Canadian Dollar to US Dollar Conversion
Get the latest CAD to USD exchange rate
1 CAD = $0.74 USD
Current Exchange Rate (Live)
$73.53 USD
$100.00 CAD equals
Exchange Rate: 1 CAD = 0.7353 USD
⚡
Real-time CAD to USD exchange rates
About CAD to USD Conversion
The CAD to USD exchange rate shows how many US Dollars you receive for your Canadian Dollars. The "Loonie" (Canadian Dollar) typically trades at a discount to the US Dollar due to Canada's smaller economy, resource dependency, and close trade ties with the United States.
Our CAD to USD converter uses live mid-market exchange rates updated hourly. Whether you're a Canadian traveling to the US, an online shopper, or managing cross-border finances, this tool provides conversion rates for your needs.
Current CAD to USD Trends
The Canadian Dollar to US Dollar rate is driven by multiple economic factors:
- Crude Oil Prices: Canada exports significant oil - higher prices strengthen CAD, improving CAD/USD rate
- Interest Rate Spread: When US rates exceed Canadian rates, USD strengthens (worse for CAD holders)
- Trade Balance: Canada's export performance affects demand for CAD
- Commodity Markets: Lumber, natural gas, metals prices impact Canada's resource economy
- Bank of Canada Policy: Interest rate decisions and inflation targeting affect CAD value
- US Economic Health: Strong US growth typically strengthens USD against CAD
How Much is 100 CAD in USD?
Common conversion amounts for everyday use:
- $50 CAD = approximately $37 USD
- $100 CAD = approximately $74 USD
- $500 CAD = approximately $368 USD
- $1,000 CAD = approximately $735 USD
- $5,000 CAD = approximately $3,676 USD
- $10,000 CAD = approximately $7,353 USD
Note: Rates change daily. Use the converter above for current exact amounts.
Best Ways to Convert CAD to USD
Maximize your Canadian Dollars when converting to US currency:
- Online Transfer Services: Wise, Revolut, OFX (0.5-2% above mid-market - best option)
- US ATMs with Canadian Card: Often good rates but check foreign ATM fees
- Credit Cards: Use CAD cards with no foreign transaction fees in the US
- Canadian Banks: TD, RBC, Scotiabank offer USD accounts (2-4% markup on conversion)
- Currency Exchange Services: In-person exchangers (3-6% markup)
- Avoid: Airport kiosks (5-12% markup), duty-free shops, hotels (terrible rates)
Traveling to the US from Canada? Money Tips
Make your Canadian Dollars go further when visiting America:
- Canadian Credit Cards Work: Use your CAD credit card in the US - watch for foreign transaction fees
- Get US Cash from ATMs: Withdraw USD from US ATMs for better rates than exchange booths
- Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion: When asked "pay in CAD or USD?" always choose USD
- No-Fee Credit Cards: Home Trust Visa, Brim Financial have 0% foreign transaction fees
- Snowbird Tip: Open a US Dollar account at your Canadian bank before traveling
- Shopping Deals: US prices often lower even after exchange - compare before buying in Canada
- Gas Prices: US gas priced per gallon (not liter) - often cheaper than Canada
Cross-Border Online Shopping: CAD vs USD
Canadians frequently shop US websites - here's what to know:
- Amazon.com vs Amazon.ca: .com prices in USD - factor in exchange rate and shipping
- Credit Card Conversion: Cards use daily exchange rate plus 2.5% foreign transaction fee (unless no-fee card)
- Duties and Taxes: Packages over $20 CAD may incur customs fees and GST/PST
- Shipping Costs: US to Canada shipping expensive - look for free shipping thresholds
- Return Shipping: Returning items to US can be costly - check policies first
- PayPal Currency Conversion: Avoid PayPal's conversion (poor rate) - use credit card conversion instead
Why is the Canadian Dollar Weaker than USD?
Several structural factors keep CAD below USD parity:
- Economic Size: US economy is 10x larger than Canada's - more global demand for USD
- Resource Dependence: Canada's economy tied to commodities - volatile and less diversified
- Reserve Currency: USD is global reserve currency - constant worldwide demand
- Population: 40 million Canadians vs 335 million Americans - smaller domestic market
- Manufacturing Base: US has larger, more diverse industrial economy
- Productivity Gap: US productivity growth historically outpaces Canada's
- Interest Rates: Bank of Canada often follows Fed with similar or lower rates
Snowbirds: Managing CAD and USD
Canadians wintering in the US face unique currency challenges:
- USD Bank Account: Open one at RBC, TD, or Scotiabank before heading south
- Lock in Rates: When CAD is strong, convert larger amounts to USD and hold
- Monthly Expenses: Budget in USD - track exchange rate impact on fixed income
- Property Ownership: US real estate, utilities, property tax in USD - plan conversions ahead
- Healthcare Costs: US medical bills in USD - ensure travel insurance covers this
- Pension Income: CPP/OAS paid in CAD - set up automatic conversions for US spending
- Tax Implications: Report foreign property, account for exchange gains/losses on taxes
Working Remotely: CAD Salary, US Expenses
For Canadians living/working in the US or vice versa:
- Salary Currency: If paid in CAD but living in US, exchange rate risk affects purchasing power
- Tax Considerations: Report income in currency earned, file in country of residence
- Dual Currency Accounts: Maintain both CAD and USD accounts for flexibility
- Exchange Timing: Convert when CAD is strong to maximize USD received
- Rent/Mortgage: If US housing costs in USD, budget for rate fluctuations
- Retirement Savings: Consider currency risk in RRSP/401(k) planning
CAD to USD Converter - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current CAD to USD exchange rate?
The current CAD to USD exchange rate fluctuates daily. Use our converter above for the latest real-time rate, updated hourly. As of today, 1 CAD typically equals approximately $0.73-0.74 USD. This means you receive about 73-74 US cents for every Canadian Dollar.
How much is 100 Canadian Dollars in US Dollars?
At the current exchange rate of approximately 0.735 USD per CAD, 100 Canadian Dollars equals about $73.50 US Dollars. Use the converter above for today's exact rate, as it changes throughout the day.
How much is 1000 CAD in USD?
1000 Canadian Dollars converts to approximately $735 US Dollars at the current rate (1 CAD = 0.735 USD). The exact amount varies based on the real-time exchange rate and any fees your exchange provider charges.
Is the Canadian Dollar weaker than the US Dollar?
Yes, the Canadian Dollar is weaker than the US Dollar. 1 CAD equals approximately $0.73-0.74 USD, meaning the Loonie trades at a discount. This is normal due to the relative size of the economies, with the US economy being roughly 10 times larger than Canada's.
Where can I convert CAD to USD?
Best options: (1) Online transfer services like Wise, Revolut, OFX (0.5-2% fees), (2) Your Canadian bank's USD account (2-4% markup), (3) US ATMs using your Canadian debit card (check fees), (4) Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees. Avoid airport kiosks and tourist-area exchangers (5-12% markup).
What affects the CAD to USD exchange rate?
Key factors: Crude oil prices (Canada is a major exporter), Bank of Canada and Federal Reserve interest rate policies, commodity prices (lumber, natural gas, metals), US-Canada trade relations, Canadian housing market health, US economic strength, and global risk sentiment affecting both currencies.
Should I convert CAD to USD before traveling to the US?
Convert a small amount ($50-100) before leaving for immediate expenses. For the rest, use ATMs in the US or credit cards with no foreign transaction fees for better rates. Avoid converting large amounts at airports - use your bank or online services like Wise before you travel.
Can I use Canadian Dollars in the United States?
No, Canadian Dollars are not accepted in the United States except possibly at some border towns at terrible exchange rates (10-20% worse than banks). You must use US Dollars for purchases. Use ATMs, credit cards, or convert CAD to USD before traveling.
How do I avoid foreign transaction fees when using CAD in the US?
Use Canadian credit cards with no foreign transaction fees like Home Trust Visa, Brim Financial, or Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite. These cards let you make US purchases without the typical 2.5% foreign transaction fee, saving money on every purchase. Some also offer better exchange rates than competitors.
Need Other Currency Conversions?
Try our USD to CAD converter, USD to EUR converter, or explore our full currency converter supporting 150+ currencies worldwide.