Yes, you can use your Chase credit card internationally, but you need to know the fees and take steps before you leave
Most Chase credit cards work outside the United States, but using them abroad costs money unless you understand the structure first. Chase charges a foreign transaction fee on most cards — typically 3% of every purchase made in another country or in a foreign currency. Some Chase cards waive this fee entirely. Your card will also be converted from the local currency to US dollars, and Chase sets that exchange rate, which is usually close to the market rate but not identical.
Before you travel, contact Chase to let them know you will be using your card abroad. This prevents them from blocking transactions as fraud. You can do this through the Chase mobile app, the Chase website, or by calling the number on the back of your card. Tell them the countries you are visiting and the dates you will be there.
Key Takeaways
- Most Chase cards charge a 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the US, though some premium cards do not.
- You must notify Chase before traveling so the bank does not block your card as a fraud risk.
- ATM withdrawals abroad typically cost more than purchases — Chase charges a fee plus your bank may charge an additional fee.
- Chip-and-PIN technology is standard outside the US, and most Chase cards support it, but some older magnetic-stripe cards may not work everywhere.
- Notify Chase of your travel dates through the app, website, or by calling the number on your card.
Which Chase cards have no foreign transaction fee
Chase offers a small number of premium cards that waive the 3% foreign transaction fee. These cards typically have an annual fee of $95 or higher and are designed for frequent travelers. The Chase Sapphire Reserve and Chase Sapphire Preferred both waive foreign transaction fees. Some business cards, such as the Chase Ink Business Premier, also waive the fee.
If you carry a standard Chase card — such as the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Chase Sapphire Student — you will pay the 3% fee on every foreign transaction. Before you travel, check your card's terms to confirm whether your specific card charges the fee. You can find this information in the card agreement on the Chase website or by calling the customer service number on your card.
How to notify Chase before you travel
Open the Chase mobile app and look for the travel notification option, usually found under "Account Services" or "Settings." Enter the countries you plan to visit and the dates of your trip. The app will confirm that your notification has been received. This step takes less than two minutes.
If you prefer not to use the app, log into your Chase account on the website and look for a travel notification link, or call the number on the back of your card and speak to a representative. Whichever method you use, Chase will flag your account so transactions in those countries are not treated as suspicious. Without this notification, your card may be declined even if you have funds available.
Using ATMs abroad and cash withdrawals
Withdrawing cash from an ATM outside the US costs more than making a purchase with your card. Chase charges a foreign ATM fee — usually $5 per transaction — on top of the foreign transaction fee (3% of the amount withdrawn). The ATM operator's bank may also charge you a fee, which appears on your receipt at the time of withdrawal.
If you need cash abroad, withdraw larger amounts less frequently to minimize the number of transactions and fees. For example, one $200 withdrawal costs less in total fees than four $50 withdrawals. Some Chase branches have partnerships with banks in other countries that may waive ATM fees — check the Chase website before you travel to see if your destination is covered.
Chip-and-PIN cards and what happens if your card is not accepted
Most countries outside the US use chip-and-PIN technology, where you insert your card into a reader and enter a PIN rather than signing a receipt. Most Chase cards issued in the past five years have a chip and work with this system. However, some older cards or cards with only a magnetic stripe may not be accepted at unattended terminals like gas pumps or ticket machines.
If your card is declined, ask the merchant if they can process it as a signature transaction instead, or use a different payment method. Before you travel, you can request a replacement card with a chip from Chase if yours does not have one. Call the number on your card or visit a Chase branch to request this. The replacement usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you are traveling soon.
Exchange rates and how Chase converts your purchases
When you make a purchase in a foreign currency, Chase converts it to US dollars using the exchange rate for that day. This rate is set by Visa or Mastercard (depending on which network your card uses), not by Chase itself. The rate is usually very close to the mid-market rate you see on financial websites, but it is not identical — there is a small markup built in.
You cannot control or negotiate the exchange rate Chase uses. The conversion happens automatically, and the US dollar amount appears on your statement a day or two after the transaction. If you want to minimize currency conversion costs, use your card for purchases rather than withdrawing cash, since ATM withdrawals carry additional fees on top of the exchange rate conversion.
What to do if your card is lost or stolen abroad
Call the number on the back of your card when ready if it is lost or stolen. Chase has a 24-hour customer service line that operates internationally. Have your card number ready if possible, though you can also call from any phone and provide your name and account information to verify your identity.
Chase can cancel your card and issue a replacement, but a replacement card cannot be delivered to you while you are traveling unless you have a US address where it can be sent. Ask Chase about emergency cash options or a temporary card number you can use for online purchases while you wait. Some Chase branches in major cities can issue a temporary card on the spot if you visit in person with a passport and other ID.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to convert my money to the local currency before I travel?
No. You can use your Chase card to pay for most things directly, and Chase will convert the amount to US dollars automatically. Exchanging money before you travel usually costs more in fees than using your card. Withdraw cash only if you need it for places that do not accept cards, such as small vendors or taxis.
Will my Chase card work in every country?
Chase cards work in most countries, but acceptance depends on the merchant and the payment network (Visa or Mastercard). Some very small vendors or remote areas may not accept cards at all. Before you travel, research whether cards are widely used in your destination. Call Chase if you have questions about a specific country.
Can I use my Chase card to pay for hotels and rental cars before I arrive?
Yes. You can book hotels and rental cars online using your Chase card from the US, and you will be charged in US dollars at the time of booking. You will not pay a foreign transaction fee because the transaction happens in the US. When you arrive and use your card in person at the hotel or rental company, that transaction may be charged in the local currency and will incur the foreign transaction fee.
What if my card is declined while I am traveling?
First, check that you have notified Chase of your travel dates — a declined card is often a fraud block. Call Chase when ready using the number on your card. If the card cannot be used, ask Chase about emergency options such as a wire transfer or a temporary card number for online purchases. Have your passport ready to verify your identity.
Are there Chase cards that give rewards on international purchases?
Yes. The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve both earn bonus points on travel purchases and dining, and both waive foreign transaction fees. Other Chase cards earn standard cash back or points on all purchases, including international ones, but they still charge the 3% foreign transaction fee unless the card specifically waives it. Check your card's rewards structure on the Chase website.