We used a Wachovia visa/debit card as our credit card -- no fee for foreign currency exchange.

I recently acquired a Capital One card. Be aware that even though they do not currently gouge for foreign currency transactions, it is likely they will soon begin doing so. There is a clause in the agreement saying they may charge such fees, and according to the rep. I spoke to on the phone, they probably will. He would (or could) not tell me when, but he did say I would get advance notice.

Any publicly owned company is always under pressure to keep the stockholders and investment community happy, so they do all they can to maximize profit. Service to the customer is only a means to maximizing profit, and if they can gouge the customer, lose only a few customers, and thereby increase profit, they won't hesitate.

I think that is why you find the best service and treatment at privately owned companies, such as USAA and credit unions.