Welcome to Canada!
Moving to a new country can be tough, not to mention horribly overwhelming.
Even countries that seem the most similar on the surface could work slightly differently in reality, which can throw you for a loop in a time when you need stability the most.
And with something as instrumental as your finances, feeling uncertain is the last thing you want.
But don’t worry – we understand. That’s why we created this guide for the basics of Canadian personal finance.
What You'll Get
- A guide to setting up your bank account – plus what to look out for when deciding which bank to go with.
- A primer on the Big Five banks in Canada, the plans for newcomers they offer, plus the standard features you should expect.
- The difference between chequing and savings accounts.
- An introduction to your banking alternatives: no fee digital banking and credit unions.
- Tips for credit cards and keeping your credit score afloat.
- Help for filing your taxes – including what programs Canada offers, plus how newcomers can get their tax returns filed for free.
- Basics of investing with the governments biggest products: TFSA and RRSP.
More Free Resources and Downloads
Monthly Budget Template PDF
Understanding where your starting point is, is key to getting where you want to be. And the best way to figure this out with your finances is to have ...
Try it out
Canadian Health Insurance Company Comparison Chart PDF
Health insurance isn't something you want to skimp out on. With coverage for what could be some of the biggest expenses in your life, it's likely wort...
Try it out
Free Internet TV PDF
Cable costs in Canada don't seem to be going down anytime soon...So what can you do? The best way to cut down your cable costs is by cutting them off ...
Try it outHot Money Deals This Month
- Get even more cash back with exclusive offers only available on the GeniusCash app
- Explore bigger GeniusCash offers that you won't find anywhere else.
- Connect your credit cards and unlock bonus cash.
- Explore customized recommendations to level up your rewards.
- Refer your friends and family to earn bonus levels and extra cash back.
- Take control of your money with a full-featured chequing account + $100 GeniusCash
- Get up to $700 in cash when you open a new account and complete specified actions.
- Unlimited free transactions – including debit and Interac e-Transfers®.
- Earn Scene+ points on every debit transaction.
- $100 GeniusCash on approval – ends June 30, 2026.*.
- New members can get up to $450 + Free identity theft protection + $125 GeniusCash
- Get up to $450 in cash when you open a new account and other products.
- Unlimited transactions and Interac e-Transfers.
- Pay no monthly fee if you maintain a balance of $4,000.
- $125 GeniusCash on approval – ends June 30, 2025.*.
- Get access to a wide assortment of coverages for your pet
- Choose from an assortment of plans to get the coverage that suits what you need.
- Wide range of coverages available – from accidents, dental care, hospital stays, medication, and more.
- Plans available in all provinces and territories.
- Bonus: Get one of the lowest brokerage rates from an online broker from a Big 5 Bank →
