If you’re a Canadian business owner buying inventory in the US, or you travel to the States regularly, having a US-dollar credit card makes life a lot easier. You avoid currency conversion fees on every purchase, earn rewards in USD, and build a US credit history that opens more doors down the road.
I went through this process myself. Getting approved for a US card as a Canadian isn’t straightforward, but it’s doable if you set things up the right way.
Last updated: April 2026
Why Bother With a US Dollar Card?
Canadian credit cards charge you a foreign exchange fee (typically 2.5%) on every USD purchase. If you’re spending $5,000 USD per month on inventory, that’s $125/month in conversion fees alone, or $1,500 per year. A US-dollar card eliminates that entirely.
On top of that, US credit card rewards programs tend to be significantly better than Canadian ones. Higher sign-up bonuses, better points multipliers, and more premium card options.
What You Need Before You Apply
US card issuers want to see that you have a connection to the US. Here’s what worked for me and what I’ve seen work for clients:
1. A US Bank Account
This is the most important step. You need a US-based checking account to pay your card bills and to prove a US financial presence.
Options for Canadians:
- RBC Bank (Georgia): RBC’s US subsidiary. If you have an RBC account in Canada, they can set you up with a US account relatively easily.
- TD Bank (US): Similar deal. TD has a huge US presence. Cross-border banking is one of their things.
- Wise (formerly TransferWise): Gives you US account and routing numbers. Not a full bank account, but works for paying bills and receiving USD.
2. A US Address
You’ll need a US mailing address for the application. A few approaches:
- If you have family or friends in the US, use their address (with permission)
- A US mailbox service (not a PO Box, as some issuers reject those)
- If you have a US business presence, use that address
Important: Make sure the address you use isn’t flagged as a known commercial mail receiving agency (CMRA). Card issuers check for this.
3. An ITIN (Optional but Helpful)
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) helps with US credit applications, but it’s not always required. American Express in particular has been known to approve Canadians without an ITIN using their Global Card Transfer program. Other issuers may be harder without one.
The Easiest Path: Amex Global Card Transfer
If you already have a Canadian American Express card in good standing, you can use Amex’s Global Card Transfer program to get a US Amex card. This is usually the smoothest route because:
- They already have your credit history from your Canadian account
- You don’t need a US credit score
- An ITIN isn’t always required
- The process can be done over the phone
Call American Express international services and ask about the Global Card Transfer program. They’ll walk you through the options available.
Cards Worth Considering
| Card | Annual Fee (USD) | Best For |
| Amex Blue Business Plus | $0 | No-fee option, 2x points on first $50K spend |
| Amex Gold Business | $375 | 4x on dining and US shipping, good for inventory buyers |
| Chase Ink Business Preferred | $95 | 3x on shipping, internet, travel. Needs US credit history. |
| Amex Platinum (Personal) | $695 | Premium travel perks, lounge access. High fee but strong benefits. |
Start with whatever Amex offers through the Global Transfer. You can upgrade or add other cards once you’ve built some US credit history.
Building US Credit as a Canadian
Once you have your first US card, use it regularly and pay on time. US credit scores (FICO) build over time. After 6-12 months of good history with one card, you’ll start getting pre-approved for others.
Some tips:
- Keep utilization under 30% of your credit limit
- Set up autopay so you never miss a payment
- Don’t apply for multiple cards at once. Space applications out by 3-6 months.
Tax Considerations
A US credit card doesn’t create any US tax obligations on its own. You’re just using a payment method denominated in USD. However, if you’re spending in USD for business purposes, make sure you’re tracking the exchange rates for your bookkeeping. CRA wants Canadian-dollar amounts on your tax return, so you’ll need to convert all USD expenses at the exchange rate on the date of each transaction (or use the Bank of Canada annual average rate).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Canadians get a US credit card?
Yes, but it takes some setup. You’ll need a US bank account and mailing address at minimum. The easiest route is through American Express’s Global Card Transfer program if you already have a Canadian Amex card. Other issuers typically require a US credit history or ITIN.
Do I need an ITIN to get a US credit card?
Not always. American Express can sometimes approve through Global Card Transfer without an ITIN. Other issuers like Chase or Capital One generally require either an ITIN or SSN. If you’re planning to build long-term US credit, getting an ITIN is worth it.
Is it worth it for Amazon sellers?
If you’re buying inventory from US suppliers or running Amazon PPC on Amazon.com, absolutely. The foreign exchange savings alone (2.5% on every transaction) add up fast. At $50,000 USD in annual spending, you’re saving $1,250/year just on conversion fees, before any rewards.
Related Articles
- How Do I Get US Dollar Payments from Amazon.com back to Canada?
- How to Pay Canadian Taxes with a Credit Card
- Should You Incorporate as A Canadian Amazon Seller?
Need Help With Cross-Border Finances?
If you’re doing business in both Canada and the US, there are tax implications beyond just credit cards: US income reporting, treaty benefits, transfer pricing. Contact us if you want to make sure your cross-border setup is solid.