The short answer: the Big 6 banks (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, National Bank) all offer free chequing for international students in 2026, with cash bonuses of $300–$500 when you complete a few setup tasks. The "best" bank depends on whether you want pre-arrival account opening, the highest bonus, or the easiest upgrade path to a credit card. Avoid Wealthsimple and digital-only banks until you have a SIN and Canadian address — they're cheaper for residents but slower to onboard newcomers.

Almost every banking guide for international students reads like a sponsored landing page. This isn't one. Here's how the actual student offers compare in 2026, what to watch out for in the fine print, and the order to set things up so you don't lock yourself out of better options later.

The Big 6 Student Offers Compared

Bonuses are typically split between chequing setup (e.g., $200 on direct deposit) + savings opening + credit card application. Verify the exact requirements with each bank before applying.

How to Pick

If you want the highest bonus

Scotiabank's StartRight typically leads at $500, followed by RBC at $450. Both require completing 2–3 activities (direct deposit, savings account, credit card). Read the eligibility carefully — some bonuses require maintaining the activities for 60–90 days.

If you want the longest free period

TD New to Canada gives 2 years of fee waivers — twice as long as most other banks. Useful if you're on a 2-year college diploma program and don't want to think about switching banks until graduation.

If you want to open before arriving

All Big 6 banks support pre-arrival opening, but RBC, Scotiabank, and TD have the most polished international onboarding flows. You'll get an account number before you land, let you set up direct deposit immediately, and finish identity verification at any branch on arrival.

If you live in Quebec

Desjardins (the largest Quebec credit union) and National Bank usually have the smoothest French-language onboarding and the best presence in smaller Quebec cities. Their newcomer offers are more limited than the Big 5, but customer service in French is significantly better.

Where Digital-Only Banks Fit (Hint: Not Yet)

Wealthsimple Cash, EQ Bank, Tangerine, KOHO, and Neo all offer better long-term value than the Big 6 — no fees, higher savings rates, no minimums. But they're not good first banks for international students because:

• Most require a SIN to open (no pre-arrival)
• You need a Canadian address (some accept Canadian university addresses, some don't)
• No physical branches if you need an in-person verification
• Credit card programs (where they exist) typically require Canadian credit history

The right move: open with a Big 6 bank for the first year while you build credit and get a SIN. After 6–12 months, open EQ Bank or Wealthsimple Cash as a savings supplement — but keep the Big 6 chequing as your primary while it's still free.

Setup Order (Day 0 → Month 3)

Before you arrive

• Open one Big 6 newcomer account online (pick from the table above)
• Apply for the included credit card at the same time — you can be approved without Canadian credit
• Note your account number; you'll set up direct deposit on day 1

First week in Canada

• Visit a branch to complete identity verification (bring passport + study permit + LOA)
• Apply for a SIN at any Service Canada office (free, takes 10 minutes)
• Activate your credit card and use it for one small purchase

First month

• Add your SIN to your bank account so they can issue a T5 next year
• Set up direct deposit for any campus job or scholarship payments
• Trigger the bank's signup bonus by completing the listed activities
• Open a TFSA at the same bank if you're 18+ — or wait until you have higher-yield options elsewhere

Month 3

• Confirm bonus has been deposited (escalate immediately if not)
• Check your credit card statement for utilization (keep below 30%)
• Consider opening EQ Bank or Wealthsimple Cash for savings (much higher interest rate)

Common Mistakes

• Opening 4 accounts to chase 4 bonuses. Each opens a credit inquiry — too many at once tanks your future credit score.
• Letting the free period expire silently. Set a calendar reminder for your account's renewal date.
• Not adding your SIN. The bank will withhold tax on interest at 25% if there's no SIN on file.
• Maxing out your first credit card. See our build credit guide for the right utilization rules.
• Ignoring credit unions. In smaller cities, a local credit union may have lower fees and more personal service than the Big 6 — check Vancity (BC), Meridian (ON), or Servus (AB).

Tools That Help

Use our Best Bank for Newcomers tool to filter accounts by bonus, free period, and pre-arrival eligibility. Once you have a credit card, follow our credit-building guide to hit a usable score within 12 months. Compare longer-term banking options in our HISA Rates and Credit Card Comparison tools.

For the official rules on identification requirements at Canadian banks, see the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada's account-opening guide.