How to Send Money to Cuba from Canada in 2026: Reliable Options (MLC, AIS & Tarjeta Clásica) + What to Check

Sending money to Cuba in 2026 feels harder than it should

If you’re in Canada supporting family in Cuba, you’ve probably noticed more “noise” lately: changing availability by method, confusing rules, and occasional service interruptions across the market. People want one thing: a reliable way to send funds that actually reaches the recipient, with clear steps and transparent info.

Start a Canada → Cuba transfer with Fonmoney

In this guide, you’ll get:

the most common delivery options: MLC, AIS, Tarjeta Clásica, cash
a simple 2026 checklist to reduce failed payments and delays
a clean step-by-step flow (with the right links per method)

What to check before you send money to Cuba from Canada in 2026

1) Pick the delivery method your recipient can actually use

Not every recipient can use every method equally. These are the most common options Canadians choose:

MLC to bank account / MLC card

Common for BANDEC, BPA, Banco Metropolitano recipients.

AIS card top-up

Good when your recipient already uses AIS for spending/withdrawals.

Tarjeta Clásica (create or recharge)

Useful for families who want a dedicated card they can top up.

Cash delivery / cash pickup

Best when cards/accounts aren’t practical (availability varies by city).

2) Don’t ignore compliance checks (especially if you’re worried about “2026 regulations”)

If you’re seeing headlines or rumours about “new rules,” don’t guess. Use official guidance as your anchor:

Practical takeaway: even for personal family support, providers may ask for accurate recipient details and may restrict certain transactions depending on risk checks and local rules.

If you want a legal-industry style summary of the sanctions guidance update (for context, not as advice), you can also read: Norton Rose Fulbright commentary.

3) Look for a clear “what the recipient gets” display

A reliable transfer experience should make it obvious how your CAD amount maps to the selected option. In the Fonmoney Canada→Cuba flow, you choose a method and see the conversion shown for that option (often displayed as MLC or USD depending on the product). View Canada → Cuba options

Pick the best option by your recipient’s goal

Method	Best for	What you should check
MLC to bank/card	Regular support, recipients with Cuban banking/card details	Correct card/account digits + recipient name details
AIS top-up	Recipients already using AIS for spending/withdrawal	AIS card number accuracy + current flow confirmations
Tarjeta Clásica create Tarjeta Clásica recharge	Families who want a dedicated card they can top up	Create vs recharge route + correct card number when recharging
Cash delivery/pickup	Recipients without usable cards/accounts, urgent needs	City/availability + recipient identification details

Step-by-step: how to send money to Cuba from Canada online

This is a practical flow you can follow every time. The key: choose the method first, then enter details that match that method.

Step 1 — Choose the delivery method

MLC account/card

For recipients with bank/card details (BANDEC, BPA, Banco Metropolitano).

AIS card

For recipients already using AIS. Follow the current flow prompts.

Tarjeta Clásica

Choose create vs recharge depending on what your family needs.

Cash delivery / pickup

When cards/accounts aren’t ideal. Check city availability.
Step 2 — Enter the amount in CAD and check what the recipient gets

Before you pay, make sure the flow clearly shows the conversion for the option you selected. Open the Canada → Cuba transfer page
Step 3 — Enter recipient details carefully (this is where most errors happen)

A single wrong digit in a card/account number can cause delays. If you want a clear overview of what’s typically required after you choose Cuba and the method, see: How to transfer money to Cuba
Step 4 — Pay online and keep the confirmation

Save your receipt/confirmation email. It’s the fastest way to resolve questions if anything needs support.
Step 5 — If you’re unsure about “new rules,” check official guidance (not rumours)

Use official sources when you need clarity: Global Affairs Canada and FINTRAC.

Choose your method & send online (Canada → Cuba)

FAQ

Can I send money to Cuba from Canada right now?

In most cases, yes—but availability can depend on the method (MLC, AIS, Tarjeta Clásica, cash) and what’s currently offered. The safest approach is to start by selecting the method and following the current flow: Canada → Cuba transfer options.

What’s the best way to top up an MLC card from Canada?

If your recipient already has an MLC-linked card/account, choose the MLC route, enter the amount in CAD, confirm what the recipient receives, and double-check the card/account digits before paying. Start with MLC options here.

How do I recharge a Tarjeta Clásica from Canada?

Use the Tarjeta Clásica recharge route, enter the card number and amount, and complete payment online. For a clear explanation of create vs recharge, see: Tarjeta Clásica create & recharge guide.

Are there new regulations I need to know in 2026?

Don’t rely on rumours. If you need clarity, use official sources first: Global Affairs Canada sanctions guidance and FINTRAC sanctions information. Then verify the provider’s current method availability before you send.

What’s the difference between AIS and MLC options?

MLC is typically used for transfers to Cuban bank accounts/cards. AIS is a card-based option often used for spending/withdrawals. The best choice depends on what your recipient already has and how they use funds. For AIS specifics, see: AIS create & recharge guide.

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