Scotiabank - helping newcomers to Canada Start Right

How can your bank help you start a new life in Canada?

The StartRight™ program† can help ease the stress that comes with moving to a new country by providing you with the banking basics you'll need for financial success. Learn more on chequing and savings accounts, credit, no-fee international money transfers1 and tailored advice from our Financial Advisors.

  • No monthly account fees on the Preferred Package chequing account for one year.2 Value of $203.40.

  • Credit cards suited for newcomers.

  • Free unlimited international money transfers.

  • New vehicle loan with 0% down.

  • Specialized mortgage offerings for newcomers.

StartRightTM program details

Best Banking Offer for Newcomers awarded by Ratehub.ca±

Set up your Scotiabank account today

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

Open an international account online

Apply for a Scotiabank International Account and transfer up to $50,000 CAD before moving to Canada.3

Get ready to go even further

ScotiaRISE™ provides support to Windmill Microlending to help newcomers access mentoring, career planning, and other assistance to achieve professional success in Canada. You've landed here, it's time to land your dream job.

Launch your career in CanadaLaunch your career in Canada

What documents do you need for opening a bank account or credit card 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 stating your annual income from your employer in Canada (Only required for credit card application).

More reasons to love Scotiabank

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Scotiabank is one of Canada’s international bank with close to 24 million customers and over 2,700 branches around the world.

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Access to over 941 Scotiabank branches and 3,725 ABMs across Canada.

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Safe and secure online and mobile banking 24/7.

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Our ScotiaRISE™ partnership with Windmill Microlending provides career training and networking to help re-establish your career in Canada.

More on credit…

Get an unsecured credit card with a credit limit of up to $15,000.4 

Find the right card for me
Scoitabank Momentum Visa Infinite card

More on credit history...

Are you wondering how to build credit in Canada? Having good credit will significantly help you get a phone plan, rent a home, and even finance a car.

Learn about credit history
A father and child plug in an electric car

Your success here, is more than just money

See how we helped Enrico and Millete establish their credit and provide their son, Lucas, a better future.

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Looking for valuable advice?

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We’re here to help, ask us anything

The StartRight™ team is here to support you. Call, email or book an appointment today.

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More advice on all things Canadian

Find more personal stories, articles, and resources to help you settle in sooner.

1
Foreign currency exchange rates apply. A transfer needs to be made from an eligible Scotiabank Chequing or Savings account.
2
The 1-Year No Monthly Account Fee Offer (the “Offer”) is available to eligible clients who open a new Preferred Package account under the StartRight™ Program (the “Account”). Employees of The Bank of Nova Scotia (“Scotiabank”) and individuals who are currently or were previously holders/ joint holders of a Scotiabank chequing account within the last 2 years are not eligible for this Offer. If you are eligible for the Offer, during the first 12 months, your monthly Account fee will be waived and will not appear as a charge on your Account. The Account must be open and in good standing at the time of the waiver. All applicable service charges on the Account will continue to be applied monthly. After the first 12 months, you will begin to see the monthly Account fee charged to your Account unless you maintain a minimum daily closing balance of $4,000, in which case the monthly Account fee will be waived per the Account terms and conditions. This Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offers. Maximum one Offer per customer. All rates, fees, features and benefits are subject to change. Offer may be changed, cancelled, or extended at any time without notice.
3
Scotiabank cannot accept more than one wire payment per family and such payment cannot exceed CAD $50,000. You are responsible to ensure that your wire payment to Scotiabank in Canada, including the amount, is in compliance with the local laws of your country.
4
Subject to credit approval. To be eligible, you must be a participant in the Scotiabank StartRight Program. To qualify for a credit card, you must be a resident of Canada and the age of majority in your province/territory where you live. Your approval for a credit card and the credit limit assigned will be determined based on Scotiabank’s credit criteria, including your verifiable income and credit history (If available). The credit limit amount of up to $15,000 under the Scotiabank StartRight Program is subject to change by Scotiabank from time to time without prior notice. A credit history in Canada is not required in order to be eligible for a credit card under the Scotiabank StartRight Program.
®
Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia.
™
Trademark of the Bank of Nova Scotia.
±

Awarded Best Banking Offer for Newcomers in 2025 by Ratehub.

‡
Scotiabank StartRight® Program is available only for Canadian Permanent Residents from 0-5 years in Canada, International Students and Foreign Workers.