How to Get Canadian Dollars in the US with the Lowest Fees

Frank Day

Author: Frank Day

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Get your travel plans off to the best start by exchanging your Canadian dollars before you leave and avoiding the high fees of the airport. Find the best, cheapest way to get Canadian dollars in the US.

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Best places to get Canadian dollars in the USA in 2023

Before exchanging your American dollars for Canadian dollars, you should make sure you’re getting the best deal. Exchanging dollars using traditional methods can be costly. But using online multi-currency accounts is easier and cheaper for spending money abroad.

  • Best way to save on fees - Wise and Revolut multi-currency accounts

  • Best alternative - Prepaid travel cards

  • Most overrated - Local banks and credit unions

  • Best for emergencies - Banks and ATMs in Canada

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Open a multi-currency account

Multi-currency accounts are the best, cheapest way to buy the Canadian dollar. With a multi-currency account, you can buy as many Canadian dollars as you need and keep them stored in your account, ready for your holiday.

Wise and Revolut are well ahead of their nearest competitors. You can open an account online, exchange your dollars as needed, and store them in your account, ready for your trip.

Wise

Wise

The best way to get Canadian dollars in the US is through a Wise multi-currency account. It allows you to purchase Canadian dollars and hold them in your Wise account, ready to spend.

Opening a Wise account is easy, you just download their app and follow the instructions. You can then order a Wise card for a one-time fee of $9, and use it to make payments from your account. You can use your card in Canada with no foreign transaction or exchange fees, provided you have enough Canadian dollars in your account. If you don’t have enough of the local currency in your account when you make the payment, you’ll be charged a conversion fee to exchange the currency.

You can also use a digital version of the card via Google Wallet or Apple Pay, which can help with contactless payments.

Read reviewVisit Wise
Revolut

Revolut

Revolut

Revolut also offers a great multi-currency account. A Revolut account is able to store up to 28 different currencies at once. Exchange the amount of Canadian dollars you need, and they’ll be saved to your account.

Note: Exchanging money with Revolut is more expensive at the weekend, when a 1% markup is added to the exchange rate. For a better deal, always exchange on a business day.

Revolut offers a free card. You can use it abroad without extra fees, if you have enough Canadian dollars to pay for your purchases.

Read reviewVisit Revolut

Want to know more about Wise and Revolut?

We run a side-by-side comparison of the two services to help you decide which is better for you: Wise or Revolut?

Get a travel money card

Travel money cards are a popular choice for exchanging Canadian currency in the US, despite being more expensive than multi-currency accounts. Some cards, like Currensea, link directly to your bank account and deduct payments as you make them. As the card exchanges the money at point of sale, the exchange rate is what makes this more expensive.

You can also get prepaid travel cards, which need to have the correct amount of travel money loaded onto them before they can be used. Lots of global companies like Mastercard offer prepaid currency cards, and you’ll get a lower total markup as you’re only exchanging the money once.

You can use travel money cards to exchange dollars for Canadian dollars. However, the rates are often higher compared to multi-currency accounts. Overall, Revolut and Wise offer more value for money.

Mid-market Rate:1 USD = 1.419265 CAD Mid-market rate at: 14:48 UTC

Use local banks and credit unions

It’s more expensive, but local banks and credit unions will also be able to exchange money. You’ll be able to get the Canadian dollar at your local bank at a higher exchange rate, so you’ll be better off opening a multi-currency account.

Use a foreign currency exchange

Exchanging money at foreign currency exchanges is popular, but it's usually more expensive than banks due to high rates. If you’re looking for a cheap way to exchange your dollars for Canadian dollars, you’ll be better off with a multi-currency account.

Tip: Check the exchange rate before you buy

A good way to make sure you’re getting a good deal is to check the current exchange rate before making the purchase. If the current exchange rate is much lower than the one being offered by your bank, you’ll probably find cheaper options elsewhere.

Places to avoid when buying Canadian dollars

Generally, the more traditional methods of exchanging money are the most expensive, and still the most popular. To get a good deal, you need to shop around and find the best exchange rate. Prepare ahead of time - don’t wait until you’re at the airport.

Here are some of the places you should avoid when buying Canadian dollars.

Currency Exchange at the Airport

Last minute attempts to buy Canadian dollars at the airport exchange offices are very expensive. Condé Nast Traveler says airport currency exchanges charge fees of $5 to $15. The exchange rate is usually 7% to 15% higher than the mid-market rate.

Exchange foreign currency for free at the airport? I don't think so!

Even if airports don't apply a 'fee' to their exchanges, they add huge markups to their exchange rates, usually between 7% and 15% higher than the standard bank rate.

Foreign currency exchanges in tourist-dense areas

Tourist-dense areas are full of people that are looking for the local currency. As a result, currency exchanges in such locations can charge excessive fees and rates.

If you need Canadian dollars, make sure you’re not caught out by high fees in last-minute emergencies.

Visiting banks abroad

You can always visit a bank while you’re on holiday, but it’s expensive, and not the kind of thing you want to be thinking about while you’re away. Some banks may also charge for helping non-account holders, so it’s best to avoid this wherever possible.

Exchanging US dollars for Canadian dollars - plan ahead to get more for your money

Exchanging your money is one of the first things to consider when you’re planning your holiday. The best deals on your Canadian dollars are easy to find if you plan ahead, last minute exchanges can leave you out of pocket.

We recommend opening a multi-currency account in advance of your trip. With the right provider, you’ll get lower exchange rates with no added fees.

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FAQs

What’s the best place to get Canadian dollars before traveling?

A multi-currency account is the best way to get Canadian dollars. Wise and Revolut offer great multi-currency accounts. If you have enough Canadian dollars in your multi-currency account, their cards let you make free payments in Canada.

What’s the best place to get Canadian dollars after traveling?

If you’ve already traveled and you don’t have a multi-currency account or a travel money card, it may be best to stick with your usual debit card. Check your high street bank’s foreign transaction fees to make sure you’re not going to be charged too much in fees. Avoid exchanging at the airport - the USD/CAD exchange rates will be very high.

Should I buy Canadian dollars when I get to the airport?

No, exchanging currency at the airport is costly. If you've already traveled, it's probably cheaper to use your bank debit card instead.

Despite this, it’s a good idea to plan ahead and open a multi-currency account before you travel, to save on any additional costs when you arrive.

What else do I need to travel to Canada?

Before you travel to Canada, make sure you’ve thought about the following:

  • Check your medical insurance policy covers you overseas

  • Make sure your passport is valid and in-date

  • Despite the consumption of cannabis being legal in Canada, it is illegal to take cannabis into the country from elsewhere

  • You’ll need a visa if your visit lasts longer than 180 days

Can you get Canadian dollars at the US Post Office?

The US Post Office can transfer money internationally for you, but it doesn’t sell foreign currency. You’ll need to get Canadian dollars somewhere else, like a neobank with a multi-currency account, or a travel money card.

Can you get Canadian dollars from US banks?

You can exchange Canadian dollars at US banks like Wells Fargo, JPMorgan, Chase, the Bank of America, and Citibank. However, they might charge a fee and a higher exchange rate than the mid-market rate. To get a better deal, you should open a multi-currency account, or purchase a travel money card.

How far in advance should I buy Canadian dollars for my trip?

If you have a multi-currency account like Wise or Revolut, it's best to buy Canadian dollars 1-2 months before your trip. This gives time for the cards to arrive. If you’re using a prepaid travel card, 1-2 weeks in advance is sufficient.

What is the best way to pay when I'm in Canada?

Using a multi-currency debit card like the ones issued by Wise or Revolut to pay directly in Canadian dollars is the most cost effective way to pay. You can also withdraw Canadian dollars from an ATM using these cards. Avoid paying in US dollars if possible - you'll get a poor exchange rate.

How much cash in Canadian dollars should I take?

Take enough for the first few days before getting more from an ATM. Many places accept cards now, so cash is less necessary. It’s a good idea to take no more than a quarter of your weekly budget in cash.

For your holiday budget, work out your budget in US dollars, then use our currency converter to find out how many Canadian dollars you’ll need.

Should I keep receipts for currency exchanges in Canada?

Yes, keep any receipts for currency exchanges and withdrawals. This helps you reconcile your accounts later.

Are there fees for using my card in Canada?

With a multi-currency account, debit transactions in Canadian dollars are usually free. There may be a small fee for ATM withdrawals after a certain number. Check your card's fee schedule.

How do I check the exchange rate I'm getting for USD/CAD?

Apps like Wise and Revolut show the live exchange rate. For other exchanges, ask the teller for the rate and compare it to online sources. Avoid places that won't disclose the rate.

What's the best way to exchange any leftover Canadian dollars?

You can exchange back to US dollars and deposit them to your US account if you have a multi-currency card. Otherwise, keep the currency as a souvenir or for your next trip. Exchanging Canadian dollars back to US dollars will often lose you more money in exchange rates.

Contributors

Frank Day
Author

Frank Day

Finance Writer and Editor
Based in London, Frank is a dedicated writer and editor specializing in personal finance, boasting over five years of experience in the field. Frank's professional journey began in the pensions industry, where he developed a keen expertise in this area. He has crafted content for notable organizations like the Teachers’ Pension Scheme, the Environment Agency, and Direct Line.