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Guide to the best bank for seniors discounts in Canada in May 2023

This guide to the best bank accounts for seniors uncovers senior benefits and discounts offered by major banks along with online banking deals and options.

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By

Tim Falk

Edited by

Romana King

Updated

Fact checked

The best bank accounts for seniors have no monthly fees, unlimited transactions, and come with a range of other perks. But what is the best bank for seniors discounts in Canada?

To find out, we compared seniors’ benefits at different banks and looked for providers that offer free banking for seniors in Canada. If an account or seniors’ banking package represents good value, we’ve included it in the list below. Keep reading to find the best seniors’ bank account for your needs.

What do seniors get for free in Canada?

When you turn 60 or 65, you become eligible for senior benefits from most banks. The discounts on offer vary from one bank to the next but can include:

  • No monthly fees (or a discounted monthly fee)
  • Free personalized cheques
  • The use of a debit card linked to your account
  • Access to online and mobile banking
  • A specified number of transactions per month (some accounts support unlimited transactions)
  • Free paper statements

Some banks will also throw in additional perks to sweeten the deal. For example, some offer a cash bonus if you open a seniors account and then set up regular deposits and bill payments to and from your account. Other banks offer discounts on other products, such as the use of a free safety deposit box or waived credit card annual fees.

There are big savings to be had for savvy seniors, so it’s worth shopping around to find the best deal.

Best bank accounts for seniors in Canada

Overall Best Bank for Seniors Discounts in Canada: CIBC Smart for Seniors Program

If you’re searching for the bank that offers the best seniors’ discounts in Canada then CIBC is our top pick. With its Smart for Seniors program for customers 65 and older, you can access monthly fee discounts on Smart and Smart Plus chequing accounts. Free bank drafts and money orders are available too, along with free personalized cheques on a Smart Plus Account. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to grow your bank balance, you can access an annual discount that helps you save on the rental fee for a safety deposit box when you open a CIBC savings account. CIBC also offers a dedicated Seniors Support Centre, plus priority phone routing for people aged 75 and older, so this bank does plenty to look after its senior customers.

CIBC Smart for Seniors Account
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CIBC Smart for Seniors Account

12 per month
Free Transactions
$0
e-Transfer Fee
$10
Monthly Account Fee
Eligibility: Must be 65 or older
Free transactions: 12 per month
E-transfer fee: $0
Monthly account fee: $0 for up to 12 transactions (monthly fee is $10 if you want unlimited transactions) on the Smart Account, $23 per month for the Smart Plus Account
Bonus offer or perks: $400 cash reward offer; monthly fee waived for three months; one free non-CIBC ATM withdrawal in Canada per month; free personal cheques with a CIBC Smart Plus Account; further perks available if you open a CIBC savings account
Credit card (yes/no): Yes. If you open a CIBC Smart Plus Account with Smart for Seniors, you can access annual fee rebates on eligible CIBC credit cards
Min. Age 65
Account Fee $10
Overdraft Fee
ATM Out-of-Network Fee $2
U.S. ATM Fee $3
International ATM Fee $5

CIBC senior banking offers

Best Savings Account for Seniors in Canada: EQ Bank Savings Plus Account

We think the EQ Bank Savings Plus Account is the best seniors savings account for several reasons. From a savings perspective, the account lets you earn interest at a competitive rate of 2.5%, and there are no monthly fees that eat into your account balance. But the EQ Bank Savings Plus account also offers the features of an everyday chequing account, with unlimited transactions, free Interac e-Transfers and no minimum balance requirements. It also comes with the EQ Bank Card, which offers free withdrawals from any Canadian ATM and the ability to earn cash back on purchases, making this a solid all-around package if you’re searching for a convenient savings account.

EQ Bank Savings Plus Account
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EQ Bank Savings Plus Account

2.5%
Interest Rate
$0
Account Fee
$0
Transaction Fee
Eligibility: Must be the age of majority in your province, be a Canadian resident and have a SIN
Free transactions: Unlimited
E-transfer fee: $0
Monthly account fee: $0
Bonus offer or perks: Earn 2.5% interest on your balance, and get cash back on every purchase with the EQ Bank Card
Credit card (yes/no): Yes. The EQ Bank Card is a prepaid reloadable Mastercard
  • No monthly fee or minimum balance requirements
  • Unlimited transactions
  • Earn interest on every dollar in your account
  • EQ Bank Card not available in Quebec
  • 100% online bank with no bank branches
  • No bonus interest
Min. Age 18
Account Fee $0
Transaction Fee $0
Interac e-Transfer Fee $0
NSF Fee $0
Dive deeper EQ Bank Review

Best Hybrid (Chequing & Savings) Account for Seniors in Canada: Tangerine No-Fee Daily Chequing Account

The Tangerine No-Fee Daily Chequing Account is a hybrid account that offers plenty of benefits for Canadians of all ages. As its name suggests, this account doesn’t charge any fees for any of your regular daily chequing transactions like bill payments, debit purchases and e-Transfers. You can also take advantage of free access to 3,500 Scotiabank ABMs nationwide and 44,000 ABMs worldwide, while your first book of 50 cheques is free (subsequent chequebooks cost $50 each). To top it off, this account pays up to 0.1% interest on your balance, so it’s well worth a look if you want your money to work harder for you.

Tangerine No-Fee Daily Chequing Account
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Tangerine No-Fee Daily Chequing Account

unlimited
Free Transactions
$0
e-Transfer Fee
$0
Monthly Account Fee
Eligibility: Must be a resident of Canada with a valid SIN, be 16 years or older and have an email address
Free transactions: unlimited
E-transfer fee: $0
Monthly account fee: $0
Bonus offer or perks: Earn up to 0.01% interest on your balance
Credit card (yes/no): No
Min. Age 16
Account Fee $0
Overdraft Fee $10
ATM Out-of-Network Fee $1.50
International ATM Fee $3

Best Online Bank in Canada for Seniors: Simplii No-Fee Chequing Account

Next on our list of the best bank accounts for seniors in Canada is this fee-free chequing account from Simplii. Designed to make it easy to manage your everyday banking needs online, this account supports unlimited debit purchases, bill payments and withdrawals. You can also take advantage of free access to over 3,400 CIBC ATMs across Canada, and set up overdraft protection of up to $5,000 for an additional monthly fee. And with the ability to earn up to 0.1% interest on your account balance, plus manage your account entirely online or via mobile banking, the Simplii No-Fee Chequing Account is worth checking out.

Simplii No Fee Chequing Account
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Simplii No Fee Chequing Account

unlimited
Free Transactions
$0
e-Transfer Fee
$0
Monthly Account Fee
Eligibility: Must be a resident of Canada with a valid SIN, be 18 years or older and have an email address
Free transactions: unlimited
E-transfer fee: $0
Monthly account fee: $0
Bonus offer or perks: Earn a welcome bonus of up to $400, earn up to 0.01% interest
Credit card (yes/no): No
Min. Age 18
Min. Age Teen Account 12
Account Fee $0
Overdraft Fee $4.97
ATM Out-of-Network Fee $1.50
International ATM Fee $3

Best Bank Account for Seniors with Safety Deposit Box: RBC VIP Banking

Looking for a bank account that makes it easy to manage your everyday banking needs and offers the convenience of a safety deposit box as well? RBC’s VIP Banking package might be the answer. This account comes with a monthly fee of $22.50 for seniors, but you can reduce this by up to $11.95 if you enrol your account in RBC’s Value Program. You can make unlimited debit transactions worldwide, there are no minimum balance requirements, and personalized cheques and monthly paper statements are free. And with a $60 per year discount off a safety deposit box, you can securely store valuables with your bank too.

RBC VIP Banking Account
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RBC VIP Banking Account

unlimited
Free Transactions
$0
e-Transfer Fee
$30
Monthly Account Fee
Eligibility: 65 and older
Free transactions: unlimited
E-transfer fee: $0
Monthly account fee: $22.50 (can be reduced by up to $11.95 with Value Program rebate)
Bonus offer or perks: $60 per year off a safety deposit box, waived overdraft protection fee, waived RBC Direct Investing maintenance fees, cash bonus of up to $350
Credit card (yes/no): Yes. Up to $120 rebate on the annual fee of an eligible RBC credit card
Min. Age N/A
Account Fee $30
Overdraft Fee
ATM Out-of-Network Fee $0

Best Bank Account for Seniors Collecting Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS): TD Minimum Chequing Account for Seniors

If you only have minimal banking needs, this chequing account from TD could be just what you need. If you’re collecting the GIS, the $3.95 monthly fee on the TD Minimum Chequing Account is waived. You won’t pay any transaction fees on your first 12 transactions per month, and that includes up to two transactions completed in a branch or via phone banking. You can also manage your money via online and mobile banking, deposit cheques from the TD mobile app, and get instant access to your pension with direct deposits into your account.

TD Minimum Chequing Account
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TD Minimum Chequing Account

12/month
Free Transactions
$0.50-$1.00
e-Transfer Fee
$3.95
Monthly Account Fee
Eligibility: 60 years or older and collecting the GIS
Free transactions: 12/month
E-transfer fee: $0.50 for transactions of up to $100, $1 for transactions over $100
Monthly account fee: $0 (or $3.95 without discount)
Bonus offer or perks: Earn 50% more rewards at participating Starbucks stores
Credit card (yes/no): No
Min. Age N/A
Account Fee $3.95
Overdraft Fee
ATM Out-of-Network Fee $2
U.S. ATM Fee $3
International ATM Fee $5

Best No-Fee RBC Account for Seniors in Canada: RBC Day-to-Day Banking for Seniors

If you’re searching for the best RBC seniors accounts, RBC Day-to-Day Banking might just be the perfect fit for you. Thanks to the RBC seniors rebate, you won’t pay any monthly fees on this account. A total of 12 free transactions per month are included, while unlimited free public transit debits make it easy to get around. You can also access free monthly paper statements with cheque images so you can monitor your transaction history. But where this banking package really shines is when you pair your RBC seniors account with the RBC Value Program, allowing you to earn at least 1 Avion point for every $10 you spend in-store and online. And if you open at least three other product categories with RBC in addition to your account, you can earn 1 point for every $3 you spend on debit. Those points can then be used to buy gift cards and merchandise from major brands, book flights and travel deals, pay down your credit card balance and more. So if you want to get additional perks and benefits from your everyday banking, there are plenty of good reasons to check out this account.

RBC Day to Day Banking Account
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RBC Day to Day Banking Account

12/month
Free Transactions
unlimited
e-Transfer Fee
$4
Monthly Account Fee
Eligibility: 65 or older
Free transactions: 12/month
E-transfer fee: $0
Monthly account fee: $0 (or $4 without seniors discount)
Bonus offer or perks: Unlimited free debits for eligible public transit, earn up to 1 Avion point for every $3 spent through the RBC Value Program
Credit card (yes/no): No
Min. Age N/A
Account Fee $4
Overdraft Fee

Best No-Fee BMO Seniors Account in Canada: BMO Practical Plan Account for Seniors

If you’re looking for the best BMO seniors account and you only have minimal banking needs, the Practical Plan Account is our pick. There are no monthly fees if you’re 60 or over, and you can make up to 12 transactions per month. Free Interac e-Transfers are included (up to a $3,000 daily maximum), and you can manage your money online, via the BMO mobile app, or by visiting your nearest branch.

BMO Practical Chequing Account
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BMO Practical Chequing Account

12/month
Free Transactions
$0
e-Transfer Fee
$4
Monthly Account Fee
Eligibility: 60 or older
Free transactions: 12/month
E-transfer fee: $0
Monthly account fee: $0 (or $4 without seniors discount)
Bonus offer or perks: $400 welcome bonus and 5% promo interest rate if you also open a Savings Amplifier Account
Credit card (yes/no): No
Min. Age N/A
Account Fee $4
Overdraft Fee $5
ATM Out-of-Network Fee $2
U.S. ATM Fee $3
International ATM Fee $5

Best No-Fee Bank Account for Seniors in Canada from National Bank: The Minimalist Chequing Account for Seniors

It’s hard to go past The Minimalist if you’re searching for seniors discounts from National Bank. As its name suggests, this account is designed for people who don’t need to perform a whole lot of transactions, as it supports 12 transactions per month (including two in-branch transactions). If you’re between the ages of 60 to 64, the account fee is a low $3.95 per month, but this drops to $0 once you celebrate your 65th birthday. Other features include support for Interac e-Transfers, mobile cheque deposits, and free paper and online statements. Throw in the fact that you can use National Bank and THE EXCHANGE network ABMs for free and it’s easy to see why this account is well worth a look if you’re searching for the best seniors chequing account.

National Bank The Minimalist Chequing Account
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National Bank The Minimalist Chequing Account

12/month
Free Transactions
$0
e-Transfer Fee
$3.95
Monthly Account Fee
Eligibility: 65 or older
Free transactions: 12/month
E-transfer fee: $0
Monthly account fee: $0 if you're aged 65+, $3.95 if you're between the ages of 60 to 64
Bonus offer or perks: Access to special rates for online trading
Credit card (yes/no): No
Min. Age 14
Account Fee $3.95
Overdraft Fee $5
ATM Out-of-Network Fee $2

Best No-Fee TD Seniors Account in Canada: TD Minimum Chequing Account for Seniors

Looking for the best TD seniors account? There’s a lot to like about the Minimum Chequing Account. If you’re 60 or older and collecting the GIS, the usual monthly fee of $3.95 is waived. You can perform up to 12 transactions per month, including two in-branch transactions or EasyLine Telephone Banking transactions, and overdraft protection is included. And because you can deposit cheques into your account using the TD mobile app, the TD Minimum Chequing Account makes it easy to manage your day-to-day spending.

TD Minimum Chequing Account
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TD Minimum Chequing Account

12/month
Free Transactions
$0.50-$1.00
e-Transfer Fee
$3.95
Monthly Account Fee
Eligibility: 60 years or older and collecting the GIS
Free transactions: 12/month
E-transfer fee: $0.50 for transactions of up to $100, $1 for transactions over $100
Monthly account fee: $0 (or $3.95 without discount)
Bonus offer or perks: Earn 50% more rewards at participating Starbucks stores
Credit card (yes/no): No
Min. Age N/A
Account Fee $3.95
Overdraft Fee
ATM Out-of-Network Fee $2
U.S. ATM Fee $3
International ATM Fee $5

Best No-Fee Scotiabank Seniors Account in Canada: Scotiabank Basic Bank Account for Seniors

The Scotiabank Basic Bank account offers free banking for seniors in Canada. The $3.95 monthly fee is waived for account holders who are 60 or older, so you don’t have to worry about fees eating into your hard-earned balance. You get 12 free debit transactions per month, including e-Transfers, and this account is also eligible for overdraft protection. Other features include a Visa debit card, access to online and mobile banking, and the convenience of mobile cheque deposits.

Scotiabank Basic Bank Account
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Scotiabank Basic Bank Account

12/month
Free Transactions
$0
e-Transfer Fee
$3.95
Monthly Account Fee
Eligibility: 60 or older
Free transactions: 12/month
E-transfer fee: $0
Monthly account fee: $0 (or $3.95 without senior discount)
Bonus offer or perks: N/A
Credit card (yes/no): No
Min. Age 16
Account Fee $3.95
Overdraft Fee $5
ATM Out-of-Network Fee $2
U.S. ATM Fee $3
International ATM Fee $5
Dormancy Fee $20

Best No-Fee CIBC Seniors Account in Canada: CIBC Smart for Seniors

If you’re looking for the best CIBC seniors account, you’ll want to find out more about CIBC Smart for Seniors. Once you reach the age of 65, you become eligible for a wide range of perks under the program. If you open a CIBC Smart Account, you can access a $6.95 monthly fee discount and enjoy benefits like free e-Transfers and one free non-CIBC ATM withdrawals per month. You can make up to 12 monthly transactions with no monthly fee, but unlimited transactions are available if you’re happy to pay a fee of $10 per month. Free bank drafts and money orders are also included, and at the time of writing there was also a $400 cash bonus offer to entice new CIBC customers.

CIBC Smart for Seniors Account
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CIBC Smart for Seniors Account

12 per month
Free Transactions
$0
e-Transfer Fee
$10
Monthly Account Fee
Eligibility: Must be 65 or older
Free transactions: 12 per month
E-transfer fee: $0
Monthly account fee: $0 for up to 12 transactions (monthly fee is $10 if you want unlimited transactions)
Bonus offer or perks: $400 cash reward offer and waived monthly fee for three months, one free non-CIBC ATM withdrawal in Canada per month, further perks available if you open a CIBC savings account
Credit card (yes/no): Yes, but not with the CIBC Smart Account. If you open a CIBC Smart Plus Account with Smart for Seniors, you can access annual fee rebates on eligible CIBC credit cards
Min. Age 65
Account Fee $10
Overdraft Fee
ATM Out-of-Network Fee $2
U.S. ATM Fee $3
International ATM Fee $5

Best New Bank Accounts Promo Offers in Canada

  • CIBC Smart for Seniors Account: $400 cash reward offer; monthly fee waived for three months; one free non-CIBC ATM withdrawal in Canada per month; free personal cheques with a CIBC Smart Plus Account; further perks available if you open a CIBC savings account
  • National Bank Connected Account: Get $30 towards an eligible National Bank credit card you activate after opening a National Bank Connected Account.
  • RBC Signature No Limit Banking Account: Get a new iPad Pro when you open a Signature No Limit Banking account. Valid until July 31, 2023.
  • RBC VIP Banking Account: Get a new iPad when you open a VIP Banking account. Valid until July 31, 2023.
  • Scotiabank Preferred Package: Earn a $350 welcome bonus. Conditions apply. Valid until July 31, 2023. Plus, earn a limited-time savings rate on your MomentumPLUS Savings Account.
  • Scotiabank Ultimate Package: Get a welcome bonus of $350. Conditions apply. Valid until July 31, 2023.
  • TD Unlimited Chequing Account: Special $300 cash offer.
  • TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan: Get up to $400 when you open a TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan. Valid until May 31, 2023.

How to compare bank accounts for seniors

If you want to find the best bank account for seniors in Canada, you’ll need to compare options from a range of providers. However, before you start comparing, you’ll need to consider the type of account you want to open.

Types of senior bank accounts

  • Chequing accounts for seniors. Chequing accounts are designed for your day-to-day banking needs — things like paying bills, buying groceries, getting cash out at an ATM and receiving your income or pension. Seniors’ chequing accounts usually have low or no monthly fees.
  • Savings accounts for seniors. Seniors’ savings accounts allow you to earn interest on your account balance, and some banks offer introductory bonus interest rates for seniors.
  • Hybrid accounts for seniors. A handful of banks offer accounts that combine the features of chequing and savings accounts. In other words, you can use the account for all your everyday purchases and transactions, while at the same time earning interest on your account balance.

Common chequing account features/perks

Look for the following features when comparing chequing accounts:

  • Monthly fees. This is the number-one concern when choosing a seniors bank account as you don’t want any of your money being wasted on unnecessary fees. There are plenty of no-fee and low-fee accounts to consider, but you’ll need to make sure they still include all the features you need.
  • Transaction limits. No-fee chequing accounts for seniors often limit you to a specific number of transactions per month, such as 12, and charge extra fees if you exceed that limit. Unlimited transaction accounts are available, but they usually have higher monthly fees.
  • ATM and branch network. You can use the debit card linked to your account to pay for purchases in-store and online, plus withdraw cash at ATMs. Check how large the bank’s ATM network is so you can access fee-free ATM withdrawals, and consider their branch network to make sure they have locations convenient for you.
  • Online/mobile banking. Read customer reviews of the bank’s online banking services and mobile app to make sure they’re easy to use for tech novices.
  • Access to cheques. Find out how many personalized cheques are included for free, and how much it’ll cost to order additional chequebooks.
  • Customer support. Find out how and when you can access customer support if you need it. While you can pop into your local branch of a major bank, you’ll need to use email, phone or live chat to contact online-only banks.

Compare chequing accounts

Common savings account features/perks

If you want to build a bigger savings balance, consider the following factors when comparing savings accounts for seniors:

  • High interest rates. The higher the interest rate, the faster you’ll be able to build your savings. Just keep in mind that some high interest rates only apply for an introductory promo period, or are only available if you deposit more than a specified minimum amount each month.
  • No account fees. Account fees can chip away at your savings balance, so check the fine print to make sure there are no admin or transaction fees.
  • Accessing your money. Check whether you are able to access your money in a branch as well as online. Can you move money into and out of your account at any time, or are there monthly transaction limits?
  • Bonus features. Some seniors’ savings accounts come with extra features, such as budgeting tools to help you reach your savings goals.

Compare savings accounts

Seniors discounts: Summary of common features of bank accounts for seniors

Seniors discounts allow you to access a range of banking discounts and rewards. These offers vary between banks but often include features such as:

  • Waived monthly fees or seniors fee rebates.
  • Discounted fees on other products and services, such as safety deposit boxes.
  • Free personalized cheques.

Seniors discounts are usually available to customers aged 60 or 65 and older. If you already have an account, check with your bank to find out whether you’re eligible for any discounts. Here’s a quick summary of what’s available from major banks around the country.

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC): If you’re 65 and older, the RBS senior’s rebate allows you to enjoy no monthly fees on a Day to Day Banking Account. A monthly fee applies to other RBC chequing accounts, but the fee is discounted thanks to the senior’s rebate.

Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD): Seniors (60 years or older) who collect the GIS can take advantage of a waived monthly fee on the TD Minimum Chequing Account. The TD senior’s rebate also allows you to access a discounted monthly fee on its All-Inclusive Banking Plan, Unlimited Chequing Account and Every Day Chequing Account.

Scotiabank: The Scotiabank seniors discount (for people 65 and older) allows you to access no monthly fees on a Basic Bank Account, and a $4 monthly fee discount on other chequing accounts.

Bank of Montreal (BMO): Seniors discounts are available to anyone aged 60 or older and apply to all BMO chequing accounts. This includes no monthly fee with a Practical Plan chequing account.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC): Under the CIBC Smart for Seniors program, available to customers 65 and older, you can access a $6.95 monthly fee discount.

National Bank of Canada: Seniors (65+) pay no monthly fee on The Minimalist Chequing Account. Fee discounts also apply to other chequing accounts.

For more discounts on essential services, such as utilities or drugstore discounts for seniors, please visit the Canadian Seniors Directory.

What to watch out for with seniors banking discounts

Before you apply for a senior’s chequing account special offer, make sure you’re aware that some deals might not be as good as they seem. Here’s why:

  • Fees. Even if an account has no monthly fees, make sure you check the fine print for other fees that may apply. These can include fees for personalized cheques, in-branch transactions, or using another bank’s ATM.
  • Monthly fees. Even if you qualify for a seniors rebate, this may only reduce your monthly fee rather than completely eliminate it.
  • New customers only. Some offers are only available to new customers, so you may not qualify if you already have an account with the bank.
  • Other terms and conditions. You may need to apply for additional products (such as credit cards) from the same bank to qualify for some special offers.
  • No physical branches. Online-only banks don’t have physical branches. So if you prefer to pop into a branch and deal with bank staff face-to-face, you’ll need to steer clear of deals from digital banks.

How to open a bank account as a senior in Canada

When you’re ready to open a seniors bank account, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Fill out an online application form. You can apply online by providing your name, address, contact details and date of birth.
  2. Provide proof of ID. You’ll need to provide a valid form of ID to open an account. Happily, it’s quick and easy to verify your identity online.
  3. Sign up for online banking. Next, create your online banking username and password so you can manage your account from your computer or mobile device.
  4. Deposit funds into your account. Transfer funds into your account and set up any direct deposits (such as your income or pension) and automatic withdrawals (such as bill payments).
  5. Get your debit card. The debit card linked to your account will be mailed to you. Once it arrives, you can use it to shop in-store and online as well as make ATM withdrawals.

Of course, if you’d rather deal with a person, you can head to your nearest branch to apply. Just make sure you have proof of ID and any other required documents with you.

Who qualifies as a senior in Canada?

The main factor that determines your eligibility for senior benefits from your bank is your age. The age requirement varies from one bank to another, but you’ll usually need to be at least 60 or 65 years old to qualify.

In some cases, you may also need to meet other criteria to access seniors banking benefits, such as:

  • Receive the GIS.
  • Be a new customer.
  • Hold a Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP) membership.
  • Apply for other financial products and services from the same bank.
  • Set up specific transactions to or from your account, such as direct deposits or bill payments.

Alternatives to bank accounts for seniors

If you don’t meet the age requirements for a seniors banking discount, or if you’re just searching for a bank account that best suits your needs, there are plenty of other options to consider.

Some of the accounts worth checking out include:

No fee chequing accounts

Looking for an account that makes it easy to manage your everyday banking and doesn’t charge any monthly fees? Major banks and a range of alternative financial institutions offer accounts with $0 or waived monthly fees, so shop around to compare your options.

Pros

  • Wide range of accounts to choose from
  • Some support unlimited transactions
  • Free e-Transfers available
  • Some accounts allow you to earn interest on your balance

Cons

  • Watch out for minimum balance requirements
  • Keep an eye out for other fees, such as overdraft protection costs and fees for using another bank’s ATM
  • Typically don’t offer perks or rewards

Check out our guide to the best no fee chequing accounts to start comparing your options.

No-fee high-interest savings accounts

A high-interest savings account allows you to build wealth without lifting a finger. These accounts offer easy online access to your money and can be linked to your chequing account so you can set up regular deposits. And with no monthly fees, you might be surprised just how quickly you can reach your savings goals.

Pros

  • Make your money work harder for you
  • Easy to open
  • Many accounts allow you to access your funds online 24/7

Cons

  • Minimum balance requirements sometimes apply
  • You may need to deposit a certain amount each month to get the maximum rate
  • A high interest rate may only apply for an introductory period

Find out more in our guide to high-interest savings accounts.

No fee online bank accounts

Digital banks operate completely online and don’t have any brick-and-mortar branches. This means they have lower overheads than the major banks, which in theory allows them to offer competitive interest rates and account features.

Pros

  • High-interest rate on savings
  • Low or $0 fees
  • Easy to manage your money online 24/7

Cons

  • Limited product range compared to major banks
  • No face-to-face customer service
  • May have limited ATM networks

Find out more in our digital banking guide.

Senior’s benefits: Where to find and get help

If you need financial support in retirement, there are multiple seniors benefits to help you maintain your lifestyle. These include:

  • Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Available to Canadians who are at least 60 years old, the CPP provides a monthly benefit that replaces part of your income. The amount you receive depends on the age you are when you apply for a pension and your average earnings when working. Find out more by reading this CPP overview from the federal government.
  • Old Age Security (OAS). This monthly payment is available to Canadians aged 65 and over, and enrollment in this pension is usually automatic. If you’re a low-income earner, you may also qualify for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). Check out the government’s guide to the OAS for more information.
  • Provincial/territorial benefits. If you qualify for the GIS, you may also be eligible for benefits from the government in your province or territory. For example, Ontario offers the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) benefit, while Albertas can access the Alberta Seniors Benefit. There may also be benefits where you live to help you afford the cost of things like prescription medications or dental care, so contact your provincial or territorial government to find out more.

Other useful links to check out include:

Retirement planning guide

Bottom line

Most banks offer seniors discounts in Canada, so you can save plenty of money by shopping around for the best-value bank accounts for seniors. While we’ve chosen CIBC as the best bank for seniors in Canada, the best bank for you will vary depending on what you’re looking for in an account — no monthly fees, high transaction limits, a large ATM network, or maybe just helpful customer service. Once you know what you want from a bank, you can start searching for your perfect match.

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