Went to Capitol One this week, wife and I each opened a free checking, each with an ATM card. Our joint account got another ATM. Plus got a cap one visa. We're set!

<<<how do you know where the money is being withdrawn from?>>>

The ATM machine offers me options for choosing the acct I wish to withdraw from.

<<<someone not keeping enough money in their checking account to cover pocket expenses whiile on a trip in Europe>>>

The AMOUNT in the checking account is not the issue. All our income and expenses go in and out of checking. Having a "savings acct for travel only" simplifies and separates my travel budget from household. No prob---I'll transfer it into the checking acct. Thanks.

I am sure b/w the two of us we will be ok as long as the ATM withdraws from your primary acct, regardless if its chequing or savings.>>

whatever account the card operates on in the US is the account that it will operate on in Europe.