Chase’s Typical Costs Abroad
- Foreign transaction fee: Most Chase debit cards and some credit cards charge a 3% fee on purchases in foreign currencies.
- Account-level exceptions: Customers with Chase Sapphire® Banking or Chase Private Client Checking℠ may have fees waived, but still face unfavorable exchange rates.
- Credit card variance:
- Cards like Chase Freedom Unlimited®, Freedom Flex®, Freedom Rise® charge 3% foreign transaction fees;
- Premium cards such as Chase Sapphire Preferred® and Sapphire Reserve® do not.
- How to avoid fees:
- Use credit cards with zero foreign transaction fees;
- Avoid dynamic currency conversion (DCC), and pay in local currency to reduce costs.
A Flexible Alternative: DogPay’s Global Payment Solution
For frequent travelers, multi-currency users, or those aiming to minimize international transaction costs, DogPay offers a modern and cost-efficient approach:
- Supports both fiat and crypto holdings and conversions
- Virtual cards compatible with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and international online use
- Available in 180+ countries without requiring local bank accounts
- Minimal or zero foreign currency fees, with transparent mid-market exchange rates
- Full online account setup, no residency or high-balance requirements
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Chase Traditional Banking | DogPay Modern Global Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign transaction fee | Typically 3%; high-end card waiver | Very low or zero; transparent FX |
| Multi-currency support | Largely unavailable | Supports fiat & crypto |
| Payment method | Physical card | Virtual card with mobile payments |
| Account setup | Branch-based; may require VIP | Online, accessible to anyone |
| Best for | Occasional travelers or VIP users | Digital nomads, expats, frequent cross-border users |
