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1 in 4 Canadians Can Only Afford the Minimum Payment on Their Credit Card

  Published August 24, 2026 · Canadian Money Brief A new survey from Equifax Canada puts a hard number on something a lot of us have felt creeping up all year: credit cards are doing more of the heavy lifting in Canadian budgets, and fewer people are paying them off. Of more than 1,500 Canadians surveyed, a quarter said they expect to make only the minimum monthly payment on their credit card, and another 7% think they'll fall behind entirely. That leaves just over half — 56% — who expect to pay their balance in full each month. The survey also found that 40% of respondents are spending more overall than they were a year ago, more than double the 18% who say they're spending less. Nearly 3 in 10 said they're leaning more heavily on credit cards to cover essentials like groceries and utilities, and close to a quarter are dipping into savings to keep up with everyday costs. More than a third have cut back on contributions to savings, investments, or education funds to make ro...

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Ontario’s “One Fare” Program Saves Transit Riders $1,600

 

The Ontario government is keeping costs down for public transit riders with the launch of the “One Fare” program, which will save riders an average of $1,600 each year. Beginning February 26, 2024, riders will pay only once as they transfer for free between the TTC and participating transit agencies in the Greater Toronto Area, including GO Transit.

The One Fare program, announced earlier this year, allows passengers to transfer between a number of different transit systems in Ontario but only pay once. Under this program, commuters can transfer between the TTC and GO Transit, as well as regional transit systems like Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit.

How Does It Work?

  • When transferring between the TTC and GO Transit, your TTC fare will be free.
  • When you transfer between the TTC and other local transit systems, your second fare will be free.
  • Simply tap your PRESTO card to automatically receive the discount. It’s akin to the free two-hour transfers already in effect on the TTC.
  • Your transfer remains valid for two hours if you start your trip on a local transit system or three hours for trips originating on GO Transit.

Even if you forget your PRESTO card, the One Fare program has got you covered. Passengers can still benefit when paying using credit or debit. For frequent commuters, this program could save an average of $1,600 annually—a welcome change for many Toronto residents.

The introduction of the One Fare program aligns with Metrolinx’s long-term strategy for sustainability and improved public transit service in the province. As Toronto navigates this fare revolution, commuters can breathe a sigh of relief—and perhaps even pocket some extra change for their morning coffee. 

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