Banking Choices upon 'landing'
TD, Scotiabank & CIBC r the most favored banks here (TD, a shade better) - as they r present everywhere. We'd be hard pressed not to find either of the three in any/every town, even if it's remote. Moreover, these 3 bank's ATM machines could be found anywhere... not that we cannot use other's ATMs for w/drawing our monies - but, it'd add some addnl transaction charges [usually $2].
While RBC is the largest bank & BMO - the oldest bank of Canada -- however, they seem to have lagged behind the first 3 in marketing, especially with the newcomers. Nothing wrong with them either, but just that the other 3 r omnipresent - and prominently advertised too.
Besides, each of them have similar product bundles, some good in one aspect, while the other in something else. All the 3 also provide u a free safety locker for the 1st yr (only for newcomers). However, some of their branches might not have that facility.
NOTE:
Currently TD Bank has the 'longest operational' retail banking hrs. Most of its branches operate for 12 hrs [from 8AM - 8PM] - yes, we can knock their doors at 8PM for any of our 'personal' banking tasks!
Qorax
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1. I'm with TD... though had initially opened a Scotiabank a/c from overseas (but switched later for no serious reason).
2. TD gives me a savings, chequing & credit card bundle - with chequing having no monthly charges (for any transaction/s) while keeping a bal of $5K.
3. I'm also aware that they offer "unsecured" $1K credit card to every newcomer, which is preety good.
