Where to Get Canadian Money? Best Recommended Places

Last Updated on December, 2024

Are you planning a trip to Canada and need Canadian Dollars while in the U.S.? I’ve got you covered with the best ways to get your hands on CAD without stress. 

Whether you prefer online convenience, bank transactions, or airport pickup, I’ll guide you through the options. From exchanging currency rates to comparing fees, here’s everything you need to know to make your travel money go further. 

Continue reading. 

Comparison Between the Top Choices

Service Reviews Exchange Rate1000 USD Gets You Order Details 
Wise Travel Card226,8231.37611,371.57 CADOrder online for $9 USD

Delivered in 14 – 21 business days
Wells Fargo Travel Money1,1881.30591,305.90 CADOrder online or in a branch

Delivered in 2 – 7 days
Xchange of America Travel Money4,7581.25001,250.00 CADOrder online

In-stock currencies shipped overnight with FedEx
Banks & Currency Exchanges5.6% margin*Ask in storeExchange rates vary

Ask in store for details

Best Places to Get Canadian Dollars in the US

a person holding a wise credit card
a person holding a wells fargo credit card
a person holding a xchange of america credit card

Wise

Wise App is a financial technology application that offers services related to money transfers and financial management. Initially known as TransferWise, it was rebranded to Wise in 2021. 

Wise offers a quick online service to convert USD to CAD at low fees and competitive exchange rates. You can transfer money directly to Canadian bank accounts in other countries (including the U.S.), making it a convenient option for digital foreign currency transactions. 

Here, you can expand your knowledge about the Wise platform.

Wells Fargo Travel Money

Wells Fargo provides foreign currency exchange services, including Canadian dollars, through its branches and online. You can order online and pick it up at a local branch or have the cash delivered to your home.

Xchange of America

Xchange Of America specializes in foreign currency exchange, including Canadian dollars. They offer competitive rates, a variety of denominations, and the option to order online with home delivery or pickup at partner locations. 

Banks & Money Exchanges

Many bank and money exchange services across the U.S. offer Canadian dollars. Large banks like Chase, Bank of America and local money exchange stores provide options for ordering online or buying in person at branches and kiosks. 

Where to Exchange Money in the U.S.?

converting usd to cad

You have several choices to exchange Canadian dollars in the U.S. You can order online for home delivery or pick up at a branch. Options include buying from a bank, money exchange office, or at the airport. 

For convenience, consider a travel money card like Wise, which can be topped up in U.S. dollars and used abroad.

  • Order Online for Delivery: CXI and Xchange of America provide currency exchange services that let you order online and get Canadian dollars delivered to your home. Fees apply, but it’s convenient and fast. 
  • Buy In Person: Get Canadian dollars instantly at places like CXI, or order ahead for pickup at banks like Wells Fargo. This avoids delivery fees and can be quicker if you need cash right away. 

How to Get CAD in the U.S.?

You have many options if you need to buy Canadian Dollars in the U.S..

  • Enter the Amount Needed: Input the Amount of Canadian Dollars you need. 
  • Choose Your Method: Decide between getting a travel card, ordering online, or buying in person. 
  • Compare Rates and Fees: Check the available exchange rates and fees. 
  • Pick a Provider: Select the best provider based on the deals available. 

Are you clear?

Get a Canadian Dollar Travel Money Card

wise online money transfer

Order a travel money card like Wise or Revolut in the U.S., add money in USD, and convert it to Canadian Dollars in your multi-currency account. Spend your CADs with no extra fees and make ATM withdrawals when needed.

After your trip, convert leftover travel money back to U.S. dollars instantly or save it for next time. These cards are secure, cheap, and easy to use, offering great rates, low fees, and the flexibility to manage your money with your phone. 

Note: You can use a digital card before your physical card arrives. 

Provider Spending Fees ATM WithdrawalsExchange Rates Delivery
Wise card No fee if you have enough balance in the currency2 free withdrawals up to $100/month, then $1.50+ 2%Mid-market rate, conversion from 0.35%14-21 days; virtual card availability instantly 
Revolut card No fee if you have enough balance in the currencySome free withdrawals within plan limitsSome free weekday conversions within plan limits; fair usage fees apply after that 7-8 days; virtual card availability instantly 

How to Buy Canadian Dollars With a Travel Money Card?

It’s not as hard as you think. Here you’re: 

  • Register an Account: Sign up with a provider like Wise. 
  • Get Verified: Complete the verification process and order your card. 
  • Receive Your Card: Your physical card will arrive by mail in 14-21 business days. 
  • Top Up Online: Add money to your online for free. 
  • Buy CAD: Purchase Canadian Dollars in your account or let your card auto-convert using the mid-market exchange rate. 

Order Canadian Dollars Online to Your Doorstep

a collection of Canadian banknotes placed on top of a table

GUESS WHAT? Several providers allow you to order Canadian Dollars online and have them delivered to your home, offering convenience, especially when someone is available to receive the package. 

This method avoids the uncertainty of visiting an exchange office and discovering the currency you need isn’t in stock. 

By going for this service, you skip the need to visit a physical store to obtain your travel funds. Providers typically offer a broad range of currencies for home delivery, and some can deliver your money within one or two days. 

The good news is that this approach saves time and ensures you get the online currency you require, though fees and exchange rates may differ. 

Buy Canadian Dollars 

At the Bank

Banks vary in their rules and processes for money exchange at their branches. Typically, you’ll need to have an account with the bank to exchange currency. It’s advisable to order foreign currency ahead of time as banks may not always have a large stock available. 

Some banks provide a buy bank service for unused travel money, though the exchange rate for selling it back might differ, resulting in receiving less money than what was initially spent. 

When banks offer travel money services: 

  • They generally support a wide range of global currencies. 
  • Many allow you to place orders online and collect at a branch. 
  • Buy-back services are often offered for leftover currency to exchange money.

For precise information, contact the main branches of your local bank or call ahead to ensure availability.

At the Airport 

If you find yourself planning late, buying Canadian Dollars at the airport is usually an option. Major airports generally have money exchange counters catering to travelers. However, choices may be limited, and fees can be higher than city locations. 

Key considerations include: 

  • Airport conversion rates often include a noticeable markup. 
  • Currency conversion services may not be available at all airports. 
  • Limited competition can result in higher overall costs.

Foreign Currency Conversion Offices

an individual holding Canadian dollar banknotes

Another option is to visit an exchange office to purchase Canadian Dollars in person. Simply choose a convenient location, bring cash in U.S. Dollars or use a card where accepted. 

Exchange offices set their own rates and fees, so comparing options is crucial. However, this method offers the advantage of immediate access to the currency you need.

Considerations:

  • Exchange/conversion rates often include a markup. 
  • Not all currencies are available in every country. 
  • Selling back unused currency may result in a loss. 

This approach provides quick access to travel money, but it’s wise to shop around for the best rates and terms. 

How to Get the Best USD to CAD Exchange Rate?

Exchange rates vary among providers, influenced by factors like the currency pair, exchange amount, payment method, and whether it’s for digital or physical cash. 

Unlike the mid-market rate – seen in online converters or Google searches – banks provide currency exchange services, which typically apply an additional fee, known as a markup, for retail transactions. 

Here’s how to find the best rate: 

  • Enter your exchange amount into the online currency converter. 
  • Compare exchange rates for USD to CAD. 
  • Decide between options like travel cards, online orders, or in-person exchanges.
  • Choose a provider based on available rates and offers. 

For example: 

  • Wise offers 1.3635 at the mid-market rate with 0% markup. 
  • Wells Fargo provides 1.2950 with a markup of -5.03%.
  • Xchange of America lists 1.2407 with a markup of 9.01%. 

Budget for an Overseas Trip to Canada

an image of a Canadian passport placed on top of a stack of Canadian dollar bills

Planning a trip to Canada involves setting a budget in Canadian Dollars ahead of time to account for varying costs based on your activities, accommodations, and duration of stay. 

Accommodation and activities are the most expensive aspects, with additional considerations for currency exchange rates, food, transport, and incidental expenses like tipping. 

On average, hotel prices range widely, starting at approximately $186. For convenience, organized tours eliminate the need for individual activity planning or allocate about $24 daily for independent exploration. 

Relevant guide:

Conclusion

Now that you know how and where to get Canadian Dollars in the U.S., you’re ready to plan your Canadian adventure. 

Whether you go for a travel card, doorstep delivery, or a bank visit, managing your currency exchange can be simple with the proper knowledge. Budget wisely, consider your expenses, and explore Canada knowing your currency is sorted. 

FAQs

Yes, you can use a credit card instead of cash in Canada. Most businesses accept major credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. However, you may be charged foreign transaction fees.

No, there are no limits on how much currency you can bring into Canada. However, any amount over 10,000 CAD or USD must be declared at the border. Failure to do so may result in penalties.

Yes, you can exchange USD for CAD at airports as most major airports have currency exchange booths. However, it is important to note that they often have higher fees and less favorable rates.

It’s a good idea to exchange some money before traveling to Canada for immediate expenses, but you can also use ATMs or credit cards once you’re there for better exchange rates.

You’ll typically get the best exchange rate for USD to CAD by using a debit card at an ATM in Canada or by exchanging money at a bank. Avoid airport kiosks, as they usually have higher fees.

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Author
Allen Morning
I'm Allen Morning, with a background spanning over 15 years in international finance and education from Harvard and Stanford. I founded Currenciap with a vision to demystify and streamline global financial transactions. My journey in finance has fueled my commitment to creating a platform that is both user-friendly and efficient, making international finance accessible to everyone. You can find more about me here.

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