What Luminus Financial Members Need to Know
If you’re planning a trip to Cuba or are currently travelling there, there is an important change that may affect how you access your funds while abroad.
Effective June 6, 2026, Visa and Mastercard credit cards are no longer being accepted for payments in Cuba. This change follows recent U.S. sanctions that have led Cuba’s central bank to suspend the processing of Visa and Mastercard transactions within the country.
What Does This Mean for Travellers?
At this time, cardholders should expect that Visa and Mastercard credit cards will not work in Cuba for:
- Retail purchases
- Restaurant and hotel payments
- Point-of-sale (POS) transactions
- ATM cash withdrawals
This applies to both personal and business credit cards.
The disruption is expected to remain in place indefinitely, and there is currently no confirmed timeline for when services may resume.
Planning Ahead
If you are travelling to Cuba in the coming weeks or months, we encourage you to prepare alternative payment methods before departure.
Some steps you can take include:
- Bringing sufficient alternative forms of payment for your trip
- Having access to funds that do not rely on Visa or Mastercard networks
- Planning for the possibility that credit card transactions and ATM withdrawals may be unavailable throughout your stay
Being prepared can help reduce unexpected disruptions and allow you to focus on enjoying your travels.
Already in Cuba?
If you are currently in Cuba and experiencing declined transactions, this service interruption may be the cause. We recommend using alternative payment options where available and contacting us if you have questions about your account or card activity.
Stay Informed
Travel advisories and payment network restrictions can change quickly. For the latest travel information, travellers are encouraged to consult the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories for Cuba.
At Luminus Financial, we’re committed to keeping our member-owners informed and helping you navigate changes that may impact your financial well-being, whether at home or abroad.
If you have questions about your credit card or travel plans, please contact a Member Services Representative. We’re here to help.
