How to add money to your Questrade account with international wire transfers? A closer look
Looking to add money to your Questrade account with international wire transfers? Here's your guide
Revolut is no longer available in Canada, which leaves a gap for users who valued its fast transfers and multi-currency tools. If you’ve been using Revolut for personal or business payments, it may be time to explore other options.Several banks and fintech providers now support Interac e-Transfers, offer competitive fees, and provide features like CAD accounts and international payments.. This guide highlights the best alternatives, including Wise, and compares them based on cost, convenience, and domestic transfer support.
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Revolut officially exited the Canadian market in March 2021, shutting down accounts and withdrawing its services for both personal and business users. While it initially operated in Canada as part of a beta launch, the company announced via email that it couldn't offer the full range of features Canadians expected 'at the moment' and would wind down operations.
Unlike many local banks and fintechs, Revolut never integrated with Interac, which is the most widely used money transfer system in Canada. Without a Canadian banking licence or local infrastructure, Revolut couldn’t support the kind of domestic payments, including Interac, that most people rely on day to day.
Canadian banks continue to support Interac e‑Transfer as a trusted method for sending quick payments. For businesses and personal users, the major five banks, including RBC, TD, BMO, CIBC, and Scotiabank, offer Interac via their online or mobile platforms, although fees and limits can vary depending on the account type.
TD charges from 0.50 CAD to 1.50 CAD per transfer1 from some personal and business accounts, though most premium personal accounts include free e‑Transfers. Limits are usually up to 3,000 CAD per transaction and 10,000 CAD per week2.
RBC offers sending, receiving, Autodeposit, and Request Money. Transfers are free from most personal chequing accounts, but cost 1 CAD from personal savings accounts and 1.50 CAD per transfer from business accounts3. You can send up to 10,000 CAD per day4.
BMO includes 2 free e‑Transfers per month with many business accounts5. Additional transfers cost anywhere between 1 CAD and 5 CAD6 with limits starting from 3,000 CAD going up to 25,000 CAD7 depending on account setup.
CIBC charges 1.50 CAD per transfer from business accounts, although some personal accounts include free transfers. Typical limits are 3,000 CAD per transaction, with a weekly cap of 10,000 CAD8.
Scotiabank supports Interac for Business, with transfers from business accounts costing around 1.00 CAD each9 and a limit of 25,000 CAD per transaction10.
Even though Interac e‑Transfers are supported by all major Canadian banks, fees and sending limits vary based on the type of account and provider. Some personal chequing accounts include free transfers, while business and savings accounts often charge per transaction. Here's a quick comparison of fees and limits at the Big Five banks:
Bank | Fee per e‑Transfer | Per‑transaction limit | Weekly limit |
---|---|---|---|
TD1,2 | Free with premium personal accounts; 0.50–1.50 CAD for business accounts | Up to 3,000 CAD | Up to 10,000 CAD |
RBC3,4 | Free from personal chequing; 1 CAD for personal savings accounts; 1.50 CAD for business accounts | Up to 10,000 CAD | N/A |
BMO5,6,7 | Free to 5 CAD depending on account type; 2 free/month for business accounts | 3,000–25,000 CAD | N/A |
CIBC8 | Free with some personal accounts; 1.50 CAD for business accounts | Up to 3,000 CAD | Up to 10,000 CAD |
Scotiabank9,10 | Free with select personal accounts; 1.00 CAD per transaction for all other accounts | Up to 25,000 CAD for business accounts | N/A |
Revolut’s exit left a gap for Canadians looking to manage everyday spending, business payments, or international transfers from one platform. Fortunately, a number of fintechs now offer similar services, from free Interac e‑Transfers to multi-currency features and digital wallet tools.
Payoneer is a popular choice for freelancers, businesses, and international sellers. It offers CAD receiving accounts for local payments, meaning Canadian clients can pay you like a domestic user. Funds can be held in multiple currencies, sent to a bank account, or accessed using a Payoneer card.
Remitbee is a Canadian-based money transfer provider focused on low-cost international remittances. It supports Interac e‑Transfer for sending money both domestically and abroad. You can also pay via debit or EFT, and use it for bill payments and currency exchange.
KOHO is a Canadian fintech app offering a reloadable prepaid Mastercard, spending insights, savings tools, and no mandatory monthly fees. It also supports Interac e‑Transfers for both sending and receiving, making it a convenient Revolut alternative for personal users.
Fintech platforms vary widely in how they support Interac e‑Transfers and what they’re best suited for. Some focus on cross-border business payments, while others are tailored to everyday spending. Here's how leading providers compare:
Interac e‑Transfer support among fintech alternatives
Provider | Interac e‑Transfer | CAD Fee | Transfers internationally? | Main use case |
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Payoneer11 | No | Free to receive; fees for withdrawals and currency conversion | Yes | Freelancers and businesses managing global payments |
Remitbee12 | Yes (send only) | 2.99 CAD below 500 CAD; free above 500 CAD | Yes | Personal international transfers from Canada |
Koho13,14,15 | Yes (send and receive) | Free to other KOHO accounts | Yes | Personal budgeting and domestic or global money transfers |
Wise | Yes (receive only via Interac for funding) | Varies by method; typically low | Yes | Multi-currency accounts and low-cost global transfers |
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Wise is a global money transfer service built for people and businesses who need flexibility across currencies. As an alternative to banks and single-country fintech apps, Wise lets you send, receive, and manage money across borders with low, transparent fees and the mid-market exchange rate. It offers domestic and international transfer options all from a single multi-currency account.
Interac e-Transfer into Wise
If you bank with a Canadian institution, you can add funds to your Wise account using Interac, through your bank’s bill payment system. Once the money arrives in your Wise CAD balance, you can convert it into other currencies, send it to international accounts, or keep it in CAD for local payments.
With Wise, you can:
For Canadians who want to pay locally, send money abroad, or get paid in different currencies, Wise is a versatile option that bridges domestic e-Transfers and global transactions, making it easier to move money without relying on banks or high-fee services.
If you turned to Revolut for sending money abroad or juggling multiple currencies, the right alternative will depend on how hands-on you want to be and whether you value simplicity, speed, or better rates.
Wise is a versatile option for both individuals and businesses who manage money across borders. You can receive Interac e‑Transfers into your Wise account, hold and convert over 40 currencies, and send money abroad with transparent pricing and the mid market exchange rate. It’s ideal if you need one account that handles both your local and global payments without hidden costs.
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*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
Looking to add money to your Questrade account with international wire transfers? Here's your guide
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