Violets are blue

Aviator, can I ask why, what you mean please? The reason I ask is because I was planning on opening an account with them when I arrive as it really seemed the simplest option (no other reason - just easy to get banking and credit from the off). Would like to hear of possible problems and if they are too much will just go to one of the usual banks.

Aviator

It did not work for me. I prefer my RBC VIP account, which encompasses all I need and can be easily dealt with with no extra charges, including my credit cards. Much more personal and less trouble. If I have a problem, I can go into the bank, they know who I am and I can sort it out there and then with ease.

PC is a virtual bank administered through CIBC I believe. Staples did something like it years ago and did not like that either. I still have a few hindered in PC and they are not making it easy to get ti out without charging me to do so.

Edo

Has RBC also started doing fee free accounts?

Aviator

No idea.

Edo

oh I thought thats what you implied in your post

Violets are blue

Thanks for that Aviator, I appreciate your response, I guess I will look into things a little more in depth with regard to banks/banking. Thanks again

jericho

I've been with PC Financial for the last couple of years, and have no complaints whatsoever.
I've seen that BMO are now offering free banking too.

Not sure why you're struggling to get your money out Aviator- you simply go to an ATM, insert your card, type in your pin, and take your money out.... you only get charged if you use an ATM through another bank. Only thing I can think of is that you're talking about a savings account?



Not sure why anyone would agree to pay to use a bank. The whole point of banks is that they pay you, not the other way round.

Tangram

VIP is $30 per month before any discounts so no I don't think so.

yzf.shaun

I got the account opened on Monday without issue. I had my COPR and then I also printed the operational bulletin from the CIC website which stated the new form replaces IMM 5292.

I didn't really look into Scotia but RBC were offering free for 12 months and unsecured credit card. So I figure after 12 months I can swap to a free banking option. This was more the credit card I was interested in.

Aviator

$35 now, does include a safety deposit box, no extra charge for most banking though, better FX rates than other accounts, Visa Infinite cards. If you use a lot of bank services, it is cheaper than paying individual service fees.

CanadianDreams

We had no problems setting up bank account with RBC, took our passports with the copr stapled in, and UK driving licence as id, i did make an appointment to do this but they were very helpful and very straightforward and came out with two temporary cashcards.

amherstburgmac

CIBC were the only bank that would give us credit and a mortgage when we arrived. The listened to our story and treated us like customers. TD and RBC didn't. I understand that ScotiaB are also understanding.

R I C H

It's down to the branches you deal with, and your specific circumstances, isn't it? To broad brush all the banks with a positive or negative spin is meaningless.

amherstburgmac

Maybe...

R I C H

How does my experience of RBC offering me a commercial mortgage, credit line and bank accounts as a non-resident with no job or guaranteed income relate to other immigrants experience of struggling to open a basic checking account with the same bank? It obviously doesn't - it's very branch/relationship dependent.