Canada uses a mix of traditional and digital payment methods, with Interac Debit, major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) being dominant for everyday purchases, alongside Interac e-Transfer for person-to-person payments and growing use of BNPL services and even cryptocurrency, while cash remains for small transactions.
Most Popular Payment Methods in Canada
In Canada, Interac Debit and Interac e‑Transfer dominate account‑to‑account payments, together accounting for billions of annual transactions. Credit and debit cards, mobile wallets (like Apple Pay, Google Pay), PayPal, and BNPL services remain strong contenders.
Unlike Zelle, which only works for domestic bank-to-bank transfers in the US, PayPal lets you send money across borders, making it a go-to option for international payments. One of PayPal's main advantages is that personal transactions within Canada are free when funded by a linked bank account or PayPal balance.
PayPal is a unique platform that allows you to send and receive money with your email and phone. Unlike Cash App, PayPal is also widely used in Canada, the USA and other countries around the world.
Venmo has become one of the most popular ways to send and receive money quickly and easily, which has many Canadians wondering, “Is Venmo in Canada?”. Unfortunately, Venmo is not available in Canada. Thankfully, there are several alternatives that you can use instead.
Bank Transfer
Bank transfers are usually the cheapest option when it comes to funding your international money transfer with Wise. Bank transfers can be slower than debit or credit cards, but they usually give you the best value for your money. Read more how to use bank transfers as a payment option.
Unlike Cash App, which primarily operates in the United States, PESA is tailored to the Canadian market and 20+ other countries. This localization extends to customer support, ensuring that users can access assistance tailored to their specific needs and concerns.
Interac e-Transfer® is the closest thing Canada has to Venmo's simplicity for domestic payments. Most Canadians already know how to send and receive money this way, making it familiar for both you and your customers.
Best ways to send money to the USA from Canada with WISE
The best way to send Canadian dollar to United States dollar is by using money that's in your Wise account. It's cheapest and usually arrives in seconds. Bank transfers are also cheap, but can be slower.
It's easy to set up a personal US PayPal account in Canada if you're a US resident. It's worth noting that you can't use a P.O. Box address to open a US PayPal account in Canada. PayPal can detect your IP address - meaning it's not possible to “cheat the system” if you don't have US residency.
Cash App doesn't work in Canada because the money-transferring service industry is dominated by Interac e-Transfer. For this reason, the Canadian market isn't as profitable, and the company instead chooses to operate exclusively within (and between) the US and UK.
When you travel to Canada, it is best to pay in local currency (CAD) instead of USD. We show you the top three benefits of paying with CAD. Find out how you can save money on your overseas trip and avoid unnecessary currency exchange fees.
Apple Pay Canada
Owing to the popularity of iOS, Apple Pay has become a top payment gateway in Canada and globally. The app facilitates easy and secure purchases, in stores, apps and on the web. Not to forget how easy the app makes sending money to friends and family via iMessages.
Apple Pay participating banks in Canada, Latin America, and the United States. Apple Pay works with many of the major credit and debit cards from the top banks. Just add your supported cards and continue to get all the rewards, benefits, and security of your cards. We're working with more banks to support Apple Pay.
No, Canada doesn't currently support Zelle or Cash App. Both services operate primarily within the U.S., while Cash App additionally serves the U.K. Canadians must use local alternatives for similar services.
Send USD to Interac e-Transfer in Canada securely with Remitly. Enjoy great rates, no hidden fees, and fast delivery through your preferred method. Popular currencies are supported, with access to thousands of trusted providers worldwide.
For credit card purchases you can use Google Pay outside of Canada. For debit card purchases Google Pay is available for use in Canada only.
You can't use Zelle in Canada - it's for payments between US based banks only. Use this handy guide as a way to find alternative providers to make convenient, low cost, online and mobile payments to Canada.
Yes, PayPal works extensively in Canada for online shopping, sending/receiving money domestically and internationally, and managing finances, supporting CAD and other currencies, allowing users to link bank accounts or cards for transactions, though fees apply for certain international or card-funded payments. It's a widely used platform, even accepted by major Canadian retailers, and serves as a common alternative to other services like Venmo in Canada, note this Wise article.
Bank Transfer
Bank transfers are usually the cheapest option when it comes to funding your international money transfer with Wise. Bank transfers can be slower than debit or credit cards, but they usually give you the best value for your money.