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A closer look at Canadian cards similar to the Up Card
The Up card is a digital-first banking product available only in Australia. Chosen by over one million Australians, it offers tools for budgeting, saving, and money management. As Up isn't available in Canada, this article reviews close Canadian alternatives: KOHO, Wise, Neo Mastercard, and Tangerine, to help you budget, earn rewards, or spend in multiple currencies.
| Table of contents |
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What does the Up card offer in Australia?
The Up card is built for digital-savvy users.
Key features include:
- Instant spending insights: track purchases in real time.¹
- Card fees: physical debit card $10; digital card $0.¹
- Monthly fee: free.¹
- Pay splitting: automatically direct pay into chosen sub-accounts.²
- Longer expiry: card valid for five years (vs. three).¹
- Auto round-ups: spare change goes to your chosen account.²
- Overseas spending: 0% international transaction fees.¹
Which cards in Canada work like the Up card?
KOHO
KOHO is a Canadian reloadable prepaid Visa with a budgeting app. It helps you track spending, save automatically, and earn cashback on daily purchases.³ Most Canadians of age 18 or more (19+ in some provinces) can apply, with no credit check required.⁴
| Key similarities | Key differences |
|---|---|
| Strong app-based spending insights. | KOHO offers cashback (e.g., up to 2% on select categories; higher at partners).⁵ Up does not. |
| Automatic saving features, including round-ups.⁶ | Some KOHO plans have monthly fees; Up is free. |
| No brick-and-mortar banking required for either. | KOHO may charge ~1.5% international fees on certain plans; Up advertises 0% international transaction fees.1,7 |
The Wise Card
The Wise card suits Canadians who spend or travel internationally. You can hold 40+ currencies at the mid-market exchange rate, helping you avoid hidden FX markups. Available with a Wise account; no credit check required.
| Key similarities | Key differences |
|---|---|
| Transparent fees. | Wise focuses on local and international spending; Up focuses on everyday domestic use. |
| Useful for budgeting international expenses. | Wise doesn't offer cashback or round-up for the card while Up does. |
| App-based card management. | Wise uses the mid-market rate; Up does not emphasize FX rates. |
Neo Mastercard
The Neo Mastercard is a no-annual-fee, digital-first credit card with instant cashback via a partner network and flexible redemption. It offers real-time rewards, a user-friendly app, and multiple tiers. Applicants must live in Canada, provide Canadian photo ID, and be the age of majority.⁸
| Key similarities | Key differences |
|---|---|
| Strong mobile experience with spending insights. | Neo charges ~2.50% on foreign-currency transactions; Up has 0% international transaction fees.1,8 |
| Rewards/benefits for daily spending. | Neo is a credit card and requires credit approval; Up is prepaid/debit and does not.⁸ |
Tangerine
Tangerine is a well-known Canadian digital bank with no-fee banking and strong cashback on chosen categories. Applicants generally need a $12,000 annual income for the Money-Back Credit Card; chequing/savings are broadly available.⁹
| Key similarities | Key differences |
|---|---|
| Zero monthly banking fees.⁹ | Offers credit cards and full banking; Up is prepaid/debit only. |
| App-based money management tools. | No round-up savings feature; Up offers round-ups. |
| Strong rewards and spending benefits. | Some products require minimum income or credit history. |
Conclusion
While the Up card is only available in Australia, Canadians have strong alternatives. KOHO offers prepaid functionality with budgeting tools, Wise excels for international spending, Neo Mastercard focuses on cashback rewards, and Tangerine provides no-fee banking with flexible credit card perks.
The best choice depends on how you spend and travel. Consider pairing a rewards credit card with a low-cost international card like Wise to balance perks and FX savings.
Sources
- Up - Key Features
- Up - Saving
- KOHO - Is KOHO Debit or Credit?
- KOHO - First Credit Card Approval
- KOHO - Cash Back
- KOHO - What Are Roundups
- KOHO - Best Travel Credit Cards in Canada
- Neo Financial - World Credit Card
- Tangerine - Credit Cards
Sources verified on 06 January 2026
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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