Fortunly's Guide
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The Best Banks in Canada for 2024

Written By
G. Dautovic
Updated
November 01,2024
Some or all of the products/services listed on this page are from our affiliate partners from which we receive commissions. This, however, does not influence the evaluations in our reviews. Learn more by reading our Advertiser Disclosure.

Canadians have a lot of choices when it comes to banking. There are dozens of institutions to choose from, each offering a different set of products and services. It can be difficult to figure out which bank is right for you.

In this article, we will look at some of the best banks in Canada, list top financial institutions, and point out a few of their key features. We will also provide a guide to help customers find the best bank for their needs!

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Best Canadian Banks for November 2024

BMO Logo

BMO

5 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

Get 5.50% Promo Interest Rate
CANADA BRANCHES: 900+
ATMs: 3,000+
MONTHLY FEES: $0-$30.95
MOBILE APP: Android, iOS
Key Facts
Overview
Products Offered
  • A promotional bonus of up to $600 for those who open a chequing account
  • Great selection of personal and business bank accounts
  • Excellent mobile banking apps
Neo Financial Logo

Neo Financial

5 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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CANADA BRANCHES: N/A
ATMs: Anywhere Mastercard is accepted
MONTHLY FEES: $0
MOBILE APP: iOS, Android
KEY FACTS
Overview
PRODUCTS OFFERED
  • No monthly fees
  • High interest rate
  • Earn 5% cashback with over 10,000 partner retailers
Tangerine Logo

Tangerine

4.5 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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CANADA BRANCHES: N/A
ATMs: 3,500+
MONTHLY FEES: None
MOBILE APP: iOS, Android
Key Facts
Overview
Products Offered
  • Unlimited money-back monthly and no annual fees on credit cards
  • Free Interac e-Transfer transactions
  • Savings accounts have no fees or minimum balances
EQ Bank Logo

EQ Bank

4 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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CANADA BRANCHES: N/A
ATMs: No debit cards or direct ATM access
MONTHLY FEES: None
MOBILE APP: Android, iOS
Key Facts
Overview
Products Offered
  • Excellent interest rates
  • Zero fees on everyday transactions
  • 2.50% annual interest rate calculated daily and paid monthly
Scotiabank Logo

Scotiabank

5 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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CANADA BRANCHES: 900+
ATMs: 3,500+
MONTHLY FEES: $0-$30.95
MOBILE APP: iOS, Android
Key Facts
Overview
Products Offered
  • No-annual-fee credit cards from Visa, Mastercard, and American Express
  • Nearly 3,600 ABMs in Canada
  • Variety of investment accounts for experienced and first-time investors
HSBC Canada Logo

HSBC Canada

4.5 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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CANADA BRANCHES: 130+
ATMs: 3,000+
MONTHLY FEES: $0-$34.95
MOBILE APP: Android, iOS
Key Facts
Overview
Products Offered
  • Generous welcome bonus for new customers
  • No ATM or foreign transaction fees
  • Operates worldwide
TD Bank Logo

TD Bank

4 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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CANADA BRANCHES: 1,000+
ATMs: 2,500+
MONTHLY FEES: $10.95
MOBILE APP: iOS, Android
Key Facts
Overview
Products Offered
  • Checking accounts for customers aged 60 or over
  • 24/7 live customer service
  • Overdraft Relief program
Simplii Logo

Simplii

4 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

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CANADA BRANCHES: N/A
ATMs: 3,000+
MONTHLY FEES: None
MOBILE APP: Android, iOS
Key Facts
Overview
Products Offered
  • Over 3,400 ATMs across Canada
  • Great referral program
  • No-fee daily banking
CIBC Logo

CIBC

4.5 stars Our Rating

Fortunly's Rating: Our editorial team determines the rating based on a set of evaluation criteria developed for each product and service category.

Learn More
CANADA BRANCHES: 1,000+
ATMs: 3,000+
MONTHLY FEES: $0-$29.95 per month
MOBILE APP: iOS, Android
Key Facts
Overview
Products Offered
  • Discounts for students and active traders
  • More than 3,000 ATMs
  • Low trading fees
Quick Breakdown

Best Canadian Banks - 2024 Picks:

  • BMO

  • Neo Financial

  • Tangerine

  • EQ Bank

  • Scotiabank

  • HSBC Canada

  • TD Bank

  • Simplii

  • CIBC

Evaluation Criteria

How To Find the Best Bank in Canada

When choosing a bank, interest rates, fees, and services offered are all important factors to consider. However, with so many banks to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Here are a few things to keep in mind when searching for the best bank:

Your Financial Needs

What kind of products and services are you looking for? Do you need a checking account, a savings account, or both? Are you looking for a low-interest credit card? Make sure to consider your financial needs before choosing a bank.

Also, keep in mind that some banks offer special products and services for students, older adults, or small businesses. The best banks for students in Canada, for example, offer free or low-cost student accounts with no monthly fees, while some banks offer special discounts and perks for older people, including free or discounted safety deposit boxes and free chequing accounts.

Interest Rates and Fees

Interest rates and fees can vary significantly from one bank to another. Make sure to compare these rates before making a decision.

You may also want to consider whether you are willing to pay monthly fees for certain services, such as online banking or a rewards program. Besides this, some banks offer special promotions and discounts, so be sure to ask about these as well!

Extra Features and Benefits

Whether searching for the best investment banks in Canada, or the best banks for small businesses, look for extra features and benefits that can add value to your banking experience.

For example, some banks offer free ATM use, while others will reimburse you for fees charged by other ATMs. Some banks also have programs that allow you to earn rewards points, which can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, or cash back.

Customer Service

What kind of customer service does the bank offer? Do they have branches that are convenient for you to visit? Are they available 24/7? Do they have a user-friendly website or mobile app?

These are all important factors to consider when choosing a bank. After all, you want to be able to access your account and get help when you need it!

FAQ

Are credit unions better than banks?

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Credit unions generally offer many of the same products and services as banks. However, there are some key differences. Credit unions are typically smaller than banks, and they are not-for-profit organizations. This means they may offer higher interest rates on savings accounts and lower fees. In addition, credit unions often have a strong focus on customer service.

Which is better, TD or Scotiabank?

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Both TD and Scotiabank offer a wide range of products and services, including savings accounts, chequing accounts, credit cards, loans, and investment products. They also both have extensive branch networks across the country. However, there are some key differences between the two banks.

Scotiabank has a higher interest rate on savings accounts than TD. That means you’ll earn more money on your savings if you choose Scotiabank. On the other hand, TD has lower fees for services like withdrawals and transfers. So if you often need access to money, TD might be a better option. All things considered, TD and Scotiabank are some of the leading banks in Canada, so it comes down to personal preference.

How many bank accounts should I have?

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Financial experts generally recommend that people have at least two bank accounts: a checking account and a savings account. However, you may want more than two accounts if you have specific financial goals. 

For example, you may want to open a separate savings account for your emergency fund or retirement savings. Or, you might want a credit card from a different bank to take advantage of reward points.