Using a Coast Capital Free Chequing, Free Debit, and More Account is a convenient way to support a local credit union that's working hard to offer top-tier products and services. Coast Capital is headquartered in Surrey B.C. and was the first full-service bank to offer a free chequing account over 10 years ago. It's also available to all Canadians except residents of Quebec.
This Coast Capital chequing account allows members to keep more money in their pockets instead of spending it on trivial little things like day-to-day transaction fees*, etc. It's a product that covers plenty of the essential elements on a banking checklist, but there is certainly still room for improvement.
Coast Capital Free Chequing, Free Debit, and More Account features
Here's an easy-to-read table of all the features associated with this Coast Capital free chequing account.
- Work with a full service bank, not just an online bank
- Free withdrawals and deposits at more than 4,000 Exchange Network ATMs across Canada
- Age of majority in your province
- Social Insurance Number for new members
- New members must purchase a minimum of $5 in membership equity shares
Terms
* Transactions include cheques drawn on the account, Coast Capital ® and THE EXCHANGE® Network ATM withdrawals, Interac Direct Payment, pre-authorized payments, bill payments, transfers (between Coast Capital accounts), and withdrawals (in-branch/self serve). Deposits and electronic transfers (between Coast Capital accounts) performed via Coast Capital ® ATM, Coast-by-Phone®, and Coast Capital digital banking are free and unlimited
** Conditions apply. See full terms and conditions here.
*** Terms and conditions apply. Earn $100 Geniuscash from MoneyGenius when you make your first deposit into your new account..
Coast Capital Free Chequing product rating: 2.2 stars
There's a lot to love about a free chequing account available from a full service bank, and if you happen to live in BC you'll also get access to physical branches.
The Coast Capital Free Chequing, Free Debit, and More Account can save you hundreds of dollars over a traditional big bank chequing account, all while giving you free day-to-day transactions* and access to over 4,000 ding-free ATMs.
To top it off, when you become new Coast Capital member, we'll give you $100 GeniusCash from moneyGenius when you make your first deposit into your new account.
Rating methodology
To calculate our Genius Ratings, we compare the features of the account or product in question with other similar products in Canada. We give each feature a score out of 5 based on that comparison. Once we’ve rated all the features, we run them through our proprietary algorithm to produce a final rating out of 5.
Learn more about our rating methodology.
The pros of Coast Capital Free Chequing
Banking with a full-service institution
Nearly every other free chequing account available for Canadians is from an online bank. And while we love what online banks do to help us save on fees, etc., we also love the services and perks provided by brick-and-mortar institutions. With a Coast Capital chequing account, you won't pay fees for your account, you have access to other banking products, and you can interact face-to-face with a banking representative if you like.
Earn a sweet welcome bonus
New Coast Capital members can get a stacked cash bonus of up to $150*** when they open a new Coast Capital chequing account and use it. Full details available here.
Free use of ATMs across Canada
Coast Capital has a partnership with The EXCHANGE Network, a chain with thousands of ATM locations all over the country – more than 4,000 of them, actually. And with a Free Chequing, Free Debit, and More Account, you're able to deposit and withdraw through these ATMs at no extra charge. This is a big deal as non-affiliated ATM usage often charges banking clients up to $9 for simple transactions.
Deposit cheques with just a photo
This feature is something that many of the big banks in Canada offer, but it's not necessarily something you'd expect from a smaller financial institution. Then again, a smaller institution means less access to branches, so offering an easy way to deposit your money makes sense.
The cons of Coast Capital Free Chequing, Free Debit, and More Account
But, as always, there are few less appreciated details about this product you'll want to keep in mind.
Fees for sending Interac e-Transfers
While many of us have been enjoying free, unlimited Interac e-Transfers for several years, it's a bit of a shock to see that there are 0 free e-Transfers included with a Coast Capital Free Chequing, Free Debit, and More Account. Instead, you'll pay $1.50 each time you send one – although receiving them is still free, thank goodness.
Coast Capital Free Chequing, Free Debit, and More Account alternatives
See for yourself how this Coast Capital Free Chequing, Free Debit, and More Account measures up against the competition.
| Account | Alterna No Fee eChequing Account | Scotiabank Preferred Package | BMO Performance Chequing Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genius Rating | |||
| Why You Want It | Get unlimited transactions for no monthly fee + Over 3,300 ATMs in network. | ||
| Minimum Balance To Waive Fee | $0 | $4,000 | $4,000 |
| # Of Free Monthly Transactions | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| # Of Free Monthly Interac E-Transfers | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Monthly Fee | $0.00 | $16.95 | $17.95 |
| Excess Transaction Fee | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Show More | |||
| Open an account See more Alterna products Compare | I Want This Deal See more Scotiabank products Compare | I Want This Deal See more BMO products Compare |
FAQ
What is the Coast Capital Free Chequing, Free Debit, and More Account?
This is a free chequing account offered by Coast Capital Savings. There's no monthly fee, unlimited day-to-day transactions*, and free eStatements available for account holders. You can read more about the features of this account right here.
Is the Coast Capital chequing account any good?
Yes, a free chequing account is always a valuable product to have. Monthly fees can add up, so taking advantage of an account that offers these at no charge means extra savings for you. Look here to read more about benefits for Coast Capital Free Chequing, Free Debit, and More Account holders.
Is the Coast Capital Free Chequing, Free Debit, and More Account only available in B.C.?
There was a time when this account was only available to residents of B.C. However all Canadians can now get it with the exception of those in Quebec.
Does Coast Capital have a USD account?
Coast Capital Savings does indeed offer a USD account. The Coast Capital US Chequing account allows users to write cheques in U.S. dollars, provides free eStatements, and has no monthly fee.
Editorial Disclaimer: The content here reflects the author's opinion alone, and is not endorsed or sponsored by a bank, credit card issuer, rewards program or other entity. For complete and updated product information please visit the product issuer's website.
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