Planning a trip abroad? Whether you’re sipping coffee in Paris or shopping in Tokyo, one thing can sneak up on your travel budget: foreign transaction fees. These pesky charges can add up fast when you use your credit card overseas.
If you’re considering a Chase Sapphire card, you might be wondering, “Does Chase Sapphire have foreign transaction fees?” Let’s dive in
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What Are Foreign Transaction Fees?
Before we get to the Chase Sapphire specifics, let’s talk about what foreign transaction fees are. When you use a credit card to make a purchase in a foreign currency or from a merchant outside the U.S., some card issuers tack on an extra charge.
This fee is usually around 1% to 3% of the purchase amount. For example, if you spend $100 on a souvenir in London, a 3% fee adds $3 to your bill. Over a week-long trip, these fees can really add up.
Foreign transaction fees cover the cost of currency conversion and processing international transactions. Not all cards charge them, though, and that’s where Chase Sapphire cards shine for travelers.
Let’s explore the two main Chase Sapphire cards: the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the Chase Sapphire Reserve.
Chase Sapphire Preferred: No Foreign Transaction Fees
Great news for globetrotters! The Chase Sapphire Preferred card does not charge foreign transaction fees. This makes it a fantastic choice for international travel.
Whether you’re booking a hotel in Mexico or dining in Italy, you won’t see extra charges just for using your card abroad.
This feature alone can save you hundreds of dollars on a long trip.
Here’s why the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a traveler’s favorite:
- No foreign transaction fees: Spend freely without worrying about extra costs on international purchases.
- Travel rewards: Earn 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, and 2x points on other travel purchases.
- Welcome bonus: New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first three months, which is worth $937.50 when redeemed for travel through Chase.
- Travel protections: Enjoy benefits like trip cancellation insurance, baggage delay reimbursement, and primary rental car insurance.
The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee, but the lack of foreign transaction fees and robust rewards make it worth it for frequent travelers.
Chase Sapphire Reserve: Also Fee-Free for International Use
If you’re looking for a more premium option, the Chase Sapphire Reserve also has no foreign transaction fees. This card is designed for luxury travelers who want extra perks.
With a higher annual fee of $550, it offers more benefits but still keeps international spending cost-effective by skipping those pesky fees.
Key features of the Chase Sapphire Reserve include:
- No foreign transaction fees: Use it anywhere in the world without extra charges.
- High rewards rates: Earn 10x points on hotels and car rentals booked through Chase Travel, 5x points on flights, and 3x points on dining and other travel.
- Annual travel credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits each year for travel purchases, which helps offset the annual fee.
- Luxury perks: Enjoy access to Priority Pass lounges, a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, and exclusive dining experiences.
Both Chase Sapphire cards are part of the Visa network, which is widely accepted worldwide, making them reliable choices for international trips.
Why No Foreign Transaction Fees Matter
You might be thinking, “Is a 3% fee really a big deal?” Let’s break it down with a quick example.
Imagine you’re on a 10-day trip to Europe and spend $2,000 on hotels, dining, and souvenirs.
With a card that charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, you’d pay an extra $60.
That’s enough for a nice dinner or a museum pass! With a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve card, you keep that $60 in your pocket.
Here’s a simple table to show the savings:
| Card Type | Foreign Transaction Fee | Spending ($2,000) | Extra Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Card (3% fee) | 3% | $2,000 | $60 |
| Chase Sapphire Preferred | 0% | $2,000 | $0 |
| Chase Sapphire Reserve | 0% | $2,000 | $0 |
By choosing a Chase Sapphire card, you avoid these fees and can use that money for more travel experiences.
How Currency Conversion Works with Chase Sapphire
Even without foreign transaction fees, you might wonder about currency conversion. When you use a Chase Sapphire card abroad, purchases in foreign currencies are converted to U.S. dollars using the Visa exchange rate.
This rate is generally competitive, close to the mid-market rate you see on Google or XE.com. However, the exact rate depends on when the transaction is processed, which might be a day or two after your purchase.
A quick tip: Always choose to pay in the local currency when given the option. Some merchants offer to convert the transaction to U.S. dollars for you (called dynamic currency conversion), but this often comes with poor exchange rates and hidden fees.
By paying in the local currency, you let Visa handle the conversion, which is usually more cost-effective.
Other Chase Cards and Foreign Transaction Fees
Not all Chase cards are as travel-friendly as the Sapphire line. For example, some Chase debit cards and other credit cards, like certain Chase Freedom cards, charge a 3% foreign transaction fee.
If you’re a frequent traveler, sticking with the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve is a smarter choice. Always check your card’s terms before traveling to avoid surprises.
Here’s a quick comparison of Chase cards:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: No foreign transaction fees, great for travelers.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: No foreign transaction fees, premium travel perks.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited: No foreign transaction fees, good for cashback rewards.
- Standard Chase Debit Card: 3% foreign transaction fee, not ideal for international use.
Tips for Using Chase Sapphire Cards Abroad
To make the most of your Chase Sapphire card on international trips, follow these simple tips:
- Notify Chase of your travel plans: Let Chase know your travel dates through the Chase app or website to avoid fraud alerts or declined transactions.
- Use the card for big purchases: Earn bonus points on travel and dining, and take advantage of travel protections like trip cancellation insurance.
- Carry a backup card: While Visa is widely accepted, having another card (preferably with no foreign transaction fees) is a good idea in case of issues.
- Avoid cash advances: Both Sapphire cards charge high fees for cash advances ($10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater), so use a debit card for ATM withdrawals.
Maximizing Rewards with Chase Sapphire Abroad
One of the best parts of using a Chase Sapphire card internationally is earning rewards. The Chase Sapphire Preferred offers 5x points on travel booked through Chase Travel and 2x points on other travel purchases, like train tickets or taxis.
Dining abroad earns 3x points, which includes everything from street food to fine dining. The Chase Sapphire Reserve bumps this up with 10x points on hotels and car rentals through Chase Travel and 5x points on flights.
You can redeem these points for:
- Travel through Chase Travel: Points are worth 1.25 cents each with the Preferred card and 1.5 cents with the Reserve.
- Transfer to partners: Move points to airline or hotel partners like United, British Airways, or Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio for potentially higher value.
- Cash back or gift cards: Less value per point, but still an option for flexibility.
For example, if you spend $1,000 on dining during your trip with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, you’d earn 3,000 points.
Redeem those through Chase Travel, and they’re worth $37.50 toward your next trip.
FAQs: Does Chase Sapphire Have Foreign Transaction Fees
Q. Do all Chase Sapphire cards have no foreign transaction fees?
A. Yes, both the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve cards have no foreign transaction fees, making them ideal for international travel.
Q. Will I be charged extra for using my Chase Sapphire card online with foreign merchants?
A. No, as long as you use a Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve card, you won’t face foreign transaction fees, even for online purchases from international retailers.
Q. How can I avoid currency conversion fees with my Chase Sapphire card?
A. Always choose to pay in the local currency to avoid dynamic currency conversion, which can include hidden fees. The Visa exchange rate used by Chase is generally fair.
Conclusion
The Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve cards are excellent choices for international travelers, thanks to their lack of foreign transaction fees and robust travel rewards.
Whether you’re exploring new cities or dining at local spots, these cards let you spend without worrying about extra charges. Plus, their rewards programs and travel protections add even more value to your trips.
Before you travel, notify Chase of your plans, pay in local currency, and use your card for bonus categories to maximize your points. With a Chase Sapphire card in your wallet, you’re ready to travel smarter and save more.
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is accurate as of June 27, 2025, based on available data. Always check the latest terms and conditions from Chase before making financial decisions. For specific details about the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve cards, visit Chase.com.
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