Originally Posted by
moondog
BofA is far from the best ATM card to use in China because it's only fee free at CCB ATMs, which are sometimes hard to find... and, the one's near me in Beijing tend to run out of money every Sunday/holiday.
The best ATM cards are those issued by banks that are fee free everywhere in the world. Schwab is the most popular one here because it is completely free and many of us tied them to our Schwab Visa cards back when they existed. But, there are numerous others out there (e.g. small banks, credit unions, and brokerage companies that don't have their own ATMs).
I guess I should've phrased that my recommendation was aimed to the OP.
If OP currently has investment or deposit accounts with Schwab or other similar institutions, he/she probably would already be aware of the free ATM withdraw benefit (than asking about Chase debit card). So he probably should consider whether or not to open a new account. From OP's other posts, I gather he/she is located in NYC/NJ metro area, so OP wouldn't need worry about locating a BOA ATM or branch (when necessary) here in the US.
I'm aware of the advantages of Schwab ATM card (if it were me I'd actually go with the equally wonderful Fidelity cash management ATM card since I have my 401(k) and also other investment accounts with them). In my mind, though, I'd opt for "opening" these types of accounts primarily for investment needs - I don't discount the no fee ATM benefit but its a nice silver lining only (it alone isn't going to be the deciding factor for open a new account).
An BOA (e-banking) account, however, is ideal as a supplement bank account for travel cash needs. No minimum balance requirement + no monthly fee, means no cost to open/maintain such an account and there is no further string attached (and its entirely separate from the rest of the financial accounts but easy to transfer in money via ACH), and if necessary one can get to a local ATM or branch location without hassle.
p.s. I have never experienced CCB ATM running out of cash, albeit I only visited those in Shanghai. I never had a problem finding CCB ATM locations in Shanghai either.