I'm sorry to bring up this old chestnut, but I've been doing a ton of research and my brain has melted. I'll be travelling through Asia for 6-12 months and want to get the best credit card and ATM card for this purpose.

ATM CARDS

My understanding is that the Schwab High Yield Checking ATM card is the best. They refund ATM fees and charge no foreign exchange fees. Does anyone know if they still charge that extra 1% that Visa/MC tacks on? I called and asked and they did not know.


CREDIT CARDS

For credit cards, my understanding is that Schwab Invest First Visa Credit Card is the best with no foreign exchange transaction fees and 2% cashback. However, I am unclear on this one what FX rates they use.

I also have a Capital One Platinum credit card. My understanding was that they only charged the 1% charged by Visa for foreign exchange. Mine has 1% cash back, so it evens out. However, I've read in places that Capital One actually eats the Visa 1%. Is this true?



I'm sorry for posting something that has been said so many times. I've called Schwab and they were unable to tell me anything. I've read about a million forum posts and am still not clear on the answers. I will love you forever if you could clear this up for me!