Skip to main content

Financial Tools

Set Up Your Finances in Canada

Compare newcomer bank accounts, learn how to build credit from zero, and find the cheapest ways to send money home.

RBC Royal Bank
Big 5 Bank

Monthly Fee

$4.00–$16.95

Free Period

Up to 3 years

Savings Rate

0.05%

1-yr GIC

3.75%

RBC Newcomer Advantage — no monthly fee for up to 3 years on select chequing accounts

TD Canada Trust
Big 5 Bank

Monthly Fee

$0–$16.95

Free Period

6 months

Savings Rate

0.01%

1-yr GIC

3.50%

TD New to Canada — no monthly fee for up to 6 months, credit card with no Canadian history

Monthly Fee

$4.00–$16.95

Free Period

12 months

Savings Rate

0.01%

1-yr GIC

3.65%

BMO NewStart — no monthly fee for 1 year, unsecured credit card, and savings bonus

Scotiabank
Big 5 Bank

Monthly Fee

$3.95–$16.95

Free Period

12 months

Savings Rate

0.01%

1-yr GIC

3.80%

StartRight Program — no monthly fee for 1 year, credit card, Scene+ rewards

CIBC
Big 5 Bank

Monthly Fee

$4.00–$16.95

Free Period

12 months

Savings Rate

0.01%

1-yr GIC

3.70%

CIBC Smart for Newcomers — no monthly fee for 1 year, credit card, and bonus

Monthly Fee

$3.95-$16.95

Free Period

3 years

Savings Rate

0.01%

1-yr GIC

3.85%

National Bank Newcomer Package: no monthly fee for 3 years, unsecured credit card, and welcome bonus

Simplii Financial
Digital Bank

Monthly Fee

$0

Free Period

Always free

Savings Rate

4.00% (promo)

1-yr GIC

3.80%

No-fee banking for everyone — no special newcomer package needed

Tangerine
Digital Bank

Monthly Fee

$0

Free Period

Always free

Savings Rate

4.50% (promo)

1-yr GIC

4.00%

No-fee accounts with sign-up bonus — no Canadian credit history required for savings

EQ Bank
Digital Bank

Monthly Fee

$0

Free Period

Always free

Savings Rate

2.75%

1-yr GIC

4.10%

High-interest savings with everyday banking — competitive rates and free transfers

Wealthsimple
Digital Bank

Monthly Fee

$0

Free Period

Always free

Savings Rate

3.50%

1-yr GIC

N/A

All-in-one finance app — investing, saving, spending, and crypto

Neo Financial
Digital Bank

Monthly Fee

$0

Free Period

Always free

Savings Rate

2.25%

1-yr GIC

N/A

High-interest savings and cashback — built for Canadians wanting more from their bank

Information is for general guidance only and may change. Always verify current rates, fees, and eligibility directly with each institution. Last updated February 2026.