Updated February 2026

Banking in Canada

Your trusted guide to the best financial products in Canada. Compare high-interest savings, no-fee chequing, and GIC rates for 2026.

Featured Banking Options

Canada's top-rated accounts for 2026

Top Choice
Up to 3.00%* Interest Rate

EQ Bank Personal Account

The hybrid account that does it all

  • No monthly fees
  • High interest on every dollar
  • Free e-Transfers & Bill Payments
  • CDIC Insured (up to $100k)
Top rated for 2025 & 2026 by Canadians.
Best Promo
~4.75%* Promo Rate (5 mos)

Tangerine Savings

Great for new clients

  • High promotional interest rate
  • No unfair fees or service charges
  • Access to Scotiabank ABMs
  • Easy functional mobile app
Excellent welcome offers available.
Modern Banking
High Interest on Cash Balance

Neo / WealthSimple

Next-gen financial tools

  • Earn high interest on checking balance
  • 1% cash back on spending
  • No account fees
  • Seamless mobile experience
The future of Canadian banking.

* Rates are actionable as of early 2026 and subject to change by financial institutions.

Explore by Category

Canadian Banking 101: What You Need to Know

savings Savings vs. Chequing

Chequing accounts are for daily transactions—buying coffee, paying bills, and receiving your paycheck. They usually pay little to no interest but offer high transaction limits.

Savings accounts (especially High-Interest Savings Accounts or HISAs) are for storing money you don't need immediately. They pay higher interest rates but may have transaction limits.

language Big 5 Banks vs. Online Banks

Canada's "Big 5" (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC) offer physical branches and a wide range of services but often have higher fees.

Online-only banks (like EQ Bank, Tangerine, Simplii) typically offer no-fee accounts and significantly higher interest rates because they don't pay for physical branches.

verified_user Is Your Money Safe? (CDIC)

The Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) is a federal Crown corporation. If a CDIC-member bank fails, your eligible deposits (up to $100,000 per category) are protected.

Most major online and traditional banks in Canada are CDIC members. always look for the CDIC logo.

swap_horiz How to Switch Banks

Switching is easier than you think. 1. Open the new account. 2. Transfer your funds (use e-Transfer for small amounts, or link external accounts). 3. Update your payroll (Direct Deposit) and automatic bill payments. 4. Close the old account once everything has cleared.

Pro Tip: The Hybrid Strategy

Many Canadians use a no-fee online bank for their daily chequing and high-interest savings to save on fees and earn interest, while keeping a free savings account at a "Big 5" bank just to access physical ATMs or tellers occasionally. This gives you the best of both worlds!