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When using your Chase 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 Chase’s foreign transaction fee?
Chase has a foreign transaction fee of 3%.
However, Chase also issues many credit cards without foriegn transaction fees, including:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred®
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority
- United Club Infinite
- British Airways Visa Signature®
You’ll notice that many of the cards Chase offers that don’t charge foreign transaction fees are travel rewards cards. These credit cards tend to have cashback programs based on earning credit card miles.
Examples of Chase’s foreign transaction fees
If you have a Chase credit card that charges the usual 3% fee, here are examples of charges you can expect:
| Foreign transaction amount | Foreign transaction fee | Total amount owed |
|---|---|---|
| $50 | $1.50 | $51.50 |
| $100 | $3 | $103 |
| $500 | $15 | $515 |
Do I need to notify Chase before using my credit card abroad?
No, you don’t need to notify Chase before using your credit card abroad. Chase will continue to monitor your account and notify you immediately if any suspicious activity occurs.
Tips for using a Chase 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 Chase 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 Chase 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 Chase 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: Many Chase credit cards offer travel perks, including airport lounge access, hotel room upgrades, free checked bags, and lost luggage insurance. Research and understand these perks before your trip, so you can take advantage of these benefits to make your travels smoother.
