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Tips About Low-Cost Bank Accounts
BANKING
A low-cost account is a bank account that costs a maximum of $4.00 per month and includes the following features:
- no charge for deposits
- the use of a debit card
- the ability to write cheques (some banks may charge additional fees for cheques)
- 8 to 15 free debit transactions per month, at least two of which can be made in the branch. Debit transactions can include:
- writing cheques
- paying bills
- taking money out of an automated bank machine (ABM) or with the help of a bank teller
- transferring money between accounts
- buying something at a store with your debit card
- writing cheques
- free monthly statements or a bank book — showing you all the money that came out of and went into your bank account during the month.
Where can you open a low-cost bank account?
To find out which banks offer low-cost accounts, visit the Banking section of FCAC's website at www.fcac.gc.ca, and look at the options under Personal Accounts.
Who can open a low-cost account?
Under Canadian law, everyone has the right to open a bank account.
You can open an account with a bank even if:
- you don't have a job
- you don't have money to put in the account right away
- you have been bankrupt.
To open an account with a bank, you have to:
- go to the bank in person, or contact the bank to see if it offers other ways to open an account
- provide the bank with some identification (ID).
You must use original ID – not photocopies.
Responsibility for regulating other deposit-taking institutions, such as credit unions and caisses populaires, is with the provinces or territories, which may have different requirements.
For more information on the types of ID you must show, see Opening a Personal Bank Account: Understanding Your Rights.
Things to consider when shopping around
Here are some things to consider when shopping for a low-cost bank account:
- Are there branches and ABMs of the bank close to your home, place of work or school?
- How much extra will you have to pay if you use ABMs of other financial institutions?
- How many transactions are allowed in the monthly fee? Are there any restrictions by type?
- What are the fees you must pay if you go over this limit?
- Can you order cheques free of charge, or do they cost extra?
- Do you prefer a bank book or a monthly statement?
- What kind of ID will you need to open a low-cost account?
Other FCAC information of interest
For more information on choosing a low-cost account, consult the following FCAC publications:
Tip Sheet
- Choosing the Right Chequing Account and Banking Package
- Choosing the Right Savings Account
- Opening a Personal Bank Account: Understanding Your Rights
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