This is interesting. When I signed up my HSBC account, I asked this specific question. Two employees at two different time told me there is no charge for ATM cash withdrawl at any HSBC machine around the world. I had made multiple cash withdrawls at the HK HSBC ATM without any fee and an excellent exchange rate of USD 1 to HKD 7.78.

I charged 80 euro to my mtvU card on 11/8 and it's showing up as 102.20 USD. Based on oanda it appears that they are not charging a fee. Did I calculated incorrectly or is this a VISA thing?

I am also curious as to how drbond confirmed this. I have used my US HSBC debit card to withdraw cash from HSBC ATMs in London, Paris and Hong Kong. Never once was a fee charged.

It would be helpful if Drbond would offer some facts to go along with his many opinions.

On pretty much all Citicards now, Citi adds a 3% fee (1% Visa/MC vig + 2% Citiprofit) for any foreign charges to the "finance charges" section of your statement. Until the statement issues, the charge in your "unbilled activity" listing will appear to be very close to the actual rate for the day.

Now that BofA (MBNA) Amtrak is charging a 3% fee for Forex, Im gonna be moving over to the HSBC card. The HSBC card is suppose to give out pts that can be used for tkts somehow, I believe that its tiered the more pts the more they refund you for a tkt that you buy using the card, up to $400 off atkt. so that way one will still earn miles etc on the actual flight.

Well I ran some experiments for you, and got various different results. Called about the various results. Some transactions ran over the Visa network and incurred a fee, some ran over the ATM network and did not incur a fee. As you probably know, bank ATM's do not charge usage fees in most of Europe. So get a NON-Visa ATM card and you will not incur a fee at HSBC ATM's but HSBC US does add a fee to any transactions at a non-HSBC anywhere.

Get a Nordstrom card or a Merrill+ card.

Note that you need to make sure your ATM card has a "Plus" or "Cirrus" logo on it. Most other ATM networks that are popular Stateside (NYCE, Star, Shazam, MAC, etc.) don't exist overseas.

HSBC has a 1% Forex Fee, and a branch not too far from my home.

What are the Pros for getting either the Nordstrom (Dont shop there) or Merrill+ (dont have an acct with them)?

Nordstrom does have a benefits package listed here and the main thing is Prime rate interest and only a 1% forex fee.
Combines Nordstrom Rewards with the global purchasing power of Visa-and all with no annual fee. Plus, enjoy Signature benefits such as Personal Concierge Services, invitations to exclusive events and enhanced Visa privileges.


Start earning Rewards. Apply Now


Be Rewarded for Shopping Earn 2 Rewards points for every net dollar spent at Nordstrom with your Nordstrom Visa Signature card-in store, online and by catalog.
In addition, receive 1 point per net dollar spent everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
What's more, enjoy the opportunity to earn Twice the Rewards points during the Half-Yearly and Anniversary sales.
Each time you accumulate 2,000 Rewards points, we'll automatically send you a $20 Nordstrom Notes� certificate in the mail!
Enjoy Signature Benefits Preferred reservations at top restaurants worldwide through Visa Signature Dining.
Special benefits from an array of fine merchant and travel providers through Visa Signature Privileges and access to exclusive events at Visa Signature Access.1
Complimentary room upgrades at select hotels.
No preset spending limit.2
Opt for the Travel Program Earn 1 Rewards point and 1 Travel point for each net dollar in purchases at Nordstrom.
Receive 1 Travel point for each net dollar spent everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.
Redeem Travel points with fewer restrictions, on any airline and with no blackout dates.3
You're Invited... You're included on the guest list for exclusive private shopping events when you use your card to shop at Nordstrom. At these events, you'll earn 10 Rewards points per net dollar spent and enjoy special offers and gifts with purchase.4 A Complimentary Personal Concierge-at Your Service Receive assistance with restaurant reservations, theater tickets, tee times, personal services and more.5
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1.866.445.0433 or to access your Personal Concierge Service online, click here.
Are you a Fashion Insider? Get advance notice of in-store sales and events.
Receive monthly Nordstrom catalogs in the mail.
Shop Securely Prevent unauthorized purchases by enrolling with Verified by Visa. You'll ensure that only you can use your Nordstrom Visa Signature card while shopping online.

Merrill+ also only has a 1% forex fee and very competitive apr and these benefits:

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Signature Rewards
Total Merrill Cashback
Business Cards
Nonprofit Cards
MERRILL+
Merrill Lynch Access
Signature Rewards
Total Merrill Cashback
WCMA Business Access
Business Signature Rewards
Merrill Lynch EMA
EMA Signature Rewards
MERRILL+
Merrill Lynch Access
Signature Rewards
Total Merrill Cashback
Nonprofit Cards
Business Cards

Home > View Cards > Compare Cards > Compare MERRILL+Compare MERRILL+
Compare the features and benefits of MERRILL+ to competitor cards.*

Merrill Lynch Cards

MERRILL+

Signature Rewards
MERRILL+�
American Express� Preferred Rewards Gold
Smith Barney
Platinum Select
Citi� Gold/AAdvantage�
Mastercard



Learn More







ANNUAL FEE None
$130�
$50�
Gold $50�
Platinum $85�

CREDIT LINE May be up to $250,000
No pre-set spending limit�
No pre-set spending limit�
No pre-set spending limit�

ADDITIONAL
CARD FEES $0
$35
Information not available
$0

SECURITY &
PROTECTION SERVICES Zero Liability Fraud Protection
Early Fraud Warning
Verified by Visa�
Extended Warranty Protection
Purchase Security up to $500
Travel & Emergency Assistance
Lost Luggage Locator Service
$1 Million Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
Auto Rental Insurance
Online Fraud Protection Guarantee
Return Protection
Buyer's Assurance Plan
Global Assist� Plus Hotline
Baggage Insurance
$100,000 Travel Accident Insurance
Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance
Best Value Guarantee up to $250
$0 Liability on unauthorized charges
Personal information protected
$3,000 Lost Luggage Coverage
$1 Million in Travel Accident Insurance
Master Rental Insurance Coverage
$0 Liability on unauthorized charges
Extended Warranty/Buyer�s Security
$1 Million in Travel Accident Insurance
Excess Collision Loss/Damage Insurance
Lost Luggage Insurance

TRAVEL BENEFITS All cardholders:

Discounts and free car class upgrades at Hertz
Earn double Merrill points for purchases made under the Merrill Cruise Program
+2 and +3 cardholders:

Transatlantic companion tickets on British Airways with purchase of full-fare tickets in FIRST, Club WorldSM or World Traveller PlusSM
International business class companion ticket offer from Delta Air Lines
Three nights for the price of two at participating Leading Hotels of the World� and Relais & Chateaux properties
+3 cardholders:

Choice of complimentary annual membership in either American Airlines or Delta Air Lines club lounges
Earn 1 point for every dollar in eligible purchases
20 airline partners
Transfer points to 11 frequent flyer programs
Over 50 cruise itineraries
Disney� vacations
Spa retreats
Travel packages (available for points/cash)
Earn 1 point for every dollar in eligible purchases
No blackout dates
AAdvantage� VacationSM Awards

TYPE OF REWARDS Travel � Air, Hotel and Car
Anytime, Anywhere Air Rewards � Fly anywhere in the world without blackout dates, starting at 25,000 Merrill Points
Merchandise
Retail/Gift Certificates
Concierge Service
Travel
Merchandise
Retail/Gift Certificates
Travel (often subject to restrictions like advance purchase, blackout dates)
Travel rewards start from 25,000 Points
Merchandise
Retail/Gift Certificates
Concierge Service
Airline of choice, domestic coach only
Coach domestic redemption starts at 25,000 points
Merchandise
Retail/Gift Certificate
Concierge Service

FINANCIAL SERVICES
& BENEFITS ATM cash access (cash advance with minimum $10 fee)
Cash advance checks to access cash from credit line
Year-end summary
Automatic bill payment
ATM cash access when linked to checking account (minimum $5)
Emergency check cashing
Emergency card replacement
Year-end summary
Complimentary one-time consultation with AEFA FA
ATM cash access (cash advance with fees for available credit line)
Year end summary
ATM cash access (cash advance with fees)
Balance consolidation
Year-end summary


*Certain restrictions, exclusions and limitations apply. +, +2 and +3 benefits subject to card usage, availability and other important restrictions. See Terms and Conditions for details.

�Source: 2005 Merrill Lynch research. This information was collected from published competitor documents, web sites, and/or service centers as of June 2005. Its accuracy or completeness is not warranted and is subject to change.

�Clients should review complete Program Rules of any rewards program before applying.

Beyond Banking, Cash Management Account, Merrill+, Signature Rewards and Total Merrill (design) are registered service marks of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. Merrill Lynch Access, Total Merrill and Total Merrill Cashback are service marks of Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners and their use does not imply endorsement of, or affiliation with this credit card program. � 2006 Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. Member, SIPC.
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My vote would be for Nordstrom's. They actually have an idea of what customer service is.

The credit card service is not as good as service at the N stores, but still better than just about any other card company.

The problem with Nordstroms is the Voucher is good at Nordstroms, so if you dont shop there you have to.

I just reread the HSBC letter I was sent, and its MUCH BETTER
(this is in regards the HSBC Cash or Fly Card MC)

1) If you want the cash every $2500 earns $25 or 1%, since they charge 1% for Forex it becomes awash and You dont have to spend it at Nordstroms

2) if you use it for a Plane Tkt, then you must spend $7500 but you'll get $100 back from purchasing a tkt and using the HSBC card to have done so , so that gives back 1.34% or .34% on purchases where there will be the 1% Forex Fee. One can purchase the tkt from where ever one wants to!! But you will need to use the HSBC card for charging the tkt.

No Brainer for me , going ahead with the HSBC MC once I get it Ill be cancelling my Amtrak card

HSBC 800# 800-420-5739

that was fast, accepted 1-2-3

Your right it's a no-brainer
Enjoy the sorry customer service that you are about to recieve.

Can it be any Worse then Cap One, Citi, Chase, Diners, Amex (my mothers Delta card has her always receiving targeted Bonus Miles but when I go to sign her up it says shes not listed, call up hear the samething), BofA was MBNA.

In a Nutshell they ALL STINK when it comes to CS.

since I really only want the card for my Forex transactions, I can live with whatever CS they do or dont have. Had I shopped at Nordstroms I would have gone with them but since i dont HSBC seems the best way to go.