Does Canada Accept Credit Cards? (2024)

Are you planning a trip to Canada and wondering if your credit card will be accepted there? Indeed, whether or not your credit card will be accepted overseas can be a central concern for many travellers about to embark on an international trip. After all, not all countries have the same level of credit card acceptance, so it's very helpful to understand credit card acceptance policies and trends before you travel.

But what about Canada? Can you use your credit card there? The short answer is yes, you can use your credit card in Canada. Credit cards are widely-used across Canada and are a popular means of payment in shops, restaurants, and other commercial establishments.

Key Facts About Credit Cards in Canada

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Does Canada Accept Credit Cards?

Yes, pretty much all shops, businesses, hotels, restaurants, and other commercial establishments in Canada will readily accept credit card payments — making it a great way to spend your money in Canada.

Although cash is also very common in Canada, credit and debit cards issued by major global providers like VISA and Mastercard are commonly accepted thoughout the country. If your card is issued by American Express, Diner's Club, Discovery, or another card company, there's a good chance they'll also be accepted in Canada, but we recommend checking with your bank or card provider directly to make sure that Canadian dollar currency conversion is indeed supported, and that card machines and ATMs in Canada commonly support cards of this type.

How to Use Credit Cards in Canada

Using your credit card in Canada works just like it does in your home country. In general, you'll simply need to do the following to use your card to make a payment:

1. Confirm your transaction amount,
2. Tap (or insert or swipe) your credit card,
3. Enter your PIN if prompted,
4. Wait for the payment to be authorised and for the receipt to print.

In general, we recommend keeping your receipt for your records and reconciling your credit card statement. It can sometimes be interesting to see how much you paid in a foreign currency versus the amount that was debited in your home currency. As we'll see in the next section, the percentage difference can sometimes be very high!

Cost of Using Credit Cards in Canada

Every time you pay with your credit card in a foreign currency like the Canadian dollar, you'll be charged several fees before the final amount is reflected on your card statement. These fees are charged by the following parties:

• Your credit card company (VISA, Mastercard, etc.),
• Your bank or credit card provider,
• The ATM network (if you're withdrawing cash).

Here are the average ranges of these various fees when making dollar credit card payments in Canada:

Alternatives to Credit Cards in Canada

A cheaper alternative to using a credit card for travelling to Canada is a prepaid travel debit card.

Just like credit cards, prepaid debit cards (which are also normally issued by VISA or Mastercard) provide an excellent way to pay while visiting Canada, the main difference being that you normally pay lower fees and exchange rates. Depending on where you live, you'll probably have options from your bank or a third-party provider to use a commission-free debit card or a multi-currency card which can help you dodge high Canadian dollar conversion costs, including DCCs.

According to our analysis of dozens of providers, the top two options for travelling to Canada, in general, are the following:

Revolut

Revolut is an excellent option for paying in Canada. Its mobile banking app and debit card give you competitive exchange rates to the Canadian dollar and low fees, all while you can easily manage your money through Revolut's user-friendly app.

Monito Score

• Customer Satisfaction 9.4

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• Monthly fee: $0
• Card type: Mastercard debit
• Card payment cost in Canadian dollar: 0.5% - 1.5%
• Cash withdrawal fee: 0% - 2%
• Canadian dollar balance: Yes
• Canadian dollar bank details: No
• More info: See our Revolut review or visit the website.

Wise Account

The Wise Account is another great option for paying in Canadian dollar. It gives you the lowest possible currency exchange rates with complete transparency and no hidden fees. It also allows you to hold and manage over 50 currencies in one account and provides fast and secure cross-border money transfers at a fraction of the cost of traditional banks.

Monito Score

• Customer Satisfaction 9.6

Go to Wise 🡲

• Monthly fee: $0
• Card type: VISA debit
• Card payment cost in Canadian dollar: 0.5% - 1.5%
• Cash withdrawal fee: 0% - 2%
• Canadian dollar balance: Yes
• Canadian dollar bank details: Yes
• More info: See our Wise Account review or visit the website.

FAQ About Credit Cards in Canada

• Can I use my credit card in Canada?

  Yes, pretty much all shops, restaurants, businesses, and commercial establishments in Canada do accept credit cards. However, we recommend checking with the vendor beforehand to ensure that they accept your specific type of credit card.

• Which credit cards are accepted in Canada?

  Credit cards from major card companies like VISA, Mastercard, and American Express are generally always accepted in Canada. However, it's important to remember that acceptance may vary depending on the individual business, so checking in advance is a good idea.

• What are the fees to use my credit card in Canada?

  Unless your credit card is designed for international spending, it's likely that you'll incur exchange rate margins and currency conversion fees when using your credit card in Canada. In general, these fees range from 2.5% to 5% per transaction, so it's not negligible! To save money, we recommend using a travel debit card like Revolut to avoid hidden fees altogether.

• Should I use credit cards or cash in Canada?

  Both are commonly-accepted forms of payment in Canada, so it depends on your preference and the specific circ*mstances. Credit cards can be a convenient and safe way to make purchases, but having cash on hand is always a good idea, especially if you plan to visit less touristy areas. Moreover, some businesses prefer that customers pay with cash to avoid the processing fees of card transactions.

• What if my credit card is lost or stolen in Canada?

  You must report your lost or stolen credit card to your bank or credit card provider immediately. They can help you cancel the card and issue a replacement. Additionally, having a backup credit card or cash in emergencies is also a good idea for moments like these.

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