- Time of past OR future Camino
- CF (2021), Via Serrana, VdlP to Muxia (2023)
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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.
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 listWe'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!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 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 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 used a Schwab card in 2021. Fees were refunded. No problems.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 my Bank of Montreal Debit card...no problemsThat 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 just read an article about that.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 used the Schwab card and had no issues with ATMs or paying in local establishments along the way.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 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.SCHWAB
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., 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.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.
Ditto for me. Schwab is only used for our international travel; nothing else. We do use Fidelity though, but differently.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.
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.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.
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.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 looked into getting a Schwab card- this is what I found - it's an Amex card with a $695yearly fee. Doesnt seem like a good deal to me...I used the Schwab card and had no issues with ATMs or paying in local establishments along the way.
You are correct. @MARSKA is confusing a credit card offered by Schwab with their debit card.That sounds like an AmEx credit card. If you set up a Schwab online bank account, they have a Charles Schwab Bank VISA debit card. As far as I can tell, no monthly or annual fees, monthly ATM fee reimbursement, etc.
Here's the info for the checking account and debit card.OH! ok, I'll look into the debit card - site took me to the cc.
Wrong card. You want the Checking Visa.I looked into getting a Schwab card- this is what I found - it's an Amex card with a $695yearly fee. Doesnt seem like a good deal to me...
Platinum Card® from American Express for Charles Schwab
Annual fee of $695†¤
The highest I encountered was at Santander ATMs - I think that it was 7 Euros. (it could have been 7.50 Euros, I don't remember exactly)what are the typical atm fees?
To start with put me into SCHWAB corner as well. No problems around Camino (withdrew cash in cities, incl Paris, Burgos, Ponferrada & SdC - that was more than enough) no problems w\ ATMs and all fees refunded. No extra % for cash withdrawals and\or exchange fees.... 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. . Y’all might want to carry a back-up card too, just in case.....
thats 3 Menues del DiaNot worth the hassle of another bank account. SJPDP to Santiago, 35 days. If €5 ATM fee and six ATM cash withdrawals, that's €30.
Yes Santander at 7 euros is the highest I have seen but most of the other high street banks are at 6 euro now at least. Caixa was only 2 Euro a couple of years back but seems to be 6 euro now!The highest I encountered was at Santander ATMs - I think that it was 7 Euros. (it could have been 7.50 Euros, I don't remember exactly)
We need to move The Cathedral to either Germany or ItalySpain tends to be one of the worst EU countries for charging. Hardly ever pay a fee in Germany or Italy for example.
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