How Much Does Chase Charge For Credit Card Transactions and How To Avoid 3% Foreign Transaction Fee?

Let’s get one thing straight: every swipe, tap, or click has the potential to cost more than just the sticker price—if you’re not paying attention. Sounds unfair, right? I know. But it’s not all doom and gloom.

Chase, like most major banks, isn’t charging fees just for fun (well, maybe a little fun). These fees cover processing, risks, and rewards systems. But for you, they can add up fast if you’re not savvy.

The problem? Most people don’t even realize these charges exist until they feel it in their bank account.

So whether you’re traveling abroad, sending a balance across cards, or accidentally using your card at an ATM (please don’t do that), I’ve got you covered with everything you need to know.

Key takeaway: Credit card fees can quietly eat into your budget—but knowing how Chase charges you puts the power back in your hands.

How Much Are Chase’s Foreign Transaction Fees?

The Cost is the 3% of every transaction made outside the U.S. (or with a foreign merchant, even online).

Let’s say you spend $100 at a café in Rome. Boom—your croissant just cost you $103. Not a huge deal for one purchase, but imagine doing that 10, 20, or 50 times on a trip. That adds up fast.

Which Chase Cards Charge Foreign Transaction Fees?

Most everyday Chase cards do charge this fee. Examples:

• Chase Freedom Flex®
• Chase Slate Edge℠
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®

But there are some cards that are built for travelers and waive this fee entirely:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred®
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• United Explorer Card
• World of Hyatt Card
• Chase Ink Business Preferred®

These cards usually have annual fees, but if you travel even once a year, you might easily make your money back just by skipping those 3% charges.

Tips to Avoid It:

• Use a no-foreign-transaction-fee card anytime you travel or shop internationally online.
• Skip dynamic currency conversion. If a merchant offers to charge you in USD instead of local currency, say “no thanks.” It often costs more.
• Don’t forget about online shops. Even if you’re sitting on your couch ordering from a foreign website, that 3% still applies.

What’s the Deal With Chase Cash Advance Fees?

Okay, cash advances. Cue the dramatic music.

They’re the most expensive way to borrow on your card.

What You’ll Pay:

• 5% of the transaction or $10, whichever is greater.
• Interest kicks in immediately. There’s no grace period—none.
• APR is often 29.99% or higher. Yes, higher.

Even if you’re just borrowing a small amount—say, $50—you could pay $10 in fees, plus interest starting that same day.

Common Ways People Accidentally Trigger a Cash Advance:

• Withdrawing money from an ATM using a credit card.
• Sending money with apps like Venmo, PayPal, or Cash App (if funded by credit).
• Buying lottery tickets or gambling chips.
• Purchasing gift cards online (this one can be a gray area).

Better Alternatives:

• Use your debit card or cash.
• Consider a personal loan or 0% APR intro credit card offer.
• Ask your card issuer if they offer overdraft protection transfers—some do.

Pro Insight: Cash advances don’t earn rewards, either. So it’s all downside, no perks.

What About Chase Balance Transfer Fees?

Balance transfers can actually save you big bucks if done right—but they’re not always as “free” as they seem.

Typical Fees:

• 3% of the amount transferred during promo periods.
• Can jump up to 5% after that.

If you’re moving $5,000 to take advantage of a 0% APR promo, you’ll likely pay $150 upfront. That’s still better than racking up interest at 20% elsewhere—but only if you pay it off within the promo window.

Which Chase Cards Offer Good Balance Transfer Options?

• Chase Slate Edge℠ – 0% APR for 18 months (check their current offer).
• Chase Freedom Unlimited® – Sometimes offers 0% APR for 15 months.

What to Watch Out For:

• Balance transfers usually don’t earn rewards.
• New purchases may not have the same low APR.
• Payments may go to the lower interest balance first, unless you direct otherwise.

How Much Are Chase Merchant Processing Fees?

If you’re running a small business and accepting credit cards, this is where things get real. Chase doesn’t just issue cards—they also process payments through Chase Payment Solutions.

Standard Fees (as of 2025):

• In-person (swipe/tap/dip): 2.6% + $0.10 per transaction
• Online: 2.9% + $0.25
• Manual keyed-in: 3.5% + $0.10
• Custom pricing available for large-volume businesses

There may also be:

• Monthly software fees
• Terminal rental costs
• Chargeback fees (usually $15–$25 per incident)

Why Business Owners Still Choose Chase:

• Direct deposit into Chase Business accounts (fast).
• 24/7 fraud detection.
• Trusted brand, especially if you already bank with Chase.

Quick Tip: If you’re just starting out and want simpler pricing, Square or Stripe might be more beginner-friendly.

What Are Other Hidden Fees You Should Watch For?

Not all fees are obvious. Some are buried in fine print or only show up when you slip up.

Common Hidden Fees:

• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40 if you miss your due date. Plus, you risk a penalty APR of 29.99%.
• Returned Payment Fee: If your payment bounces, you’ll get hit with a $40 fee.
• Annual Fees:
  • Some cards are fee-free.
  • Travel cards like Sapphire Preferred ($95) or Reserve ($550) charge annually—but offer huge travel rewards.

Always check your cardholder agreement. It’s long, but skimming the key parts is worth it.

How Can You Avoid or Reduce Chase Credit Card Fees?

You don’t need to be a finance wizard to outsmart Chase. Just be a little strategic.

My Go-To Tips:

• Pick the right card. Travel often? Get one with no foreign fees. Hate fees? Go with a no-annual-fee card.
• Pay on time, every time. Autopay is your best friend.
• Never take a cash advance. Like, ever.
• Transfer balances strategically. Only if you’re saving more than you’re paying in fees.
• Track your statements. Glance at them each month—you’d be surprised what you might catch.

Pro Tip: Use apps like Credit Karma or Chase’s own mobile app to monitor transactions and due dates.

How Do I Avoid 3% Foreign Transaction Fee?

Great question—and one that can literally save you hundreds of dollars if you travel or shop internationally!

Here’s how you can avoid Chase’s 3% foreign transaction fee like a pro:

1. Use a Chase Card That Has No Foreign Transaction Fees

Chase offers several travel-friendly credit cards that completely waive the 3% foreign fee. Here are a few popular ones:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred®
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Chase Ink Business Preferred®
• United Explorer Card
• World of Hyatt Credit Card

These cards are built for travelers, so you can swipe abroad without worrying about extra charges.

2. Avoid Using Cards With the Fee for International Purchases

Even if you’re not abroad, shopping on a foreign website can trigger the fee. That cute bag from a French boutique online? Yeah—same 3% fee applies.

So stick to a no-foreign-fee card, even when buying online, if the seller is based outside the U.S.

3. Say No to “Dynamic Currency Conversion” (DCC)

This sneaky little trick happens when a merchant offers to charge your card in USD instead of the local currency. Sounds helpful, right? Wrong!

It often comes with a worse exchange rate, and you may still get hit with the 3% fee anyway.

Always choose to pay in local currency. Your bank will convert it, usually at a better rate.

4. Use Travel Credit Cards from Other Banks If Needed

If you don’t have a Chase travel card, consider alternatives like:

• Capital One Venture cards
• American Express Platinum or Gold
• Discover (accepted in fewer countries but has no foreign fees)

These all waive foreign transaction fees too.

5. Double Check Before You Travel

Before heading abroad:

• Call Chase or check your card’s terms in the app.
• Make sure your card doesn’t have the fee—or bring a backup that doesn’t.

Want a quick summary?

Avoid Chase’s 3% foreign transaction fee by using one of their travel cards, always paying in local currency, and skipping international purchases on cards that charge the fee.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Chase charge a fee for using a credit card?

Not for regular purchases. But certain actions—like foreign transactions, balance transfers, or cash advances—can trigger fees.

Do I have to be traveling to get a foreign transaction fee?

Nope. Ordering from an international website can also trigger it. Even if you’re sitting at home in pajamas.

Can I use my Chase credit card at an ATM?

You can, but don’t unless it’s an emergency. It’s treated as a cash advance—with high fees and no grace period.

Are balance transfer fees worth it?

They can be—if you’re moving a high-interest balance and paying it off during the 0% promo period.

How do I find out what fees I’ve been charged?

Log into your Chase app or online account and check “Transaction Details.” Fees are usually labeled clearly.

Does Chase charge extra for business credit card use?

Not directly. Business cards have similar fee structures, but merchant processing fees apply if you’re accepting payments.

Can I negotiate fees with Chase?

Sometimes, yes! If you’ve been hit with a fee (like a late payment) and have a good history, call and ask for a one-time waiver. Be polite—it helps.

Final Thoughts: Use Chase Credit Cards, But Use Them Smartly

Here’s the deal—credit cards are tools, not traps. But just like power tools, you’ve gotta read the manual before firing them up.

Chase offers some incredible credit cards, and when used wisely, they can earn you rewards, protect your purchases, and even build your credit. But the minute you get too relaxed? Boom—fees start showing up like party crashers.

Know your card. Know the fees. Use the perks. And if anything ever looks off—don’t hesitate to ask questions. That’s how you stay in charge. Still confused about a Chase fee you got charged? Drop your situation in the comments—I’ll help you sort it out!