Couldn't find a current forum thread with this topic....
Anyone have advice for an account to set up in the US that has no fee ATM use in Europe (including no foreign exchange fees)? And preferably one that rebates fees potentially charged by foreign banks for the use of their ATMs?
The only one I found so far is Bank of America has an alliance with several European banks for the use of their ATMs in Europe (like BNP Paribas in France and Barclays in the UK) -- but they have no alliance in Italy or Switzerland. Looking for France, Italy, and Israel primarily.
I heard that TD Bank and Schwab have checking accounts with rebates of foreign bank ATMs, but that TD may have discontinued that.
And in all cases, I assume they charge the wholesale interbank exchange rate -- similar to the way AMEX Plat, Crap One, or Chase Ink Bold would work if charging something in a store.
And by the way, something I have done a few times in foreign countries when I needed cash and wanted it at a favorable exchange -- I waited online in a supermarket for someone who had cash in their hand, and offered to pay for their groceries with my CC and take their cash. In Budapest one time, I ended up with a bit too much Florints as I underestimated how much food she had in her hands.
Any current suggestions on ATMs would be appreciated....