This is a rare case when a bank is telling the truth. At least when it come to Europe, both Western and Eastern

It is now quite hard to find a place where one of Visa and MasterCard would be accepted, but not the other one. All the cash machines will take either card. Note that in Europe you may see references to "Eurocard," that is a brand of MasterCard. Any business that accepts Eurocard will accept MasterCard.

Thank you Seva. Still curious if anyone of have traveled without problems using a Mastercard Check card?

Both Visa and Mastercard should be the same (I’m washington mutual too, and I was like, "WHat?!" when I saw that…) The one that gives you problems is like American Express, which isn’t taken anywhere despite what they would like you to believe…

Anyway, basically you should be safe with Mastercard just like visa. They’re together everywhere.

Thanks Suzanne. I just find it rather odd that WAMU’s MC only has the STAR logo (which according to the STAR Network website is for domestic use ONLY) versus the Cirrus logo (which is Mastercard)? Prior to this switching of vendors, WAMU’s VISA Check card had PLUS, Interlink, and STAR logos.

When I spoke to the Mastercard Global Assistance person this afternoon she told me that unless one’s card has Cirrus than it may not work. I then explained to her WAMU’s switching of vendors (doesn’t seem that these financial institutions talk to each other?) and she seemed hesitant to offer any information until she spoke to her supervisor. Apparently, the supervisor informed me that YES there are ATM’s available in Spain, however …….. I may run into problems, and if that’s the case ……… Oh my god!!! I cannot get a straight answer from these people!

If ANYONE out there has used WAMU’s "new" gold Mastercard / Debit card in Spain, please let me know if the card allowed you to get money out of the ATM machine.

Thank you.

You see a few more "visa accepted" signs in Europe than Mastercard signs. However, I only use MC and I’ve never been anywhere that accepted credit cards at all (in 9 trips to Europe) that didn’t accept my Mastercard.

Could you please tell me what are the logos on the back of your MC? Star, Plus, Interlink, Cirrus, Maestro? It is my understanding that if one’s MC does not have the Cirrus or Maestro logo on the back of the card, than using it at a given ATM (designated for MC) will not work.

quote:It is my understanding that if one’s MC does not have the Cirrus or Maestro logo on the back of the card, than using it at a given ATM (designated for MC) will not work.

This is definitely not true! According to my bank’s web site its cards work with 7(!) different networks, but there are only 3 logos on the back. I mean it may be possible to design a card that works as MC credit card, but not with Cirrus/Mastro network, but I can’t imagine why any bank would do that!
Look at the MasterCard ATM locator:
http://www.mastercar…
The website speaks about "MasterCards ATMs" not "Cirrus ATMs." Hope this will resolve your concerns.

For anyone interested, my son is currently in Barcelona and his new Washington Mutual debit MasterCard DOES NOT work at any ATMs there. It worked fine in London, but when he got to Spain, no go. I called WaMu eight different times in the last 12 hours, posing as my son. A couple of times I got disconnected, one time I got transferred to the wrong department, but most other times, I was assured that everything was fine and my son’s card should work. Finally at 3 a.m. my time (in California), I talked to a manager who admitted that SOME of their new MasterCard debit cards are having trouble in Spain. I stress SOME, because one of the other 11 guys in my son’s group has the same card and his works fine. They know of the problem, but have been unable to resolve it. According to this manager, my son’s only alternative is to find an open bank and get a cash advance from a live person. Unfortunately, nobody in my son’s group speaks fluent Spanish, and I don’t even know if banks are open there on the weekend. He’s supposed to be there about a week, so I’m going to wire him some cash via Western Union. According to the Western Union website, they have plenty of offices there, so this should solve the problem. However, in this matter, WaMu has been, as my grandfather would say, about as useful as teats on a bull.

my guy used his mastercard to withdraw in vienna prague and croatia( albeit once he was unsuccessful when he tried to get money out a croatian parking ticket machine lol geez that was funny)

but once on the island of vis in croatia they wouldnt take mastercard..that was the only time..in the tourist bureau where we rented a car for the day

THERE IS A BANK… that takes Washington Mutual ATM cards in barcelona. It’s called BANCO SANTANDER CENTRAL HISPANO there is one on la Rambla about 50 meters from the Amex office at la Rambla Cataluña, 74 and one in Barceloneta on the main street that goes to the beach, Also on Mistrael 10, near Rocafort St. Banks in spain are eaisly identified, Santander Cenrtal Hispano is bright red.

Yes, you can use your bank card as a MC credit card most places, however if you need cash and you have the WAMU check card with MC logo on the front and only the Star logo on the back… you’re in trouble. I called WAMU several times and they insisted that any atm with the MC logo would give me cash…. THAT IS NOT TRUE!!! I tried TWENTY FIVE different ATM machines!!! Look for the Banco Santander Central Hispano.

WAMU sucks, but barcelona ROCKS!!!

If using your credit card abroad it is a good idea to get a nationwide credit card as they dont charge for any retail spends. Because most cards charge around 2-3% on top of your transaction. Check with card first. I work for credit card company and they charge 2.75% on all retail spends.