No problem in Arizona getting a stright ATM

No problem in MN.

no problem getting straight ATM in Massachusettes.

It is not true there is no problem in Massachusetts. Sovereign Bank in Massachusetts is very resistant to providing ATM cards. When I opened a Sovereign account about 3 months ago, they initially refused to give me a non-debit ATM card. I refused to open the account without one, so after much discussion, the Branch Manager finally agreed (special forms had to be signed). After all that, they never sent me the ATM card. After several phone calls to Sovereign about this, I closed the account.

Hi:<BR>I use a credit union. They gave a choice of an ATM and Debit card. I decided to keep the ATM card and use their Visa card for my purchases. They do not charge the extra % for currency exchanges.

Julie,<BR>I hate to burst your balloon,but your POS limit can not be lowered. They are preset. Mine is a platinium card and is preset at $5,000.<BR>Don't talk to your branch bank for information, because that's the best way to get misinformation.<BR>Call the 800 number on the back of your card and talk to the appropriate person for the true facts.

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Note that Joe mis-spoke. Push debit = enter pin #, push credit = NO pin #.

Danna,<BR>If you push credit with no pin number, does that entitle you to extended warranty covered you get with gold and platinium credit cards?

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After reading all this all I have to say is thank you god I live in Canada!!!!!!!!<BR><BR>Seriously for any Canadian reading this does anyone know of any Canadian banks that issue these cards? I sure don't. We have your standard ATM cards (also called debit cards, but no Visa or MC logos) and than you have the normal credit cards.

To xxx<BR>You got that right!!

How does an American open up an account in Canada? Is it possible? Please advise.

To Jack: I was talking about my ATM/debit card wich my local bank issues for my checking account. I believe you have that one confused with a credit card. Of course I can limit the amount anyone can withdraw from my checking account, it is my money. I've tried it yesterday at 2 different stores and it woudn't allow me to do so. I can still withdraw cash from any ATM machine though.

Julie,<BR>How is what you've done (limiting your POS) BETTER than just getting a straight ATM....<BR><BR>I can't see how requiring a PIN for all purchases and/or withdrawls isn't the best of all solutions?? It works perfect with total security. What am I missing here? Marcie

Julie,<BR>I am also talking about the debit card.<BR>I talked to Bank of America and was told the the POS was fixed and could not be lowered.<BR>Which bank do you do business with?

I also bank at Bank of America in Brea, California. I called the bank manager and I too was told that the POS couldn't be changed.?? After sharing my concerns with all the fraud, The Brea manager said that I could switch to a straight ATM which does require a PIN for all Debit purchases. Apparently, it is a very easy process at this branch. Sybel

Can't believe that Bank of Americas wouldn't all have the same policies?? Does banking vary from state to state this much? (I live in Nevada and was told there is no problem with obtaining a straight ATM card)Julie, perhaps you should double check with the info you've obtained. Sally

I have a debit card with a VISA logo, and have been told by my bank AND the 800 on the card that if my card is lost/stolen I am only liable for up to $50. I was also told the VISA/Mastercard logo on any card offers the same protection as if the debit card was a credit card. So why the fuss?

Sue, when you use a ATM/Debit card the money is withdrawn from your checking account immedialtly and you may be left without any funds to draw from. A thief can use your Visa debit card in stores without a pin number. Yes, you can report your card lost or stolen (but you have only 2 business day)and eventually get your money back, but this won't do you any good when your checking account is drained and you are left without money from which to draw from. With a credit card you can dispute any unauthorized charges later on.