CHF to CAD

The CHF/CAD exchange rate at a glance

This page tracks the rate for Swiss Franc (CHF) and Canadian Dollar (CAD) and compares it with the prices that banks, money apps and exchanges actually ask. As of October 30, 2026, one CHF is worth 1.6973 CAD, while one CAD comes to 0.589169 CHF.

The figure at the top is the mid-market rate. It is calculated as the middle of the buying and selling prices on the wholesale market. Treat it as a fair reference point: nobody earns anything on it directly, and that is why few consumer services pass it on unchanged.

The amount that lands in the other account depends on two things: the gap between the provider’s rate and the mid-market rate and the visible transfer or service fee. Further down we show how those costs are built up, show how they add up on a real amount and list practical steps to keep more of your money when you change CHF into CAD.

Why we compare total cost

We start from the live mid-market rate for CHF/CAD. We then apply each provider’s published fees and exchange rate margin, which gives the amount the recipient receives. We do this for 9 providers, placed side by side.

Rates are refreshed every 30 minutes, with October 30, 2026 as the reference date. Always check the final quote in the provider’s app or website, since markets keep moving.

No bank, app or exchange owns GoldexPay. We may earn a commission through some links, which help pay for the site. That never changes the ranking: the only ranking criterion is the amount received.

The CHF/CAD rate over twelve months

Across the last year, the exchange rate moved by -2.70%. In that period the highest level was 1.7783 CAD for one CHF, while the low point came in at 1.6889. Today’s rate of 1.6973 can be measured against those two levels.

The distance between the high and the low is a useful reminder of how far the rate can travel. When you convert a substantial sum, the moment you choose can make a noticeable difference to what arrives, even when the fee stays the same.

Rates are pushed around by news, economic data and supply and demand on the market. These figures describe the past and say nothing about what comes next. If you are waiting for a particular level, a rate alert is a calmer option than trying to predict the market.

How to get a better CHF to CAD rate

Compare the total cost, not the fee alone. A provider with a low fee can still be expensive if the rate is poor. What you want to know is how much CAD arrives for your CHF, which combines margin and fee.

At foreign tills and cash machines, a terminal may offer to charge you in your home currency. The trade name for this is dynamic currency conversion. It usually comes with a steep markup. Always opt to pay in the local currency and the conversion follows your card’s own terms.

Timing can also matter. Some providers widen their margin at weekends, when currency markets are closed. For transfers that can wait, a rate alert or limit order lets you convert automatically once CHF/CAD reaches a level you choose. That avoids guessing, though there is no guarantee the rate will get there.

Finally, look at how you pay. Card payments often cost more than a bank transfer, while a regular bank transfer to the provider is usually the cheapest way in. Bundling smaller transfers also cuts the impact of fixed fees.

Mid-market rate versus the rate you get

The majority of services do not convert at the rate of 1.6973 itself. They shift the rate in their own favour and keep the difference. This is known as the exchange rate margin. A markup of 2%, for example, means that you lose roughly 2 CHF on every 100 CHF, without it ever appearing as a fee.

Besides the hidden margin, many providers ask for a separate fee. This is usually a flat charge per payment, a percentage of the amount or both at once. With international bank payments other banks along the route may take their own cut, which shrinks the amount that finally arrives.

Be wary of offers that say "no fees" or "0% commission". In many cases the margin in the rate simply does the work of the fee. The reliable test is the total amount that arrives in CAD for an identical CHF amount, and the comparison table on this page is ranked on exactly that.

Larger transfers: what to check first

Only use providers that are regulated. A regulated provider is registered with a supervisor such as the FCA or your national central bank. Regulation includes rules on keeping your money apart from the company’s own, which protects you if something goes wrong.

Double-check the recipient details before you confirm. Mistakes are rarely fixed quickly with transfers abroad. Unexpected changes to payment details are a classic warning sign. Call to confirm, using contact details you already had.

Larger transfers often come with additional questions. You may need to show proof of the source of funds, such as a payslip, sale agreement or bank statement. Some services offer better rates or a personal contact for larger transfers. A rate lock, where offered, removes uncertainty while the money is on its way.

The countries behind CHF and CAD

Swiss Franc is the money you pay with in Switzerland, Liechtenstein. Canadian Dollar is the official currency of Canada. Knowing this helps when you plan a trip, pay an invoice or send money to family.

There are plenty of everyday reasons to convert CHF to CAD: paying suppliers, supporting relatives, buying property or simply travelling. Not every situation needs the same solution: a single big transfer calls for the best rate, while regular small amounts are more sensitive to fixed fees.

The way money is paid out also differs per country. Some recipients expect a bank account number with a local bank code, others an IBAN, and in some places payout to a mobile wallet is the norm. Ask the recipient for the exact details in advance.

What 1,000.00 CHF gets you in CAD

Take an amount of 1,000.00 CHF. At the mid-market rate of 1.6973, that sum sets the ceiling for what is possible on the CAD side. In reality every provider keeps something, since the margin and fees are taken out along the way.

Looking at all 9 providers we track, Wise came out cheapest for this amount and paid out 1,689.04 CAD in the end. The difference between that figure and the mid-market amount is the real price of the transfer.

Keep in mind that rankings shift with the amount you send. A flat fee hurts most when the amount is small, while a percentage margin grows along with the amount. Enter your own amount in the converter for a ranking that fits your situation.

Delivery times and routes for CAD transfers

Your regular bank usually sends the money over the SWIFT network. Along the way one or more intermediary banks may handle it, and each can take a fee. Delivery usually takes one to several working days, with the full cost not always known upfront.

Dedicated providers take another route. They have local accounts on both sides, which means your payment and the payout both happen domestically. The result tends to be quicker and less expensive, and the amount that arrives is known in advance.

Delivery time depends on several factors: how you pay, the time of day, cut-off times and bank holidays in both countries. A first transfer can take longer because the provider has to verify your identity. Finish verification in advance if the money has to arrive on a set date.