Limited-Time Offer

Borrow Up to $425,000 + Get 30,000 Avion Points^
When you open a Medical/Dental Royal Credit Line and join Avion Rewards1,2

Access the funds you need and get points for two short-haul, round-trip flights to an adjacent province/territory or adjacent U.S. state, based on Avion Elite redemption. Max ticket price $700.

See eligibility criteria. Terms, conditions and exclusions apply. Offer ends May 31, 2026.

Personalized Support for Residency and Beyond

From managing debt and everyday expenses to preparing for life after residency, receive advice that reflects the financial realities you face today and the opportunities ahead.

Build a Strong Financial Foundation

While you focus on your training, an RBC Healthcare Specialist can help you manage your finances and position yourself for long-term success:

  • Access the Funds You Need: Bridge income gaps, relocate for residency and reach other goals with a flexible line of credit and other borrowing options.
  • Manage Your Debt and Budget: Get help creating a realistic budget to balance paying down student debt with managing everyday expenses and cash flow.
  • Start Investing Early: Help your money grow faster in tax-smart plans like the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) or First Home Savings Account (FHSA).
  • Enjoy Savings and Perks: Reduce your banking and borrowing costs with fee waivers, preferred interest rates and special offers through RBC Healthcare Advantage.

Make Career Moves with Confidence

Get support navigating complex and important financial decisions as you move from residency into practising:

  • Relocating: Whether you’re moving or staying local, secure a mortgage based on your unique income potential and professional stability.
  • Cash Flow: Manage income gaps and stay on top of expenses as you transition from regular paycheques to practice income.
  • Medical Billing Support: Submit your billing claims in seconds and optimize your earnings with Dr.Bill, Canada's leading dedicated medical billing provider.
  • Incorporation: Get insights into timing, financial impacts and other key considerations.
  • Long-Term Goals: Start planning for your long-term personal and professional goals as your career progresses, and your priorities shift.

Unlock Maximum Savings with RBC Healthcare Advantage

RBC Healthcare Advantage3 is designed to support you with exclusive savings, including fee waivers, preferred interest rates and special offers. Get the RBC VIP Banking account and an eligible RBC credit card at no cost to unlock all the savings and benefits of RBC Healthcare Advantage, including:

1,2

Interest Rate:

RBC Prime minus 0.25%4

on line of credit

Offer

Earn 30,000 Avion points upon approval and enrollment in Avion Rewards—a travel value of up to $700.^

Conditions Apply

Includes:

  • Borrow up to $425,0001

  • Apply once—no need to reapply after residency5

  • Enjoy flexible repayment terms

Monthly fee:

$30 $0

($360 annual savings6)

Offer

Open a RBC VIP Banking account and you can get the New Apple Watch.*

Offer Ends June 1, 2026*. Qualifying Criteria and Other Conditions Apply.

Includes:

  • Make unlimited debit transactions

  • Enjoy free Interac e-Transfer7,8 transactions

  • Earn Avion points9 on everyday purchases

Annual fee:

Up to $120 annual savings10

as a VIP Banking account holder

Offer

Get up to 55,000 Avion points with the RBC Avion Visa Infinite card11—max travel value of $1,100.12

Conditions Apply

Includes:

  • Receive an annual fee waiver on your choice of

  • Enjoy travel rewards and perks

  • Unlock exclusive offers from brands you love

Tools to Help You Plan for Residency and Beyond

Monthly Cash Flow Calculator

Looking for a clear view of your monthly cash flow? Estimate your fixed, flexible and discretionary costs.

Estimate Your Cash Flow

Rent vs. Buy Calculator

Estimate the home you could afford based on your current monthly rent payment.

See what you could afford

Debt Consolidation Calculator

Estimate the potential cost savings of consolidating some or all of your debts into a new loan.

See if consolidating makes sense

Explore More Resources for Medical and Dental Residents

From borrowing and budgeting to homeownership, explore financial wellness topics tailored to you.

Make Your Line of Credit Work Hard During Your Medical or Dental Career

When used strategically, a line of credit can help support you during your healthcare career for years, while keeping debt manageable.

Read more
Four Questions Medical Residents Should Answer Before Buying a Home

If you’re considering homeownership and don’t know where to begin, here are four questions to see if you’re financially ready.

Read more
How to Create a Business Plan for Your Medical Practice

A medical practice business plan is like a roadmap. You can go on your journey without one, but you're more likely to get lost along the way.

Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

At RBC, your medical/dental Royal Credit Line is designed to grow with your career—you don’t have to reapply after graduation or residency. Unlike other financial institutions that may require you to reapply for your credit line or convert your line of credit into a loan when you begin practising, RBC keeps things simple.

As long as you make your minimum monthly payments (if carrying a balance), your line of credit remains active throughout residency and into your professional journey, providing uninterrupted financial support as your career progresses.

Have other questions? Contact an RBC Healthcare Specialist today.

While you’re in residency, you’ll need to make a minimum monthly payment, which covers the interest on what you’ve borrowed and any insurance premiums, if you have coverage. You can also choose to set up automatic payments—monthly, semi-monthly, bi-weekly or weekly—to start paying down your balance. If you ever want to pay off the full amount early, you can do that anytime with no penalty.

Have other questions? Contact an RBC Healthcare Specialist today.

RBC Healthcare Advantage simplifies your finances while maximizing your savings. To enjoy all the benefits of RBC Healthcare Advantage, both the RBC VIP Banking account and an eligible personal RBC credit card are required.

RBC Healthcare Advantage benefits include:

  • Monthly fee waiver on RBC VIP Banking—an annual savings of $360 (required)
  • Annual fee rebate on one eligible RBC credit card—an annual savings of up to $165 (required)
  • Prime minus 0.25% rate on a medical/dental Royal Credit Line
  • Prime minus 0.25% rate on an RBC Homeline Credit Line
  • 6 months of no management fees at RBC InvestEase, our low-cost, low-effort digital investment service
  • Preferred guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) rates to help your savings grow faster

Contact an RBC Healthcare Specialist today to get started.

Managing finances as a resident can feel challenging, but with a clear plan, you can stay on track. Here are a few strategies that can help:

  • Track Your Cash Flow: Use the Monthly Cash Flow Calculator to visualize your income, expenses and debt payments. This tool helps identify areas to cut back or reallocate funds.
  • Prioritize Essentials: Focus on necessities like rent, groceries and transportation and set aside a realistic amount for these expenses in your budget.
  • Tackle Debt Strategically: Work with an RBC Healthcare Specialist to balance student loan repayments with daily expenses. Consider consolidating high-interest debt or adjusting payment plans.
  • Plan for Irregular Costs: Set aside a little bit each month to create a fund for extra expenses like exams, relocation or conferences.
  • Build a Buffer: Prioritize building an emergency fund for unexpected expenses.
  • Talk to a Professional: An RBC Healthcare Specialist can help create a personalized budget, factoring in line of credit interest, lifestyle needs and long-term goals.

By staying proactive, you can navigate residency with financial confidence.

Many residents successfully balance their student debt repayments with their investing goals. Here’s how you can start:

  • Create a Balanced Plan: Work with an RBC Healthcare Specialist to develop a strategy that aligns with your cash flow, financial goals and risk tolerance. They’ll help you prioritize debt payments while identifying opportunities to invest.
  • Start Small and Stay Consistent: Even small, regular contributions to your investment account(s) can grow over time. Consider setting up automatic transfers to make saving a habit.

    The example below shows how an investment can grow over a 10-year period, assuming consistent monthly contributions and no withdrawals.

    Scenario Monthly Investment Time Period Assumed Annual Return Total Contributions Future Value
    1 $50 10 years 5% $6,000 $8,100
    2 $100 10 years 5% $12,000 $16,200
    3 $200 10 years 5% $24,000 $32,400
    Scenario Monthly Investment Time Period Assumed Annual Return Total Contributions Future Value
    1 $50 10 years 5% $6,000 $8,100
    2 $100 10 years 5% $12,000 $16,200
    3 $200 10 years 5% $24,000 $32,400

    These examples are for illustration only. Actual results depend on interest rates, contribution frequency and investment provider terms.

  • Focus on Long-Term Growth: Investing early (even with small amounts) can help you make the most of compound growth. At the same time, it’s important to continue chipping away at high-interest debt to minimize your long-term borrowing costs.
  • Review and Adjust: Regularly reassess your plan as your income, debt and goals evolve. An RBC Healthcare Specialist can help optimize your strategy over time.

Your decision to rent or buy a home during residency can depend on:

  • Your financial situation
  • The length and location of your residency program
  • Where you intend to practice

If your residency program is short term and the costs of buying (and maintaining) a home feel too overwhelming, renting may be a good option. On the other hand, if you plan to stay in the same location long term and have funds for a down payment, closing costs and home maintenance or repairs, buying may be a good option.

For more information, explore a wide range of helpful home-buying articles and try out our Rent vs. Buy Mortgage Calculator. If you have specific questions or are ready to start the home-buying process, speak with an RBC Healthcare Mortgage Specialist.

Transitioning to practice comes with important financial decisions, and preparing early can help you feel more confident and in control. Here are a few things you can do to prepare:

  • Keep track of your cash flow situation as your income changes
  • Plan for upcoming expenses such as licensing, insurance and practice setup
  • Review your credit needs and debt repayment strategy
  • Think about your long-term goals—like saving, investing and protecting your income

An RBC Healthcare Specialist can help you navigate these decisions, align your personal and professional finances, and create a plan that supports your transition.

Whether you're embarking on a solo practice, joining a partnership or group practice, or looking to open your own clinic, a business plan can help you make informed financial decisions and pave the way for long-term success and professional satisfaction. You can start preparing for your practice business plan by:

  • Gathering key documents: Collect your credentials and licensing documentation, insurance, professional memberships, and any partnership agreements.
  • Conducting market research: Assess your chosen location’s viability, including analysis of existing competitors, population demographics, and proximity to complementary services—this insight will strengthen your business plan’s strategic foundation.
  • Assessing costs and making projections: Get an accurate idea of the typical costs associated with opening a practice or clinic.
  • Using a business plan template: A structured template can help organize your ideas, clarify assumptions and prepare for your conversation with lenders, advisors and partners.

For additional information, assistance and next steps, contact an RBC Healthcare Specialist and check out How To Create a Business Plan for Your Medical Practice.

As you move towards independent practice, medical billing becomes your responsibility. Here are a few important things to consider during this transition:

  • Registering: You’ll need to register for a billing number with your provincial health authority.
  • Billing: Decide whether you’ll hire a billing agent, manage your billing directly through your EMR/EHR, use a billing software solution or a combination of these solutions.
  • Managing Cash Flow: Payment delays (often 30-60 days) can create income gaps, so consider building a budget reserve to bridge these gaps and be aware of monthly provincial cut-off dates.
  • Tax Planning: Set aside funds for self-employment taxes (e.g. HST/GST and income tax installments).

To streamline this process, consider using Dr.Bill, a medical billing software currently available in Ontario, BC and Alberta. Dr.Bill makes it easy to find the right codes, submit claims and optimize your earnings—all with ongoing support from a team of billing specialists. An RBC Healthcare Specialist can also help you find tailored cash flow solutions to smooth the transition and bridge payment gaps.

Incorporating is a significant decision that depends on your specialty, income level and long-term financial goals. Here are some key considerations for incorporation:

  • Tax Planning and Income Smoothing: Incorporation can provide tax advantages by allowing you to split income among family members, defer taxes through retained earnings and optimize tax brackets.
  • Asset Protection: A professional corporation can help separate your personal and business assets and may reduce exposure to some business risks. Rules and requirements for medical professional corporations vary by province.
  • Costs vs. Benefits: Incorporation involves setup fees, annual maintenance costs and administrative burdens. A tax professional can help determine if the long-term savings outweigh these expenses.
  • Timing: Incorporation timing depends on your career stage. It’s often cost-effective for mid-career physicians or dentists with stable income, while early-career or pre-retirement physicians or dentists should weigh benefits against upfront costs and long-term goals.

Incorporation is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Speak with an RBC Healthcare Specialist to discuss your unique situation.

Let’s Simplify the Money Side, So You Can Focus on Residency

Talk to an RBC Healthcare Specialist

Or call us at 1-833-395-8118

Legal Disclaimer®/™

Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. © Royal Bank of Canada 2026.