Ordering foreign cash online in Canada? Here's your guide

Need foreign cash for an upcoming trip? Skip the long lines and last-minute scrambles by ordering foreign cash online and get the currency you need before travelling.

Many banks and currency providers offer online ordering, but fees, exchange rates, and delivery times can vary. In this guide, you’ll learn how to order foreign cash online, what to look out for when it comes to fees, and why Wise might be a smarter choice for international spending.

Ordering foreign cash online in Canada

Ordering foreign cash online is a convenient way to ensure you have the currency you need before travelling. Many major banks in Canada offer this service, allowing you to either pick up your cash at a branch or, in some cases, have it delivered to your home.

• RBC lets you order over 40 currencies online and pick them up at one of 1,200+ branches¹.
• TD Bank allows you to exchange 50+ currencies online and pick them up at your selected branch².
• BMO offers online orders up to $2,000 CAD per day, with delivery via priority courier for a $10 fee³.
• CIBC provides the option to pick up cash at a branch or have it delivered securely to your home for free⁴.

While ordering foreign cash online is convenient, it often comes with marked-up exchange rates and additional fees. As an alternative, Wise lets you hold and spend in over 40 currencies at the mid-market rate. With the Wise card, you can pay like a local in 150+ countries with no foreign transaction fees—making it a cost-effective option for international travel.

Online ordering services by major Canadian banks

Many Canadian banks offer foreign currency ordering services, allowing you to purchase cash online or in-branch before travelling. Some provide home delivery, while others require in-branch pickup.

How to order foreign currency from Canadian banks

1. Check availability – Not all banks offer online ordering, and some will require you to visit a branch.
2. Choose your currency – Most banks provide a wide selection of currencies.
3. Select delivery or pickup – Pick up your cash at a branch or opt for home delivery where available.
4. Wait for processing – Processing times vary; some banks provide next-day pickup, while others take several business days.
5. Pay for your order – Expect exchange rate markups and possible service fees.

Online foreign currency ordering options

Note: fees may vary and it’s always important to double check with your bank.

Key takeaways:

• Exchange rate markups: Most banks add a hidden fee to the exchange rate, so you end up getting less currency for your money.
• Additional fees: BMO charges $10 for home delivery, while National Bank delivers to a branch for free but also charges $10 for home delivery.
• Processing times: Scotiabank requires in-branch visits, while National Bank may take up to 10 days for home delivery.
• Wise as an alternative: Instead of ordering cash, Wise offers you a multi-currency account and card, allowing you to hold and spend in 40+ currencies at the mid-market exchange rate. You can spend in 150+ countries with no foreign transaction fees, making it a more cost-effective alternative to carrying foreign cash.

Understanding exchange rates and fees

The amount of foreign cash you receive depends on the exchange rate set by your bank, which often includes a hidden markup. Banks like RBC and TD don’t disclose their rates upfront, making it harder to compare options. While banks claim to offer competitive rates, they usually add a margin over the mid-market exchange rate—the real rate you’d often find on Google. This means you get less foreign currency for your money compared to services that offer the mid-market rate with transparent fees.

Bank exchange rates

Banks set their own exchange rates, which typically include a markup over the mid-market rate. While the Bank of Canada⁹ publishes benchmark exchange rates based on market averages, banks will determine their own rates based on factors like supply and demand and international market conditions, and internal pricing strategies.

As a result, the rate you receive when exchanging money through a bank is usually less favourable than the mid-market rate, allowing banks to profit from the transaction. Since rates vary by provider, it’s always worth checking and comparing before making a purchase—especially if you’re ordering a large amount of currency.

Service fees

Beyond exchange rate markups, banks may charge additional fees when ordering foreign cash. Some, like CIBC, offer free home delivery, while others, like BMO, charge a $10 courier fee.

Other banks may also apply account-related transaction fees, such as excess debit charges or cash advance fees if you purchase with a credit card. Always factor in both the exchange rate and extra costs when deciding where to order your foreign currency.

Wise as an alternative for currency conversion

Ordering foreign cash ahead of time might seem convenient—but it can cost more than you think. Wise offers a smarter way to manage foreign currency without the need to order in advance or worry about exchange rate fluctuations.

With Wise, you always get the mid-market exchange rate with low, transparent fees starting at 0.48%⁸. Unlike banks, which add hidden markups, Wise ensures you get the real exchange rate, so you save more on currency conversion whether you’re travelling, shopping online, or sending money abroad.

Benefits of using Wise for travel

Mid-market exchange rates: Wise converts your money at the real mid-market rate, with no hidden markups.

Multi-currency account: Hold and manage over 40 currencies in one account, so you can exchange money when rates are best.

Wise card: Spend like a local in over 150 countries with no foreign transaction fees and save up to 4x when spending internationally¹⁰. Withdraw money from over 3 million ATMs worldwide, free from Wise fees up to 350 CAD per month⁸. If you have the local currency in your account, your Wise card will use it—if not, it auto-converts at the best rate for a small fee.

Instant access with Google or Apple Pay: There's no need to wait for a physical card. Add your Wise card to Google Pay or Apple Pay and start spending right away.

Convenience: No branch visits. No need to plan ahead. Just open the Wise app and go.

Comparing Banks vs. Wise for Foreign Currency

When it comes to getting foreign currency, banks and Wise offer very different experiences. Banks require you to order cash in advance, often at marked-up exchange rates, with added service fees. Wise, on the other hand, lets you convert and spend money in multiple currencies instantly, with low, transparent fees and mid-market exchange rates. Here’s how they compare:

Comparing Bank Currency Orders vs. Wise

Final Thoughts on Ordering Foreign Cash Online in Canada

Ordering foreign cash online can be convenient, but it’s important to consider the costs. Traditional banks allow you to secure physical currency before you travel, but you’ll often pay for the convenience with marked-up exchange rates and additional service fees. If you need a small amount of cash on hand for emergencies or tipping, ordering from a bank might make sense.

For day-to-day spending abroad, Wise is a smarter alternative. With mid-market exchange rates, low fees, and a multi-currency account, you can convert and spend in 150+ countries without the hidden costs. The Wise card also lets you withdraw from ATMs worldwide and pay like a local—perfect for travellers who want to save money and avoid the hassle of carrying large amounts of cash.

If you’re looking for the best value and flexibility, Wise is the better choice for international payments and spending, while banks remain an option for those who prefer physical cash in advance.

Sources:

1. Purchase Foreign Cash in RBC Online Banking
2. Foreign Currency Exchange Services | TD Canada Trust
3. Ordering Foreign Currency – BMO Canada
4. Order foreign cash online | International | CIBC
5. Foreign Exchange Services | Scotiabank Canada
6. Currencies and Denominations | Scotiabank Canada
7. Ordering foreign currency online | National Bank
8. Wise Fees & Pricing: Only Pay for What You Use
9. Exchange rates - Bank of Canada
10. Travel Card | Currency Card in Canada - Wise