Patrick ~

I have a Wachovia issued ATM Card (the words "ATM Card" are clearly printed on the front) which has the Interlink, NYCE, and PLUS logos on the back. It is not a debit card and can be used (according to Wachovia) in any ATM in those networks.

However, I have not recently been to Belgium to test Wachovia's statement, so I take your word that it would not work there.

Well, Rookie, you lit the fire for me to do something. I am on a joint account with my elderly mother at Wachovia and do all her banking for her. We don't have an ATM card and had been thinking of getting one, for me to get local cash for her after hours. Thanks to you I just did.

But after talking with my local banker at Wachovia who couldn't answer the questions, she transferred me to a national representative.
Her bottom line -- "no, that ATM card without a VISA logo is likely not to work in some countries -- particularly Belgium". "Plus is owned by Visa, but is not the same as having an actual VISA logo on the card", according to her. I was surprised that she knew about Belgium. Her recommendation? "If traveling in Europe or other countries, we strongly recommend that you get an ATM/debit card instead of our ATM only card."
She also mentioned that withdrawal amounts are higher on the ATM/debit cards.

Thanks for the additional info, Patrick. The Visa/Plus distinction does make sense for Debit vs ATM only.

I don't intend to run thru all the details but this headline is on an article on page D2 of today's WSJ (April 20):

"Mastercard Will Expand Fees On International Transactions"

A couple of points from the article:

1. MC is joining Visa which this month started levying the fee.

2. The new fees will be charged directly to the issuer.

3. Some banks (the issuers) such as JP Morgan Chase are choosing not to pass along the new fee. However, other issuers, including MBNA, HSBC and Capital One Financial will.

BTW, "The new fees apply to users of both MC xredit and debit cards, and include ATM withdrawals and debit-card purchases."