If I’m buying from the USA, how does it work?
When purchasing from the USA, our “currency-display switcher” tells you the approximate equivalent price you will pay in US dollars. As Lumicrest is in Canada, we process all transactions in Canadian dollars and your credit card company converts it to USD on your statement.
This means you pay the Canadian amount when you purchase, but you are only charged the US dollar equivalent on your credit card. So you’re not paying extra.
What do you mean by “approximate price”?
As currency rates are constantly fluctuating, the actual amount on your credit card statement may be a few cents higher or lower than our “currency switcher” shows, simply because the exchange rates applied by each credit card company may vary slightly, and because some time elapses between your transaction and the time it’s applied to your credit card.
Can you give me an example?
Sure. Let’s say you choose a product that costs $10.00 Canadian. The “currency switcher” might show you that it costs $7.95 USD for example. If you’re buying from the USA, our Cart will charge you $10.00 CAD when you go to purchase the item.
At first that may look like a surprise, as you’re expecting to see $7.95. Not to worry. Since $10.00 CAD is the equivalent of $7.95 USD, you’ll actually pay $7.95 on your US credit card statement (give or take a few cents as noted above). You are not being overcharged.
My credit card was declined, but there is no problem with my card. What’s going on?
Some credit card processors will automatically block payments to other countries for security reasons. Lumicrest is in Toronto Canada, so if you’re buying from the USA your credit card company might block the transaction.
Usually if you call your credit card company (phone the number on the back of your card) and explain the situation, they will lift the restriction for a short time so you can process your purchase.
Anything else I should know?
Occasionally some US-based credit card companies may apply a small surcharge to your card for making an out-of-country transaction. That charge doesn’t come from Lumicrest, we don’t have any control over it. Some card issuers don’t charge it, while others may add 1-3% of the total. Best to check with your card issuer in advance.
I still have questions
No problem. Phone us at 1-877-910-1011 or contact us here, we’ll be glad to help!