In this fast-moving online world, mobile payments apps are now an indispensable part of managing money. The biggest platform in the US is Cash App, and with it, peer-to-peer payments, innovative features and simplicity. But what about for those who are Canadian or use it often to deal with Canadian users, one of the questions is: can I use Cash App in Canada? So let’s talk about it and see what are the options for Canadian users.
What Is Cash App?
Cash App is a mobile payment application by Block, Inc. (previously Square, Inc.). It lets you send and receive money, pay bills, even trade stocks and cryptocurrencies. The Cash App has a pretty easy-to-use interface and is really popular in the United States.
Features of Cash App
- Peer-to-peer transfer: Pay pals and relatives directly.
- Cash Card: Flexible debit card based on your Cash App balance.
- Capital: Invest in stocks and Bitcoin without leaving the app.
- Debit: Pay things such as salaries or refunds.
Does Cash App Work in Canada?
Unfortunately Cash App doesn’t work in Canada at the moment. It currently supports only the US and the UK. This ban is in place so that, for example, Canadians cannot send or receive money with Cash App to someone located in the U.S. or the U.K.
What if Cash App Isn’t Running in Canada?
- Problems with the regulations: Different countries have different regulations regarding financial transactions and you have to go through multiple steps to get a compliance.
- Competitor: Canada already has a mature ecosystem of mobile payments and there aren’t many new competitors such as Cash App.
- Single market approach: Cash App is interested in building its services first in existing regions where it is already a present presence, before moving into new markets.
Alternatives to Cash App in Canada.
Cash App is not supported in Canada, but some great alternatives to suit your mobile payments. Here are some top options:
1. Interac e-Transfer
Interac e-Transfer: Interac e-Transfer is one of the most common and well known payment methods used in Canada. Users can send and receive money through bank account without risk.
- Cons: Easy bank integration, safe and popular.
- Cons: Limited to Canadian users.
2. PayPal
PayPal is a global payments company based in Canada and lets you pay anywhere in the world.
- Advantages: Global, simple to navigate.
- Pros: Transaction costs for some transfers are quite high.
3. Venmo
While Venmo is another product by Block, Inc. it isn’t available in Canada. But it is a common solution for U.S.-Canada money transfers when the recipient lives in the United States.
4. Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Wise — We specialise in international money transfer and have competitive exchange rates.
- Pros: No charges, perfect for cross-border payments.
- Cons: It is not a peer to peer payments app.
5. Wealthsimple Cash
Wealthsimple Cash: A Canadian app version of Cash App for peer-to-peer transfers.
- Pros: No cost, Canada-focused.
- Bottom Line: Less features than Cash App.
How To Send Money from Canada To The U.S. (without Cash App)
These are the possibilities if you’re in Canada and want to send money to the U.S.
- Bank transfers: There are a lot of banks that provide this kind of transfer.
- Pixie: Best for cheap international payments.
- PayPal: Perfect for instant payments.
- Western Union: The money to be paid in cash or sent via the web.
The Future of Cash App in Canada?
We haven’t heard any news yet on Cash App’s Canadian entry, but increasing consumer interest in cross-device payments could tempt the company to make the move. Interested users must stay tuned for Cash App official announcements to get updated.
Conclusion
Cash App isn’t available in Canada right now so you will need to find a better solution such as Interac e-Transfer, PayPal or Wealthsimple Cash, for those from Canada. This isn’t a great result for fans of Cash App’s functions, but the solutions that they have will suffice for your payments. If you want to pay abroad, Wise or PayPal will work perfectly fine. Stay tuned as demand for global payment services might make Cash App available in Canada one day.