Best ATM Debit Card

[MesaWalker]

We're planning our second camino. We have read that the Charles Schwab Visa debit card reimburses all international ATM fees. That would save us from always looking around for a transaction fee-free ATM in Spain as we did on our first camino. Does anyone know if there are any "catches" to the Schwab debit card when using ATMs in Europe? Does anyone know of a better debit card for Americans to use for ATM withdrawals in Europe?

Thanks.

 

[jcat]

I use Schwab and do not know of any "catches". I've been a customer for years, and they truly refund all fees. Highly recommend.

 

[SeñorJacques]

I use Schwab and do not know of any "catches". I've been a customer for years, and they truly refund all fees. Highly recommend.

I second this. I learned about the Schwab debit card on these forums and they truly do reimburse all fees. And their customer service is wonderful – I had to call them when I had problems accessing my account from a particular ATM in a small town (Villatuerta I think) and they were very helpful – the rep was fascinated that I was on the Camino and we had a nice chat about it. Don't even hesitate about opening an account with them.

 

[trecile]

I'll join the chorus - there's no catch to using the Schwab debit card. And as @SeñorJacques said, if you need to phone them, their customer service is fantastic.

 

[MesaWalker]

Thanks for all the helpful replies. I'll definitely follow up on getting that debit card. Thanks again.

 

[Mananath]

yeah, I have been using this debit card for many years now. It is fantastic. And they refund all ATM fees. It's quite brilliant! Esp when you get those super-expensive ATMs in airports etc.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

I think that chocolate is the best flavour for ice-cream.

 

[camino0515-lt]

That is quite interesting however non-US citizens need to put 25k USD to open an account. Are there any canadians reading this thread, if so which bank do you use? Thanks

 

[travelwithgrace]

We're planning our second camino. We have read that the Charles Schwab Visa debit card reimburses all international ATM fees. That would save us from always looking around for a transaction fee-free ATM in Spain as we did on our first camino. Does anyone know if there are any "catches" to the Schwab debit card when using ATMs in Europe? Does anyone know of a better debit card for Americans to use for ATM withdrawals in Europe?

Thanks.

Agree with other commenter liking this card. It does take some time to set up an online account and get money transferred to it. At least that was my experience. so get that on your priority list

 

[Gringazolana]

I was just talking with my son, a computer nerdy guy who is really into investing and banking and things that I know nothing about. He has been seeing a lot of online chatter warning about Charles Schwab. He told me that if I was insisting on bringing that card, I should also bring another institution’s card as backup, just in case. I said wait a minute! This isn’t some regional bank, and he said “Lehman Brothers, mom.” I don’t want to pass rumors but literally hours ago I had this convo. Not worried about losing everything! I’m thinking more about inconveniences while far from home. Y’all might want to carry a back-up card too, just in case.

 

[lt56ny]

SCHWAB

 

[gkperkins]

We're planning our second camino. We have read that the Charles Schwab Visa debit card reimburses all international ATM fees. That would save us from always looking around for a transaction fee-free ATM in Spain as we did on our first camino. Does anyone know if there are any "catches" to the Schwab debit card when using ATMs in Europe? Does anyone know of a better debit card for Americans to use for ATM withdrawals in Europe?

Thanks.

Hi. Have a look at the Wise card. I’m Canadian and used that last year. I was able to easily transfer money from my Canadian account and convert it into euros when the rate was good. No withdrawal fees as long as it was a bank ATM and can use it like a credit card. I’m sending money as I can for my next walk this September!

 

[StDenis]

I used my Fidelity Debit card. They paid the ATM fees and had good conversation rates. Their site says there is no minimum balance (although you probably would want to fund it when you open it) and it doesn't appear that you need to have any other account at Fidelity but I would call and confirm.

 

[MesaWalker]

I used my Fidelity Debit card. They paid the ATM fees and had good conversation rates. Their site says there is no minimum balance (although you probably would want to fund it when you open it) and it doesn't appear that you need to have any other account at Fidelity but I would call and confirm.

I have a Fidelity debit card and they refund international transaction fees (up to a certain cap), but I was told by a Fidelity rep that they charge a 1% transaction fee internally for each withdrawal. So they get their pound of flesh.

 

[USSusan]

We're planning our second camino. We have read that the Charles Schwab Visa debit card reimburses all international ATM fees. That would save us from always looking around for a transaction fee-free ATM in Spain as we did on our first camino. Does anyone know if there are any "catches" to the Schwab debit card when using ATMs in Europe? Does anyone know of a better debit card for Americans to use for ATM withdrawals in Europe?

Thanks.

I used a Schwab card in 2021. Fees were refunded. No problems.

 

[Sanman]

That is quite interesting however non-US citizens need to put 25k USD to open an account. Are there any canadians reading this thread, if so which bank do you use? Thanks

i used my Bank of Montreal Debit card...no problems

 

[trecile]

I have a Fidelity debit card and they refund international transaction fees (up to a certain cap), but I was told by a Fidelity rep that they charge a 1% transaction fee internally for each withdrawal. So they get their pound of flesh.

I just read an article about that.

Checking Account Showdown: Fidelity vs Schwab

Some of the best checking accounts available are being offered by brokerage firms. Schwab and Fidelity offer unlimited ATM withdrawal fee reimbursements.

www.turnoncourse.com

 

[Gwill21]

Schwab. Worked perfectly in 2022 On our Camino. I set mine up to email any transaction more than $1 and usually had an email in less than 1 minute showing my transaction. That way I knew if there was anything funny going on. Also - ALWAYS reject the currency conversion. If you don’t you will get a lousy rate that can easily cost you 5-10% of your withdrawal.

Last but not least - look for MB Atms or Deutsche Bank ATMs if possible, and avoid Euronet ATMs.

 

[USMC-Pilgrim]

I use Schwab and do not know of any "catches". I've been a customer for years, and they truly refund all fees. Highly recommend.

I used the Schwab card and had no issues with ATMs or paying in local establishments along the way.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

SCHWAB

I love this card and only use it for international travel. I've had zero problems, but always make sure I bring a back-up card as well.
EDIT, I just read the article @trecile posted. It's kind if a toss-up between the two cards for different reasons, but I'll stay with Schwab as I've had no glitches using it and usually don't prefer chasing the rabbit.

 

[trecile]

, I just read the article @trecile posted. It's kind if a toss-up between the two cards for different reasons, but I'll stay with Schwab as I've had no glitches using it and usually don't prefer chasing the rabbit.

According to the article, it sounds like Schwab is better for international travel because the Fidelity card charges a 1% foreign transaction fee. They thought that the Fidelity card is better for general domestic (US) use. I basically use my Schwab account only for international travel, so it's the best choice for me. Also, I like having a separate account for travel unconnected from my regular banking.

 

[lt56ny]

I love this card and only use it for international travel. I've had zero problems, but always make sure I bring a back-up card as well.
EDIT, I just read the article @trecile posted. It's kind if a toss-up between the two cards for different reasons, but I'll stay with Schwab as I've had no glitches using it and usually don't prefer chasing the rabbit.

I too also have a backup card. You never know what may happen.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

According to the article, it sounds like Schwab is better for international travel because the Fidelity card charges a 1% foreign transaction fee. They thought that the Fidelity card is better for general domestic (US) use. I basically use my Schwab account only for international travel, so it's the best choice for me. Also, I like having a separate account for travel unconnected from my regular banking.

Ditto for me. Schwab is only used for our international travel; nothing else. We do use Fidelity though, but differently.

 

[RRat]

We're planning our second camino. We have read that the Charles Schwab Visa debit card reimburses all international ATM fees. That would save us from always looking around for a transaction fee-free ATM in Spain as we did on our first camino. Does anyone know if there are any "catches" to the Schwab debit card when using ATMs in Europe? Does anyone know of a better debit card for Americans to use for ATM withdrawals in Europe?

Thanks.

Not worth the hassle of another bank account. SJPDP to Santiago, 35 days. If €5 ATM fee and six ATM cash withdrawals, that's €30.

 

[Trudie]

I used my Fidelity Debit card. They paid the ATM fees and had good conversation rates. Their site says there is no minimum balance (although you probably would want to fund it when you open it) and it doesn't appear that you need to have any other account at Fidelity but I would call and confirm.

We use the Wise card as well. Excellent prepaid visa for any international travel. Using it in Portugal for the past three months without issue and no fees on retail business.