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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Investor Alley => Topic started by: mobilisinmobili on March 16, 2013, 02:49:11 PM

Title: International Bank Accounts / Credit Cards for Canadians
Post by: mobilisinmobili on March 16, 2013, 02:49:11 PM
Hey guys, do you know what international bank accounts are available for Canadians?

I'm looking for something that might mirror the advantages of a Charles Schwab Brokerage Checking Account..

No ATM fees, anywhere in the world, ever.
No currency exchange fees.
Market rate conversation.
Fraud protection.

If people know of credit cards, travel cards, etc, that offer similar features let me know. I do have the BMO Prepaid Travel CC.

Title: Re: International Bank Accounts / Credit Cards for Canadians
Post by: smedleyb on March 16, 2013, 05:51:50 PM
I heard Cyprus wants your money.

No.  Seriously.  They want your money:

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-16/euro-area-takes-aim-at-depositors-in-cyprus-bailout.html
Title: Re: International Bank Accounts / Credit Cards for Canadians
Post by: Kazimieras on April 02, 2013, 10:12:05 AM
I think HSBC has something like what you're looking for - however the required amount of money to have with them I think was in excess of 100k. The good news is they have banks everywhere.

I'm going on an international trip shortly and our research has shown that Visa is superior to Mastercard in nearly all cases - specifically with how foreign currency is calculated. Mastercard typically charges a 2.5% fee, plus the currency exchange. The Visa card I have (just a plain big bank one) just charges the currency exchange. I had a card with one of the smaller banks (e.g. PC Financial) and it not only charged the 2.5% and currency exchange, but it went from CAD to USD, then USD to the foreign currency (each time skimming a bit off!).