During your first few days as a newcomer in Canada, you will need to complete certain tasks to set the foundation for your long-term financial success. Opening a bank account and applying for a credit card should be a top priority on your list.

The Canadian banking industry is large and you’ll have many options to choose from. However, newcomers to Canada have distinct financial needs and not all products will be well-suited to your requirements.

Typically, you should start researching banking options in Canada several weeks before your arrival to avoid delays in the bank account opening process. This article will give you an overview of banks and banking products in Canada and some essential tips on choosing the best bank account and credit card for you.

Banking options in Canada

Most newcomers opt for one of the “Big Five” banks, given their size and presence across the country. By market capitalization, these include Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD), Bank of Nova Scotia (Scotiabank), Bank of Montreal (BMO), and Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).

These banks have both a physical and a digital presence. For instance, RBC has 1,201 branches and 4,240 ATMs across Canada, as well as easy-to-use online, mobile, and phone banking options.

In addition to the traditional banks, Canada also has a few digital-only banks, such as Tangerine, EQ Bank, Motusbank, and Simplii Financial. These banks also offer financial products, but may not have the full range of services that larger banks offer.

Types of bank accounts

There are two main types of bank accounts in Canada that serve distinct purposes:

Chequing account: Your chequing account is an essential basic account. This is where you keep money that you’ll use for daily transactions, making purchases, and all of your recurring expenses. Typically, with your chequing account, you’ll earn a low or no yearly interest rate on deposits. You may also get a debit card to access this account.

Savings account: A savings account is a high-interest account to help you save money over the longer term. This account is not intended for regular, everyday spending transactions. It’s ideal for money that you won’t need daily access to and can set aside as savings for an emergency fund or longer-term needs.

Things to keep in mind while choosing a banking partner

With all the choices available to you, selecting a banking partner that’s right for your financial needs can be confusing. As this is a crucial decision to make, there are many factors you’ll need to keep in mind to ensure your bank meets your needs.

• Does the bank have specialized accounts or offers for newcomers or international students? Whether you’re coming to Canada as a permanent resident or an international student, your financial needs as a newcomer will be different from those of residents who’ve been here longer and don’t have financial ties abroad. Some of the larger banks, like RBC, have distinct newcomer banking products that are specially designed to meet your requirements.
• Does the bank have branches or ATMs near you? Also, look at the overall presence of the banking partner to determine whether you’ll have easy access to your money. You can use the branch locator on the bank’s website to find branches or ATMs close to your home or workplace.
• Do they have a good reputation of service and does their mission align with your interests? Be sure to check if the bank you’re choosing has a good reputation, has advisors who are able and willing to explain financial products to you, and answers your questions. As a newcomer, you want a trusted banking partner who understands your needs, so compare customer reviews and ask your friends in Canada about their experience with their banks. Also, look at awards or recognitions the banks may have received. For instance, the Global Finance magazine ranked RBC as the #1 World’s Best Bank in North America in 2021.
• Does the bank offer a wide range of financial products? As a newcomer, your financial needs may be limited initially, but will likely expand over the next few years. Make sure that your bank can offer you the entire range of products from banking basics like chequing accounts and credit cards to products you’ll need over a longer term like mortgages, RESPs, auto loans, and insurance.
• Does the bank have staff members who speak your language? Language barriers and cultural differences should not stand in the way of your financial success in Canada. If your first language is not English or French, be sure to check if the bank you’re considering has financial advisors who can answer your questions and explain financial products in a language you’re comfortable with.

How to choose the right bank account for you

Not all bank accounts are the same. The requirements, fees, and account features may vary based on the financial institution and the banking product you’ve picked. Here are some things you should compare to find a bank account that meets your needs:

• Minimum balance requirements: Some bank accounts require you to maintain a minimum daily or monthly balance. If your balance dips below this required level, you may be charged a penalty. RBC Day to Day Banking, RBC Signature No Limit, and RBC VIP Banking accounts don’t have any minimum balance requirements, allowing you to access all your money, whenever you need it. Speak to a financial advisor to find the best bank account for your needs.
• Banking fees: Most chequing accounts have a monthly banking fee, which can range from $0 to $30.95. In some cases, the monthly fee can be waived if you maintain a minimum balance in the account.
• Statement fees: Some banks charge a small monthly fee for issuing paper bank statements. In most cases, you can opt for paperless, e-statements for no charges.
• Cheque or draft fees: Some chequing accounts come with free personalized cheques or bank drafts. In others, a chequebook with 50 leaves can cost as much as $50 and a bank draft can cost up to $10.
• Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Interac e-Transfer limits and charges: Some accounts may have limits for how many ATM withdrawals or peer-to-peer Interac e-Transfers you can make in a month. You should also check if there’s a fee for withdrawing money from another bank’s ATM or making Interac e-Transfers to an account in a different bank.
• International remittance fees: As a newcomer in Canada, you may want to continue financially supporting your family back home. If you’re planning to make international money transfers regularly, be sure to check the international remittance fees for the chequing accounts you’re considering. RBC offers newcomers up to two free international remittances per month for their first year with an eligible RBC bank account.
• Interest rates: The interest you’ll receive in savings accounts in Canada may be much less than what you’re used to in your home country. However, High Interest Savings Accounts (HISA) usually offer a higher rate of interest to help you grow your savings faster.
• Offers: Some bank accounts offer incentives at the time of account opening. For instance, you may receive cash incentives, higher interest rates, or free services if you open a new account and meet some qualifying criteria.

As a newcomer in Canada, choosing a bank account will likely be a top priority for you. The banking system and financial products may be very different from those in your home country, so take the time to understand each product and select a bank account and credit card that best fits your needs. Remember that you are not tied down to the banking products you choose when you first arrive, so you can always upgrade to a higher tier account or credit card later.

Original article located here, published by Arrive.

About Arrive

Arrive is powered by RBC Ventures Inc, a subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada. In collaboration with RBC, Arrive is dedicated to helping newcomers achieve their life, career, and financial goals in Canada. An important part of establishing your financial life in Canada is finding the right partner to invest in your financial success. RBC is the largest bank in Canada* and here to be your partner in all of your financial needs. RBC supports Arrive, and with a 150-year commitment to newcomer success in Canada, RBC goes the extra mile in support and funding to ensure that the Arrive newcomer platform is FREE to all. Working with RBC, Arrive can help you get your financial life in Canada started – right now. Learn about your banking options in Canada and be prepared.