If you’re wondering, “Can I use my Chase debit card internationally?” the answer is yes. Your Chase debit card is accepted worldwide wherever debit cards are welcome. Also, you can easily withdraw cash from any ATM with the Visa or Mastercard logo. As a global financial leader, JPMorgan Chase ensures that using your card abroad is seamless. From how to use your debit card and any applicable fees, here’s what you need to know to prepare for your travels.
How to Use Your Chase Debit Card Abroad
We get it—traveling abroad can be nerve-wracking, 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, but keep in mind that daily withdrawal limits might still apply overseas, as they do domestically. Also, the ATM operator may 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.
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. That means that even if you’re not abroad, you can still encounter these fees if 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 amount may vary depending 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: Merchants and ATMs might offer you the choice to pay in your home currency (USD) instead of the local currency. This is known as Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) and typically comes with high exchange rates and additional 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 are a frequent traveler, consider applying for Chase credit cards with no foreign transaction fees to simplify your finances and save money. 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
- Carry a backup payment method: Having multiple payment methods is important in managing emergencies or unexpected situations, especially when you’re traveling abroad. You never know when you might run into a down ATM or a place that doesn’t take debit cards. So, along with your Chase debit card, make sure to pack a credit card or some cash as a backup—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 need 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 your Chase debit cards to withdraw money internationally at ATMs that display the Visa or Mastercard logo. However, there may still be daily withdrawal limits, and the ATM operator may charge a fee even though Chase doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee for debit card purchases or ATM withdrawals.
Related articles:
- How to Avoid Bank Fees While Traveling
- How to Plan a Fun-Filled Family Vacation on a Budget
- Should You Use Chase Pay in 4?
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.
