Your chequing account is the hub of your daily finances — bills, e-Transfers, debit purchases, payroll deposits, and pre-authorized debits all flow through it. The best chequing accounts in Canada offer unlimited transactions, free Interac e-Transfers, a large ATM network, and no monthly fee (or a fee waiver against a minimum balance).
Digital Banks vs Big Six
Digital banks (Tangerine, EQ Bank, Simplii) typically waive every fee with no minimum balance. Big six (RBC, TD, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC, National Bank) offer broader branch and ATM coverage and waive fees only against a $3,000–5,000 minimum balance — but they bundle premium perks like free certified cheques, safety deposit boxes, and credit card fee rebates.
Welcome Bonuses
Most chequing accounts run rotating welcome promos worth $300–$500 in cash when you switch your direct deposit and complete a few qualifying transactions. The math almost always favours switching every 12–18 months.