While it may seem like one of the most basic aspects of financial management, there is a lot to know when choosing and opening the right personal banking account. From fees to overdraft protection, ATM access and more, here are the basics of banking in Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most banks offer two types of personal banking accounts: chequing and savings. Chequing accounts<\/a> are useful for everyday banking \u2014 like paying bills and making purchases, while savings accounts<\/a> are ideal for the money you don’t need to access daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learn more about the differences between Chequing and Savings accounts<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A debit card<\/strong> is connected to your chequing or savings account. It allows you to withdraw and pay for things using the money you have deposited into the account.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n A credit card<\/strong> is a separate card that allows you to borrow money from the bank or card issuer up to a certain limit.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n Even the simplest day-to-day bank account can come with fees and charges you might not know. Some chequing accounts have a monthly fee that depends on how many transactions you make using your debit card and other special features. If you make several weekly purchases, you may choose an account with a higher monthly fee but one that allows you to make unlimited transactions to avoid paying an additional fee on top of each purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly, some chequing and savings accounts have additional benefits but may require always maintaining a minimum balance. If you dip below that balance and don’t top it up after making a purchase, you may be charged additional fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overdraft protection is a good way to be prepared for the unexpected \u2014 such as when a paycheque deposit takes a little longer than you anticipated to clear or when you’re required to make a payment using your debit card but don’t have the funds to cover it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a small fee, overdraft protection can give you peace of mind by ensuring you stay covered for authorized payments while enjoying the security of knowing you won’t be declined at the store checkout. Overdraft protection may also help prevent a bad credit rating and stop cheques from potentially being returned to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subject to credit approval, overdraft protection at RBC provides between $500 and $5,000 of protection for most bank accounts. Learn more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n When you’re on the go, finding your bank’s ATM is not always possible \u2014 and withdrawing from other ATMs can incur unnecessary charges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some bank accounts will have daily, monthly or large cash deposit and withdrawal limits. These limits are set by the bank to help manage cash flow, reduce the risk of fraud or money laundering, and prevent excessive cash accumulation or suspicious activity. Before making any large purchases or deposits into your chequing or savings account, check how these limits apply to you and whether using installments is better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you deposit money into a savings account at a bank or financial institution, for as long as you keep the funds in the account, the bank will pay you back a percentage, based on the total amount. That percentage is the interest rate for the savings account. Interest rates vary depending on the type of bank account and the balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Online banking gives you quick and easy control over your money by allowing you to check your account balances, transfer money between accounts, pay your bills and send money fast \u2014 all from the convenience of your phone, tablet or laptop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The new RBC Vantage program allows you to save money with rebates and discounts \u2014and get more for the things you do every day using your personal chequing or savings account. To learn more about RBC Vantage, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To view and compare all RBC personal banking accounts, including specialized advice and information for students and newcomers to Canada, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nDebit Cards versus Credit Cards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Fees and charges<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Overdraft protection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
ATM access<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Deposit and withdrawal limits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Interest rates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Online and mobile banking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Rewards<\/h4>\n\n\n\n