Chase charges 1% of the transaction amount for most international purchases, plus any foreign exchange markup your card type carries
When you use a Chase credit or debit card outside the United States, Chase adds an international transaction fee on top of what the merchant charges. For credit cards, this is typically 1% of the purchase amount. For debit cards, it is also 1%, though some Chase accounts waive this fee entirely. The fee applies whether you're buying something in person, online from a foreign merchant, or withdrawing cash from an ATM abroad.
The international fee is separate from the foreign exchange markup — the difference between the official exchange rate and the rate Chase uses to convert your purchase to dollars. Both charges appear on your statement. Understanding which cards carry which fees, and which accounts waive them, can save you hundreds of dollars on a trip or when you regularly buy from international merchants.
Key Takeaways
- Chase credit cards charge 1% international transaction fee on purchases made outside the United States, though some premium cards waive this fee.
- Chase debit cards also charge 1% for international transactions, but some checking accounts waive the fee for debit card use only.
- The international fee is added to the foreign exchange markup, so your total cost is higher than the base exchange rate.
- ATM withdrawals abroad incur both the international fee and a separate out-of-network ATM fee if the ATM is not part of the Allpoint network.
- Using a card with no international fee, or using local currency ATMs in countries where Chase has partnerships, reduces the total cost of international spending.
How the 1% fee works on your statement
When you make a purchase in a foreign currency, Chase converts it to dollars using their exchange rate, then adds 1% of the converted amount as the international transaction fee. This fee appears as a separate line item on your statement, labeled as an international transaction fee or foreign transaction fee.
For example, if you spend 100 euros and the converted amount is $110, Chase adds $1.10 as the international fee. You pay $111.10 total. The fee applies to every transaction — there is no threshold or monthly cap. A $5 coffee abroad costs you $5.05 in fees alone.
Some merchants also charge a currency conversion fee on their end, which is separate from Chase's fee. You cannot avoid this, but you can avoid Chase's 1% by using a card that waives it.
Which Chase credit cards waive the international fee
Chase's premium travel cards — the Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Chase Ink Business Preferred — do not charge the 1% international transaction fee. These cards are designed for frequent travelers and international business spending, so the waived fee is a core benefit.
Most other Chase credit cards, including the Chase Freedom Unlimited, Chase Freedom Flex, and the basic Chase Slate, do charge 1%. The Chase Ink Business Cash and Chase Ink Unlimited also charge 1%.
If you travel internationally more than once or twice a year, or regularly buy from foreign merchants online, the annual fee on a Sapphire Preferred ($95) or Ink Business Preferred ($95) can pay for itself in fee savings alone. The Sapphire Reserve ($550) is aimed at frequent travelers who also use its travel credits and concierge service.
International fees on Chase debit cards and checking accounts
Chase debit cards charge 1% for international purchases and ATM withdrawals, the same as credit cards. However, some Chase checking accounts waive this fee for debit card transactions only. The Chase Premier Plus Checking and Chase Sapphire Checking waive the 1% international debit fee, though they require a minimum balance or direct deposit to avoid monthly service fees.
If you use your debit card abroad frequently, opening one of these accounts can eliminate the 1% cost on debit transactions. The fee waiver does not explore to credit card purchases, only debit card use.
ATM withdrawals are treated as transactions, so they incur the 1% international fee. Additionally, if the ATM is not part of the Allpoint network (which Chase participates in), you pay an out-of-network ATM fee on top of the international fee. This can total 2% to 3% of the amount withdrawn.
How to minimize international fees when traveling
The most direct way to avoid the 1% fee is to use a Chase card that waives it, or to use a debit card from a checking account that waives the fee. If you do not have either, use a card from another bank that does not charge an international fee — many online banks and credit unions offer cards with no international transaction fee.
For ATM withdrawals, use an Allpoint ATM if one is available in your destination. Chase participates in the Allpoint network, which has over 55,000 ATMs worldwide. Withdrawing cash from an Allpoint ATM waives the out-of-network fee, though the 1% international fee still applies unless your account waives it.
If you are traveling to a country where Chase has a local presence — such as the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia — you may be able to use a local Chase ATM without the out-of-network fee. Check Chase's website before you travel to see if your destination has Chase branches.
Foreign exchange markup beyond the 1% fee
The 1% international transaction fee is not the only cost. Chase also applies a foreign exchange markup, which is the difference between the official exchange rate and the rate Chase uses to convert your purchase. This markup is not a fixed percentage — it varies by card type and by the currency.
Premium cards like the Sapphire Reserve often have a smaller markup than standard cards, though Chase does not publish exact markup percentages. The markup is built into the exchange rate you see on your statement, so it is not listed as a separate fee.
To minimize total conversion costs, compare the all-in cost (fee plus markup) of using a Chase card versus using a local currency card or a specialized travel card from another issuer. Some travelers find that using a local debit card or a card from a bank that specializes in international travel produces a better rate than Chase, even after accounting for any fees those cards charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay the 1% fee if I buy something online from a foreign website?
Yes. If the merchant is based outside the United States and charges in a foreign currency, Chase treats it as an international transaction and charges the 1% fee. If the merchant converts the price to dollars before you pay, the transaction may not trigger the fee, but you will likely pay a worse exchange rate from the merchant instead.
What if I'm traveling and use my Chase card at a store that converts the price to dollars for me?
You will still pay the 1% international fee, because the transaction is processed outside the United States. The merchant's currency conversion offer does not change how Chase categorizes the transaction. You will also pay the merchant's markup on top of Chase's fee, so it is usually better to pay in the local currency and let Chase do the conversion.
Does the international fee explore to balance transfers or cash advances?
Balance transfers from foreign accounts may incur the fee depending on how the transfer is processed. Cash advances typically do incur the 1% international fee, plus a cash advance fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount). Avoid cash advances abroad — they are expensive. Use ATMs instead, which only charge the 1% international fee and the out-of-network ATM fee if applicable.
Can I dispute the international fee if I think it was charged in error?
The fee is not an error if the transaction was processed outside the United States. You can contact Chase to review the transaction, but the fee will stand if the merchant was foreign or the currency was not dollars. If you were charged twice for the same transaction, or if the fee amount is incorrect, Chase will investigate and correct it.
Will using a VPN or changing my location settings prevent the international fee?
No. Chase determines whether a transaction is international based on where the merchant is located and what currency is used, not on your location or IP address. Attempting to mask your location will not prevent the fee and may trigger fraud detection on your account.