We're thinking to get a Capitol One card for one of our daughters while she is doing her jr. abroad studies in Ireland. In choosing does it make any difference whether it's Visa or Mastercard? Sorry if this is a dumb question, I just thought I should know if one is better over the other. Thanks for your help. Barb Cabot

Barb,

I am not 100% sure but in my experience Visa is easier because it is accepted pretty much everywhere.

Barb:
I used a Capital one Mastercard all over Italy and Paris the last 2 years. I did however get a AAA cash card for use at ATM so that my bank account information would never be available to any one and there is no fee at ATMS.

http://www.chipandpin.ie/

You might want to check the above. The card will need to be chip & pin.

I don't know that Chip and PIN cards are issued at all in the U.S. The guide to retailers in the link says "If the card does not have a Chip and has a magnetic stripe only, you will be prompted to request the cardholder to sign a receipt which is printed." So they continue to provide for people from other countries not having these cards; maybe it's in question whether all retailers will be aware of this.

What is a AAA cash card and how does it work?

Thanks,
Jody

The AAA cash card works like an ATM card, taking from the money you've loaded into it when you bought it from AAA, rather than your bank account. Its perceived advantage is that if the wrong person gets hold of it, they can't get into your bank account, but they have unreasonable charges and a bad exchange rate.

quote:

but they have unreasonable charges and a bad exchange rate.

I was curious about the AAA cash card and checked with our local office. They described the fees as $4.95 to load the card, then used as an ATM card, a small transaction fee ($2 or so like US) and local exchange rates. Used as a credit card, no fees, just local exchange rates.
I specifically asked about any fees from Visa (they said it is thru VIsa) and was told no fees. Sounds like I got a different story than you.
What fees, etc are actually charged?

On your previous question I searched and found this discussion on Frommers. There are many negatives there, saying in addition to other charges AAA charges 7% over mid-market, as opposed to 3% at worst for an ATM card, and someone with a big balance not having access and not getting help. I have trouble seeing why anyone would use this, rather than your own ATM card, once you've verified that it's good for international transactions and told your bank that you'll be traveling.

If your ATM card is ATM-only, and not also a debit or check card that can be used to purchase goods and services, your bank account is extremely safe. There is no way anyone could use it in stores, and without your PIN it won't work at an ATM.

In my experience I think VISA has more acceptance, but perhaps only slightly.

I just got back from a 22 day trip in Europe, used my Capital One VISA in 6 different countries, worked like a charm without any fees! It's the way to go!!