What's the American Express Blue Cash Preferred foreign transaction fee?

This question is about the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express

Marshall Jamieson, Finance Pro

@bergman77 01/15/21 This answer was first published on 01/09/19 and it was last updated on 01/15/21.For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.

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The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express foreign transaction fee is 2.7%. This is the surcharge applied to all transactions made outside of the U.S. That includes both purchases in another country and stateside transactions through an internationally-based merchant.

All American Express cards with foreign transaction fees charge 2.7%. This includes the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express’s companion card, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express. The percentage other issuers apply to foreign transactions varies, but will range from 1%-3%. Capital One, Discover and USAA are the three major issuers with no foreign transaction fees on any of their cards.

The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is ideal for everyday purchases. But it may not be the best option for travel. It offers 6% cash back on grocery purchases, up to $6,000 spent per year, and 3% at gas stations. There’s also a $300 statement credit for spending $3,000 in the first 6 months. Cash back rewards can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards and merchandise. The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express’s annual fee is $0 intro 1st yr, $95 after.

American Express Blue Cash Preferred foreign transaction fee and more:

Foreign transaction fee: 2.7%
When the foreign transaction fee applies: On all transactions outside of the U.S. and through an internationally-based merchant.
Annual Fee: $0 intro 1st yr, $95 after.
Introductory APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases.
Cash advance fee: 5% (min $10) of the balance.
Maximum Late Fee: $40
Regular APR: 13.99% - 23.99% (V)

People also ask

What is the Amex Blue Cash Preferred credit limit?

The Amex Blue Cash Preferred credit limit is $1,000 to nearly $30,000, according to reports from Blue Cash Preferred cardholders online. Amex does not publicize its minimum or maximum credit limits, instead setting Blue Cash Preferred credit limits based primarily on an applicant’s credit history and annual income. So, applicants will not know their exact credit limit until they’re approved for an account.… read full answer

If you’re not satisfied with your starting Amex Blue Cash Preferred credit limit, you can contact American Express and request a credit limit increase. Log in to your online account and find the “Increase Credit Limit” link in the Account Services menu to make your request. Or, call customer service at 1 (800) 528-4800. When prompted, enter your card number and state “credit limit increase” to connect to a customer service representative. Bear in mind that your odds of getting a credit limit increase are best if you’ve made at least 6 consecutive months of on-time payments on your Blue Cash Preferred account.

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How much are American Express foreign transaction fees?

The American Express foreign transaction fee is 2.7% of all international transactions or $0, depending on the Amex card. There are plenty of American Express cards with no foreign transaction fee. Those cards tend to be the best options for travel.

If you’re unfamiliar with foreign transaction fees, they’re a surcharge for using a credit card with a foreign merchant. Credit cards with foreign fees usually charge 1%-3% of the purchase price. That can really add up, especially since Amex’s 2.7% foreign fee is on the higher end of the spectrum.… read full answer

Here are the American Express foreign transaction fees:

American Express cards with a foreign transaction fee charge 2.7%.

Many American Express credit cards have no foreign transaction fees.

Amex foreign transaction fees apply when you buy things abroad OR shop at foreign merchants online.

Some of the best American Express cards with no foreign fees include Amex Platinum and Premier Rewards Gold as well as the PenFed Premium Travel Rewards card and the Amex cards affiliated with Starwood, Hilton and Delta.

If you’re looking for an international credit card, it’s best to get one with no foreign transaction fee, and American Express does have a good selection. But American Express cards aren’t accepted by nearly as many foreign merchants as Visa and Mastercard. So you may find yourself somewhere your Amex won’t work. And that’s why it’s probably better to have a Visa or Mastercard for travel.

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