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Which Canadian credit cards are accepted in Cuba?
You can use Canadian Visa and Mastercard credit cards in Cuba, but you'll have a hard time getting around without cash.
Cash is more commonly used in Cuba than credit cards. But if you plan to use a credit card in Cuba, there are some limitations you should know. Here’s what we know about which Canadian credit cards are accepted in Cuba, what to watch out for and how Cuban currency works.
Can I use a credit card in Cuba?
Yes, you can use a credit card in Cuba if the card was issued in Canada. Due to frequently-strained relations between the Cuban and US governments, it’s impossible to use a US-issued credit card in Cuba. By the same reasoning, American Express cards are also not accepted in Cuba.
Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted in Cuba. Cash is much more commonly used in Cuba than cards. Not all merchants accept card payments, and the country’s internet connectivity is, on the whole, not very strong.
Card payments will most likely be accepted at major retailers and tourism-based businesses like major hotels, resorts, large stores, restaurants, car rental kiosks and tour agencies. But you should have some cash on hand if you plan to spend time at smaller hotels, B&Bs, shops, cafes or markets.
Travelling to Cuba? Compare Visa and Mastercard credit cards
When looking for a credit card that’s accepted in Cuba, keep an eye out for cards that come with no foreign currency conversion fees to help keep your costs down. Also check the cash advance interest rate. This is often higher than the purchase interest rate, and you may need to withdraw cash from your card if there’s an emergency.
Which banks issue credit cards that are accepted in Cuba?
Not many banks issue credit cards that are guaranteed to be usable in Cuba. However, there are a few options:
- Natbank (US subsidiary of the National Bank of Canada). Natbank caters to “Canadian snowbirds” wintering in Florida. It offers 3 types of Mastercards that can be used in Cuba. Visit a National Bank of Canada branch to find out about opening a Natbank account.
- Popular Bank (for US residents). Popular Bank’s Mastercard debit and credit cards are authorized for use in Cuba by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the United States Department of the Treasury and by the Central Bank of the Republic of Cuba.
- Banco Popular de Puerto Rico (for Puerto Rico residents). Popular Bank’s subsidiary in Puerto Rico can also issue Mastercards that are authorized for use in Cuba.
Stonegate Bank (now known as Centennial Bank) used to issue Mastercard credit cards that could be used in Cuba, but these cards were discontinued for both consumers and businesses in 2019.
Can I withdraw cash from a credit card in Cuba?
You should be able to withdraw cash from a non-US debit or credit cards at an ATM, bank or Foreign Exchange Office (known as a Cadeca) in Cuba, but be wary of incredibly high fees.
Note that credit card issuers will view this as a cash advance, which typically comes with a higher interest rate than you normally pay on your purchases. Additionally, there isn’t usually a grace period on cash advances, which means interest starts accruing the moment funds are withdraw.
If you withdraw funds in local currency, you’ll likely be hit with a foreign transaction fee—often around 2.5%. You can save money by looking for credit cards that offer perks for travellers like no foreign transaction fees, complimentary travel insurance and rewards that can be redeemed for discounted flights.
Credit card fees to watch out for
There are 2 fees you should watch out for when using a Canadian credit card in Cuba:
Foreign transaction fees
Credit card issuers usually charge a fee for every purchase you make in a foreign currency. This fee is usually around 2.5% of the transaction amount. That’s $2.50 for every $100 you spend. Save money by getting a credit card with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Currency conversion fees
If a merchant asks whether you’d like to be billed in Canadian dollars, decline the offer. When an overseas business charges your card in your national currency, you may end up paying high dynamic currency conversion (DCC) fees. There’s also a good chance you’ll get less-than-favorable exchange rates.
Is it safe to use my credit card in Cuba?
Using your credit card in Cuba is safe, although you should still follow these tips to safeguard your money:
- Safeguard your PIN. When entering your PIN, use one hand to shield the keypad for protection against hidden cameras and prying eyes.
- Choose ATMs with care. Choose ATMs that are located inside banks, shopping malls or in popular and safe areas.
- Watch out for skimmers. If you think there’s a problem with an ATM slot or its keypad, don’t use it. Someone might have installed a credit card skimmer.
- Beware of pickpockets. Old Havana and the public transportation system is infamous for pickpockets and bag-snatchers. Also be wary when visiting nightclubs and tourist attractions. Beware of misdirection schemes, which is where one person distracts you while another takes your wallet, bag or purse.
If your credit card has been stolen, call your card issuer and have the card frozen, so it can no longer be used.
How to identify credit card fraud, traps and scams
What to do before travelling to Cuba
- Contact your bank. Before departing, check with your card issuer to find out if your credit card is accepted in Cuba.
- Notify your bank of your travels. Banks are always on the lookout for fraudulent transactions. If your card provider sees a transaction that’s unusual, it can temporarily block your card.
- Carry emergency numbers. You never know when you might end up losing your card or requiring a replacement, so write down your credit card provider’s phone number in case you lose your card.
- Plan where you’ll get money from. If you’re headed to Cuba from Canada, you’ll need access to cash. Try to only exchange currency at banks, Foreign Exchange Offices (Cadecas) or large, reputable hotels to avoid ending up with counterfeit currency.
What you should know about Cuban currencies
Currently, Cuba has 1 national currency: the Cuban Peso (CUP). Previously, there were 2 cash currencies in circulation: the Cuban peso (CUP) and the Cuban convertible peso (CUC).
The CUC was introduced after the CUP as a stronger, alternative currency and was pegged to the US dollar (1:1). However, by June 2021, the government had phased out the CUC and introduced a new, unified CUP. Beware of scammers who try to swap out CUC with CUP when converting funds for unsuspecting tourists.
1 US dollar is worth 24 CUP, and 1 CUP is worth 100 centavos (Cuban pennies). CUP coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 20, 40, $1 and $3. CUP paper money comes in denominations of $1, $3, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100.
Which foreign currencies are accepted in Cuba?
Given the political climate, Cuba does not welcome currencies from everywhere. The most welcomed currencies in Cuba are the Canadian dollar (CAD), British pound sterling (GBP) and euro (EUR).
Up until recently, the Cuban government hit US dollar transactions with a sizeable tax. In 2020, the tax was removed in light of shifting trade relations with the US and the devastating effect that COVID-19 had on the Cuban economy.
Bottom line
You can use non-US Visa or Mastercard credit cards in Cuba. However, cash is the primary payment method used in Cuba, so you should carry some cash with you wherever you go. When using a Canadian credit card in Cuba, watch out for foreign transaction fees, currency conversion fees and cash advance costs (if you withdraw cash from your card).
Check out our credit card guide to learn more about different types of cards and how to choose the best card for your needs.
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