Hi Lauren,

I was told by Brian that the bank had sent out a letter to their customers, but obviously not me, so they decided to waive the fees and credit my account. He did go on to explain about the 1% transactions fees, etc. I will have to (for my future travels) see which will be the best way to go when using cards.

I was also told that there is some bank alliance where you can withdrawal monies and avoid fees, such as in London or Paris.

Good luck!

Monica ((F))

Don't get me wrong TXgalinGA - I'm on your side not the banks. Yes they are making a lot of money off interest rates and fees. I too pay my bill in full, never late. But let's face it plastic money is a necessary evil. Apart from cash there are no real cost effective alternatives. The banks know that and they know consumers are disunited. Who really is going to cut their cards up or liquidate their assets. I share your frustration but no matter how you cut it or stack it, apart from the little tricks we know to reduce fees we're stuck with them. You may swap to another institution with honeymoon rates but you and I know these are temporary.

I'm not defeatist - I just worry about battles I can win. Fees are here to stay while we value the cashless society.

I would get a credit card that doesn't charge 2 or 3% in addition to the MC or VISA 1%.

Hello everyone, as have been mentioned so many times when this subject comes up USAA Savings Bank only charges 1% (or a least the last time I checked that is). Their ph # is 1-800-922-9092. You do NOT have to be a member of USAA to apply for a credit card through USAA Savings Bank. They offer Visa and MasterCard. You can also ask them about their checking accounts which allow something like 10 ATM withdrawals in each statement period free of charge (if you are charged they say the will reimburse you).

I would suggest anyone that is concerned or irriated with bank/cc companies fee check this out.