Compare Canada’s best chequing accounts in one place. When choosing the best chequing account for you, remember to consider fees, rewards, and features.
To start, click the “Compare” button on an account.
If you want the most you can get out of a chequing account, the Scotiabank Ultimate Package is all about the extra perks.
- Get a $100 GeniusCash boost
- Get up to $700 in welcome bonus cash
- Unlimited transactions
- Plenty of physical bank locations
- Save money on premium credit cards
- Exclusive rates and fee rebates for other accounts
- Earn rewards
- Minimum balance to waive fee
- High monthly fee
- Minimum balance is a wasted investment opportunity
- You may still be charged for non-Scotiabank ATM withdrawals
- You must be at least 16 years old
- A Canadian resident or you're here for work or study
- Opening this account in your own name
- Earn Scene+ points on debit transactions
- No monthly overdraft protection fee
- Unlimited free Scotia International Money Transfers
- Up to $150 annual fee waiver each year on select credit cards
BMO’s Premium Plan chequing account comes with a steep monthly fee, but it has a lot of valuable perks and features that may make it worth it to you. Rebates are offered on various credit cards, worldwide non-BMO ATM withdrawals are unlimited, and account holders even get a preferred U.S. exchange rate.
- Get a $75 GeniusCash bonus when you open your new account
- Unlimited transactions, e-Transfers, and global ATM withdrawals
- $150 annual credit card fee waiver
- Safety deposit box discount
- Loads of added freebies
- $700 welcome offer
- Walmart Delivery Pass Subscription
- Extremely high monthly fee
- High minimum balance requirement to waive the fee
- Age of majority
- Canadian citizen
- Free cheques, money orders, and drafts
- Free OnGuard Identity Theft protection
- Preferred U.S. foreign exchange rate
- Unlimited unaffiliated ATM withdrawals worldwide
The RBC VIP Banking is an excellent choice for a premium bank account as it offers enough perks and benefits. These benefits – like free overdraft protection, a discounted safety deposit box, unlimited ATM withdrawals, etc. – pay for themselves if you use them often and correctly.
- New Apple Watch as a welcome bonus
- Unlimited free transactions and e-Transfers
- Earn RBC Avion points
- Additional account fee waiver
- Credit card annual fee waiver
- Save on fuel and earn Petro-Points
- Plenty of discounts and freebies
- Value Program fee discounts
- Very high monthly fee
- Can't completely waive the monthly fee
- Overdraft interest still applies
- At least the age of majority in your province
- Opening a sole account in your own name
- Living in Canada
- Earn at least 1 Avion point per $10 spent with your debit card
- No monthly overdraft protection fee
- Free personalized cheques
- RBC Direct Investing maintenance fees waived
- Save 3 cents/L on fuel at Petro-Canada and earn 20% more Petro-Points
The TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan offers a rich set of benefits in exchange for a $30.95 monthly fee, which is waived when a $5,000 daily balance is maintained throughout the month. Account holders can enjoy unlimited transactions, no fees for TD or non-TD ATMs, rebates on the annual fee for select TD credit cards, and the opportunity to earn bonuses from partners like Starbucks.
- Generous welcome bonus
- Unlimited transactions and Interac e-Transfers
- Free safety deposit box, cheques, and money orders
- Rebate on select TD credit cards
- Free ATM use (both TD and non-TD ATMs)
- High minimum balance to waive the monthly fee
- No rewards program or valuable perks
- No savings on international money transfers
- Age of majority
- TD Fraud Alerts
- No ATM fees
- Automatic savings transfers
- Free personalized cheques, money orders, and certified cheques
The Scotiabank Preferred Package for Students and Youth is one of the best chequing accounts for students. It's basically the Scotiabank Preferred Package, except this version has no monthly fee. To qualify, you simply need to be under the age of 23 or be enrolled at a post-secondary institution.
- Unlimited transactions
- Earn rewards on debit purchases
- No monthly fee
- Get $175 with a new account
- Only for youth and students
- Age of majority
- Enrolled in a post secondary institute in the US or Canada
- No monthly fee.
- Earn Scene+ points on debit transactions
The TD Unlimited Chequing Account lives up to its name, offering unlimited transactions and unlimited Interac e-Transfers. At $17.95 per month, it’s a mid-tier bank account that comes with plenty of value, including a generous welcome bonus and the option to receive a first-year annual fee rebate on several TD credit cards—perfect if you like keeping your financial products all at one institution.
- Completely unlimited transactions
- Free ATM withdrawals from any ATM in Canada
- Valuable welcome bonus offered
- Credit card fee rebate included
- Earn 50% more Starbucks stars
- The minimum balance to waive the fee is quite high
- No free cheques or safety deposit box waiver
- High fees for using global ATMs
- Age of majority
- Discounted monthly fee for seniors
- Free unaffiliated ATM use
- Earn 50% more Starbucks Stars
The Scotiabank Preferred Package is a feature-rich chequing account that packs in plenty of perks for everyday banking. For $16.95 per month, or free if you maintain a minimum daily balance of $4,000, you’ll enjoy unlimited debit transactions and Interac e-Transfers, so you never have to worry about counting swipes or transfers. Cardholders can earn Scene+ points on debit purchases, which you can redeem for movies, dining, travel, and more, adding extra value to everyday spending.
- Kickstart your account with a $50 GeniusCash bonus
- Get a welcome bonus worth up to $700 (ends October 30, 2025)
- Unlimited debit transactions and Interac e-Transfers
- Ability to waive monthly fee with a minimum balance of $4,000
- Earn Scene+ points on your debit transactions
- First year annual fee waiver on select Scotiabank credit cards
- Age of majority
- Canadian citizen
- First year annual fee waiver (up to $150) on select credit cards
- Earn Scene+ points on debit transactions
- Earn an additional 0.05% on your Momentum Plus Savings Account
The BMO Performance Chequing Account for Newcomers is part of BMO’s NewStart Program, designed to make your transition to life in Canada smoother and more convenient. Available to permanent residents and foreign workers who have arrived in Canada within the last 5 years, this newcomer chequing account comes with two years of no monthly fees, unlimited transactions, including INTERAC e-Transfer®§ transactions, plus no-fee BMO Global Money Transfers, helping you feel financially at home right away.
- BMO newcomers account has non-BMO withdrawal fees
- Pricey monthly fee after the first two years
- Permanent residents and foreign workers arriving in Canada within last 5 years
- Proof of immigration status required
- No monthly fee for two years
- Earn up to $40 rebate on annual fees for eligible credit cards
- No-fee BMO Global Money Transfers
- Valuable welcome bonus
The RBC Signature No Limit Banking Account is a mid-level chequing account, offering unlimited transactions and an array of other helpful features and services. With big bank security and the ability to earn valuable Avion points, this product should be a contender for any Canadian looking for value and flexibility.
- At least the age of majority in your province
- Opening a sole account in your own name
- Living in Canada
- Earn Avion points
- Up to $48 rebate on annual fee of select RBC credit cards
- Multi-product and seniors' rebates available
- Save on fuel at Petro-Canada
- Free Apple Watch Series 10 as a welcome offer
With the CIBC Smart Plus Account, this bank has created a chequing account with valuable features for everyday banking, including unlimited transactions. The monthly fee is high, but there are plenty of perks, like CIBC’s Smart Balance Alert system and a unique welcome offer.
- Canadian resident
- Age of majority
- CIBC Smart Balance Alert sends texts regarding $0 balances and overdraft limits
- Can save up to 10 cents per litre at participating gas stations when your card is linked to the Journie Rewards program
- Free Skip+ subscription for 12 months
If you're looking for a top-tier National Bank chequing account, complete with unlimited transactions, overdraft protection, and rebates for your credit card fees, the National Bank Total Chequing Account is the one you want. Account holders even have access to complimentary legal assistance via phone or videoconference, which includes help with estate planning.
- $150 credit card rebate provided
- Enjoy unlimited transactions
- Pre-authorized line of credit available
- Complimentary, unlimited legal and estate advice
- Receive 100 free cheques a year
- Unusual range of monthly fees
- The minimum balance for waiving fees is rather high
- No welcome bonus incentive
- Be a Canadian resident
- Integrated line of credit up to $5,000
- Free legal and estate assistance
- $150 cash back for eligible National Bank credit card applications
- Overdraft protection
- 100 cheques per year, free of charge
The BMO Performance Chequing Account for Students is a version of BMO’s Performance Plan Chequing Account with special rates for students. This BMO chequing account is tailored for students and offers no monthly fees, unlimited transactions, and other perks.
- Unlock a sweet $75 GeniusCash bonus with your new account
- Get a $175 welcome bonus
- No monthly fee in this BMO student chequing account
- Unlimited transactions on all everyday purchases
- Unlimited e-transfers up to a certain amount
- Credit card rebate with your chequing account
- Available to international students
- BMO requires proof of enrollment for its student chequing account
- Extra charges on non-BMO withdrawals per month
- Students enrolled full-time in university, college, or private vocational school
- Proof of registration of student status or expected graduation required
- Annual credit card rebate of $40 on eligible BMO credit card
- Stays no fee for up to 12 months after graduation
- New account holders earn a cash bonus
The BMO Performance Chequing Account is a popular mid-tier chequing account offered by one of Canada's biggest banks. BMO has been a banking powerhouse for decades, providing comprehensive services, advanced security measures, and top-notch professionalism for all clients.
- Bonus: Get $75 GeniusCash when you open your new account
- Unlimited transactions and Interac e-Transfers
- Rebate for BMO credit cards
- No fee for Global Money Transfers
- OnGuard identity theft protection included for free
- Special rates for a long list of people groups
- Walmart Delivery Pass Subscription
- Valuable welcome bonus
- High minimum balance fee waiver
- Extra fees are high and can add up
- No safety deposit box waiver
- Special rates available for students, seniors, Indigenous persons, and more
- Free OnGuard Identity Theft Protection
- Eligible for a free BMO Family Bundle
- Valuable welcome offer
- No fee for Global Money Transfers
If you’re an avid Air Miles collector, the BMO Air Miles Chequing Account may seem like an obvious choice. And while it does offer unlimited transactions and Interac e-Transfers, the Air Miles earn rate is an abysmal 1 mile for every $25 you spend through your debit card. Given its $17.95 monthly fee, you may wonder if it’s worth it.
- Unlimited transactions
- Unlimited Interac e-Transfers
- Earn Air Miles for using your debit card
- Earn bonus Air Miles for also having a BMO Air Miles credit card
- No free non-affiliated ATM withdrawals
- Low Air Miles earn rate
- Earn 1 Air Mile for every $25 spent using your BMO debit card
- Get 25 bonus Air Miles each month when you also have a qualifying BMO Air Miles Mastercard
- Get 50 bonus Air Miles each month you maintain a $4,000 balance
- Free for seniors
The RBC Advantage Chequing Account is a basic yet solid chequing account with unlimited Interac e-Transfers and debit transactions within Canada, plus the opportunity to earn rewards. The $12.95 monthly fee is very reasonable, with rebates available for students, seniors, and more.
- Age of majority
- Canadian citizen
- Earn RBC Avion points on your debit purchases
- Save on fuel at Petro-Canada locations
- Earn extra Be Well points at Rexall
- 1 free NSF each year
For full-time students, the RBC Advantage Banking for students account gives you everything you need for day-to-day banking. It’s basically the same as the popular RBC Advantage Chequing Account, but with one big perk: there are no monthly banking fees as long as you’re a full-time student. That’s extra money in your pocket for books, coffee, or the occasional late-night pizza.
- Earn Avion points on purchases
- No ATM fee at non-RBC bank machines
- Unlimited transactions and Interac e-Transfers
- Welcome bonus
- Only available to full-time students
- Automatic changeover to the RBC Advantage Chequing Account
- Be at least 13 years of age
- Enrolled as a full time student.
- Earn Avion points on debit purchases
- Save on fuel at Petro-Canada locations
The Coast Capital Elevate Chequing Account is a premium chequing account with a reasonable monthly fee and several interesting perks. With a credit card rebate, free access to the Coursera learning platform, and a couple ways to reduce the monthly fee, this account has a lot going for it.
- Monthly fee discounts available****
- Annual fee rebate on select Coast Capital credit cards
- 50 free cheques annually
- Free ID protection and password manager
- Free access to Coursera***
- Limited unaffiliated ATM withdrawals and slightly higher ATM fee
- Not available in Quebec
- Have a SIN
- Age of majority in your province
- Live in Canada (except Quebec)
- New members must purchase a minimum of $5 in membership equity shares
- Free access<sup>***</sup> to Coursera's global learning platform (Value $538/year)<sup>*</sup>
- Free identity theft protection and password manager with ID Assist
- New members must purchase a minimum of $5 in membership equity shares
- 2 free Interac network Canadian ATM withdrawals per month<sup>†</sup>
- 3 free International ATM withdrawals per year<sup>††</sup>
CIBC is one of the largest and most popular banks in Canada, and the CIBC Smart Account is a low-fee chequing account. Your monthly fee is based on the number of transactions made, so you don’t pay for more than you use.
- Only pay for what you use
- Sweet welcome offers
- Discounts for seniors
- Interac e-Transfers count as transactions
- Really, everything is a transaction
- Canadian resident
- Age of majority
- Low monthly fee for low usage, higher fees for high usage
- Comes with 12 months free Skip+ free trial
- Can save up to 10 cents per litre at participating gas stations when your card is linked to the Journie Rewards program
Bank accounts for kids tend to be pretty bare bones, and pale in comparison with its "adult" counterparts. However, the National Bank Youth Bank Account doesn’t take that approach. It offers free unlimited transactions to youths under the age of 25 with no monthly fee, free access to over 3,000 ABMs, and much more.
- Can be opened by youths as young as 14, and as old as 24
- Next to no fees
- Users can deposit cheques from their phones
- Access to balance and transactions in real-time via National Bank App
- Limitless debit and Interac e-Transfer transactions
- Users can only have this account until they turn 25
- Doesn’t offer many other perks
- Not as many locations as the Big 5
- It doesn’t earn any interest
- Canadian resident
- Under 25 years old
If you're a newcomer to Canada, the National Bank Newcomer Banking Package is an excellent choice for getting started with your financial journey in your new country. It's available to all newcomers within 5 years of their arrival in Canada and can easily be opened online. In fact, the account can be opened up to 90 days before you even arrive in Canada, as long as the eligibility requirements are met.
- No monthly fee for the first year
- Personalized phone support for more than just banking info
- Unlimited electronic transactions
- Access to National Bank credit cards
- Continuing fee-free requires signing up for other products
- Be a newcomer to Canada of age 18 or older
- Apply to open an account from your home country up to 90 days before you arrive in Canada, or within 5 years of your arrival
- Be the only user of the account
- Have a valid passport from a country outside of Canada or a Canadian permanent residency card (Newcomers already in Canada)
- Have a Canadian phone number (Newcomers already in Canada)
- Exclusive phone support for personal finance topics, immigration, and more
- Access to a National Bank Mastercard without needing Canadian credit history
- Free paper statements for a year
The National Bank Connected Chequing Account must have been created with the modern digital lifestyle in mind – the unlimited digital transactions, free Interac e-Transfers, mobile cheque deposits, and other features are precisely what today's mobile-friendly clients are looking for.
- Enjoy unlimited digital transactions
- Discounts on monthly fees for certain age groups
- Discount on credit card fees
- High minimum balance for waiving the fee
- You have to pay for in-branch transactions
- ABM fees are tricky to decipher
- Be a Canadian resident
- Be 14 years or older (to open an account)
The TD Student Chequing Account provides a budget-friendly banking solution for young people and full-time students. It comes with unlimited transactions, no monthly fees, and even a modest interest rate. New signups can get a welcome bonus of up to $125, along with discounts on trades through TD Direct Investing.
- No monthly fee for this account
- Unlimited transactions and e-Transfers
- Free overdraft protection
- Earn 0.01% interest on account balance
- Earn 50% more Stars at Starbucks
- Extra ATM fees
- Welcome bonus requires a few extra steps
- Lacking extra perks like CIBC or Scotiabank’s student accounts
- Be the age of majority in your province or territory
- Must be under the age of 23 or a full-time student
- Earn 50% more Starbucks stars
- Free overdraft protection
- Discounted trades with TD Direct Investing
Innovation's No-Fee Bank Account is a top-notch no fee account that offers features and benefits not commonly associated with chequing accounts. This chequing account from Saskatchewan-based Innovation Federal Credit Union is a strong contender in the free chequing account sphere, with cross-country availability (except for Quebec).
- Get $75 in GeniusCash when you open your account
- Earn rewards on monthly transactions
- Free and unlimited transactions and Interac e-Transfers®
- No minimum balance requirements
- Free non-affiliated ATM use in Canada
- Earn rewards for everyday banking
- Unavailable for Quebec residents
- No branch locations outside of Saskatchewan
- Be age 18 or older
- Be a Canadian resident (excluding Quebec)
- Have a SIN
- New members pay a $5 membership fee
- Ding-free ATM use across Canada
- Everyday banking earns cash rewards
The Canadian Western Bank Gold Leaf PLUS Account is a versatile, everyday-use chequing account for Canadian seniors aged 57 and older. This account comes with no monthly fees, unlimited transactions, complimentary cheques, and free Interac e-Transfers. Account holders also get a $15 discount when renting a safety deposit box.
- Aged 57 and over
- Canadian resident
- No monthly fee
- $15 discount on safety deposit box rentals
- Option to receive GIC monthly interest without penalty
The Coast Capital Unlimited Chequing Account is a mid-tier chequing account from Coast Capital. If you're in the market for an account with unlimited day-to-day transactions****, including free e-Transfers, don't count this one out simply because it's from a credit union – it can hold its own against similar chequing accounts from much bigger banks.
- Reasonable monthly fee***
- Valuable welcome offer**
- Free ID Assist protection
- Discounts for seniors, youth, and others***
- Free cheques each year
- Unavailable in Quebec
- No free unaffiliated ATM withdrawals
- Be the age of majority in your province or territory
- Have a SIN
- Live in Canada (except Quebec)
- New members must purchase a minimum of $5 in membership equity shares
- Online identity theft protection and monitoring (Value $96/year)
- Free withdrawals and deposits at more than 4,000 ATMs across Canada
The PC Money Account is a simple, basic bank account that earns significant PC Optimum points for users. It’s not quite a chequing account, though. It was launched in September of 2020 by PC Financial, a Canadian financial company.
- No fees for transactions or e-Transfers
- Unlimited transactions
- Earns tons of extra PC Optimum points
- Works like a prepaid Mastercard
- Optional savings feature with interest
- No option to use cheques
- Can't deposit cash or cheques at ATMs
- Annoying $20 inactivity fee
- Resident of Canada
- At least 16 years old
- Earns at least 5 PC Optimum points per $1 spent
- Access to PC Financial ATMs
- Earn up to 5,000 monthly bonus points when you deposit your payroll
- Earn up to 5,000 bonus points for making monthly bill payments
The CIBC Smart Start Account is a chequing account tailored for Canadians under the age of 25, and its convenient features make it very attractive, especially to students. And since CIBC is one of Canada's big 5 banks, the young account holders can rest assured of their bank's security and reliability.
- No monthly fees until age 25
- Unlimited transactions
- Free SPC+ membership
- CIBC Investor's Edge trading perks
- Save up to 10 cents per litre on gas
- Welcome and referral bonuses
- Converts to the CIBC Smart Account at age 25
- Unaffiliated ATM fees are rather high
- Under 25 years of age or a parent of a youth under age 13
- Free SPC+ membership
- Earn up to $500 each year with referrals
- Save on gas with Journie Rewards
The CIBC Smart for Students bank account delivers all the cash-saving features you want from a student account, while also providing the accessibility and widespread ATM network that a Big-5 bank is known for. But what really sets it apart is its free SPC+ membership, which gets you up to 30% off the top brands in Canada.
- Free SPC+ membership
- No monthly fee
- Unlimited transactions and Interac e-Transfers
- Huge number of physical locations and ATMs
- A cash welcome bonus and refer a friend cash reward
- Pricey non-CIBC ATM withdrawals
- Welcome bonus requires additional steps beyond signing up
- Canadian resident or international student
- Full-time student graduating after age 25
- Free SPC+ membership
- Save up to 10 cents per litre on gas with Journie Rewards
- Free Skip+ subscription for 12 months
The First Nations Bank of Canada Student Bank Account is a straightforward chequing account created for full-time post-secondary students. With no monthly fee, unlimited transactions, and free Interac e-Transfers, this account holds its own among the many other student bank accounts in Canada. It’s also easy to access through a top-rated mobile app, giving students a simple way to manage their money.
- No monthly fee
- Unlimited transactions and Interac e-Transfers
- Well-rated mobile app
- Branches and ATMS across most of Canada
- Supports an Indigenous-owned and operated institution
- Automatically converts after graduation
- No online applications
- Be enrolled as a full-time student
- An Indigenous-owned Canadian bank
The Laurentian Bank Unlimited Account is a reliable and cost-effective chequing account available for all Canadians. With unlimited transactions, a reasonable fee, and plenty of ATMs available, this product can provide the convenience you're looking for in a chequing account.
- Unlimited transactions
- Reasonable monthly fee
- Lower fees for seniors and students
- Extensive ATM network
- Complicated minimum balance requirement
- Limited branch access
- Few freebies or perks
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or landed immigrant
- Be at least 18 years old
- Access to the extensive THE EXCHANGE Network of ATMs
- Reduced monthly fees for students and seniors
The RBC Day To Day Banking Account account is the most basic chequing account offered by RBC with a monthly fee of just $4.00 compared with some premium accounts that have fees in excess of $30.
- Low $4.00 monthly fee (that can be waived if you have more RBC products)
- Unlimited Interac e-Transfers
- Extra perks at Petro-Canada
- Get personalized financial insights with NOMI
- Only 12 free debit transactions per month
- Non-affiliated ATM withdrawals are $3 each in Canada
- Overdraft protection not included
- At least the age of majority in your province
- Opening a sole account in your own name
- Living in Canada
- Free with a multi product rebate
- Save on fuel at Petro-Canada and earn bonus points
- Earn 50 extra Be Well points per $1 spent at Rexall
- Earn Avion points on debit purchases
- Free transactions for public transit use
The Tangerine Chequing Account is a free, full-featured option that makes banking simple and stress-free. With no monthly fees, no transaction fees, and convenient access to Scotiabank’s extensive coast-to-coast ATM network, it’s easy to see why this account stands out. Setting it up is quick, using it is intuitive, and managing your money online has never been easier.
- No monthly fee
- Unlimited free transfers
- No minimum balance requirement
- Pairs well with a Tangerine Savings Account
- Welcome bonus available
- Advertised interest rates are misleading
- Limited free cheques
- High non-affiliated ATM fees
- Limitations of an online bank
- Age of majority
- Canadian citizen
- Automatically categorizes your spending
- Free first book of 50 cheques
It may seem like a bare-bones type of account at first glance, but the Scotiabank Basic Bank Account is a solid choice for Canadians looking to keep their banking transactions at a minimum. Catering mostly to seniors and teens, this account offers surprising value in the form of free Interac e-Transfers, access to overdraft protection, and a discounted fee for clients in the 60+ age group.
- Low monthly fee
- Discounted fee for seniors
- Teens can open an account too
- Free Interac e-Transfers
- Big bank convenience and reliability
- Low transaction limit
- No fee waiver with minimum balance
- Lack of welcome bonus
- You must be at least 16 years old
- A Canadian resident or you're here for work or study
- Opening this account in your own name
- Free for seniors aged 60+
- Available for teens too, age 16+
- Free Interac e-Transfers
The Canadian Western Bank Prestige Account is a premium bank account offering unlimited daily transactions, an exclusive credit card, a complimentary wealth planning session, and more from a well-established and trusted banking institution. Account holders also have access to a dedicated CWB Relationship Manager, and more.
- Loads of special VIP perks
- Unlimited transactions
- Free to use EXCHANGE Network ATMs
- Free and unlimited Interac e-Transfers
- Special CWB World Elite Mastercard privileges
- Prestigious account with hidden requirements
- Few physical locations
- Canadian resident
- Speak to your local banking centre for more eligibility details
- Dedicated Relationship Manager
- Exclusive credit card perks
- Exclusive investment rates
- Complimentary CWB Wealth planning session
Are you looking for a quality youth account to help your children learn how to save? And do you want them to keep as much of their cash as possible without getting nickel and dimed? Do you also live in B.C. or Alberta? If so, you should take a look at the Canadian Western Bank Youth Account.
- No monthly fee
- Unlimited transactions
- Free Interac e-Transfers
- The account earns much more interest than similar youth accounts
- Very few physical locations
- Low upper age limit
- Pricey cost of using non-EXCHANGE Network ATMs
- No additional perks
- Aged 18 and under
- Canadian resident
As the name suggests, this Scotiabank chequing account will get you all the basic features you need in a dependable banking account.
- Lots of physical bank locations
- Decent amount of free transactions
- Ability to waive monthly fee
- Full suite of Scotiabank’s basic features
- Only get a set amount of free transactions
- Monthly fee if you dip under a $3,000 balance
- Charged for each non-Scotiabank ATM withdrawal
- You must be at least 16 years old
- A Canadian resident or you're here for work or study
- Opening this account in your own name
- Send money globally for $1.99
- $4 senior's discount
The Canadian Western Bank Student Account provides "the ultimate no-hassle chequing account," giving students an easy way to manage their money without worrying about fees or limits. And this is really what student bank accounts are all about.
- No monthly fee
- Unlimited transactions
- Interac e-Transfers are free
- Very basic features
- Pricey unaffiliated ATM use
- Limited physical locations
- Post-secondary student
- Canadian resident
- No monthly fee
- Unlimited transactions and Interac e-Transfers
The BMO Plus Chequing Account is one of BMO’s more straightforward banking plans, offering 25 free transactions per month for a monthly fee of $11.95, or $6.95 if you’re 60 or older and eligible for the $4 senior discount. Students also get the account for free, making it accessible to those who want a reliable option without extra frills. Unlimited Interac e-Transfers are included, and if you open the account before July 2, 2025, you can snag a $100 welcome bonus by completing a couple of basic banking tasks like setting up direct deposit or making a bill payment.
- $100 welcome bonus
- 25 free transactions per month
- $4.00 senior’s discount
- High monthly fee for what you get
- High minimum balance required to waive that fee
- No other special features or freebies
- $4 senior's discount
- Free, unlimited Interac e-Transfers
The TD Every Day Chequing Account offers unlimited free Interac e-Transfers, making it simple to send money anytime without worrying about extra charges. TD Bank also adds a little extra flavour by offering bonus Starbucks Rewards, a nice perk for coffee lovers who want to earn more with their day-to-day banking. For a monthly fee of just $11.95, which includes 25 transactions a month plus a seniors discount, this a good choice for your average banking needs.
- Resident of Canada
- Age of majority
- Get 50% more Stars at Starbucks.
- Unlimited free Interac e-Transfers
- Discount for seniors
The National Bank Modest Chequing Account is one of the more basic accounts offered by the National Bank, which gives you big bank security without a huge amount of bank fees. For a max of $10.95 each month (depending on your age and minimum), this chequing account will let you hold and spend your money with ease.
- Discounts available for certain age groups
- Interac e-Transfers are free
- Limit of 30 transactions per month
- Lack of credit card fee waivers
- No welcome bonus offer
- Complicated ABM fees
- Be a Canadian resident
- $5 discount for people 60 and older
- Free for youth under 25
With the Simplii No Fee Chequing Account, you get free daily banking. That includes unlimited free transactions, no minimum balance, and no monthly fee. What more could you ask for? You can even earn interest on your balance.
- No monthly fee or minimum balance requirement
- Free and unlimited transactions
- Earn interest on your balance
- Free international money transfers
- Free access to over 3,400 CIBC ATMs
- Get up to $125 in friend referrals
- Going into overdraft can be costly
- Extra fees on non-affiliated and international ATMs
- No extra bells and whistles
- Not available in Quebec
- Resident of Canada
- Age of majority
- Free access to CIBC ATMs
- Send money internationally for free
- Valuable referral bonuses
You’ve probably never heard of Alterna Bank, even though their parent company has been in business for over 100 years. They started as a credit union in Eastern Ontario, and now they’re mostly an online bank. Like other Canadian banks, they’re members of the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC), meaning your money is protected if the bank goes under.
- Unlimited transactions, no fee
- A large ATM network
- Some physical bank branches
- Low interest rate
- Monthly charge for overdraft protection
- The mobile app might have some issues
- You must be a Canadian resident
- You must have reached the age of majority in your province or territory
- Have an account at another major Canadian Financial Institution
If you’re in the market for a low fee chequing account that just covers the basics without any extra bells and whistles, the BMO Practical Plan chequing account might be right for you.
- Free Premium Rate savings account included
- Free for people over 60
The Canadian Western Bank Apex Account is a chequing account with a palatable fee with all you need in an everyday account. This will unlock access to unlimited transactions and Interac e-Transfers, as well as a way to waive the $14.25 monthly fee.
- Unlimited free transfers included
- Free Interac e-Transfers
- A chance at a monthly fee waiver
- No other real perks
- No welcome bonus
- Not available in Quebec
- Resident of Canada
- At least 18 years old
The RBC Digital Choice Business Account Package is an excellent account choice for a business bank account and is best suited for companies who primarily like to use online and mobile banking for most of their business banking. RBC also has an impressive list of recommended services for businesses.
- Unlimited debit and credit electronic transactions
- Unlimited Moneris deposits
- Unlimited electronic cheque deposits
- Access to other business services
- Petro-Canada fuel savings
- Limited Interac e-Transfers
- Fees for cash and paper deposits
- ATM fees
- Canadian citizen
- Age of majority
- Have a business registered in Canada
- Unlimited electronic debit and credit transactions
- Unlimited Moneris deposits
- 10 FREE Interac e-Transfer transactions
The Laurentian Bank Youth Plan is a chequing account created for children and teens under the age of 18. With no monthly fee, unlimited debit transactions, and access to a widespread network of ATMs, young Laurentian clients may find significant value in this account.
- No monthly fee
- Unlimited debit transactions
- Free access to an extensive ATM network
- Strange minimum balance requirement
- No free Interac e-Transfers
- Can't apply online
- The future of the account is uncertain
- Be under 18 years old
- Be a citizen or resident of Canada
- Have a valid government-issued ID
The Motusbank No-Fee Chequing Account has no monthly fee, no minimum balance requirement, and a competitive 0.15% interest rate. It also gives you plenty of perks, like free Interac e-Transfers, unlimited transactions, and access to both the EXCHANGE and Allpoint Networks of ATMs.
- No monthly fee
- Unlimited free transactions and Interac e-Transfers
- No fee access to EXCHANGE and Allpoint Network ATMs
- Your balance earns interest
- A digital only bank means no physical branches
- No welcome bonus
- Canadian resident
- Valid email address
- Age of majority
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.
- Banking with a full-service institution
- Earn a sweet welcome bonus
- Free use of ATMs across Canada
- Deposit cheques with just a photo
- Fees for sending Interac e-Transfers
- Age of majority in your province
- Social Insurance Number for new members
- New members must purchase a minimum of $5 in membership equity shares
- 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
The TD Minimum Chequing Account is very well suited for people with minimal banking needs. Notably, seniors over 60 years old who are collecting the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) beneficiaries can use this account without paying the $3.95 monthly fee.
- Free for seniors collecting GIS
- Free for RDSP beneficiaries
- Low monthly fee
- Earn extra Starbucks rewards
- Limited amount of transactions
- Additional transaction and ATM fees
- No free e-Transfers
- Age of majority
- 50% more Stars at participating Starbucks stores
- Free for RDSP beneficiaries and seniors receiving GIS
The National Bank The Minimalist Chequing Account is a basic-level chequing account that provides clients with just enough features and transactions to cover the necessities. It's even free for children, students, and seniors – no extra services, points accumulation, or anything else necessary. This is a factor that sets it apart from most other similar accounts on the market.
- Pay low fees – or none at all
- A bit of overdraft protection
- Fast and simple application process
- Only 12 free transactions
- ABM fees are tricky to decipher
- No welcome bonus for new clients
- Be a Canadian resident
- Be 14+ years old
- Free for children, students, and eligible seniors 65+
The Laurentian Bank Preferred Account offers an average banking solution for a monthly fee of $7.50. The monthly fee includes 20 transactions that cover a wide range of financial activities, making it advantageous for users with moderate banking needs.
- Free for students
- Discounted rate for seniors
- Access to thousands of ATMs in Canada
- Limited transactions
- Fees for additional transactions and e-Transfers
- Minimum balance to avoid (some) fees
- Residents of Canada
- Age of majority
The Laurentian Bank Basic Account is a cost-effective option for those who don’t need too many transactions. For $4.00 per month, account holders can make 12 transactions including ATM withdrawals, bill payments, and debit transactions. The monthly fee is waived for RDSP beneficiaries and seniors receiving the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
- Free for seniors receiving GIS and RDSP beneficiaries
- Low monthly fee
- Access to over 3,000 ATMs across the country
- Minimum balance requirements
- Only 12 transactions per month
- Excess transaction fees
- Age of majority
- Residents of Canada
For businesses making only a handful of monthly transactions, the RBC Flex Choice Business Account Package offers a valuable way to keep expenses down. For a low monthly fee of $7.00, you'll pay a small fee for each transaction, but the accompanying perks can help you save money.
- Canadian citizen
- Age of majority
- Have a business registered in Canada
- Unlimited Moneris deposits
- Fuel savings at Petro-Canada
- Access to RBC Beyond Banking's support, products, and services
- Enhanced features on the RBC mobile app specifically for business use
The Laurentian Bank 65+ Plan is a very simple and straightforward chequing account designed for seniors who don't do much spending or who prefer to use cash to complete their transactions. While clearly a niche product for those over the age of 65+ living in Quebec, this account from one of the country's oldest banking institutions still has excellent value for its target clients.
- No monthly fee
- No minimum balance requirement
- Access to an extensive ATM system
- Limited features overall
- Only 4 free transactions included
- Few branches outside of Quebec
- Be at least 65 years old
The CIBC Everyday Chequing Account is a basic, no-frills account offering easy access to your funds at a low monthly fee–just $4.00 a month. This account also features easy access to a large and convenient ATM network, along with a wide array of services available at CIBC branches across the country – all perks of working with one of Canada's largest banks.
- Canadian resident
- Age of majority in your province
The Canadian Western Bank Standard Account is a basic chequing account with a low monthly fee and a limited number of free transactions every month. The monthly fee can be waived as long as you have at least $1,000 in your account.
- Low, easily-wavied monthly fee
- Free ATM withdrawals from the EXCHANGE Network
- Free transfers between CWB accounts
- Very few transactions
- Interac e-Transfers aren’t free
- Very few physical locations
- Canadian resident
- Age of majority
- Unlimited free transactions
- Plenty of free cash deposits
- Change your plan if you need to
- Get the monthly fee waived
- High monthly fee
- Easy to switch between Scotiabank Business Plans
- Four levels to choose from
The Scotiabank Select Account For Business Plan A is one of 4 plans available with the Scotiabank Select Account for business. Though it’s the lower tier, Plan A still offers a decent number of free transactions for a small businesses – and the monthly fee can be waived simply by keeping $20,000 in the account at all times.
- Ability to waive the monthly fee
- Easy to change your plan
- 20 free Interac e-Transfers
- Includes free cash deposits
- Relatively high monthly fee
- Easy to switch between Scotiabank Business Plans
- Four levels to choose from
The Scotiabank Select Account is available with 4 different plans. Plan B offers up to 70 free transactions, 60 deposits and cash deposits up to $8,000 per month for your business banking needs – and while it has a monthly fee of $40.00, you can waive that by keeping a minimum of $35,000 in the account.
- Waive the monthly fee
- Easy to change your plan
- 20 free Interac e-Transfers
- Includes free cash deposits
- Relatively high monthly fee
- Easy to switch between Scotiabank Business Plans
- Four levels to choose from
With 4 different plans to choose from, the Scotiabank Select Account for business gives small business owners a choice when it comes to banking. Plan C is the upper-middle tier plan, offering plenty of free transactions and cash deposits for a $75.00 monthly fee. If it seems high, it can be waived by maintaining a minimum balance of $45,000.
- Lots of free transactions
- Get the monthly fee waived
- Easy to change your plan
- Plenty of free cash deposits
- High monthly fee
- Easy to switch between Scotiabank Business Plans
- Four levels to choose from










