If you're staring at your screen wondering why your $110 USD purchase just jumped to a much higher number in Canadian dollars, you aren't alone. Currency conversion isn't just a math problem. It’s a moving target.
Right now, as of January 18, 2026, 110 USD is approximately 153.17 CAD.
But here’s the kicker: that’s the mid-market rate. It’s the "perfect" number banks use to trade with each other. If you are actually trying to move that money through a bank or a credit card, you are almost certainly not going to see $153.17 in your account. You'll likely see less.
The Reality of Converting 110 USD in CAD
Converting money is kinda like buying a used car. There’s the price on the sticker, and then there’s what you actually pay after the "fees" get tacked on. Honestly, most people ignore the spread. The spread is basically the difference between the wholesale price and the retail price of a currency.
When you search for 110 USD in CAD, Google gives you the mid-point. But if you walk into a big Canadian bank like TD or RBC, they take a cut. Usually, it's around 2% to 3%.
So, instead of getting that nice 1.39 exchange rate, you’re effectively getting 1.35 or 1.36. Suddenly, your $110 USD doesn’t feel so hefty.
Why is the Loonie struggling in early 2026?
It’s been a weird start to the year. The Canadian dollar—the Loonie—has been taking some hits lately. Why? Well, a lot of it comes down to interest rates and oil.
The Bank of Canada has been in a bit of a standoff with inflation. While the U.S. economy has remained surprisingly resilient, Canada’s housing market is still a giant question mark. You've probably seen the news about the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) forecasting a bit of a rally this year, but that usually requires lower interest rates.
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When the Bank of Canada keeps rates steady or cuts them while the U.S. Federal Reserve stays "higher for longer," the USD gets stronger. That's exactly what we're seeing. Investors want to park their money where the yield is higher. Right now, that’s south of the border.
110 USD in CAD: Breaking Down the Costs
Let's look at what $110 USD actually buys you in Canada right now. To give you a feel for the purchasing power, here are a few real-world examples.
- A mid-range dinner for two in Toronto: $110 USD covers a nice meal with drinks and a tip. In CAD, that’s about $153.
- Annual Subscription Services: If you’re paying for a high-end software tool or a specialized streaming package billed in USD, that $110 charge is going to sting when it hits your Canadian credit card.
- A tank of gas and some groceries: Depending on where you are (looking at you, Vancouver), $153 CAD goes fast.
The exchange rate hit a peak recently near 1.39. That is significantly higher than the 1.37 range we saw at the very start of January. If you had converted this same $110 on New Year's Day, you would have only received about $150.87 CAD. You gained about two and a half bucks by waiting. Not enough to retire on, but enough for a coffee.
Common Misconceptions About the Exchange
Most people think the "Google rate" is the rate they get. It's not.
If you use a standard Canadian credit card to buy something for $110 USD online, you’ll likely pay a 2.5% foreign transaction fee.
The math looks like this:
$110 USD x 1.39 (Rate) = $152.90
$152.90 + 2.5% Fee ($3.82) = $156.72 CAD
That's the real price. You're paying almost seven dollars more than the "clean" conversion rate suggests.
How to get more CAD for your USD
If you actually have 110 USD in cash or in a US account and you need it in Canada, don't just go to the airport. Seriously. Airport kiosks are where money goes to die. They often have spreads as high as 10% to 15%.
Use a Neo-bank or FinTech
Companies like Wise or Revolut are basically the "cheat code" for currency exchange. They give you the real mid-market rate and charge a tiny, transparent fee. For $110 USD, you'd probably end up with about $152.50 CAD after fees. Compare that to the $148 or $149 a traditional bank might give you.
Credit Cards with No FX Fees
If you travel a lot or shop on US websites, get a card that doesn't charge that 2.5% fee. Scotiabank and HSBC (now part of RBC) have had options for this, as do some newer fintech players in the Canadian market. It saves you three or four dollars on a $110 purchase, which adds up over a year.
The "Norbert’s Gambit" (For larger amounts)
Okay, for $110 USD, this is overkill. Don't do this for a hundred bucks. But if you were converting $11,000, you’d use Norbert’s Gambit. It’s a trick where you buy a stock that’s listed on both the TSX and the NYSE (like DLR.TO), then ask your broker to "journal" the shares over to the other side. You bypass the bank's spread entirely.
What to expect for the rest of 2026
Predictions are a fool's errand, but the consensus among analysts at firms like Desjardins and BMO seems to be that the CAD will remain under pressure. The U.S. election cycle often creates volatility for the dollar.
If the U.S. economy continues to outperform Canada's, we might see 110 USD climb toward 155 or 160 CAD before the year is out. On the flip side, if oil prices spike—which they've been threatened to do given global tensions—the CAD could recover.
Canada is an "oil currency." When the price of a barrel of Western Canadian Select (WCS) goes up, the Loonie usually follows. If you're planning a big purchase, keep an eye on the energy sector.
Your Actionable Strategy
Stop checking the rate every hour. It’ll drive you crazy. Instead, follow these steps to handle your 110 USD conversion:
- Check the "Sell" rate, not the "Mid" rate: If you’re looking at a bank website, look for what they are selling CAD for.
- Avoid the big banks for small swaps: For $110, use a digital service if you can.
- Watch the 1.40 resistance level: If the USD breaks past 1.40 CAD, it might stay there for a while. If you see it hit 1.38, that might be your best window to buy CAD.
- Audit your subscriptions: Check your PayPal or Amazon accounts. If you have monthly bills of $110 USD, you’re currently paying about $157 CAD. It might be time to see if there’s a Canadian-priced version of that service.
Managing $110 USD in CAD isn't just about knowing the number; it's about knowing how to keep as much of that $153 as possible in your own pocket.