Money transfers and card payment in Cuba FAQ

Have questions about international sanctions and how they impact money transfers to Cuba and payment by credit card in Cuba? Get answers in our FAQ.

General information

Because of new US economic sanctions, financial transactions involving Cuba or made within Cuba are affected.

You can no longer make international money transfers to Cuba or use your Visa* or Mastercard® credit cards in Cuba.

Debit cards also do not currently work in Cuba, and it is not possible to withdraw money from ATMs that are part of the PLUS network, as it is owned by Visa.

We are fully aware of the impacts this situation may have on you. See our frequently asked questions to learn more.

What’s your question about?

Select a topic or scroll down for more details.

International money transfers

Why can’t I transfer funds to Cuba using AccèsD anymore?

Because of new US economic sanctions impacting our service provider, it is not currently possible to send money to Cuba. This situation is outside of our control.

Monitor the Government of Canada’s advisories on the Cuba travel advice website External link..

Why are you being so careful and strict?

This is a situation that has nothing to do with Desjardins specifically. Our service provider is affected by new US sanctions targeting the Republic of Cuba.

Can you process the transfer anyways?

In the current circumstances, it is not possible to process this type of transaction. Any transfers we attempt involving Cuba will not be completed.

Why are legitimate transactions being blocked?

The restrictions in place apply to all money transfers to specific destinations. They don’t take into account the individual nature of each transfer.

Are there alternative ways to send money to Cuba? For example, can I use a European bank, send a different currency or use another intermediary?

We are not able to recommend any alternatives.

Monitor the Government of Canada’s advisories on the Cuba travel advice website External link..

What will happen if I send a payment?

The transfer won’t be processed and the money will be returned to you.

If I incur fees, will I be reimbursed?

Because every situation is different, you’re welcome to contact us to discuss your situation.

Will my money reach its intended destination? Will I lose my money?

If you submit a transfer request, it won’t be processed and the money will be returned to you.

When will I be able to send money to Cuba again?

At this point, there’s no way of knowing when money transfers to Cuba will be able to resume.

Monitor the Government of Canada’s advisories on the Cuba travel advice website External link..

Credit cards

Why can I no longer make payments with my Visa or Mastercard credit card in Cuba?

It is no longer possible to use Visa or Mastercard credit cards in Cuba due to the US sanctions. As a result, members and clients who are currently in Cuba cannot use their credit cards.

In addition, debit cards do not currently work in Cuba, and it is not possible to withdraw money from ATMs that are part of the PLUS network, as it is owned by Visa.

Given the current political context, this situation could go on indefinitely.

What other payment methods can I use while I’m in Cuba?

We are not able to recommend any workarounds. We encourage you to check with local businesses and merchants for alternative payment solutions.

Monitor the Government of Canada’s advisories on the Cuba travel advice website External link..

Can I use my debit card instead?

No. Debit cards do not currently work in Cuba, and it is not possible to withdraw money from ATMs that are part of the PLUS network, as it is owned by Visa.

I’m in a difficult situation. How can you help me?

Because we don’t have a point of service in Cuba, it’s hard for us to give you advice adapted to your current circumstances.

We’re fully aware that this situation may be very worrisome. Use cash if you already have it on hand.

If you find yourself in an emergency because of these circumstances, we recommend contacting the Canadian embassy in Cuba External link.. They can assist you and guide you towards appropriate solutions.

Embassy of Canada to Cuba, in Havana

By phone
+53 7 204-2516 Phone number of the Embassy of Canada to Cuba.This link opens your phone app.

By fax
+53 7 204-2044 Fax number of the Embassy of Canada to Cuba.

By email
havan@international.gc.ca Email address of the Embassy of Canada to Cuba.This link opens your default email app.

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?

We're here to help.

By phone

Montreal area:
514-224-7737 Phone number of customer service for the Montreal area. This link opens your phone app. (514-CAISSES)

Elsewhere in Canada and the US:
1-800-224-7737 Phone number of customer service for Canada and the US. This link opens your phone app. (1-800-CAISSES)

Other countries (collect call):
514-397-4610 Phone number of customer service for other countries, collect call. This link opens your phone app.

Or we can call you when it’s convenient.

Schedule a call

Mastercard®and World Elite®are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated.

*Trademark of Visa International Service Association and used under licence.