Credit cards and Italian ATMs

stevefm

chattychappy wrote: »

Are you aware that most debit cards load the exchange rate by 2.75% as well as charging a handling fee?

Are you aware that Santander Zero charges neither, and that since interest is calculated daily it amounts to only a few pence if you pay back a few days later? And in the case of CCs you have better regulatory protection if there is a problem? And a compromised debit card has more "knock on" effects as it access your money in your current account? (Ie if there is fraud you can end up with failed standing orders, DDs etc until you get back home to sort it out?)

I use Zero for all my foreign ATM withdrawals. Though I believe it is no longer available to newcomers, Halifax Clarity offers a similar regime, as noted above.

It was a Zero card I was using. Tried three different machines all with the same result. Interest is minimal if you pay it off as soon as you get home.