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We know that moving to a new country entails a whole new set of challenges, so we’re happy to be able to offer you a helping hand during this demanding time in your life. We’ll start by taking the time to understand your specific situation in order to help you choose financial solutions that meet your specific needs.

We are proud to propose our Banking Offer for Newcomers:

  • A bank account with no monthly service charges for 12 months1 on the following transactions:
    • Client Card purchases with the Interac®, NYCE®1 and Maestro®2 networks
    • Cheques and preauthorized debits
    • Transactions at National Bank branch counters and banking machines2: withdrawals, transfers and withdrawals for bill payments
    • Online and mobile transactions3: transfers between my accounts and bill payments
    • Online or mailed account statement or passbook
  • A 50% discount on a safety deposit box rental4 for the first year
  • A discount on the first year’s annual fees on a World, Platinum, Edition or Allure National Bank5 MasterCard®5, 6
  • A brokerage account at National Bank Direct Brokerage7 with no administrative fees for 12 months

Regular fees apply after the first year. We recommend that you meet with your National Bank advisor before the end of this period for help with choosing a new banking package.

How to open an account?

In order to open an account, please make an appointment with an advisor at a National Bank branch. Be sure to bring the following items to the meeting:

  • A valid foreign passport
  • Any of the following Citizenship and Immigration Canada documents:
    • A Canadian work permit
    • A Canadian study permit
    • A Permanent Resident Card
    • A Confirmation of Permanent Residence (IMM 5292 or IMM 5688)
    • An IMM 1442 form

In order to be accepted, the above identity documents must be valid, unexpired, legible originals in good condition.

1The fee exemption period begins once the bank account is opened. Twelve months after the account has been opened, fees in effect for each transaction will automatically be charged and appear on the statement of account.
2User fees for the Interac® banking machines and point-of-sale network and the CIRRUS®3 banking machines network are also payable. No additional fees apply for the use of THE EXCHANGE®4 banking machine network.
3Certain browser versions are required to access National Bank’s Internet and Mobile Banking Solutions. For more information, go to nbc.ca/browsers.
4 Minimum 12-month rental in Canada. After the 12-month period, fees in effect will apply. Some conditions apply, particularly concerning availability and eligibility for safety deposit box rental. Details available in branches.
5All credit cards are eligible for the Banking Offer for Newcomers. However, a 50% discount on the annual fees of the World and Platinum card is offered for the first year, and the Edition and Allure cards’ Rewards plan is offered with no fees for the first year. The promotional offer on annual fees applies only to individuals who do not already have a National Bank MasterCard. One year after the card has been issued, the regular annual fees in effect will automatically be charged to the account. Details on the annual fees for the various National Bank MasterCards are available at our branches or nbc.ca.
6Subject to credit approval by National Bank of Canada. Certain conditions apply. Grace period: no interest will be charged on purchases made during the month provided the client pays his balance in full within twenty-one (21) days of the date of the statement. This grace period does not apply to cash advances or balance transfers. The minimum payment to be made to the Bank every period will be equal to 3% of the account balance plus any overdue amount or $10, whichever is higher (or the account balance if it is lower than $10). If the credit limit is exceeded, the minimum payment required will be 3% of the account balance or the amount in excess of the credit limit, whichever is higher. Account statement: A statement is sent monthly. Examples of credit charges calculated for a period of thirty (30) days based on the rate in effect on March 1, 2012:
AVERAGE BALANCE
Annual interest rate $500 $3,000
19.05% $8.01 $48.08
7National Bank Direct Brokerage Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of National Bank of Canada. It offers no advice and makes no investment recommendations. The client alone is responsible for the financial consequences of his investment decisions. Member of the Canadian Investor Protection Funds.
®Registered trademark of Interac Inc.
®1Registered trademark of NYCE Payments Network, LLC.
®2Maestro is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Inc. Currency conversion fees apply. For details concerning transactions carried out in foreign currencies, refer to the Agreement Governing the Use of Automated and Electronic Banking Solutions, available in branches and at nbc.ca. Transactions carried out in a foreign currency other than the U.S. dollar will first be converted into U.S. dollars and then into Canadian dollars.
®3Trademark of CIRRUS SYSTEM Inc.
®4 Trademark of Fiserv Inc.
®5MasterCard is a trademark of MasterCard International Inc. Authorized user: National Bank of Canada.