How to Get Canadian Dollars in the US with the Lowest Fees
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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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Wise is the fastest and cheapest way to get CAD in the US.
- Over 16 million customers
- Multi-currency account available
- No hidden fees
Revolut is a great alternative to get CAD in the US.
- 70+ million worldwide customers
- Card transfers arrive in less than 30 mins
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.
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.
Please share your experience with Wise
Would you recommend Wise?
Russell Pinkes
I can’t send money to Belize
Katsiaryna
Once trying to open sire, was automatically blocked for no reason
Alan
Unable to transfer money from Philippines to any other country. Philippines Wise does not work
Anonymous
Retiro de dinero en transferencia
Uwe
great rates and service - unfortunately for some countries not yet available
Martin Premprakash Anantharaman
On the first transfer to a hospital in NY they were already screaming that this was a sure scam and the same on my next transfer to a fried in Nigeria. They then summarily closed my account TERMINATING THE RUNNING TRANSFER TO NIGERIA, claiming that, hold on, I was being scammed🤦♂️ Sure, I could have appealed but immediately found that I would have had to provide so much intrusive detail that I desisted.
Martin Premprakash Anantharaman
Setting up is a bit unwieldy if you want to make a one-off transfer, as you have to create an account with complete identification - but it works and the process as well as charges are great.
Anonymous
My brother wants to send me money from India to Nigeria but he's finding it difficult how can he do it
Mohammed
WARNING : Wise was Great until main office decided to ruin WISE By letting the TW India office control handling Random verifications and do what ever they want by insane replies and no replies etc. If you want to waste your time and enjoy a journey into Black Hole of Insane then go ahead and try WISE !
Anonymous
Can't receive money from php to idr so far
sudheir
They don't allow transfer to Brokerage firms from India
Anonymous
Good app to transfer money
Anonymous
I didn't find Cuba on your list.
Anonymous
cuba not work
Nina
I made a transfer to a Canadian company 1.5 months ago, and the funds have not yet been received. After multiple emails, Wise insists that the money was paid out. However, I have received an official statement from the recipient’s bank confirming that the money has not been received. Wise's complaints department sent me a final letter stating that, according to their records, the funds were paid out. Additionally, Wise states the following in their Customer Agreement regarding their responsibility for losses: Quote from Wise's Terms: "Our Customer Agreement also explains our responsibility for losses in Section 29: 29.1 Unforeseeable loss or damage. We are not responsible for any loss or damage that is not foreseeable. Loss or damage is foreseeable if either it is obvious that it will happen or if, at the time the contract was made, both we and you knew it might happen, for example, if you discussed it with us during your sign-up process. 29.9 We are not liable for things which are outside of our control. We (and our affiliates) cannot be liable for our inability to deliver or delay because of things which are outside our control." Despite these terms, Wise has not been able to resolve this issue, and the money has still not been delivered as promised. I find it irresponsible that Wise does not conduct any investigations into the matter. The Canadian bank associated with Wise is unable to provide any information, as everything goes through Wise. Wise must be capable of tracking the funds and providing precise details about where exactly the money is, who received it, and to which bank account it was deposited. I would advise everyone to be cautious when transferring large sums of money with Wise. They are not capable of executing a secure money transfer!
Shengjie Yin
good and perfect
Tristan
Beware: Wise's Unethical Policies and Unresponsive Support Cost My Business I am sharing my experience with Wise to warn fellow business owners about the serious risks and unacceptable practices you may encounter if you choose to use their services. My business, is a legally registered travel agency in the UK, and I relied on Wise to manage payments for my photography and cultural tours, primarily in South America. Things took a turn for the worse when Wise froze my account and accused my business of violating their Acceptable Use Policy, citing my once-a-year humanitarian trip to Cuba. Despite explaining multiple times that: No Cuba-related transactions were ever processed through Wise (I use a separate European bank for this purpose), My tours comply with the “Support for Cuban People” category authorized by OFAC, designed to help Cuban citizens outside state control, Wise completely ignored the facts. Their customer support team responded with automated messages, refused to engage in any meaningful dialogue, and even lied, claiming they didn't monitor my emails—despite clear evidence to the contrary. After days of chasing them and providing thorough documentation, they chose to close my account without justification. The Consequences: Wise left my business in chaos, disrupting essential transactions and client arrangements. Their rigid policies align with sanctions widely condemned by the global community, and in doing so, they indirectly support humanitarian suffering. The Bottom Line: Wise is unreliable, unresponsive, and unethical. If your business has any complexity or humanitarian focus, beware: Wise will shut you down without notice or explanation, and customer support will abandon you. Their actions have serious real-world consequences. Avoid Wise if you value your business stability or require ethical and accountable financial services. There are far better alternatives out there that won’t put your livelihood at risk Beware: Wise's Unethical Policies and Unresponsive Support Cost My Business
Anonymous
I have been a customer for a few years. Yes I love the instant deposits as I make around $1K. However as many non US entities Wise uses a bank out of New York. Therefore the TRANSFER and DEPOSIT from an account transfer can take 4 to 6 days. What this means is that you will not able to make another ACH transfer during this time. This is frustrating if you have to make a follow up transfer in a few days. All in all don't plan to make more than 4 transfer in a month because it may not fo through, Not sure if other transfer companies operate the same way but I am about to find out as I will try Revolute. Bottom linw will require you to use ANOTHER payment method like credit card or some other method. Understand this: YOU MAY HAVE THE MONEY IN YOUR ACCOUNT but they WILL NOT TRY TO VERIFY IT WITHIN THE THE PERIOD IT WILL TAKE THEM TO DEPOSIT IT IN YOUR ACCOUNT. To add insult to injury I called in and the agent siad that they can see that they got paid but the computer takes time to update/reconcille I guess! It is a slow system!
Anonymous
There is a lot of advice on RECEIVING INHERITANCE in the UK from overseas but nothing on the rules for SENDING money gifts to grandchildren living OVERSEAS and the rules on Inheritance Tax in that case.
Anonymous
The service is decent, nothing more. I have had security issues that are not quickly resolved. Call center personnel are average. The app is not, in general, user friendly. You should definitely do research on a variety of service providers before making a choice. Do not take the reviews at face value. I chose Wise based on positive reviews but now regret not doing more research on other companies.
Anonymous
So far so good
Daniel
I checked to see if Wise even sends money to Colombia. Colombia is not even in their list of countries. Why is it even advertising for Colombia?
Bill Sanders
I have used Wise for several years. They once rejected a large transfer because it was to a coal company. Apparently, they are a woke company! But they refused to tell me why. More recently, they required verification of my identity using a smart phone. I am 69 and never owned a cell phone because I don't need one. But they forced me to buy one, which I did last week. Getting the phone updates ate up all my data, so i got 1 GB more. I took 12 different pics of my passport and another 12 of my face for them. They rejected them - and are holding up my transfer. Now my phone ate up that gig of data and I must buy another gig (thru Tracfone) just to use the phone. What a hassle. This is not a photo studio! They know who i am already. Note: This comment has been edited by the MoneyTransfers.com team to align with our content guidelines.
Ziggy Meilus
It used to be always instant, now it may come right away or it can take 5 even 7 days to get the money.
Anonymous
i've heard of people having issues with accounts being locked/restricted, but i think that was mostly for business accounts, maybe they were locked for good reason. for me, i've had no issue with my account though i've only used it for small transfers and not very often, over the past 5+ years
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.
Please share your experience with Revolut
Would you recommend Revolut?
Anonymous
Family purpose
Anonymous
Our family and in-laws use revolut for when they come to the UK, when we're in Germany, France or Portugal to pay each other back for holiday expenses for our families such as shopping, meals, petrol, gifts etc. It's great.
Anonymous
not competitive
Anonymous
Yes i recommend
Malek
Does not support transactions for people resident in algeria
Gigani
Excellent service
Eric
Does not support transactions for people resident in Indonesia
Anonymous
Excellent
František
I have had Revolut for a long time and I can recommend, the best app for me Note: Translated from "Revolut už mám dlouho a můžu doporučit za mě nejlepší aplikace"
Anonymous
I haven't been able to set up. it won't resend the codes
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.

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