Hi,

From 2001 until now I have been using FirstIB as the bank for international withdrawls. It worked very well, they never charged a dime as long as I was within their rules. Pretty amazing, considering that major banks in my area only got greedier as they grew bigger and more consolidated (hint: Fleet Bank->Bank of America).

As of last year, FirstIB (First Internet bank of Indiana) started charging a 1% international transaction fee. I am still unsure if this is their commission, or the 1% commission that VISA takes into account.

And now that I am back in the US, I am hassled by the fact that I cannot find any "fee-free" ATMs anywhere. Every time I do a cash withdrawl, I get sucked out of $2. I know FIRSTIB has rebate program (up to $6) but I am not used to making large withdrawls.

Another product that I saw comparable is the e-Trade checking account. Like FirstIB it's free checking as long as there is a minimal balance on the account, and also I saw no indication of an international fee.

1) Does anyone know if e-Trade charges a fee or commission for international withdrawls?
2) Is there a place where I can find out which e-trade ATM's are available in my area?

Thanks.

Kind regards,
George