US Dollar to Canadian Dollar Conversion
Get the latest USD to CAD exchange rate
1 USD = $1.36 CAD
Current Exchange Rate (Live)
$136.00 CAD
$100.00 USD equals
Exchange Rate: 1 USD = 1.36 CAD
⚡
Real-time USD to CAD exchange rates
About USD to CAD Conversion
The USD to CAD exchange rate represents how many Canadian Dollars you receive for each US Dollar. This is the 4th most actively traded currency pair in global forex markets, reflecting the close economic ties between the United States and Canada as major trading partners.
Our USD to CAD converter uses live mid-market exchange rates updated hourly. Whether you're traveling to Canada, making cross-border purchases, or managing business transactions, this tool provides accurate and reliable USD/CAD conversion rates.
Current USD to CAD Trends
The US Dollar to Canadian Dollar exchange rate is influenced by several key factors:
- Oil Prices: Canada is a major oil exporter - higher oil prices typically strengthen CAD
- Interest Rate Differential: Federal Reserve vs Bank of Canada rate policies drive capital flows
- Trade Relations: USMCA trade agreement and bilateral trade volumes affect both currencies
- Commodity Prices: Canada's resource-based economy is sensitive to commodity price changes
- US Economic Data: Strong US employment and GDP data can boost the Dollar
- Canadian Economic Health: Housing market, inflation, and employment reports impact CAD
Historical USD/CAD Exchange Rate
The USD/CAD pair has seen significant movement over the decades:
- 2002: CAD hit all-time low - 1 USD = 1.61 CAD (weak loonie)
- 2007: CAD reached parity - 1 USD = 1.00 CAD (oil boom)
- 2011: CAD stronger than USD - 1 USD = 0.95 CAD
- 2016: Oil crash weakened CAD - 1 USD = 1.46 CAD
- 2020 COVID: Safe haven demand pushed USD - 1 USD = 1.45 CAD
- 2021: Oil recovery strengthened CAD - 1 USD = 1.20 CAD
- 2026 Current: 1 USD = 1.35-1.38 CAD range
Best Ways to Exchange USD to CAD
Getting the best USD to CAD rate saves money on your transactions:
- Online Transfer Services: Wise, Revolut, OFX (0.5-2% above mid-market rate)
- Canadian ATMs: Use US debit cards at Canadian ATMs (check foreign ATM fees)
- Credit Cards: Cards with no foreign transaction fees (typically 2-3% markup on rate)
- Banks: US and Canadian banks (3-5% markup plus possible fees)
- Currency Exchange Offices: In-person exchangers (2-6% markup)
- Avoid: Airport kiosks (5-10% markup), hotel exchanges (8-15% markup)
Traveling to Canada? Money Tips
Maximize your US Dollars when visiting Canada:
- Credit Cards Widely Accepted: Canada is highly card-friendly - Visa/Mastercard work everywhere
- Get Canadian Dollars: Withdraw CAD from ATMs for better rates than currency exchange
- Watch the Exchange Rate: Some merchants offer "pay in USD" - usually a bad deal
- Major Banks: TD, RBC, Scotiabank, BMO ATMs are common and reliable
- Small Bills: Request $20 CAD bills for easier spending
- Tipping Culture: Similar to US - 15-20% at restaurants
- Tax Differences: Canada has GST/HST (5-15%) added at checkout, not included in price tags
Cross-Border Shopping: USD vs CAD
Understanding the exchange rate helps with cross-border purchases:
- Online Shopping: Many Canadian sites show prices in CAD - convert to compare with US sites
- Amazon.ca vs Amazon.com: Check both with exchange rates - sometimes .ca is cheaper even in CAD
- Duty-Free Limits: US residents can bring $800 CAD worth of goods duty-free from Canada
- Shipping Costs: Factor in cross-border shipping when comparing prices
- Gasoline: Canadian gas is priced per liter in CAD - do the math before filling up
- Real Estate: Canadian property prices in CAD - significant exchange rate impact on US buyers
How Oil Prices Affect USD/CAD
Canada's oil exports create a unique relationship with crude prices:
- Oil Up, CAD Up: Higher oil prices typically strengthen the Canadian Dollar
- Canada's Oil Exports: 4th largest oil producer - petroleum is largest export
- WTI vs WCS: Canadian oil (Western Canadian Select) trades at discount to US oil (WTI)
- Pipeline Politics: Energy infrastructure decisions can impact CAD strength
- OPEC Decisions: Production cuts or increases affect Canadian oil revenue
- US Shale Production: Increased US oil output can pressure Canadian exports
Living and Working: US-Canada Financial Considerations
For those living or working across the border:
- Remote Work: US salaries paid in USD go further in Canada when CAD is weak
- Retirement Accounts: Exchange rate risk when converting 401(k)/RRSP funds
- Real Estate Investment: US investors in Canadian property face currency risk
- Snowbirds: Canadians wintering in US need to budget for exchange rate fluctuations
- Cross-Border Workers: Commuters earn in one currency, spend in another
- Tax Implications: Exchange rates affect tax calculations for dual-country income
USD to CAD Converter - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current USD to CAD exchange rate?
The current USD to CAD exchange rate fluctuates throughout the day. Use our converter above for the latest real-time rate, updated hourly. As of today, 1 USD typically equals approximately 1.35-1.38 CAD, but check the live rate for accurate conversions.
How much is 100 USD in CAD?
At the current exchange rate of approximately 1.36 CAD per USD, 100 US Dollars equals about $136 Canadian Dollars. Use the converter above for today's exact rate.
How much is 1000 USD in CAD?
1000 US Dollars converts to approximately $1,360 Canadian Dollars at the current rate (1 USD = 1.36 CAD). The exact amount varies based on the real-time exchange rate and any fees charged by your exchange provider.
Is the US Dollar stronger than the Canadian Dollar?
Yes, the US Dollar is stronger than the Canadian Dollar. 1 USD typically equals 1.35-1.38 CAD, meaning you get more Canadian Dollars for each US Dollar. The "loonie" (Canadian Dollar's nickname) tends to be weaker due to Canada's smaller economy and commodity dependence.
Where can I get the best USD to CAD exchange rate?
Best options: (1) Online transfer services like Wise, Revolut, OFX (0.5-2% above mid-market), (2) ATMs in Canada using your US debit card (check ATM fees), (3) Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees, (4) Your US or Canadian bank (3-5% markup). Avoid airport kiosks and tourist-area currency exchanges which charge 5-12% markups.
What affects the USD to CAD exchange rate?
Key factors: Crude oil prices (Canada is a major exporter), Federal Reserve and Bank of Canada interest rate policies, US-Canada trade relations, commodity prices (lumber, metals), US and Canadian employment data, inflation rates, housing market health in both countries, and global risk sentiment.
Should I exchange USD to CAD before traveling to Canada?
Exchange a small amount ($50-100 USD) before leaving for immediate expenses like taxis and tips. For the rest, use ATMs in Canada or credit cards with no foreign transaction fees for better rates. Canada is very card-friendly, so you'll rarely need large amounts of cash.
Why is the Canadian Dollar called the "Loonie"?
The Canadian one-dollar coin features a loon (a Canadian bird) on one side, leading to the nickname "loonie" for the coin and eventually for the Canadian Dollar itself. The two-dollar coin is called a "toonie" (two + loonie). This nickname is widely used in forex markets and financial news.
Can I use US Dollars in Canada?
Some tourist areas and border towns accept US Dollars, but you'll get a poor exchange rate (often 10-20% worse than banks). It's much better to use Canadian Dollars, credit cards, or ATMs. Most Canadian businesses expect payment in CAD and may refuse USD or give unfavorable conversion rates.
Need Other Currency Conversions?
Try our USD to EUR converter, USD to GBP converter, or explore our full currency converter supporting 150+ currencies worldwide.