![]() ![]() They work just like other Canadian credit cards, allowing you to make purchases in Canadian dollars (purchases are converted from U.S. No foreign transaction fee credit cards are a great option for Canadian snowbirds, combining cost savings and convenience. Most Canadian credit cards have a foreign transaction “fee” in addition to the currency exchange spread, which could end up costing you an extra 2.5% or more on every purchase you make in any currency other than Canadian dollars!įortunately, there are a few Canadian credit card options available that are ideal for snowbirds:Ĭanadian Dollar No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit Cards and other countries can be very expensive, and we recommend avoiding it whenever possible. Learn More about Cross Border Banking Solutionsįor Canadian snowbirds, using your regular Canadian credit card in the U.S. Sometimes mixing and matching services from different financial institutions can save you more money than using an all-in-one solution. While the cost and type of services offered varies from bank to bank, they usually include a variety of banking, payment, credit card and foreign exchange solutions.Ĭross border banking services can be affordable and convenient, but make sure you compare your options first to understand exactly what you’re getting and the fees involved. Some Canadian banks have started offering cross border banking solutions specifically tailored for Canadian snowbirds and travellers who spend a significant amount of time in the United States. Consider Cross Border Banking Solutions.ATM Machines almost always charge a foreign exchange fee if you use your Canadian debit card, usually a high one, and should be avoided whenever possible unless you have a cross border banking service with a U.S.Canadian Debit Cards usually don’t charge a foreign exchange fee when you use them in the U.S., but may sometimes, so be sure to check first.Credit Cards usually do charge a percentage foreign exchange fee (2% – 3%), but there are some notable exceptions.Foreign Exchange Kiosks sometimes charge a foreign exchange fee, but even if they don’t, you should still avoid them, as they’re usually located in remote locations or tourist areas and offer worse exchange rates.Banks and Currency Exchange Services usually do not charge a foreign exchange fee, but make sure to ask first.Who Does and Doesn’t Charge Foreign Exchange Fees ![]() Using currency conversion methods that charge a fee should be avoided whenever possible, unless the additional fee is reasonable and provides you with extra convenience. $5 per transaction) or a percentage fee (i.e. These fees can either take the form of a flat transaction fee (i.e. Some foreign exchange methods charge an additional fee on top of the spread that can significantly increasing your currency conversion cost. While the foreign exchange spread may vary from currency trader to currency trader and you can get better rates by shopping around, there is no way to entirely escape it, regardless of how or where you exchange currency. The difference between these two amounts is the “spread”, and is profit for the bank or foreign exchange company. This is because the exchange rates you see in the news are the Bank of Canada rates and the exchange rates you actually receive are retail rates. You’ve probably noticed that the exchange rate you see quoted in the news is always better than the rate you actually receive when exchanging currency, usually by a few cents or more. The difference between what a bank or foreign exchange service pays for a currency and what they charge you to buy it is often referred to as the “spread”. Understand Foreign Exchange Fees and CostsĮssentially, there are two types of costs associated with exchanging currency - the “Spread” and Fees: The Foreign Exchange “Spread” While you can’t avoid foreign exchange fees entirely, you can minimize foreign exchange costs significantly by understanding how they work and following these tips, which can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars every year. dollars to meet your living expenses, buy a vehicle or purchase a U.S. dollars, at some point you will inevitably have to convert your Canadian dollars to U.S. Currency conversion can be a big expense for Canadian snowbirds who spend a significant amount of time in the United States, depending on the current rate of exchange. ![]()
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