Open a bank account in Canada and enjoy our package for newcomers
Are you coming to study in Canada?
If you are planning to study in Canada, check out our offer designed especially for students.
Our banking package for newcomers
We'll help you get settled
- A bank account with unlimited transactions2, free for 1 year
- A free credit card with no annual fee that requires no credit history or security deposit
- Recognition of all your previous driving experience when getting an auto insurance quote
- A small safe deposit box for your documents and valuables, free for 1 year
- An enhanced rate for non-redeemable term savings to help you grow your money
More advantages to opening an account with us
- The Desjardins mobile services app, so you can make your transactions in just a few taps.
- Easy online international transfers, up to $2,500 per day to transfer money securely, wherever you are and whenever you like.
- Many advantages and discounts to help you explore Canada (travel, gyms, restaurants, etc.).
- Withdrawals are freeand easy because of our extensive ATM network.
- Insurance also available.
What's the difference between a credit card and a debit card?
Use a debit card to make purchases or withdrawals directly from your account. When you use it in a store or at an ATM, the money is immediately debited from your account.
Use a credit card to charge your purchases and pay for them later. You have to pay back the amount borrowed before the due date. When you use your credit card wisely, you also build your credit score, which lets you borrow from banks and retailers.
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Frequently asked questions
- Your valid passport
- The official immigration request document issued by the Canadian or Quebec government (acceptance letter, work or study permit)
- The hiring letter from your Canadian employer (if applicable)
The package for new immigrants to Canada is perfect for you if you're not a Desjardins member yet or if you've been a member for less than one year and you:
- are a permanent resident living in Canada for 3 years or less
- are a temporary foreign worker with a work permit of 8 months or more
You may keep the package for 1 year.
If you open an account online before leaving your country, you may transfer money to your Desjardins account before you even arrive in Canada.
The package works only with the Unlimited plan. After that year, the plan is $13.95 per month. You can keep the plan or choose another. Your plan may be free every month if you maintain the minimum monthly balance required (e.g., $4,000 for the Unlimited plan).
The financial institution in your home country may charge you for transferring money to Desjardins. Fees vary among countries.
The Desjardins difference
How are we different from other banks? We're a cooperative and we think that money should be at the service of human development. We believe in personal commitment, democratic action, integrity, rigour and inter-cooperation.
To help you with your departure
We have agreements with foreign banks to help you save money and do your banking.
- Banque Populaire du Maroc - This link will open in a new window.
- Crédit Mutuel in France - External link. This link will open in a new window.
- Crédit Industriel et Commercial - External link. This link will open in a new window.
- Crédit Mutuel Antilles-Guyane - External link. This link will open in a new window.
More to consider
Ask us anything
Moving to a new country comes with a load of questions. Our multilingual experts are here to help you.
- To be eligible for the package, you can't have been a member of a Desjardins caisse for more than 1 year, you are a permanent resident living in Canada for 3 years or less, or you are a temporary foreign worker with a work permit of 8 months or more.
- The 1-year fee waiver applies only to the Unlimited plan and ends 12 months after the end of the month in which the account is opened. This offer may change without prior notice. For newcomers to Canada only.
- To obtain a Desjardins credit card, a recent immigrant must become a member of a Desjardins caisse in Quebec or Ontario and open an account with them. They must also demonstrate their intention to settle in Canada. Issuing and establishing the credit card limit are subject to a credit risk assessment. Other conditions apply.
- In Quebec only. Certain conditions apply.
- Available for 1 year at caisses that offer the service.
- Certain conditions apply. Contact your Desjardins advisor to confirm the enhanced rate you're eligible for based on your file.
- With an account including a monthly plan.