- Get up to a $600 bonus
- Earn up to 5.65% interest for 3 months on a MomentumPLUS Savings Account
- Unlimited free transactions & $0 Interac e-Transfers
- $16.95 monthly fee waived on $4,000+ balances
We're used to giving banks our money, but what happens when a bank wants your business? They start to offer you money. Canadian banks use new bank account offers like cash bonuses, free stuff, gift cards and bonus interest rates to entice you to switch.
So, if you're considering switching your chequing account, it's worth first comparing the best promotions on now in Canada. We chose these top bank offers after analyzing over 20 Canadian financial institutions and more than 45 accounts.
- Earn a $500 bonus
- $0 account fee
- Unlimited free transactions
- $0 Interac e-Transfers
- No minimum balance requirements
- Earn 4.00% interest for 12 months
- No monthly account fee
- Free ATM withdrawals across Canada
- No transaction fees
- No e-Transfer fees
Compare the best new chequing account offers
What to consider when comparing bank promotions in Canada
New bank account offers and bank promotions come with attractive perks, but switching accounts may not be right for you. Here are a few things to think about:
- What are the new account’s ongoing fees and features? Don’t let offers to open a new bank account distract you from an account’s ongoing fees and features. Are there fees for transactions, transfers, account maintenance or ATM usage? Is there a mobile banking app? Does the bank operate solely online, or are there branches you can visit for in-person service?
- When does the new bank account offer end? Bank promotions in Canada come and go. New account offers may only last a few months. It’s good to carefully consider your options, but don’t take too long, or you might miss out on a great bonus.
- Are you satisfied with your current bank? It may be worth switching banks if your current bank doesn’t offer good service or another bank offers better accounts and products for your needs.
- Is it easy to open a new account? It’s usually pretty easy to open a bank account online, although some banks have branches where you can get help in person.
How to get a new bank account offer and bank promotions
To take advantage of bank promotions in Canada, all you have to do is open an account within the promotional time period. It’s that simple. Here’s how the process works:
- Compare bank promotions. Compare rewards and bonuses for different new bank account offers. Also, look at ongoing fees, features and minimum balance requirements (if any) for any accounts you’re interested in opening.
- Apply for an account. It’s easy to apply for a bank account online. Visit the bank’s website, and apply to open an account by providing your name, contact details, basic employment info, Social Insurance Number (SIN) and your reason for opening an account (i.e. spending, saving, investing).
- Submit proof of ID. Upload a copy of a valid, government-issued ID such as a driver’s license, passport or Permanent Resident card. If you don’t have a photo ID, learn more about your options here.
- Start using your account. Once approved, you’ll likely have immediate access to your online account and can register for online and mobile banking. You’ll receive your debit card in the mail shortly.
- Get your new account benefits! After satisfying all the requirements of your new account offer, you’ll get your reward or bonus. Some bank promotions in Canada require a minimum deposit or several months of using direct deposit or bill payment features before you can receive a new account bonus.
How to qualify for a new bank account offer
Some bank promotions in Canada offer a bonus just for opening an account. Other new bank offers require you to jump through a few hoops to land a special deal. Requirements might include the following:
- Make a one-time or recurring minimum deposit
- Use direct deposit or automatic bill payments for at least several months
- Bundle your account with other products & services (i.e. a savings account or credit card)
- Get friends or family to sign up using your referral code
- Show proof of academic enrollment (for student bank account offers)
To qualify for any bank promotion, be prepared to show valid, government-issued photo ID and proof that you live in Canada. You’ll also be asked to submit your name and contact information. Be aware that bank promos aren’t available for accounts you already have.
Do Canadians plan to open chequing accounts?
Yes, it looks like opening a chequing account is a top financial priority for many Canadians. In January 2023, Finder asked more than 1,840 Canadians about their financial plans in 2023.
When asked what type of bank accounts and banking products respondents planned to open in the first three months of 2023, almost 1 in 5 Canadians (17%) said they planned to open a chequing account.
The number of Canadians that plan to open a chequing account rose from the Q1 2023, to Q2 2023. According to results from the Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey Q2, 22% of respondents plan to open a chequing account — an overall increase of 29% in the number of Canadians planning to open a chequing account.
With bank promotional offers getting more competitive, we can expect to see similar interest from Canadians looking to open chequing accounts throughout 2024 as well.
Frequently asked questions about bank promotions
More on banking
Alternatives to Chime
These Chime alternatives offer no-fee online and mobile banking along wih a host of other perks.
Read more…7 best Nubank alternatives in Canada
The Canadian neobanks and fintechs worth considering if you’re searching for Nubank alternatives.
Read more…Future of banking: digital banking trends
Digital banking continues to grow in popularity. Learn the key figures regarding Canada digital banking statistics.
Read more…Best online savings account in Canada
Learn what makes a good online savings account and find out what features are best when choosing an online savings account.
Read more…Best online banks in Canada for 2024
Whether you’re looking for a digital-only bank, a virtual bank account or a bank account you can access online, we help you find and compare the best online banks in Canada.
Read more…How to open a bank account without proof of address in Canada
It’s easy to open a digital bank account with government-issued ID, and you might not need additional proof of residency.
Read more…More guides on Finder
-
How to pay off an overseas debt
Paying off an overseas debt with an international money transfer can lead to huge savings on fees and interest.
-
Personal line of credit vs HELOC
We compare personal lines of credit and HELOCs side-by-side to help you decide which one is right for you.
-
Tangerine Business Savings Account review
Learn about the rates, fees and eligibility criteria of the Tangerine Business Savings Account.
-
Compare car loans in Winnipeg
Compare rates and terms, and get up to speed on car loans in Winnipeg.
-
5 alternatives to Cleo in Canada
Cleo doesn’t offer loans in Canada, but these cash advance and payday loan providers do.
-
Compare student lines of credit in Canada
Compare rates and limits from the Big Five banks and other lenders to find the best Canadian student line of credit for you.
-
Loans like OppLoans in Canada
If you live in Canada, you can’t get funding from OppLoans. Compare these loan alternatives instead.
-
7 SoFi loan alternatives in Canada
If you live in Canada, you can’t get a loan from SoFi. Instead, explore these alternatives lenders.
-
Sites like LightStream
Check out rates, fees and features of these alternatives to LightStream loans in Canada.