Personal Finance

Your guide to ordering foreign currency with Meridian

Piyush Singh
Piyush Singh
15.03.25
Read time 2 minutes

If you're planning a trip abroad or need foreign cash for business, Meridian offers foreign currency exchange services for all your travel needs.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to order foreign cash from Meridian, what it costs, and how much you can buy. Plus, we'll explore Wise as an alternative, letting you get foreign currency at the mid-market exchange rate in seconds, with no hidden fees.

We'll take a closer look at:

How to order foreign cash from Meridian Credit Union

Meridian Credit Union offers over 80 foreign currencies that can be ordered in-branch or over the phone, with fast and secure delivery for a hassle-free way to prepare for your next trip.

Ways to order foreign currency from Meridian1

  1. In-branch: Visit your local full-service Meridian branch to place and pick up your order in one location.
  2. By phone: Call 1-866-592-2226 to order foreign cash for home delivery through FedEx.

How long does it take to receive foreign currency from Meridian?

  • Orders placed before 2:30 PM take 1 to 2 business days for delivery.
  • Home delivery is handled by FedEx for added security.
  • Delivery is free for orders over 100 CAD.

How much does it cost to order foreign currency from Meridian Credit Union?

When ordering foreign currency from Meridian Credit Union, there are a few fees to keep in mind, depending on the amount of your order and the type of transaction. While Meridian offers free delivery on orders over 100 CAD, smaller transactions may incur additional charges.

Fees for ordering foreign currency at Meridian2

Fee typeFee details
Foreign debit transaction fee2.5%
Small foreign currency order fee (for orders under 100 CAD)5 CAD
Expedited currency order delivery fee (for orders under 2,000 CAD)10 CAD
Foreign currency buy-back fee (within 5 days of the original order)10 CAD

The exact exchange rate for foreign currency purchases is not listed online and can only be confirmed by calling Meridian Credit Union or visiting a branch.

Convert your money across 40 currencies with your Wise account

When it comes to converting foreign currency, Meridian charges a 2.5% conversion fee, and exchange rates are not available online, making it harder to compare costs upfront. On the other hand, Wise offers a much lower fee, starting at just 0.48%3, while always using the mid-market exchange rate, giving you complete transparency before you make a transaction.

With Wise, you can even use auto-conversion to exchange your money when your preferred rate is met, ensuring you get the best possible deal. Unlike Meridian, which requires 1-2 business days5 for converted funds to be available, Wise transactions are almost instant in most cases, so you can access your money right when you need it.

Need cash on hand? Wise also offers a free physical debit card, letting you withdraw local currency when you travel. You get two free ATM withdrawals of up to 350 CAD per month, after which a small 1.75% fee applies3. However, it’s important to note that local ATM operators may still charge their own fees.

Meridian limits foreign cash orders to 5,000 CAD per transaction4, while Wise allows up to 15 conversions within 24 hours, regardless of the amount, giving you more flexibility with larger amounts.

Get your free Wise account in a few clicks >>>

How much foreign cash can you buy at Meridian Credit Union?

If you’re looking to order foreign currency from Meridian Credit Union, there’s a 5,000 CAD limit per transaction4. This means that while you can get the cash you need for travel or other expenses, larger amounts may require multiple orders or alternative solutions.

For more flexibility, a Wise account lets you make multiple currency exchanges within 24-hours with no set transaction cap. Plus, with Wise, you can store, convert, and send money in over 40 currencies—all at the mid-market exchange rate with lower fees.

Sources:

  1. Foreign Currency Exchange Services | Meridian
  2. Rates and Fees for Personal Accounts | Meridian
  3. Wise Fees & Pricing: Only Pay for What You Use
  4. Foreign Currency Exchange Services | Meridian
Sources verified on 7 March 2025

*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.

We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.

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