Canada Post Cash Passport Mastercard: The Full Review

Prepaid cards do a very good job of saving one’s fortune and allowing greater mobility. Many organizations in Canada offer prepaid cards including Canada Post. The company has joined hands with Mastercard to offer Cash Passport that works like a regular credit card but with some additional perks and limitations.In this Canada Post Prepaid Rechargeable Mastercard review, we’ll have a look at one of Canada’s most popular prepaid cards and conclude if it’s worth a buy. Let’s get started!

Introduction to the Canada Post Cash Passport Mastercard

The Cash Passport from Canada Post is a prepaid card that uses the growing Mastercard network. This means you’ll be able to use it at any online or physical store that supports Mastercard. In addition to this, it also works at all Mastercard-supported automated teller machines (ATMs) including international ATMs.

It works like a typical debit or credit card and even looks like one. The card has all the required details printed on it including your name, card number, and CSV code. You’ll use it just like a regular card, either by taping, swiping it or entering the required details.

But, it isn’t a credit card and does not come with the ability to borrow money. As a result, it will not impact your credit score. This means there’s no risk of getting into debt. 

The card is specifically designed for travellers and comes with some great benefits including support for multiple currencies. This can be of great help for card owners who travel a lot. Issued by Peoples Trust Company, pursuant to license by Mastercard International Inc, the card is distributed through Canada Post.

Supported Currencies

Cash Passport can be loaded with Canadian Dollars only, which you can convert into up to 6 additional currencies at an exchange rate determined by the branch where you load it. You can move money between the currencies on your card, at your convenience, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via your account. The seven currencies you can hold in your account are:

• Canadian Dollars
• British Pounds 
• Euros 
• American Dollars
• Australian Dollars 
• Japanese Yen 
• Mexican Pesos

Why Canada Post?

It’s the name and brand of Canada Post that adds value to the card. Since Canada Post isn’t a bank, it doesn’t handle any of the transactions and they’re all conducted through People’s Trust Company. This is very important because transactions performed through the card follow their security and privacy policies. The good thing is that you will not have to go to the issuer to settle issues with the card and, in most cases, Canada Post will look into things for you.

Canada Post Cash Passport Mastercard costs, penalties, and fees

Affordability is one of the major reasons why so many people choose prepaid cards. Since this is advertised as a card for travellers, it is designed to make it easy to shop internationally including international online stores. Still, there are some applicable fees. Here’s a breakdown:

Buying a card: $15 (an additional or replacement card is free)

Reloading fee: $3 

Local use fee: 1.5% of the transaction amount

International use: 0%

Foreign exchange fee: 3.25% (transaction or withdrawal in a currency not on your Card or if you don’t have enough balance in the local currency and the rest is taken from another currency wallet)

Currency transfer: Exchange rate (not fixed)

ATM withdrawals: CAD $3, USD $2.50, EUR $1.90, GBP $1.70, JPY $275, AUD $3, MXN $32

Inactivity fee: $2.80/month

Shortfall fee: $18

Cash out fee: $20

Unlike some other prepaid cards in Canada, this one is not free to get and to use. You will have to purchase the card for $15. Also, it is important that you understand all associated fees. This card comes at a higher foreign exchange fee than most prepaid cards in Canada. 

You will not have to pay an exchange fee on supported currencies, but you will have to pay 3.25% when you use an unsupported currency. This can be a bummer since most banks charge a 2.5% foreign transaction fee for all currencies. On the positive side, you can save a lot of money if you only use supported currencies. 

Another thing to consider is the local use fee, which is 1.5%. We suggest that you don’t use this card locally if you want to save money as there are no international use fees. You can compare credit cards in Canada and pick a suitable option for local use.

Some of these fees you can avoid by being smart. An inactivity fee, for example, is only charged when your card goes unused for 12 months with money in it. Consider using your card every now and then to avoid inactivity charges. 

Similarly, cash out fees can be avoided by not cashing out your full balance at a time. It will cost a hefty $20. Shortfall fee is charged when your balance goes below zero. This is a rare occurrence but try to avoid it.

How does the Canada Post Cash Passport Mastercard work?

The Canada Post Cash Passport Mastercard works like any other debit or credit card. Just make sure to keep it loaded so you can use it without any issues. Since this card doesn’t let you borrow money and there’s no overdraft option, you will not be able to spend more than what your card holds.

The card makes it easy to deposit money and shift between seven supported currencies. You will only have to pay the calculated exchange rate when you shop abroad. This will allow you to spend in local currencies whether you’re shopping online or at a physical store. 

There are no extra requirements to use this card. Your card must be valid and you must enter the required information such as the CSV code when using it. If there are any issues then consider getting in touch with customer support. 

Canada Post Cash Passport Mastercard features

Here’s all that you need to know about this prepaid card from Canada Post.

Multiple currencies

This is one of the few prepaid cards that support multiple currencies. Most popular currencies are included. This makes the card a great option for travellers including people who travel for business. You can save foreign conversion charges that are usually 2.5% of the amount spent. 

Customer support

The card comes with 24/7 Mastercard Global Assistance. You can get in touch with Mastercard if you ever have any issues. Help is available round the clock and the team is professional.

Back-up card

Canada Post offers one back up card that you can use in case your card goes missing. Also, additional cards can be given to family members. Get in touch with the company to request a backup card.

Security and protection

Canada Post Cash Passport Mastercard comes with Zero Liability Protection that guards card owners against fraud. In addition to this, the card uses chip technology and pin protection to ensure there’s no unauthorised use. The pin is independent and not linked to your bank account.

Smart card

This is a smart card and it knows which currency to use based on your location. For example, if you are in the UK, it will automatically choose GBP without you having to do any manual work. This is a great feature as it ensures you get to save money whenever you can.

Zenwallet Mobile App

You will get access to online banking, i.e.: the ability to check your balance on the go. The dashboard provides some valuable insights including transactions that are updated every few hours. This can be a great way to understand your spending habits.

How can I get a Canada Post Cash Passport Mastercard?

You can get a Canada Post Cash Passport Mastercard by visiting your nearest Canada Post office. All branches issue the card and you will not have to undergo any scrutiny or provide credit reports to qualify. Your card will be issued in minutes.

Make sure to carry a valid identity document such as your password. Canada Post does not usually ask for address proof. However, to be on the safe side, it might be a good idea to carry one. It should not be older than 90 days. You must be the age of majority in your province to apply for a card. While applications are rarely rejected, if there are any issues with your application you may be asked to submit additional documents. 

You will be asked to pay the fee that you can pay in cash or through your card. Activate your card once you receive it and add money to it so you can start using it. You will not be able to use the card online or at physical locations till it’s activated. To activate it, create your Cash Passport account. The system will ask you to enter your new card number. You’ll need to provide additional details such as your date of birth, and you will be asked to choose a 4-digit code.

Select a code that’s hard to crack but easy for you to remember. Once done, you can start using your card. It will get activated right away. Also, you will have the option to change this PIN later on through the website or by getting in touch with customer support. 

Canada Post Cash Passport Mastercard: pros and cons

Like any other product, this card comes with both pros and cons. We’ll mention both to help you get a true picture.

How to add money to the Canada Post Cash Passport Mastercard

Since you cannot use your card until you top it up, it’s important to be aware of all methods. You can add money to your card by visiting your nearest Canada Post office. You can choose to pay via cash or debit card. Money will get added to your account right away. Simply bring your Cash Passport card along with your government issued photo ID and a form of payment to your local post office and they will reload your card for you. Payments will only be accepted from the primary cardholder.

You can also reload online in your account. If you prefer, you can add money through a bank transfer by adding your card as a bill. This method can be a little slow and money will take up to 3 days to show up in your account. Almost all top banks can be used for this purpose. Another option is to use Interac e-transfers. This method usually takes up to 1 day. Also, those who have any other Canada Post prepaid card can also perform card-to-card transfers. This method is quick and usually takes only a few hours. 

Consider adding money to your card before you go abroad so that you have enough balance to spend during your stay. Adding money to your card from abroad can be a little difficult as you may not find a Canada Post branch abroad. You will still, however, be able to use the web to deposit money.

Canada Cash Passport limits

Like most prepaid cards, this one also has some limits on how much you can spend in a day or how much your card can carry at a time. Here’s a breakdown:

Maximum withdrawal in 24-hours (bank): $240

Maximum withdrawal in 24-hours (ATM): $960

Maximum load per 24-hours: $8,500

Maximum 24-hour spend: $4,000

Maximum yearly load: $30,000

Maximum Card balance: $8,500

The purpose of these limits is to protect your interest and reduce the risk. There are currently no ways to increase these limits. However, the issuer may update some in the future. Those who want more can look at other prepaid cards in Canada. It is important that you compare all options and pick a card that meets your requirements.  

Alternatives to the Canada Post Cash Passport Mastercard

EQ Bank Card

The EQ Bank Card is a versatile prepaid Mastercard which combines the functionalities of a debit and a credit card. You need to open an EQ Savings Plus account to get it. The Savings Plus account is technically a savings acccount, but it has all the characateristic of a chequing account. There are no transaction, foreign transaction, monthly, or inactivity fees. When making purchases in foreign currencies, only the Mastercard currency conversion rate is applied, eliminating typical credit card surcharges. This feature makes the EQ Bank Card a great tool for travelling and online shopping. It also offers a 0.5% cash back on all purchases and you earn 2.5% interest on your balance!

KOHO Prepaid Card

KOHO is building a name for itself as a great Mastercard reloadable prepaid card, and for good reason. The Easy plan, which is free, offers 1% cash back on transportation and groceries. The money in your account also earns 0.5% interest. However, travellers should be aware of the 1.5% fee on all foreign currency purchases.

But if you subscribe to the Extra or Everything plan, then you won’t pay any foreign transaction fees and you’ll get one free international ATM withdrawal per month. The Extra costs $9 per month or $84 per year, and the Everything plan costs $19 per month. You can also get a 6% cash back when you book travel through Expedia.

Wise Visa Card

Wise, the company well-known for facilitating global money transfers, also offers a multi-currency account that comes with a Visa debit card. This account is great because it encompasses substantially reduced conversion rates and supports an impressive array of over 40 currencies. The Wise Visa debit card allows you to take out $350 CAD in cash for free every month in ATMs abroad.

FAQs about Canada Post Cash Passport Mastercard

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the Canada Post Cash Passport card.