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Published February 2, 2023

Best Senior Bank Accounts in Canada

Check out the best senior bank accounts and compare fees, perks and more to find the right account for your finances.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own.

ALSO CONSIDER: Best chequing accounts | Best No-fee Chequing Accounts | Best Chequing Account Offers and Promotions | Best Student Bank Accounts

Senior chequing accounts often come with unlimited transactions, free cheques and no monthly fees. Although, not all banks offer dedicated senior bank accounts — some simply waive or discount monthly fees for regular accounts that can still help you save money. You typically need to be 60 to 65 or older to be eligible.

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Best senior bank accounts

CIBC Smart™ for Seniors

CIBC Smart™ for Seniors
  • Bonus Offer
    $400
  • Monthly Fee
    $0-$10
    Waived with minimum balance
  • Number of Transactions
    Unlimited
  • Our Take
    • Canadians aged 65 and older can enjoy sweet savings and helpful perks with this specialized version of the popular CIBC Smart™ Account.
    • Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, also known as CIBC, is a full-service multinational financial institution and one of the Big Six banks in Canada. Read our review of CIBC for more information.
  • Product Details
    • To earn the $400 intro offer and pay no monthly fees for three months, you must be age 25 and older and satisfy conditions outlined by CIBC.
    • The monthly fee for the CIBC Smart™ Account typically starts at $16.95, but seniors automatically receive a $6.95 discount. After that, the monthly fee varies by the number of transactions you make in a month and your account balance. If you maintain a $4,000 minimum balance, you’ll have unlimited transactions and no monthly fee. If you do not, you can pay no monthly fee and have up to 12 transactions, or pay $1.25 each for 13-20 additional monthly transactions.
    • Free Interac e-transfer transactions that count towards your total transactions.
    • Free bank drafts and money orders.
    • A $5 discount on the annual rental fee for a safety deposit box.
    • Access to nearly 4,000 ATMs across Canada.
    • One free non-CIBC ATM withdrawal per month in Canada.
    • Use online and mobile banking to transfer money, pay bills, make purchases and manage your money anywhere, anytime.
    • Apply online and access your bank account instantly. You can also add your debit card to your mobile wallet and start shopping on the first day.
    • Manage your daily spending and grow your savings with help from CIBC Insights — a tool included in the CIBC Mobile Banking App that offers tailored tips based on your debit and credit card activity.
    • CIBC Smart Balance Alert gives you a heads-up when your account is short on funds. That gives you time to make a transfer and avoid a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee and a declined payment.
    • Checkout with CIBC’s digital payment options, including Visa Debit, Click to Pay, Google Pay, Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.
    • Save up to 10 cents per litre on gas by linking your CIBC card with Journie Rewards to save on gas at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron locations.
    • Only available to Canadians aged 65 and older.
    • Deposits are eligible for insurance from CDIC.

National Bank The Minimalist Chequing Account for Seniors 65 and older

National Bank The Minimalist Chequing Account for Seniors 65 and older
  • Bonus Offer
    N/A
  • Monthly Fee
    $0
  • Number of Transactions
    12
  • Our Take
    • Seniors aged 65 and over who only require limited monthly transactions can save on monthly account fees by opting for The Minimalist chequing account and benefit from free Interac e-transfers, special rates for online trading, and other bank features.
    • National Bank of Canada or NBC, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec is one of Canada’s Big Six banks offering bank accounts, lending and investment solutions, and wealth management services. Read our review of National Bank of Canada for more information.
  • Product Details
    • 12 transactions per month (including 2 at the counter).
    • Interac e-transfers free of charge.
    • $0 monthly fee for seniors aged 65 and over.
    • Free online statements and statements by mail.
    • Access to cheque images.
    • Special rates for online trading.
    • Access to ABMs in THE EXCHANGE network at no additional cost.
    • Pay with mobile or contactless payments by using Apple Pay or Google Pay on your smartphone or Interac Debit contactless payments.
    • Access mobile cheque deposit by taking a photo of your cheques through the National Bank app on your phone or tablet to deposit your funds in a few clicks.
    • Eligible deposits are covered by CDIC.

Canadian Western Bank Gold Leaf PLUS Account

Canadian Western Bank Gold Leaf PLUS Account
  • Bonus Offer
    N/A
  • Monthly Fee
    $0
  • Number of Transactions
    Unlimited
  • Our Take
    • Designed for Canadians 57 and older, the Canadian Western Bank Gold Leaf PLUS Account has no monthly fees, unlimited transactions and free personalized cheques.
    • Canadian Western Bank offers business banking, investing products, registered plans, and personal banking, including loans, mortgages, credit cards, and chequing and savings accounts.
  • Product Details
    • Available to Canadians 57 and older.
    • No monthly fees.
    • Unlimited transactions, including Interac eTransfers.
    • Complimentary paper cheques.
    • Electronic or paper statements.
    • $15 discount on safe deposit box rentals.
    • Option to receive GIC interest monthly with no penalty.
    • Deposits eligible for insurance from CDIC.

TD Unlimited Chequing Account

TD Unlimited Chequing Account
  • Bonus Offer
    Up to $400
  • Monthly Fee
    $16.95
    Waived with minimum balance
  • Number of Transactions
    Unlimited
  • Our Take
    • The TD Unlimited Chequing Account is a convenient way to manage your daily expenditures, with unlimited transactions, free Interac e-transfers and a first-year annual fee rebate on select TD credit cards up to $139.
    • TD Bank, founded in 1955 is one of Canada’s Big Six banks offering bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investment solutions. Read our review of TD Bank for more information.
  • Product Details
    • Special offer: Earn $300 by opening a TD Unlimited Chequing Account by May 31, 2023 and complete two of the following actions by July 26, 2023: 1. Set up a Recurring Direct Deposit from your employer, pension provider or the Government. 2. Setup a Recurring Pre-Authorized Debit Payment of at least $50. 3. Make an Online Bill Payment of at least $50 through EasyWeb or the TD app. Earn an extra $50 by adding a TD Savings Account, and complete one of the following by July 26, 2023: 1. Set up a Pre-authorized Transfer Service with your first transaction processed by July 26, 2023. 2. Set up Simply Save with your first transaction processed by July 26, 2023. Earn an extra $50 by adding Monthly Overdraft Protection Plan or Pay As You Go Overdraft Protection Plan by May 31, 2023.
    • Monthly fee: $16.95. ($11.95 for customers 60 and older.) No fee if you have $4,000 in your account at the end of each day of the month.
    • Unlimited transactions included per month.
    • Free Interac e-transfer transactions.
    • Use your TD Access Card for online and in-person shopping, and cash withdrawals, wherever Visa is accepted.
    • Visa and Interac Zero Liability protection: no customer responsibility for any unauthorized transactions.
    • No additional fee for using non-TD ATMs in Canada. Other banks may charge their own fees.
    • Foreign ATM fees: $3 in U.S. and Mexico, $5 in any other foreign country.
    • Use TD MySpend to track monthly spending and improve spending habits.
    • Direct deposit for paycheques, mobile deposit for all other cheques.
    • Access to the Simply Save program, which automatically transfers small amounts of money to a linked TD savings account when using your TD Access Card.
    • CDIC protection for eligible deposits.

RBC Advantage Banking for Seniors

RBC Advantage Banking for Seniors
  • Bonus Offer
    N/A
  • Monthly Fee
    $0-$7.95
    Rebates available
  • Number of Transactions
    Unlimited
  • Our Take
    • If you’re an RBC customer looking for a chequing account, RBC Advantage Banking is a straightforward option. It’s not technically no-fee, but if you use other RBC products and meet certain conditions, you can reduce your monthly costs substantially.
    • Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is one of Canada’s Big Six banks providing banking, investment, and lending solutions to individuals and businesses since 1869. Read our review of RBC for more information.
  • Product Details
    • Standard monthly fee: $11.95. Can be reduced by enrolling in RBC’s Value Program.
    • No monthly fee for full-time students.
    • No monthly fee for newcomers for one year.
    • $7.95 monthly fee for seniors. Can be reduced by enrolling in the Value Program.
    • No minimum balance required.
    • Unlimited debit transactions in Canada.
    • No RBC fee to use another bank’s ATM in Canada. (Other banks may charge fees of their own.)
    • Enroll in the Value Program and get a minimum of one RBC Rewards point for every $10 spend online and -instore using the enrolled account.
    • Free online, mobile and telephone banking.
    • Free eStatements.
    • $2.25 monthly paper statements; $2.50 if they include cheque images.
    • One NSF fee rebated every calendar year.
    • One free book of 50 cheques.
    • Save 3¢/L on gas at Petro-Canada using your linked RBC card.
    • Right Account Guarantee: get up to three months of monthly fees refunded if you’re unsatisfied with the account within the first four months.
    • RBC Digital Banking Security Guarantee: full protection against any unapproved transactions.
    • CDIC protection on deposits.

Scotiabank Preferred Package with Seniors’ Discount

Scotiabank Preferred Package with Seniors’ Discount
  • Bonus Offer
    $350*
  • Monthly Fee
    $12.95
    Waived with minimum balance
  • Number of Transactions
    Unlimited
  • Our Take
    • Seniors get a monthly account fee discount, unlimited transactions, e-transfers and a first-year annual fee waiver of up to $139 on select credit cards with the Scotiabank Preferred Package.
    • Founded in Halifax in 1832, Scotiabank is one of Canada’s oldest and largest banks, a more or less permanent member of the country’s Big Six financial institutions. Read our review of Scotiabank for more information.
  • Product Details
    • Scotiabank’s most popular features packaged for your everyday banking needs.
    • Earn a $350 welcome bonus with the Scotiabank Preferred Package. To qualify, certain conditions must be met. Offer ends April 30, 2023. Visit www.scotiabank.com/ultimate300 for full terms. Conditions apply.
    • Make money while you wait. Earn up to 4.55% interest on your MomentumPLUS Savings Account. Actual interest rate will vary based on the savings period (the Premium Period) that applies. Visit scotiabank.com/mpsa to learn more. Conditions apply.
    • Unlimited debit transactions and Interac e-transfer transactions.
    • First year annual fee waiver (up to $139) on select credit cards.
    • Send money globally for $1.99 with Scotia International Money Transfer. Foreign currency exchange rate also applies. Subject to daily limits and additional Terms and Conditions found in the Scotiabank International Money Transfer Agreement.
    • Earn rewards on debit transactions with the Scene+ Program.
    • Monthly fee for seniors is $12.95 per month.
    • No monthly account fee by maintaining a minimum daily closing balance of $4,000 for the entire month.
    • Eligible deposits are covered by CDIC.

RBC VIP Banking for Seniors

RBC VIP Banking for Seniors
  • Bonus Offer
    Free AirPods Pro
  • Monthly Fee
    $22.50
    Rebates available
  • Number of Transactions
    Unlimited
  • Our Take
    • Despite its somewhat high monthly cost, the RBC VIP Banking account provides solid value, including rebates on annual credit card fees and the waiving of RBC Direct Investing maintenance charges.
    • Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is one of Canada’s Big Six banks providing banking, investment, and lending solutions to individuals and businesses since 1869. Read our review of RBC for more information.
  • Product Details
    • Open an RBC VIP Banking account by February 28, 2023 and receive the new AirPods Pro at no cost. Must make at least two of the qualifying criteria by April 11, 2023: two pre-authorized monthly payments, two eligible bill payments or setting up a recurring payroll or pension as a direct deposit.
    • Regular monthly fee: $30. Can be discounted by enrolling in the RBC Value Program.
    • $22.50 monthly fee for seniors. Can be discounted by enrolling in the Value Program.
    • Unlimited debit transactions worldwide.
    • No minimum balance required.
    • Get up to a $120 rebate on the annual fee of an eligible credit card.
    • No RBC fee to use ATMs worldwide. An ATM convenience fee may be charged by other ATM operators.
    • RBC Direct Investing maintenance fees waived.
    • Add extra accounts — up to two Canadian currency accounts and one U.S. dollar account.
    • Earn one RBC Rewards point for every $10 dollar spend instore and online by enrolling your account in the RBC Value Program.
    • Free online, mobile and telephone banking.
    • Free paper statements or eStatements.
    • Discount of up to $60 per year on safe deposit box fees.
    • One free NSF fee rebated every calendar year.
    • Free personalized cheques with RBC VIP Style.
    • 12 free bank drafts per year; $9.95 for each subsequent draft.
    • Right Account Guarantee: Receive a refund on up to three months’ worth of fees if you’re not completely satisfied within the first four months.
    • CDIC protection on eligible deposits.

TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan

TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan
  • Bonus Offer
    Up to $400
  • Monthly Fee
    $22.45
    Waived with minimum balance
  • Number of Transactions
    Unlimited
  • Our Take
    • You get unlimited transactions, no TD fees at ATMs, and an annual fee rebate on TD credit cards when you open a TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan.
    • TD Bank, founded in 1955 is one of Canada’s Big Six banks offering bank accounts, credit cards, loans, and investment solutions. Read our review of TD Bank for more information.
  • Product Details
    • Earn $300 by opening a TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan by May 31, 2023 and complete two of the following actions by July 26, 2023: 1. Set up a Recurring Direct Deposit from your employer, pension provider or the Government. 2. Setup a Recurring Pre-Authorized Debit Payment of at least $50. 3. Make an Online Bill Payment of at least $50 through EasyWeb or the TD app. Earn an extra $50 by adding a TD Savings Account, and complete one of the following by July 26, 2023: 1. Set up a Pre-authorized Transfer Service with your first transaction processed by July 26, 2023. 2. Set up Simply Save with your first transaction processed by July 26, 2023. Earn an extra $50 by adding Monthly Overdraft Protection Plan or Pay As You Go Overdraft Protection Plan by May 31, 2023.
    • Monthly fee rebate when you maintain a minimum monthly balance of $5,000.
    • Unlimited transactions per month.
    • Annual fee rebate on TD credit cards
    • No TD fees at Non-TD ATMs or Foreign ATMs.
    • Free to send or request money using Interac e-Transfer®.
    • Free premium perks that include a small safety deposit box, certified cheques, money orders, and personalized cheques at no additional cost.
    • With TD Fraud Alerts, suspicious transactions on your TD Access Card can be blocked and unblocked in real-time.
    • Earn big rewards on the little things including 50% more Stars at participating Starbucks stores. Simply link your eligible TD Access Card with Visa Debit with your Starbucks Rewards account to start earning. Conditions apply.
    • Choose one or more bank accounts from the following, a TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan, a TD ePremium Savings Account, or a TD Borderless Plan, with one application that works for you.
    • Benefits of banking with TD: TD app; TD MySpend to track finances; TD Mobile Deposit; Direct Deposit; Overdraft Protection; Simply Save Program to grow savings.
    • Open your account online by filling out your secure application in approximately 5 minutes.
    • Deposits are eligible for CDIC insurance.

National Bank The Total Chequing Account for Seniors 60 and over

National Bank The Total Chequing Account for Seniors 60 and over
  • Bonus Offer
    N/A
  • Monthly Fee
    $23.95
    Waived with minimum balance
  • Number of Transactions
    Unlimited
  • Our Take
    • The Total account for customers aged 60 and over comes with unlimited transactions, loads of free services and specially curated features like legal and estate assistance, safety deposit box privileges, and more.
    • National Bank of Canada or NBC, headquartered in Montreal, Quebec is one of Canada’s Big Six banks offering bank accounts, lending and investment solutions, and wealth management services. Read our review of National Bank of Canada for more information.
  • Product Details
    • Unlimited access to all digital and counter transactions.
    • Unlimited and free Interac e-transfers.
    • Up to $150 off after enrolment of an eligible credit card.
    • Receive a $5.00 discount on the $28.95 monthly fee.
    • Free online statements and account statements by mail.
    • 100 free cheques per year.
    • Integrated Line of Credit of up to $5,000.
    • Pay with mobile or contactless payments by using Apple Pay or Google Pay on your smartphone or Interac Debit contactless payments.
    • Access mobile cheque deposit by taking a photo of your cheques through the National Bank app on your phone or tablet to deposit your funds in a few clicks.
    • Special rates for online trading.
    • Legal and estate assistance included.
    • Free safety deposit box rental for the first year, then benefit from a $10/year discount for subsequent years.
    • Overdraft protection.
    • Access to cheque images.
    • Free stop payments for pre-authorized cheques and debits.
    • Free use of the CIRRUS and Interac network
    • Access to ABMs in THE EXCHANGE network at no additional cost.
    • Eligible deposits are covered by CDIC.

CIBC Smart™ Plus for Seniors

CIBC Smart™ Plus for Seniors
  • Bonus Offer
    $400
  • Monthly Fee
    $23.00
    Waived first three months
  • Number of Transactions
    Unlimited
  • Our Take
    • When you open your first CIBC Smart Plus chequing account you can enjoy unlimited transactions, an annual fee rebate on premium credit cards, and free non-CIBC ATM withdrawals.
    • Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, also known as CIBC, is a full-service multinational financial institution and one of the Big Six banks in Canada. Read our review of CIBC for more information.
  • Product Details
    • Get up to $400 when you open your first chequing account and pay no monthly fee for the first 3 months.
    • Enjoy all-in-one banking with over $1,100 in value.
    • Unlimited transactions including Interac e-transfer service.
    • Maintain a daily balance of $6,000 or $100,000 in combined eligible savings and investments, including GICs to pay no monthly fee.
    • Includes one eligible CIBC credit card with an annual fee rebate for the primary cardholder and up to 3 authorized users.
    • No CIBC fee for ATM withdrawals worldwide or for CIBC Overdraft Protection Service.
    • Enjoy free personalized cheques, bank drafts, money orders and stop payments on cheques and pre-authorized payments.
    • A $5 discount on the annual rental fee for a safety deposit box.
    • CIBC Overdraft Protection Service fee doesn't apply to CIBC Smart Plus Account.
    • Deposits eligible for insurance from CDIC.
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Methodology

NerdWallet Canada selects the best senior bank accounts based on several criteria, including services, branch banking availability, number of included transactions, seniors discounts and more. The accounts considered for this list are available to Canadians in more than one province.

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What to know about senior bank accounts

By SHANNON TERRELL

A senior bank account typically offers many of the same benefits as a standard chequing account, like a debit card, cheque-writing privileges and online banking — with little to no monthly fees.

Types of senior bank accounts

Most financial institutions in Canada have special account offerings for seniors to help them carry out daily banking transactions without incurring high service fees. These options include:

Senior chequing accounts: Dedicated accounts that come with daily banking features for senior citizens at low to no monthly fees.

Senior banking plans: Packages or bundles include chequing and savings accounts as well as other financial offerings like credit cards or estate planning services.

Senior discounts: Eligible seniors receive rebates on standard chequing account fees.

Common features of a senior chequing accounts and plans

Perks and features vary by provider, but senior accounts typically offer the following benefits:

  • Waived or discounted monthly fees.
  • Unlimited transactions.
  • Free personalized cheques.
  • Free paper statements.

How to find the best senior bank account for you

Before you sign up for an account, consider the following factors:

  • Monthly fees. Some seniors’ accounts carry monthly fees that can eat into your savings.
  • ATM access. Fees for third-party ATMs are common, so you may want to opt for a bank with a well-established ATM network.
  • In-person support. Customer service for online accounts, like those offered by digital banks, is limited to phone, email and live chat support.
  • Transaction limits. Not all seniors accounts have unlimited transactions, so if you anticipate using your account frequently, be mindful of transaction fees.

Compare your options to find the account or banking plan that best fits your finances.

Considerations for a senior chequing accounts and offers

Senior bank accounts have plenty of advantages, but no account is perfect. Be on the lookout for the following potential drawbacks:

  • One-time account fees. An account without monthly fees may still have one-time one-time fees per use of services, like out-of-network ATM withdrawals, stop payments, wire transfers and more. Read the fine print before you sign up to identify any account fees you may encounter.
  • Monthly fee rebates. Some banks don’t have dedicated bank accounts for seniors. Instead, they offer fee rebates, and these discounts may not eliminate the monthly account fee.
  • Online-only account access. If you opt for an account from a digital bank, you won’t be able to visit a branch for in-person support. If you prefer to transact face-to-face, you may not want an account from an online bank.

Nerdy tip:

Review your spending habits. The optimal account for your financial needs will depend on how you typically spend and save your money. If you have an existing bank account, look at your monthly statement. How often do you make ATM withdrawals, write cheques or swipe your debit card? Get an idea of a typical month of transactions to find an account that includes features you use most.

How to open a senior bank account

Many bank accounts can be opened at a branch or online from the financial institution’s website. Online applications can be completed at any time. If you prefer to apply in person, call ahead to schedule an appointment at your local branch during business hours.

You must typically provide the following information during the application process:

  • Full name and residential address.
  • Birth date.
  • Email address.
  • Social Insurance number.
  • Employment status.

Who should consider a senior chequing account?

Anyone who is 60 to 65 or older and qualifies for a senior chequing account should consider applying. You typically need to be 60 to 65 or older, but a senior chequing account could be worthwhile if you’re eligible. Many accounts offer discounted or waived account fees and come with banking features, which could be worthwhile.

Alternative bank account types seniors should consider

If you don’t qualify for a senior bank account or simply want to explore your options elsewhere, there are plenty of alternatives.

Account TypeProsCons
No fee chequing accountsNo monthly fees.

Unlimited transactions are common.
Rarely offers access to branch banking.

Low to no interest.
Hybrid bank accountsCan be used as a savings and chequing account.

Competitive interest rates.
Limited availability in Canada, and typically only offered by online banks.

Frequent ATM use could result in many added charges.
High interest savings accounts (HISAs)Earn a high rate of interest to help your money grow.

Usually no fees.
Some HISAs require you to keep a minimum account balance.

The highest rates are typically only found at online banks.
Chequing Account Offers and PromotionsEarns rewards points.

Often comes with unlimited transactions.
Monthly fees are common.

Regular fees after the intro offer ends.
  • FAQs

    • How old do I have to be to qualify for a senior chequing account?

      Most financial institutions require customers to be 60 to 65 or older to qualify for senior accounts and discounts.

    • What is the best bank for seniors?

      Based on your needs, you can find a bank that offers a no fee account or rebates for seniors on services that you most care about. See our selections of 10 noteworthy chequing accounts.

About the Author

Shannon Terrell

Shannon Terrell is a lead writer and spokesperson for NerdWallet, where she writes about a variety of personal finance topics. Previously, she was a writer, editor and video host for financial comparison company, Finder. Shannon has appeared as a financial expert on CP24 and has been quoted in numerous publications, including Bloomberg, Global News, Yahoo! Finance and Black Enterprise. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and English literature from the University of Toronto Mississauga. She’s also a published author whose work has been featured in academic journals from the University of Toronto. Shannon is based in Brampton, Ontario.

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