Can Chase Freedom Unlimited^® be Used Internationally?

Choosing a credit card to use while traveling internationally can be very important due to the expensive nature of traveling abroad.  Each credit card has different rates and rewards, so it can be confusing to determine the best one to use.  The Chase Freedom Unlimited^® is an excellent everyday card, but the costs and benefits of using it while in a different country must be examined to decide whether or not it's right the card to take your next vacation.  To help you make this decision, we will go over the rewards program this card offers, as well as the fees associated with this card.  

How does the Chase Freedom Unlimited card work?

As the name suggests, the Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.  This benefit makes it so that the reward system is straightforward and will apply to everything.  Consequently, it can become your perfect everyday card.  Additionally, you can earn $200 in cash back if you spend $500 in the first 3 months.  The card has a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months which will then change to 14.99% - 24.74% variable after the introductory period.   There is no annual fee for these features, rewards do not expire, and the balance transfer fee for the first 60 days from account opening is 3% or a minimum $5.

Does the Chase Freedom Unlimited card have foreign transaction fees?

Because of the nature of the Chase Freedom Unlimited card, it may become what you use the most in everyday purchases.  You may be tempted to use it when traveling because of the consistent rewards and beneficial nature of the card.  However, it does not have any added benefits for traveling in foreign countries.  In fact, it has a 3% foreign transaction fee (FTF) in US dollars for purchases made internationally.  This can add up over time if you travel frequently or are going on an expensive vacation.  This will apply to everything including hotels, transportation, food, and even souvenirs.  The percentage may seem small, but will quickly grow the more purchases are made.  This can be especially frustrating if your vacation budget is tight. The Chase Freedom Unlimited card is a great everyday card but can become costly when used abroad.  

What is a good alternative to the Chase Freedom Unlimited card?

Firstly, if you have multiple credit cards already, it would be worth it to see if you already have one with no foreign transaction fees.  If you do not already have one and cannot afford the 3% FTF that Chase Freedom Unlimited offers, it is time to look for an alternative.  If you want to stick with Chase as your credit card banker, then the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is the best option.  The card allows you to earn double the points on all travel and dining purchases, getting you 1 point for every dollar spent.  Additionally, you will earn 60,000 points on your first $4,000 in purchases if they are made within the first 3 months.  This card is only worth it if you plan on using it a lot because even though it has a high potential for rewards, it can be expensive to own if you do not use it frequently.  There is an annual membership fee of $95 dollars that can be easy to forget about.  The APR is 15.99% - 22.99% variable depending on your creditworthiness.  

How should I decide which card to use while traveling internationally?

The Chase Freedom Unlimited card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred card both provide great benefits to you, but for different purposes.  The first step in deciding which one you want to use when traveling is to make a budget and plan out how much you are going to spend when traveling.  If you don’t plan on spending a lot, then the Chase Freedom Unlimited card may be better because the foreign transaction fee will be limited and the cost of owning the card is lower.  On the other hand, if you are going on an expensive trip and plan on spending a lot while abroad, then the Chase Sapphire Preferred card may be better for you because of the added rewards for travel and dining.