Can I use my credit card in Canada?

It’s got majestic natural beauty stretching from the Rockies to the Niagara Falls. And its cities, from Vancouver to Montreal, are rich in culture and architecture. There’s no doubt Canada is a worthy addition to your travel bucket list. But you may be wondering whether you can use your American credit card while you’re there.

Put simply: Yes, you can use your U.S. credit cards in Canada. But there are some things it might help to know before you set off.

What you’ll learn:

• American credit cards are widely accepted in Canada.
• Taking a credit card with you to Canada might be more convenient and secure than taking cash. 
• Some credit cards offer benefits, like travel protections and security features, that might be useful when you’re visiting Canada. 

Canadian money consists of dollars and cents, but it’s not the same as U.S. currency. So when traveling to Canada, you’ll need to consider how you’ll pay for things just as you would when traveling anywhere abroad.

You can use your credit card at any merchant in Canada that accepts your card’s payment network. According to travel experts Frommer’s, Visa® and Mastercard® are the most widely accepted, followed by American Express.

It can be useful to have some cash on you for things like local transportation and tips while you’re in Canada. But it’s often easier to carry a credit card than to exchange currencies and then deal with unfamiliar paper bills and coins. Plus, your credit card issuer might have an app, like the Capital One Mobile app, that you can use to track your spending while you’re away.

Using a credit card in Canada could offer these benefits:

• Security features: Cash can’t be replaced if stolen, but your credit cards can. Your credit account may also give you access to security features that can help protect against fraud. For example, Capital One offers $0 liability for unauthorized charges and the ability to lock your card to prevent others from using it.
• Credit card rewards: With a rewards credit card, you can earn rewards on qualifying purchases when you’re traveling.
• Favorable exchange rates: Credit cards may offer favorable exchange rates on purchases made when traveling internationally. And if you choose a card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee, your savings can really start to add up.
• Travel-related perks: Some credit cards come with benefits that are particularly useful for travelers. Eligible Capital One cardholders get travel protections like lost luggage reimbursement and perks like complimentary access to airport lounges and a statement credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry enrollment. 

If you’re planning a trip to Canada, here are a few things to keep in mind when using your credit card.

With some credit cards, fees may be added when you make transactions abroad with foreign merchants: 

• A foreign transaction fee is a surcharge some card issuers add to credit card purchases made outside the U.S. These fees usually range from about 1%-3% of the transaction cost.
• A currency conversion fee is charged by the credit or debit card payment network or ATM network for converting foreign currency to American dollars. Visa and Mastercard charge a 1% currency conversion fee to card issuers, which some issuers pass on to customers.

Capital One doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees or pass on currency conversion fees. View important rates and disclosures. Other issuers might.

Something else to watch out for is dynamic currency conversion. This optional service that merchants offer converts prices in Canadian dollars to American dollars right at the point of purchase. It’s convenient because it tells you on the spot how much you’re paying in American dollars. But it typically costs more than any standard exchange rate your credit card issuer might charge.

Most American and Canadian credit cards use EMV chip technology. In the U.S., cardholders typically authenticate their transactions with a signature (chip-and-signature cards), and in Canada, they generally type in a PIN (chip-and-PIN cards). 

Luckily, the difference in technology isn’t normally an issue. If you are prompted for a PIN at the point of purchase, let the merchant know your card doesn’t use a PIN. They may ask you to sign the receipt instead. 

Many credit cards come with security features that can be particularly useful when you’re traveling. So it’s a great idea to be familiar with them before you set off. As well as card lock, Capital One credit cards offer fraud alerts, instant purchase notifications and more. You can access and enable these features by adding the Capital One Mobile app to your phone or by signing in to your account online.

Bringing an additional card as a backup can be useful, especially if you keep it separate from your primary one. If you’re a Capital One cardholder and report your card lost or stolen, you can lock it to prevent others from using it. Consider keeping it in a second wallet or your hotel room safe.

It’s not as common as it once was, but some card providers still ask you to set up a travel notice when you’re leaving the country. That’s so they know you’re abroad and don’t flag your card for potential fraud. If you’re unsure of your issuer’s preference, it may be a good idea to check with them. 

Capital One no longer requires that you share your international travel plans. But it still recommends updating your contact information in case it needs to reach you about suspected fraud.

Using a credit card in Canada should be as simple as using it at home. It can be easier to carry and use than foreign currency, plus it’s generally more secure and may even come with useful benefits for travelers.

If you want to get rewarded during your next big trip, you can consider a travel rewards credit card from Capital One. As you plan, check out these tips for using a credit card internationally to help you get the most out of your card.