Manulife Bank: Our review of their financial products

Manulife Bank is a Canadian online bank offering financial products for individuals and businesses. These include all-in bank accounts, high-interest savings accounts and credit cards. But it also offers other products, such as investments and mortgages (including Manulife One).

This article explores the main financial products offered by Manulife Bank. and compared with those of other Canadian banks. Then we share our Review so you can make an informed decision.

Manulife Bank of Canada (simply, Manulife Bank), a subsidiary of Manulife, is a federally chartered online bank founded in 1993. It’s head office is in Waterloo, Ontario.

Manulife Bank has no physical branches. Instead, it distributes its financial products and services through independent financial advisors and brokers. Customers can then access their accounts via online services and the mobile application, as well as using THE EXCHANGE network ATMs, at no extra cost.

Manulife Bank’s products include chequing accounts, high-interest savings accounts, credit cards, investments and mortgages (including Manulife One). It is a member of CDIC (Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation), so deposits in their savings products (savings accounts, GICs, etc.) are eligible for deposit insurance.

As previously mentioned, Manulife Bank offers a wide variety of financial products for individuals and businesses. However, this analysis focuses mainly on bank accounts and credit cards for individuals.

Manulife Bank offers two credit cards: the ManulifeMONEY+ Visa Platinum Card and the ManulifeMONEY+ Visa Infinite Card. Here are the main features of each of these credit cards.

Several investment options are available to Manulife Bank customers. First, you can invest in high-interest savings accounts in both registered (TFSAs, RRSPs and RRIFs) and non-registered accounts. Then, with the help of an advisor, you can invest in Guaranteed Investment Certificates (GICs), with terms of 30 days to 5 years, and Investment Savings Accounts (ISAs).

Manulife Bank offers a personalized choice of mortgages based on your financial situation, both for new mortgages and mortgage renewals.

First of all, Manulife One is an all-in-one mortgage and banking account that allows you to reduce your interest costs and pay off your debts faster. However, this product is only available if you have a 20% down payment (or at least 20% equity in your current home if you wish to refinance or transfer your existing mortgage with Manulife).

Then, with Manulife Bank Select, you can customize your mortgage to suit your needs. For example, you can divide your mortgage into portions with different interest rates and terms. To obtain this product, you need a minimum 5% down payment.

In our Review, Manulife Bank ‘s bank accounts are good choices. Firstly, because it’s a bank account with no monthly fees (certain conditions apply). But also, because they combine the advantages of a chequing and savings account. However, other Canadian banks also offer high-interest chequing accounts (hybrid accounts). Here are some of these accounts, in addition to traditional bank accounts:

To compare other chequing accounts, use our bank account comparator.

In our Review, Manulife Bank credit cards are attractive, especially for cash back on groceries. However, other Canadian financial institutions and credit card issuers offer more attractive rewards and welcome bonuses. To compare credit cards, use our credit card comparator.

Overall, Manulife Bank‘s financial product offering is attractive, especially when it comes to all-in bank accounts and all-in-one mortgages (Manulife One).

However, the “high” interest rates on their high-interest savings account are lower than those of many of their competitors, such as EQ Bank (Current Account), Wealthsimple (Cash Account) or Tangerine (Savings Account).

As far as investments are concerned, the range of financial products is quite limited: TFSAs, RRSPs and GICs. However, the FHSA is not offered, nor are self-managed investments.

Finally, we end on a high note. Manulife Bank‘s mortgages, in particular Manulife One, are among the best financial products on the Canadian market. With this product, you can reduce your interest costs and pay off your debts faster. Provided, of course, that you are disciplined with your finances.