Best Crypto Cards Canada [2026]: 8 Cards Compared — CAD Fees, Rewards & CRA Tax Guide

Crypto debit cards let Canadians spend Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins at any Visa or Mastercard terminal — from grabbing a double-double at Tim Hortons to filling up at Petro-Canada. But which card actually makes sense for Canadian cardholders dealing with CAD conversion fees, CRA reporting requirements, and the Big Five banks’ love-hate relationship with crypto?

We tested eight crypto cards available to Canadians in 2026, comparing real-world fees in Canadian dollars, cashback structures, Interac compatibility, and tax implications. Whether you’re a DeFi power user stacking yield or a newcomer who just wants to tap your phone at Shoppers Drug Mart, this guide covers the lot.

Key Takeaways

  • Best overall for Canadians: ether.fi Cash — 0% FX fee, earn yield while your crypto sits on the card, works at any Visa terminal across Canada
  • Best for everyday CAD spending: Shakepay Visa — Canadian-built app, instant Interac e-Transfer funding, no FX markup on domestic purchases
  • Best for Apple Pay users: Kast Card — add to Apple Wallet and tap to pay at Canadian Tire, Metro, or anywhere contactless is accepted
  • Best for cashback hunters: Ready Card — up to 3% back on purchases, Mastercard acceptance at 37 million merchants worldwide

Quick Pick: Which Crypto Card Suits Your Situation?

Not every card fits every Canadian. Here’s a fast decision guide based on how you’ll actually use it:

  • Best overall for Canadians: ether.fi Cash — 0% FX fee, earn yield while your crypto sits on the card, works at any Visa terminal across Canada
  • Best for everyday CAD spending: Shakepay Visa — Canadian-built app, instant Interac e-Transfer funding, no FX markup on domestic purchases
  • Best for Apple Pay users: Kast Card — add to Apple Wallet and tap to pay at Canadian Tire, Metro, or anywhere contactless is accepted
  • Best for cashback hunters: Ready Card — up to 3% back on purchases, Mastercard acceptance at 37 million merchants worldwide
  • Best for multi-chain DeFi users: Bitget Wallet Card — spend from any EVM chain without bridging, supports 100+ chains
  • Best budget option: RedotPay — free virtual card, load with USDT and spend in CAD instantly

Complete Comparison: 8 Crypto Cards Available in Canada (2026)

The table below compares every crypto card a Canadian resident can realistically sign up for right now. All fees are listed in CAD where applicable, and we’ve flagged which cards play nicely with Interac and Canadian banking infrastructure.

Ready Card Mastercard metal
ether.fi Cash Visa card
CardNetworkCard FeeFX / Conversion FeeATM WithdrawalCashbackApple PayBest For
ether.fi CashVisaFree (virtual) / US$50 (metal)0%Up to US$100/mo freeCrypto yield on balanceYesYield + spending
ShakepayVisaFree0% domesticFree at Interac ATMsShake-to-earn satsYesCanadian simplicity
Tria CardVisaFree0%N/A (virtual only)Points programYesVirtual card spending
RedotPayVisaFree (virtual) / US$100 (physical)1.2%US$3 per withdrawalNoneNoStablecoin spending
Ready CardMastercardFree0%N/AUp to 3%YesHigh cashback
Bitget Wallet CardVisaFree (virtual)0.85%VariesBWB token rewardsYesMulti-chain DeFi
Kast CardVisaFree0%N/AKAST token rewardsYesApple Pay tap-to-pay
Bybit CardVisaFree0.9%LimitedUp to 2%NoExchange users

A note on Interac: Most crypto cards operate on Visa or Mastercard rails, so they work at any Canadian terminal that accepts those networks. However, Interac-specific features (like Interac Flash or direct debit from chequing accounts) are generally only available through Canadian-issued cards like Shakepay. If Interac compatibility is critical for you, Shakepay is the clear winner.

Tria Card self-custody Visa

In-Depth Reviews: Every Card Canadians Should Know About

1. ether.fi Cash — Best Overall for Canadian Crypto Spenders

ether.fi Cash is a DeFi-native Visa card that lets you spend crypto at any Visa terminal in Canada while your deposited funds continue earning yield in the background. For Canadians frustrated by the Big Five banks’ crypto restrictions, this card sidesteps the traditional banking system entirely.

The card converts your crypto to fiat at the point of sale with 0% foreign exchange fees. Whether you’re tapping at a Loblaw store in Ontario or paying for groceries at Sobeys in the Maritimes, the conversion happens instantly. Your balance earns yield through ether.fi’s liquid staking protocol, which means your money works for you between purchases — something no Canadian bank card offers.

Why Canadians love it:

  • 0% FX fee means no markup when spending in CAD — compare this to the 2.5% most Canadian credit cards charge on foreign transactions
  • Earn DeFi yield on your card balance (variable rate, currently around 3-5% APY)
  • Free virtual card — metal physical card available for US$50
  • Up to US$100/month in free ATM withdrawals (roughly C$137 at current rates)
  • Works with Apple Pay for contactless payments at Canadian retailers
  • Non-custodial design — your keys, your crypto

Watch out for:

  • Requires basic DeFi knowledge to set up and manage
  • Card fee denominated in USD, so actual cost depends on CAD/USD exchange rate
  • Yield rates are variable and depend on market conditions

ether.fi Cash is the rare card that actually pays you to hold a balance. For Canadian crypto holders who want to earn yield without locking funds in a CEX, it’s the strongest option available right now.

How to get it: Sign up through ether.fi, complete KYC with your Canadian driver’s licence or passport, deposit crypto, and your virtual card is ready within minutes. Physical metal card ships internationally.

2. Shakepay — The Homegrown Canadian Favourite

Shakepay is a Montreal-based company registered with FINTRAC as a money services business — making it one of the few crypto card issuers that actually operates within Canada’s regulatory framework. For Canadians who want the simplest possible path from crypto to spending, Shakepay is hard to beat.

Shakepay Visa card Canada

The Shakepay Visa card links directly to your Shakepay account, which you can fund via Interac e-Transfer from any Canadian bank. There’s no FX markup on domestic purchases, and you can withdraw cash for free at Interac-enabled ATMs across the country. The “Shake-to-earn” feature lets you earn free Bitcoin daily just by shaking your phone — a small perk, but uniquely Canadian.

Why Canadians love it:

  • Canadian company, FINTRAC-registered — fully compliant with Canadian regulations
  • Fund your account instantly via Interac e-Transfer from TD, RBC, BMO, Scotiabank, or CIBC
  • No FX fee on domestic CAD purchases
  • Free ATM withdrawals at Interac machines across Canada
  • Shake-to-earn free Bitcoin daily
  • Apple Pay and Google Pay support

Watch out for:

  • Limited cryptocurrency selection compared to global platforms
  • No DeFi yield — your balance just sits there
  • Spread-based pricing on crypto purchases (typically 1.5-2%)

How to get it: Download Shakepay from the App Store or Google Play, verify your identity with a Canadian driver’s licence or provincial ID, and fund via Interac e-Transfer. Card issuance is free.

3. Tria Card — Sleek Virtual Card for Online Shopping

Tria positions itself as a next-generation payment card built for the Web3 era. The virtual Visa card works anywhere Visa is accepted online, making it ideal for Canadian shoppers who do most of their spending through e-commerce — Amazon.ca, Best Buy Canada, or subscription services like Spotify and Netflix.

Tria uses account abstraction to simplify the crypto-to-spending experience. You load stablecoins or crypto, and the card handles the conversion automatically. There’s a points programme tied to spending that rewards frequent users.

Why Canadians love it:

  • 0% FX fee on all transactions
  • Free virtual card — no upfront cost
  • Works with Apple Pay for in-store tap-to-pay at Canadian retailers
  • Points programme rewards regular spending
  • Account abstraction means no gas fee headaches

Watch out for:

  • Virtual only — no physical card for ATM withdrawals
  • Relatively new platform with smaller user base
  • Points programme details still evolving

How to get it: Sign up for Tria, complete verification, and your virtual card is ready to add to Apple Wallet or use online immediately.

4. RedotPay — The Stablecoin Specialist

RedotPay is a Hong Kong-based crypto card that has quietly built a reputation as the go-to option for USDT and USDC spenders. For Canadians who hold stablecoins and want to spend them without first converting to CAD through an exchange, RedotPay provides a straightforward path.

RedotPay Visa crypto card

The virtual card is free, and loading it with USDT (TRC-20 or ERC-20) takes just a few minutes. The card converts your stablecoin balance to the local currency at the point of sale, with a 1.2% conversion fee. For a quick grocery run at Metro or picking up prescriptions at Shoppers Drug Mart, it works seamlessly.

Why Canadians love it:

  • Free virtual card — start spending immediately
  • Direct USDT/USDC loading without exchange conversion
  • Visa network accepted at 80+ million merchants globally, including across Canada
  • Multi-chain support: load from Ethereum, Tron, Polygon, and more
  • Low minimum load amount — good for trying it out

Watch out for:

  • 1.2% conversion fee is higher than ether.fi’s 0%
  • Physical card costs US$100 (roughly C$137) — expensive compared to competitors
  • No Apple Pay support currently
  • US$3 ATM fee per withdrawal

How to get it: Register on RedotPay, complete KYC with your Canadian passport or driver’s licence, and load USDT to start. Virtual card activates instantly.

5. Ready Card — Best Cashback for Canadian Spenders

Ready Card is a Mastercard-based crypto card that stands out for offering up to 3% cashback — a rate that rivals or beats most traditional Canadian rewards credit cards. For Canadians who treat crypto spending as part of their everyday budget (not just a novelty), the cashback structure makes Ready Card one of the most financially compelling options.

Mastercard acceptance is universal across Canada. Tap your Ready Card at Tim Hortons, Canadian Tire, Loblaws, or any of the 900,000+ Mastercard terminals in Canada. The card also includes a US$15 sign-up bonus for new users.

Why Canadians love it:

  • Up to 3% cashback — higher than most Canadian bank rewards cards
  • 0% FX fee on transactions
  • Mastercard network — accepted everywhere Visa is in Canada, plus exclusive Mastercard perks
  • US$15 sign-up bonus (roughly C$20)
  • Apple Pay compatible for tap-to-pay at Canadian retailers

Watch out for:

  • Cashback tiers may require minimum spending thresholds
  • Newer platform — less established than Shakepay in the Canadian market
  • Cashback paid in crypto, not CAD

How to get it: Sign up for Ready Card and claim your C$20 welcome bonus. KYC accepts Canadian government-issued photo ID.

Ready Card’s 3% cashback rate is genuinely competitive with the best Canadian rewards credit cards — the difference is you’re spending crypto, not taking on debt. For daily spend at Canadian retailers, it’s worth serious consideration.

6. Bitget Wallet Card — For Multi-Chain DeFi Users

Bitget Wallet Card is purpose-built for DeFi users who hold assets across multiple blockchains. If your portfolio spans Ethereum, Arbitrum, Base, Polygon, BNB Chain, and Solana, this card lets you spend from any of those chains without bridging first — a massive convenience saving.

Bitget Wallet Card

For Canadian DeFi enthusiasts who farm across protocols and don’t want to consolidate everything onto one chain just to spend, Bitget Wallet Card removes a major friction point. The card connects directly to your Bitget Wallet, supports 100+ EVM chains, and converts to fiat at the point of sale.

Why Canadians love it:

  • 100+ chain support — spend from virtually any EVM chain without bridging
  • Free virtual card — no upfront cost to try
  • BWB token rewards for card usage
  • Direct wallet integration — no need to transfer to a custodial account
  • Apple Pay support for tap-to-pay in Canada

Watch out for:

  • 0.85% conversion fee on transactions
  • Requires comfort with DeFi wallets and self-custody
  • BWB token value is speculative

How to get it: Download Bitget Wallet, set up your wallet, apply for the card within the app, and complete KYC. Virtual card is issued within the app.

7. Kast Card — Apple Pay Native Experience

Kast Card is a Visa card designed around the mobile-first spending experience. For Canadians who’ve already ditched their physical wallets in favour of Apple Pay, Kast fits right in. Add it to your Apple Wallet and tap to pay at any contactless terminal in Canada — from grabbing a latte at Second Cup to filling your cart at Costco.

Kast Card collection

Kast’s differentiator is its clean, app-centric experience with zero conversion fees. You load crypto, the card handles the rest. KAST token rewards add a gamification element that appeals to younger Canadian users.

Why Canadians love it:

  • 0% FX fee — no markup on CAD purchases
  • Native Apple Pay integration — tap to pay everywhere in Canada
  • Free card — no issuance or annual fee
  • KAST token rewards for spending
  • Clean, intuitive app experience

Watch out for:

  • KAST token is speculative — reward value may fluctuate significantly
  • Virtual only currently
  • Smaller community compared to established Canadian platforms

How to get it: Sign up for Kast, verify your identity, and add the card to Apple Wallet. Ready to tap in minutes.

8. Bybit Card — For Active Traders on Bybit

If you already trade on Bybit, their Visa card offers a natural extension from trading to spending. The card draws directly from your Bybit account balance, so there’s no separate funding step — just spend what you’ve earned from trading.

Bybit crypto debit card

Bybit’s card offers up to 2% cashback depending on your VIP level on the exchange. For active Canadian traders who keep significant balances on Bybit anyway, the convenience of spending directly from your trading account has genuine appeal.

Why Canadians love it:

  • Direct spending from Bybit trading account — no transfers needed
  • Up to 2% cashback based on VIP tier
  • Visa network — accepted at all Visa terminals in Canada
  • Established exchange with strong liquidity

Watch out for:

  • 0.9% conversion fee on every transaction
  • Requires an active Bybit account — card is tied to the exchange
  • No Apple Pay support currently
  • Bybit is not registered with Canadian regulators — use at your own risk

How to get it: Create a Bybit account, complete KYC verification, and apply for the card through the Bybit app.


Real-World Cost Comparison: Monthly Spending in CAD

Fees look small in percentages, but they add up fast. Here’s what each card actually costs you on a typical C$2,000/month spending pattern — covering groceries at Loblaw, gas at Petro-Canada, dining out, and online shopping.

CardConversion FeeMonthly Cost on C$2,000 SpendAnnual CostNet Cashback/RewardsTrue Annual Cost
ether.fi Cash0%C$0C$03-5% yield on balanceNet positive
Shakepay0% domesticC$0C$0Shake-to-earn sats (~C$50/yr)Net positive
Tria0%C$0C$0Points TBDC$0
Kast0%C$0C$0KAST tokensC$0 + token value
Ready Card0%C$0C$0Up to 3% (C$720/yr)-C$720 (you earn)
Bitget Wallet0.85%C$17C$204BWB tokens~C$204 – token value
Bybit0.9%C$18C$216Up to 2% (C$480/yr)-C$264 (you earn)
RedotPay1.2%C$24C$288NoneC$288

The takeaway: On C$2,000/month spending, the difference between the cheapest card (ether.fi at 0%) and the most expensive (RedotPay at 1.2%) is C$288 per year. If you’re spending more — say C$4,000/month — that gap doubles to C$576. Ready Card and Bybit can actually put you ahead thanks to cashback, though the crypto-denominated rewards add volatility.


Canadian Banking Reality: Funding Your Crypto Card

Canada’s Big Five banks — TD, RBC, BMO, Scotiabank, and CIBC — have an inconsistent relationship with cryptocurrency. Some have blocked credit card purchases of crypto outright, while others allow Interac e-Transfer to crypto platforms without issue. Here’s the current state of play for funding your crypto card:

Interac e-Transfer remains the easiest way for Canadians to move CAD into crypto. Shakepay, in particular, supports instant Interac e-Transfer deposits with no fees. For cards like ether.fi Cash or RedotPay that require crypto loading, you’d first buy crypto through a Canadian exchange (Shakepay, Newton, Coinsquare, or NDAX) using Interac e-Transfer, then send it to your card.

Bank-by-bank breakdown:

  • TD Bank: Has blocked credit card crypto purchases since 2018, but Interac e-Transfers to crypto platforms generally work from chequing accounts
  • RBC: Generally allows Interac e-Transfers to crypto exchanges; credit card purchases sometimes blocked
  • BMO: Allows Interac e-Transfers; has historically been more crypto-friendly among the Big Five
  • Scotiabank: Mixed results — some customers report blocked transactions, others have no issues via Interac e-Transfer
  • CIBC: Generally permits Interac e-Transfers to crypto platforms; credit card purchases may be declined

Pro tip: If your Big Five bank blocks a transaction, try Interac e-Transfer instead of a direct debit. Many Canadians also keep a secondary account at a credit union (like Desjardins or Meridian) specifically for crypto-related transfers, which tends to face fewer restrictions.

The cleanest funding path for most Canadians: Interac e-Transfer to Shakepay or Newton, buy crypto, send to your card of choice. This avoids the credit card blocks that several Big Five banks have in place.

CRA Tax Guide: What Canadians Must Know About Crypto Card Spending

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) treats cryptocurrency as a commodity — not currency. This means every time you spend crypto through your card, the CRA considers it a disposition of property. Yes, buying a coffee at Tim Hortons with Bitcoin technically triggers a taxable event.

Here’s what Canadian crypto card users need to understand:

Capital gains treatment: When you spend crypto that has appreciated in value since you acquired it, you realize a capital gain. Only 50% of that capital gain is taxable (the “inclusion rate”), which is reported on Schedule 3 of your T1 tax return. For example, if you bought $1,000 of Bitcoin that grew to $1,500 and then spent it, your capital gain is $500, and $250 is added to your taxable income.

Stablecoin advantage: If you load your card with USDT or USDC, the “capital gain” on each transaction is typically negligible (just the minor fluctuation of the stablecoin). This is why many Canadian crypto card users prefer stablecoin-funded cards like RedotPay — it dramatically simplifies tax reporting.

Key CRA requirements:

  1. Track every transaction: Keep records of the date, amount in CAD, the crypto used, your cost basis, and the resulting gain or loss
  2. Report on Schedule 3: Capital gains from crypto dispositions go on Schedule 3 (Capital Gains or Losses) of your tax return
  3. GST/HST applies: The goods and services you buy are subject to the normal GST/HST — the crypto payment method doesn’t change this
  4. Annual filing: All crypto dispositions must be reported in the tax year they occurred, even if the gains are small
  5. Foreign property reporting: If your total crypto holdings (including card balances) exceed C$100,000, you must file Form T1135 (Foreign Income Verification Statement)

Practical tip: Use a crypto tax tool like Koinly, CoinTracker, or Wealthsimple Tax’s crypto integration to automatically calculate your card spending gains. Most tools can import transaction history directly from exchanges and wallets. At ~C$50/year for a basic plan, it’s far cheaper than an accountant’s time sorting through hundreds of micro-transactions.


Canadian Regulatory Landscape: CSA, FINTRAC, and What It Means for You

Canada’s approach to crypto regulation is more nuanced than most countries. Understanding the landscape helps you evaluate which cards carry regulatory risk and which operate within established frameworks.

Key regulatory bodies:

  • CSA (Canadian Securities Administrators): The umbrella organization of provincial securities regulators. In 2022, the CSA introduced pre-registration requirements for crypto trading platforms operating in Canada
  • OSC (Ontario Securities Commission): Ontario’s regulator, which has been the most active in enforcement — several major exchanges have either registered or exited Ontario
  • AMF (Autorite des marches financiers): Quebec’s regulator, which has its own registration requirements
  • FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre): Canada’s financial intelligence unit. Crypto businesses operating in Canada must register as Money Services Businesses (MSBs) with FINTRAC

What this means for crypto cards:

  • Shakepay: FINTRAC-registered MSB, fully compliant — lowest regulatory risk for Canadians
  • ether.fi, Kast, Tria, Ready, RedotPay, Bitget Wallet: Operate internationally and are generally accessible to Canadians, but are not registered with Canadian regulators. They function through global Visa/Mastercard partnerships
  • Bybit: Has faced CSA scrutiny; Canadian users should be aware of the regulatory grey area

KYC requirements for Canadians: Most cards accept a Canadian driver’s licence or passport for identity verification. Some may request your Social Insurance Number (SIN) for tax reporting purposes, though this is more common with Canadian-registered platforms like Shakepay. International cards typically only need a photo ID and proof of address (a Canadian utility bill or bank statement works).

How to Choose: Decision Framework for Canadian Card Holders

With eight viable options, narrowing it down comes to three questions: how you use crypto, how much you spend, and how much regulatory comfort you need.

If you want maximum simplicity (Interac + Canadian banking integration):

Go with Shakepay. It’s the only card on this list built specifically for Canadians, with Interac e-Transfer funding, free Interac ATM withdrawals, and FINTRAC registration. If you’re new to crypto cards or want something that feels like a normal Canadian bank card, Shakepay is the answer.

If you want the best financial return on your spending:

Choose between ether.fi Cash (earn yield on your balance) and Ready Card (earn up to 3% cashback). Both have 0% conversion fees. If you hold crypto long-term, ether.fi’s yield-while-you-hold model is more valuable. If you spend heavily and want immediate rewards, Ready Card’s cashback is better.

If you’re a DeFi power user with assets across multiple chains:

Bitget Wallet Card is the clear pick. Spending from 100+ chains without bridging saves time and gas fees that would otherwise eat into your balance. The 0.85% conversion fee is worth it for the convenience.

If you just want a free virtual card to try crypto spending:

Start with RedotPay (free virtual, load USDT) or Tria (free virtual, 0% fees). Both let you experiment with crypto spending without committing to a physical card or paying any upfront fees. Once you know your spending patterns, you can upgrade to a more feature-rich option.

Using multiple cards together: Many Canadian crypto holders use two or three cards for different purposes — Shakepay for Interac ATM withdrawals and everyday CAD spending, ether.fi Cash for earning yield on larger balances, and Ready Card for maximizing cashback on specific categories. There’s no rule that says you have to pick just one.

Everyday Spending Scenarios Across Canada

Crypto cards aren’t just a novelty — they work at every Visa and Mastercard terminal in the country. Here are real-world scenarios showing how Canadians use these cards daily:

Groceries at Loblaw, Sobeys, or Metro: Tap your ether.fi Cash or Shakepay Visa at the checkout. The crypto-to-CAD conversion happens instantly. Your PC Optimum or Scene+ points still accumulate from the retailer’s side — the store sees a normal Visa transaction.

Coffee at Tim Hortons: Tap your Kast Card through Apple Pay. The entire transaction takes two seconds, same as any contactless payment. Your daily double-double costs exactly the same in crypto as it would with your TD debit card.

Gas at Petro-Canada or Shell: Insert or tap your Ready Card at the pump. Earn 3% cashback in crypto on what’s typically a C$80-120 fill-up. Over a year of weekly fill-ups, that’s roughly C$150-190 back in crypto.

Online shopping on Amazon.ca: Add your Tria or RedotPay virtual card as a payment method. Works identically to any other Visa — Amazon doesn’t know or care that you’re paying with USDT under the hood.

Hardware store run at Canadian Tire: Tap your Bitget Wallet Card. The beauty of multi-chain support is that you can spend your Arbitrum ETH on lumber without first bridging it to mainnet and converting to stablecoins. The card handles it all.

Travelling within Canada: Any of these Visa cards work from coast to coast — Vancouver to Halifax. For Canadians who travel domestically, there’s no difference between spending crypto in BC versus Ontario versus Quebec. The card simply converts at the point of sale.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a crypto card at Costco Canada?

Costco Canada accepts Mastercard only (not Visa) for credit/debit transactions in-store. So Ready Card (Mastercard) works, but Visa-based cards like ether.fi Cash or Shakepay would need to be used through a mobile payment method if the terminal supports it. For Costco.ca online, all Visa and Mastercard cards work.

Do I need to report every crypto card transaction to the CRA?

Technically, yes. Each crypto card purchase is a disposition of property under Canadian tax law. However, if you load your card with stablecoins (USDT/USDC), the capital gain on each transaction is typically negligible. Use a crypto tax tool to automate the tracking — manually recording every coffee purchase is impractical.

Will my bank block transfers to crypto card platforms?

Some Big Five banks block direct credit card purchases of crypto, but Interac e-Transfers generally go through without issue. If your bank blocks a specific platform, try sending to a Canadian-registered exchange (Shakepay, Newton) first, then transferring crypto to your card.

Are crypto card rewards taxable in Canada?

The CRA hasn’t issued definitive guidance on crypto rewards and cashback. However, the general consensus among Canadian tax professionals is that crypto received as cashback/rewards is treated similarly to points — not taxable when received, but subject to capital gains when you later sell or spend it. Keep records of the fair market value when you receive the rewards.

Can I use these cards for recurring payments (Netflix, Spotify, phone bill)?

Yes, most of these cards support recurring payments. However, make sure your card balance is always sufficient — unlike a credit card, crypto cards won’t extend credit if your balance runs out. Shakepay and ether.fi Cash are most reliable for recurring payments due to their stable funding mechanisms.

What happens if a merchant doesn’t accept Visa or Mastercard?

In 2026, it’s exceedingly rare to find a Canadian merchant that doesn’t accept Visa or Mastercard. Even farmer’s markets and food trucks typically use Square or similar terminals that accept both networks. The main exception is Costco in-store (Mastercard only) and some small businesses that are Interac-only — for those, Shakepay’s Interac integration is your best bet.

Disclaimer: Cryptocurrency investments carry risk, and crypto card spending may trigger taxable events under Canadian law. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Consult a qualified Canadian tax professional for guidance specific to your situation. Fees and features described are based on information available as of March 2026 and may change.