How to Save on Your Banking Fees with Tangerine?

Updated Dec 1, 2025
Fact checked by
Vincent Morin
Vincent Morin Vincent Morin
Vincent reached financial independence and retired early (FIRE) at the age of 35. After a career in financial technologies for a large American investment bank, he founded Retraite101, a personal finance site that reaches more than 350,000 unique visitors per year and has more than 40,000 followers on social media. Passionate about personal finance, cycling, reading and gardening, he continues to write to inspire and motivate Quebecers to take charge of their finances.
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Tangerine
To the point Tangerine is a Canadian online bank offering big savings on banking fees, with chequing accounts and credit cards with no annual fees.

Tangerine is a Canadian online bank that offers considerable savings on banking fees. Newcomers to Canada quickly learn that banking fees are almost impossible to avoid.

In fact, traditional Canadian banks generally charge between $17 and $30 a month for their chequing accounts, which adds up to over $200 a year. These fees can be avoided by choosing online banks.

For consumers accustomed to European online banks, Tangerine, formerly known as ING Direct until 2014, is an attractive alternative to traditional Canadian financial institutions.

Tangerine Chequing Account

Tangerine offers a No-fee chequing account with multiple advantages:

  • No banking fees for all day-to-day transactions (debit purchases, bill payments, pre-authorized payments and Interac money transfers: all free and unlimited).
  • Minimal banking fees compared to other banks for your cash withdrawals abroad: $3 per withdrawal plus a 2.5% conversion fee
  • Free access to Scotiabank and Global ATM Alliance ATMs
  • The first book of 50 cheques is free

Tangerine Savings Account

Tangerine also offers a savings account. You don’t need a checking account to open one.

The Tangerine savings account is free of banking fees and offers some of the highest interest rates on the market. In addition, a promotional rate is regularly offered for every new dollar deposited into this account.

Tangerine Credit Cards

Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card

The Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card has no annual fee and offers cash back.

With this limited-time welcome offer, you can earn an additional 10% cash back (up to $100) when you spend up to $1,000 on everyday purchases during the first 2 months.

You can choose two to three purchase categories that interest you (groceries, gas, home furnishings, renovations, recurring bills, pharmacy, etc.) to earn 2% cash back ! And there’s no annual cash-back limit. It is one of the best credit cards for renovations.

In addition, the Tangerine Mastercard offers several insurance coverages for your purchases :

  • 90 days purchase insurance
  • One year extended warranty

Finally, during the first 30 days you hold the card, transfer credit card balances and pay only 1.95% interest on these balances for the first 6 months.

Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard

If you have an individual income of $60,000 or a household income of $100,000, you can choose the Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard.

This credit card has no annual fee and offers cashback. With this limited-time welcome offer, you get $120 when you spend $1,500 in the first 3 months.

You can choose up to three spending categories that interest you (groceries, gas, home furnishings, home improvement, recurring bills, pharmacy, etc.) to earn 2% cash back! And there’s no annual cash back limit.

In addition, the Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard comes with several insurance coverages for your purchases and travel:

  • 90 days purchase insurance
  • One year extended warranty
  • Mobile Device Insurance
  • Rental Car Collision/Loss Damage Insurance

Finally, during the first 30 days you hold the card, transfer credit card balances and pay only 1.95% interest on these balances for the first 6 months.

Tangerine Services

Tangerine offers comprehensive digital banking services without the fees associated with traditional financial institutions:

  • A highly functional app that was one of the first in Canada to allow instant cheque deposits by taking a photo (the “Cheque-In” system)
  • 24/7 phone support
  • Customizable e-mail alerts (deposits, withdrawals, etc.)
  • Free access to Scotiabank ATMs in Canada, as well as to nearly 44,000 ATMs worldwide thanks to the ABM Alliance.

Bottom Line

Tangerine is a comprehensive banking solution for Canadians who want to reduce their banking fees while enjoying quality service. The online bank offers a range of products tailored to diverse needs:

Consumers looking for a transparent bank with no hidden fees and powerful digital tools will find Tangerine a serious alternative to traditional Canadian banks.

Tangerine - Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tangerine a real bank in Canada?

Yes, Tangerine is a Canadian chartered bank regulated by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI). Deposits are insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) up to $100,000 per depositor.

Which bank owns Tangerine?

Tangerine has been owned by Scotiabank since 2012. This acquisition explains why Tangerine customers have free access to Scotiabank ATMs.

What are the fees for the Tangerine chequing account?

The Tangerine chequing account is completely free. There are no monthly fees and transactions are unlimited.

How do I withdraw money with Tangerine?

Tangerine customers can use all Scotiabank ATMs in Canada free of charge. Abroad, withdrawals are free at Global ATM Alliance ATMs. Otherwise, the fee is $3 per withdrawal plus a 2.5% conversion fee.

What's the difference between the Tangerine Money-Back Credit Card and the Tangerine Money-Back World Mastercard?

Both cards offer the same cash back (2% in selected categories). The World Mastercard includes additional travel insurance and requires a minimum income of $60,000 (individual) or $100,000 (family).

Does Tangerine offer mortgages?

Yes, Tangerine offers mortgages with competitive rates. Customers can apply online and receive personalized advice free of charge.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Alexandrine Bertrand
Alexandrine Bertrand
An avid solo traveller, Alexandrine is an expert on loyalty programmes such as Aeroplan, Avios, AIR MILES, Flying Blue and Marriott Bonvoy. With a budget-conscious approach, she helps travellers make the most of their points and miles to experience affordable, off-the-beaten-path getaways. She also shares a love of gastronomy and enjoys exploring local flavours and culinary traditions.
All posts by Alexandrine Bertrand

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