iSI! ONE U.S. CREDIT CARD DOES WORK IN CUBA
When you plan your trip to Cuba you’ll read everywhere that U.S. issued credit cards don’t work on the island. But it’s not true, there is a small Florida bank which issues a Master Card that is the only credit card issued by a U.S. bank that works in Cuba. Stonegate Bank handles legal transactions between the U.S. and Cuba, including agricultural and other OFAC permitted transactions. Credit cards of any origin are difficult to use in Cuba, most stores have the necessary equipment, but many times have signs permanently posted that the terminal is not working.
The Stonegate Mastercard also works in ATM machines throughout the island. Although it has very low withdrawal limits, $200 max per transaction, and $400 total per trip. In my experience, the ATM machines throughout Cuba work haphazardly, like many things here, and the most I’ve been able to withdraw is $150 in a single transaction. Usually I can’t withdraw anything, and usually not more than $80. So, if you’re going to Cuba and must have that backup just in case, the Stonegate card is not only the best option, it’s your only option.
By Frank Gonzalez