Chase is the most popular US bank, with more than 80 million customers and a card lineup that ranges from "best in class for travel" (Sapphire Reserve) to "actively expensive abroad" (Total Checking debit). The right Chase strategy abroad is not "use Chase for everything." It is "use Sapphire for purchases, use Wise or Schwab for cash, leave the Freedom card at home." This page explains why, and links to country-by-country fee math.
The Chase travel rules of thumb
| Card | Foreign Transaction Fee | Use Abroad? |
|---|---|---|
| Sapphire Preferred / Reserve | 0% | Yes — for all purchases |
| Ink Business Preferred | 0% | Yes — for business spend |
| United, Marriott, IHG cards | 0% | Yes — for travel purchases |
| Freedom Unlimited / Flex | 3% | No — leave at home |
| Slate Edge, Amazon Prime Visa | 3% | No |
| Total Checking debit (ATM) | 3% + $5/withdrawal | Emergency only |
| Sapphire Banking debit (ATM) | 3% + $0/withdrawal | Acceptable for cash |
Chase fees by country
Should I tell Chase I'm traveling?
Chase no longer requires travel notices for personal cards. Their fraud system uses behavior, not pre-trip notifications. Make sure your phone number on file is current so Chase can text you a fraud alert if needed. Business card holders should still set a travel notice in the Chase app.
The Chase customer's fix: pair Sapphire with Wise
If you bank with Chase, your most expensive mistake abroad is using Chase debit at the ATM. Open a Wise account (free, US-issued Visa debit, ships in 1-2 weeks) and use it for cash withdrawals. Keep your Chase Sapphire Preferred or Reserve in the wallet for purchases. This combination costs you almost nothing in foreign transaction fees and earns you 2-3x points on travel spending. Get a Wise card →