[...moderator edit...]
Where is the bias and inaccuracy? This is their
second video on Euronet ATMs. The first one is
here, which focuses primarily on DCC. The more detailed version of the first video also showcases different behavior depending on the type of card used. The narrator inserts a local bankcard, denominated in CZK, and immediately the default amounts for a cash withdrawal are much more reasonable and far less than the €400-800 equivalent in CZK that the machines were offering the narrator's GBP bankcard.
Even though the Visa and Mastercard networks support DCC, they do not decide to implement DCC. The ATM operator or acquirer in the case of a credit card terminal do. Furthermore, the DCC markup on Euronet (13.95% in this example) and Travelex (
12.49% at LHR a year ago) ATMs make most other DCC markups blush (with the exception of the post from
Zorak showing a
15% markup).
This is an ATM operator fee, not a card issuer fee. If you take the time to watch the entire video, a Euronet customer service representative confirms this. Why would Euronet change the type of default transaction and include an OTHER option that says CASH (and a separate BALANCE INQUIRY)? I wasn't about to select CASH & BALANCE on the basis of the video.
It is possible that the behavior has changed between the time of the video posting and your recent cancelled transaction. If you had proceeded to withdraw cash after pressing CASH & BALANCE, would you have been charged the balance inquiry fee? We both know the answer. Otherwise, Euronet wouldn't have that be the default option.
This is the only part of your post that I consider reasonable, and it's why we encourage people to get debit cards that not only don't charge a fee for using non-bank ATMs but also reimburse ATM operator fees. If all Euronet were doing was charging €3 or €5 equivalent for using its ATMs, few would have a problem with it, and certainly one is always welcome to seek out a surcharge-free ATM.
This is intentional. These ATMs are almost always in highly trafficked touristy spots and airports, ready to prey on unsuspecting travelers who are unaware of having to navigate the minefield to opt out of avoidable fees. Take this example of overhearing someone after having used a Euronet ATM in Germany:
You can claim that it's a matter of
caveat emptor, but Euronet and equivalent ATMs take things to another level. Even those unbranded ATMs at an upscale bar or club aren't nearly as bad.