Using Canadian bank cards

[NashBridges]

I've had some people tell me our CDN debit cards will not work down in Orlando.

Anyone know for sure? We bank with Credit Union, so I'd like to know I can use my debit cards at the bank machines.

TIA

 

[laura001]

Not sure about the credit union...we have CIBC and we are able to use our card at the ATM machines at WDW with no added fees except our normal fee that we would pay here for not using a CIBC machine.

 

[yosh12]

We have scotia card and had no problem either with bank machines or with debit machines in stores.

 

[OntFamily]

You'll have no problem using your debit card at almost any ATM.

However, your luck may differ at using it as a debit POS terminal. Your banks website would be the best source for info regarding using your debit card at a POS terminal.

 

[suprgrlx]

I haven't tried to use my debit card much in the States, so I really don't know for sure. We use our Visa for most purchases. I believe that if your card says "plus" on the back, it's more likely to be accepted at machines that take "plus" in the US (which I believe is a lot). But, according to this article (may or may not be reliable, but contains lots of references):

http://simontonekham.wordpress.com/...nadian-debit-cards-are-accepted-in-us-stores/

it can be hit and miss sometimes. I'd be careful if I were planning to do most of my purchases that way (especially since a lot of banks charge fees on top of the exchange rate). I'd especially phone ahead and confirm if I was hoping to use it for big-ticket purchases like hotel, car rental, etc.

 

[sunshinemummy]

Your debit card will only work in bank machines to take out cash(wells fargo, citibank, etc...), they will not work at the point of sale systems in stores. It's best to use your credit card to protect yourself. Call ahead and let your credit card company know that you are travelling to the US.

 

[minnie56]

Ask your Bank?
My RBC works fine State-side.

 

[wdwmike59]

PC Financial debit cards will NOT work outside Canada. They are only on the Interac network and are not part of PLUS or CIRRUS or any of those international networks.

 

[mc'smommy]

I use both my BMO and TD debit card in the United States for debit purchases,
here is a link to some info from TD

http://www.tdcanadatrust.com/ebanking/tda_dir.jsp

 

[FayeW]

PC Financial debit cards will NOT work outside Canada. They are only on the Interac network and are not part of PLUS or CIRRUS or any of those international networks.

I've used my PCF card to withdraw cash from a bank machine in DTD.

 

[kg66]

I have used my TD debit in Disney and Orlando(Target, Wal-Mart) no problems. I believe the code at the Debit machine is NYC or NIC(something like that) and "Plus" for ATM's.

 

[maggieb9975]

PC Financial debit cards will NOT work outside Canada. They are only on the Interac network and are not part of PLUS or CIRRUS or any of those international networks.

I have used my PC financial debit card in WDW with no problems.

 

[sunshinemummy]

I have used my PC financial debit card in WDW with no problems.

So have we, In Disneyland and even Las Vegas 2 weeks ago. Again it only works in bank machines to take out money, not at stores.

 

[Rellagirl]

I think it's a good idea to contact your bank to be sure, also to let them know that you are traveling. Their security dept could possibly freeze your account thinking that there is fraudulent activity. If you're planning to use your credit card, do the same - they issuer will note it and won't freeze your account.

 

[sk8jdgca]

RBC cards work fine at debit terminals...however in the states you do not have the choice between chequing and savings. Your account must be coded chequing for the debit terminal to work

 

[wdwchamp]

Typically Canadian Debit Cards will work at most American ATMs. Where Canadian debits cards may not work is in purchasing items when purchasing items at an American Store accepting debit cards.

 

[ASDFG]

I've never had a problem using the ATM's down there but for in store purchases they use smart cards. I think a few banks have cards that work in store (TD I believe is one).

 

[snickerboo]

Baloney. I have used my bank card all over Florida and it worked just fine. Double check with your bank before you go. I'm not sure if credit union are different.

 

[RoyalCanadian]

PC Financial debit cards will NOT work outside Canada. They are only on the Interac network and are not part of PLUS or CIRRUS or any of those international networks.

While it is true that PC Financial is not a member of the PLUS or CIRRUS networks, their cards work just fine outside of Canada.

At least they have worked just fine for me in :

• Great Britain
• France
• Germany
• New York
• Virginia
• California
• Florida
• Pennsylvania
• Michigan
• Louisiana
• Washington

YMMV.