversion fee (mine is 1%). People usually minimize fees by pulling large amounts of cash (the maximum daily amount) and storing the excess in their money belt. Be safe and aware when you do this transaction though - you don't want to be pickpocketed walking away from the ATM machine.

When I was in Rome recently my friend found that she could not access cash from her credit card from several ATMs, where as I had no problem with my debit card. There are also a number of places, particularly once you get out of the big cities, that don't take credit cards and you will absolutely need cash. You can always get a debit card from your bank that is linked to only one account.

To expand on Laurita's comment, make sure that the account is a checking account. In most, if not all, European countries, ATMs will withdraw from a checking account ONLY.

Hey gang, Just checked into opening a CapitalOne Debit card, which means that you have to have a checking account, as we know. It seems that the only place that you can open a checking account is in Texas and Lousiana, so that shoots that idea down. When I went to submit the app, it says that you will have to visit a branch in one of these states. LOL