Chase debit international fees [A complete guide]
The wide acceptance of Chase Debit cards worldwide makes them a convenient choice for transactions abroad. However, like most cards, users encounter international charges when using Chase Debit. These may include foreign transaction fees, ATM withdrawal fees, and currency conversion fees.
In this guide, we go through all the international fees you might expect to encounter when using Chase Debit abroad. Being familiar with these fees could help you plan your travel budget and purchases.
What are Chase debit card international fees?
Your Chase Debit card allows you to do the following:
- Purchase goods and services from participating merchants
- Get cash from merchants that permit the cashback option
- Withdraw cash using an ATM
- Withdraw funds at a teller
- Send or receive payments from another person or business entity
The most common international fees you can expect are:
During international transactions, most payments are processed through banks or payment networks outside the United States. Banks, card issuers, or payment networks typically charge around 2 to 5% of the total purchase amount as fees for foreign transactions.
Debit cards may be used to withdraw cash from ATMs, merchants that have cashback options, or other financial institutions. However, when these withdrawals are made abroad, they incur international usage fees, including surcharges from ATM networks.
When you use debit cards to make purchases or withdraw from ATMs in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, your transaction will incur currency conversion fees.
In the next sections, we’ll go in-depth on how Chase determines the amount for these fees.
Does Chase debit card have foreign transaction fees?
Yes, Chase charges foreign transaction fees when you use your Chase Debit card for international transactions where the merchant routes payments through banks outside of the United States. These fees apply for in-person purchases in locations abroad and for online transactions.
Chase foreign transaction fees typically cost 3% of the transaction amount (in U.S. dollars). However, for higher-tier accounts like Chase Sapphire, these fees are often waived as part of the exclusive privileges.
Chase debit card international ATM fees
When using ATMs abroad, Chase charges $5 per withdrawal from non-Chase ATMs. Aside from this withdrawal fee, you might also incur surcharges from foreign ATM operators. These fees vary per network, so do your due diligence in checking the rates before using ATMs abroad.
Withdrawals from Chase ATMs are capped from $100 to $3,000. For withdrawals on non-Chase ATMs, amounts are limited to under $100 for Chase First and to under $2,000 for Chase Sapphire and Chase Private. Debit card purchases are limited to a maximum of $400 for Chase First. If you have Chase Sapphire or Chase Private Client, you enjoy a higher purchase limit of $7,500.
Chase currency exchange fees
For debit card transactions and ATM withdrawals made in non-US currency, Chase charges a Foreign Exchange Rate Adjustment Fee equivalent to 3% of the purchase amount or withdrawal amount1 after conversion to U.S. dollars.
The exchange rate applied to each transaction is determined by the network processing the transaction. The currency exchange rate varies daily and may be influenced by the following factors:
- Rates in wholesale currency markets
- Exchange rates set by local governments
- The type and amount of transaction
- The date and time of the exchange
How to avoid Chase international fees
Although transaction fees are relatively low, they can add up when you have multiple transactions during your trip. And, if you frequently go abroad, you’d want to keep these fees to a minimum. So, here are some practical tips to reduce or avoid international fees.
1. Use Chase ATMs
As much as possible, use your Chase debit cards for withdrawals through Chase-branded ATMs only because these are free of charge. You may also consider using a card from another bank that is partnered with surcharge-free ATM networks like Allpoint.
2. Apply for a card with no foreign transaction fees
Some premium checking accounts at Chase do not charge foreign transaction fees. If you’re often abroad, consider getting the Chase Sapphire Reserve2, which also has other travel perks like a $300 annual travel credit and complimentary access to airport lounges. Other Chase account types that waive international fees are the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Private Client.
3. Use local currency when paying
Avoid having to pay currency conversion fees by using the local currency when you pay. If you pay in your home currency, local merchants charge dynamic fees to convert the price to your currency. Often, the exchange rate they use is also less favorable to you than what your card provider would use. Moreover, the currency conversion process may also involve hidden fees.
4. Use alternative financial services
Multi-currency digital wallets, prepaid travel cards, and other financial services are also good alternatives to using debit cards. Mobile payment platforms like Apple Pay or Google Pay may allow you to bypass some international transaction fees. Digital wallets like Wise and Revolut let you hold multiple currencies in your account and pay for purchases with a linked card.
5. Pay in cash when abroad
Exchange some cash before you leave the United States so you can pay in cash in the local currency. If you’re visiting family or close friends, you may also send money beforehand through BOSS Revolution so you won’t have to travel with a large amount of cash. If you run low on cash, you can arrange for someone in the United States to send funds to you for pickup at the nearest establishment partnered with BOSS Revolution.
Chase international ATM partners
The Chase ATM network has more than 15,000 ATMs across the United States. However, Chase-branded ATMs are rare in other countries. Still, you can use your Chase card to withdraw abroad through ATMs with the Visa or Mastercard logos. Use the Chase ATM locator9 tool to find Chase-compatible ATMs in your destination.
Keep in mind that withdrawals from non-Chase ATMs may be subject to surcharges applied by the ATM owner or network.
How Chase debit international fees compare to competitors
Chase international fees are relatively the same as most major banks. However, there are other banks, including HSBC, Citi, and Wells Fargo, that provide more affordable rates for international debit card use.
| Foreign ATM withdrawal fees | Foreign debit card purchase fees | |
|---|---|---|
| Chase Debit | $5 per withdrawal 3% of the withdrawal amount |
3% of transaction amount (USD) |
| Bank of America3 | $5 per withdrawal 3% of dollar amount |
3% of transaction amount (USD) |
| Citi4,5 | $2.50 per withdrawal 3% of dollar amount |
3% of transaction amount (USD) |
| Wells Fargo6 | $5 per withdrawal | 3% of transaction amount (USD) |
| HSBC7,8 | none | none |
Alternatives to Chase for international transactions
To avoid costly international fees, you may use the BOSS Revolution money transfer service. The fees for sending money abroad are lower compared to the foreign transaction fee Chase charges. The exchange rates offered by BOSS Revolution are also more competitive, at times better than mid-market rates.
Another advantage of using BOSS Revolution is its hundreds of partner establishments that enable cash pickups in numerous locations worldwide. You can have someone in the United States send you the cash you need, and it’ll be ready for pickup in the local currency within just a few minutes. You won’t have to ask yourself, “How much are Chase visa international fees?” or “What ATMs can I use with Chase?”
Does Chase charge for currency exchange?
For certain types of debit cards, Chase may charge a foreign exchange rate adjustment fee amounting to 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of the transaction.
Can I use my Chase debit card internationally?
Yes, you can use your Chase debit card internationally. The card may be used in stores and ATMs that accept Visa or Mastercard.
How much does Chase charge for international transactions?
Chase generally charges $5 for foreign ATM withdrawals and 3% of the withdrawal amount if it is in a non-US currency. Purchases using debit cards may also incur fees amounting to 3% of the total purchase amount. However, these fees are usually waived for premium accounts and Chase Travel transactions.
How do I avoid international fees with Chase?
To minimize international fees with Chase, sign up for an account under Chase Sapphire Checking or Chase Private Client Checking. Debit cards connected to these two account types enjoy no foreign exchange rate adjustment or international ATM withdrawal fees. ATM surcharge fees from non-Chase ATMs are also refunded.10
Alternatively, you can use money transfer services like BOSS Revolution to send and receive cash abroad. This helps you avoid steep international fees and gives you the convenience of getting cash in local currencies.
What debit card has no foreign transaction fees?
Only a handful of banks offer no foreign transaction fees with debit cards. These include HSBC, Charles Schwab, Capital One, and Discover. Other banks like Chase charge foreign transaction fees for debit card transactions but may waive these fees on cards connected to premium or high-tier checking accounts.11
Do I have to let Chase know I'm traveling?
Chase does not require clients to lodge travel notices when they go abroad, although these were previously required to avoid the inconvenience of having transactions flagged. Nowadays, fraud detection capabilities are more advanced, eliminating the need for prior travel notification. Chase will send alerts if they notice any unusual behavior or suspicious transactions.12,13
Final thoughts
Using your Chase Debit card abroad gives you the convenience of cashless payments and quick withdrawals from Visa/Mastercard ATMs. However, these transactions incur fees that can eat away your travel budget.
So, consider other alternatives that would give you the flexibility to handle different financial scenarios abroad while minimizing international fees. Compare Chase with other card providers and consider international money transfer services like BOSS Revolution. A debit card is undoubtedly handy, but knowing how to get cash in local currencies can make all the difference when managing your travel expenses efficiently.
Sources: all third party information obtained from applicable website as of November 20, 2024
- https://www.chase.com/content/dam/chase-ux/documents/personal/checking/ABSF-en.pdf
- https://creditcards.chase.com/rewards-credit-cards/sapphire/reserve
- https://www.bankofamerica.com/salesservices/deposits/resources/personal-schedule-fees/
- https://online.citi.com/JRS/popups/ao/CDAA.pdf
- https://www.citi.com/banking/simplifiedbanking
- https://www.wellsfargo.com/checking/everyday/account-fees-summary/
- https://www.us.hsbc.com/checking-accounts/products/debit-cards/faq-debit/
- https://www.us.hsbc.com/account-opening/online-disclosures/#electronic-banking
- https://locator.chase.com/?locale=en_US
- https://www.chase.com/content/dam/chase-ux/documents/personal/checking/ABSF-en.pdf
- https://www.usnews.com/banking/articles/foreign-transaction-fees-by-bank
- https://www.chase.com/personal/credit-cards/education/rewards-benefits/should-you-notify-your-credit-card-company-when-traveling
- https://www.chase.co.uk/gb/en/support/travel-with-chase/
This article is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to address every aspect of the matters discussed herein. The information in this article is not intended as specific personal advice. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, regulatory or other professional advice from IDT Payment Services, Inc. and its affiliates (collectively, “IDT”), and should not be taken or used as such by any individual. IDT makes no representation, warranty or guaranty, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is current, accurate, or complete. You should obtain professional or other substantive advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the information in this article.
