hTTi

Since the topic came up before, I'll mention that I've learned that Berliner Volksbank does automatically pay credit card accounts from a Girokonto. Volksbank is a co-op, which was recommended to me by two new German friends on separate occasions. They have relatively few ATM machines, but their customer support is truly helpful. A disadvantage is that they have no affiliates in the US, so I am unable to link Volksbank with some of my overseas accounts.

Hope this helps,
Alison

I thought I would never need a credit card until I found out that it has some advantages.

Like if I want to hire a car in the UK, if I pay with a debit card I have to pay more with some providers. But credit cards give me the lowest prices.

So I now have a santandare credit card, in Germany that auto pays off the credit balance every month, ie zero work and means I never pay interest on a balance. I can get the credit card paid off from a differant bank.

The santandare credit card is free to have., but there are not many benifits with it. It's better to buy a few things on it a year, just so it's not cancelled.

I think I can withdraw money from any Atm, without extra charge, but maybe a currancey exchange rate

I haven't had a credit or debit card that wasn't automatically paid in probably 25 years. I've also never paid to have a credit card. My current one is from TFBank in Sweden. I only need to use it once a year for a rental car in the U.S. where they won't take a debit card.