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Published October 22, 2024
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5 minutes

Simplii Financial Review

Simplii Financial doesn’t have any physical branches but what it lacks in in-person support it makes up for with no monthly fees or account minimums.

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Simplii Financial at a glance

Simplii Financial was founded in 2017 and has almost 2 million personal banking clients.

  • Simplii Financial account options
    Savings
    Chequing
    Investing
    Foreign currency accounts
    Visa credit card
  • Other Simplii Financial services
    Mortgages
    Personal loans and lines of credit

Simplii Financial overview

Simplii Financial is a Canadian online-only bank backed by the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, or CIBC. Formerly known as President’s Choice Financial and rebranded to Simplii in 2017, this digital bank offers a straightforward selection of bank accounts alongside mortgages, loans and investment products. Simplii does not have physical locations, but its online banking portal and mobile app make it possible for you to manage your finances without needing to set foot in a branch.

Online banking capabilities at Simplii Financial

Simplii’s online banking services are its primary selling point as a digital bank. For people who want to manage their finances online, Simplii offers an online banking portal through its website (simplii.com) and a mobile app to bank on the go. Using Simplii’s online banking platforms, you can open a new bank account, transfer funds, deposit cheques, pay bills, manage your investments and more.

Is my money safe at Simplii Financial?

Simplii Financial is a subsidiary of CIBC and carries coverage from the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, which insures up to $100,000 of eligible deposits in the event that Simplii goes under. 

As a digital bank, Simplii relies on firewalls and 128-bit encryption to protect your confidential banking information. It also offers the “Simplii Financial Personal Banking Online Security Guarantee,” which reimburses Simplii customers for 100% of funds lost from unauthorized bank transactions so long as they have met the responsibilities outlined in their service agreement. To benefit from Simplii’s Online Security Guarantee, you’ll need to select an adequate online banking password and use up-to-date antivirus software, among other things.  

Simplii Financial account types

Simplii offers many of the personal bank accounts you would expect from a traditional financial institution.

Simplii Financial savings accounts

Simplii Financial chequing account

Simplii Financial credit card

Simplii Financial registered accounts

Other Simplii Financial services

Simplii Financial fees

Simplii advertises a no-fee chequing account but the name is somewhat misleading, because overdraft, insufficient funds and out-of-network ATM fees are still applicable. That said, you won’t pay any monthly service fees or deal with minimum account balance requirements for holding a chequing or savings account, which is a plus. 

Here are some of the more common fees Simplii charges:

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Who Simplii Financial is best for

Canadians who prefer to manage their finances online and don’t mind remote customer service.

With its online-only banking options and 24-hour phone support, Simplii Financial is best for Canadians who prefer to manage their finances online and don’t mind receiving assistance remotely. Phone support (on 1-888-723-8881) and virtual assistants are available 24/7; live chat agents work 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

While its account type and service lineup is more limited than what you might find at other banks, Simplii’s online banking platform is feature-rich and functional so you can take care of your finances independently.

Pros and Cons of Simplii Financial

Simplii has plenty going for it, but no bank is perfect. Here’s what to consider before you open an account.

Pros of Simplii Financial

Cons of Simplii Financial

How Simplii Financial compares to other online banks

ATM accessAre deposits insured?
Canadian TireN/AYes, by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation.
EQ BankFree at any ATM in Canada (fees are reimbursed).Yes, by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Simplii FinancialFree at any CIBC ATM.Yes, by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Tangerine BankFree at any Scotiabank or Global ATM Alliance ABM.Yes, by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation.

» MORE: Read our Banking reviews of other Big Banks, credit unions and online-only banks.

Simplii Financial frequently asked questions

Is Simplii part of CIBC?

Yes. Simplii Financial is a division of CIBC.

Does Simplii have a debit card?

Yes. Simplii’s No Fee Chequing Account comes with a debit card you can use to access ATMs and make in-person purchases.

DIVE EVEN DEEPER

How to Open a Bank Account

How to Open a Bank Account

You can open a bank account online, over the phone or at a branch. Make sure you have two forms of identification ready.

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