Debit Card Question?
Sep 5th, 2007, 02:02 PM
#1
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Debit Card Question?
I have a key bank debit card,will the ATM machines in Italy accept this? The reason I am asking is that several threads here on Fodors have mentioned Visa cards with Cirrus or Plus on the back. My debit card is a Master card and has a Star symbol on back.
Has anyone had experience using a Key Bank debit card? Thanks
Has anyone had experience using a Key Bank debit card? Thanks
Sep 5th, 2007, 05:35 PM
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Make sure you contact your bank and let them know that you will be using your debit card outside the country. If not, they may think that it's CC fraud and not allow the transactions. I found this to be true even when I was using my card to make reservations before the trip. My bank contacted me to verify that I authorized the transactions. Also, ask about any bank fees for foreign ATM's. You can also get any daily withdrawal limit raised before you go. I strongly advise you to contact your bank.
Sep 5th, 2007, 05:54 PM
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Not all Master Card debit cards work world wide! How do I know? Mine just failed to work in Switzerland at 4 different banks, all plastered with the MC logo. It also failed in Scotland at the Royal Bank of Scotland but worked at Barclays, the Bank of Scotland and the Clydesdale Bank.
and
I called the issuer when I got home, but the manager I spoke with was clueless. He could not explain it.
Fortunately, or unfortunately as the case may be, in Switzerland I was semi rescued by my other money card, which is issued by the Bank of America. Of course I had to pay the $5.00 fee which was irritating, but at least I had spending money.
As a result, my credit card, Capital One, got a good workout.
Sorry, BOA, but your credit card stayed at home. No 3% fee for me, thank you. Your $5.00 fee is bad enough.
As a result of my experience, I suggest that you always have s backup money card, either ATM or debit, and that your cards come from a major bank. My MC debit card was from a small, regional institution. Even so, it is a Master Card debit piece of plastic and I fully expected it to function as such. As I learned the hard way, not all debit cards are created equal.
and
I called the issuer when I got home, but the manager I spoke with was clueless. He could not explain it.
Fortunately, or unfortunately as the case may be, in Switzerland I was semi rescued by my other money card, which is issued by the Bank of America. Of course I had to pay the $5.00 fee which was irritating, but at least I had spending money.
As a result, my credit card, Capital One, got a good workout.
Sorry, BOA, but your credit card stayed at home. No 3% fee for me, thank you. Your $5.00 fee is bad enough.
As a result of my experience, I suggest that you always have s backup money card, either ATM or debit, and that your cards come from a major bank. My MC debit card was from a small, regional institution. Even so, it is a Master Card debit piece of plastic and I fully expected it to function as such. As I learned the hard way, not all debit cards are created equal.
Sep 5th, 2007, 05:56 PM
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The key to using your card will be the network. The currus and plus networks are very common. Since that is what I have I have never had a problem. I don't know about the Star network. I don't remember seeing Star networks BUT I was not looking either. I think you need to check some other sources to determine how wide spread the Star network is.
Sep 5th, 2007, 06:07 PM
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You may have a BIG problem. After I logged off I goggled Star network. You should do the same. It is not encouraging. The Star network is a US domestic network. From their frequently asked questions ---
<<<<<<Where can I use my ATM/debit card with the STAR logo to withdraw cash, or to check my account balance?
There are 291,000 ATMs participating in the STAR Network, most of which are found in the STAR ATM Locator. If you are traveling outside of the United States, check with your financial institution to find out if your card can be used at ATMs displaying other symbols. >>>>>>
You probably need to find another card. I would not depend on a Star network only card. It probably will not work.
<<<<<<Where can I use my ATM/debit card with the STAR logo to withdraw cash, or to check my account balance?
There are 291,000 ATMs participating in the STAR Network, most of which are found in the STAR ATM Locator. If you are traveling outside of the United States, check with your financial institution to find out if your card can be used at ATMs displaying other symbols. >>>>>>
You probably need to find another card. I would not depend on a Star network only card. It probably will not work.
