Cheapest way to withdraw cash in the USA that I can arrange quickly

[wafliron]

So... I leave for the USA next week, and silly me hadn't really considered how I was going to access cash over there until the last minute.

Can anyone advise what the cheapest option is likely to be? I know everyone loves their 28 Degrees Mastercards, but unfortunately I've left it too late to arrange one, so I need an alternate option. My fallback position is just to withdraw cash from ATMs using my Suncorp Visa Debit card, but that is mightily expensive: 2.5% of the amount withdrawn + $5 (fixed) per withdrawal in fees.

Suggestions?

 

[DeKa]

Citibank Plus. If you do it in branch, you should have the cards in time. If you do it over the phone, and do the ID check requirement IMMEDIATELY at the post office and call up with the ID check receipt number, I think you will be OK and will receive thecards in the time.

 

[dougieboy]

If you apply it should only take 5-10 working days, but that may be cutting it fine. You can always go to your bank and see if they offer a travel money card (my bank does, but I'm with CBA). They should be able to figure out an option for you as you are their customer and they should provide you with a solution. Otherwise go to Australia Post website foreign currency cards. I got stung quite badly using my CBA Mastercard, fees from airline bookings, to currency conversion, foreign ATM machine access. Experienced that lesson the hard way lol, cash is king.

 

[tuapekastar]

Some banks allow you to load up your credit card with a positive balance, then withdraw cash fee-free, but I'm really not sure of the detail...best to ask.

 

[ChrisFlyer]

Westpac have an agreement with Bank of America for discount/fee-free ATM use... Have a look on their website, though you would most likely need a Visa Debit product to use it (can't access 'cheque' or 'savings' accounts linked to an Australian credit card while you're over there).

 

[NM]

28 degrees MC can take about 7 days from on-line application o receipt of the card (got min last week in that timeframe). But if that is too late for this trip, then conider options like travelers cheques or cash exchange before departure.

 

[ckck]

Consider the Amex Global Travel Card. https://www.americanexpress.com/aus...repaid_travel_card/about.shtml#/gtc-fees.html There is a $2 fee from Amex, however there will usually be a fee from the bank you are using too. I found that all up I was hit for about $5 in total fees when making a cash withdrawal.

Also you get the card straight away when you sign up so no waiting time on the card.

hths

 

[serfty]

Unfortunatly, aside from 28 degrees and the Citibank product mentioned, these products inclusing Westpac and Amex have a significant arbitridge built into the exchange rates.

So while there may be no specific, there is that hidden one.

 

[cove]

In the US you can pay over 95% on credit cards. Citi Select works out at a net 1% for Kris points. Get about $300 cash and run on your Kris points earning Citi Select credit card.
28 degrees is the winner for no fees for cash in the US.

 

[colin5353]

Westpac have an agreement with Bank of America for discount/fee-free ATM use... Have a look on their website, though you would most likely need a Visa Debit product to use it (can't access 'cheque' or 'savings' accounts linked to an Australian credit card while you're over there).

Westpac's Global Alliance is via their Debit Mastercard, no fee at Bank of America ATM's, but there is a 3% conversion fee, balance enq's are free, purchases attract a 2.2% conversion fee. Also, there are NO Bank of America branchs/atm's in Hawaii

At such short notice, I'd either just use the Suncorp card and live with the fees, or maybe look at Aust Post's Amex Travel card which you can get instore.

Safe travels.

 

[wafliron]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone, very helpful.

Unfortunately work has been so busy this week (cramming before the trip!) that I've barely had time to eat and sleep, let alone enough time to organise a 28 degrees / CitiBank Plus card. So, I will check out the Amex travel cards and/or just cop the fee on the Suncorp Visa Debit.

On the topic of the Amex travel card - I have an Amex Plat charge card, does that give me any sort of discount on the fees associated with the Amex travel card?

In the US you can pay over 95% on credit cards. Citi Select works out at a net 1% for Kris points. Get about $300 cash and run on your Kris points earning Citi Select credit card.

It's OK cove, you've trained me well: I'll be using my Select wherever possible However, I have a few days in Vegas at the start of the trip so I also need cash too

 

[ckck]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone, very helpful.


On the topic of the Amex travel card - I have an Amex Plat charge card, does that give me any sort of discount on the fees associated with the Amex travel card?

No idea. Just ask when you go in to get one.

ck

 

[Chicken]

If you work in Sydney or Melbourne CBD, you can go into Citibank early in the morning, and pick up your ATM card late afternoon / early evening. (take your passport & license with you).

AmEx travel card is the cheapest travel card I found, with forex fee at 1% only capped at $10; but if you have to walk into a shop to buy the AmEx card, you may as well walk into Citibank sells counter and pick up an ATM card instead.

(Citibank sales in Sydney is at the bottom of QVB, in the underground tunnel linking QVB to Town Hall train station).

 

[cove]

I thought you might invest the small amount of cash in Las Vegas and turn it into a much larger amount of cash.
We just do the fine dining and a couple of shows so that just hits a credit card. The cash is for tipping!

 

[Bunty]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone, very helpful.

Unfortunately work has been so busy this week (cramming before the trip!) that I've barely had time to eat and sleep, let alone enough time to organise a 28 degrees / CitiBank Plus card. So, I will check out the Amex travel cards and/or just cop the fee on the Suncorp Visa Debit.

On the topic of the Amex travel card - I have an Amex Plat charge card, does that give me any sort of discount on the fees associated with the Amex travel card?

.


The Amex Platinum Charge Card will get you the "preferred" exchange rate ánd no Fees at Amex Foreign Exchange Centres. These are usually located in some major Westpac Branches. I've used them for my last 2 or 3 US visits and found the rates are better than what I could find elsewhere (including Westpac).

 

[wafliron]

If you work in Sydney or Melbourne CBD, you can go into Citibank early in the morning, and pick up your ATM card late afternoon / early evening. (take your passport & license with you).

Don't work in the CBD unfortunately - but thanks for the tip.

I thought you might invest the small amount of cash in Las Vegas and turn it into a much larger amount of cash.

That's what they've promised... what could go wrong?!

The Amex Platinum Charge Card will get you the "preferred" exchange rate ánd no Fees at Amex Foreign Exchange Centres. These are usually located in some major Westpac Branches. I've used them for my last 2 or 3 US visits and found the rates are better than what I could find elsewhere (including Westpac).

Thanks for that Bunty - there is an Amex office not too far from my house so I might try to visit tomorrow morning. Do you know specifically know if the "preferred" exchange rate / no fees applies to the travel cards?

I called Amex this morning to ask and they were no help: Platinum CSR couldn't find any definitive info and transferred me to a Travel Card CSR, who then told me I had to get a card first and only then could they answer any questions about it!

 

[Chicken]

I have an Amex Plat charge card, does that give me any sort of discount on the fees associated with the Amex travel card?

Nothing on the web site

 

[wafliron]

Nothing on the web site

Yeah, I did look before I posted - but I've already discovered a number of "unpublished" Amex Plat benefits so I thought I should double-check.

 

[Bunty]

Thanks for that Bunty - there is an Amex office not too far from my house so I might try to visit tomorrow morning. Do you know specifically know if the "preferred" exchange rate / no fees applies to the travel cards?

I called Amex this morning to ask and they were no help: Platinum CSR couldn't find any definitive info and transferred me to a Travel Card CSR, who then told me I had to get a card first and only then could they answer any questions about it!

No, I cannot be certain that this benefit will be applied to Amex Travel Cards, but it's worth asking the question. Definitely applies to cash though.