If you’re wondering, “Can I use my Chase debit card internationally?” the answer is yes.
Your Chase debit card works wherever debit cards are accepted worldwide. Plus, you can easily withdraw cash from any ATM with the Visa or Mastercard logo.
As a global financial leader, JPMorgan Chase ensures that you can use your card abroad seamlessly.
To help you get ready for your next international trip, here’s everything you need to know about using your debit card overseas, including any fees you might encounter.
How to Use Your Chase Debit Card Abroad
Traveling abroad can really give you cold feet, especially when you’re not sure if your cards will work so far from home.
But here’s some good news: You can use your Chase debit card to make purchases at stores, hotels, and restaurants anywhere in the world as long as they accept debit cards.
It’s a convenient alternative to carrying cash when you’re out and about.
However, if you need cash during your travels or just want a back-up payment option, you can easily withdraw money at any ATM displaying the Visa or Mastercard logo.
Chase Bank also has over 15,000 ATMs and 4,700 branches worldwide. However, daily withdrawal limits still apply overseas as they do domestically, and the ATM operator may still charge an additional fee.
Extra Tip: Before you leave abroad, download the Chase mobile app. This allows you to monitor your accounts, instantly verify charges, and even lock your card if it gets lost or stolen. There is no need to notify Chase of your travel plans due to their 24/7 fraud monitoring, but enabling location services can enhance security and service.
Related article: Dip, Tap, Swipe: Safest Way to Use a Debit or Credit Card
Fees for Using Chase Debit Card Internationally
Foreign transaction fees can occur when you purchase or withdraw money in a foreign currency or with a merchant that routes your payment through a bank outside the U.S. So, even if you’re not abroad, you can still encounter these fees when you shop online with international retailers.
If you’re a Chase debit card holder, you might be charged a Chase debit card foreign transaction fee of 2-5% of the total purchase amount, including shipping costs and taxes. The exact fee depends on your bank or credit issuer and the total purchase amount. To learn more about the fees for international purchases, check your card member agreement.
Here are other Chase international fees you might encounter when using your debit card abroad:
- ATM fees: Foreign ATMs may charge a usage fee. This fee varies by ATM and can add up with multiple withdrawals. Some locations may also have a surcharge for international cards, which will be disclosed during the transaction.
- Dynamic Currency Conversion:Sometimes, when you’re shopping abroad or using an ATM, you might be given the option to pay in your home currency (USD) instead of the local currency. This is called Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), but watch out—it usually comes with higher exchange rates and extra fees.
- Network fees: Transactions abroad may incur fees from the card network (Visa or Mastercard), often built into the exchange rate applied to the transaction. While these rates are generally competitive, it’s something to remember as you budget your travel expenses.
To manage those pesky foreign transaction fees, consider using Cushion to streamline your finances. This app not only organizes your bills, subscriptions, and Buy Now, Pay Later payments in one user-friendly platform but also allows these transactions to contribute to building your credit history. Get the most out of your transactions abroad with Cushion.
Tips on How to Avoid Chase Foreign Transaction Fees
You can use your Chase debit card internationally while minimizing international fees with a few strategies to help you save money during your travels.
1. Opt for local currency: When making purchases abroad, it’s a good idea to pay in the local currency instead of U.S. dollars if that option is available. This can help you avoid additional fees like DCC and generally give you a better exchange rate.
2. Understand and plan for fees: Review the terms of your Chase account to thoroughly understand any applicable fees on your debit card transactions abroad. This will help you stay on top of any charges that might arise and plan your finances accordingly.
3. Apply for credit cards with no foreign transaction fees: International fees can easily stack up when you’re traveling abroad, and it can get tough to keep track of them all. If you love traveling, applying for Chase credit cards without foreign transaction fees can help you save money and simplify your finances. These include:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred®
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Instacart Mastercard®
- Aeroplan® Card
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority
- Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier
- United ClubSM Infinite
- United GatewaySM
- United QuestSM Card
- UnitedSM Explorer Card
- British Airways Visa Signature®
- Aer Lingus Visa Signature®
- Iberia Visa Signature®
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless®
- Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful™
- Marriott Bonvoy Bold®
- World of Hyatt Credit Card
- IHG One Rewards Premier
- IHG One Rewards Traveler
- Prime Visa
- Amazon Visa
4. Carry a backup payment method: It’s always a good idea to prepare multiple payment options, especially when you’re traveling abroad. You never know when you might run into a down ATM or a shop that doesn’t take debit cards. So, along with your Chase debit card, pack a credit card or some extra cash—just to be safe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Chase Sapphire have foreign transaction fees?
No, Chase Sapphire does not have foreign transaction fees.
Do I have to notify Chase of international travel?
No, you don’t need to notify Chase of your international travel plans due to their 24/7 fraud monitoring. However, enabling location services on the mobile app can enhance security and service while you’re abroad.
Can I use my Chase debit card to withdraw money internationally?
Yes, you can use a Chase debit card to withdraw money internationally, as long as they have the Visa or Mastercard logo. However, there might still be daily withdrawal limits and the ATM operator might still ask for a fee even though Chase won’t charge you a foreign transaction fee.
Summary
By understanding how you can use your Chase debit card internationally, what fees to expect, and how to avoid them, you can manage your finances more effectively while traveling abroad. This preparation will ensure you can enjoy your international travels with one less thing to worry about.
