How much can you pay with a Tangerine debit card? A closer look

Tangerine has been reshaping everyday banking in Canada for more than 20 years. With more than 2 million clients¹, it's built a reputation for simple accounts and no daily banking fees.

Like any debit card, Tangerine's has set limits on how much you can spend or withdraw. Knowing those limits helps you manage everyday expenses more confidently. We'll also compare Tangerine's debit card with the Wise card to see how they differ.

Understanding the Tangerine debit card limit

Tangerine sets daily limits to help keep accounts secure and manage how money moves in and out. Limits apply across three main areas: ATM withdrawals, point-of-sale purchases and online or in-app transactions. You can also request changes by phone, but they can't be adjusted directly online.

Daily ATM withdrawal limits

Tangerine's daily ATM (ABM) withdrawal limit is 1,200 CAD² and applies when you take out money using your Client Card at a cash machine. If you need a higher or lower limit, you'll need to call Tangerine directly.

Point-of-sale purchase limits

The daily debit purchase limit is 2,500 CAD³. This covers in-store spending with your Client Card and contactless payments and chip-and-PIN transactions both count toward this overall daily total.

Online and in-app payments

The same 2,500 CAD daily purchase limit applies to eCommerce and in-app payments made with the Tangerine Visa Debit card.

Extra security features come from the Visa network, including fraud monitoring and protections for online payments.

Fees linked to the Tangerine debit card

Tangerine keeps everyday banking simple with no fees for most debit card use in Canada. Costs only come into play in certain situations, like using an ATM outside the Scotiabank or Global ATM Alliance network, or making purchases in a foreign currency.

Domestic fees

• Debit purchases and Interac e-Transfers are free.
• Withdrawals from Scotiabank and Global ATM Alliance machines in Canada don't have withdrawal fees.
• Using an ATM outside those networks in Canada costs 1.50 CAD⁴ per withdrawal.

Foreign transaction fees

• Purchases or ATM withdrawals outside Canada come with a 2.50% foreign currency conversion fee⁴ on top of the Visa exchange rate.
• ATM withdrawals outside the Global ATM Alliance cost 3.00 CAD per transaction, plus the conversion fee.

Tangerine debit card limits and fees

Comparing Tangerine debit card with alternatives

Tangerine's debit card works well for everyday use in Canada, but limits and foreign transaction fees make it less flexible once you step outside the country.

Canadians who travel often or shop from international retailers may prefer alternatives that make global spending easier. A multi-currency card, like the Wise debit card, can help avoid conversion costs, offer higher limits, and give more control over how money is managed abroad.

The Wise card: spend like a local in over 140 countries

The Wise card makes spending abroad simple. You can use it in more than 140 countries and over 40 currencies straight from your Wise account. That means you can hold money in different currencies, switch between them at the real exchange rate and spend without hidden markups.

Getting the card is free, and you can start using a digital version instantly with Apple Pay or Google Pay—no need to wait for the physical card.

Daily and monthly limits

Wise applies account-level spending limits that refresh daily and monthly. These limits cover the total amount you can spend by card and withdraw from ATMs across all cards on your account. You can also set daily and monthly limits for individual cards, although the total can't exceed your overall account limits. Limits can be viewed and adjusted anytime in the Wise app or on the web.

Fees

Wise doesn't charge foreign transaction fees. Instead, you get the mid-market exchange rate with a small, transparent conversion fee when spending in a currency you don't hold. ATM withdrawals are only available for Canadians when travelling abroad⁵, and you can withdraw up to 350 CAD a month across two transactions for free. After that, a 1.75% fee applies to amounts over 350 CAD, and a 1.50 CAD fee is added if you make more than two withdrawals. Ordering the card is free, with optional express delivery from 15.41 CAD.

Wise card vs Tangerine debit card limits and fees

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.

Which card should you use?

The best card depends on how the account is used. If most of your spending is on groceries, bills, or local shopping, then limits and fees probably won't get in your way. However, if spending often includes international websites or travel, the differences between Tangerine and Wise matter more.

Tangerine's debit card is practical for everyday banking in Canada. You can shop in-store or online without worry about extra fees, and ATM access through Scotiabank and the Global ATM Alliance keeps cash withdrawals accessible and affordable when you need it. If most of your spending happens at home, Tangerine may be the more logical choice.

While also great for everyday use, Wise makes more sense when you travel abroad or spend in other currencies. You avoid foreign transaction fees, get the real exchange rate and spend directly from currency balances in your account, giving you more control over your money abroad, while keeping costs low and predictable.

Conclusion

Tangerine's debit card covers the day-to-day basics. Everyday payments in Canada are free, and you have far-reaching ATM access if you stick with Scotiabank or Global ATM Alliance machines. The limits are clear, and for most local spending, you probably won't notice them.

However, the picture changes once you go international, and foreign transaction fees and conversion costs can slowly start chipping away at your finances. With no foreign transaction fees, transparent conversion costs, and the option to spend in more than 150 countries, the Wise card offers a clear alternative. Built for spending in Canada, choosing between the Wise card and the Tangerine debit card comes down to how often you travel and spend internationally.