Best US Bank For Travel In Europe - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

aytheresthedoug · 03-18-2006, 08:39 PM

I was wondering if there are any better US Banks for traveling in Europe. Is there one that has any branches or ATMs in Western Europe, or is there one that gives better exchange rates than others?

Thanks

**omisan** · 03-18-2006, 11:51 PM

In short: No, not really.

You could get a savings account with a European bank like HSBC or ING, but those need to be linked to a US checking account to get funds in/out. You can't just go up to an HSBC ATM machine and get cash out of yoru account.

One thing you could do is get an account with a European bank operating in the US, such as Barclay's, but you'd be hard pressed to find a branch in the US - there are a few here and there.

Most banks give you the day's wholesale exchange rate when making withdrawals at an ATM, which is about the best deal you can get. The only difference really lies in how much your bank dings you for out-of-network fees.

foofiter · 03-19-2006, 01:16 AM

I use netbank which is an online bank. You have 3 options for deposits: us mail, "quickpost" which is free at any UPS store in the USA, and direct deposit.

Upisdes: NO foreign ATM charges, you get the going rate for exchange (ie you pull money out in euros and you get the going rate when it is converted), they give you a VISA check card which works just about anywhere, they pay you interest on all accounts including the free checking, The interest they pay is quite high, and the customer service is immaculate.

Its worth a look at www.netbank.com . I have used them since 1999 and have had no troubles. I now use them exclusively. I really love the fact that I can go to any ATM in the world and not get charged a penny unless the machine itself charges.

Foo

**noke_travel** · 03-19-2006, 01:48 PM

i don't know how helpful this is but citizen's bank (which is based in rhode island and has branches all around new england) is now part of the royal bank of scotland group. i don't know how much their rates are for overseas atm withdrawls but i would assume they would offer a favorable rates if you used a rbs atm. i don't know, maybe?

xanthuos · 03-19-2006, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by foofiter@Mar 19 2006, 05:16 AM
I use netbank which is an online bank. You have 3 options for deposits: us mail, "quickpost" which is free at any UPS store in the USA, and direct deposit.

Upisdes: NO foreign ATM charges, you get the going rate for exchange (ie you pull money out in euros and you get the going rate when it is converted), they give you a VISA check card which works just about anywhere, they pay you interest on all accounts including the free checking, The interest they pay is quite high, and the customer service is immaculate.

Its worth a look at www.netbank.com . I have used them since 1999 and have had no troubles. I now use them exclusively. I really love the fact that I can go to any ATM in the world and not get charged a penny unless the machine itself charges.

Foo

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I used to have NetBank and I was pleased with them also.
I had them before that "quickpost" option for deposits though, so that's pretty cool! There's also a limited number of ATMs that will accept deposits for NetBank...you have to look those up on their website.