Here’s a roundup of the best chequing account offers currently available in Canada this month, chosen from our chequing account comparison tool:
Here are the chequing account offers currently available from Bank of Montreal (BMO).
With the BMO Performance Chequing Account, you can earn up to a $600 cash bonus:
Also enjoy a promotional interest rate of 4.75% with a BMO Savings Amplifier Account.
Other benefits :
All for $17.95 a month, or free if you maintain a minimum balance of $4,000.
Here are the chequing account offers currently available from Scotiabank.
Right now, when you open a new Scotiabank Ultimate Package, you can get up to $800!
To get a $400 bonus, you’d have to set up two pre-authorized debits (like Hydro-Québec and Bell, for example) and make a bill payment of at least $50 (like your mobile provider).
Then you can earn a $50 bonus by also opening a new RRSP, TFSA or FHSA.
You could also receive an additional bonus of up to $350 by opening a second RRSP, TFSA or FHSA and depositing $5,000.
Scotiabank’s Ultimate Package includes a number of attractive benefits:
Right now, when you open a new Scotiabank Preferred Package, you can earn up to $800!
Scotiabank’s Essential Package has the following key features:
This is the current EQ Bank chequing account offer:
The EQ Bank Personal Account (formerly known as the Savings Plus Account) is a no-fee account offering a generous interest rate of 3.75%* to all customers on everyday banking services:
This account also offers several free features, such as:
Finally, there is no minimum balance required for this type of account.
This account is the most straightforward version of a chequing account. It’s ideal for those looking to carry out basic transactions such as cash withdrawals and cheque payments. For example, Scotiabank’s Basic Banking Account or National Bank’s The Modest Chequing Account.
This account is appealing to those wishing to avoid monthly fees. Nevertheless, it is essential to note that one-off costs may arise for special services, such as overdrafts or the use of ATMs that are not part of the bank’s network. For example, the EQ Bank Personal Account or the Tangerine chequing account.
This top-of-the-range account offers exclusive benefits such as free international money transfers and preferential exchange rates. It usually comes with a higher monthly fee, unless you maintain a minimum daily balance. Examples include the HSBC Advance Chequing Account, the BMO Performance Chequing Account, the Scotiabank Ultimate Package and the NBC The Total Chequing Account.
Offered by online banks (but also some traditional banks such as the Compte Chèques National Bank’s The Connected), this account offers the same advantages as a traditional account, but without the option of in-branch services. Everything is managed via an app or website, making it convenient for the technology-savvy.
This account is for people who have just arrived in Canada. It often offers benefits such as exemption from monthly fees for a limited period. Examples include the BMO Performance Chequing Account for Newcomers, the HSBC Newcomers Program and the NBC Chequing Account for Newcomers to Canada.
This account is designed for post-secondary students and offers unlimited transactions with no monthly fees. Proof of enrolment at an educational institution is generally required. Like the BMO Student Performance Chequing Account or the HSBC Student Chequing Account.
Aimed at young people and teenagers, this account offers benefits similar to those of the student account but without the need to be enrolled in an educational establishment. The age limit for this type of account varies from bank to bank.
Some banks offer special accounts for older people, with benefits such as free paper bank statements and unlimited transactions for little or no monthly fee.
Two or more people share this account and allows each account holder to make transactions, deposits and withdrawals.
These accounts make it possible to manage funds in different currencies, which is useful for those who do business or frequently travel abroad.
This account is tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs and businesses, with fee structures that vary according to company size and needs.
When it comes to top-quality chequing accounts in Canada, EQ Bank and Tangerine stand out. These banks offer free accounts with unlimited transactions and a multitude of features. For fee-paying accounts, BMO and National Bank offer the best value for money.
Yes, many chequing accounts are available with no monthly fee. For example, EQ Bank’s Personal Account and Tangerine’s no-fee current chequing account are two popular options. However, charges may apply for specific services.
Most Canadian banks allow young people aged 13 and over to open a chequing account with the authorization of a parent or guardian. Anyone with the age of majority in their province can open a chequing account.
For an opening bonus, look for accounts that offer a welcome promotion, such as Tangerine’s no-fee chequing account or BMO’s Performance Chequing Account. You may need to keep your account open for a certain period to be eligible.
Each chequing account has three numbers: a 3-digit institution number indicating the bank, a 5-digit transit number indicating the branch and a 7-digit account number. You can find these numbers on a cheque or online banking portal.
You can close a chequing account in person or by telephone. Make sure your account has sufficient funds to cover any charges before closing.
Most chequing accounts in Canada offer little or no interest. A notable exception is the EQs Bank Current Account, which offers an interest rate of 2.5% to 4% on all deposits.
Most banks require that you apply and be approved for overdraft protection. The amount of your authorized overdraft generally ranges from $100 to $5,000, depending on your credit history and income.
Overdraft protection allows you to maintain a negative balance in your chequing account for a short period of time. Overdraft fees may apply on a monthly or per-use basis, and interest charges may also apply.
Canadian chequing accounts are extremely secure. Deposits are insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, which protects your balance up to $100,000 in the event of your bank’s insolvency. What’s more, many banks offer zero liability on fraudulent purchases made with your debit card.
Use a chequing account for day-to-day banking, including purchases, bill payments, direct deposits, transfers, ATM withdrawals and recurring payments. Using a chequing account to save or invest money is not recommended.
Choosing the right bank depends on your financial needs, lifestyle and spending habits. Some people open multiple accounts with different providers to take advantage of rewards programs or account features.
There is no limit to the number of chequing accounts you can open. You can even have several chequing accounts with the same provider. However, monthly fees for multiple accounts can put a strain on your budget.
While chequing accounts are intended for day-to-day transactions, savings accounts are designed to hold a sum of money over a longer period. What’s more, savings accounts generally offer higher interest rates.
Yes, it’s probably necessary to have a checking account to earn money and pay bills. Most employers and the Canada Revenue Agency make payments either by cheque or by direct deposit into your chequing account.
To avoid banking fees in Canada, opt for online banks that offer accounts with no monthly fees, no minimum balance requirements and unlimited transactions. You should also be aware of the limits of each type of transaction to avoid additional charges.
Savings are here:
