Best ATM/Debit Card for use in Europe?

How many withdrawals at $5 per would you say you average in a year Pirate? If it were 50, that's $500 per year in fees. For that they should work nicely with you.

There are US banks where they charge NO ATM fee and no percentage fee. Bank of America was one but I don't know if they still don't. That would be a $500 savings. Or if you used one of the banks that charge no ATM fee but a 1% transaction fee you would need to withdraw $50,000 to hit $500 in fee.

You would of course probably need to be in the US for a visit at least to open a new account. You would also have to look at any other perks your current card provides vs. a new one. ie. free car rental insurance or air miles or whatever.

It all just goes to show that what card does make a difference though.

About 3 per month on average. Works really well. And I have no other fees since all deposits are direct deposited and the account fees are waived.

There might be another bank or two that doesn`t like me too much, for one reason or another ;)

Lennythelion, answers are country specific so info on the UK is of no use to the OP

It was just as a mark of interest really, but thanks for pointing it out. I did realise OP's request was country specific.

Capital One recently acquired Ing's savings/checking account business, so maybe they've changed.

But I believe if you get their checking account and use the debit card for ATM withdrawals they don't add any fees, includnig a 3% ForEx fee.

You would need to get another CREDIT card and Capital One definitely has one of those --- "Venture" --- that they do not charge a 3% conversion fee on.

Re: Bank of America --- if you use their allied bank in France, BNP Paribas, they will not charge you an ATM fee. Not sure about the ForEx fee.

You could look into getting a travel card which essentially works the same way as a debit card.

You load up cash onto the travel card via your debit account, which means you can't get into debt accidentally. Most of them don't charge for cash withdrawals at ATM machines or to use at restaurants. Some of them also offer cashback when you use it to book hotels or pay for meals etc.

Some do have "hidden fees" though so check the small print.

Here's one that I know of, but if you have a Google, I'm sure you'll be able to find other options:

http://www.mytravelcash.com/travel-money-products/multi-currency-prepaid-credit-card.html?refcode=mytwstd0003&offer=mtcgtd

Been topping up & keeping well in credit throughout our Halifax Clarity Card enroute for almost 3 months now across Europe (EU & nonEU). Excellent option, free withdrawals and purchases everywhere. An excellent charge card. Highly recommended.

#14 & #15, neither of you seems to understand how foreign exchange works. There are ALWAYS fees- some cards just hide them better than others. 'no fees' generally refers to ATM withdrawal fees- which are only part of the picture.

Pls read this for the full story as well as the verdict on prepaid cards: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/thread.jspa?threadID=2295627

#16, the are no fees on the Halifax Clarity Card at all, as long as it's kept in credit. I topped up my card at regular intervals from my uk current account online while on a recent 3 month European road trip (please see more in the Turkey branch, I've just got back) and I used the card many times both for purchases (fuel mainly) and atm withdrawls. I had a statement each month, again online, and have paid not one penny in charges. It is an excellent card that perhaps you haven't heard of before. I might suggest that you check it out. It is excellent.

Just to also add, having read #16's comments again, fees are charged on the vast majority of both debit and credit cards for foreign transactions, say €1.50 for a withdrawal or purchase. These are always clearly marked on the monthly statement. Clarity Card doesn't have such add-ons. There is no annual fee to use the card either.

Just to also add, having read #16's comments again, fees are charged on the vast majority of both debit and credit cards for foreign transactions, say €1.50 for a withdrawal or purchase.

Again, you don't seem to understand how foreign exchange works. There are ALWAYS fees- some cards just hide them better than others. 'no fees' generally refers to ATM withdrawal fees- which are only part of the picture.
the biggest fee is the mark-up built into the exchange rate. Many cards statements don't specify these fees. You give no indication what those fees are for your card.