Wamu's dropped. They were at 3% last year - I used my credit union to get down to 1% then.

Someone on cruise critic mentioned using a Capital One Bank debit card another listed opening a Fidelity account and using their associated debit card to avoid fees.

Whatever banks and cards you decide on, get the policy in writing and recheck before you leave as these things can change (and not for the better).

I just opened an account with Bank of America today for this very reason - they have a "Global ATM Alliance" with Barclays (UK), BNP Paribas (France) and Deutsche Bank (Germany) that don't charge a fee for withdrawing money from their ATMs.

Unfortunately, they charge a fee in Italy and Greece!

I'm referring to Bank of America in my previous post

Bank of American should not charge fees if you use the participating banks Attnymom mentioned.

Assuming that you plan to withdraw cash from your checking, PNC Bank does not have a foreign ATM fee (and if you maintain a > $2000 monthly balance in your checking account they refund all ATM fees as well).

If you have Commerce Bank in your area, they do not charge ATM fees. We used them last year in Germany/Austria & were charged zero fees.
Regards, Andrea

Credit Unions do not usually charge foreign ATM fees or mark up the exchange fee, you should just see the 1% that comes through from MC or Visa. Check with your credit union.

The 1% is all that Washington Mutual is charging now also. I think the real issue for the OP is the actual ATM fees. The only way to get around that is to use a bank that has a relationship with a European bank. Washington Mutual doesn't have any.

Bank of America does not charge a fee, however Deutsche Bank does. Went all over Italy in April, used Deutsche and came home to transacation fees (Euro 2.00) for each one. I mentioned the "Global Alliance" policy at the branch. The EU banks charge a fee. I guess it's better then a double hit.

Thanks for those who responded. I contacted Bank of America, and they do in fact charge a fee. They do have alliances, but we are traveling to 10 countries, and there are alliances in France and Germany only (of the countries we are traveling to).

Even with their alliances, there is a fee. I think I will take my 1% ATM fee with Washington Mutual, and use my Capital One credit card whenever possible.

Fortunately, Capital One does not charge any foreign fees for credit card purchases.

Thanks, Donna