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I firmly believe that whenever you travel, especially to another country, using a credit card for all your purchases is the most convenient and secure option. Look for a card that has no foreign transaction fees, as this can save you a significant amount of money on purchases made abroad. Credit cards often provide additional benefits, such as fraud protection and rewards points, which can enhance your travel experience.

However, there may be situations where having cash on hand is essential. For example, certain destinations may exclusively accept cash, or you may wish to leave a gratuity for exceptional service. In such cases, it’s important to have a debit card that allows you to withdraw cash without exorbitant fees. High ATM withdrawal costs can quickly add up and diminish your travel budget.

To avoid unfavorable currency exchange rates and additional fees, it’s advisable to seek out a debit card that offers zero ATM fees both domestically and internationally.

One excellent option to consider is the Schwab Bank Visa® Platinum Debit Card from Charles Schwab. This card not only eliminates ATM fees globally but also allows you to access your funds without incurring foreign transaction charges, making it an ideal companion for your travels.

So, your first question maybe, how do you get your hands on this card?

Let me first explain how I discovered the Schwab Bank Visa® Platinum Debit Card. I found an in-depth article on my favorite travel site, Thrifty Traveler. It thoroughly analyzed the benefits and features of the card. After reading the comprehensive review, I felt convinced that this card would be a valuable addition to my financial toolkit. To further solidify my understanding, I watched several informative YouTube videos. These videos echoed the article’s positive insights. They also offered real user experiences.

To get the Schwab Bank Visa® Platinum Debit Card, open a Schwab Bank Investor Checking™ account at Charles Schwab. This account comes bundled with a brokerage account designed for investments, giving you access to the stock market and other investment opportunities. One of the standout features of both accounts is that they have no minimum deposit requirements or monthly maintenance fees, making them highly accessible to users with varying financial situations.

Even if you don’t intend to use the brokerage account for trading or investing, you can still benefit from the debit card. It does not incur any costs. This combination of features makes the Schwab Bank Visa® Platinum Debit Card particularly appealing for travel enthusiasts and everyday consumers alike.

The main drawback of using a Schwab account is that you’ll need to maintain your current bank or credit union for cash deposits and other related transactions.

According to my research, Schwab does not offer the ability to deposit cash at their branches or ATMs, which can be a significant inconvenience for those who frequently deal with cash.

However, if you set up direct deposit for your salary or other income sources and seldom require cash deposits, you might find it practical to use a Schwab account as your primary checking account. This could simplify your banking by allowing you to manage your finances online without the constant need to visit a physical branch.