NEW TO CANADA

Accounts for Newcomers

Welcome to Canada! Establish your financial footprint quickly with accounts that offer free wire transfers, safety deposit boxes, and no credit checks.

Sign up and fund your KOHO account to be entered for a chance to win $500/month for 10 years.
KOHO
KOHO

KOHO Everything Plan

Canada-wide CAD Savings Account
3.50%
Interest Rate
$22.00
Monthly Fee
No Foreign Transaction Fees Earn interest Discount on Credit Building Early Payroll Direct Deposit Cash Advance up to $250
Features: Eligible for CDIC Protection
Welcome Bonus: RateBuddy Exclusive Offer: New KOHO members can earn 5% interest for 3 months with promo code RB5S26. Up to $100 interest earned; eligible transactions only. After the promo period, continue earning 3.50% interest, plus 2% unlimited cash back on groceries, transportation, food & drinks. Terms apply.
Special Offer: For a limited time Join KOHO’s 10 Years of Groceries Giveaway. New users who sign up and fund their KOHO account can be entered for a chance to win $500/month for 10 years — a total prize value of $60,000. Contest ends July 31, 2026. No purchase necessary. Terms apply.
Sign up and fund your KOHO account to be entered for a chance to win $500/month for 10 years toward groceries.
Get Started

On KOHO's secure site

RateBuddy Pick: Best High-Interest Chequing Account
KOHO
KOHO

KOHO Everything Plan

Canada-wide CAD Chequing Account
3.50%
Interest Rate
$22.00
Monthly Fee
No Foreign Transaction Fees Earn interest Discount on Credit Building Early Payroll Direct Deposit Cash Advance up to $250
Features: Eligible for CDIC Protection
Welcome Bonus: RateBuddy Exclusive Offer: New KOHO members can earn 5% interest for 3 months with promo code RB5S26. Up to $100 interest earned; eligible transactions only. After the promo period, continue earning 3.50% interest, plus 2% unlimited cash back on groceries, transportation, food & drinks. Terms apply.
Special Offer: Join KOHO’s 10 Years of Groceries Giveaway for a limited time. New users who sign up and fund their KOHO account can be entered for a chance to win $500/month for 10 years — a total prize value of $60,000. Contest ends July 31, 2026. No purchase necessary. Terms apply.
Open and fund your KOHO account for a chance to win $60,000 toward groceries.
Get Started

On KOHO's secure site

Neo Financial
Neo
Financial

Neo Savings Account

Canada-wide CAD Savings Account
Up to
3.00%
Interest Rate (Tiered)
$0.00
Monthly Fee
No Monthly Fees Unlimited Transactions Joint Account Option No minimum balance Online and Mobile Banking
Features: No minimum deposit requirements, Telephone Banking, eStatement and eNotifications, Earn interest, Eligible for CDIC deposit protection
Special Offer: Earn 3%* interest to grow your savings. Reach your savings goals faster.
Get Started

On Neo Financial's secure site

Sign up and fund your KOHO account to be entered for a chance to win $500/month for 10 years.
KOHO
KOHO

KOHO Extra Plan

Canada-wide CAD Chequing Account
2.50%
Interest Rate
$18.00
Monthly Fee
No Foreign Transaction Fees Earn interest Discount on Credit Building Early Payroll Direct Deposit Cash Advance up to $250
Features: Eligible for CDIC Protection
Welcome Bonus: RateBuddy Exclusive Offer: New KOHO members can earn 5% interest for 3 months with promo code RB5S26. Up to $100 interest earned; eligible transactions only. After the promo period, continue earning 2.50% interest, plus 1.5% unlimited cash back on groceries, transportation, food & drinks. Terms apply.
Special Offer: Join KOHO’s 10 Years of Groceries Giveaway for a limited time. New users who sign up and fund their KOHO account can be entered for a chance to win $500/month for 10 years — a total prize value of $60,000. Contest ends July 31, 2026. No purchase necessary. Terms apply.
Open and fund your KOHO account for a chance to win $60,000 toward groceries.
Get Started

On KOHO's secure site

Sign up and fund your KOHO account to be entered for a chance to win $500/month for 10 years.
KOHO
KOHO

KOHO Extra Plan

Canada-wide CAD Savings Account
2.50%
Interest Rate
$18.00
Monthly Fee
No Foreign Transaction Fees Earn interest Discount on Credit Building Early Payroll Direct Deposit Cash Advance up to $250
Features: Eligible for CDIC Protection
Welcome Bonus: RateBuddy Exclusive Offer: New KOHO members can earn 5% interest for 3 months with promo code RB5S26. Up to $100 interest earned; eligible transactions only. After the promo period, continue earning 2.50% interest, plus 1.5% unlimited cash back on groceries, transportation, food & drinks. Terms apply.
Special Offer: For a limited time Join KOHO’s 10 Years of Groceries Giveaway. New users who sign up and fund their KOHO account can be entered for a chance to win $500/month for 10 years — a total prize value of $60,000. Contest ends July 31, 2026. No purchase necessary. Terms apply.
Sign up and fund your KOHO account to be entered for a chance to win $500/month for 10 years toward groceries.
Get Started

On KOHO's secure site

Sign up and fund your KOHO account to be entered for a chance to win $500/month for 10 years.
KOHO
KOHO

KOHO Essential Plan

Canada-wide CAD Savings Account
2.00%
Interest Rate
$0.00
Monthly Fee
No Foreign Transaction Fees Discount on Credit Building Early Payroll Direct Deposit Cash Advance up to $250 Eligible for CDIC Protection
Welcome Bonus: RateBuddy Exclusive Offer: New KOHO members can earn 5% interest for 3 months with promo code RB5S26. Up to $100 interest earned; eligible transactions only. After the promo period, continue earning 2.00% interest, plus 1% cash back on groceries, transportation, food & drinks. Terms apply.
Special Offer: For a limited time Join KOHO’s 10 Years of Groceries Giveaway. New users who sign up and fund their KOHO account can be entered for a chance to win $500/month for 10 years — a total prize value of $60,000. Contest ends July 31, 2026. No purchase necessary. Terms apply.
Sign up and fund your KOHO account to be entered for a chance to win $500/month for 10 years toward groceries.
Get Started

On KOHO's secure site

Sign up and fund your KOHO account to be entered for a chance to win $500/month for 10 years.
KOHO
KOHO

KOHO Essential Plan

Canada-wide CAD Chequing Account
2.00%
Interest Rate
$0.00
Monthly Fee
No Foreign Transaction Fees Discount on Credit Building Early Payroll Direct Deposit Cash Advance up to $250 Eligible for CDIC Protection
Welcome Bonus: RateBuddy Exclusive Offer: New KOHO members can earn 5% interest for 3 months with promo code RB5S26. Up to $100 interest earned; eligible transactions only. After the promo period, continue earning 2.00% interest, plus 1% cash back on groceries, transportation, food & drinks. Terms apply.
Special Offer: Join KOHO’s 10 Years of Groceries Giveaway for a limited time. New users who sign up and fund their KOHO account can be entered for a chance to win $500/month for 10 years — a total prize value of $60,000. Contest ends July 31, 2026. No purchase necessary. Terms apply.
Open and fund your KOHO account for a chance to win $60,000 toward groceries.
Get Started

On KOHO's secure site

Neo Financial
Neo
Financial

Neo Chequing account

Canada-wide CAD Chequing Account
0.10%
Interest Rate
$0.00
Monthly Fee
No Monthly Fees Unlimited Transactions Free Interac e-Transfers No minimum balance Online and Mobile Banking
Features: No minimum deposit requirements, eStatement and eNotifications, Earn interest, Free everyday transactions, ATM access across Canada
Special Offer: Earn up to 15% cashback¹ when you shop with Neo partners. Instant access to your virtual Neo Money™ card, accepted anywhere Mastercard is.
Get Started

On Neo Financial's secure site

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Newcomer Banking Guide Simple steps, Canada-focused

Start banking in Canada with fewer fees and fewer surprises

Newcomer offers can make it easier to open an account and get set up quickly — but the details matter. This guide helps you compare newcomer banking options on this page and understand what to check: fees, transaction limits, debit access, credit-building steps, and ID requirements.

Quick start path (first 30 days)

If you’re new to Canada, your goal is usually simple: get an account that works for everyday life, set up incoming money (payroll), and avoid unnecessary fees while you settle in.

1
Open a chequing account
Prioritize $0 fee (or clear fee waivers) and enough transactions for everyday use.
2
Set up payroll deposits
A stable deposit history helps with budgeting and future credit applications.
3
Enable alerts
Low-balance and large-transaction alerts can prevent NSF/overdraft surprises.
4
Plan your credit-building
Some newcomers look for a path to a credit card and a clean payment history.
Shortcut: If you’ll be paying rent and sending money to family, prioritize transaction limits, e-Transfer support, and fees related to transfers.

How to compare newcomer offers here

Filter by provider type and features, then sort by Lowest Monthly Fee. If you keep a higher balance and the account pays interest, sort by Highest Interest, and check for conditions required to earn it.

Step 1
$0 / low fee
Step 2
Transfers & ATM
Step 3
Eligibility
Step 4
Verify terms
Newcomer promotions can change — confirm eligibility dates, fees, and conditions before applying.

Eligibility and ID: what’s common (and why it varies)

Bring the right documents

Newcomer programs often have eligibility rules (for example, arriving within a certain time window, specific residency status, or proof of address). Banks and credit unions can have different documentation requirements. The fastest way to avoid delays is to check what the provider asks for before you visit a branch or start an online application.

Identity documents
Commonly includes government-issued identification. Requirements vary by provider and situation.
Address proof
Some providers may request documents showing where you live (rules can differ).
Newcomer timeframe
Many offers apply only if you’re “new” within a defined period—confirm the window.
Practical tip: If you’re unsure what documents qualify, contact the provider in advance. It’s common for requirements to vary by branch, application method, and residency status.

What to compare (newcomer-focused)

Many newcomer packages include bundles and perks. The most important thing is whether the account fits your daily needs after the “newcomer period.” Focus on these features and costs when you compare.

Monthly fee (now & later)
Check the fee during the newcomer period and what it becomes after. Also check fee waiver conditions.
Transfers & e-Transfers
If you send money frequently (rent, family, bills), compare included transfers and any limits.
ATM network
Using out-of-network ATMs can add fees. A strong network matters if you withdraw cash often.
Overdraft & NSF rules
Know the costs and rules before you need them. Alerts and buffers are the simplest protection.
Be cautious with “free” claims
Some offers are free only within a set timeframe or if certain conditions are met (like maintaining a minimum balance). Always confirm what happens after the promotion ends.

Credit-building (realistic, early steps)

Many newcomers want to build Canadian credit history. Banking products can be one part of that, but credit outcomes depend on your overall profile. Common starting paths include applying for a credit card you can qualify for and keeping payments consistent.

Pay on time, consistently Keep balances manageable Avoid frequent late or missed payments Don’t apply for many products at once
Eligibility for credit products varies widely. Always confirm requirements and terms before applying.

Newcomer banking best practices

These habits help reduce fees and make your first months smoother.

Turn on alerts
Low balance and large debit alerts help you avoid NSF or overdraft issues.
Keep a small buffer
A buffer can prevent fees when automatic payments hit earlier than expected.
Know your ATM options
Using the right ATMs can reduce avoidable cash withdrawal fees.
Secure your account
Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication when available.
Practical tip: If you’re setting up a new life in Canada, choose an account that stays affordable after the promo — that’s where the long-term value is.

Newcomer banking FAQ

Short answers, practical focus

A newcomer offer is a package or promotional program designed for people who recently arrived in Canada. Eligibility rules and what’s included can vary by provider, so confirm the timeframe and conditions.

Not always. Some offers provide $0 fees for a limited period or under certain conditions. Always confirm what the account costs after the newcomer promotion ends.

Requirements vary by provider and by your situation. Many ask for identity documents and may ask for proof of address or immigration/residency documents. Confirm the exact list before you apply to avoid delays.

Start with an account that has $0 fees or clear fee waivers, turn on alerts, keep a buffer for bill payments, and understand transaction limits (especially transfers and e-Transfers).

A chequing account itself doesn’t create credit history, but it can support stable bill payments and payroll deposits. Credit history is generally built through credit products and consistent on-time payments.
Use filters to find low-fee options first, then compare transfers, ATM access, and eligibility details.

Mini glossary (fast definitions)

Eligibility Rules that determine whether you qualify for a newcomer offer.
Fee waiver A condition that reduces/removes monthly fees (often balance-based).
e-Transfer A common way to send money in Canada; fees/limits depend on the account.
NSF Non-sufficient funds — a payment returned unpaid due to low balance.
Overdraft A feature that may allow spending below $0 (fees/interest may apply).
ATM network ATMs you can use without extra out-of-network fees (varies by institution).