Best prepaid travel cards in Canada 2025
Looking for the best prepaid travel cards in Canada? We've put together a detailed comparison of the top options available in 2025, covering everything from fees and features to how each card performs when you're spending overseas.
Whether you want to avoid foreign transaction charges, manage your budget in multiple currencies, or just travel with peace of mind, there's a prepaid card to suit your needs.
We've highlighted the Wise card as our top all-round pick, and compared it alongside four other highly recommended prepaid travel cards.
Quick summary: Prepaid travel cards in Canada
| Provider | 💡 Great for |
|---|---|
| Wise | The mid-market exchange rate, low-cost currency conversion and spending in 40+ currencies |
| Canada Post | When you need to pick up a travel card quickly at your local post office |
| BMO Prepaid | Secure spending for BMO customers with easy top-ups |
| KOHO | Earning cashback and rewards, with optional FX fee savings |
| Neo Money Card | Optional travel perks like lounge access and insurance |
Best prepaid travel cards in Canada
Choosing the right prepaid travel card can help you avoid hidden fees, manage your spending abroad, and even unlock handy perks like cash back or travel insurance. While many travellers turn to a no foreign transaction fee credit card or credit card with no foreign transaction fees, prepaid cards can be a great alternative with fewer risks and no credit checks.
We've compared the top prepaid cards available in Canada across key travel features, including where you can use them, what it costs to spend in another currency, and any fees for ATM withdrawals overseas.
| Where can you use it? | Fees for spending | Fees for ATM withdrawals overseas | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wise Multi-Currency Card | Hold 40+ currencies, spend in 150+ countries | Mid-market exchange rate, conversion fees starting from 0.48% | 2 free withdrawals/month up to 350 CAD, then 1.75 CAD + 1.5% per withdrawal |
| Canada Post Cash Passport Prepaid Mastercard | 7 currencies including USD, EUR, GBP, MXN; accepted globally | No fee to spend currencies you hold. 3.25% fee applies when spending a currency not on your card | Flat fee per withdrawal: CAD 3.00, USD 2.50, EUR 1.90, GBP 1.70, JPY 275, AUD 3.00, MXN 32.00. ATM operator fees may also apply |
| BMO Prepaid Mastercard | Any country that accepts Mastercard | 2.5% foreign transaction fee. Uses Mastercard exchange rate. | $5.00 fee |
| Koho Prepaid Mastercard | Accepted globally | No foreign transaction fees on premium plans. 1.5% foreign transaction fee applies on the free plan. Mastercard exchange rate. | $2–$3 per withdrawal at out-of-network ATMs. 1 free international withdrawal/month on Premium plans |
| Neo Money Card | Accepted worldwide | 2.5% foreign exchange conversion fee. Uses Mastercard rate. Travel Perk ($7.99/month) gives 2% cashback on foreign spending | No additional Neo fee; ATM operator fees may apply |
*Information correct as of 23rd March 2025
Wise
Hold and exchange 40+ currencies with the mid-market exchange rate and no hidden fees
Autoconvert feature means you'll always get to pick your desired exchange rate when you spend with the Wise card
Send payments to 140+ countries and receive 8+ currencies for local account details with a Wise account
Open a Wise account online for free or in the Wise app and order a Wise card for spending and withdrawals in 140+ countries around the world. You'll be able to hold and exchange over 40 currencies in the Wise app, with no fee to spend any currency you hold - and all currency exchanges use the mid-market exchange rate with no markup and no hidden fees.
There's no fee to get your Wise card, and no ongoing charges or minimum balance to worry about. Some transaction charges apply, depending on the services you use.
| Wise pros | Wise cons |
|---|---|
✅ Mid-market exchange rate with no hidden fees ✅ Hold and convert 40+ currencies ✅ Spend globally with no foreign transaction fees on balances you hold ✅ Receive money like a local in 8 currencies | ❌ ATM withdrawal fees apply after free allowance ❌ No cash top-up option |
Canada Post - quick pick up
Supports 7 major currencies, including US dollars, Mexican pesos, euros and British pounds
Mastercard branded for global acceptance
No fee to spend currencies you hold in your account
You can pick up a Canada Post Cash Passport in a Post Office - perfect if you're in a hurry and can't wait for delivery. Add money and convert to any of the supported currencies depending on where you're headed. Variable ATM fees apply based on location, and there's a 3.25% foreign exchange fee if you don't hold the currency you need for spending.
| Canada Post pros | Canada Post cons |
|---|---|
✅ Instant pickup at your local post office ✅ Hold 7 currencies including USD, GBP, and EUR ✅ Mastercard branded and accepted worldwide ✅ No fee to spend currencies you hold | ❌ 3.25% fee if you don't hold the currency you're spending ❌ Variable ATM fees depending on country |
BMO Prepaid Mastercard - easy top up
Not linked to your main account for security
No interest or cash advance fees (purchase card, not a credit card)
Use globally anywhere you see the Mastercard logo
If you're a BMO customer and want an easy way to move money from your primary account to a separate prepaid card with global acceptance the BMO Prepaid Mastercard might suit you. There's a 9.99 CAD annual fee to pay, and foreign currency spending does incur a fee of 2.5%.
However, BMO positions this option as a convenient and secure way to spend with no risk of running up interest, cash advance or late fees - which might be handy if you're a BMO customer looking for convenience.
| BMO pros | BMO cons |
|---|---|
✅ Not linked to your main account for added security ✅ Use anywhere Mastercard is accepted ✅ No interest, late fees or risk of debt ✅ Easy top-up if you're already a BMO customer | ❌ $9.99 annual fee ❌ 2.5% foreign transaction fee |
Koho - partner discounts and promotions
Either pay a monthly fee for no foreign transaction fees, or have a no-subscription plan with a 1.5% foreign transaction fee
Cash back promotions and extra benefits from a good selection of partner merchants
Fee free way to top up all card types
Koho has a few different prepaid travel cards available to Canadian residents. It's also a popular alternative for anyone looking for a no FX fee credit card in Canada, with the Premium plan offering zero foreign transaction fees and cashback at partner merchants.
Alternatively, you might want to choose the standard account plan which has lots of free transaction options and partner promotions, but comes with a foreign transaction fee, and inactivity charges if you don't use your account.
Or you can pay a 18 CAD monthly subscription to access a Premium account with no foreign transaction fees, while still getting all the partner perks.
| KOHO pros | KOHO cons |
|---|---|
✅ Cashback and partner rewards on all plans ✅ No FX fees on Premium plans ✅ Free top-ups across all card types ✅ Multiple plans to suit different budgets | ❌ 1.5% foreign transaction fee on the free plan ❌ $18/month fee for Premium |
Neo Money Card – travel perks when you want them
No monthly or annual fees to hold or use the base card
Optional Travel Perks for $7.99 per month
2% cashback on foreign transactions
You'll get a Neo Money Card when you open a Neo Everyday account. There's no cost to use the card for day-to-day spending, and you can earn cashback from partner brands across Canada.
If you're heading abroad, you can activate the Travel Perk for 7.99 CAD per month to unlock extra benefits like lounge access, insurance, and cashback on foreign transactions.
The foreign exchange fee is 2.5%, but the 2% cashback on all foreign transactions with the Travel Perk can help balance this out when you spend internationally. You can turn the perk on and off as needed, so you're not locked into any long-term fees.
| Neo Money pros | Neo Money cons |
|---|---|
✅ No monthly or annual fees to use the card ✅ Earn cashback at thousands of Canadian retailers ✅ Optional Travel Perk includes lounge access and travel insurance ✅ Works with Apple Pay and Google Pay | ❌ 2.5% foreign exchange fee applies ❌ Travel perks require a $7.99/month subscription |
Is it worth getting a prepaid travel card?
Yes, getting a prepaid card is usually easy, and can be free. A travel card helps you budget as you'll only be able to spend the balance you load on the card - and could save you money on currency exchange too.
Are prepaid travel cards safe?
Prepaid travel cards are usually considered safe to use as long as you take normal security precautions like keeping your account details and card PIN secret.
If your prepaid travel card is stolen you'll usually be able to freeze or cancel it in an app - and it's not linked to your main bank account, which can also offer peace of mind.
Some providers like Wise also offer virtual cards which can add an extra layer of security when spending with new merchants.
Is my money protected?
Some prepaid travel money cards are issued by financial technology companies. These services aren't banks - but they are usually regulated in a very similar way to banks for the services they offer.
While different card providers may have slightly different regulatory requirements, you'll usually find your money is protected through safeguarding. This means the card issuer must hold customer funds separate to their own operating capital, so it can always be easily accessed and won't be mixed with the funds needed to run the business.
If you're looking for a travel card with a provider which has a large user base, and a global presence, check out Wise. Wise is used by over 12 million customers, and as a global business, they are overseen by several regulatory bodies - so your money is protected no matter what currency you hold.
What are the advantages of prepaid travel cards?
Prepaid cards are safer and more convenient than carrying cash - with the added benefit that they're not connected to your main bank account. This can make it easier to budget as you'll only ever be able to spend the funds you've loaded to your card - and also means that even if your card was stolen, the thieves can't access funds in your primary bank account.
Because prepaid cards like these have been built specifically for travel, you may also find you can save money and get access to a flexible range of international and multi-currency services.
Open a Wise account, for example, to spend with your linked card, and access currency exchange which has no markup added, low cost international transfers, and easy ways to get paid for free in a selection of currencies.
What are the disadvantages?
The most common disadvantage of prepaid cards is the fees.
The fees of travel cards can vary greatly - which means you'll need to compare a few to make sure you get one that suits you.
Some cards - like the Koho Premium prepaid travel card - have monthly fees. Others charge a fee if your card is inactive for too long.
Other cards charge a fee for topping up, which can vary depending on how you want to pay. And some have a pretty high foreign exchange fee when you spend a currency not supported by the card.
How to get a prepaid card
Signing up
The process to sign up for a prepaid travel card varies by provider. In most cases you'll have to show or upload proof of your identity, and then load an initial amount onto the card. You'll then be given your card if you're applying in person, or sent it in the post if you're applying online.
The good news is that it's usually more straightforward to sign up for a prepaid card than a credit card as there are no credit checks to complete.
Loading money on to the card
You can usually load money onto your travel card online, using a bank card or bank transfer. Some cards also offer the option to top up in cash - but there are usually higher fees for this service.
What are the fees?
The fees you'll pay with a prepaid travel card can vary pretty widely. Read through the terms and conditions of any card you're interested in before you sign up - and look out for charges like:
Monthly maintenance fees
Top up fees
Cross currency / money exchange fees
ATM withdrawal fees
Inactivity fees
Replacement card fees
Cash out or account close fees
There's probably not a single best card when it comes to fees. Instead you'll need to compare a few to see which suits your specific needs best.
Check out the Wise card if you're interested in a card with no monthly or annual fees and options for currency exchange with no foreign transaction fee. Or maybe you can try the Koho Premium prepaid card if you'd rather pay a monthly charge for no foreign transaction fee and lots of ways to earn rewards or cash back from partners.
Fees for prepaid travel cards
Before you choose a prepaid travel card, it's worth comparing the core fees — including card ordering or subscription charges, how much you'll pay to spend in a foreign currency, and any costs for ATM withdrawals abroad. Some cards come with no ongoing fees, while others offer premium plans with extra benefits in exchange for a monthly subscription.
Here's how the top cards available in Canada compare:
| Card fees | Fees for spending | Exchange rates | Fees for ATM cash withdrawals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wise Multi-Currency Card | No monthly or annual fee | Free to spend balances you hold. Currency conversion from 0.48% | Mid-market exchange rate | 2 free withdrawals/month up to 350 CAD, then 1.75 CAD + 1.5% per withdrawal |
| Canada Post Cash Passport Prepaid Mastercard | No card fee | Free to spend currencies you hold. 3.25% FX fee if you don't hold the currency | Mastercard rate | CAD 3.00, USD 2.50, EUR 1.90, GBP 1.70, JPY 275, AUD 3.00, MXN 32.00 |
| BMO Prepaid Mastercard | 9.95 CAD annual fee | 2.5% foreign transaction fee | Mastercard exchange rate | $5.00 per ATM withdrawal (cash advance fee) |
| Koho Prepaid Mastercard | 18-22 CAD/month for Premium plan. No fee for the standard plan | No foreign transaction fees on premium plans. 1.5% foreign transaction fee applies on the free plan. | Mastercard exchange rate. | $2–$3 per withdrawal. 1 free withdrawal/month abroad on Premium plans |
| Neo Money Card | No card fee or monthly fee. $7.99/month for optional Travel Perk | 2.5% foreign exchange fee | Mastercard rate | No Neo fee, but ATM operator fees may apply |
*Information correct as of 23rd March 2025
Where can I get a prepaid visa card for international use?
If you're looking for a prepaid Visa card you can use abroad, there are a few different ways to get one — and some options can be ready to use almost immediately. Visa prepaid travel cards are widely accepted around the world and can be a good alternative to credit cards or carrying cash.
You can get a prepaid Visa card for international use in Canada through:
Online financial service providers like Koho. You can order a physical card and start using a virtual card right away for online or contactless payments.
Banks and credit unions that offer prepaid Visa cards as part of their product range — though options are more limited and may include annual fees or foreign transaction charges.
Some retail locations like grocery stores, gas stations, or pharmacies also offer generic prepaid Visa gift cards. These are best for domestic use and may not be suitable for international travel due to limited features or higher fees.
Where to buy prepaid travel card online
If you're after a prepaid Visa card you can use overseas, there are a few easy ways to get one in Canada. Most cards can be ordered online and used internationally — just be sure to choose a provider that supports foreign transactions and offers competitive fees.
Here are the main ways to get one:
Online via app or website – The most convenient way to get a prepaid Visa card is by signing up with a provider online. Some offer instant virtual cards so you can start spending before your physical card arrives.
In-store – Some prepaid travel cards can be picked up in person at select retail locations like post offices or convenience stores. Just check the supported currencies and fees beforehand, as in-person cards may have more restrictions.
Through your bank – A few major Canadian banks also offer prepaid Visa or Mastercard options, which you can order through online banking or in-branch. These may come with annual fees or FX charges, so it's worth comparing first.
Whichever route you take, make sure the card is set up for international use — not all prepaid cards sold in shops are travel-friendly.
Can I use a prepaid travel card to withdraw cash?
You can usually use your prepaid travel card to withdraw cash at an ATM, and in some cases over the counter. The fees you pay - and the withdrawal limits which apply can vary by card.
Some cards - like the Wise card - offer some fee free withdrawals every month, but then apply fees once this amount is exceeded. Other cards, like the Koho prepaid cards, don't have their own ATM withdrawal fees - but the operators of specific ATMs may still add their own fees to your withdrawal.
Conclusion: Which prepaid card is the best in Canada?
There's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing a prepaid travel card. The best option really depends on how, where, and how often you plan to use it. Some travellers may prioritise low fees and multi-currency support, while others might be looking for cashback, lounge access, or the ability to pick up a card quickly before flying out.
It's worth comparing key features like currency conversion rates, ATM withdrawal fees, available perks, and how each card fits into your day-to-day banking or budgeting needs. If you've considered a credit card with no foreign transaction fees or a no foreign exchange fee credit card in Canada, a prepaid card might still offer better value and more control while you travel.
Here's a quick recap of the five prepaid travel cards featured in this guide:
Wise card – Great travel card that supports 40+ currencies, and mid-market exchange rates
Canada Post Cash Passport – Handy if you need to pick up a card in person before you travel
BMO Prepaid Mastercard – A secure way for BMO customers to spend internationally without risking their main account
Koho Premium – Cashback and no FX fees on the Premium plan, plus a strong app experience
Neo Money™ Card – No monthly fees with the flexibility to add travel perks like lounge access and insurance when you need them
Still not sure? Scroll back up to compare the key fees and features, and pick the one that best matches your travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions - Prepaid cards in Canada
Which is the best prepaid travel card?
There's no single best prepaid travel card. It'll depend on the currencies you need to use, and the types of transactions you want to make.
For example, if you're looking for a card with a mid-market exchange rate with no markup you might want to take a look at Wise. If getting a card in your hands instantly is important to you, you may prefer to pop into a Canada Post Office and get a travel card there.
There are lots of providers out there - so you'll be able to find the best prepaid travel card for you with a bit of research.
What are the advantages of a prepaid travel card?
Prepaid travel cards are more secure and convenient than carrying lots of foreign currency cash. And if you pick the right provider for your needs you could also find you get a better exchange rate and lower overall costs for your international spending.
Should I use a debit, credit or prepaid card abroad?
There are pros and cons of each - so it really depends on what transactions you need. Often a prepaid card is perfect as a balance of convenience and cost. But travel focused credit cards may come with handy rewards schemes for spending overseas, while debit cards are also good all round options if you plan to use the card at home.
Can I use prepaid cards with Apple Pay and Google Pay?
Some - but not all - travel cards can be used with mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay for easy spending on the move. Compare a few to find one which is best for you.
Are prepaid travel cards contactless?
Most travel cards offer contactless functionality. Double check the one you pick has this facility before you sign up.
Do you need a bank account for a prepaid travel card?
No, you don't usually need a bank account to get a prepaid travel card. Most providers let you sign up and load funds without linking to a traditional bank account.
What information is needed for a prepaid travel card?
You'll typically need to provide a valid government-issued ID, your name, date of birth, and a Canadian address. Some providers may also ask for proof of address to verify your identity.
How do I put money in a prepaid travel card?
You can usually load funds using a debit card, bank transfer, or Interac e-Transfer. Some cards also support direct deposit or allow cash top-ups at select locations.