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As one of Canada’s leading online-only banks, Simplii Financial has carved out a reputation for offering everyday banking essentials with standout value. Backed by the security and infrastructure of CIBC, Simplii delivers modern banking without the brick-and-mortar costs – translating to fee-free accounts, competitive promotional interest rates, and convenient access to thousands of ATMs nationwide.

Whether you're trying to cut banking fees, maximize cash back rewards, or simplify your finances under one roof, Simplii’s full suite of products – from chequing and savings accounts to mortgages, loans, and a popular no-fee credit card – gives you plenty to work with.

Simplii Financial
1.4
Genius Rating
Overview
  • Fully-digital bank with competitive rates and fees.
  • Full-service banking, from free chequing accounts to mortgages.
  • High promotional interest rates and referral bonuses.
  • Backed by CIBC, one of Canada's biggest banks.
Personal Finance
Personal Finance
0.3
Banking
Banking
2.6

Rating methodology

Simplii Financial's overall rating is 1.4 out of a possible 5 stars. This number is an average of all the individual products we've rated so far, which you can find more info on below. Each of these are scored by breaking them down into their main parts, then comparing each feature to similar products on the market.

Learn more about our rating methodology.

Simplii Financial pros

Here are a few reasons why loyal customers love Simplii Financial:

Very popular free chequing account in Canada

The Simplii No Fee Chequing Account is a consistent award-winner and a regular on Canada's top "best chequing account" lists—and for good reason. Its standout feature is zero monthly fees, but the perks don’t stop there. You get unlimited day-to-day transactions, plus a debit Mastercard that gives you free access to over 3,000 CIBC ATMs across the country, making everyday banking easy and cost-free.

Consistently valuable welcome offers

New Simplii High Interest Savings Account clients are consistently welcomed with a very high interest rate  (currently 4.5% for 7 months). Those opening new chequing accounts are offered cash bonuses (currently $350), and even Simplii Financial Global Money Transfer users are rewarded for their first transfer – right now they get $50.

Access to CIBC's extensive ATM network

CIBC is the big bank behind Simplii's online bank, which means all Simplii clients have free access to CIBC's 3,000+ ATMs. And since CIBC has a nationwide presence, you'll find ATMs in every province and territory across Canada. This is a significant convenience for many people who frequently need to withdraw or deposit cash.

Full suite of products

While some online banks focus on just one or two high-quality products, Simplii has expanded to the point where it's a one-stop shop for personal finance. Its product menu includes chequing accounts, savings accounts, mortgages, loans, investment products, and one cash back credit card. Those who prefer keeping all their banking under one roof can easily do so with Simplii.

Simplii Financial cons

As with most companies, there are a few areas where Simplii could improve:

No brick-and-mortar branches

While some appreciate the fully digital experience, others may find the lack of in-person support a drawback. If an issue comes up that would be easier to resolve face-to-face, Simplii’s best option is a phone call—there are no physical branches to visit.

Lacklustre regular interest rates

While the Simplii High Interest Savings Account has impressive promotional rates, its standard rates leave a lot to be desired. The rates are tiered, but even the highest rate (1.5%) isn't that outstanding, especially considering you have $1 million or more to earn the highest rate. Many other online banks offer much higher regular interest rates.

Unavailable in Quebec

None of Simplii Financial's products are available for Quebec residents, which is a shame for anyone living in that province. There's not much mentioned about it on the website, but it's possible (and we are hopeful) that this will change in the future.

Simplii Financial banking

Simplii Financial has put a lot of thought into what banking customers want most, and its no-fee chequing and high-interest savings accounts offer the best of both worlds.

Accessibility is a very important factor to consider with online banks, and Simplii has got this covered. Its website is attractive and user-friendly, and its highly-rated mobile apps are widely available through the App Store and Google Play.

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Simplii Financial banking

Simplii Financial bank account ratings

Simplii has covered all the bases with its variety of bank account features.

Credit Card Genius Cash IconGC: $50
Simplii No Fee Chequing Account

Simplii No Fee Chequing Account

$50 GeniusCash + Earn $300 and a $50 Skip gift card + Unlimited free transactions for no monthly fee.
Simplii High Interest Savings Account

Simplii High Interest Savings Account

Get a 4.5% special interest rate + $125 refer-a-friend bonus.

Simplii Financial credit cards

Simplii Financial credit cards

Simplii only has one credit card option right now, but this one card is well designed. With a decent welcome bonus, no annual fees, and high earn rates in popular categories, there's a lot to like here.

Foodies, in particular, will enjoy this card for its 4% earn rate at restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. At this rate, if you eat out several times and spend around $400 each month, you'll get just over $200 in cash back each year. Add this to what you can earn on grocery, gas, and other purchases – categories where the rates could certainly be better – and you've got a nice lump sum coming your way at cashout time.

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Simplii Financial credit card rating

Take a look at the details of the Simplii Cash Back Visa:

Simplii Financial credit cards
Credit CardRating
Simplii Cash Back Visa3.7 stars

Simplii Financial mortgages

If you're looking for a mortgage, Simplii Financial offers both fixed and variable rate options. There are also high-ratio and convertible mortgage products to consider. Simplii's interest rates either match or are better than the best mortgage rates from Canada's most well-established banks.

The only thing missing from Simplii is a 1-year mortgage term, but this is a fairly minor product gap.

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Simplii Financial mortgages

Simplii Financial fixed mortgage rates

Want a quick look at Simplii's mortgage rates? Here's what they currently offer for fixed rates.

Simplii Financial mortgage rates
TermRate
2-year fixed5.74%
3-year fixed6.64%
4-year fixed6.19%
5-year fixed6.49%
7-year fixed6.30%
10-year fixed6.79%
5-year variable4.95%
5-year fixed (high ratio)3.99%
5-year variable (high ratio)4.55%
6-month convertible7.69%
12-month convertible5.74%

These rates were accurate as of April 10, 2025. Please see Simplii's site for the most up-to-date information.

FAQ

Is Simpli Financial online banking a good choice?

Yes, banking online with Simpli Financial is a good, safe choice. It's an online-only bank but still CDIC insured, with a popular, user-friendly website and mobile apps. Its best product is the free chequing account, the Simplii No Fee Chequing Account.

Is Simplii Financial trusted?

Simplii Financial is a well-trusted financial institution, with nearly 2 million clients across Canada. It's CDIC insured, won Ipsos Financial Service Excellence Awards in 2022 and 2023, and registers all banking clients for fraud monitoring and alerts.

What are the drawbacks of Simplii Financial?

Unfortunately, Simplii Financial doesn't have any physical branch locations, so it’s not ideal for those who prefer in-person banking. Another significant drawback is the fact that Simplii's products are unavailable to those who live in Quebec.

Is Simplii Financial Canada still affiliated with PC Financial and Loblaws?

No, these institutions cut ties in 2017. Owned by Loblaw Companies Limited, PC Financial now focuses on its credit cards and bank account (PC Money Account). Simplii is owned by CIBC and offers a wide range of financial products.

What are the interest rates like with Simplii Financial?

The Simplii High Interest Savings Account has tiered rates, starting at 0.3% for balances up to $50,000 and maxing out at 1.5% for $1 million and up. It also offers consistently high promo rates, currently 4.5% for seven months.

Which is better, Tangerine vs Simplii?

Tangerine and Simplii are both high-quality online banking institutions that serve millions of Canadians. Simplii's free chequing account and foreign savings accounts have better ratings, but Tangerine has better credit cards, investment products, and mobile apps.

Editorial Disclaimer: The content here reflects the author's opinion alone, and is not endorsed or sponsored by a bank, credit card issuer, rewards program or other entity. For complete and updated product information please visit the product issuer's website.

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