Canadian Dollar Today: USD/CAD Rate, News and Outlook

As of August 18, 2026, USD/CAD is essentially unchanged on the day, with a move of 0.01%, or 0.0001, from its previous close of 1.3874.

Today, USD/CAD has traded between 1.3862 and 1.3881.

As of August 18, 2026, the short-term USD/CAD outlook is neutral. The pair is trading at 1.3875, compared with its 50-day moving average of 1.4100 and its 200-day moving average of 1.3800. The current price is below the 50-day average and above the 200-day average. 

This outlook reflects current market momentum and does not guarantee the pair’s next move.

The USD/CAD typically moves in response to Fed and BoC interest rate expectations, oil prices, and economic data. The move has taken the pair essentially unchanged by 0.01% to approximately 1.3875, compared with an opening rate of 1.3874. It remains within today’s 1.3862-1.3881, with the current price sitting 68% of the way from the daily low to the daily high.

As of August 18, 2026, USD/CAD has changed +0.01% over one day, -0.46% over five days and -1.03% over one month. Over longer periods, the pair has moved +0.99% over three months, +1.12% year to date and +0.52% over the past year.

These comparisons help show whether today’s move is part of a broader trend or a relatively short-term fluctuation.

As of August 18, 2026, USD/CAD is trading at 1.3875, within a yearly range of 1.3481 to 1.4248. The pair has changed +1.12% year to date and +0.52% over the past 12 months.

Comparing the current rate with its yearly high and low can provide useful context, but it does not indicate whether the rate will continue moving in the same direction.

A higher USD/CAD rate means one US Dollar buys more Canadian Dollars. This generally benefits someone converting USD to CAD but makes US dollars more expensive for someone converting CAD to USD.

A lower USD/CAD rate means the Canadian dollar has strengthened relative to the US dollar. At the current rate of 1.3875, one US dollar buys approximately 1.3875 Canadian dollars.

As of August 18, 2026, USD/CAD is trading at 1.3875, after moving -1.03% over the past month and +1.12% year to date.

Whether this is a favourable time to exchange depends on which currency you hold, your payment deadline and your tolerance for further market movement. Those with flexible timing may consider setting a rate alert, while those with a fixed future payment may explore whether a forward contract is suitable.

The market rate is a reference rate used in global currency markets. The exchange rate available for a transfer may differ because providers typically include a margin, service fee or both. Before converting, review the total amount the recipient will receive rather than comparing the headline exchange rate alone.

The final amount depends on the exchange rate offered, the transfer amount, any transaction fees and possible receiving-bank charges. The timing of the conversion can also affect the result because USD/CAD rates can change throughout the day.

Compare the total cost across providers, including the exchange-rate margin and any transfer fees. You can also use rate alerts to monitor a target rate, convert in stages to reduce timing risk or discuss a forward contract for an eligible future payment.

A forward contract may allow you to secure an exchange rate for a payment that will be made at a later date. This can make the cost of an upcoming property purchase, supplier invoice, tuition payment or other large transaction more predictable. Availability and contract terms depend on the provider and the purpose of the transfer.

Converting the full amount at once provides certainty about the total cost, but it also means your entire transaction uses one exchange rate. Splitting the amount across several transfers can reduce the risk of converting everything at an unfavourable time, although the rate may also move against you between payments.