Does it make a difference between the ATM card or a debit card with the logo ? I have Bank of America accounts, they wanted us change to the "Check Cards" and not knowing the difference, we did. I know we can do ATM without ATM fee if using their network. I have not used their card since the Currency Conversion fee shot up on most every bank.
Can I go to a BoA branch to ask for switching the "Check Card" back to a regular ATM card ? Do they charge a fee nowadays to issue a card ? I know some banks actually charge a fee now if you need a replacement card.
BTW, I have a secured e-mail confirmation from BoA regarding the holder's liability on the debit card - essentially it is 0, if you report the fraud within 60 days, Visa also has a 0 liability policy for point of sale transaction that requires a PIN. (or something to that effect) I have saved that e-mail in my file.
Originally Posted by Boraxo
In a recent
column, noted budget travel expert Ed Perkins lists actual exchange rate transactions from a recent trip to London. As expected, Capital One MC and VI cards fared the best, as did withdrawals from Citibank ATMs and ATMs affiliated with Bank of America (provided you have a Citi or BofA card). ^
As explained in prior posts, you do not need a "debit" card to use ATMs outside the US - any bank ATM card will work just fine so long as your bank is part of the Cirrus (preferably) or Plus networks. I personally use Citi and BofA ATM cards that don't have Visa/MC debit functions, and I do not recommend debit cards for anyone as your bank account can be quickly drained if the number is compromised.
Some basic game plans
For cash, use a low-fee ATM card. If you're heading for Australia, Britain, Canada, France, or Germany, you can use a debit card from Bank of America without any fees at ATMs owned by one large bank in each of those countries. You can use a Citi debit card at Citi-owned ATMs in lots of foreign countries, although Citi's coverage is spotty in many places. Debit cards from quite a few smaller banks also allow no-fee or, at worst one-percent-fee, withdrawals from foreign ATMs.