Banking
Choosing the right bank account matters more than most people think. The wrong account can cost you hundreds per year in fees. The right one puts money back in your pocket.
The Canadian Banking Landscape
Canada's banking system is dominated by the Big Five — RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC. Together they hold roughly 85% of Canadian deposits. They offer extensive branch networks and full-service banking, but their chequing accounts typically charge $4-17/month unless you maintain a minimum balance (often $3,000-$5,000).
Online banks — EQ Bank, Tangerine, Simplii, Neo, and others — have no physical branches but offer no-fee daily banking with competitive interest rates. They're CDIC-insured just like the Big Five, and you can use their app for everything from deposits to bill payments. For most Canadians, the trade-off is worth it: save $150+ per year in fees and earn actual interest on your balance.
A note on CDIC coverage: The Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation protects up to $100,000 per insured category per institution. If you hold more than $100,000 in savings, spread it across multiple CDIC-member institutions or account categories (individual, joint, TFSA, RRSP are each separately insured). Most online banks advertise CDIC membership prominently; if you don't see it, verify at cdic.ca before depositing.
Account Types Explained
Chequing accounts handle day-to-day transactions: deposits, bill payments, Interac e-Transfers, debit purchases. Look for unlimited transactions, no monthly fee, and free e-Transfers.
Savings accounts hold cash you don't need immediately. Online banks pay significantly higher rates than the Big Five. Keep your chequing and savings at separate institutions if needed — moving money between them is free with e-Transfer.
Joint accounts are shared by two or more people — common for couples managing household expenses. All account holders have equal access and responsibility.
Student and newcomer accounts often waive fees entirely for a set period. If you're eligible, don't pay for banking while you don't have to.
Featured Guides
Best No-Fee Chequing Accounts
Compare 6 no-fee chequing accounts with real features, rates, and ATM networks. Find your best match.
Best Student Bank Accounts
Most Big Five banks offer no-fee student chequing until age 25 with unlimited transactions and free Interac e-Transfers. Online banks like Tangerine and Simplii are already no-fee for everyone. Compare both options in our chequing account guide.
Best Newcomer Bank Accounts
RBC, Scotiabank, and TD offer specialized newcomer packages with no-fee banking for 1-2 years, no credit history required, and sometimes a first Canadian credit card. Online banks like EQ Bank and Neo accept government-issued ID. Start with our chequing comparison.
Online Banks vs Big Banks
Online banks (EQ Bank, Tangerine, Simplii, Neo) offer no-fee accounts with higher interest — but no branches. Big Five (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) charge monthly fees but give you in-person service. Most Canadians save $150+/year by switching. See the full comparison →
What to Look For
When choosing a bank account in Canada, focus on:
- Monthly fees — many accounts waive fees with a minimum balance, but that's money you can't invest elsewhere
- Transaction limits — unlimited transactions are standard at online banks but not always at the Big Five
- ATM access — if you need cash frequently, a wide ATM network matters
- Interest rates — most chequing accounts pay near-zero interest; keep your savings in a HISA
More Resources
- Saving → — Where to park your cash for the best returns
- Debt & Credit → — Credit cards, reports, and debt strategies
- Tools → — Free calculators to help you decide