If I had a big savings account, I might think of removing it entirely from ATM access, for security. As I have about $6, it's not an issue!

Have enough in checking before you go and you're covered, especially if you have overdraft protection.

Now if you plan to use the ATM card as payment for hotels etc (assuming it is linked to mastercard, etc) then you may need the backup.

The constant here is that you need a checking account. Having just a savings account will not work.

Having both accounts lets the bank transfer funds between them.

Sorry for the confusion about the Canadian Bank cards. I was/am only referring to US cards.

In my experience (after just coming back from 3 weeks in Italy) You don't get a choice. It comes out of your checking account.

My card has always been linked to my checking account. If I think I need a "cushion", I take money out of my savings and transfer to my checking account to be sure I'm covered. I transfer it back to savings when I get home, if I haven't needed it.

I also have a joint account with my SO and have that for back up with a different card in case there's an issue with the other card. Also, if for some reason I have maxed my withdrawal for the day in one account, I can get more out of the other. I've never done that, but it's nice to have options when you are far away from home.

This brings up a curious question. U.S. person that travels might be able to answer it better. What options show up if using a credit card or debit card with a MasterCard or Visa symbol?

are you asking what account options show up on an ATM machine in Europe??

If, so - there are no account options no matter what logos the debit card has. One should not use a credit card - that would be a cash advance, not a withdrawal.

(a VERY few European ATMs may give an option. there have been a couple of reports of new machines giving a choice of accounts but I have never seen one personally)

janisj

Yes. That is correct and thank you. I wonder how the atm chooses which network to use when using a MasterCard or Visa debit card. MasterCard debit cards usually have the maestro logo. Visa debit cards usually have the Visa interlink or Visa plus logo. Are debit cards usually has two networks to choose from when used outside of the U.S. The Credit Card network or the Atm debit card network. Both methods come out of our checking account.

I think there is some confusion because when using cards in the U.S. at ATM machines, we are prompted to choose where the cash is to come from. The choices are checking, savings, or credit card. I should remember, but don't, whether these options were ever offered when I used ATM's in Europe before (I must be losing it, since I use ATM amost every year in Paris). This year, though, none of the ATM's in Paris gave any options. I just put in my card and pin number, then chose how much cash I wanted and out the euros came.