Where You Can Use Your Chase Credit Card and What It Costs

Chase cards work at millions of merchants, but the specific ones depend on which card you hold

Chase credit cards are accepted anywhere that takes Visa, Mastercard, or American Express — which is most places you shop, eat, or pay bills. The real question is not whether a store takes your Chase card, but whether using that particular card there earns you rewards or charges you a fee. A Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns bonus points at restaurants and travel, but regular points everywhere else. A Chase Freedom card earns rotating bonus categories that change each quarter. A basic Chase card might earn the same flat rate everywhere. Where you use your card matters because the rewards or fees change based on the merchant category and your specific card's rules.

Your card's acceptance also depends on which payment network it runs on. Visa and Mastercard are accepted nearly everywhere in the United States. American Express is accepted at fewer locations, though most major retailers and restaurants now take it. Before opening a Chase card, you cannot choose the network — that is determined by which specific card product you select.

Key Takeaways

• Chase Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted at any store, restaurant, or online retailer that displays those logos, which includes most merchants in the United States.
• Chase American Express cards are accepted at fewer places than Visa or Mastercard, so check whether a specific merchant takes Amex before assuming you can use it.
• Your rewards rate or cash back percentage changes depending on the merchant category — restaurants, gas stations, groceries, and travel often earn bonus rewards on Chase cards.
• Some Chase cards charge annual fees, and a few charge foreign transaction fees if you use them outside the United States.
• You can use your Chase card online, in stores, at ATMs to withdraw cash, and through contactless payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Which payment networks your Chase card uses

Chase issues credit cards on three different payment networks: Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. The network printed on your card determines where you can use it. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at roughly the same number of places — the vast majority of retailers, restaurants, gas stations, and online merchants. American Express is accepted at fewer locations, though the gap has narrowed in recent years as more small businesses and independent retailers have added Amex processing.

When you hand over your card or enter the number online, the merchant's payment system checks whether it accepts that network. If it does, the transaction goes through. If it does not, the card is declined. You cannot change which network your card uses — that is determined when you open the account. If you need Amex acceptance at a specific merchant, you would need to open a Chase American Express card instead of a Visa or Mastercard. Some people carry more than one Chase card for this reason — a Visa for everyday use and an Amex for places that offer Amex-specific benefits or discounts.

Merchants where Chase cards earn bonus rewards

Chase cards in the Sapphire line, Freedom line, and business categories each have their own bonus categories. The Chase Sapphire Preferred earns 2 points per dollar at restaurants, travel, and transit (including taxis, rideshare, parking, and trains). The Chase Sapphire Reserve earns 3 points per dollar at those same categories. The Chase Freedom Unlimited earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases. The Chase Freedom Flex earns 5% cash back on rotating categories that change each quarter — past categories have included groceries, gas stations, restaurants, and streaming services.

Business cards follow similar patterns. The Chase Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar at internet, cable, phone services, and shipping, plus 2 points at gas stations and restaurants. The Chase Ink Business Unlimited earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases. These bonus categories are where your card delivers the most value, so checking your card's rewards structure before you shop helps you decide whether to use that card or a different payment method. Outside the bonus categories, you typically earn 1 point per dollar or 1% cash back — a much lower rate.

Online shopping and digital payment apps

Your Chase card works online at any retailer that accepts your card's network. You enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back) just as you would in a store. Chase cards also work with digital payment apps like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay. To add your card to one of these apps, you open the app, select the option to add a card, and follow the prompts to photograph or manually enter your card details. Once added, you can pay by holding your phone near the payment terminal — no card needed.

Digital payment apps are often faster and more secure than handing over a physical card, because the merchant never sees your actual card number. The app sends an encrypted token instead. If you lose your phone, you can remove the card from the app remotely, and the card itself remains safe in your wallet. Most Chase cards earn the same rewards rate through digital payment apps as they do with a physical card, so you are not giving up any benefits by using your phone to pay.

ATMs and cash withdrawals

Chase credit cards can be used at ATMs to withdraw cash, but this comes with costs. Most Chase cards charge a cash advance fee — typically 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum fee of $5 to $10. On top of that, cash advances usually start accruing interest immediately, with no grace period like you get on regular purchases. If you withdraw $200, you might pay $6 to $10 in fees plus daily interest until you pay it back.

For this reason, using a credit card to get cash should be a last resort, not a regular habit. If you need cash regularly, a debit card or ATM card tied to a checking account is far cheaper. Chase checking accounts come with a debit card that withdraws from your account balance with no fees at Chase ATMs and often at other banks' ATMs too, depending on your account type. You can also visit a Chase branch and withdraw cash over the counter with your credit card, though this is less convenient than using an ATM.

International use and foreign transaction fees

Chase cards work in most countries where Visa, Mastercard, or American Express are accepted. However, many Chase cards charge a foreign transaction fee of 3% on purchases made outside the United States. This fee is added to your bill automatically. Some premium Chase cards, like the Sapphire Reserve, waive this fee entirely — one reason they justify their higher annual fee. If you travel internationally or make regular purchases from foreign websites, checking whether your card charges foreign transaction fees can save you money.

When you use your card abroad, the merchant's bank converts the purchase from the local currency to US dollars using the exchange rate set by Visa, Mastercard, or Amex — not by your bank. This rate is usually close to the mid-market rate you see online, but there is a small markup built in. You cannot negotiate this rate, but you can avoid the additional 3% foreign transaction fee by choosing a card that waives it. Before traveling, contact Chase to let them know you will be using your card internationally — this prevents fraud blocks that might decline legitimate purchases.

Stores and merchants that may not take your card

Most merchants take Visa and Mastercard, but some do not. Small businesses, certain gas stations, and some independent retailers may only accept cash or debit cards. American Express is declined more often than Visa or Mastercard — some smaller stores and restaurants do not have the infrastructure to process Amex. Costco historically did not accept American Express, though this changed in 2024 and Costco now accepts Amex cards. If you shop at a specific merchant regularly, you can call ahead or check their website to confirm they accept your card's network.

Some merchants also charge a surcharge for credit card use — typically 2% to 3% of the purchase. This is legal in most states, though a few states cap or prohibit it. Gas stations sometimes offer a discount for paying with cash or debit instead of credit. These are merchant choices, not Chase policies, so you will see the surcharge or discount at the point of sale. If a surcharge surprises you, you can decline the transaction and use a different payment method instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Chase credit card at any Visa or Mastercard merchant?

Yes, if your card is a Visa or Mastercard, it is accepted anywhere that displays those logos. American Express cards are accepted at fewer places. You can always ask a merchant whether they take your card's network before you attempt to pay.

Do I earn rewards at every store?

No. Most Chase cards earn bonus rewards only in specific categories like restaurants, travel, or groceries. Outside those categories, you earn a lower base rate, often 1% cash back or 1 point per dollar. Check your card's rewards structure to see which categories earn the most.

What happens if a merchant does not accept my Chase card?

The transaction is declined and you cannot complete the purchase with that card. You would need to use a different payment method — cash, a different card, or a digital payment app if the merchant accepts it.

Are there fees for using my Chase card internationally?

Most Chase cards charge a 3% foreign transaction fee on purchases made outside the United States. Some premium cards waive this fee. Check your card's terms to see if it applies to your card.

Can I use my Chase card to get cash from an ATM?

Yes, but it costs money. Chase charges a cash advance fee of 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn, plus interest starting immediately. Using a debit card or visiting a Chase branch is cheaper if you need cash.