You've got a crisp 60-dollar bill featuring Viola Desmond, or maybe just a digital balance sitting in a Fairmont rewards account, and you want to know what it’s actually worth south of the border. It’s a simple question. But honestly, the answer is usually a bit of a moving target.
As of mid-January 2026, the loonie is doing that thing where it struggles to keep its head above water against a powerhouse US greenback. If you're looking to swap 60 canadian dollars in us dollars, you're looking at roughly $43.19 USD.
But wait. Don't go planning your Target spree just yet.
That $43.19 is the "mid-market" rate. It's the "real" exchange rate you see on Google or XE.com—the one banks use to trade with each other. For the rest of us? We rarely see that number in the wild. By the time a bank or a currency kiosk takes their slice, your 60 bucks might actually feel a lot more like 40.
The Reality of Converting 60 Canadian Dollars in US Dollars
Exchange rates aren't just numbers; they’re a reflection of how the world views the Canadian economy versus the American one. Right now, things are a bit messy. The Bank of Canada spent much of 2025 aggressively cutting interest rates to keep the housing market from imploding. Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve has been more hesitant.
When US rates are higher than Canadian ones, global investors move their money to the US to get a better return. This makes the USD more expensive and leaves the CAD feeling a little lonely.
What You'll Actually Get at the Counter
If you walk into a TD or RBC branch today, they aren't going to give you 72 cents on the dollar. They usually bake a 2.5% to 4% "spread" into the rate.
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- Mid-Market Rate: ~0.72 (Result: $43.20 USD)
- Standard Bank Rate: ~0.69 (Result: $41.40 USD)
- Airport Kiosk Rate: ~0.65 (Result: $39.00 USD)
It’s wild how much you can lose on such a small amount. You’re basically paying a "convenience tax" of four or five dollars just to get cash in your hand.
Why 60 Bucks Doesn't Buy What It Used To
There was a time, back around 2011, when the Canadian dollar was actually worth more than the US dollar. If you had 60 CAD back then, you had 61 or 62 USD. It felt like being a king.
Today? Not so much.
Aside from interest rates, Canada's currency is a "commodity currency." This is basically code for: "If oil prices tank, the loonie tanks." Throughout 2025, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil was on a rollercoaster, ending the year down near $58 a barrel. Since Canada exports a massive amount of oil, a lower price per barrel means fewer US dollars flowing into the Canadian economy.
When the demand for CAD drops, the value of your 60 canadian dollars in us dollars drops right along with it.
The Hidden Fees of Small Exchanges
If you’re buying something online from a US store, your credit card company handles the conversion. Most Canadian cards charge a 2.5% foreign transaction fee.
Let's do the math on that.
If you spend exactly $60 CAD, the bank converts it at their slightly crappy rate and then adds another $1.50 on top just for the privilege of the transaction. It's why many frequent travelers have switched to "No FX" cards like the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite or digital-first options like Wealthsimple and Wise.
How to Get the Most for Your 60 CAD
If you really need to convert a small amount like 60 dollars, you have to be smart. Don't go to the airport. Seriously, just don't.
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- Use a Peer-to-Peer App: If you use something like Wise (formerly TransferWise), they actually give you the mid-market rate and just charge a tiny, transparent fee. For 60 CAD, the fee might be less than a dollar.
- The "No-FX" Credit Card: If you're just shopping online, use a card that doesn't charge that 2.5% fee. It's the easiest way to save $2 without doing any work.
- Cross-Border Banking: If you have a cross-border account with BMO or RBC, you can sometimes move money between your CAD and USD accounts with slightly better spreads than a walk-in customer.
The Outlook for 2026
Most analysts, including those watching the "Interest Rate Differential Reversal," think the Canadian dollar might see a "passive tailwind" later this year. Basically, if the US finally starts cutting rates faster than Canada, the loonie could claw back some ground.
But for now, the reality is that your 60 CAD is a solid dinner for one in a US city, but maybe not the steak dinner it was five years ago.
To get the best value, check the current "spot rate" on a financial site before you commit to a purchase. If the rate is hovering around 0.72, anything below 0.70 at a retail counter is a bad deal. Your best move is to avoid physical cash entirely for small amounts and stick to digital platforms that don't scalp you on the spread.
Actionable Step: If you're planning a trip, don't buy US cash at the bank. Instead, look into getting a prepaid travel card or a digital wallet that allows you to hold USD balances. You'll likely save enough on the conversion of 60 CAD to buy yourself an extra coffee once you cross the border.