Originally Posted by
chistery
I know it's too late for this trip, but maybe look at a second current account like
Chase? Free withdrawals from Chase ATMs in the USA and no FX fees worldwide, amongst other benefits.
Was about to mention and second that: perfect MasterCard exchange rate with no additional fees, 1% cashback for the first year even on foreign transactions, and big plus in USA where most ATM charges a fee for non customer withdrawal, it can be use fee free at Chase USA ATM. I have just returned from a week in LA and the Chase UK card was brilliant. Got a nice chunk of cashback on the hotel stays, dining out and general shopping.
In terms of timeline/speed, i would open it anyway (download the app and apply within the app), as it will give you an immediate virtual card that you can add to Apple Pay (and I guess the other e-wallet equivalents), which in turn means you can use it for shopping getting cashback (I believe all the places I have been had contactless/Apple Pay functionality). Plus, if you do get the physical card by Saturday, you then can use it for ATM cash withdrawals too.