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-   -   ATM on Savings account??? (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/atm-on-savings-account-75447/)

Isabelle Jun 9th, 2000 06:44 AM

ATM on Savings account???
 
I know you can get any foreign currency when you use your ATM card connected to your checking account overseas. But what if your ATM card is your savings account and you have a 4-digit numerical PIN number. Can you get money from there too?? Thank you.

Brian in Atlanta Jun 9th, 2000 06:59 AM

I have never been able to select my account at a European ATM. In Italy, England, Scotland, France, Spain and The Netherlands, it defaulted to my checking. In Belgium it wouldn't work at all.

JULIE Jun 9th, 2000 07:37 AM

Isabelle-- <BR>I wasn't able to withcraw from my savings account in Paris I was there just two weeks ago but I was able to withdraw when I was in Italy last year. <BR>Which was really nice considering I would have bought the farm if I could of. I hope you have wonderful trip!!!

Marcie Jun 9th, 2000 07:55 AM

Would imagine you need to visit your bank prior to leaving for Europe and set it up so that your savings account is your default otherwise my experience in European countries is that you don't get an option.

JP Jun 9th, 2000 08:28 AM

If the savings account is the only account on the card, you shouldn't have any trouble. I used a couple of savings-only cards in Spain, Italy and Germany last month.

Suzanne Jun 9th, 2000 11:04 AM

Debit card likned to checking account always works. Savings account does not. Therefore, make sure you have money in your checking account with a debit card that is linked to it.

cass Jun 9th, 2000 11:22 AM

Sorry to say, you can't count on anything, even if you chat with your bank before you leave -- which is still worth doing, if only to get an emergency 24-hr. phone # for a real person who can help in an emergency. <BR> <BR>Our ATM card is linked to our checking account, but we never had a choice while in Spain and France last year. HOWEVER, one Barcelona bank arbitrarily (and mysteriously) managed to withdraw funds from savings instead of checking. My bank had no idea how it could have gotten access, but it did -- so be aware and be prepared for anything.

Prue Jun 9th, 2000 03:20 PM

Just to confuse the issue I had trouble with my ATM card linked to a cheque <BR>account in Ireland last year - and it would not work until the account was changed over to Savings by my local bank. But maybe that was just a one off problem. I would certainly check with your bank before leaving.


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