Cash Passport Prepaid Mastercard (Canada Post) review: fees, limits and how it works
Travel money in several currencies
Quick answer: The Cash Passport Prepaid Mastercard is a multi-currency travel card sold at Canada Post. It costs C$15 to buy and C$3 per reload, with no monthly fee while you use it; after 12 months without activity, a C$2.80 monthly inactivity fee applies. It suits travelers who want to preload several currencies.
Best for: Travel money in several currencies
Pros
- Holds several currencies
- Card valid for up to 5 years
Cons
- Inactivity fee after 12 months
- FX costs
What the Cash Passport Prepaid Mastercard (Canada Post) costs per month
| If you… | Monthly cost | How it adds up |
|---|---|---|
| Card used at least once every 12 months, no reload this month | C$0 | There's no monthly fee while the card is active. The C$15 purchase fee is a one-time cost. |
| One reload at a post office | C$3 | Each reload costs C$3. |
| Balance left on the card with no activity for 12 months or more | C$2.80 | A C$2.80 monthly inactivity fee applies after 12 months with no purchases, ATM withdrawals or reloads, unless prohibited by law. A card with no balance isn't charged. |
Who it suits
Good fit if
- Travelers who want to preload money in several currencies
- People who prefer to buy and reload in person at a post office
- Keeping travel spending separate from your bank account
Skip it if
- You travel rarely and would leave a balance sitting for a year
- You already have a card with no foreign transaction fee
- You want to avoid a purchase fee
Fees
| Monthly fee | None stated. An inactivity fee may apply after 12 months with no activity, unless prohibited by law. |
| Other | See the Cash Passport fees and limits table |
How to get and load it
Buy at a post office.
- Reload at a post office with the card, government photo ID and payment
- Online reload for cards bought at post offices
Activation
Register through Mastercard My Account to see your balance.
Deposit protection and credit building
Protection: Not verified
Credit building: No
Cash Passport Prepaid Mastercard (Canada Post) FAQs
Does the Cash Passport Prepaid Mastercard (Canada Post) have a monthly fee?
Monthly fee: None stated. An inactivity fee may apply after 12 months with no activity, unless prohibited by law.. Other charges to check: See the Cash Passport fees and limits table.
How do I activate the Cash Passport Prepaid Mastercard (Canada Post)?
Register through Mastercard My Account to see your balance.
Is money on the Cash Passport Prepaid Mastercard (Canada Post) insured?
Not verified
Does the Cash Passport Prepaid Mastercard (Canada Post) build credit?
No
How do I add money to the Cash Passport Prepaid Mastercard (Canada Post)?
You can load it by reload at a post office with the card, government photo ID and payment, online reload for cards bought at post offices.
Official Mastercard Cash Passport, sold at Canada Post site
Sources: www.canadapost-postescanada.ca · www.canadapost-postescanada.ca. Fees change; confirm on the official fee schedule.