The B of A Platinum Check Card is an excellent card to use in Italy (and maybe abroad) for getting money from ATM's. (I have recently used it at 3 ATM's in Rome to determine if any fees would be attached. I have not used it for purchases yet.)
I took out 100 euro from 3 banks, one was Deutsche Bank, a member of the Global ATM Alliance; the second was Banca Nazionale del Lavoro that prominently displays the BNP Paribas logo, (that makes BNL a participant in the ATM Global Alliance; the third was the Banca di Milano which does not appear to be a member of the Alliance.
1) Conversion rate: The conversion rates for all three banks were $1.2812 / 1 Euro when the trading rate on Bloomberg on TV was 1.2764. $.48 per transaction but this amount would be the same for a $250 which has been the maximum withdrawal per operation for international withdrawals with another debit card from another bank. This is less than 0.3%
2) No fees could be deducted at the ATM machines
3) NO FEES were charged to my Premier Checking Account from which the money was deducted. The account showed $128.12 deducted three times.

Summary: A Premier customer with a Platinum Debit Card may change money at ATM machines at a favorable rate with no fees.

I have made purchases with my other debit card without using the
pin but using my signature and no fees appeared. I think I can also expect n- fees-purchases when using my B of A Platinum card too. The Platinum Debit Card is free and so is it's midget-sized twin card. One can have one's picture on the big Card also for ID protection. From bella Roma-I hope this is of help. Donnytoots