How to minimize cost for cash withdrawals at French ATMs with a Bank of America card?
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If I need to withdraw cash at the ATM, what is the best practice to minimize fees? In the USA I bank with Bank of America.
usa france money tips-and-tricks atms
edited Dec 6 '17 at 14:55
Freiheit
373316
asked Dec 6 '17 at 4:30
gatorback
1,260625
 |Â
show 4 more comments
up vote
11
down vote
favorite
If I need to withdraw cash at the ATM, what is the best practice to minimize fees? In the USA I bank with Bank of America.
usa france money tips-and-tricks atms
edited Dec 6 '17 at 14:55
Freiheit
373316
asked Dec 6 '17 at 4:30
gatorback
1,260625
5
The best way to "minimize cost for cash withdrawals" is not withdraw much money :)
– user35890
Dec 6 '17 at 6:31
2
Use BNP ATM's. You should be part of global alliance shouldn't you?
– JoErNanO♦
Dec 6 '17 at 7:52
1
To add to 9ilsdx-9rvj-0lo's general comment, from the UK the best way is to withdraw cash from ATMs with one of a number of cards enabling completely free withdrawals.
– Mark Perryman
Dec 6 '17 at 8:58
1
I've visited Paris and was able to get by just fine without a single euro in cash. Anything worth visiting will take cards.
– JonathanReez♦
Dec 6 '17 at 10:17
3
@dan1111: I understand it's meant a joke, but just to clarify: One single withdrawal is often cheaper than multiple smaller ones. So if you need to get cash, get it all at once.
– Hilmar
Dec 6 '17 at 15:05
 |Â
show 4 more comments
up vote
11
down vote
favorite
up vote
11
down vote
favorite
If I need to withdraw cash at the ATM, what is the best practice to minimize fees? In the USA I bank with Bank of America.
usa france money tips-and-tricks atms
edited Dec 6 '17 at 14:55
Freiheit
373316
asked Dec 6 '17 at 4:30
gatorback
1,260625
If I need to withdraw cash at the ATM, what is the best practice to minimize fees? In the USA I bank with Bank of America.
usa france money tips-and-tricks atms
usa france money tips-and-tricks atms
edited Dec 6 '17 at 14:55
Freiheit
373316
asked Dec 6 '17 at 4:30
gatorback
1,260625
edited Dec 6 '17 at 14:55
Freiheit
373316
asked Dec 6 '17 at 4:30
gatorback
1,260625
edited Dec 6 '17 at 14:55
Freiheit
373316
edited Dec 6 '17 at 14:55
Freiheit
373316
edited Dec 6 '17 at 14:55
Freiheit
373316
373316
asked Dec 6 '17 at 4:30
gatorback
1,260625
asked Dec 6 '17 at 4:30
gatorback
1,260625
asked Dec 6 '17 at 4:30
gatorback
1,260625
1,260625
5
The best way to "minimize cost for cash withdrawals" is not withdraw much money :)
– user35890
Dec 6 '17 at 6:31
2
Use BNP ATM's. You should be part of global alliance shouldn't you?
– JoErNanO♦
Dec 6 '17 at 7:52
1
To add to 9ilsdx-9rvj-0lo's general comment, from the UK the best way is to withdraw cash from ATMs with one of a number of cards enabling completely free withdrawals.
– Mark Perryman
Dec 6 '17 at 8:58
1
I've visited Paris and was able to get by just fine without a single euro in cash. Anything worth visiting will take cards.
– JonathanReez♦
Dec 6 '17 at 10:17
3
@dan1111: I understand it's meant a joke, but just to clarify: One single withdrawal is often cheaper than multiple smaller ones. So if you need to get cash, get it all at once.
– Hilmar
Dec 6 '17 at 15:05
 |Â
show 4 more comments
5
The best way to "minimize cost for cash withdrawals" is not withdraw much money :)
– user35890
Dec 6 '17 at 6:31
2
Use BNP ATM's. You should be part of global alliance shouldn't you?
– JoErNanO♦
Dec 6 '17 at 7:52
1
To add to 9ilsdx-9rvj-0lo's general comment, from the UK the best way is to withdraw cash from ATMs with one of a number of cards enabling completely free withdrawals.
– Mark Perryman
Dec 6 '17 at 8:58
1
I've visited Paris and was able to get by just fine without a single euro in cash. Anything worth visiting will take cards.
– JonathanReez♦
Dec 6 '17 at 10:17
3
@dan1111: I understand it's meant a joke, but just to clarify: One single withdrawal is often cheaper than multiple smaller ones. So if you need to get cash, get it all at once.
– Hilmar
Dec 6 '17 at 15:05
5
5
The best way to "minimize cost for cash withdrawals" is not withdraw much money :)
– user35890
Dec 6 '17 at 6:31
The best way to "minimize cost for cash withdrawals" is not withdraw much money :)
– user35890
Dec 6 '17 at 6:31
2
2
Use BNP ATM's. You should be part of global alliance shouldn't you?
– JoErNanO♦
Dec 6 '17 at 7:52
Use BNP ATM's. You should be part of global alliance shouldn't you?
– JoErNanO♦
Dec 6 '17 at 7:52
1
1
To add to 9ilsdx-9rvj-0lo's general comment, from the UK the best way is to withdraw cash from ATMs with one of a number of cards enabling completely free withdrawals.
– Mark Perryman
Dec 6 '17 at 8:58
To add to 9ilsdx-9rvj-0lo's general comment, from the UK the best way is to withdraw cash from ATMs with one of a number of cards enabling completely free withdrawals.
– Mark Perryman
Dec 6 '17 at 8:58
1
1
I've visited Paris and was able to get by just fine without a single euro in cash. Anything worth visiting will take cards.
– JonathanReez♦
Dec 6 '17 at 10:17
I've visited Paris and was able to get by just fine without a single euro in cash. Anything worth visiting will take cards.
– JonathanReez♦
Dec 6 '17 at 10:17
3
3
@dan1111: I understand it's meant a joke, but just to clarify: One single withdrawal is often cheaper than multiple smaller ones. So if you need to get cash, get it all at once.
– Hilmar
Dec 6 '17 at 15:05
@dan1111: I understand it's meant a joke, but just to clarify: One single withdrawal is often cheaper than multiple smaller ones. So if you need to get cash, get it all at once.
– Hilmar
Dec 6 '17 at 15:05
 |Â
show 4 more comments
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
up vote
17
down vote
Bank of America is part of the so called Global ATM alliance. According to Bank of America's FAQ (see "Using your ATM card or debit card at an international ATM" and then "What is the Global ATM Alliance?):
Use your Bank of America ATM or debit card within the Global ATM Alliance to avoid the non-Bank of America usage fee for each withdrawal, transfer or balance inquiry, as well as the ATM operator access fee. An international transaction fee of 3% will apply when converting your currency.
In France, BNP Paribas is part of the alliance and you can use your Bank of America card at their ATMs to minimize your cost.
Note that BNP Paribas doesn't charge any fees for using their ATM (according to TransferWise), so the only fee you'll pay is the relative transaction fee. There seems to be no minimal transaction fee from Bank of America's fee schedule (it's hard to link to it, you have to select Bank of America Core Checking and enter a ZIP code, then go to ATM fees and View more important information), so it shouldn't matter whether you withdraw a large amount once or many smaller amounts (but it's better to check after your first withdrawal just to be sure).
However, when you try to withdraw money from a BNP Paribas ATM, they might offer you to do a conversion for you. In this case they will offer you two options: a.) to withdraw the Euro amount in which case the currency conversion will be handled by your bank, or b.) to withdraw a Dollar amount in which case they handle the conversion. Of course, they don't do this for free and I've never been anywhere where it would have been better to use the conversion offered by the ATM. Bank of America agrees on that:
Bank of America will assess an international transaction fee of 3% of the converted US dollar amount. Foreign ATM operators may offer to do your currency conversion for you, but they may charge a higher fee for conversion. To insure that your currency conversion does not incur a fee higher than 3%, you may refuse the ATM operator's offer to convert the amount of the transaction.
For next time though you could consider getting a bank account with debit card where you even don't pay (or are reimbursed for) currency transactions. Such accounts are offered for example by Charles Schwab or Capital One 360.
answered Dec 6 '17 at 4:52
martin.koeberl
1,3501418
1
Well that's part of the question (You'll pay 3% no matter what)... but the other part is ATM fees. Either you use ATMs that have no withdraw fees (They do exist - either BoA ATMs: probably rare in Frace - or unicorns that don't charge). The best way to minimize if you can't avoid the fee is to withdraw more per visit so you withdraw less often. You need $200 and you pay a $5 fee each time you withdraw? Its better to withdraw $200 once and pay a 2.5% fee... than it is to withdraw $40 five times and pay a 12.5% fee.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 12:48
1
@WernerCD It's rare for ATMs operated by banks in Europe to charge for use, regardless of card issuer. It's almost certainly just card issuer charges they need to be concerned about.
– gsnedders
Dec 6 '17 at 14:10
1
@gsnedders I guess ATM Usage Fees vary by country/culture... and some countries ban them all together. In the UK, 97% of withdraws are free... and reading the Wiki, it looks like the US not only has Withdraw fees but is starting to move towards "Denial Fee"s - insufficient funds? Here's a fee for finding that out... As an American, fees are "normal" and "expected" if you have to use the closest ATM - but can be avoided if you visit your bank or know where Free to Use ATMs are located.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 14:16
@WernerCD I honestly assumed that BNP Paribas doesn't charge fees, I've now expanded my answer on that. Also note that if the only fee charged is a relative one, then it doesn't matter how often you withdraw. I assumed somehow that there might be a minimum fee charged but I couldn't find any source for that, so I guess the only place this is true is my imagination.
– martin.koeberl
Dec 6 '17 at 20:56
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Further to @martin.koeberl's answer, from the Bank of America's website, there might also be local fees to pay and you may not be able to find a BNP Paribas. When I worked in France but had a UK bank account, the simplest way to minimise ATM fees was to minimise the use of the ATM. When I did go to the ATM, I withdrew a significant amount of cash. This amount will of course vary according to your needs but I took out the equivalent of a week's spend each time. This meant that by and large I went to the ATM four times a month and so only paid four lots of fees.
answered Dec 6 '17 at 9:58
BWFC
312
This is the part I was expecting - that @Martin.koeberl missed. 3% international fee is one thing... ATM fee's to withdraw are another.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 12:45
Agreed. Minimizing the quantity of transactions has to be part of the decision making process.
– gatorback
Dec 6 '17 at 17:59
@gatorback That depends on whether there are any fixed fees charged. If there are only relative ones, it doesn't matter. There might be a minimum fee for the currency conversion but I couldn't find anything to back that up and since even Bank of America doesn't mention it on their page, I guess it's not true.
– martin.koeberl
Dec 6 '17 at 20:58
add a comment |Â
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
2 Answers
2
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
17
down vote
Bank of America is part of the so called Global ATM alliance. According to Bank of America's FAQ (see "Using your ATM card or debit card at an international ATM" and then "What is the Global ATM Alliance?):
Use your Bank of America ATM or debit card within the Global ATM Alliance to avoid the non-Bank of America usage fee for each withdrawal, transfer or balance inquiry, as well as the ATM operator access fee. An international transaction fee of 3% will apply when converting your currency.
In France, BNP Paribas is part of the alliance and you can use your Bank of America card at their ATMs to minimize your cost.
Note that BNP Paribas doesn't charge any fees for using their ATM (according to TransferWise), so the only fee you'll pay is the relative transaction fee. There seems to be no minimal transaction fee from Bank of America's fee schedule (it's hard to link to it, you have to select Bank of America Core Checking and enter a ZIP code, then go to ATM fees and View more important information), so it shouldn't matter whether you withdraw a large amount once or many smaller amounts (but it's better to check after your first withdrawal just to be sure).
However, when you try to withdraw money from a BNP Paribas ATM, they might offer you to do a conversion for you. In this case they will offer you two options: a.) to withdraw the Euro amount in which case the currency conversion will be handled by your bank, or b.) to withdraw a Dollar amount in which case they handle the conversion. Of course, they don't do this for free and I've never been anywhere where it would have been better to use the conversion offered by the ATM. Bank of America agrees on that:
Bank of America will assess an international transaction fee of 3% of the converted US dollar amount. Foreign ATM operators may offer to do your currency conversion for you, but they may charge a higher fee for conversion. To insure that your currency conversion does not incur a fee higher than 3%, you may refuse the ATM operator's offer to convert the amount of the transaction.
For next time though you could consider getting a bank account with debit card where you even don't pay (or are reimbursed for) currency transactions. Such accounts are offered for example by Charles Schwab or Capital One 360.
answered Dec 6 '17 at 4:52
martin.koeberl
1,3501418
1
Well that's part of the question (You'll pay 3% no matter what)... but the other part is ATM fees. Either you use ATMs that have no withdraw fees (They do exist - either BoA ATMs: probably rare in Frace - or unicorns that don't charge). The best way to minimize if you can't avoid the fee is to withdraw more per visit so you withdraw less often. You need $200 and you pay a $5 fee each time you withdraw? Its better to withdraw $200 once and pay a 2.5% fee... than it is to withdraw $40 five times and pay a 12.5% fee.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 12:48
1
@WernerCD It's rare for ATMs operated by banks in Europe to charge for use, regardless of card issuer. It's almost certainly just card issuer charges they need to be concerned about.
– gsnedders
Dec 6 '17 at 14:10
1
@gsnedders I guess ATM Usage Fees vary by country/culture... and some countries ban them all together. In the UK, 97% of withdraws are free... and reading the Wiki, it looks like the US not only has Withdraw fees but is starting to move towards "Denial Fee"s - insufficient funds? Here's a fee for finding that out... As an American, fees are "normal" and "expected" if you have to use the closest ATM - but can be avoided if you visit your bank or know where Free to Use ATMs are located.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 14:16
@WernerCD I honestly assumed that BNP Paribas doesn't charge fees, I've now expanded my answer on that. Also note that if the only fee charged is a relative one, then it doesn't matter how often you withdraw. I assumed somehow that there might be a minimum fee charged but I couldn't find any source for that, so I guess the only place this is true is my imagination.
– martin.koeberl
Dec 6 '17 at 20:56
add a comment |Â
up vote
17
down vote
Bank of America is part of the so called Global ATM alliance. According to Bank of America's FAQ (see "Using your ATM card or debit card at an international ATM" and then "What is the Global ATM Alliance?):
Use your Bank of America ATM or debit card within the Global ATM Alliance to avoid the non-Bank of America usage fee for each withdrawal, transfer or balance inquiry, as well as the ATM operator access fee. An international transaction fee of 3% will apply when converting your currency.
In France, BNP Paribas is part of the alliance and you can use your Bank of America card at their ATMs to minimize your cost.
Note that BNP Paribas doesn't charge any fees for using their ATM (according to TransferWise), so the only fee you'll pay is the relative transaction fee. There seems to be no minimal transaction fee from Bank of America's fee schedule (it's hard to link to it, you have to select Bank of America Core Checking and enter a ZIP code, then go to ATM fees and View more important information), so it shouldn't matter whether you withdraw a large amount once or many smaller amounts (but it's better to check after your first withdrawal just to be sure).
However, when you try to withdraw money from a BNP Paribas ATM, they might offer you to do a conversion for you. In this case they will offer you two options: a.) to withdraw the Euro amount in which case the currency conversion will be handled by your bank, or b.) to withdraw a Dollar amount in which case they handle the conversion. Of course, they don't do this for free and I've never been anywhere where it would have been better to use the conversion offered by the ATM. Bank of America agrees on that:
Bank of America will assess an international transaction fee of 3% of the converted US dollar amount. Foreign ATM operators may offer to do your currency conversion for you, but they may charge a higher fee for conversion. To insure that your currency conversion does not incur a fee higher than 3%, you may refuse the ATM operator's offer to convert the amount of the transaction.
For next time though you could consider getting a bank account with debit card where you even don't pay (or are reimbursed for) currency transactions. Such accounts are offered for example by Charles Schwab or Capital One 360.
answered Dec 6 '17 at 4:52
martin.koeberl
1,3501418
1
Well that's part of the question (You'll pay 3% no matter what)... but the other part is ATM fees. Either you use ATMs that have no withdraw fees (They do exist - either BoA ATMs: probably rare in Frace - or unicorns that don't charge). The best way to minimize if you can't avoid the fee is to withdraw more per visit so you withdraw less often. You need $200 and you pay a $5 fee each time you withdraw? Its better to withdraw $200 once and pay a 2.5% fee... than it is to withdraw $40 five times and pay a 12.5% fee.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 12:48
1
@WernerCD It's rare for ATMs operated by banks in Europe to charge for use, regardless of card issuer. It's almost certainly just card issuer charges they need to be concerned about.
– gsnedders
Dec 6 '17 at 14:10
1
@gsnedders I guess ATM Usage Fees vary by country/culture... and some countries ban them all together. In the UK, 97% of withdraws are free... and reading the Wiki, it looks like the US not only has Withdraw fees but is starting to move towards "Denial Fee"s - insufficient funds? Here's a fee for finding that out... As an American, fees are "normal" and "expected" if you have to use the closest ATM - but can be avoided if you visit your bank or know where Free to Use ATMs are located.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 14:16
@WernerCD I honestly assumed that BNP Paribas doesn't charge fees, I've now expanded my answer on that. Also note that if the only fee charged is a relative one, then it doesn't matter how often you withdraw. I assumed somehow that there might be a minimum fee charged but I couldn't find any source for that, so I guess the only place this is true is my imagination.
– martin.koeberl
Dec 6 '17 at 20:56
add a comment |Â
up vote
17
down vote
up vote
17
down vote
Bank of America is part of the so called Global ATM alliance. According to Bank of America's FAQ (see "Using your ATM card or debit card at an international ATM" and then "What is the Global ATM Alliance?):
Use your Bank of America ATM or debit card within the Global ATM Alliance to avoid the non-Bank of America usage fee for each withdrawal, transfer or balance inquiry, as well as the ATM operator access fee. An international transaction fee of 3% will apply when converting your currency.
In France, BNP Paribas is part of the alliance and you can use your Bank of America card at their ATMs to minimize your cost.
Note that BNP Paribas doesn't charge any fees for using their ATM (according to TransferWise), so the only fee you'll pay is the relative transaction fee. There seems to be no minimal transaction fee from Bank of America's fee schedule (it's hard to link to it, you have to select Bank of America Core Checking and enter a ZIP code, then go to ATM fees and View more important information), so it shouldn't matter whether you withdraw a large amount once or many smaller amounts (but it's better to check after your first withdrawal just to be sure).
However, when you try to withdraw money from a BNP Paribas ATM, they might offer you to do a conversion for you. In this case they will offer you two options: a.) to withdraw the Euro amount in which case the currency conversion will be handled by your bank, or b.) to withdraw a Dollar amount in which case they handle the conversion. Of course, they don't do this for free and I've never been anywhere where it would have been better to use the conversion offered by the ATM. Bank of America agrees on that:
Bank of America will assess an international transaction fee of 3% of the converted US dollar amount. Foreign ATM operators may offer to do your currency conversion for you, but they may charge a higher fee for conversion. To insure that your currency conversion does not incur a fee higher than 3%, you may refuse the ATM operator's offer to convert the amount of the transaction.
For next time though you could consider getting a bank account with debit card where you even don't pay (or are reimbursed for) currency transactions. Such accounts are offered for example by Charles Schwab or Capital One 360.
answered Dec 6 '17 at 4:52
martin.koeberl
1,3501418
Bank of America is part of the so called Global ATM alliance. According to Bank of America's FAQ (see "Using your ATM card or debit card at an international ATM" and then "What is the Global ATM Alliance?):
Use your Bank of America ATM or debit card within the Global ATM Alliance to avoid the non-Bank of America usage fee for each withdrawal, transfer or balance inquiry, as well as the ATM operator access fee. An international transaction fee of 3% will apply when converting your currency.
In France, BNP Paribas is part of the alliance and you can use your Bank of America card at their ATMs to minimize your cost.
Note that BNP Paribas doesn't charge any fees for using their ATM (according to TransferWise), so the only fee you'll pay is the relative transaction fee. There seems to be no minimal transaction fee from Bank of America's fee schedule (it's hard to link to it, you have to select Bank of America Core Checking and enter a ZIP code, then go to ATM fees and View more important information), so it shouldn't matter whether you withdraw a large amount once or many smaller amounts (but it's better to check after your first withdrawal just to be sure).
However, when you try to withdraw money from a BNP Paribas ATM, they might offer you to do a conversion for you. In this case they will offer you two options: a.) to withdraw the Euro amount in which case the currency conversion will be handled by your bank, or b.) to withdraw a Dollar amount in which case they handle the conversion. Of course, they don't do this for free and I've never been anywhere where it would have been better to use the conversion offered by the ATM. Bank of America agrees on that:
Bank of America will assess an international transaction fee of 3% of the converted US dollar amount. Foreign ATM operators may offer to do your currency conversion for you, but they may charge a higher fee for conversion. To insure that your currency conversion does not incur a fee higher than 3%, you may refuse the ATM operator's offer to convert the amount of the transaction.
For next time though you could consider getting a bank account with debit card where you even don't pay (or are reimbursed for) currency transactions. Such accounts are offered for example by Charles Schwab or Capital One 360.
answered Dec 6 '17 at 4:52
martin.koeberl
1,3501418
edited Dec 6 '17 at 20:53
answered Dec 6 '17 at 4:52
martin.koeberl
1,3501418
answered Dec 6 '17 at 4:52
martin.koeberl
1,3501418
answered Dec 6 '17 at 4:52
martin.koeberl
1,3501418
1,3501418
1
Well that's part of the question (You'll pay 3% no matter what)... but the other part is ATM fees. Either you use ATMs that have no withdraw fees (They do exist - either BoA ATMs: probably rare in Frace - or unicorns that don't charge). The best way to minimize if you can't avoid the fee is to withdraw more per visit so you withdraw less often. You need $200 and you pay a $5 fee each time you withdraw? Its better to withdraw $200 once and pay a 2.5% fee... than it is to withdraw $40 five times and pay a 12.5% fee.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 12:48
1
@WernerCD It's rare for ATMs operated by banks in Europe to charge for use, regardless of card issuer. It's almost certainly just card issuer charges they need to be concerned about.
– gsnedders
Dec 6 '17 at 14:10
1
@gsnedders I guess ATM Usage Fees vary by country/culture... and some countries ban them all together. In the UK, 97% of withdraws are free... and reading the Wiki, it looks like the US not only has Withdraw fees but is starting to move towards "Denial Fee"s - insufficient funds? Here's a fee for finding that out... As an American, fees are "normal" and "expected" if you have to use the closest ATM - but can be avoided if you visit your bank or know where Free to Use ATMs are located.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 14:16
@WernerCD I honestly assumed that BNP Paribas doesn't charge fees, I've now expanded my answer on that. Also note that if the only fee charged is a relative one, then it doesn't matter how often you withdraw. I assumed somehow that there might be a minimum fee charged but I couldn't find any source for that, so I guess the only place this is true is my imagination.
– martin.koeberl
Dec 6 '17 at 20:56
add a comment |Â
1
Well that's part of the question (You'll pay 3% no matter what)... but the other part is ATM fees. Either you use ATMs that have no withdraw fees (They do exist - either BoA ATMs: probably rare in Frace - or unicorns that don't charge). The best way to minimize if you can't avoid the fee is to withdraw more per visit so you withdraw less often. You need $200 and you pay a $5 fee each time you withdraw? Its better to withdraw $200 once and pay a 2.5% fee... than it is to withdraw $40 five times and pay a 12.5% fee.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 12:48
1
@WernerCD It's rare for ATMs operated by banks in Europe to charge for use, regardless of card issuer. It's almost certainly just card issuer charges they need to be concerned about.
– gsnedders
Dec 6 '17 at 14:10
1
@gsnedders I guess ATM Usage Fees vary by country/culture... and some countries ban them all together. In the UK, 97% of withdraws are free... and reading the Wiki, it looks like the US not only has Withdraw fees but is starting to move towards "Denial Fee"s - insufficient funds? Here's a fee for finding that out... As an American, fees are "normal" and "expected" if you have to use the closest ATM - but can be avoided if you visit your bank or know where Free to Use ATMs are located.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 14:16
@WernerCD I honestly assumed that BNP Paribas doesn't charge fees, I've now expanded my answer on that. Also note that if the only fee charged is a relative one, then it doesn't matter how often you withdraw. I assumed somehow that there might be a minimum fee charged but I couldn't find any source for that, so I guess the only place this is true is my imagination.
– martin.koeberl
Dec 6 '17 at 20:56
1
1
Well that's part of the question (You'll pay 3% no matter what)... but the other part is ATM fees. Either you use ATMs that have no withdraw fees (They do exist - either BoA ATMs: probably rare in Frace - or unicorns that don't charge). The best way to minimize if you can't avoid the fee is to withdraw more per visit so you withdraw less often. You need $200 and you pay a $5 fee each time you withdraw? Its better to withdraw $200 once and pay a 2.5% fee... than it is to withdraw $40 five times and pay a 12.5% fee.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 12:48
Well that's part of the question (You'll pay 3% no matter what)... but the other part is ATM fees. Either you use ATMs that have no withdraw fees (They do exist - either BoA ATMs: probably rare in Frace - or unicorns that don't charge). The best way to minimize if you can't avoid the fee is to withdraw more per visit so you withdraw less often. You need $200 and you pay a $5 fee each time you withdraw? Its better to withdraw $200 once and pay a 2.5% fee... than it is to withdraw $40 five times and pay a 12.5% fee.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 12:48
1
1
@WernerCD It's rare for ATMs operated by banks in Europe to charge for use, regardless of card issuer. It's almost certainly just card issuer charges they need to be concerned about.
– gsnedders
Dec 6 '17 at 14:10
@WernerCD It's rare for ATMs operated by banks in Europe to charge for use, regardless of card issuer. It's almost certainly just card issuer charges they need to be concerned about.
– gsnedders
Dec 6 '17 at 14:10
1
1
@gsnedders I guess ATM Usage Fees vary by country/culture... and some countries ban them all together. In the UK, 97% of withdraws are free... and reading the Wiki, it looks like the US not only has Withdraw fees but is starting to move towards "Denial Fee"s - insufficient funds? Here's a fee for finding that out... As an American, fees are "normal" and "expected" if you have to use the closest ATM - but can be avoided if you visit your bank or know where Free to Use ATMs are located.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 14:16
@gsnedders I guess ATM Usage Fees vary by country/culture... and some countries ban them all together. In the UK, 97% of withdraws are free... and reading the Wiki, it looks like the US not only has Withdraw fees but is starting to move towards "Denial Fee"s - insufficient funds? Here's a fee for finding that out... As an American, fees are "normal" and "expected" if you have to use the closest ATM - but can be avoided if you visit your bank or know where Free to Use ATMs are located.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 14:16
@WernerCD I honestly assumed that BNP Paribas doesn't charge fees, I've now expanded my answer on that. Also note that if the only fee charged is a relative one, then it doesn't matter how often you withdraw. I assumed somehow that there might be a minimum fee charged but I couldn't find any source for that, so I guess the only place this is true is my imagination.
– martin.koeberl
Dec 6 '17 at 20:56
@WernerCD I honestly assumed that BNP Paribas doesn't charge fees, I've now expanded my answer on that. Also note that if the only fee charged is a relative one, then it doesn't matter how often you withdraw. I assumed somehow that there might be a minimum fee charged but I couldn't find any source for that, so I guess the only place this is true is my imagination.
– martin.koeberl
Dec 6 '17 at 20:56
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Further to @martin.koeberl's answer, from the Bank of America's website, there might also be local fees to pay and you may not be able to find a BNP Paribas. When I worked in France but had a UK bank account, the simplest way to minimise ATM fees was to minimise the use of the ATM. When I did go to the ATM, I withdrew a significant amount of cash. This amount will of course vary according to your needs but I took out the equivalent of a week's spend each time. This meant that by and large I went to the ATM four times a month and so only paid four lots of fees.
answered Dec 6 '17 at 9:58
BWFC
312
This is the part I was expecting - that @Martin.koeberl missed. 3% international fee is one thing... ATM fee's to withdraw are another.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 12:45
Agreed. Minimizing the quantity of transactions has to be part of the decision making process.
– gatorback
Dec 6 '17 at 17:59
@gatorback That depends on whether there are any fixed fees charged. If there are only relative ones, it doesn't matter. There might be a minimum fee for the currency conversion but I couldn't find anything to back that up and since even Bank of America doesn't mention it on their page, I guess it's not true.
– martin.koeberl
Dec 6 '17 at 20:58
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
Further to @martin.koeberl's answer, from the Bank of America's website, there might also be local fees to pay and you may not be able to find a BNP Paribas. When I worked in France but had a UK bank account, the simplest way to minimise ATM fees was to minimise the use of the ATM. When I did go to the ATM, I withdrew a significant amount of cash. This amount will of course vary according to your needs but I took out the equivalent of a week's spend each time. This meant that by and large I went to the ATM four times a month and so only paid four lots of fees.
answered Dec 6 '17 at 9:58
BWFC
312
This is the part I was expecting - that @Martin.koeberl missed. 3% international fee is one thing... ATM fee's to withdraw are another.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 12:45
Agreed. Minimizing the quantity of transactions has to be part of the decision making process.
– gatorback
Dec 6 '17 at 17:59
@gatorback That depends on whether there are any fixed fees charged. If there are only relative ones, it doesn't matter. There might be a minimum fee for the currency conversion but I couldn't find anything to back that up and since even Bank of America doesn't mention it on their page, I guess it's not true.
– martin.koeberl
Dec 6 '17 at 20:58
add a comment |Â
up vote
3
down vote
up vote
3
down vote
Further to @martin.koeberl's answer, from the Bank of America's website, there might also be local fees to pay and you may not be able to find a BNP Paribas. When I worked in France but had a UK bank account, the simplest way to minimise ATM fees was to minimise the use of the ATM. When I did go to the ATM, I withdrew a significant amount of cash. This amount will of course vary according to your needs but I took out the equivalent of a week's spend each time. This meant that by and large I went to the ATM four times a month and so only paid four lots of fees.
answered Dec 6 '17 at 9:58
BWFC
312
Further to @martin.koeberl's answer, from the Bank of America's website, there might also be local fees to pay and you may not be able to find a BNP Paribas. When I worked in France but had a UK bank account, the simplest way to minimise ATM fees was to minimise the use of the ATM. When I did go to the ATM, I withdrew a significant amount of cash. This amount will of course vary according to your needs but I took out the equivalent of a week's spend each time. This meant that by and large I went to the ATM four times a month and so only paid four lots of fees.
answered Dec 6 '17 at 9:58
BWFC
312
edited Dec 6 '17 at 10:42
answered Dec 6 '17 at 9:58
BWFC
312
answered Dec 6 '17 at 9:58
BWFC
312
answered Dec 6 '17 at 9:58
BWFC
312
312
This is the part I was expecting - that @Martin.koeberl missed. 3% international fee is one thing... ATM fee's to withdraw are another.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 12:45
Agreed. Minimizing the quantity of transactions has to be part of the decision making process.
– gatorback
Dec 6 '17 at 17:59
@gatorback That depends on whether there are any fixed fees charged. If there are only relative ones, it doesn't matter. There might be a minimum fee for the currency conversion but I couldn't find anything to back that up and since even Bank of America doesn't mention it on their page, I guess it's not true.
– martin.koeberl
Dec 6 '17 at 20:58
add a comment |Â
This is the part I was expecting - that @Martin.koeberl missed. 3% international fee is one thing... ATM fee's to withdraw are another.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 12:45
Agreed. Minimizing the quantity of transactions has to be part of the decision making process.
– gatorback
Dec 6 '17 at 17:59
@gatorback That depends on whether there are any fixed fees charged. If there are only relative ones, it doesn't matter. There might be a minimum fee for the currency conversion but I couldn't find anything to back that up and since even Bank of America doesn't mention it on their page, I guess it's not true.
– martin.koeberl
Dec 6 '17 at 20:58
This is the part I was expecting - that @Martin.koeberl missed. 3% international fee is one thing... ATM fee's to withdraw are another.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 12:45
This is the part I was expecting - that @Martin.koeberl missed. 3% international fee is one thing... ATM fee's to withdraw are another.
– WernerCD
Dec 6 '17 at 12:45
Agreed. Minimizing the quantity of transactions has to be part of the decision making process.
– gatorback
Dec 6 '17 at 17:59
Agreed. Minimizing the quantity of transactions has to be part of the decision making process.
– gatorback
Dec 6 '17 at 17:59
@gatorback That depends on whether there are any fixed fees charged. If there are only relative ones, it doesn't matter. There might be a minimum fee for the currency conversion but I couldn't find anything to back that up and since even Bank of America doesn't mention it on their page, I guess it's not true.
– martin.koeberl
Dec 6 '17 at 20:58
@gatorback That depends on whether there are any fixed fees charged. If there are only relative ones, it doesn't matter. There might be a minimum fee for the currency conversion but I couldn't find anything to back that up and since even Bank of America doesn't mention it on their page, I guess it's not true.
– martin.koeberl
Dec 6 '17 at 20:58
add a comment |Â
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Clash Royale CLAN TAG
5
The best way to "minimize cost for cash withdrawals" is not withdraw much money :)
– user35890
Dec 6 '17 at 6:31
2
Use BNP ATM's. You should be part of global alliance shouldn't you?
– JoErNanO♦
Dec 6 '17 at 7:52
1
To add to 9ilsdx-9rvj-0lo's general comment, from the UK the best way is to withdraw cash from ATMs with one of a number of cards enabling completely free withdrawals.
– Mark Perryman
Dec 6 '17 at 8:58
1
I've visited Paris and was able to get by just fine without a single euro in cash. Anything worth visiting will take cards.
– JonathanReez♦
Dec 6 '17 at 10:17
3
@dan1111: I understand it's meant a joke, but just to clarify: One single withdrawal is often cheaper than multiple smaller ones. So if you need to get cash, get it all at once.
– Hilmar
Dec 6 '17 at 15:05