Open a bank account in Canada
National Bank of Canada is one of the country’s six major banks and a trusted financial institution serving newcomers since 1859. With over 361 branches across the country and service available in 6 languages, they make it easy to start your Canadian banking journey with confidence.
Special offer for newcomers
Up to $600 Cashback
Available from 90 days before your arrival and up to 5 years afterward
- $300 - Open a chequing account with direct deposit
- $100 - Sign up for an eligible credit card
- $50 - Activate systematic savings
- $100 - Set up pre-authorized mortgage payments
Promotion valid from November 5, 2025, to May 5, 2026. Conditions apply.
Why Choose National Bank of Canada
National Bank of Canada is one of Canada’s six largest banks, with a dynamic presence across key financial segments such as personal, business, and international banking. National Bank is committed to providing high-quality service to clients both in Canada and around the world, offering a wide range of products and services.
Built on trust
One of Canada’s top banks with over a century of established trust and security.
Award-winning
Recognized by MoneySense and Milesopedia for best newcomer banking services and credit cards.
Services for newcomers
Dedicated programs, multilingual support, and no Canadian credit history required.
Banking benefits for newcomers
No fixed monthly fees
Save up to $574.20 over 3 years with no monthly account fees for the first year, reduced fees in year 2 and 3.
Legal support
Get 12 months of free legal assistance for everyday concerns through our Assistance Network, available 7 days a week.
Build credit history
Access credit cards designed for newcomers to help you build your Canadian credit history from day one.
Nationwide access
361+ branches across Canada and 2,071 ABMs, plus services available in 6 languages including French and English.
International banking
Transfer money internationally starting at $5.95, plus access funds abroad through partner ABM networks worldwide.
CDIC protected
Your deposits are protected by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC), giving you peace of mind.
Who's eligible?
You qualify for the newcomer offer if you are:
- At least 18 years of age
- A permanent resident, temporary worker, or international student
- Applying from 90 days before arrival up to 5 years after arriving in Canada
- The sole user of the account (individual account only)
What you'll need:
Identification
Valid passport or government-issued ID from your home country
Immigration documents
Work permit, study permit, or permanent resident card
Proof of address
Lease agreement, utility bill, or letter from landlord (if already in Canada)
Employment info
Job offer letter or employment contract (for direct deposit setup)
How It Helps Relocators
Apply online
Open your account online from anywhere in the world, even before you arrive in Canada.
Get matched
We'll schedule an appointment to complete the process together when you arrive, or remotely if eligible.
Set-up services
Activate your account, set up direct deposit, sign up for online banking, and add optional services.
Start Banking
Begin using your account with no fixed fees for the first year, plus claim your cashback rewards.
How does National Bank support newcomers?
Remote account opening
Start your application online from anywhere in the world, up to 90 days before your arrival. Complete the process remotely or at a branch when you arrive.
Money transfers before arrival
Transfer money to your new Canadian account before you arrive so your funds are available when you arrive.
Multilingual support
Banking services and ABMs available in French, English, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Punjabi, and Arabic.
Personal banking advisor
Get dedicated support from a banking advisor who understands the unique needs of newcomers to Canada.
National Bank locations
National Bank serves clients across the country.
Branches
- 361+ branches across Canada
- 2,071 ABMs nationwide
- Extensive coverage in Quebec and Ontario
- Growing presence in Western Canada
- Services available in 6 languages
International access
- Access funds abroad via Cirrus®, Maestro®, and NYCE® networks
- Partner ABMs worldwide (Accel®, Cirrus®, Allpoint®)
- International money transfers to 170+ countries
- Newcomer support from your home country
More services for newcomers
- Credit Cards: Build your Canadian credit with cards designed for newcomers with no local credit history.
- Mortgages: Access mortgage pre-approval and home buying support tailored for newcomers.
- Investment Services: Open TFSAs, RRSPs, and other investment accounts to secure your financial future.
- Business Banking: Entrepreneur programs for newcomers starting businesses in Canada.
- Insurance: Life, home, and auto insurance products through National Bank Financial partners.
FAQs
Ready to start your Canadian banking journey?
Join thousands of newcomers who've chosen National Bank of Canada as their trusted banking partner.
Secure application • CDIC Protected • Award-winning service
Important Information
Promotion period: November 5, 2025 to May 5, 2026. Conditions and eligibility criteria apply.
Eligibility: Available to newcomers from 90 days before arrival up to 5 years after arriving in Canada. Must be permanent residents, temporary workers, or international students.
Account requirements: To maintain promotional pricing and cashback eligibility, you must keep your account and required services active for specified periods. See National Bank’s terms and conditions for complete details.
Fees: While monthly account fees are waived or reduced for the first 3 years, transaction fees may apply for services not included in your package. Review the Guide to Personal Banking Solutions for complete fee schedule.
Deposits protected: Eligible deposits with National Bank of Canada are protected by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) up to applicable limits.
Information current as of November 2025. Offers, rates, and terms subject to change. Visit nbc.ca for the most current information.
Terms and conditions
Cashback Promotion – Chequing Account and Additional Cashback
Code Offer:
| Partner | Code |
|---|---|
| finder.com | 827 |
| Borrowell | 797 |
| MoneySense | 767 |
Promotion Period: November 5, 2025 to May 5, 2026
Description of the Promotion
Up to $600 cashback after opening a chequing account and adding certain products or services, or carrying out certain transactions in the new account.
Eligibility Conditions
| Products, Services or Transactions | Conditions | Cashback |
|---|---|---|
| New National Bank chequing account with an eligible package/offer, online services and activation of an automatic deposit |
|
$300 (Basic cashback) |
| Apply for a new eligible credit card |
|
+ $100 |
| Automatic mortgage loan payment | Within 120 days, set up pre-authorized recurring payments from the new chequing account for a National Bank mortgage. | + $100 |
| High Interest Savings Account |
|
+ $100 |
| Total cashback if all conditions are met | Up to $600 | |
Eligible Automated Direct Deposits
| Type | Payments Canada Transaction Code |
|---|---|
| Payroll Deposit | 200 |
| Private Pension | 233 |
| Family Support Plan | 601 |
| Special Payroll | 201 |
| Retirement Income Fund | 272 |
| Income Security Benefits | 603 |
| Vacation Payroll | 202 |
| Canada Child Benefit | 308 |
| CNESST | 605 |
| Overtime Payroll | 203 |
| CPP (Canada Pension Plan) | 310 |
| Employment Assistance Allowance | 607 |
| Advance Pay | 204 |
| Old Age Security | 311 |
| Disability Payment | 611 |
| Commission Payroll | 205 |
| War Veterans' Allowance | 312 |
| Parental Insurance | 612 |
| Bonus Payroll | 206 |
| VAC (Veterans Affairs Canada) | 313 |
| Children Assistance | 616 |
| Adjustment Payroll | 207 |
| Public Service Superannuation | 315 |
| Miscellaneous Payments | 450 |
| Pension | 230 |
| Canadian Forces Superannuation | 316 |
| Accounts Payable | 460 |
| Federal Pension | 231 |
| Employment Insurance | 318 |
| Provincial Pension | 232 |
| Canada Disability Benefit | 328 |
Cashback Payment Schedule
| Opening Date of New Chequing Account | Date of Cashback Deposit |
|---|---|
| Nov 5 – Nov 30, 2025 | By May 15, 2026 |
| Dec 1 – Dec 31, 2025 | By June 15, 2026 |
| Jan 1 – Jan 31, 2026 | By July 15, 2026 |
| Feb 1 – Feb 28, 2026 | By August 15, 2026 |
| Mar 1 – Mar 31, 2026 | By September 15, 2026 |
| Apr 1 – Apr 30, 2026 | By October 15, 2026 |
| May 1 – May 5, 2026 | By November 15, 2026 |
Other Conditions
- Only one cashback per chequing account.
- Must be at least 14 years old to open the account.
- Must keep both the chequing account and any eligible credit card for at least 12 months.
- Chequing account must remain in good standing for at least 180 days (no unauthorized overdrafts or misuse).
- Credit card must remain in good standing (minimum payments made on time).
- Credit card approval subject to National Bank credit approval; must be 18 years or older.
- Employees of National Bank, CWB®, or subsidiaries and their spouses are not eligible.
- Promotion may be modified or withdrawn without notice.
- Cannot be combined with other National Bank chequing cashback promotions, but may be combined with eligible credit card, mortgage, insurance, or investment promotions.
Trademarks:
® NATIONAL BANK, CWB, CRESCENDO, THE STRATEGIST, THE CONNECTED, THE TOTAL, SUPERIOR FLEX LINE, ALL-IN-ONE, MY CREDIT, ALLURE, and ECHO are registered trademarks of National Bank of Canada.
® Interac is a registered trademark of Interac Corp. Used under licence.
® Mastercard, World Mastercard, MC1, Platinum, and World Elite are registered trademarks, and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. National Bank is an authorized user.
Awards & Recognition
