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Online Payments in Canada: Why Interac Continues to Command Trust and Reliability

Canadians predominantly depend on Interac for their everyday financial transactions, with a staggering 90% relying on the payment network. The use of Interac has become an automatic aspect of life in Burlington, ON.

Online transactions continue to rely on Interac as a trusted method in Canada.
Online transactions continue to rely on Interac as a trusted method in Canada.

Online Payments in Canada: Why Interac Continues to Command Trust and Reliability

Interac, a stalwart of Canada's financial sector, continues to evolve and remain relevant in the ever-changing world of digital payments. The system, which has been in use for decades, has recently integrated mobile payment options like Apple Pay and Google Pay into its online checkout systems.

Interac offers numerous security features that make it a reliable choice for transactions. These include EMV chip technology, encryption, and two-factor authentication, which help minimise the risk of fraud compared to cash or older card systems. This security is one of the reasons Interac is used extensively in various sectors, from retail businesses and online gaming platforms to betting operations.

The reach of Interac is vast, with the payment method linked to almost every Canadian bank and supported by approximately 60,000 ATMs. It's a common choice for day-to-day transactions, such as groceries, gas, coffee, rent transfers, and government payments. Even government agencies like the Canada Revenue Agency accept Interac.

In 2024, the 'Request Money' feature of Interac e-Transfer accounted for 89 million transactions, and the system processed over 20 million transactions per day and 1.4 billion Interac e-Transfer payments. However, Interac does have daily spending limits that can limit higher-limit transactions for some small businesses.

Interac is also used for person-to-person money transfers, allowing individuals to send money directly to each other using email addresses and phone numbers. This feature has proven popular, with over 89 million transactions in a single year.

International merchants typically do not accept Interac unless the card is co-branded with Visa or Mastercard, limiting its use beyond Canadian borders. However, its advantages such as fast transactions, low fees, and encryption-based fraud protection make it a preferred choice for many Canadians.

Online casinos now support Interac for deposits and withdrawals, providing players with easy access, fast deposit options, withdrawal services, and encryption-based fraud protection. Small and mid-sized businesses have also seen a significant increase in debit transactions using Interac, with more than 15 million transactions in just a few months between April and July 2025 compared to the previous year.

User trust in Interac is a significant competitive advantage due to its easy-to-use interface, operation through existing bank accounts, and minimal need for additional accounts or passwords. Its position today is a result of combining speed, security, and affordability, making it a vital component of Canada's financial sector.

In conclusion, Interac is a trusted and reliable payment method that continues to adapt to meet the needs of Canadians. Its widespread acceptance, security features, and ease of use make it a popular choice for everyday transactions and online purchases.

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