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Best New Bank Account Offers and Promotions in Canada for 2025

Apr 18, 2025
Chequing account offers include cash rewards, gift cards, waived fees, merchandise and more. You may need to complete qualifying activities to get the offer.
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Written by Siddhi Bagwe
Content Management Specialist
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ALSO CONSIDER: Best no-fee chequing Accounts | Best student bank accounts | Best senior bank accounts

It’s satisfying to get something for free — especially when that something is cold, hard cash. But money isn’t the only thing you could get for opening a chequing account.

New bank account account offers may include gift cards, waived fees, merchandise and more.

Banks offer account promotions to incentivize new customers to sign up. If you’re in the market for a new chequing account, compare account features and promotions to nab the best offer for your lifestyle and spending habits.

NerdWallet follows strict editorial guidelines to remain objective in our evaluations and ensure accuracy for our readers. Evaluations are based on a proprietary formula that factors in the overall value and benefits of each savings account.

Nearly 25 financial institutions, including traditional banks, credit unions and online banks reviewed by our banking specialists.

Close to 20 data points on over 40 currently available new bank account offers examined to determine their eligibility for our list.

NerdWallet Home PagePartner Spotlight
Coast Capital Elevate Chequing Account

From April 15 - June 30, 2025: New members can get $400* when they open and use an Elevate Chequing Account. *Conditions apply. Click "Apply Now" for full terms and conditions.

APPLY NOW
on Coast Capital's website
Coast Capital Elevate Chequing Account

Best new bank account offers and promotions

Best for cash bonus on a banking package
Scotiabank Preferred Package
Scotiabank Preferred Package
APPLY NOW
on Scotiabank's website
4.2
NerdWallet rating
Bonus offer
Up to $500*

Monthly fee
$16.95
Waived with minimum balance

Transactions
Unlimited
APPLY NOW
on Scotiabank's website

Best for cash bonus on a banking package
BMO Performance Chequing Account
BMO Performance Chequing Account
APPLY NOW
on BMO's website
4.2
NerdWallet rating
Interest rate
N/A

Bonus offer
Up to $700*

Monthly fee
$17.95
Waived with minimum balance

Transactions
Unlimited
APPLY NOW
on BMO's website

Best cash-back bonus and a modest interest rate
Simplii Financial™ No Fee Chequing Account
Simplii Financial™ No Fee Chequing Account
APPLY NOW
on Simplii Financial™'s website
4.0
NerdWallet rating
Bonus offer
$300

Monthly fee
$0

Transactions
Unlimited
APPLY NOW
on Simplii Financial™'s website

Best for cash bonus and tiered monthly fees
CIBC Smart™ Account
CIBC Smart™ Account
4.0
NerdWallet rating
Interest rate
N/A

Bonus offer
$450

Monthly fee
$6.95-$16.95
Waived with minimum balance

Transactions
Varies with monthly fee

Best for cash bonus on a banking package
TD Unlimited Chequing Account
TD Unlimited Chequing Account
4.3
NerdWallet rating
Bonus offer
Up to $600

Monthly fee
$16.95
Waived with minimum balance

Transactions
Unlimited

Best for cash bonus and a multi-product rebate
RBC Signature No Limit Banking
RBC Signature No Limit Banking
4.3
NerdWallet rating
Interest rate
N/A

Bonus offer
Get an Apple Watch

Monthly fee
$16.95
Rebates available

Transactions
Unlimited

Best for cash-back bonus and a modest interest rate
Tangerine No-Fee Daily Chequing Account
Tangerine No-Fee Daily Chequing Account
3.9
NerdWallet rating
Interest rate
Up to 0.10%

Bonus offer
$250

Monthly fee
$0

Transactions
Unlimited

Best for bonus reward points
The PC Money™ Account
The PC Money™ Account
3.7
NerdWallet rating
Interest rate
3.50%

Bonus offer
Earn 200,000 bonus PC Optimum points.* Valued $200

Monthly fee
$0

Transactions
Unlimited

Methodology

BACK TO TOP

NerdWallet Canada selects the best bank account offers and promotions based on the overall value of the bank promotions. In addition, our evaluation methodology considers the value of the bank and account features, such as monthly fees, minimum balances, and included services. The accounts considered for this list are available to Canadians in more than one province.

Summary of the best new bank account offers in Canada

AccountNerdWallet ratingInterest rateBonus offerMonthly feeApply Now
Scotiabank Preferred Package
APPLY NOW
on Scotiabank's website
Scotiabank Preferred Package
4.2/5
N/A
Up to $500*
$16.95
Waived with minimum balance
BMO Performance Chequing Account
APPLY NOW
on BMO's website
BMO Performance Chequing Account
4.2/5
N/A
Up to $700*
$17.95
Waived with minimum balance
Simplii Financial™ No Fee Chequing Account
APPLY NOW
on Simplii Financial™'s website
Simplii Financial™ No Fee Chequing Account
4.0/5
N/A
$300
$0
CIBC Smart™ Account
CIBC Smart™ Account
4.0/5
N/A
$450
$6.95-$16.95
Waived with minimum balance
TD Unlimited Chequing Account
TD Unlimited Chequing Account
4.3/5
N/A
Up to $600
$16.95
Waived with minimum balance
RBC Signature No Limit Banking
RBC Signature No Limit Banking
4.3/5
N/A
Get an Apple Watch
$16.95
Rebates available
Tangerine No-Fee Daily Chequing Account
Tangerine No-Fee Daily Chequing Account
3.9/5
Up to 0.10%
$250
$0
The PC Money™ Account
The PC Money™ Account
3.7/5
3.50%
Earn 200,000 bonus PC Optimum points.* Valued $200
$0
NerdWallet Home PagePartner Spotlight
Coast Capital Elevate Chequing Account

Unlock premium banking benefits, plus free access* to Coursera’s global learning platform that could help you advance your career and potentially get paid more. *Conditions apply. Click “Apply Now” for details.

APPLY NOW
on Coast Capital's website
Coast Capital Elevate Chequing Account

What to look for in a bank account offer

Banks use a variety of rewards to entice people to sign up for new accounts. These include:

  • Cash. Premium accounts may offer cash rewards above $500 while basic accounts, like those for students, often have cash rewards closer to $100.

  • Things. A new smart watch, for example.

  • Rewards points. You can redeem points in a variety of ways. Not the same as cash, but close.

  • Joint offers. Earn even more if you open a second type of account, like a credit card, registered account (like an RRSP) or savings account. 

Downsides to be aware of when comparing bank account offers

Before jumping at the highest offer, consider the following:

  • Bonuses aren’t always instant. To get the biggest rewards, you’ll need to do more than just open the account. A bank may require you to have direct deposit in place for six months or pay bills online before sending you a bonus, for instance. 

  • Account minimums may be out of reach. A premium chequing account — which offers the biggest bonuses — typically requires you to maintain a minimum balance, sometimes $5,000 or more. Miss that minimum and monthly fees kick in, washing your bonus away.

  • Bundled awards may not be your best bet. To earn the maximum advertised bonus, you may need to open other accounts, which may not fit your needs. If you’re in the market for other accounts, you may be able to get a better overall value by pursuing different promo offers for each account.

How to find the best bank account offers and promotions

It’s great to get a bonus for opening a chequing account. That’s why NerdWallet considers sign-up offers in its account ratings formula. However, offers and perks like these have the smallest effect on an account’s overall star rating.

The factors we think are more important are:

  • No monthly fees. Look for accounts that don’t charge you to keep it open.

  • No transaction fees. Steer clear of a sign-up bonus if it means paying to use your debit card or make online transfers.

  • Broad ATM network. More in-network ATMs where you spend your time means more savings when you take out cash.

  • Banking experience. You should expect an app that works well and a bank website that’s easy to navigate. Do you ever use in-person banking services? If so, you’ll want nearby branches as well.

What to expect when opening a bank account

Opening a bank account is simple — most can be completed online in five minutes. Before you start the sign-up process, make sure you meet the requirements to get the sign-up bonus and to keep your monthly fees to $0.

Other new bank account promotions from the Big 6 Banks

  • BMO new bank account offers

    Chequing accounts:

    • BMO Performance and Premium Chequing Accounts: Earn up to $700 with a new Savings Amplifier Account and a Family Bundle.

    • BMO Plus Chequing Account: Earn a $100 cash reward.

    • BMO Student Chequing Account and BMO Banking for International Students: Earn a $125 cash reward and get six months of Domino’s pizza (worth $95).

    • BMO NewStart Program for newcomers: Earn up to $700 and a $100 Walmart Canada eGift card.

    Savings accounts:

    • BMO Savings Builder Account: Earn up to 0.95%.

    • BMO Savings Amplifier Account: Earn up to 4.80% with a new BMO Student Chequing Account, NewStart Program for newcomers and and eligible BMO chequing accounts. Earn a $200 cash reward with a new Performance or Premium Plan.

  • RBC new bank account offers

    Chequing accounts:

    • RBC VIP Banking and Signature No Limit Banking: Get an Apple Watch.

    • RBC Advantage Banking for students: Earn a $100 cash reward.

    Savings accounts:

    • CIBC new bank account offers

      Chequing accounts:

      • CIBC Smart Account, Smart Plus Account and Smart Account for Newcomers: Earn a $450 cash reward.

      • CIBC Smart for Students and Smart for International students: Earn a $125 cash reward.

      Savings accounts:

      • Scotiabank new account offers

        Chequing accounts:

        • Scotiabank Ultimate, Preferred Packages and Scotiabank Preferred Package with the StartRight Program offer for newcomers: Earn up to $500 with an eligible registered plan.

        • Scotiabank Student Banking Advantage Plan for domestic and international students: Earn a $100 cash reward.

        Savings accounts:

        • TD Bank promotions

          Chequing accounts:

          • TD Unlimited Chequing Account and All-Inclusive Banking Plan: Earn up to $600 cash reward when bundled with TD ePremium Savings Account or Every Day Savings Account and an eligible TD credit card.

          • TD Every Day Chequing Account and Minimum Chequing Account: Earn: Earn a $150 cash reward when bundled with TD ePremium Savings Account or Every Day Savings Account and an eligible TD credit card.

          • TD New to Canada Banking Package with the Unlimited Chequing Account: Earn a $450 cash reward.

          • TD Student Chequing Account and TD International Student Banking Package: Earn a $125 cash reward.

          Savings accounts:

          • TD ePremium, Every Day Savings and High Interest Savings Accounts: Earn up to $2,400.

          • TD Every Day Savings Account: Earn 1.00% bonus interest rate with TD New to Canada and International Student Banking Packages

        • National Bank promotions

          None.