A closer look at the Interac Debit card in Canada

The Interac® Debit card is an easy way to spend in Canada. You can pay by contactless in millions of stores or spend online with the touch of a button. However, you can’t spend money outside Canada or the US with this card.¹

We’ll take a look at everything you need to know about Interac Debit, including key features, fees and how to set up your Interac Debit card. We’ll also learn about the Wise card and how it can help save money when travelling abroad and paying in different currencies.

Wise: save on foreign transaction fees

This guide will walk you through:

What does the Interac Debit card offer? How does the Interac Debit card work in Canada? Everyday spending and payments Security features of Interac Debit cards Advantages of using an Interac Debit card in Canada Fees and limits of Interac Debit cards Can I use my Interac Debit card internationally? Interac Debit card vs international options How Wise complements the Interac Debit card How to get and set up an Interac Debit card FAQs about the Interac Debit card

What does the Interac Debit card offer?

Interac Debit is a simple payment method for purchases in Canada. Here are some key features of your Interac Debit card:

• Make secure and convenient payments in-store and online
• Withdraw cash from ABMs across Canada
• Set up your card via your regular financial provider¹

Interac Debit works by moving money in real-time from your bank account to the retailer’s. You can pay using a physical debit card or a mobile wallet like Apple® Pay.¹

Debit cards like Interac Debit are linked to your bank account. This means you can typically only spend money you have, so you're less likely to get into debt.¹ This compares to credit cards, which let you borrow money from your bank or card issuer.

How does the Interac Debit card work in Canada?

You can use Interac Debit to spend your money across Canada. Let’s take a closer look at how the Interac Debit card works.

Everyday spending and payments

Interac Debit is integrated across all Canadian financial institutions. You can use your card to spend in most local stores, retailers and online marketplaces.

You can also use Interac Debit for certain transit payments, such as when travelling via Metrolinx® in Ontario.¹

Security features of Interac Debit cards

Your Interac Debit card comes with a range of security features, including Interac’s Zero-Liability Policy protection. This protects your transactions from some losses.²

Interac uses limits for contactless transactions to safeguard against fraud. For example, you can only spend up to 250 CAD at once via contactless.

Your bank may also set a cumulative spending limit for your card. If you exceed these limits, you’ll need to insert your card and enter your PIN. This proves you are the cardholder and ensures no one else can access your money.²

Advantages of using an Interac Debit card in Canada

Interac Debit provides a direct link to your Canadian bank account. You can spend from your account at retailers across the country, or withdraw cash from ABMs.

The Interac Debit card is accepted nearly everywhere in Canada, so it’s an easy payment method for local domestic purchases.

Fees and limits of Interac Debit cards

Your Interac Debit card fees will likely vary by bank. Some banks may charge for ABM withdrawals or cross-border transactions, for example, but you’ll need to speak to your financial institution for more information.³

You can only spend up to 250 CAD per single card-based contactless transaction, at which point you may need to insert your card and enter your PIN.

Common Interac Debit card fees and limits (example from RBC®)

Feature	Interac Debit (Canada)
Purchases using your debit card	Depends on your account – some RBC accounts include a certain number of debit transactions before fees apply For example, RBC Day to Day Banking customers get 12 free debit transactions per month Any extra payments will likely cost you 1.25 CAD⁴
Daily spending limit	You can view your debit card spending limits via RBC online banking⁵
Interac Flash limit (tap)	250 CAD²
Replacement card fee	RBC typically charges 5 CAD per replacement debit card⁴

Can I use my Interac Debit card internationally?

You can only use your Interac Debit card in Canada or the US. This includes cross-border transactions via certain US payment networks.¹

However, you’ll need to consider any additional fees or charges for debit card payments outside Canada, as many banks may add currency conversion fees to non-Canadian dollar transactions.³

If you regularly travel out of the country, you may need a debit card with a little more flexibility for global spending.

Interac Debit card vs international options

Interac Debit is a convenient option for spending in Canada, but you won’t be able to use your card outside Canada and the US.

A credit card like Visa® or Mastercard® can provide you with funds protection for international purchases, but you’ll need to be careful to avoid getting into debt.

You can also use a Wise card to make low-cost payments in over 150 countries, with no hidden fees for global transactions or currency conversion.

Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of using Interac Debit, a credit card or a Wise card, including a comparison of key features, fees and international capabilities.

Interac Debit card vs international card alternatives

Feature	Interac Debit card	Credit card (Visa/Mastercard)	Wise card
Domestic acceptance	Use your Interac Debit card at retailers across Canada	Use your Visa or Mastercard credit card at retailers in Canada	Spend online or in person in Canada – anywhere that accepts Visa or Mastercard
International acceptance	Use your card at over 2 million retailers in the US¹	You can use your card anywhere you see the Visa or Mastercard logo	Use your Wise card to spend in over 150 countries
Currency conversion fee	Costs may vary by bank – payments in US dollars may include a currency conversion fee	Your credit card provider and bank will likely add a currency conversion charge for international payments	Wise always uses the standard mid-market exchange rate for international payments – no hefty currency conversion fees
Link to CAD account	Use your regular CAD bank account to spend with Interac Debit	Depends on your provider – credit card purchases don’t usually come out of your regular bank account	Your card is linked to your Wise card – hold money in over 40 currencies
Risk of debt	Low – you’ll typically need funds in your bank account before you can use Interac Debit	High – you can spend money you don’t have using your credit card, which can lead to debt	Low – you’ll need funds in your Wise account to spend money

How Wise complements the Interac Debit card

If you regularly travel overseas, you can use your Wise card to complement Interac Debit for fast, low-cost payments outside Canada.

Order a physical or digital Wise card to spend in-store and online across the world at the mid-market exchange rate. This is the standard ‘fair’ rate for currency conversion – no markups or hidden fees.

Key features of Wise account and card:

• Hold over 40 currencies in your digital wallet, including CAD and USD
• Use your Wise card anywhere that Visa or Mastercard are accepted
• Make 2 free cash withdrawals a month in Canada or abroad of up to 350 CAD

Interac Debit is good for local payments, but Wise can support all your international spending needs. Whether you’re paying for a meal in France or buying groceries in the US, avoid hefty hidden fees with Wise!

Using your Wise card abroad and don't have enough money in the local currency? No problem. Thanks to the Smart Conversion technology, money will be automatically deducted from the balance at the mid-market exchange rate.

Get your Wise account and card >>>

Wise won't charge you a fee on your first two ATM withdrawals each month, as long as the total combined amount withdrawn does not exceed 350 CAD. The ATM operator may charge their own fees.

How to get and set up an Interac Debit card

You’ll need to set up your Interac Debit card via your local financial institution. When you open a Canadian bank account, your bank should provide you with your debit card.

You can use your card to spend and withdraw funds across Canada. You can also add your card to a mobile wallet like Google® Pay or Apple Pay.¹

FAQs about Interac Debit cards

Can I use my Interac Debit card online?

Yes, you can use Interac Debit to spend online or in person. Simply enter your debit card details to pay through online banking.¹

Is the Interac Debit card free?

You’ll need to speak to your bank about how much it costs to get an Interac Debit card. Your financial institution is responsible for issuing your card, so transactions like cross-border payments may come with additional fees.

Is Interac Debit safe to use?

Interac supports safe transactions, with features like advanced fraud protection technology and a contactless spending limit of up to 250 CAD.

What’s the difference between Interac Debit and Interac e-Transfer?

Interac e-Transfer is a digital transfer service for moving money between Canadian bank accounts, whereas Interac Debit is a card payment method for transactions in-store or online. You can’t use e-Transfer to purchase goods using Chip and PIN, for example.¹

Conclusion

Interac Debit is a secure and accessible payment method, but you can’t use your card outside Canada or the US. You’ll also need to consider your bank’s charges for certain transactions, such as payments in US dollars.

Wise is a handy way to supplement your global spending. You can pay abroad at the ‘fair’ mid-market exchange rate, with flexible international transactions for all Canadian customers.

To start spending in over 150 countries, get a Wise card today.

---

**Sources:**

1. Interac - What is Interac Debit?
2. Interac - Protect your payments
3. Interac - Pay with Interac Debit
4. RBC - Personal Deposit accounts
5. RBC - Client card daily limits

Sources verified on 24 November 2025