Bigboss said:
Helo guys
Which is the best bank to open account for newcomers
plus why we need To open current and saving accounts simatenasly??
Most Canadian banks know that new immigrants bring large amounts as part of their landing and offer packages for them.
As you do not have credit history in Canada, you are technically not eligible to apply for a credit card (an important tool to build Canadian credit history). You however have the option of getting a secured credit card, this means that you can block a certain amount of your cash (deposit) and have that as your credit card limit. Once you build credit history and have good credit rating you will get your deposit back and the bank will continue to increase you credit limit with time (based on your rating).
Few banks offer new immigrants unsecured credit cards (no deposit needed). These cards have low credit limits ($500 to $2000 depends on bank and your personal circumstances), however once your credit ratings improves so will your credit card limit.
Some of the programs for new immigrants:
Scotiabank: http://www.scotiabank.com/ca/en/0,,2468,00.html
CIBC: https://www.cibc.com/ca/chequing-savings/newcomers.html
TD Bank: http://www.tdcanadatrust.com/newtocanada/
RBC: http://www.rbc.com/canada/banking-packages/index.html
My personal experience is with Scotiabank and CIBC, but I would recommend scotiabank. Scotiabank will immediately approve a credit card with limit of $1000 for new comers. TD bank is also popular here, but they do not offer unsecured credit cards to new immigrants.
You don't have to get a saving account if you don't want one (people just get it because it is free as part of the new comer package).
One thing I would advise is that your wife get her own account and her own credit card, as she will have zero credit history as a supplementary card holder. You may need her to cosign the loan, if you want to buy a house in the future and you do not have the right credit rating.
Regards,