Which Bank is Best?!

[JessNess]

Ok, I realize this is very subjective, as everyone has a different experience. I am now a PR of Alberta (came from USA) and I am totally clueless on which bank to pick as my new Canadian bank. I've Googled for HOURS about the various banks but I want a few recommendations from real-life people who are immigrating here too!

The bank I use in the USA does not exist in Canada, so that option of customer loyalty is out. My husband uses ScotiaBank and it has the worst customer service I have ever seen! All of the banks I use in the USA literally kiss your butt for your money, but in Canada, so far, all I have seen is abuse and indifference to providing good service! As unbelievable as these banks are so poorly run, does anyone know which one is least worst of the worst? haha

Thanks!

PS- I'm just looking for a checking and savings account, no investments.

 

[newtone]

When it comes to banks all are the same, it really depends how you want to get ripped off. All have the same product and services they just go with different name.Choice is totally yours

 

[JessNess]

hahaha awesome, thanks

 

[steaky]

Could you share which bank (s) in USA kiss your butt for your money?

 

[JessNess]

Wells Fargo

But I'm not here to discuss American banks

 

[rhcohen2014]

Try Td. My husband has been a customer since he was 6 and opened his first account. We had an issue w customer service, we complained and they totally kisse our ass to make it up to us. I'm not sure if they have a newcomer package.

 

[JessNess]

Try Td. My husband has been a customer since he was 6 and opened his first account. We had an issue w customer service, we complained and they totally kisse our ass to make it up to us. I'm not sure if they have a newcomer package.

Thanks! I heard they are pretty good, I will try them first, haha

 

[mrbeachman]

Yes, go with TD. After dealing with 6 of them in Canada (true, they are all pretty much the same) TD comes on top regarding customer service.

 

[TheAwesomeMatt]

Yea, most of the big ones are the same (TD, RBC, BMO, Scotiabnk), so just check which has the best deal. I recall seeing RBC giving away iPad or Galaxy Tabs recently, which is pretty decent.

 

[Rossei]

Ok, I realize this is very subjective, as everyone has a different experience. I am now a PR of Alberta (came from USA) and I am totally clueless on which bank to pick as my new Canadian bank. I've Googled for HOURS about the various banks but I want a few recommendations from real-life people who are immigrating here too!

The bank I use in the USA does not exist in Canada, so that option of customer loyalty is out. My husband uses ScotiaBank and it has the worst customer service I have ever seen! :-\ All of the banks I use in the USA literally kiss your butt for your money, but in Canada, so far, all I have seen is abuse and indifference to providing good service! As unbelievable as these banks are so poorly run, does anyone know which one is least worst of the worst? haha

Thanks!

PS- I'm just looking for a checking and savings account, no investments.

In my experience, ScotiaBank has the best customer service among the big 5.

As others mentioned, it's all same from any of the big 5 unless you're some "Warren Buffett".

TD Bank is probably the best you have in Canada for simple banking mainly because its working hours and abundant branches.

You can read a brief on the big 5 I posted before: http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/tax-in-ontario-t75587.0.html;msg1310040#msg1310040

You can also try Financical Consumer Agency of Canada (FCRC) Account Selector Tool

 

[JessNess]

Thanks for the tips guys

 

[Bargeld]

Wife, being Canadian, already had a TD account set up.

Years later she's constantly praised them for their hours, which seem to be much better than the other popular banks (Scotia, BMO, etc.).

When it comes to the basics of plans (cost per month, transactions) the major banks seem relatively the same, so logically one should consider perks such as:

- Air miles vs. SCENE points (aka free movies) vs. cash back vs. whatever they may do

- Check out the bank's credit card plans -- if no one issues you an unsecured card, fret not, if you bank with the big banks long enough and use your checking account often enough, they'll eventually pre-approve you for an unsecured credit card (if you're not a crappy customer and write bouncing checks or something on a regular basis), and cards like the Scotiabank SCENE Visa are really good at rewards (we get like 15-25 movies per year with the credit card, would get maybe half that if we used the debit card).

 

[mr.Hope]

RBC is giving out IPAD MINI for opening an all-inclusive banking account. which other banks are giving more offers ? ? ?

 

[biagio_r]

I can vouch for TD. Amazing customer service.

 

[conetocanada]

Hello Folks!!!

I have landed Edmonton,Canada....GOT my SIN,Health Card, and GDL ...Everything is fine but banking sucks!!!

I wanted to share my experience about banking in Canada...Please never open Scotia Bank Account from anywhere....they are big Cheater in all terms...

First I got confirmation Letter for remittance and once i made my remittance then the money revert back to my Indian Account- Due to negligence of Scotia Bank...

Secondly they have very limited ABM around the whole city...you will have to cross miles to get ABM...and if u use any other ABM then they will deduct 2 CAD per transaction...

Its my personal opinion and observation....Please avoid such banking...

With Regards,