Opening a Canadian bank account remotely
To help you settle your journey in Canada faster and save time, do your research in advance to find a bank that meets your needs and allow remote banking setup options. Many banks are providing remote services at this time.
There is one bank on-campus: Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) that may offer remote banking setup with certain conditions:
- RBC: To get in touch with an RBC advisor for setting up a bank account online, learnÌýÌý´Ç°ùÌý±ð³¾²¹¾±±ôÌýmahir.selimbegovic@rbc.com.
Not sure which visa office is responsible for issuing you a study permit?
Do I need to open a Canadian bank account?
If you are only in Canada for a short time (such as one academic term) and do not plan to work or receive any scholarships, then you may choose not to open a bank account. However, you must be able to access funds from back home to pay student fees and living expenses (via money transfers, using debit cards, and/or credit card).
If you do not have a Canadian bank account, you can pay UCalgary student fees (such as the UPASS charge) usingÌý. View video below.
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How do I open a Canadian bank account?
To open a Canadian bank account, you'll need to visit a bank in-person and bring official identification with you:Ìý
1. Your passport or birth certificateÌý
2. A second piece of identification (e.g. study permit)Ìý
3. Any money that you'd like to deposit
4. Your UCalgary student ID card (UNICARD)
The bank staff will help you apply for an account. Remember to ask about a student rate or plan (often student accounts don't have to pay fees while you're studying).Ìý
Which bank should I open an account with?
Choosing a bank
You should choose a bank based on the services they provide or what is important to you.Ìý
- Is there a fee to open an account?Ìý
- Are there monthly service charges?Ìý
- Does the bank provide online banking services?Ìý
- Are there transaction charges or interest rates?Ìý
- Where is the physical bank located and is it convenient for you?Ìý
Banks on or near campus
There are several banks located within walking distance to campus or located on-campus.Ìý
In :
There are also several automatic teller machines (ATMs) on-campus, including machines for these banks: CIBC, TD Canada Trust, ATB, RBC, Scotiabank, and Bank of Montreal.