You’ll be able to open
a National Bank account within 90 days of your arrival in
Canada. Once you’ve opened your account, make an international
transfer before you arrive. You’ll then have access to your funds
in your new Canadian bank account.
NEWCOMERS
My immigration to Canada
See all our tips and information to help you throughout your transition
We’re here for you during your immigration to Canada
Are you immigrating to Canada as a permanent or temporary resident, international student, refugee, or asylum seeker?
Whatever your situation, moving countries can be a great opportunity, but it also comes with its challenges. You can count on our help to simplify your transition to Canada.
Assistance service for newcomers
Open a bank account with us and take advantage of our assistance service for newcomers offered by National Bank Assistance Network for 12 months, free! For all your questions about housing, health, employment and more. 1
Our team is here to help
Get detailed information about all the products and services at your disposal. Our experts can help answer your specific needs.
Financial products tailored to your projects
Travel, cars, education, housing: get settled in your new country and discover all our financing solutions designed to bring your projects to life.
Discover all the details of our offer for newcomers
2 min 16 sec Read the transcript
Enjoy no fixed monthly fees for 3 years and other benefits to help you build your life in Canada.
How far along are you in your immigration to Canada?
I’m planning my arrival in Canada
Have you decided to come and live in Canada? Making sure you’re properly informed before leaving your country is the key to a successful transition.
Read before you arrive:
I’m already in Canada
Congratulations on arriving in Canada! We’re here to help walk you through the basics of life in Canada.
Read for a smooth arrival to Canada:
How do the banking and credit systems work in Canada?
Once in Canada, you'll need to open a bank account to make everyday purchases, receive your salary, get a loan and more. Let's take a look at the features of the Canadian banking system to facilitate your transition.
Understanding the Canadian banking system
Moving to a new country means learning how a different banking system works.
Here are some peculiarities in Canada:
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The Canadian currency is called the Canadian dollar (CAD)
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Opening a bank account is essential for making your daily transactions
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There are savings programs that can save you taxes
Understanding credit in Canada
Credit may be perceived negatively in your home country. But in Canada, when used with caution, credit can become your ally.
Good to know:
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It’s essential to start building your credit as soon as you arrive in Canada
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A good credit score is key to obtaining financing
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A credit card can be a handy tool to build your credit
Take advantage of our exclusive offer for newcomers
Simplify your banking in Canada thanks to the many advantages of our offer, designed just for you.
A chequing account with no fixed monthly fees for up to 3 years 2
Enjoy peace of mind with a bank account with no monthly fees or obligations.
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A National Bank® Mastercard® credit card with no credit history 3,4
Some cards even offer cashback or rewards points to treat yourself!
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Our newcomer assistance service
For one year, take advantage of this free telephone service. 1 Our team will be happy to answer your questions about immigration, personal finances, daily life, your rights and more.
You can open your bank account 90 days before your arrival in Canada or once you arrive in Canada. It’s valid within 5 years of your arrival.
Frequently asked questions
Debit cards are a payment tool that allows you to make transactions
and purchases by taking money directly from your bank account.
Credit cards are another payment tool that allows you to make transactions. However, it gives you access to credit that you will have to pay off when you receive your monthly statement.
Read our article to learn more about these two cards.
When you use your credit card to pay for everyday purchases and pay
it off in part or in full by the due date, you
help build your credit report.
Your credit report could then be consulted, with your approval, before granting you financing for a car or before signing a lease, for example. If you manage your credit well, lenders will be more inclined to give you financing products for your projects.
Learn how to build your credit and use your credit card wisely.
There are several steps necessary for the purchase of a home in
Canada. To find out more, read
our practical guide for newcomers.
Contact us for personalized support
Need in-depth advice?
Visit us at one of our branches, or call us, and we’ll be happy to answer all your questions.
Chat with us
Get information quickly with the help of our Facebook Messenger chat option.
Does our offer for newcomers interest you?
Open a bank account online up to 90 days before your arrival in Canada, or speak to us in person.
Little details that matter
At National Bank of Canada, we are committed to guiding you as you settle in your new country.
Did you know? National Bank of Canada is one of the 6 largest banks in the country. It counts more than 360 branches all over Canada and more than 940 automated banking machines offering services in 6 different languages.
Our objective? To make banking easier when you arrive in Canada.
We support you before and after your arrival.
Before your arrival: first, open your account online in just a few clicks! Then, we’ll schedule an appointment to complete the process together at a branch when you arrive.
Need to transfer money? You can do it from your home country to your new bank account before you leave.
Already in Canada? Open your bank account in a few minutes entirely online! Or visit a branch and speak with an advisor.
Take advantage of a great offer for newcomers that includes up to 3 years of no fixed monthly fees. The offer is valid up to 5 years after your arrival.
In Canada, it’s important to build your credit history and we can help you achieve this by giving you access to a credit card.
Need to make an international transfer? Several options are available to you depending on the destination. Take advantage of our rates starting at $5.95 for certain countries.
Need guidance about getting settled in Canada? Questions about housing, immigration, jobs…? Use our free telephone service through our Assistance Network to speak to a qualified person to guide you. Available 7 days a week for your first year.
Manage your finances with confidence in Canada.
In addition to our Assistance Network, an advisor will assist you as soon as you arrive to help you realize the projects you care about. Buying a car, buying a property, saving for retirement, saving for your children, and much more.
Our National Bank of Canada family wishes to give you real peace of mind by helping you manage your finances and build a life in Canada.
We are here to answer your questions.
® Mastercard is a registered trademark, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Authorized user: National Bank.
™ The Messenger logo is a trademark of Facebook, Inc.
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Our banking offer is available to newcomers from their home countries up to 90 days before arriving in Canada or at any point during your first 5 years in Canada. See the Details and conditions of the offer on the newcomers offer page for the full terms and conditions. The offer may be modified, extended or withdrawn, without prior notice, at any time. The offer may not be combined or used with any other National Bank offer, promotion or benefit. Fees may apply for transactions not included in the banking offer for newcomers. For more information on transaction fees, see our Fee Guide [PDF].
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Financing subject to credit approval by National Bank. Certain conditions apply. Eligible credit cards: MyCredit, MC1, Allure, Syncro, Platinum, ECHO Cashback, World and World Elite.
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Security may be required under certain circumstances.
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Telephone assistance service offered by National Bank Assistance Network, valid for 12 months from your account opening date. The content of the packages and terms described are subject to change.