Online banking in Canada is here to stay. In the recent Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey Q1, more than 1,845 Canadians were asked about their plans to open and use banking products. Almost 1 in 4 respondents(24%) said they planned to open an account with an online bank (also known as a digital bank). Compare digital banking providers in Canada below and see which traditional banks offer online banking through their websites and banking apps.
What is online banking?
As the name suggests, online banking (also known as digital banking) is the activity of dealing with your finances through the internet using a virtual bank account. Some online banks in Canada operate digitally – usually from an app or website rather than from a physical branch – while others provide both online and in-person service.
Digital banking in Canada is a fairly loose umbrella term that includes online banking, mobile banking, budgeting apps, and challenger banks (also called new banks, which we’ll explain below). And banking online has steadily been increasing in popularity.
What is a digital bank?
Digital banks—also known as challenger banks or direct banks—operate entirely online and are designed to be cheaper and more flexible than traditional banks. Ultimately, the aim is to compete with big banks like TD Bank, CIBC, RBC, Scotiabank and BMO. In response, some big banks have actually created their own digital banks to keep customers and profits from leaking away to competitors. For example, Tangerine is owned by Scotiabank, CIBC owns Simplii Financial, and Motusbank is a subsidiary of Meridian Credit Union.
Most digital banks were founded in the decade following the 2008 global financial crisis. The number of digital banks in Canada is small but growing, steadily gaining ground in a market dominated by financial industry giants like the big five banks.
Compare banks that offer online banking and digital banking
Bank
Account
What We Like
Monthly Fee
Open online
Simplii No Fee Chequing Account
Earn a $400 welcome bonus
$0 transactions and eTransfers
Savings account and no annual fee cashback credit card also available
“Challenger” is generally used to refer to challenging the market power of traditional banks. Not all challenger banks or new banks are actually banks. According to Canadian regulations, challengers and online banking apps need a full banking license to use the term “bank” in company branding and marketing materials.
Tangerine and EQ Bank are chartered (licensed) digital banks that offer a suite of everyday banking products. But apps like Mint and KOHO offer a narrower range of products that target more specific financial needs. Such apps compliment—but aren’t necessarily a substitute for—the institutions you use for everyday banking. Jump to our list of Challenger Banks for more.
Simplii No Fee Chequing Account:Earn $400 when you become a new client and set up a direct deposit of at least $100 for 3 months. Offer ends October 31, 2024.
EQ Bank Personal Account:Earn up to 4.00% interest. Get 2.50% interest on your savings, plus 1.50% bonus interest when you direct deposit your pay.
KOHO Earn Interest:Earn up to 5.00% interest with a high interest savings account. Pick a KOHO plan and opt-in to Earn Interest.
Tangerine No-Fee Daily Chequing Account:Earn up to $500. Use promo code EARNMORE on signup. Get 20% cash back on eligible online Visa Debit transactions when you shop online or in-app for 60 days (up to $400 value), plus earn $100 when you set up automatic transfers.
Tangerine Savings Account:Earn 5.75% interest for 5 months (on up to $1,000,000 in deposits) when you use code EARNMORE when you signup by April 22, 2024.
Tangerine TFSA: Sign up using promo code EARNMORE and earn up to $400 cash back and a 5.25% savings rate.
Tangerine RSP: Sign up using promo code EARNMORE and earn up to $400 cash back and a 5.25% savings rate.
EQ Bank Joint Account:Earn a bonus interest rate of 4.00% (the Base Rate plus an additional 1.5%) for a maximum period of 12 consecutive months when you add and maintain qualifying recurring direct deposits of at least $500 per month
Digital banking with Simplii
Simplii Financial offers an entirely digital banking platform in Canada, which is backed by one of Canada’s Big Five banks, CIBC. It offers a host of online banking products like an everyday chequing account, high-interest savings account, credit card, mortgage, loans and investment opportunities.
Simplii offers a seamless digital banking experience through its website and a well-developed app available on both the Apple App and Google Play stores.
As a digital bank in Canada, Simplii does not have the overhead costs associated with traditional banks, which means it can pass on those savings to its customers through no-fee accounts and credit card options.
Get started with the Simplii No Fee Chequing Account:
EQ Bank is an exclusively digital bank in Canada offering savings accounts, US dollar account, reloadable transaction card, investment accounts, international money transfers, a business bank account and even mortgages. It was founded in 2016 and now has more than $8 billion in deposits.
The EQ Bank Personal Account has the functionality of both a savings and chequing account, giving you unlimited transactions and a relatively high interest rate on your balance. The EQ Bank mobile app is also available in both the Apple App and Google Play stores.
Founded in 2014, KOHO offers Canadians a virtual banking experience through its KOHO prepaid Mastercard. You can use that card to make unlimited purchases wherever Mastercard is accepted, to pay bills or withdraw funds from domestic ATMs at no extra charge.
Add to that a stellar mobile app experience on both iOS and Android, and you have a serious online bank contender.
That said, KOHO’s online banking options are limited, as it does not offer products like loans, credit cards or TFSAs. But if you’re looking for a simplified online banking option in Canada that allows you to access funds digitally, KOHO is definitively worth considering.
KOHO offers these prepaid card options:
KOHO Extra Prepaid Card: Get 2% cash back return on special categories such as transportation, groceries and restaurants, and 0.5% cash back on all other purchases.
KOHO Easy Prepaid Mastercard: Earn 1% cash back on groceries and transportation.
KOHO Easy Joint Prepaid Card: Unlimited 1% cash back on groceries and transportation, and up to an extra 5% cash back with select merchants.
KOHO Essential Prepaid Card: Earn 5% interest on your entire balance.
BMO is one of Canada’s Big Five Banks, and has a robust online banking system. It offers a full suite of banking products from everyday banking and lending to private wealth management. BMO is the 8th largest bank in North America by assets and serves over 12 million customers.
Looking at the digital banking side of BMO, it offers an online banking portal and highly-rated mobile app from both the Apple App and Google Play stores. You can manage your accounts, transfer funds, deposit cheques and pay bills all through the online banking system.
Get started with the BMO Performance Chequing Account:
Scotiabank is one of Canada’s Big Five Banks, so you can expect a robust set of financial products. It also offers a unique rewards points system with the Scene+ program.
You can build up Scene+ points with certain Scotiabank credit cards and accounts, and redeem your points towards entertainment, movies, travel, shopping, dining, and banking.
Scotiabank offers digital banking in Canada through its mobile app and online banking portal. The Scotiabank app has very high ratings from users in both the Apple App and Google Play stores. The app offers budgeting tools, access to a Scotia advisor and the option to view and redeem your Scene+ points.
Scotiabank is offering a very competitive welcome offer: Earn a $400 welcome bonus. Get started with the Scotiabank Preferred Package:
RBC is another of Canada’s Big Five Banks, and provides its customers with a well-established digital banking system in addition to its in-branch service. It serves more than 7 million customers in Canada, the US and in over 25 other countries.
The RBC online banking portal and mobile app (available for both iOS and Android) allow you to transfer money, pay bills, monitor your business banking, manage your investments and use wealth management services.
Get started with the RBC Signature No Limit Banking Account:
NEO Financial offers a digital banking experience in Canada through its spending, savings, credit, investing and mortgage products. It also offers financial learning resources and a stellar mobile app experience.
The Neo Money Account offers some stand out features: Earn 4% interest on your balance + get up to 15% cashback on first-time purchases with your Neo Money card.
National Bank is Canada’s sixth largest bank and, like other big banks, it offers customers a convenient online banking platform. National Bank offers a full suite of banking products – from chequing accounts and credit cards to lines of credit and mortgages.
The National Bank mobile app is available on Android and iOS and is very highly rated by users on both platforms. You can deposit cheques, transfer funds, make international money transfers and more all through this digital banking platform.
Get $30 towards an eligible National Bank credit card you activate after opening a National Bank Connected Account. Get started with the National Bank Connected Account:
Backed by Scotiabank, Tangerine is one of the most well-established, fully online banks in Canada. It offers an impressive suite of digital banking products through its comprehensive digital banking platform – everything from credit cards and mortgages to chequing and savings accounts.
Tangerine’s online banking portal and mobile app are designed around a self-service model. That means you can open accounts, apply for credit cards, manage investments, deposit cheques, download documents and cancel a card all from the app, without having to wait in line at a branch or on the phone.
One of Tangerine’s biggest draws is its no-fee model. You can get access to all of its accounts and credit cards with no monthly or annual fee. If you’re looking for a comprehensive digital bank in Canada, Tangerine may be just what you need.
Get started with the Tangerine Savings Account now and earn an interest rate of up to 5.75%:
TD is not only one of Canada’s Big Five Banks, but is one of the top 10 banks in North America. TD Canada Trust is the commercial banking arm of TD Bank Group, which services over 27.5 million customers worldwide.
Like other big banks we’ve discussed, TD offers digital banking through its mobile app and online banking portal. In fact, TD’s mobile app tied for first place in “Highest in Customer Satisfaction” as part of the J.D. Power 2023 Canada Banking Mobile App Satisfaction Study.
Get started with the TD Unlimited Chequing Account:
Whether you’re looking for everyday banking solutions or ongoing wealth management, CIBC has a lot to offer its customers both online and in person as one of Canada’s Big Five Banks. When it comes to digital banking, CIBC offers both a mobile app (for iOS and Android) and online banking portal.
The CIBC mobile app tied for first place in the J.D. Power 2023 Canada Banking Mobile App Satisfaction Study for “Highest in Customer Satisfaction.” CIBC’s app boasts some interesting features, like allowing you to check your credit score for free, get real-time currency conversions for CIBC Visa Cards, set up savings goals and open accounts.
HSBC Bank Canada is a subsidiary of HSBC, which services approximately 39 million customers in over 60 countries and territories around the world. With that kind of reach, you can expect HSBC to deliver a host of banking products for every stage of your financial journey.
HSBC offers digital banking through an online banking portal and a mobile app. The HSBC app allows users to pay bills, transfer funds, manage investments and deposit cheques on the go. The app is available in both the Apple App and Google Play Store, and boasts relatively high ratings across both platforms.
Get started with the HSBC Premier Chequing Account:
Pros and cons of online banking and digital banking
Higher interest rates. Most online banks offer higher interest rates because of their low overhead costs.
Low to no fees. Most of the best online banks don’t charge monthly fees or require you to carry a minimum balance.
Convenience. You can access all your accounts and investments through a banking app on any device 24/7. Make transfers, pay pills and track your spending and savings goals easily.
No physical locations. Online banks usually don’t offer face-to-face customer service because they don’t have physical branches.
Limited product offerings. Online banks have yet to match traditional banks with their range of product offerings which is sometimes still limited to basic accounts and investments.
Limited ATM access. Although this isn’t so bad if an online bank is a subsidiary of a traditional bank and uses its ATM network, this could still be a limitation if you want quick access to cash.
What’s the difference between a digital bank and a challenger bank?
Online banks, like Tangerine or EQ Bank, are digital banks that usually don’t have physical branches (or they rely on the branches of other physical banks) and customers use mobile banking apps to control their money. These online-only banks are built on existing infrastructure and closely mimic traditional banks.
A challenger bank, like Revolut or N26, is a completely digital bank that doesn’t use any existing legacy systems to operate. Unlike regular online banks, challenger banks don’t use any physical infrastructure or digital operating systems that are already being used by existing financial institutions. The technology used by these fully online banking providers is developed from scratch. They get their name from their roles as challengers to traditional banks, like the big five Canadian banks.
What is app-based banking?
App-based banking is any sort of financial management that you do primarily through an app. It’s basically another name for online banking but based solely through an app. Banking apps are popular tools in the online banking world and can help you save, budget and manage your spending. There are several advantages to app-based banking:
Banking access in your pocket
Many companies offer 24/7 access to banking support
Instant spending notifications
Many banking apps offer ways to automatically save money
Things to know about app-based banking from new banks
Using your phone as your main point of contact with your bank can save you time and give you more control over your finances, but there are a few things to be aware of.
If you’re planning to apply for a new chequing account or credit card, your bank may pull your credit file in order to assess how likely you are to overdraw the account.
Most banks are insured by the CDIC, which means your deposit of up to $100,000 is backed by the Canadian government. Not all app-based banks have this same protection. You can view CDIC’s Members List to learn if your bank is CDIC insured.
App-based banks aren’t always able to offer the financial rewards, such as signup bonuses, that are common at many big banks. This varies by institution and is not always the case.
A benefit of an app-based bank is having full access to your account at all times. Lots of app-based banks allow you to freeze your account if you lose your card, so if you find it again you can just unfreeze the card in the app. If you forget your PIN, you may even be able to answer security questions in the app.
Not all app-based banks are banks in the traditional sense. Some banking apps work alongside your pre-existing accounts to gather all your spending data in one place, offer you insights into the way you spend your money and suggest ways to improve your finances.
Different types of app-based banking
Traditional bank apps. App-based online banking doesn’t only apply to challenger banks. It has also become increasingly possible to bank on your smartphone with traditional banks like the big 5. Check out the top 5 banking apps in Canada here.
Apps that help you save. One of the most common reasons for people heading away from traditional banks and towards app-based online banking is how easy app-based banking makes it for people to track, save and manage your money at a glance. Budgeting apps like Emma and Mint are examples.
Prepaid card apps. Some companies, like KOHO and Stack, let you control a prepaid card from an app so you can track your transactions and see exactly how much money you have left.
Investment apps. Some apps help you save and let you invest in stocks from your phone so that you have more control over your finances, like Wealthsimple.
Is online banking safe?
Online banking providers need to have the same banking licenses and approvals as existing Canadian banks before they’re able to offer products and services to consumers. These new banks will be regulated by the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) in the same way that existing banks are regulated.
Almost all deposit-taking financial institutions — including traditional big six banks, online banks, money apps and fintechs — are part of the government’s Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC). This Canadian government insurance means that any money in a CDIC-member bank that is lost, either through a bank collapse, insolvency, theft or other ways, is protected and you will be reimbursed the full deposited amount, up to $100,000. The good news is that you can have multiple accounts, up to $100,000, and each of these accounts is protected under CDIC insurance. If you’re unsure, go online or call the online bank or fintech provider and look for CDIC protection.
Use of online bank accounts continues to grow
According to results from the recent Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey Q1, the majority of Canadians (55%) plan to open a bank account or new banking product at one of Canada’s big five banks. However, a growing number of Canadians — almost 1 in 4 (24%) — are turning to online banks, instead.
How to get started with online banking
If you’re interested in online banking, compare the best digital banks in Canada and sign up. If you want to join one of the new digital bank providers that have yet to open in Canada, you can join their waitlist by visiting their website. When they launch products, those on the waitlist will be the first to know and the first to receive access to these new products.
Full list of digital banks, financial apps, and new banks in Canada
Privately owned (partnered with Peoples Trust Company)
2017
Laurentian Bank
Bank
Laurentian Bank of Canada
2019
Nest Wealth
Online wealth management platform
Privately owned (National Bank of Canada holds a minority stake)
2014
Moka (formerly Mylo)
App
Mogo
2017
AcceleRate Financial
Online credit union
Access Credit Union
2010
Hubert Financial
Online savings platform and app
Sunova Credit Union
2010
Implicity Financial
Online platform and app
Entegra Credit Union
Unknown
Mint
App
Intuit
2006
CST Spark
Online RESP provider
Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation
2018
Emma app
App
Privately owned
2018 in London (available in Canada in 2019)
Wallet by BudgetBakers
App
Privately owned
2010
The bottom line on digital banks in Canada
Online banking is becoming more and more popular – and for good reason. Besides the convenience they provide, digital banks often cater to specific niches and groups, and they’re known for offering innovative apps. But before you ditch your current traditional bank, take the time to read through all of the fine print to make sure the bank you’re interested in is as good as it sounds then compare online banking providers to find the right one for you.
The results of the Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey Q1 were collected through an online Pollfish survey conducted between December 2022 and January 2023. In the survey, 1,846 Canadians from across the country were asked about their current banking services and their intentions and motivations for new banking products. The estimated margin of error for the survey is +/- 3%, 19 out of 20 times.
The results of the Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey Q2 were collected through an online Pollfish survey conducted between April 27 to 29, 2023. In the survey, 1,011 Canadians from across the country were asked about their current banking services and their intentions and motivations for new banking products. The estimated margin of error for the survey is +/- 3.08%, 19 out of 20 times.
Challenger banks can afford to slash fees because of financial technology (Fintech) that makes it possible to perform many everyday banking functions without leaving your home or dealing face-to-face with bank representatives.
Usually, there are no physical branches. Instead, customers access accounts, manage their money and contact customer service representatives through mobile apps, online banking, phone, text messages and email.
With very low overhead costs, many challenger banks are able to offer zero monthly account fees, low-cost international money transfers, free domestic transfers and low-fee investment options.
Digital banks often have multiple ways to contact customer service, including via online chat, email and phone. Sometimes you can visit a traditional bank's branch that is a partner with your digital bank. Check with the bank you're interested in to find out how they handle customer support before signing up.
Overseas banks that come to Canada aren't always able to offer the same features to Canadian users because of regulations. In some cases, the bank will roll out new features as it expands, but not always. Banking regulations vary from country to country, making it difficult to offer the same features in every country.
All banks operating in Canada must be licensed by the federal government. Such licensed banks are referred to as "chartered banks" and are subject to the following:
Bank Act. Chartered banks are subject to the federal Bank Act, which has 3 main goals: protect customers' savings, protect cash reserves and promote competition to reinforce the efficiency of Canada's financial system.
OSFI. All domestic and foreign banks operating in Canada are regulated by the federal Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI), which supervises federally-regulated financial institutions and pension plans.
FCAC. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC) protects consumer interests by enforcing protective measures and educating consumers about their rights and how to manage money.
FINTRAC. Federally-regulated financial institutions must comply with policies outlined by the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) that are designed to prevent money laundering, terrorist financing and fraud. Suspicious transactions must be reported, and, if necessary, relayed to the appropriate law enforcement body for further investigation.
CDIC. The Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) protects customer deposits up to $100,000 per customer per institution. In the event a bank fails, depositors won't lose all their savings. Coverage applies to chequing accounts, savings accounts, foreign currency accounts, GICs, mutual funds, ETFs and even cryptocurrency accounts.
Non-chartered financial companies aren't necessarily bad or unsafe. However, you won't receive the same level of protection that you would with a federally regulated financial institution.
Challenger banks know that security is a big concern for customers. Measures that are typically taken to protect customer data include data encryption, two-factor authentication, SSL certificates, strong password requirements and constant fraud monitoring. Before opening an account, check with your digital bank to see what security measures it has in place.
Challenger banks or digital banks were born with the aim of "challenging" the big traditional banks (like the Big Five), by offering better deals, bureaucracy-free accounts and better online banking services. Challenger banks don't usually offer dedicated student accounts, but their basic chequing account options come with a series of features that make quite a lot of sense for the typical student who doesn't know much about banking and whose monthly budget is a bit stretched.
In general, young people seem to like digital banking. A lot, actually. There's a bunch of different reasons behind it, but mostly:
Accounts are fast to set up. Opening a bank account takes a few minutes and you'll get the card within a few days.
It's mobile-friendly. Digital banks come with an app that usually looks good, works well and does cool stuff. For example, most show you data about where and how you spend most of your money. Also, most apps give instant notifications when you use your card to help you keep track of what you spend.
You don't need to actually talk to someone to open an account. Don't shrug your shoulders, we know you like this. You can even set up your account while waiting for your take out order to arrive with that Netflix crime documentary on in the background.
Free to join and low fees. Most challenger banks offer a free basic account and in most cases won't charge you for basic banking services such as ATM withdrawals, bank transfers and card payments.
It can help you save money. When you're a student, budgeting is an art form – how many rum and cokes can you afford if you still want to eat three decent meals a day? Digital banking apps often have features that can help you budget, by gathering data on your spending habits and regrouping them in clear, colourful graphs.
Young brands. For many young people, traditional banks are the banks of their parents. Challenger banks have been able to establish themselves as cool brands. That kind of feeling, although subconscious, often plays a part when you're choosing a product.
There are multiple terms used to describe online or digital banks. However, there are some distinctions to make:
Challengers. It's a general word that refers to the idea that these companies are "challenging" traditional banks and their power in the market. Not all challengers are banks. Companies like KOHO, for example, provide services to help you save and spend your money in non-traditional ways.
Challenger banks. Challengers and digital banking apps are only entitled to call themselves a "bank" if they have a full banking licence, such as Monzo and N26.
Digital banking (apps). Challenger banks are usually digital-only, but there are exceptions. The term "digital banking apps" also encompasses budgeting apps such as Mint or Emma, which don't actually hold any funds, but use Open Banking to connect to your current account and help you manage your finances.
Whether you’re looking for a digital-only bank, a virtual bank account or a bank account you can access online, we help you find and compare the best online banks in Canada.
Jaclyn Hurst is an associate publisher at Finder. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Redeemer University and a University Certificate in Management Foundations from Athabasca University. She’s as passionate about business and finance as she is about the great Canadian outdoors, organic Sumatra coffee and music.
Whether you’re looking for a digital-only bank, a virtual bank account or a bank account you can access online, we help you find and compare the best online banks in Canada.
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