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When using your American Express credit card abroad—or even while making purchases online with international vendors—charges can add up more quickly than usual. This is because of your credit card’s foreign transaction fee. Foreign transaction fees are charged when you make non-US-dollar purchases, and can range from 1%–3% of the transaction amount.
However, some credit cards don’t have foreign transaction fees at all. Whether or not you’re charged this fee, and how much it costs, will depend on your credit card and credit card issuer.
How much is American Express’s foreign transaction fee?
American Express usually charges a 2.7% foreign transaction fee.
They also offer credit cards without foreign transaction fees, including:
- American Express Platinum Card®
- American Express® Gold Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card
- Hilton Honors Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card
Examples of American Express’s foreign transaction fees
If you have a American Express credit card that charges the usual 2.7% fee, here are examples of charges you can expect:
| Foreign transaction amount | Foreign transaction fee | Total amount owed |
|---|---|---|
| $50 | $1.35 | $51.35 |
| $10 | $2.70 | $102.70 |
| $500 | $13.50 | $513.50 |
Do I need to notify American Express before using my credit card abroad?
No, you do not need to notify American Express before using your credit card abroad. They will continue to monitor your account and contact you immediately if any suspicious activity occurs.
Tips for using a American Express credit card abroad
When using a credit card internationally, it’s important to understand the costs and risks involved. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you swipe your American Express credit card abroad:
- Get a PIN: You probably don’t use your credit card PIN number often; in fact, you may not even know you have one. Before taking your American Express credit card overseas, make sure you find out whether your card has a PIN and what it is, or how you can set a new one. Many foreign transactions (especially at ticketing kiosks around Europe) require you to enter a PIN when you use your credit card. You may be able to find your credit card PIN in your original offer letter, or call the number on the back of the card to request one.
- Pay in the local currency: When you’re swiping your American Express credit card at checkout in another country, the card reader may give you the option to pay in either the local currency or convert to US dollars. If you convert to US dollars, you’ll be triggering a “dynamic currency conversion” which often comes at an added cost. So while it’s tempting to see the price in your native currency, opt to pay in the local currency instead.
- Embrace the perks: American Express credit cards offer travel perks, including free checked bags, airport lounge access, and lost luggage insurance. Check out and understand these perks before your trip, so you can take advantage of these benefits to make your travels smoother.
