Best Banks for Expats in Canada – Complete Guide 2025

Coming to Canada is one of the greatest expeditions you will embark upon — whether you come for a new career, for studies, or for visiting family. When you get here, one of your first orders of business will be managing your funds. That begins with the opening of a bank account for expatriates.

The Canadian financial system is one of the strongest and most respected in the world, climbing into the top 10 for safety. Whether you're looking for the best banks in Canada, the biggest banks in Canada, or the best foreign-based ones for expats, this guide offers you all the information you need. We also cover one of the often overlooked but necessary processes: getting a Canada SIM card, which you require for secure online banking.

Learn More about Taxes in Canada here

Why a Bank Account for Expats is Necessary in Canada

Opening a local bank account is not merely a discretionary procedure — it provides the key for a seamless settlement into Canadian life.

Get Paid Promptly & Securely 

Canadian payers pay routinely by direct deposit every two weeks. You'd need a Canadian bank account without which you'd face delays of 5-10 business days for international transfer, plus expensive conversion charges. A local account gets the payment promptly & in full.

Save on Charges 

 You pay 2.5% to 3% every time you use your foreign credit or ATM card for the exchange of currencies — it all adds up to hundreds of dollars a month if you pay rent, food, and electricity this way. The local account makes the charges vanish.

Start Your Canadian Credit Record 

Your credit record does not follow you from your country of origin. The start of creating a strong Canadian credit score begins with opening your Canadian bank account and acquiring a credit card. This, over time, gets you a car loan, a mortgage, and eventually credit card miles. This takes place between 6 and 12 months.

Quicker Payments for Bills 

Most bills in Canada get settled by pre-authorized debit or Interac e-Transfer. Whether rent or a phone package or electricity bills, a local account makes these transactions fast and instant.

Peace of Mind 

Our large banks rank among the world's safest and are insured by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC), which insures eligible deposits up to $100,000per account.

Requirements to Open Bank Account for Expats in Canada

To open a newcomer account, it's simple, but the best time to come prepared for a branch appointment or online submission would be.

Valid Passport 

 Your first form of identification. Most banks also accept a foreign driver's license as a second means of ID.

Verification of your immigration 

This may be your work permit, study permit, permanent resident card, or Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). The bank wants this as a form of verification you're a lawful inhabitant of Canada.

Proof of Address 

Since you are a new immigrant and don't as yet own a permanent address, the bulk of the banks would take a temporary address, a hotel reservation, or a letter from your employer indicating your place of abode.

Social Insurance Number (SIN) 

If your account becomes interest-earning or if you wish to open a current investment or RRSP account.

Opening Deposit 

The majority of the banks demand a nominal opening deposit — usually CAD $10–$200. Online banks do not usually demand minimum opening deposits.

Pro Tip 

 RBC, TD, Scotiabank, and CIBC all allow new incomers to open up a bank account online before arrival into Canada. This means you get to transfer the money safely in advance and get your debit card when you arrive.

Unlimit Mobile — Best Canada SIM Card

One of the first things expats learn is that many financial institutions require SMS confirmation for security purposes. As you won't have a Canadian number, you won't be able to complete your account sign up. That's where Unlimit Mobile, one of the best providers for a prepaid SIM card Canada, comes in handy.

Benefits of Unlimit Mobile

• Instant Global Access - The fact that you have an eSIM means you get your Canadian number active before your first steps anywhere, which gets you a head start.

• Budget-Friendly & Clear Plans - Plans are prepaid, so you control how much you pay and don't pay surprise overage charges. This is good for beginners with a tight budget.

• National Coverage - Whether you find yourself living in a big city like Toronto or Vancouver, or a small town, the company provides fast and uncompromising service.

Benefits of Unlimit Mobile for Canadian Expats

• Seamless Banking Configuration - Get OTPs (One-Time Passwords) immediately for online banking and credit cards so you can finalize registrations from the first day.

• Remain Accessible - Your employer, landlord, and bank can easily contact you. As a local, you appear more professional and creditworthy.

• Cost-Effective - Since it's prepaid, Unlimit Mobile forces you to keep a tab on precisely what you pay for calls and data — not a surprise bill at the end of the month.

Unlimit Mobile – Prepaid SIM Card for Canadian Data Plans

Calls and Texting - Unlimited. Required when calling financial institutions, governmental agencies, or potential job applicants.

High-Data Plans (10GB+) - Ideal for utilizing Google Maps, video calls with family back home, and online administration of your finances using bank apps.

eSIM Flexibility - Your number before you get there — great for students and digital nomads. 

Case Example - Ravi, an Indian student, had established his Unlimit Mobile eSIM one day before arrival. He was able to initiate his Scotiabank account opening online from the airport and immediately receive the confirmation code, thereby avoiding a branch visit and a few of hours of waiting.

Best Banks in Canada for Expats

The Canadian banking framework is very solid, with over 80 banks operating all over the country. The majority of the big-name banks also provide newcomer offers with waive fees, free overseas remittances, and credit cards as ways for you to get established.

Local Traditional Banks

• Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) - Largest bank in Canada with more than 1,200 branches and 4,200 ATMs across the country. Its newcomer package includes free access for 12 months, a free credit card, and an unlimited number of debit transactions.

• TD Canada Trust - Well-known for extended branch hours and excellent customer service. TD is a good fit for American expats since it offers cross-border and USD accounts.

• Scotiabank - Provides the popular StartRight package, which features unlimited e-Transfers, free foreign money transfer, and credit cards without a credit history.

• BMO (Bank of Montreal) - Oldest Canadian bank with newcomer offers including free banking for one year and pre-arrival account opening.

• CIBC - famous for the acclaimed international money transfer product (Global Money Transfer) enabling you to transfer money internationally for free.

Digital Banks

Digital banks provide a new, fee-free model for the traditional bank.

• Tangerine - Tangerine, which is sponsored by Scotiabank, offers free chequing and savings accounts, a winning app, and competitive interest rates.

• EQ Bank - Boasts one of the highest interest rates for a savings account (up to 4% interest), free bill payment, and free Interac e-Transfers.

• Simplii Financial - CIBC sponsors Simplii, which offers unlimited transactions, a no-fee deal each month, and competitive GIC rates.

• KOHO & Neo Financial - Fintech innovations by means of cashback cards and budgeting tools helping newcomers manage spending.

Best International Banks for Expats in Canada

If you happen to be an existing customer of a foreign bank, opening your Canadian bank account may actually come easily. 

• HSBC Canada - Provides Global View, which allows you a view of all your HSBC accounts internationally from a single portal, and Global Transfers, which provides nearly instant free international country transfers.

• Citibank - Most suitable for Americans or globe-trotting professionals with the need for multi-currency facilities.

• BNP Paribas - Suitable for European expatriates wanting to continue the relationship with their European accounts while living outside of Europe in Canada.

These banks offer multi-currency debit cards, international wealth management, and normally waive international transfer fees for customers, making them a favorite for frequent travellers and internationally deployed professionals.

7 Biggest Banks in Canada

Big Five" and other notable institutions dominate the Canadian banking system and are well-respected for their safeness and dependability.

• Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) – Best Private Bank for Canada

  Largest Canadian bank with emphasis on immigrant-receptive products, wealth management products, and widespread network of branches.

• Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) - The Most Secure Canadian Bank

  Respected for cross-border banking and long branch operating hours. Good for those with an affinity for the U.S.

• Scotiabank – Best for International Students

  Does offer multi-language support, free transfer internationally, and student credit facilities.

• Bank of Montreal (BMO) – Flexible Banking Solutions

  Has mortgage and credit card products specifically designed for immigrants, as well as online first banking products.

• Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) – Best for Business Expats

  First-class business banking facilities and attractive newcomer deals for professionals.

• National Bank of Canada – Best for Quebec Residents

  Best offer for individuals dwelling in Quebec, with multilingual customer support as well as special newcomer initiatives.

• Desjardins Group – Best Credit Union Services

  Offering cooperative-type banking with a community-oriented approach, suitable for expatriates who seek a personal approach.

   

FAQs

Q1: What are the top 5 banks in Canada?

RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC top the list with a full complement of newcomer services.

Q2: What are the top 5 private banks in Canada?

These leading private banking products for Canadians include RBC Wealth Management, TD Private Banking, BMO Private Wealth, Scotiabank Private Banking, and CIBC Private Wealth.

Q3: Which international bank is best in Canada? 

Typically, HSBC Canada is referred to as the best since it provides Global View account links as well as straightforward global money transfer facilities.

Q4: Which bank has the best savings account in Canada?

EQ Bank and Tangerine pay the best interest and do not charge a monthly fee.

Conclusion
 

Establishing a Canadian bank account for expats is one of the brightest first decisions you can make when you get there. The big five Canadian banks — RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, and CIBC — offer robust newcomer programs with free-fee promotions and credit-building capabilities. If you're an expat searching for low fees and high interest rates, online banks like Tangerine and EQ Bank are the best bets. And for global professionals, foreign-based institutions like HSBC enable seamless cross-border money management.

Matching your bank installation with a Canada SIM card such as Unlimit Mobile means you'll be able to set up your accounts, get your banking alerts, and handle your financial matters securely from the first day. With the right bank and communication package, you can get accustomed to Canadian living quicker, incur unnecessary expenditures, and begin your financial future with peace of mind.