The Chase Freedom Flex Just Became a Great Card To Use Abroad — Here’s Why

Updated: September 20, 2026, 4:00pm CDT

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Table of Contents

The Cards I’ll Bring on International Trips
1. Freedom Flex Card
2. Chase Sapphire Reserve Card
3. Ink Business Preferred Card
4. Wells Fargo Autograph Card
5. Capital One VentureOne Card
Final Thoughts

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The first rule when using a credit card abroad is avoiding cards that charge fees on foreign transactions. Those fees are typically 3% of the amount in foreign currency once converted to U.S. dollars, which negates or at least greatly diminishes the value of the cash-back or points you can earn. The solution is taking with you one or more of the many travel-oriented cards that do not charge foreign fees.

Starting today, September 20, 2026, that list includes one of the credit cards I use frequently for everyday spending. The Chase Freedom Flex^® has eliminated foreign transaction fees, which means it’ll join the portfolio of cards I take on trips outside the U.S.

Read on to learn what each single card is used for when I’m abroad, and to see whether that aligns with your travel habits and spending.

The Cards I’ll Bring on International Trips

What makes the Freedom Flex card a good choice for spending abroad isn’t just its lack of foreign fees. It’s also its rotating quarterly bonus categories where you can earn 5% cash-back. That beats the return you can get on any other card that doesn’t charge foreign fees.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Sapphire Reserve Freedom Flex Freedom Unlimited at Beach Upgraded Points LLC 2 — You’ll want to be strategic about the cards you bring on an international trip. Image Credit: Upgraded Points LLC

Best of all, the Freedom Flex card has a $0 annual fee. On my next international trip, it will be part of my lineup of foreign-travel cards, which also includes:

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, which I use for all dining purchases and for buying flights and hotels.
Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card, for all travel expenses that aren’t flights and hotels, including renting cars.
Wells Fargo Autograph^® Card, for buying gas on trips where I rent a car.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card, for all other spending.

Bringing 5 physical cards with me abroad may seem overkill, especially when so many payments now can be made with a digital wallet. But not every store in every country is set up for that, so having a plastic option is prudent. And, there are solid reasons behind the choice to bring each of those 5 cards.

1. Freedom Flex Card

The newcomer on my list of cards to take overseas is also the most lucrative in terms of rewards, potentially. That’s because the Freedom Flex card earns 5% cash-back on quarterly categories (up to $1,500 in spend), which often include things I often spend on while traveling abroad.

For example, in the fourth quarter of 2026, those 5% categories include grocery stores and dining purchases. A 5% return on those everyday purchases beats any other card in my wallet. Whether I’m staying at a hotel and eating out for every meal or renting an Airbnb and buying groceries to cook at home, the Freedom Flex card will be my go-to for those expenses in October, November and December of 2026. That applies for spending while in the U.S., too, at least for the first $1,500.

Chase Freedom Flex^®

U.P. Rating

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Chase Freedom Flex^®

The Freedom Flex card is an excellent no-annual-fee card that still earns big with 5% cash-back on travel and other bonus categories.

Welcome OfferEarn a $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
$200

Annual Fee

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Flex^® sure does pack quite a punch — especially for a no-annual-fee card.

The Freedom Flex card is an incredible option for those looking for a well-rounded cash-back card, or a powerful point-earner when paired with a premium card in the Ultimate Rewards family.

Pros & Cons

Pros

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%
Powerful cash-back earner: 5% back on quarterly categories and travel purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases
No annual fee

Cons

3% foreign transaction fees in U.S. dollars

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
5% cash back on up to $1,500 in combined purchases in bonus categories each quarter you activate. Enjoy new 5% categories each quarter!
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more
3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can use points to redeem for cash through an account statement credit or an electronic deposit into an eligible Chase account located in the United States.
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%.
No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Flex^® card
Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.24% - 27.74%
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Freedom Flex card always earns 3% cash-back on dining and on drugstores and pharmacies, even when those aren’t bonus categories. That is a better return than all other no-foreign-fee cards in my wallet, so the Freedom Flex card will be my go-to whenever I visit a pharmacy overseas.

The card earns cash-back in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards points, which can be pooled with a premium Ultimate Rewards card. I have the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, so I transfer to it all the cash-back earned on the Freedom Flex card and then transfer it again to one of Chase’s airline or hotel transfer partners. That way, I can redeem my Chase points for flights in premium classes at a value of well over 2 cents apiece. They can also be redeemed for straight cash or statement credits, but that values them at just 1 cent.

2. Chase Sapphire Reserve Card

Besides pairing well with the Chase Freedom Flex card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is my favorite for booking hotels and flights. Not only does it earn 4x points on both those purchases when made directly from providers, or even 8x on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, but it adds world-class travel protections.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

U.P. Rating

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

Welcome OfferEarn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$2,000

Annual Fee

$795

APR

19.49% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve^® is one of the best options.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like worldwide airport lounge access, with excellent point earning and redemption options. Plus, it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to cover you at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the more than $2,000 in annual credits, which can offset the annual fee!

Pros & Cons

Pros

8x points on all Chase Travel purchases
5x points on Lyft rides
4x points on flights and hotels booked directly

Cons

$795 annual fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Get $3,000 in annual value with Sapphire Reserve.
Earn 8x points on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠ and 4x points on flights and hotels booked direct. Plus, earn 3x points on dining worldwide & 1x points on all other purchases
$300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
Access over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide with a complimentary Priority Pass™ Select membership, plus every Chase Sapphire Lounge^® by The Club with two guests. Plus, up to $120 towards Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck^® every 4 years
Get up to $150 in statement credits every six months for a maximum of $300 annually for dining at restaurants that are part of Sapphire Reserve Exclusive Tables.
Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Coverage, Lost Luggage Insurance, no foreign transaction fees, and more.
Get complimentary subscriptions to Apple TV and Apple Music for a minimum of one year when activated by June 22, 2027, a value of $288 annually.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 19.49% - 27.99% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

If a flight I bought with the card is delayed or cancelled, for example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card covers up to $500 (per person) for expenses, including meals, lodging, toiletries, medication, and other personal items.

In the fourth quarter of 2026, though, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card will take a back seat to the Freedom Flex card when it comes to dining expenses. Normally the Chase Sapphire Reserve card is the one I use at restaurants, where it earns 3x points. But with 5% cash-back in the quarter, the Freedom Flex card is the better choice here.

3. Ink Business Preferred Card

The Ink Business Preferred card, also from Chase, is the card I usually reach for to pay for all travel purchases that aren’t flights or hotels. Abroad, it gets used for public transport — from taxis to trains and ferries — and for renting cars.

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Welcome OfferEarn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$2,000

Annual Fee

$95

APR

17.74% - 26.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases, especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.

Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
Cell phone protection
Purchase protection

Cons

No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
Go further when you book with Chase Travel℠. Enjoy competitive rates, seamless booking and premium benefits.
Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Receive complimentary access to DashPass by DoorDash.
Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

APR: 17.74% - 26.74% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

That’s because it earns 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on several categories of interest to small businesses, which includes all travel. The Chase Sapphire Reserve card would earn just 1x on those expenses. And, importantly, the Ink Business Preferred card has primary insurance for rental cars, so it’s my top card for renting cars — in the U.S. as well.

4. Wells Fargo Autograph Card

A good travel card in its own right, the $0-annual-fee Wells Fargo Autograph card could be a perfect all-rounder to take abroad for many people.

Wells Fargo Autograph^® Card

U.P. Rating

The Wells Fargo Autograph card offers great 3x bonus points and cell phone protection with no annual fee.

Wells Fargo Autograph^® Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph card offers great 3x bonus points and cell phone protection with no annual fee.

Welcome OfferEarn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value.
20,000 points

Annual Fee

APR

0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% variable APR thereafter

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The Wells Fargo Autograph^® Card is an excellent no annual fee card that offers 3x points on 6 different bonus categories. Choose from multiple options when you’re ready to redeem your rewards, and take advantage of great perks including cell phone protection, auto rental collision damage waiver, and no foreign transaction fees.

Pros & Cons

Pros

3x points per $1 spent on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans
1x points per $1 spent on other purchases
No annual fee

Cons

Doesn’t offer many travel protections

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Select “Learn More” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months – that’s a $200 cash redemption value.
Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up – like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
$0 annual fee.
0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% variable APR thereafter.
Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature^® Concierge.

Financial Snapshot

APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases, 18.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% variable APR thereafter
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

It earns unlimited 3x points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, and transit (as well as popular streaming services, and phone plans). On everything else, it earns 1x points. Where it comes into play for me is for filling up rental cars, both abroad and in the U.S., thanks to 3x rewards on gas.

The reason I don’t use it for more purchases is that Wells Fargo Rewards can’t be transferred to as many travel partners as Chase Ultimate Rewards. For someone like me who regularly transfer points to a variety of airlines, that is a drawback. For others, the Wells Fargo Autograph card may be a great one-card solution for overseas trips.

Hot Tip:

If you don’t want to take more than one card abroad, the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card is a great choice. With a moderate $95 annual fee, 3x points on dining, vacation homes, gas & EV charging, and 2x points on all other travel purchases, it can deliver a lot of bang for the buck on the road. Importantly for travel abroad, it also offers trip delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage insurance, travel accident insurance, and even emergency evacuation and transportation.

5. Capital One VentureOne Card

When on vacation or on a work trip abroad, there are expenses that don’t fit into any of the bonus categories mentioned above. For those, I bring with me a no-annual-fee card that earns 1.25x points on every single purchase, with no bonuses to remember. That’s the Capital One VentureOne card, whose appeal is in its simplicity.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

U.P. Rating

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Welcome OfferEarn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel.
20,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:
$200

Annual Fee

APR

Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 18.49% - 28.49% thereafter

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

Pros & Cons

Pros

No annual fee
No foreign transaction fees
Ability to use transfer partners

Cons

Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
No luxury travel or elite benefits

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
$0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 18.49% – 28.49% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

APR: Purchases: 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months; variable 18.49% - 28.49% thereafter
Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

It’s true that 1.25x isn’t a stellar return, relatively. But this card doesn’t charge annual fees, and earns 25% more than the simple point per dollar I would get on general, non-bonus spending with my other — and much fancier — travel cards.

Final Thoughts

As of September 20, 2026, the Freedom Flex card is eliminating fees on foreign transactions. That means this card has turned overnight into a good candidate to take on trips abroad.

In fact, when its rotating 5% bonus categories include expenses typically incurred while traveling overseas — like dining, for example — the Freedom Flex card earns rewards at a higher percentage during a foreign trip than any other U.S. credit card.