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What is a bank account?

A bank account is a type of account held at a financial institution. Bank accounts allow you to safely deposit money, make various types of withdrawals and more. Two popular bank accounts are chequing accounts and savings accounts. Chequing accounts are ideal for everyday banking, such as receiving your pay cheque or direct deposit, paying bills and making purchases. Savings accounts are ideal for safely holding excess cash and allow you to earn interest on your money.

What is a newcomer bank account in Canada?

A newcomer bank account is a secure account at a financial institution where you deposit money, get paid, pay bills, and make withdrawals. For people who have recently arrived in Canada within the last five years to work, or study, opening a bank account is usually among the first steps after arriving, because it's how you'll receive your paycheque and pay your rent and everyday bills.

What is a student bank account in Canada?

A student bank account is a type of chequing account designed specifically for students, offering extra features and benefits that support their financial needs.

Open an RBC Advantage Banking Account for Students and enjoy student banking with no monthly feelegal disclaimer 4,legal disclaimer 22 or transaction limits with the digital tools, rewards, and support so you can manage your budget and focus on school.

RBC Bank Accounts Come with These Extra Benefits

Why Newcomers to Canada Bank with RBC

Right Account Guarantee

If you're not 100% satisfied within the first 4 months, we'll refund up to 3 months of monthly fees.legal disclaimer 10 That's our Right Account Guarantee.

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No Minimum Balance Needed

Pay as low as $0/month when you use your account and have other RBC products.legal disclaimer 9

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Security Guarantee

Trust your money is safe. Your account is CDIC-insured for up to $100,000 and protected against unauthorized transactions with our Security Guarantee.legal disclaimer 11

Right Account Guarantee

If you're not 100% satisfied within the first 4 months, we'll refund up to 3 months of monthly fees.legal disclaimer 9 That's our Right Account Guarantee.

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No Minimum Balance Needed

You don't need to carry a balance to enjoy the benefits that come with your RBC bank account.

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Security Guarantee

Trust your money is safe. Your account is CDIC-insured for up to $100,000 and protected against unauthorized transactions with our Security Guarantee.legal disclaimer 10

As one of Canada’s biggest banks, we offer simple and customized financial services that help support every stage of your journey – before, during and after your move to Canada.

Money
Value
Pay no monthly banking feeslegal disclaimer 1

For the first year with the RBC Newcomer Advantage

Customer Service
Support
Talk to someone in your language

Service is available by phone or in branch in up to 200 languages

Profile
Trust
1 million+ newcomers served

We’re proud to have supported so many newcomers to Canada

ATM
Convenience
Bank how and when you want

With the largest combined branch and ATM network in Canada, plus 24/7 digital banking

Right Account Guarantee

If you're not 100% satisfied within the first 4 months, we'll refund up to 3 months of monthly fees.legal disclaimer 11 That's our Right Account Guarantee.

Dollar icon
No Minimum Balance Needed

Pay as low as $0/month when you use your account and have other RBC products.legal disclaimer 10

CDIC Logo
Security Guarantee

Trust your money is safe. Your account is CDIC-insured for up to $100,000 and protected against unauthorized transactions with our Security Guarantee.legal disclaimer 12

Mobile

Online and Mobile Banking

Online and Mobile Banking

Spend less time on your banking and always know where you stand, with online tools and services that give you quick and easy control over your money.

Desktop

Go Paperless

Go Paperless

Save paper and time by switching to eStatements in the RBC Mobile app. Easily review and save your online statements directly from your device.

How to Open a Bank Account

How to Open a Student Bank Account

Opening a new bank account with RBC is simple. Here’s what you need to do:

Opening a new student bank account with RBC is simple. Here’s what you need to do:

Numbers Meet the eligibility requirements:

  • Be the sole applicant opening the account for yourself.
  • Be at least 13 years old, or 14 if you live in Quebec.
  • Reside in Canada and have a Canadian address.
  • Prepare for 1 piece of government issued photo ID (Driver’s license or passport)
  • Provide one piece of government issued photo ID.
    New to Canada? Your passport works (bring original documents, not photocopies).
  • Ages 13+ (14+ in QC)
  • Full-time student and/or age 24 and younger3
  • Valid government-issued photo ID

Numbers Select the type of account you’d like to open

  • Start with a chequing account for your everyday banking.
  • You can also research different types of accounts to learn more about fees or special offers
For Newcomers:

Open no monthly fee for your first year with the RBC Advantage Banking Account22

We will consider you a newcomer for 5 years after your arrival as a permanent resident, international student, or temporary foreign worker

Numbers Numbers Choose how to open

  • Open a bank account online or in the RBC Mobile1 app
  • Call us at 1 800 769-2561
  • Already an RBC client - book an appointment
Limited-time offer:

Open a No Monthly Fee RBC Advantage Banking Account for Students and Get AirPods 4legal bug

Numbers Numbers Sign all account open documents

  • Set up your Client Card PIN and Online/Mobile Banking password

Numbers Numbers Receive an email confirmation of the application result

  • If your account is opened successfully, you will get the confirmation and you can start using it right away
  • Your physical card should arrive in 7-10 business days

Support Built for Newcomers

Settling into a new country is easier with people in your corner.

Customer Service
Advice from people who’ve been there

Many RBC advisors came to Canada as newcomers themselves. Meet by phone, video or in-person - on your schedule and in your language.

Connect with Advisors
Money
Perks Beyond Banking

Enjoy Special Savings and Services from RBC and Our Partners. Unlock newcomer benefits when you join RBC and earn Avion pointslegal disclaimer 19 when you enrol your eligible RBC bank accountlegal disclaimer 10 in the Vantage Value Program

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Advice & Workshops

RBC is Canada’s largest banklegal disclaimer 25, serving newcomers for 150+ years. We offer engaging seminars and workshops on everything from budgeting to career advice. Many events are virtual and can be enjoyed from the comfort of your own home.

Sign up Today
RBC Vantage

Unlock More From Your Everyday Banking

With RBC Vantage, you can unlock rewards, savings, insights and more with any eligible bank account legal disclaimer 12 legal disclaimer 20 legal disclaimer 20 legal disclaimer 11 legal disclaimer 13 .
Only at RBC.

RBC Vantage Chevron
RBC Vantage

Unlock More From Your Everyday Banking

With RBC Vantage, you can unlock rewards, savings, insights and more with any eligible bank account legal disclaimer 12 legal disclaimer 20 legal disclaimer 20 legal disclaimer 11 legal disclaimer 13 .
Only at RBC.

Get more from your everyday banking Award-Winning Banking, Trusted by Newcomers

Get more from your everyday banking Award-Winning Banking, Trusted by Newcomers

RBC was awarded Best Bank in Canada for 2025 & 2026 by Global Finance.

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Compare Chequing Account Features

Explore the features and benefits of each account and easily apply for it online or in the RBC Mobile app.

New to Canada? We Have Offers for Newcomers

As a newcomer to Canada, you can enjoy a range of benefits when you open an account.

Top Bank Account Questions

Top Bank Account Questions

Have more bank account questions? Search for an answer below.