Best online banks in Canada for 2024

Fact Checked: Scott Birke

🗓️

Updated: August 09, 2024

Partners on this page provide us earnings.

A Complete Guide to Canadian online banks

Online banking is here to stay and more and more Canadians are looking to the best online banks to manage their finances online every year.

According to the Canadian Bankers Association1, 78% of Canadians do their banking through digital channels (online and mobile apps). It was also reported that 65% of Canadians used a mobile app for their banking in 2021, up from 56% in the previous year. This means Canadians seek online banks for their daily banking needs.

The good news is that the best online banks in Canada are competing for our business by improving features, pricing, and convenience. For our best digital banking guide, we researched the best online banks in Canada  so that you know where to look for a banking account that suits your lifestyle and financial needs.

Best Canadian online banks: Quick look

Online Bank
Best For
EQ Bank
Best overall
Tangerine Bank
Covenience
Simplii
No fees, No minimums
Scotia Online
Reward accounts
HSBC Bank
Global banking
RBC Online
Bundles
BMO Online
Family bundle and newcomers
TD Online
Mobile app
CIBC Online
Seniors

Why online banking?

1. Convenience. Online accounts are open all the time. There’s no need to wait in line or hurry to get there before the branch closes, and you can carry out most banking transactions in your pyjamas.

2. Customer Service. When visiting a traditional bank, you might have to wait in line for a long time before you’re able to talk with a personal banker. Online banks frequently offer a dedicated personal banker who is available for much longer hours through live chat, email, or telephone support. On top of this, you can access non-personalized banking support around the clock for general questions and assistance.

3. Features. Online banks support new finance tech tools that brick and mortar banks do not. Features like mobile cheque deposit, free online bill payments, and person-to-person payments are made possible via online banking.

4. Pricing. As always, the bottom line is a major incentive. Although it is possible to find a no-fee chequing account with a credit union, many consumers who are fed up with paying for banking transactions on top of monthly fees are switching to online banks. Most everyday banking customers can get all of the same services they need from an online bank, but without the fees, and enjoy higher interest rates as well. Noted in 2017, the average Canadian pays $200 a year in banking fees, a large portion of which can be saved by choosing the right online bank account, or by moving to an online-only bank.

Online-only banks vs. brick and mortar banks with online banking

Online banking can be divided into two categories:

  1. 1.

    Traditional brick-and-mortar banks that support online banking

  2. 2.

    Online-only banks without brick-and-mortar branches

Virtually all traditional brick-and-mortar banks offer some form of online banking today, though the scope of online banking capabilities varies from one bank to the next. Traditional banks do offer low-fee chequing accounts, which enable you to make transfers, check your account balance, and pay bills online, just like with online-only banks.

The biggest difference between online-only and traditional banks is that online-only banks frequently charge no monthly fee at all and have minimal transaction fees for their chequing accounts, while offering high interest rates for savings accounts. This is because online-only banks save on the overhead of running physical branches and can pass those savings on to the customer.

On the flip side, you can’t chat face to face with a personal banker through an online-only bank. This lack of personalized interaction may be off-putting to some Canadians, and if you feel that you might fall into this category we advise you to explore the online banking platform of a traditional brick-and-mortar bank.

What you don’t get from online banks

No counter service. Since online banks don’t have any physical branches, you won’t be able to walk in to get assistance from a person face to face. If you have a customer service issue, quite often dealing with someone in person helps resolve your issue quicker.

Safety deposit boxes. Again, due to a lack of physical branches, you won’t be able to get a safety deposit box.

No access to in-person advice. Banks employ various financial experts with different areas of expertise including mortgage brokers and investment advisors. Although some online banks offer mortgages and investments, you won’t be able to speak to someone in person about those products, which can be oddly unsettling when you’re making major decisions about your money.

The safety of online banks in Canada

All of the banks listed are credible financial institutions and are well established in Canada. The odds of them failing are extremely unlikely, but in the event that they do, you’re covered up to $100,000 thanks to the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC).

This insurance applies to eligible deposits in your own name, joint accounts, trust accounts, TFSAs, RRSPs, and more. However, it does not cover your investment products such as stocks, bonds and mutual funds.

As for the safety of your online account, security breaches are rare. Nonetheless you should take steps to protect your information, which includes ensuring your password and PIN are not easy to guess.

How to compare the best online banks in Canada

The rise in online banking makes sense since the only services digital only banks can’t offer that traditional banks can are safety deposit boxes, counter service, and in-person advice.

Online banking also offers financial advice through customer service contact options, and it has the distinct advantage of being available 24/7 from wherever you are.

Decreasing service fees, increasing interest rates, and a wider selection of convenient services make online banking attractive. Here are the best online banks in Canada:

Best online bank overall

EQ Bank online offers savings accounts, joint accounts, TFSAs, GICs and more
  • EQ Bank offers the same great everyday rate on its Joint Savings Plus Account. TFSA Savings Account (3.00%*) and RSP Savings Account (3.00%*) are options for those looking to tax-shelter their interest income.
  • Send quick and cheap international money transfers directly from their Savings (or Joint Savings) Plus Account

With no branches and no ATMs, EQ Bank is accessed entirely through the web and mobile app only – a totally unique model. Instead of using personal cheques, a debit card, or an ATM, clients can move money between their Personal Account and linked accounts.

For those willing to try a new way of banking, the benefit is clear: the EQ Personal Account offers no everyday banking fees, free Interac e-Transfers®, free day-to-day transactions, and a 2.50%* everyday interest rate (+1.50% if you direct deposit your pay or set up recurring authorized debits, which brings it to 4%) — which is the best rate by far on our list of online banks.

You can also earn 4.00% on a 1-year GIC.

While EQ Bank does not offer a chequing account, the EQ Personal Account functions like a chequing account in that you can use it to pay bills and transfer money instantly with no transaction or account fees. You also get free bill payments and Interac e-Transfers®, which can be challenging to find with Canadian online banks.

* Interest is calculated daily on the total closing balance and paid monthly. Rates are per annum and subject to change without notice.

EQ Bank GICs: Rates are calculated on a per annum basis and are subject to change at any time.

Tangerine offers credit cards, mortgages, investment options, savings accounts
  • Tangerine's chequing account comes with no monthly fees, unlimited daily transactions, and free access to 3,500 ATMs in Canada.

With over 1,200 employees in Canada, Tangerine Bank prides itself on customer service. For the 11th year in a row, Tangerine Bank has reached the top of the charts for customer satisfaction among Midsize Banks in the J.D. Power 2022 Canada Retail Banking Satisfaction Study. Tangerine has earned accolades for its account offerings, how they help save time and money, the banking options available for users, and the digital channels (mobile app and website).

Best online bank with no fees

Simplii Financial, once known as PC Financial and now a shining beacon in the realm of online-only banking in Canada, stands out for its commitment to simplicity and innovation in personal banking.

With an array of services that cover everything from daily banking needs like fund transfers and bill payments to more significant financial endeavours such as investments and loans, Simplii makes banking accessible and hassle-free. Their dedication to security, underscored by features like two-factor authentication and advanced fraud detection, assures customers of the safety of their transactions and personal information, all while offering the convenience of 24/7 customer support.

The essence of Simplii Financial is encapsulated not just in its seamless day-to-day banking solutions but also in its revolutionary approach to customer service and digital banking ease.

Simplii's allure extends to its no-fee chequing accounts, high-interest savings opportunities, and a noteworthy mobile app that brings banking to your fingertips, reflecting the bank's core ethos of customer-centric innovation. Special promotions, like the high-interest savings account offer and the cash back rewards of their Visa card, highlight Simplii's commitment to providing tangible value to its customers.

Simplii Financial stands as a testament to the power of online banking. It's a bank that not only keeps pace with the demands of today's digital world but also anticipates the needs of tomorrow's customers, making it an exceptional choice for Canadians seeking a reliable, innovative, and customer-focused online banking experience.

Best online bank for rewards

Scotiabank online offers many great banking options for seniors and students
  • Its Basic Bank Account gives you access to 25 debit transactions per month² and free Interac e-Transfers†. for $11.95/month. You can have this feed waived by maintaining a balance of $3,000 for the entire month.
  • Earn Scene+ rewards with the Scotiabank Ultimate Package, which comes with $350* in welcome bonuses, the ability to earn points on everyday purchases with the Scene+™ program¹, and eight additional premium perks.
  • Or earn up to $600 with a Scotiabank Ultimate package and an investment plan1. Details below.
  • For either offer, you must apply before October 31st, 2024.

As one of Canada’s “Big 6″ banks, it’s not surprising that Scotiabank’s online (web and mobile app) banking options are feature-rich and intuitive to use. Although most customers pay a monthly service fee of between $3.95 and $30.95 (accounts with a minimum balance and students accounts are free, and seniors get a discount, conditions apply), the interface and offerings were enough for Forrester to name Scotia OnLine as “The Best Consumer Digital Bank in Canada.”

Scotiabank has been acknowledged for banking features that free up your time, the ability to open up accounts quickly, and helpful tips for making the most out of your new banking account. There are also many accounts to choose from based on your lifestyle and financial goals, so there’s an account for everyone. There aren’t many online banks in Canada that offer all these options for rewards and membership perks.

  • Legal - $600 offer

    +

    1. The Scotiabank $600 Cash Bonus Bundle Offer (the “Offer”) is available between August 1, 2024 and October 31, 2024 (the “Offer Period”) to individuals who open new eligible accounts. Subject to the conditions below, eligible customers can earn $350 when they open a new Preferred Package or Ultimate Package chequing account and complete certain qualifying transactions and an additional $250 boost when they open a new eligible Registered Retirement Savings Plan, Tax-Free Savings Account or First Home Savings Account (each an “Eligible Registered Account”) with either The Bank of Nova Scotia or Scotia Securities Inc. (together, “Scotiabank”) and complete certain qualifying transactions.

    For the purposes of this Offer, the following Scotia Registered Accounts are eligible for the Offer: Scotia Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs, excluding locked-in plans such as LIRAs and LRSPs) (each an “RRSP”), Scotia Tax-Free Savings Accounts (each a “TFSA”) and Scotia First Home Savings Accounts (each a “FHSA”). Scotia RRIFs (including locked-in income plans), RESPs, RDSPs, and non-registered Scotia Investment Accounts are not eligible for the Offer.

  • $350 Cash Bonus for Preferred or Ultimate Package Conditions

    +

    To qualify for the $350 cash bonus (the “Package Bonus”), you must:1. Open a new Ultimate Package or new Preferred Package chequing account (the “Eligible Chequing Account”) during the Offer Period; and2. Complete any two (2) of the following activities in your Eligible Chequing Account within 60 days of Eligible Chequing Account opening:• Set up and clear at least one eligible automated and recurring direct deposit†, such as payroll or pension, which will recur monthly for a minimum of six (6) consecutive months, or• Set up and clear a minimum of two (2) separate eligible recurring pre-authorized transactions† with a minimum value of at least $50 per transaction which will each recur monthly for a minimum of six (6) consecutive months, or• Make at least one (1) eligible online bill payment† of at least $50 through the Scotiabank Mobile App or through Scotia OnLine.† Click here for a list of eligible direct deposits, pre-authorized transactions and online bill payments. Notwithstanding a transaction may be included in these lists, certain exclusions may still apply and Scotiabank reserves the right to modify these lists and to determine whether a specific direct deposit, pre-authorized transaction or bill payment is eligible for the Package Bonus. Fund transfers initiated to other Scotiabank accounts (one time or recurring, e.g. credit card or savings account), to chequing or savings accounts held at other financial institutions, or to payment processing firms, are not eligible for the Package Bonus.Up to $250 Registered Account Bundle Conditions: To qualify for up to $250 cash bonus (the “Bundle Bonus”), you must:1. Meet the conditions for the $350 Package Bonus; 2. During the Offer Period and within 60 days of opening your Eligible Chequing Account, open a new Eligible Registered Account; and 3. Within 60 days of the Eligible Registered Account opening, complete the following activities to earn the applicable Bundle Bonus: • To earn $50: set up and clear recurring pre-authorized contributions (PACs) from any Scotiabank personal bank account of at least $100 total monthly into your new Eligible Registered Account, which must recur for a minimum of six (6) consecutive months; and/or• To earn $200: contribute or transfer in a minimum of CAD $5,000 into your new Eligible Registered Account and maintain that minimum amount each day for at least six (6) consecutive months.Eligibility and Exclusions: Individuals who are currently holders of, or who were previously holders within the last two (2) years of, a Scotiabank Chequing Account are not eligible for the Package Bonus. “Scotiabank Chequing Account” means any of the following accounts: Ultimate Package, Preferred Package, Scotia One Account, Basic Plus Bank Account, Basic Banking Plan, Basic Bank Account, Momentum Chequing, Power Chequing, Scotia One Service, Scotia Value, Student Banking Advantage Plan. Employees of Scotiabank are also not eligible for these Offers. In order to qualify for the Bundle Bonus the individual cannot have held the same type of Eligible Registered Account (as that opened during the Offer Period) with Scotiabank in the six (6) months preceding the Offer Period. General Terms: Provided all Package Bonus conditions outlined above have been met, the $350 Package Bonus will be deposited to the Eligible Chequing Account within approximately nine (9) months from Account open date. Provided all the Bundle Bonus conditions outlined above have been met, the additional Bundle Bonus (up to $250) will be deposited to your Eligible Chequing Account within approximately thirteen (13) months from the Eligible Registered Account open date. You have 24 months from the date you believe you have fulfilled the applicable Offer conditions to notify us if you have not received the applicable cash bonus so that we may confirm your eligibility. For either cash bonus to be fulfilled, the Eligible Chequing Account and the Eligible Registered Account, as applicable, must be open and in good standing until the time of payout of the cash bonus. The Eligible Chequing Account is not in "good standing" if any of the following conditions are not met: (i) it has a negative balance exceeding the authorized overdraft limit, (ii) it has been in continuous overdraft for a period of three (3) consecutive months, or (iii) the Account holder is in breach of the Account agreement with Scotiabank. For purposes of this Offer, an Eligible Registered Account is not in 'good standing' if the account holder is in breach of the Eligible Registered Account agreement. Customers are responsible to confirm their contribution limits noted on their most current Notice of Assessment issued by the Canada Revenue Agency prior to making any contribution to their Eligible Registered Account(s). Scotiabank is not responsible for any contribution over a customer’s limit in connection with this Offer. For a spousal RRSP, the Bundle Bonus will be paid into the Eligible Chequing Account opened by the contributor.This Offer is non-transferable and may not be duplicated. Limit of one (1) Package Bonus and one (1) Bundle Bonus per customer, regardless of the number of Eligible Chequing Accounts or Eligible Registered Accounts opened. If multiple Eligible Chequing Accounts or Eligible Registered Accounts are opened, only the first Eligible Chequing Account or first Eligible Registered Account opened, as applicable, will qualify for the respective Package Bonus or Bundle Bonus. For joint accounts, only the primary account holder is eligible for this Offer and only one (1) $350 Package Bonus and one (1) Bundle Bonus (up to $250), as applicable, will be applied to the primary account holder’s Eligible Chequing Account. All rates, fees, features and benefits are subject to change. This Offer may be changed, cancelled or extended at any time without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers.

* To qualify, certain conditions must be met. Visit here for full terms.

¹ For Scotiabank Ultimate Package: Conditions apply. Visit here to learn more.

² For Scotiabank Basic Plus Bank Account: Conditions apply. Visit here to learn more.

†Interac e-Transfer is a registered trade-mark of Interac Corp. Used under license.

TM Trademark of Scene IP LP.

®Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia

Best online bank for global banking

HSBC Canada is now owned by RBC Royal Bank
  • As part of one of the largest banks in the world, you can expect to receive a full range of services and expert advice at HSBC.

For global citizens who have frequent international transactions, the HSBC Premier Chequing Account offers unlimited withdrawals and deposits in both Canadian and U.S. funds, as well as waived* Interac e-transfers® and $0 global wire transfer fees for transactions under $10,000* — a bonus if you send or receive money abroad on the regular.

The HSBC Advance Chequing Account is another solid option for frequent Interac e-Transfer® users who also want a lower monthly fee. With this account, you get unlimited transactions and waived* Interac e-Transfer® transactions. You pay $0 monthly banking fees* for the first 6 months, and the $25 monthly fee is waived beyond that if you maintain $5,000 minimum balance in combined deposits and investments, including chequing, savings, RRSPs, TFSAs and more, or if you hold a personal mortgage with them with an original amount of $150,000 or more.

Issued by HSBC Canada

* Terms and conditions apply.

** Refer to hsbc.ca/householdqualification for details.

®Trade-mark of Interac Inc. Used under license.

Best online bank for bundles

RBC Royal Bank logo

3.9

RBC online banking includes all the typical features, like transfers and bill payments.
  • Order foreign currency through the RBC platform and pick it up at your closest branch.
  • Get free access to your credit score without impacting your credit rating.

Another “Big 5″ bank, RBC Online, offers numerous account options at different levels with a wide range in monthly fees (from $4.00 to $30.00). The Royal Bank of Canada has been around since 1864, so you don’t have to worry about trusting them with your money. This online bank is the ideal option for Canadians looking to go with one of the big banks or those who want to bundle their services with one bank.

Though they don’t waive fees for maintaining certain balances, customers can cut down their service charges by bundling RBC products (such as credit cards, investments, and/or mortgages). There are better options for online banking if you’re looking for free accounts and other perks.

Best online bank for family bundles and newcomers

BMO's online banking interface is intuitive and has all the typical features you'd expect from a Big 6 bank.
  • Performance Chequing Account and the Premium Chequing Account come with monthly fees of $17.95 and $30.95, respectively.
  • Get the Performance account for free if you’re new to Canada* and have the monthly fee waived by maintaining the account minimum*.
  • BMO offers discounts to seniors, students, and armed forces, with monthly fees ranging from $4.00 to $30.00 month.

In line with the other “Big 6” banks on this list, BMO offers a standard set of features with standard rates, though customers with the Savings Amplifier Account can reportedly earn high interest rates with bonus interest. BMO Online offers extensive online services ranging from mobile cheque deposits to connecting all of your accounts (credit card, savings, and so on) under one umbrella.

* Terms and conditions apply.

³ Conditions apply. Visit here for full offer details.

Best online bank for mobile app

TD Canada Trust bank logo
TD offers several decent no-fee savings accounts, chequing accounts and a trading account.
  • Connect to your TD WebBroker account to access the online trading and investing platform, which includes trading tools, market information, and research reports. It lets you build a portfolio of stocks, ETFs, options, and more in Canadian and U.S. markets.
  • They have a mobile app for online banking and handy add-on features like TD MySpend that help customers track and improve spending habits.
  • TD Online offers two options for checking accounts: TD Unlimited Chequing and TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan, with account fees ranging from $16.95 to $29.95 per month, without any free options like Tangerine or EQ Bank unless you’re a student up until 23 years of age.
  • TD Online is one of the best online banks in Canada because you can have all your financial services under one umbrella, from your mortgage to your RRSP accounts and your daily banking.

When it comes to the best online banks in Canada, TD Online has been working on improving its product offering. TD Online is the name for all the online services that TD Canada Trust offers. The online platform, EasyWeb, has been around since 2007.

Best online bank for seniors

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce logo
CIBC offers a full portfolio of account options designed for people at different stages of their lives and careers.
  • CIBC offers five account types for seniors. That includes a simple chequing account, a bundle with a premium credit card, and a US dollar account for seniors.
  • CIBC Everyday® Chequing Account comes with a monthly fee of $4, which includes 12 transactions per month and a charge of $1.50 per Interac e-Transfer.
  • In terms of fees and interest rates, CIBC is in line with the other Big 6 banks.

CIBC offers two types of premium online chequing accounts: CIBC Smart™ Account and CIBC Smart™ Plus, with monthly fees ranging from $16.95 to $29.95. Both accounts also come with up to $400 in introductory offers. You can waive the monthly fees if you maintain an account balance of $4,000 and $6,000, respectively. If you’re under 25 years old, you can take advantage of the free banking offer with CIBC Smart™ Start.

Comparison of the best banks in Canada 2023

When you’re ready to consider opening an online bank account in Canada, use this chart to compare the best online banks in Canada with the best online banking services.

EQ Bank
Scotia OnLine
HSBC
RBC
BMO
TD
CIBC
Tangerine
Chequing Accounts
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Savings Accounts
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Student/Youth Accounts
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No, but special students/youth rates
Yes
Yes
Yes
Senior Accounts
No
No, but special seniors rates
Yes
No, but special seniors rates
No, but special seniors rates
No, but special seniors rates
Yes
No, but special seniors rates
Bricks and Mortar Branches
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No, but has "cafes"

The bottom line on online banking in Canada

The best online bank account in Canada for you is the one that helps you save money by not charging you to access your own money while offering convenience and other features.

If you’re looking for a trustworthy online bank without fees and an easy-to-use mobile app, you can’t go wrong with EQ Bank or Tangerine. Although the banks don’t have brick-and-mortar branches), they offer the benefit of 24/7 online or mobile access, superior pricing (can’t beat no-fee!), and a complete feature set including unlimited transactions, paperless cheque deposits, and Interac e-Transfers®.

Ultimately, EQ Bank stands out as the best online bank in Canada. It’s offering no-fee savings and joint savings accounts, TFSA and RRSP savings accounts, outstanding customer service, and innovative banking technology. With the best interest rates available, EQ snags our top spot as the best online bank in Canada.

You’ll enjoy a full range of banking services while keeping more money in your wallet where it belongs.

Still can’t decide? Take a look at best banks in Canada,  the best chequing accounts and the best high-interest savings accounts.

Frequently asked questions about the best online banks in Canada

  • How safe are online banks in Canada?

    +

    Every bank on our list is well-established in Canada and a credible financial institution. Like traditional banks, the odds of online banks failing are very slim. In any case, you can rest easy: the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) covers eligible deposits in your own name, joint accounts, trust accounts, TFSAs, RRSPs, and more up to $100,000.

    It does not apply to investment products such as stocks, bonds, or mutual funds.

    Security breaches of online accounts are rare, but it's always wise to choose a unique and complex password and PIN.

  • Why use an online bank?

    +

    If you haven’t yet tried online banking, you might wonder what the fuss is about. After all, traditional face-to-face branch banking has served Canadians well for decades. Before you make up your mind, consider these three areas in which online banking in Canada exceeds in-person branch banking:

    Convenience

    With online banking, your account is accessible from your computer, tablet, mobile app, or telephone. This means an end to searching for a brick-and-mortar branch or an ATM, and renders the concept of “banker’s hours” obsolete. If you want access to your money 24/7, online banking is the way to go.

    Pricing

    Some brick-and-mortar banks offer customers “low-fee” accounts, but even these command a base monthly fee which can add up fast. In fact, Canadians are still paying an average of $200 per year in banking fees. With online banking, customers have the option of a no-fee account — usually coupled with extremely competitive rates for common services like Interac e-Transfers® and a high-interest rate on savings accounts. If you don’t want to pay for the privilege of accessing your own money, an online account might be just the solution.

    Special features

    Imagine asking a teller to deposit a cheque using a smartphone photo or to send money by email? They’d probably look at you like you have two heads – but Mobile Deposit and Interac e-Transfers® are services that many online banks offer. In addition to all the traditional features to which customers have become accustomed, online banks offer special features that are simply unavailable elsewhere.

Keph Senett is a Canadian freelance writer whose areas of expertise include personal finance, travel and sports. When not writing, she spends her free time trying to figure out how to qualify for a soccer squad in Asia, Australia, or Antarctica.

Disclaimer

The content provided on Money.ca is information to help users become financially literate. It is neither tax nor legal advice, is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional. We make no representation or warranty of any kind, either express or implied, with respect to the data provided, the timeliness thereof, the results to be obtained by the use thereof or any other matter. Advertisers are not responsible for the content of this site, including any editorials or reviews that may appear on this site. For complete and current information on any advertiser product, please visit their website.