Since I'm shopping for a new credit card to use for foriegn transactions, I've been checking out some local credit unions. They don't seem to be charging the additional fees for foreign transactions.

My question is, has anyone had any trouble using a Visa issued by a credit union for foreign transactions? I've never used a credit union before. I'd assume it wouldn't matter but wanted to check it out first.

Have used mine in Canada, Italy and Germany with no problems. It will be our primary card in June in Germany, Iceland, and Switzerland.

Just be sure to call the bank ahead of time and alert them to your foreign travels (dates and places). Otherwise, you run the risk of having credit cut off when the credit union fears fraudulent charges.

You shouldn't have any trouble using it whatsoever..if the card is valid then the issuing institution becomes irrelevant other than the charges they do or do not levy.

I have never had a problem in the UK, Germany, Italy, Belgium, France, and The Netherlands. I have no experience other places.

Hi Kay,

Visa cards are Visa cards.

No need to worry.

My very first attempt overseas to use a new credit union ATM and MC affiliated debit card resulted in the card being swallowed at a Barclay Bank ATM at Heathrow. Barclay couldn't tell me why nor could the CU upon my return.

Fortunately, my well used Bank One debit MC did work - as it always has.

Yes, I know you said Visa.

Jsmith,
A hypothesis on why your debit card was gobbled:
You mentioned it was a new card. Had you used the card at all in the US before you tried it overseas?
I ask because many times when one first uses a new credit card, the merchant has to verify the card holder's ID.
For example, I just received a new VISA to replace the one that is going to expire at the end of this month. I have had this account for 5+ years. The account number is the same on both cards, the only difference are the dates of validity. However, there is a notation on the literature that was included with the new card, it says that ID will probably be requested the first time I use the card.
Perhaps the same thing holds true for a debit card that has never before been swiped and since the Heathrow ATM couldn't verify your ID it ate the card.

jsmith, was that the first time you tried using the card? Had you used it successfully at home?

Sounds like the credit union Visa is the way to go for foreign transactions. I'll still use my regular bank debit card for cash withdrawals, even though there is a small charge for them. I only use it once or twice during a trip so it's not that big a deal.

Thanks everyone for the input.

I have a visa with my credit union which I used in Switzerland, Italy, France and England - no prob on the transactions. I just called them before I went so they knew there would be charges.

One big word of warning, however. About 5 months after my trip to France, I started getting charges from Paris on my account. They started small like $1.99 or so. As my hubby used the card for phone calls, I thought that was it - nope, they were testing the card to see if I would complain of the transactions. All of a sudden - WHAM - I started getting charge of +$1000 in a day until I lost $5000 - and b/c it was my checking account, there was no limit. Thank god for my credit union who refunded every last dime. So I would make sure the credit union you choose has that same policy. BTW, there is a scam in Europe where they just copy your numbers and then they can make a whole new card with their info - very scary.

My card had been used a half dozen times at the CU ATM. I did notify them ahead of time, etc.

Could I have done something wrong - of course. But I have used the Bank One card, it's a debit MC thru my brokerage account, since 1991 for numerous overseas trips in the majority of the western Europe countries so I presume I know what I'm doing.

<i>&quot;BTW, there is a scam in Europe where they just copy your numbers and then they can make a whole new card with their info - very scary.&quot;</i>

This has happened to us. My Visa number was stolen two years ago in Scotland and they tried to use it about a month after I returned home.

And last summer, my parent's Visa number was stolen in the UK. In both instances, Visa detected the fraud before the transactions were completed. But it was still a hassle having to change account numbers.

On our last trip to London and Paris (Feb), we noticed a significant increase in the use of the tableside credit card machines in resturants - where they bring a handheld computer right to the table to process your credit card.

And at the Queen's Gallery gift shop, the cashier really scrutinized my signature - making sure it matched my credit card. Obviously, a lot of retailers have also been stung!

We have just returned from Paris and Amsterdam, we had no problem with our credit union credit (Visa) or ATM cards. The transaction fee for ATM withdraw was $1.50 and I didn't even have problem with password starting with 0 for ATM card like some of the reports I ran across here before.