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Bank accounts for newcomers to Canada

Most big banks run a newcomer program with waived fees for the first year and a credit card without Canadian credit history.

Top 3 picks

#1

Scotiabank StartRight Program

Scotiabank · rated 4.5/5

Welcome offer: Earn up to $2,300 in value in the first year

Monthly fee$16.95
Interest rate—
TypeChequing
Open account →
#2

National Bank Bank Account for Newcomers

National Bank · rated 4.5/5

Welcome offer: Earn up to $600 cashback when you open an account for newcomers and meet certain criteria.

Monthly fee$15.95
Interest rate—
TypeChequing
Open account →
#3

RBC Signature No Limit Banking Account for Newcomers

RBC · rated 4/5

Welcome offer: Get the new iPad and up to 12% cash back

Monthly fee$16.95
Interest rate—
TypeChequing
Open account →

All 5 compared

AccountWelcome offerExtra cash backMonthly feeInterest rate
Scotiabank StartRight Program
Scotiabank · Chequing
Earn up to $2,300 in value in the first year—$16.95can be waived—Open account →
National Bank Bank Account for Newcomers
National Bank · Chequing
Earn up to $600 cashback when you open an account for newcomers and meet certain criteria.—$15.95can be waived—Open account →
RBC Signature No Limit Banking Account for Newcomers
RBC · Chequing
Get the new iPad and up to 12% cash back—$16.95can be waived—Open account →
BMO NewStart Program - Performance Account
BMO · Chequing
Get up to a $1,100 cash bonus and a Walmart+ membership for up to 12 months. Plus, no monthly fees for 2 years.+$50 cash back$17.95can be waived—Open account →
RBC Advantage Banking Account for Newcomers
RBC · Chequing
Get an RBC credit card with up to a $15,000 credit limit, up to 12% cash back + no monthly fee banking for the first year—$12.95can be waived—Open account →

Offer data from FinlyWealth, updated 2026-11-08. Rates, fees and offers change often and may differ from what the issuer shows you — always confirm the current terms on the issuer's site before applying. "Extra cash back" is paid by FinlyWealth when you apply through our link and are approved; conditions are on the FinlyWealth page. Rankings use FinlyWealth's rating, then welcome-offer value. crediteasy.ca is independent and does not provide financial advice.