When traveling abroad, one of the most important considerations is how to manage your finances. Using a credit card that charges foreign transaction fees can quickly add up, eating into your travel budget. Fortunately, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card has no foreign transaction fees, making it an excellent choice for international travelers.

Foreign transaction fees are charges imposed by credit card issuers on purchases made in foreign currencies or processed through foreign banks. These fees typically range from 1% to 3% of the transaction amount and can significantly increase the cost of your purchases while traveling overseas.

Does Chase Sapphire Preferred Charge Foreign Transaction Fees?

The good news is that Chase Sapphire Preferred does not charge any foreign transaction fees. This means that you can use your card for purchases anywhere in the world without worrying about additional costs. Whether you’re dining at a restaurant in Paris, booking a hotel in Tokyo, or shopping in London, you’ll enjoy the convenience of using your Chase Sapphire Preferred card without incurring extra fees.

By eliminating foreign transaction fees, Chase Sapphire Preferred saves you money and simplifies your travel expenses. You can focus on enjoying your trip without the hassle of calculating and budgeting for these additional charges.

How Chase Sapphire Preferred Compares to Other Cards

While Chase Sapphire Preferred stands out for its lack of foreign transaction fees, it’s not the only credit card that offers this benefit. Many travel rewards cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card, also waive foreign transaction fees.

Credit Card	Foreign Transaction Fee
Chase Sapphire Preferred	None
Chase Sapphire Reserve	None
Capital One Venture Rewards	None
American Express Platinum Card	None
Citi Premier Card	None

However, what sets Chase Sapphire Preferred apart is its combination of no foreign transaction fees and a robust rewards program. With the ability to earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points on travel and dining purchases, as well as a generous sign-up bonus, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers excellent value for frequent travelers.

Benefits of Using Chase Sapphire Preferred Abroad

In addition to not charging foreign transaction fees, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers several other benefits that make it an ideal companion for international travel. These perks can enhance your travel experience, provide valuable protections, and help you maximize your rewards.

No Foreign Transaction Fees

As mentioned earlier, one of the most significant advantages of using Chase Sapphire Preferred abroad is the absence of foreign transaction fees. This benefit alone can save you a considerable amount of money, especially if you frequently travel internationally or make substantial purchases in foreign currencies.

By eliminating these fees, Chase Sapphire Preferred allows you to use your card freely while traveling, without worrying about the added cost of each transaction. This can simplify your travel expenses and help you stick to your budget.

Earning Rewards on Foreign Purchases

Another key benefit of using Chase Sapphire Preferred for international purchases is the ability to earn valuable rewards points. The card offers 2x points per dollar spent on travel and dining worldwide, including hotels, flights, restaurants, and more. This means that every time you use your card abroad, you’re not only avoiding foreign transaction fees but also accumulating points that can be redeemed for future travel.

Additionally, Chase Sapphire Preferred often features limited-time bonus categories that allow you to earn even more points on specific types of purchases. By strategically using your card for these bonus categories, you can maximize your rewards earning potential while traveling.

Travel Insurance and Protections

Chase Sapphire Preferred provides a suite of travel insurance and protection benefits that can offer peace of mind and financial security when traveling internationally. Some of the key coverages include:

Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Reimburses you for non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled or cut short due to covered reasons, such as illness or severe weather.
Baggage Delay Insurance: Provides reimbursement for essential purchases if your checked baggage is delayed by more than 6 hours.
Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver: Offers primary coverage for rental car damage or theft when you decline the rental company’s collision insurance.
Travel Accident Insurance: Provides coverage for accidental death or dismemberment during your trip.

These protections can save you money and provide assistance in case of unexpected events during your international travels. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific terms and conditions of each benefit to understand the coverage limits and requirements.

Tips for Using Chase Sapphire Preferred Internationally

To make the most of your Chase Sapphire Preferred card while traveling abroad, consider the following tips:

Notify Chase of Travel Plans

Before embarking on your international trip, it’s a good idea to notify Chase of your travel plans. This can be done easily through the Chase mobile app or by calling the number on the back of your card. By informing Chase of your upcoming travel, you can avoid potential issues with your card being flagged for suspicious activity or declined due to unusual spending patterns.

Providing your travel dates and destinations helps Chase’s fraud detection system recognize that the transactions made in foreign countries are legitimate, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted experience while using your card abroad.

Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion

When making purchases in foreign countries, you may be offered the option to pay in your home currency (e.g., U.S. dollars) instead of the local currency. This practice is known as dynamic currency conversion (DCC). While it may seem convenient, DCC often comes with unfavorable exchange rates and additional fees.

To avoid these extra costs, always choose to pay in the local currency when prompted. Chase Sapphire Preferred uses Visa’s competitive exchange rates, which are generally more favorable than the rates offered through DCC. By opting for the local currency, you’ll ensure that you’re getting the best possible exchange rate and avoiding unnecessary fees.

Carry a Backup Card and Cash

While Chase Sapphire Preferred is widely accepted worldwide, it’s always a good idea to have a backup payment method when traveling internationally. This can include another credit card, preferably one with no foreign transaction fees, as well as some cash in the local currency.

Having a backup card can be helpful in case your primary card is lost, stolen, or unexpectedly declined. Cash can also be useful for small purchases or in situations where credit cards are not accepted. By diversifying your payment options, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

Understanding Visa Exchange Rates

When you use your Chase Sapphire Preferred card for international purchases, the transactions are processed through the Visa network. Visa uses its own exchange rates to convert foreign currencies to U.S. dollars, which are then posted to your account. Understanding how Visa determines these exchange rates can help you make informed decisions about using your card abroad.

How Visa Determines Exchange Rates

Visa sets its exchange rates based on wholesale currency markets, taking into account factors such as supply and demand, economic conditions, and political stability. These rates are updated daily and applied to transactions that are processed through the Visa network.

It’s important to note that the exchange rate used for your transaction may be different from the rate on the day you made the purchase. This is because transactions can take a few days to be processed and posted to your account, and the exchange rate may fluctuate during that time.

Comparing Visa Rates to Other Options

While Visa’s exchange rates are generally competitive, they may not always be the absolute best available. To get the most favorable exchange rate, you can compare Visa’s rates with other options, such as:

Interbank Exchange Rate: Also known as the mid-market rate, this is the rate at which banks trade currencies with each other. It’s often considered the most equitable exchange rate.
Local Currency Exchange Offices: You can compare the rates offered by local currency exchange offices in your destination country to see if they offer better rates than Visa.
Online Currency Exchange Services: Platforms like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or XE allow you to compare exchange rates and send money internationally at competitive rates.

Keep in mind that while you may find slightly better exchange rates through other methods, the convenience and security of using your Chase Sapphire Preferred card often outweigh the potential savings from small differences in exchange rates.

Alternatives to Using a Credit Card Abroad

While using a credit card like Chase Sapphire Preferred is often the most convenient and rewarding option for international purchases, there are alternative methods to consider depending on your specific needs and preferences.

Debit Cards and ATM Withdrawals

If you prefer to use cash or want to avoid the potential interest charges associated with credit card purchases, using a debit card for ATM withdrawals can be a viable alternative. However, it’s important to be aware of the fees involved.

Many banks charge foreign transaction fees and ATM withdrawal fees for international transactions. To minimize these costs, consider using a debit card that waives foreign transaction fees, such as the Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking account or the Capital One 360 Checking account. These accounts reimburse ATM fees worldwide, making them a cost-effective option for accessing cash abroad.

Prepaid Travel Cards and Cash

Prepaid travel cards, such as the Travelex Money Card or the AAA Visa TravelMoney Card, allow you to load funds onto a card before your trip and use it for purchases and ATM withdrawals abroad. These cards often come with competitive exchange rates and can be a good option if you want to stick to a predetermined budget.

Carrying some cash in the local currency can also be handy for small purchases or in case of emergencies. However, be sure to store your cash securely and avoid carrying large amounts with you at any given time.

Ultimately, the best approach to managing your finances while traveling abroad is often a combination of methods. By using a no foreign transaction fee credit card like Chase Sapphire Preferred for the majority of your purchases, and supplementing with debit card withdrawals or prepaid travel cards as needed, you can enjoy a stress-free and rewarding international travel experience.

See also: