Mine did not work in Costa Rica this year. The WF literature had led me to think it would work. After returning, I asked my designated banker and was told that the 'ATM' cards were US ATM's only, that I needed a 'Debit' Card (Visa) for International. He said had it been a Debit card, it would have worked at the C.R. Bank ATM we were trying to use. A credit card with an established PIN promptly gave me cash from the ATM.I didn't say Premier status was a factor in whether it works or not, only that the fees are different.A WF 'ATM' card does not work out of country. Prime or Premier status does not change that.
I have not yet personally tried my WF ATM card out of the US, but others have reported it working in other countries. The documentation I received with it--which does point out the differences between the ATM and Debit cards--refers to the PIN requirements for international use and so forth. It also specifies that the card works on the ATM Plus and VISA networks. Do you have first-hand information that this card won't work?
I will be traveling to three different continents at the end of this year so perhaps I'll just try it myself. If nobody has first-hand experience with this, please remember that the "ATM only" designation is a bit misleading--these cards also work just fine for purchases with a PIN using the VISA and MasterCard networks. The lack of a VISA logo only indicates that you don't have the option to use it as a credit card.
The previous year, DW tried to use her ATM card in England and failed. She thought it was her was doing something wrong as to why it did not work. Her traveling companion's card worked and it turns out it was a Debit card. Since DW was only needing $100, her companion fronted her the money.
I have never liked Debit Cards since if processed as Debit, it never ask for a PIN. I abhor using a card that accesses my checking directly without a 2nd validation factor (PIN), which the ATM card does. As a rule, we only use our ATM card at the bank, or at a major supermarket when on the rare occasion that cash back it needed. The ATM is never used for casual purchases, that's what Credit Cards are for.
In spite of my dislike, before the next International Travel, I will secure a Debit card. Me using a Credit Card in C.R. was not a big deal, as I immediately issued payment to the card in a little in excess of the outstanding charges and the card had no cash advance or foreign fee.
Statistics: Posted by RetiredAL — Sat Oct 19, 2024 11:41 pm — Replies 29 — Views 1128