Finding the right chequing account for your needs doesn't have to be complicated. Use our comparison tool below to explore every chequing account available in Canada and see how they stack up against each other. You can sort accounts by monthly fees, transaction limits, account type, rewards programs, and other features that matter to you.
Want to dive deeper? Select up to 10 products at a time to compare them side-by-side and see exactly how they differ. Whether you're looking for a no-fee account, unlimited transactions, student perks, or premium rewards, our tool helps you cut through the noise and find the account that fits your banking style and saves you money.
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 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
- Cheques, money orders, and drafts included
- OnGuard Identity Theft protection included
- 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 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 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 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 $100 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 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
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
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
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 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
- $700 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
- OnGuard Identity Theft Protection included
- Eligible for a free <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bmo.com/en-ca/main/personal/bank-accounts/family-bundle/">BMO Family Bundle</a>
- 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 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.
- Get a $175 welcome cash 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
Are you an international student studying in Canada? That’s great news, because the BMO Performance Chequing Account for International Students is a bank account designed especially for newcomers to Canada like you. Part of the BMO New Start® Program, this account offers perks like $125 in cash bonuses as well as 6 months worth of pizza, just for signing up for the account and completing a few simple actions. This BMO chequing account offers no monthly fees, as well as unlimited transactions and unlimited Interac e-Transfers, which can help you get off to a great start as a new student in Canada.
- A $125 welcome bonus plus pizza
- No monthly fee student chequing account
- Unlimited transactions for your day-to-day spending
- Unlimited e-transfers with daily limits
- Credit card rebate with your chequing account
- Extra fee for non-BMO ATM usage
- Proof of enrollment required for eligibility
- International students enrolled full-time in university, college, or private vocational school
- Proof of registration of student status or expected graduation required
- Canadian social insurance number
- Canadian address
- 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 and six months worth of Domino's pizza
If you’re looking for a simple, straightforward bank account that happens to earn you PC Optimum points, look no further than the PC Money Account. It shares some similarities with a chequing account, but avoids all monthly fees and includes unlimited transactions.
- No fees for transactions or e-Transfers
- Unlimited transactions
- 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
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 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
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
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>
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
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
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
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 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 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
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 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
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
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 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 monthly discount for seniors
- INTERAC e-Transfer® transactions included within Bank Plan limits
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
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
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 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 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
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.
- Available with no monthly plan fee for people over 60
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).
- 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
For digital or online-only businesses, the Float Business Account could be the business bank account for you. It comes with unlimited digital transactions, which includes ACH, EFT, and wire transfers. Float also offers very low foreign exchange fees of 0.25% on CAD and USD conversions, up to 4% on your CAD and USD balances, and no monthly fees for the base plan. Businesses can hold both Canadian and U.S. dollar accounts that are CDIC-protected up to a total of $100,000 (across both accounts).
- No monthly fee for the Essential plan
- High interest rate on your balance
- Low foreign exchange fees
- Unlimited digital transactions
- Ease of Setup
- Missing basic transactions of traditional bank accounts
- No branch access
- Earn up to 4% interest on your balance
- Low foreign exchange fees
- Access to both CAD and USD accounts
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
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 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
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
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 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 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 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
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
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 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 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
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 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 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 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
What is a Chequing Account?
Think of a chequing account as your everyday money hub. It's the account you use for all your regular financial stuff: depositing your paycheque, paying your bills, buying things with your debit card, sending e-Transfers to your friends, writing cheques, and grabbing cash from ATMs. Banks and credit unions across Canada offer these accounts because they know you need a place to park your money where you can access it whenever you want. Unlike a savings account that's all about earning interest and limiting how often you touch your money, your chequing account is designed to be used frequently. It's basically your financial home base.
How Chequing Accounts Work in Canada
Opening a chequing account is pretty straightforward. Once you've set one up, your bank gives you a debit card that's linked directly to your account balance. Every time you tap or swipe that card, the money comes right out of your account (no credit involved, just your own cash).
You can put money into your account in tons of ways. Most people set up direct deposit with their employer so their paycheque lands in their account automatically every pay period. You can also deposit cheques by taking a photo with your phone (seriously, it's that easy now), stick cash or cheques into an ATM, or pop into a branch if you're old school about it.
Here's the thing about fees: most chequing accounts charge you a monthly fee, usually somewhere between $4 and $31. But don't worry, there are usually ways around this. Many banks will waive that fee if you keep a certain minimum balance in your account. Depending on what type of account you choose, you'll either get unlimited transactions or a set number of free ones each month. Transactions include everything from buying coffee with your debit card to paying your hydro bill online to sending an e-Transfer to split dinner with friends.
The good news? Your money is protected by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) for up to $100,000. So even if your bank somehow goes under (which is super rare), you won't lose your money. Pretty much all major banks and most credit unions participate in this protection program, so you can sleep easy knowing your hard-earned cash is safe.
Chequing Account vs Savings Account: Understanding the Difference
Lots of people wonder whether they should get a chequing account or a savings account, but honestly? You probably need both. They do totally different jobs, and understanding how they work together is key to managing your money well.
Key Differences Between Chequing and Savings Accounts
| Feature | Chequing Account | Savings Account |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Everyday transactions and spending | Saving money and earning interest |
| Transaction Limits | Unlimited or high transaction limits | Limited transactions (often charged after a threshold) |
| Interest Rates | Little to no interest earned | Higher interest rates to help money grow |
| Debit Card Access | Yes, for daily purchases | Limited or no debit card access |
| Cheque Writing | Yes | Usually no |
| Monthly Fees | Common (can often be waived) | Often lower or no fees |
| Bill Payments | Unlimited bill payments | Limited or may count toward transaction limit |
| Best For | Income deposits, bill payments, daily spending | Emergency funds, short-term savings goals |
Should You Choose a Chequing or Savings Account?
It really depends on what you're trying to do with your money. If you need to make lots of transactions (paying bills, buying groceries, getting cash out), you absolutely need a chequing account. It's your go-to for all the day-to-day money stuff. This is where your paycheque should go and where you'll pay your rent from.
On the flip side, a savings account is perfect for money you don't need to touch right away. Think emergency funds, saving up for a vacation, or just building up your financial cushion. The interest rate is way better than what you'd get in a chequing account (where you basically earn nothing), so your money actually grows while it sits there.
Here's what smart money management looks like: use your chequing account for your everyday spending and bills, then move any extra cash you don't need into your savings account where it can earn interest. A lot of banks even offer package deals where you get both types of accounts with lower fees if you keep a combined minimum balance. It's a win-win.
Types of Chequing Accounts Available in Canada
Not all chequing accounts are created equal (not even close). Canadian banks and credit unions offer different types designed for different people and different needs. Let's break down what's out there so you can figure out which one fits your life.
Basic or Low-Fee Chequing Accounts
These are the no-frills option. You get a limited number of free transactions each month (usually between 10 and 25), and you pay a lower monthly fee (think $4 to $12). They're perfect if you're not a heavy user of your account or if you tend to use cash for most things. Just watch out: if you go over your transaction limit, you'll get dinged $1 to $1.50 for each extra transaction. Those charges can add up fast if you're not careful.
Unlimited or Premium Chequing Accounts
Want to swipe your card as much as you want without worrying? That's what premium accounts are for. You get unlimited transactions (debit purchases, bill payments, e-Transfers, the whole nine yards). Sure, the monthly fee is higher (anywhere from $15 to $31), but these accounts often come with sweet perks like free cheques, discounts on safety deposit boxes, rebates on credit card fees, and premium customer service. If you're someone who makes tons of transactions every month, the math usually works out in your favour with one of these.
No-Fee Chequing Accounts
These do exactly what they say on the tin (no monthly fee, period). Often unlimited transactions too. You'll mostly find these from online banks and credit unions. The catch? You might pay fees for using ATMs outside their network, and you probably won't get as many free cheques. But if you're cool with banking online and don't need a physical branch, these accounts are hard to beat for value.
Student Chequing Accounts
If you're in college or university full-time, banks want your business. Student accounts typically waive all monthly fees while you're enrolled and often include unlimited transactions. Many throw in extras like student discount programs, cheaper trading fees if you're dabbling in investing, and welcome bonuses just for signing up. The sweet ride usually ends when you graduate or turn 25, at which point your account converts to a regular chequing account.
Senior Chequing Accounts
Once you hit 60 or 65 (depends on the bank), you qualify for senior discounts. These accounts either slash the monthly fee by a few bucks or eliminate it entirely, especially if you're receiving government benefits like the Guaranteed Income Supplement. It's a nice little perk for retirement, and the transaction limits vary depending on which account type you choose.
Youth and Teen Chequing Accounts
Got kids learning about money? Youth accounts are designed for anyone under 18 or 19 (depending on your province). No monthly fees, unlimited transactions, and parents can keep an eye on things. These accounts help young people learn banking basics without draining their allowance on fees. When they hit the age of majority, the account usually transitions to a student account or regular chequing account.
Newcomer Chequing Accounts
New to Canada? Banks have accounts specifically for you. Newcomer accounts make it easier to get set up without Canadian credit history, and they usually waive monthly fees for your first year or two. Some even include extra support services to help you figure out the Canadian banking system. It's basically a welcome mat for your money.
Business Chequing Accounts
If you're running a business or self-employed, you need to keep your business money separate from your personal funds. Business chequing accounts are built for higher transaction volumes and come with business-specific features like merchant payment processing. Fees are typically based on how many transactions you make each month. Don't mix business and personal (trust us, your accountant will thank you).
Key Features to Compare When Choosing a Chequing Account
Not sure which chequing account is right for you? Use our comparison tool above to stack accounts up against each other based on these features that actually matter:
Monthly Fees and Fee Waivers
Monthly fees in Canada run anywhere from zero to $31. Here's the thing though: a lot of banks will let you skip that fee if you keep a minimum balance in your account (usually between $1,000 and $5,000) or if you have multiple products with them. Before you commit to maintaining that minimum balance, do the math. Is the money you'd save on fees worth having that cash tied up when it could be earning interest somewhere else?
Transaction Limits
Basic accounts give you a set number of free transactions each month (usually somewhere between 10 and 25). Premium accounts let you transact as much as you want. Here's what you need to do: actually count your monthly transactions. Include everything (debit card purchases, bill payments, e-Transfers, ATM trips, depositing cheques). If you're consistently going over 25 transactions, you're better off with an unlimited account. Otherwise, you'll get nailed with $1 to $1.50 for every transaction over your limit, and that adds up fast.
Interac e-Transfer Limits and Fees
Let's be real: Interac e-Transfers are how most of us split bills, pay rent, or send money to friends these days. The good news is that most accounts now include unlimited free e-Transfers. But some still count them toward your transaction limit or charge you per transfer (usually $1 to $1.50). Also check your daily sending limits (most banks cap you at $2,000 to $3,000 per day, which matters if you're making bigger payments).
ATM Access and Fees
Using your own bank's ATMs? Usually free. Using someone else's ATM? That'll cost you $2 to $5 every single time. If you travel a lot or find yourself needing cash when you're nowhere near your bank's ATMs, look for accounts that give you free ATM access across Canada or even worldwide. Those fees seem small, but if you're pulling out cash from random ATMs twice a week, you're looking at over $400 a year down the drain.
Overdraft Protection
Ever had your card declined because you didn't have enough money in your account? Embarrassing, right? Overdraft protection prevents that by letting you go into the negative. Instead of getting hit with a massive NSF (non-sufficient funds) fee of $45 to $50, you'll pay interest on the amount you're overdrawn (usually around 19% to 22% annually). Some accounts include free overdraft protection, others charge a monthly fee ($5 to $10), and some make you sign up separately. It's not a licence to overspend, but it's a nice safety net for when life happens.
Rewards and Perks
Premium accounts often let you earn rewards points on debit purchases. We're talking Scene+ points, Avion points, or Air Miles (stuff you can actually use for movies, travel, or groceries). Beyond rewards, you might get rebates on credit card annual fees (saving you $40 to $150 a year), better exchange rates when you travel, free personalized cheques, discounts on safety deposit boxes, and access to exclusive customer service lines where you're not on hold for an hour. If you're paying for a premium account anyway, make sure you're actually using these perks.
Minimum Balance Requirements
Want to avoid monthly fees? Most banks will waive them if you keep a certain amount in your account every single day. We're talking $1,000 for basic accounts, up to $5,000 or more for premium ones. But here's the catch: if your balance dips below that minimum even once during the month, boom, you get charged the full monthly fee. Before you agree to this, think about whether you can realistically keep that much money sitting in an account that earns basically no interest. For some people it works great. For others, it's money that should be working harder elsewhere.
Additional Account Fees
Monthly fees are just the beginning. Watch out for these other charges that can sneak up on you: NSF fees when a payment bounces ($45 to $50), stop payment fees if you need to cancel a cheque ($15 to $25), paper statement fees if you want physical mail ($2 to $5 monthly), certified cheque or money order fees ($8 to $15), and those annoying foreign ATM fees we already mentioned ($3 to $5 per use). Premium accounts often waive a bunch of these, which is why they can actually save you money if you use a lot of these services.
How to Choose the Right Chequing Account
Picking the best chequing account doesn't have to give you a headache. Just follow this simple framework and you'll figure out what works for you:
Assess Your Transaction Volume
Time for some honest self-reflection. Take a month or two and actually count how many times you use your account. Every debit purchase, every bill payment, every e-Transfer, every ATM trip, every cheque you deposit. If you're making fewer than 25 transactions a month, a basic account with limited transactions will probably save you money. But if you're up there at 30+ transactions? Go unlimited. You don't want to be that person watching your transaction count like a hawk and getting dinged with overage fees.
Consider Your Banking Style
Are you glued to your banking app and love doing everything online? Or do you like walking into a branch and talking to a real person? If you're the online type, you might love what online banks and credit unions offer (better rates, lower fees, solid apps). The trade-off is fewer (or zero) physical branches. But if you're someone who deposits cash regularly, needs a safety deposit box, or just feels better with face-to-face service, then a traditional bank with branches in your neighbourhood is worth paying a bit more for.
Evaluate Your Life Stage
Your age and situation matter more than you'd think. If you're a student, take advantage of those free student accounts while you can (you're literally leaving money on the table if you don't). Seniors get special discounts that can slash your monthly costs. New to Canada? Newcomer accounts are designed for you and make getting started way easier. Young professional crushing it at work? An unlimited account probably matches your active lifestyle and you won't stress about transaction limits.
Calculate Your True Costs
Don't just look at the sticker price on the monthly fee. A $30/month premium account might actually cost you less than a $5/month basic account once you factor in all those extra fees (going over transaction limits, ATM fees, paying for cheques, getting charged for e-Transfers). Grab a calculator and add up what you'd actually pay based on how you really use your account. The answer might surprise you.
Look at Package Deals
Banks love bundling products together, and you can use this to your advantage. Having both a chequing and savings account might get you fee waivers. Using their credit card and mortgage together could unlock discounts. If you're already planning to use multiple services from the same bank anyway, these packages can save you a decent chunk of change. Just make sure you're actually going to use all the products in the bundle (don't get suckered into things you don't need).
Check for Welcome Bonuses and Promotions
Banks regularly throw cash at new customers (we're talking anywhere from $100 to $700 just for opening an account). Look, this shouldn't be the main reason you choose an account, but if you're torn between two similar options? That welcome bonus can be the tiebreaker. Just read the fine print so you know what you need to do to actually get the money (like setting up direct deposit or keeping a minimum balance for a few months).
Understanding and Avoiding Chequing Account Fees
Bank fees are sneaky little budget killers if you're not paying attention. Here's the lowdown on what banks might try to charge you, and more importantly, how to avoid paying them:
Monthly Maintenance Fees
What it costs: $4 to $31 per month
How to dodge it: Keep the minimum daily balance they require, switch to a no-fee account, take advantage of student or senior rates if you qualify, or bundle a bunch of products with the same bank to get multi-product discounts. Sometimes it's worth switching banks entirely if you can't avoid the fee where you are.
Transaction Fees
What it costs: $1 to $1.50 every time you go over your limit
How to dodge it: Actually track your transactions (most banking apps will do this for you) and if you're consistently going over, bite the bullet and upgrade to unlimited. Or get creative (use your credit card for purchases instead of your debit card, then pay it off in full each month, and bundle your bill payments together instead of doing them one at a time).
ATM Fees
What it costs: $2 to $5 every time you use an ATM that's not your bank's
How to dodge it: Plan ahead and only use your bank's ATMs. Or when you're buying groceries, get cash back at the register (it's free). If you travel a lot or your bank doesn't have ATMs everywhere, consider upgrading to an account that includes free nationwide ATM access. Trust us, those $5 fees add up faster than you think.
NSF (Non-Sufficient Funds) Fees
What it costs: A brutal $45 to $50 every time a payment bounces
How to dodge it: Set up alerts on your banking app so you get a notification when your balance gets low. Link your account to overdraft protection (either a savings account or a line of credit). Or just keep a buffer in your account (like an extra $100 or $200 that you pretend isn't there). NSF fees are one of the worst because they hit when you're already low on cash.
Interac e-Transfer Fees
What it costs: $1 to $1.50 per transfer
How to dodge it: Get an account with unlimited free e-Transfers (pretty much all the major banks offer this now). If your account still charges for them, either switch accounts or at least make sure you're not going over your transaction limit when you send them.
Paper Statement Fees
What it costs: $2 to $5 every month
How to dodge it: Go paperless. Seriously, just opt for electronic statements. You can still download PDFs if you need them for your records, and you'll never pay this fee. It's probably better for the environment too, if you're into that sort of thing.
Dormant Account Fees
What it costs: $10 to $25 per month after your account sits unused for 12 to 24 months
How to dodge it: If you have accounts you're not using regularly, just make a small transaction every few months. Buy a coffee with your debit card or transfer $10 to your savings. Or better yet, close accounts you don't actually need anymore.
Pros and Cons of Chequing Accounts
Like anything in life, chequing accounts have their upsides and downsides. Let's keep it real about both:
The Good Stuff
- Your money's always there when you need it: Want to grab cash, buy something, pay a bill? Done. No waiting, no restrictions, no "sorry, you can't access your money right now."
- Paycheques land automatically: Set up direct deposit once and boom, your money shows up in your account every pay period without you lifting a finger. Same goes for government benefits and any other regular payments.
- So many ways to use your money: Debit card, cheques, e-Transfers, bill payments, online transfers. You've got options for pretty much any situation.
- Your money is protected: The CDIC insures your deposits up to $100,000. Even if your bank somehow goes belly-up (which basically never happens), you're covered.
- You can actually see where your money goes: Every transaction shows up in your history, which is clutch for budgeting, tracking your spending, and doing your taxes. Way better than trying to remember what you spent cash on.
- Opens doors to other banking stuff: Having a chequing account and using it responsibly makes it easier to get approved for loans, mortgages, and credit cards down the road.
- Safer than carrying wads of cash: If you lose your wallet, you can freeze your account immediately. Try doing that with $500 in twenties.
- Some accounts give you free stuff: Premium accounts let you rack up points or cashback on your everyday spending. Not a ton, but hey, free is free.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
- Those monthly fees sting: Paying $4 to $31 every single month just to have an account gets old fast, especially when that money could be in your pocket instead.
- Your money just sits there: While savings accounts and investments are out there making you money, your chequing account balance earns basically nothing. It's just sitting.
- Minimum balances tie up your cash: Want to waive that monthly fee? Cool, just keep $3,000 or $5,000 locked in your account doing nothing. Money you could be using elsewhere or investing for actual returns.
- Transaction limits are annoying: With basic accounts, you're counting your debit purchases like you're on some weird budget game show. Go over and bam, extra fees.
- ATM fees are a tax on impatience: Need cash now but you're not near your bank? That's $5, please. Do this twice a week and you're hemorrhaging money.
- Overdraft charges are brutal: Accidentally spend $5 more than you have? That'll be $50, thanks. Or if you have overdraft protection, enjoy paying 20% interest. Either way, it hurts.
- It's too easy to spend: When your money is right there, always accessible, it's way harder to save. Out of sight, out of mind works for a reason.
- Death by a thousand cuts: Want a certified cheque? That's $10. Need to stop payment on a cheque? $20. Want paper statements? $5/month. These little fees add up before you know it.
Frequently asked questions about chequing accounts
What is a chequing account?
A chequing account is your everyday banking hub where you deposit your paycheque, pay bills, buy things with your debit card, and grab cash from ATMs. Banks and credit unions offer these accounts specifically for frequent use and easy access to your money.
Unlike a savings account that's designed to help your money grow with interest, your chequing account is all about accessibility. You can get to your money whenever you want, however you want. It's basically your financial home base for daily transactions.
What is a chequing account used for?
Your chequing account handles all your everyday financial moves. It's where your paycheque lands, where you pay rent and utilities from, where you make purchases with your debit card, and where you send e-Transfers to friends when you're splitting bills.
Most people also write cheques from this account for occasional payments and use it to withdraw cash from ATMs. The smart approach is keeping just enough in there to cover your regular expenses, then moving the extra to a savings account where it can earn interest.
How does a chequing account work?
You open an account, deposit money, and the bank gives you a debit card connected to your balance. Every time you swipe or tap that card, the money comes right out of your account. You can add money through direct deposit, mobile cheque deposits, ATMs, or bank transfers.
Most accounts charge a monthly fee and may limit your transactions depending on the account type. Your bank sends you statements showing all your activity, which helps you track your spending and manage your budget.
What's the difference between a chequing and savings account?
Your chequing account is for everyday spending. It gives you a debit card, lets you write cheques, and allows frequent transactions. The catch? You earn basically zero interest. Your savings account is designed for money you won't touch for a while, pays actual interest to grow your balance, but limits how many transactions you can make each month.
You're not choosing one or the other. You need both doing different jobs. Keep your everyday spending money in chequing and stash your emergency fund and savings goals in a savings account where it can grow.
Is it better to have a savings or chequing account?
You don't have to pick one. You should have both. You absolutely need a chequing account for day-to-day life (getting paid, paying bills, buying stuff), and you also need a savings account for building your emergency fund and growing your money with interest.
The smart move is using your chequing account as your operational hub where money flows in and out, then automatically moving whatever's left over into your savings account. Banks even offer package deals where you get both accounts with better fees if you bundle them together.
What are the cons of a chequing account?
Most chequing accounts charge monthly fees ($4 to $31) and your money earns basically no interest while it sits there. To waive fees, you usually need to keep a minimum balance like $3,000 or $5,000, which is money that could be working harder elsewhere. Basic accounts also limit your transactions, and going over means extra fees.
Need cash from a non-bank ATM? That's $5 each time. Accidentally overdraw your account? You're looking at $50 NSF fees or 20% overdraft interest. Plus, having your money so easily accessible makes it tempting to spend instead of save.
Is a debit card a chequing account?
Nope, your debit card isn't the account itself. It's just the tool you use to access the money in your chequing account. Think of your chequing account as the vault where your money lives, and your debit card as the key that lets you get to it.
When you open a chequing account, the bank gives you a debit card that's electronically linked to your account. Every time you use that card to buy something or pull cash from an ATM, the money gets pulled straight from your chequing account balance.
Is it "chequing" or "checking"?
Both spellings are correct. It just depends on which side of the border you're on. In Canada, we spell it "chequing" with the 'qu', which matches how we spell "cheque." Down in the States, they spell it "checking" with a 'ck', same as how they spell "check."
It's one of those Canadian versus American English differences, like "colour" versus "color." When you're banking in Canada, every bank and credit union uses "chequing account" with the 'qu' spelling.
What are the 4 types of bank accounts?
The four main types you'll run into in Canada are chequing accounts (for everyday transactions), savings accounts (for earning interest on money you're not spending), term deposits or GICs (where you lock money away for guaranteed interest), and registered accounts like RRSPs and TFSAs (which give you tax breaks for long-term savings).
Most people end up using a mix of these account types at different points in their lives depending on what they're trying to accomplish financially.
How do I write a cheque correctly?
Start with today's date at the top right. On the "Pay to the order of" line, write the full name of whoever you're paying. In the small box with the dollar sign, write the amount in numbers (like $125.50). On the long line below, write that same amount in words (like "One hundred twenty-five dollars and 50/100").
Draw a line from where your words end to the word "dollars" so nobody can change the amount. Add what the payment is for in the memo line, then sign it in the bottom right corner. Never sign a blank cheque. That's just asking for trouble.
Can I earn interest on a chequing account?
Yeah, some chequing accounts pay interest, but we're talking pretty small amounts. Some online banks and credit unions offer "high-interest chequing accounts" that might pay 0.01% to 1.5% or more, depending on what the Bank of Canada is doing with rates. Your typical big bank chequing account earns basically nothing.
If earning interest on your everyday banking money is important to you, look for accounts marketed as "high-interest chequing" or consider online institutions. But even the best chequing rates can't compete with dedicated savings accounts or GICs.
How much money should I keep in my chequing account?
The sweet spot is usually enough to cover one to two months of regular expenses, plus a small buffer for unexpected stuff. Add up what you typically spend each month on rent, utilities, groceries, gas, and subscriptions, then tack on an extra $500 to $1,000 as your "just in case" cushion.
Don't go overboard though. Keeping too much money in your chequing account means it's sitting there earning nothing when it could be growing in a savings account. Find the balance where you avoid overdraft nightmares without leaving thousands earning zero interest.
Why use a chequing account instead of savings?
Because a chequing account is built for constant use, and a savings account really isn't. With chequing, you can make unlimited purchases with your debit card, write cheques, send unlimited e-Transfers, pay bills as often as you like, and grab cash from ATMs without hitting transaction limits.
A savings account is way more restrictive. You typically only get a handful of transactions per month before fees kick in, and you don't get a debit card for purchases. They're designed for completely different jobs, which is why you use chequing for operations and savings for, well, saving.
What is another name for a chequing account?
In Canada, you might hear them called "current accounts" (more of a UK thing), "transactional accounts," or "everyday accounts." In Quebec and French banking, they're called "compte chèques." Older folks sometimes use "demand deposit account," which is the formal banking term.
But honestly, no matter what you call it (chequing account, current account, transactional account), everyone's talking about the same thing. In Canada, "chequing account" is what you'll hear 99% of the time.
Do I need both a chequing and savings account?
You're not legally required to have both, but yeah, you really should. Your chequing account handles day-to-day stuff like paying bills and buying groceries. Your savings account builds your emergency fund and earns interest on money you're not spending right away.
The winning move is setting up automatic transfers where surplus money from chequing moves to savings each month. Most banks offer bundles with both account types at better fees. The small price of having two accounts is worth it for the financial discipline and peace of mind.










