How to use the Wise Card in the Canada

The card connects to your Wise account so you can spend, withdraw, and convert money at the mid-market exchange rate with clear, low fees.

For expats and frequent travelers in Canada, it offers a practical way to pay for everyday expenses at home and abroad without worrying about hidden fees.

At a glance: Benefits of using the Wise Card in Canada

Key points:
Multi-currency support	Hold and spend 40+ currencies in one card, suitable for travel and international use.
Transparent conversion fees	Spend directly from balances you hold, or use Wise smart conversion technology with low fees.
ATM withdrawals	Withdraw up to 350 CAD each month with no Wise fee. After this, a small charge applies.
Virtual and mobile payments	Create a digital card for online purchases, or add your card to Apple Pay or Google Pay for contactless payments.
Security and control	Use the Wise app to freeze or unfreeze your card at any time, and get instant notifications after every transaction.

Can I get a Wise Card in Canada?

Yes, Canadian residents can order a Wise Card. It connects directly to your Wise account, letting you spend and withdraw money in Canada and abroad with low conversion fees and the mid-market exchange rate. You can use it for everyday transactions such as shopping, dining, or travel expenses, and manage everything directly from your phone in the Wise app.

Ordering is straightforward, and once you have a Wise account you can request a card for free. A digital card is available instantly so you can start using it online or with mobile wallets while you wait for your physical card to arrive.

The Wise Multi-Currency Card also comes with spending and withdrawal limits, which help you manage how much you can use at one time, per day, and per month. These limits apply to different payment types such as chip and PIN, contactless, online purchases, or ATM withdrawals abroad. 

When you first receive your card, default limits are applied, with higher maximum limits available depending on the payment type. Your account also shows the daily and monthly limits available to you so you’re always in the know.

Business customers in Canada can also order the Wise Card for business needs, which has separate spending limits and can be used for expenses such as company purchases or paying contractors and employees. 

Using the Wise Card for everyday transactions in Canada

Managing everyday purchases with the Wise Card is simple and secure. Whether you’re shopping, grabbing a bite, or hopping on public transport, the card adapts to your spending habits and keeps you in control.

You can also create a digital card immediately in the Wise app, which works with Apple Pay and Google Wallet for convenient contactless payments at checkout or online. The app makes it easy to track your monthly spending by category, like groceries, dining out, or transit, so you can always see where your money goes. 

With the Wise Card you can:

• Use your physical card or pay directly with a digital card via Apple Pay or Google Wallet. 
• Pay using balances you hold in the exact currency, or let Wise convert from another balance at a clear, low conversion fee. 
• Keep your card safe by freezing or unfreezing it instantly through the Wise app, and receive real-time transaction notifications.
• View spending by category in the Wise app, so you can keep on top of your budget more easily.

Managing your card with the Wise app

The Wise app gives you full control over your Wise Card and account. From here, you can add money, check your balance, and manage your spending limits.

Currency conversion happens instantly at the mid-market exchange rate, with low fees shown upfront, so you always know the cost of your transactions.

You don’t have to worry about security either. Use the Wise app to freeze or unfreeze your card if it’s misplaced, order a replacement, and receive instant spend notifications. For budgeting, you can review your monthly spending and see transactions sorted by category, such as groceries, dining, or transport.

Managing your card through the app means you have the same level of access at home in Canada or while traveling, making it a reliable tool for international lifestyles.

How do I put money on my Wise Card?

You can add money to your Wise account in a few different ways before using the card. Options include bank transfer, debit card, credit card, and some mobile payment methods, but will vary depending on the country and currency you’re adding.

Topping up with cash directly from ATMs is currently not possible in Canada, and you’ll first need to fund your Wise account through one of the supported methods in the app or on the website. Once the balance is available, you can use your Wise debit card immediately for spending or withdrawals. 

Wise Card fees in Canada

The cost of using the Wise Card depends on how you order, spend, or withdraw money. Some services are included at no extra cost, while others have a small charge. Fees also vary by country, so the amounts below apply only to cardholders in Canada, but you can always check the most up-to-date fees in the Wise fees and pricing guide.

💡 Wise Card pricing
Card order fee	No fee for ordering your Wise card in Canada, 15.41 CAD for optional Express delivery (1–2 days)
Monthly or annual fee	None
Fees for spending	No Wise fee if you hold enough balance in the transaction currency. If conversion is needed, fees start from 0.48%.
Fees for topping up	Depends on the method. For example, topping up external e-wallets carries a 2% fee. See more on Wise pricing
ATM cash withdrawal fees	No Wise fee for up to 350 CAD per month (up to two withdrawals). After this: 1.50 CAD per withdrawal + 1.75% of the amount.
Getting a digital card	No extra cost
Replacing your card	5 CAD
Replacing expired card	No extra cost

Is the Wise Card safe to use?

The Wise Card is designed with security features to help protect your money at home and abroad. Every account uses two-factor authentication, biometrics, and advanced encryption to keep your details safe.

If your card is ever lost or stolen, you can freeze or unfreeze it instantly in the Wise app, or order a replacement if needed. You also receive real-time notifications after every transaction, so you can spot unusual activity quickly.

To stay secure while using your card at home in Canada and when travelling:

• Enable app notifications to track transactions as they happen.
• Freeze your card immediately in the Wise app if you misplace it.
• Avoid sharing your PIN or account details with anyone.
• Use secure ATMs in well-lit, busy areas when withdrawing cash.
• Check your spending categories in the Wise app regularly to spot any activity you don’t recognise.

Learn more about Wise safety and security.

How to get a Wise Card in Canada

Ordering a Wise Card in Canada is straightforward, and you can do it online or via the Wise app. There’s no fee to order your card and standard delivery takes up to 14 working days. 

If you prefer not to wait, express delivery is available from 15.41 CAD and usually arrives within 1–2 business days. While waiting for your physical card, a digital version can be created instantly at no extra cost, so you can begin paying online or through Apple Pay and Google Wallet right away.

Steps to order your Wise Card in Canada

1. Open a Wise account: An active account is required before you can order a card.
2. Verify your identity: Wise asks for two different Canadian-issued documents to prove your identity and an extra document for Quebec residents. If you are not a Canadian citizen, you may need to provide a government-issued ID from your home country and a recent proof of address. See more information on Wise verification requirements in Canada.
3. Pay the card fee: There’s no order fee for standard card deliveries, but if you pay in another currency, a small conversion fee may apply.
4. Wait for delivery: Your card will be shipped once payment and verification are complete. Delivery times depend on the option you select, with express usually arriving within 1-2 days, and standard delivery within  14 working days.

When your card arrives, you can easily activate it by making a Chip and PIN payment. Your card will then be ready for payments in stores and online in Canada and abroad. However, Canadian cardholders can’t activate or use their cards to make cash withdrawals in Canada – only abroad.

Learn more about ordering your card.

Moving to Canada

If you already have a Wise Card and plan to relocate to Canada, you’ll usually need to order a new one. Wise cards are licensed by region, so a card issued in one market can’t always be used after you change your country of residence. For example, if you move to or from the US, Malaysia, Turkey, or the Philippines, you’ll need to replace your card to comply with local rules.

There are exceptions if you are moving within the same region and you can keep using your existing card until it expires if you relocate between countries in the EEA and Switzerland, or between the UK and its overseas territories. 

If you are moving to Canada, you can update your Wise account with your new Canadian address and then order a card that works in Canada. There’s no fee to order your card and standard delivery takes up to 14 working days. Express delivery is also available from 15.41 CAD and usually arrives within 1–2 business days. You can also create a digital card instantly at no extra cost, so you can start using Apple Pay, Google Wallet, or online payments while waiting for your physical card to arrive.

Wise cards are available to residents in supported countries including Canada, the US (except Nevada), the UK, the EEA and Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brazil. If your current country isn’t supported, you can join the Wise waitlist and be notified when cards become available in your region. 

By ordering a Wise Multi-Currency Card after you arrive in Canada, you can top up your account, hold a balance in CAD, and spend easily in stores, online, and abroad. Having your card ready to go soon after moving helps make everyday payments more manageable while you settle in.

Check the full list of eligible countries.

Where can I use my Wise Card?

The Wise Card can be used for spending and withdrawals in more than 140 countries worldwide. From Canada, popular destinations such as the US, Mexico, and the UK are all covered, making it a practical option for expats, frequent jet-setters, and anyone who splits time between countries. 

Expats can also use the card when visiting their home country. It’s specially designed for international travel, with low-cost conversions, the mid-market exchange rate, and the ability to hold 40+ currencies in your Wise account for spending. 

Using the Wise Card for international travel

When travelling internationally, the Wise Multi-Currency Card works like a local debit card. You can spend directly in the currency you hold in your account, or rely on Wise’s Smart Conversion technology if you don’t have the local currency available. Smart Conversion automatically selects the balance that gives you the lowest conversion fee, or the best exchange rate when fees are equal.

For example, imagine you’re travelling in France and paying 50 EUR at a cafe. If you already have 100 EUR in your Wise account, the payment will be taken directly from your euro balance at no extra cost. If you don’t have euros, Wise may convert the amount from your CAD or USD balance. In this case, the balance with the lowest conversion fee will be used, or if the fees are equal, the balance with the strongest exchange rate will be selected. The process is automatic, so you don’t need to manually choose which currency to use.

Ways to use the Wise Card while travelling:

• Spend in local currencies: If you have the balance in your account, Wise uses it directly with no conversion fee.
• Withdraw cash abroad: Access ATMs worldwide, with no Wise fee on the first 350 CAD each month.
• Smart Conversion: If you don’t have the local currency, Wise converts automatically from the balance with the lowest fee.
• Virtual cards: Use digital cards for safer online payments and mobile wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Wallet.
• Track spending abroad: The Wise app categorises your transactions, making it easy to see what you spend on travel, dining, or transport.
• Extra security: Freeze or unfreeze your card instantly in the app if it is lost or stolen while abroad.

What are my Wise Card spending limits?

The Wise Card has spending and withdrawal limits that help you manage how much you can use at one time.

When your card is first issued, default limits are automatically applied, and your daily limits are the same as your monthly limits by default. All of your current limits are shown in the “Cards” tab of the Wise app or website, so you can easily check them whenever you need.

Customers can adjust their limits through the Wise website or app, but the amount you spend can’t exceed your account limits, even if you set a higher limit on your card. That means that if you want to spend more, you’ll also need to increase your account limit. 

Key takeaways

• Canadian residents can order the Wise card for free or 15.41 CAD when choosing optional Express delivery.
• You can spend in 40+ currencies and use the card in over 140 countries, with Smart Conversion technology helping you get the lowest conversion fee or best exchange rate available.
• Cardholders start with default spending limits which can be adjusted in the app or website.
• A digital card is created instantly and can be used with Apple Pay and Google Wallet while waiting for a physical card.
• The Wise app makes it easy to manage your card, track spending by category, freeze or unfreeze your card, and adjust limits.
• If you move to Canada from another region, you’ll usually need to order a new card, with delivery available via standard or express shipping.

FAQs

Is the Wise Card a credit card?

No. The Wise Multi-Currency Card is a debit card linked to your Wise account. You can only spend the money you already hold, so there is no line of credit or borrowing attached to the card.

How does the Wise Card know which currency to use?

The Wise Multi-Currency Card uses the balance in the local currency whenever possible. If you don’t have that currency available, Wise’s Smart Conversion technology automatically chooses another balance with the lowest conversion fee. If two balances have the same fee, the one with the best exchange rate is used, so you get the most value without needing to make the choice yourself.

How do I use my Wise Card for the first time?

When your card arrives, you can easily activate it by making a Chip and PIN payment or at an ATM by doing a balance inquiry.. Your card will then be ready for payments in stores and online in Canada and abroad.

How do I pay for things with my Wise Card?

You can use the card just like any other debit card. It works for chip and PIN, contactless, and magnetic stripe payments, and can be added to Apple Pay or Google Wallet for mobile transactions. A digital version is also available for safer online payments and every purchase appears instantly in the Wise app, helping you keep track of your spending.

Useful resources

• Wise Card Canada page – Overview of features, benefits, and availability (checked August 2025)
• Wise Help Center – How do I order a Wise Card? – Steps to order your Wise card (checked August 2025)
• Wise Help Center – Card spending limits – Information on default and maximum limits by payment type (checked August 2025)
• Wise Help Center – Changing your card limits – Guidance on how customers can adjust spending limits (checked August 2025)
• Wise Help Center – Smart Conversion explained – How Wise decides which balance to use when spending abroad (checked August 2025)
• Wise Help Center – Card availability by country – Full list of supported regions and relocation rules (checked August 2025)