How can a bank help you start a new life?

The StartRight program can help you start banking in Canada with access to credit, savings, no-fee international money transfers1 and help from Financial Advisors. It’s all part of why Scotiabank is the bank for newcomers.

The importance of immigration to Canada's prosperity

▶︎ Listen now

A 3-part miniseries

Open an International Account online today.

Use it to transfer money and show proof of funds before you move – and get a chequing account faster once you’re here2.

Get account details and apply
Connect with us

Set up your Scotiabank account today.

Bank without monthly fees for one year2 with the StartRight™ Program

Book an appointment to apply

Scotiabank. The bank for newcomers.

With the StartRight program, you can bank without monthly account fees3 and get a credit card with no credit history4

With the StartRight program, you can bank without monthly account fees2 and get a credit card with no credit history4

No Fee

No monthly account fees on the Preferred Package chequing account for one year3. A value of $203.40.

Unlimited Transfers

Unlimited no-fee international money transfers1

Vehicle Load

Credit cards designed for newcomers4.

Mortgage

Specialized mortgage for newcomers to Canada

Vehicle loan

Get a new vehicle loan with only 10% down5

No Fee

No monthly account fees on the Preferred Package chequing account for one year2. A value of $203.40.

Unlimited Transfers

Unlimited no-fee international money transfers1

Credit card

Credit cards designed for newcomers3.

Mortgage

Specialized mortgage for newcomers to Canada

Vehicle loan

Get a new vehicle loan with only 10% down4

The following accounts are eligible for the StartRight Program.

Package fees

  • After the first year, $0* or $16.95/mth

* Maintain a balance of $4,000 and we’ll waive your monthly fee.

Package fees

  • $0* or $11.95/mth

* Maintain a balance of $3,000 and we’ll waive your monthly fee.

Usage

  • Unlimited transactions
  • Unlimited Interac e-transfers†6§7
  • Once a month, get a free withdrawl from an ABM that isn’t Scotia

Usage

  • 25 free transactions78 per month
  • Unlimited Interac e-Transfers

Interest Rate Boost on MomentumPLUS Savings Account(s)

  • Preferred Interest Rate Boost2
  • (Currently, +0.05%. Latest rates are available at scotiabank.com/rates)

More perks

  • First year annual fee waiver on select Scotiabank credit cards109 up to $150
  • Earn points on everyday purchases with the Scene+TM program10

What you can get with every account:

  • Online and mobile banking
  • Mobile cheque deposit
  • Free TransUnion§§ CreditView§§
  • Earn rewards on your everyday purchases910
  • Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay

What documents do I need to open an account?

If you’re a permanent resident

Your Permanent Resident Card or confirmation of Permanent Residence

One additional piece of government photo ID such as your passport or Canadian driver’s licence

If you’re also planning on applying for a credit card, you can do so with the documents outlined above.

If you’re a foreign worker

Your work permit

One additional piece of government photo ID such as your passport or Canadian driver’s licence

If you’re also planning on applying for a credit card, bring a letter from your employer in Canada stating your annual income.

More reasons to love the StartRight Program…

More reasons to love the StartRight Program…

  • Scotiabank is Canada’s international bank with close to 24 million customers and over 2,700 branches around the world.
  • Scotiabank is Canada’s international bank with close to 24 million customers and over 2,700 branches around the world.
  • Access to over 900 Scotiabank branches and 3,600 ABMs across Canada.
  • Personalized support at the branch and in the language that’s most comfortable to you.
  • Safe and secure online and mobile banking 24/7.

View branch locations

Find a branch near me

“Scotiabank was the only bank who let us transfer our money to Canada before landing. It made things very smooth.”

Wei StartRight Program customer

“The Scotiabank employees I worked with were also Canadian immigrants, so they understood the challenges of moving to a new country and helped me in any way possible.”

Jian StartRight Program customer

No credit history? No problem.

We can help you get an unsecured credit card with a limit of up to $15,000 as soon as you arrive4.

Find the right card for me

A little more on your credit history...

A good credit history can make it easier for you to borrow money, while a bad credit history – or no credit history – can make getting loans for things like cell phones, credit cards, and housing more difficult.

Learn how to build a good credit history

Have you joined our newcomer email program?

Don’t miss out on helpful newcomer advice and notifications that can make your move to Canada easier.

Don’t miss out on helpful newcomer financial advice and notifications that can make your move to Canada easier.

Sign up now

Get advice on all things Canadian.

Personal stories, articles and resources to help you settle in sooner.

Learn more about life in Canada