Canadians still rate cash as easy to use, low in cost, secure and nearly universally accepted, and it's the preferred payment option for small-value purchases like a cup of coffee or a muffin. In fact, the lower the value, the more likely it is the buyer will choose cash.

In 2026, Canada heavily prefers digital and card-based payments, and is one of the most "cash-light" economies in the world. Most Canadians use Interac Flash (contactless debit) or credit cards for almost all daily transactions, from purchasing a coffee to paying for parking. Mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay are ubiquitous in major cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. While nearly 80% of Canadians still carry some "precautionary cash" for emergencies or small tips, it is increasingly rare to see cash used in retail environments. In 2026, it is common to find "card-only" kiosks at festivals or self-service parking lots. For travelers, it is perfectly feasible to visit Canada without ever withdrawing cash, provided you have a contactless card or mobile wallet. However, it is still polite to carry a few "Toonies" or "Loonies" (coins) for laundromats or small-town local markets where digital infrastructure might occasionally be less robust.