Newcomer Guides
Plain guides to banking, fees and building credit in your first years in Canada.
4 guides
Credit historyBring your credit history to Canada: what transfers and what doesn't
Your credit score from home doesn't move to Canada on its own. Here is who can still use it, who qualifies, and how to start fresh if your country isn't covered.
Banking & feesYour bank fees after year one: what newcomer accounts cost once the free period endsNewcomer chequing is free for 12 to 24 months. Here is what the big five banks charge after that, and how to keep paying $0.
Credit historyCredit cards for international students in Canada: what you can get with no credit historyRBC, Scotiabank, CIBC and TD all have a way for international students to get a first credit card with no Canadian credit history. Here is what each offers and what to bring.
Banking & feesFor international students and new immigrants: how to avoid hidden bank fees and unlock your first credit cardWhen you first arrive in Canada, you have to set up a bank account, a phone plan and a place to live within a few weeks, so bank fees are easy to overlook. Monthly…
Guide index A–Z
BBring your credit history to Canada: what transfers and what doesn'tCCredit cards for international students in Canada: what you can get with no credit historyFFor international students and new immigrants: how to avoid hidden bank fees and unlock your first credit cardYYour bank fees after year one: what newcomer accounts cost once the free period ends