Best student chequing accounts in Canada
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One of the best perks of student life is the fact that so many businesses and services offer student discounts—including Canadian banks. In this article we’re sharing the best banks for students, so you can manage your money and take control of your finances. Here’s what you need to know about the best student chequing accounts in Canada.
Why get a student bank account?
Student bank accounts are designed to help you, as a student, save money. This means more perks and fewer fees in comparison to a regular chequing account.
If you end up getting a job during your studies, you’ll need a bank account to deposit your pay, so you might as well sign up for a student bank account in advance so that you have everything ready.
Important features to look for in student bank accounts
Student bank accounts should have features suitable to the thrifty lifestyle of a student. Here are some of the things you should be looking for when considering which student bank account is right for you:
- What are the monthly fees (if there are any)?
- Are there any additional fees, e.g. transfer or e-transfer fees?
- How many free transactions do you get per month?
- Do you get any other perks such as a rebate on annual credit card fees?
Keep in mind, the best bank accounts for you as a student may not always be designated as a ‘student’ bank account. For example, there may be accounts that offer more features with a monthly fee. However, if you keep a minimum balance, that fee could be waived.
What you need to open a student chequing account
To open a chequing account in Canada as a student, you will need to be able to prove that you are enrolled as a student in a post-secondary program at a recognized college or university. Some banks may have more specific requirements, for instance you may need to be a full-time student or you may need to be between the ages of 18-25. Again, each bank’s (or credit union’s) requirements differ so keep that in mind and ask when shopping around.
The best student chequing accounts in Canada
| Bank Account | Transactions | Additional Fees | Interest Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Banking Advantage® Plan | unlimited1 | $0 monthly fee1 | 0% |
| Motusbank No-Fee Chequing Account | unlimited | $0 | 0.15% |
| Tangerine No Fee Daily Chequing Account | unlimited | No fees for daily transactions | Up to 0.10% |
| CIBC Advantage for Students | unlimited | $0 transaction; $1.50 for Interac e-transfers | 0% |
| RBC Student Banking Account | 25 per month | $1 per transaction after the 25 free; $0 per Interac e-transfer | 0% |
| Innovation Credit Union No-Fee Bank Account | unlimited | $0 | 0% |
| Desjardins Premier Plan | unlimited | $0 per transaction; $1.50 per Interac e-transfer | 0% |
1 Conditions apply. Visit here to learn more.
Scotiabank Student Banking Advantage® Plan
As with the majority of other student bank accounts on this list, the Scotiabank Student Banking Advantage® Plan account has no monthly fees with the requirement you must be currently enrolled full time in a post-secondary institution in Canada or the U.S. (Domestic or International students) and unlimited transactions1. Another reason why Scotiabank is a favourite among students is that it offers the chance to earn rewards with the Scene+TM program, which can then be redeemed toward entertainment and travel.
Better yet, open a student account today and get up to $1,003.
Click here to open an account.
1 Conditions apply. Visit here to learn more.
3 Conditions apply. Visit here for full terms.
CIBC Advantage for students
CIBC is a great choice when it comes to chequing accounts for students, as it allows for unlimited transactions (though there is a $1.50 charge per Interac e-transfer) and has no monthly fee. Another big advantage of the CIBC Advantage for Students account is that it offers a bonus extended period for new graduates: Those who have already graduated from their post-secondary institution can maintain this student account and its perks for an additional 6 months after they have completed their diploma or degree.
RBC Student banking account
RBC is another big name when it comes to banking in Canada and the RBC Student account is a good pick with some great perks. This account includes 25 free transactions, with a $1 fee per transaction after that. There are no monthly charges and no fees for Interac e-transfers. Additional perks include up to a $39 rebate on annual credit card fees (for eligible cards) and you can link your card to receive 3 cents per litre on fuel at Petro Canada which, if you own a car, is another great way to save as a student.
Innovation Credit Union no-fee bank account
This student chequing account option differs from the others on this list because it’s offered through a credit union rather than a traditional bank, but the benefits are no different. The Innovation Credit Union No-Fee Bank Account offers unlimited transactions with zero monthly fees and no additional charges for Interac e-transfers. You do have to pay a one-time membership fee of $5, however, you can still use this account after you graduate since it’s not specifically a student account.
Desjardins Premier Plan
Desjardins doesn’t have any student-specific chequing accounts, but they do offer special discounts on their regular accounts for students. The best choice when it comes to Desjardins bank accounts is the Premier Plan. Normally this would come with a monthly fee of $13.95, however, for students it’s free. Accountholders will get an unlimited number of transactions, but there is a $1.50 fee for Interac e-transfers.
Tangerine No Fee Daily chequing account
The Tangerine No Fee Daily Chequing Account isn’t labelled as a student account, but despite that, it’s one of the best accounts out there for those looking for flexibility and low rates. Accountholders get unlimited transactions and don’t pay any monthly fees. The standout feature for the Tangerine No Fee Daily Chequing Account, however, is its interest rate, which ranges up to 0.10%. This is one of very few Canadian chequing accounts that actually pays interest on your deposits.
Apply for the Tangerine No Fee Daily Chequing AccountMotusbank No Fee Chequing Account
Motusbank is owned by Meridian, and the Motusbank No Fee Chequing Account definitely earns a spot on this list of the best student bank accounts in Canada. There are no monthly fees, no transaction fees, and no minimum balance requirements. The account is also one of the select few that offers an interest rate. Unlike with Tangerine accounts, however, the interest rates for Motusbank are not tiered: It’s a flat rate of 0.15%.
Apply for a Motusbank accountMake your life easier
Money can be tight when you’re a student, necessitating you to look for discounts and cost-cutting opportunities in all aspects of your life. Opening one of these student chequing accounts will help save you money and is a kind gesture toward your finances. Aside from the bank accounts we mentioned here, you can also consider some other tools to help you keep your finances on track, like budgeting apps and student discount cards.
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