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A side-by-side comparison of ratings, customer experience, products, fees, and pros & cons to help you choose the right bank.
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Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) edges ahead on our overall rating (4.1 vs 4.0), but the right pick depends on which products and fees matter most to you.
Overview
All products offered
28 products
Savings
RBC Day to Day Savings
ATB Financial is a provincially-owned bank with $110 billion in assets under management. What started as a small treasury branch has transformed into what ATB Financial calls “the largest financial institution headquartered in Western Canada.” Its operations are mainly in Alberta, though in 2023, ATB Wealth, its full-service brokerage, first expanded outside of the province. As of 2026, the wealth management arm has locations in both British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
With a range of financial services, ATB offers its customers access to chequing and savings accounts as well as credit cards, mortgages, business banking and wealth management. Its savings rates are more competitive than the biggest banks in Canada, offering slightly better returns on savings. It still trails the digital banks, though.
The institution also has several credit cards available to Alberta residents. Each of the cards has different perks, including cashback or rewards, though eligibility restrictions and constraints on rewards means their credit card offering lacks in comparison to the larger banks.
ATB also has a range of lending products as well as business banking and access to investment services through ATB Wealth and ATB Cormark Capital Markets. The bank offers more depth than many smaller regional institutions. And more than the digital banks. Its Alberta focus, however, makes it less convenient for Canadians who live outside of the province. For anyone inside its core market, ATB may be a strong full-service alternative.
As one of the largest and most established financial institutions in Canada, RBC stands out for its size and lineup of products. Its full-service approach allows customers to manage their everyday banking in the same place where they have their credit cards, mortgages, investments, and insurance.
RBC provides a large selection of products for everyday banking needs. It offers chequing accounts for specific groups like students, seniors, and newcomers. Premium banking options are also available. While its savings account lineup is less competitive, especially compared to fintechs, the firm periodically has valuable promotions. Long-term rates tend to lag behind other digital providers, though.
Not only does RBC have a wide range of bank account options, it also has one of the largest credit card lineups in Canada. Options range from cashback and rewards to travel and business. FinlyWealth recently ranked the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Card amongst the best travel credit cards in Canada.
In terms of mortgage and lending products, the bank provides many options. But posted rates at RBC are not always the lowest in comparison to other banks and fintechs. While rates may be less competitive, the bank benefits from its widespread product offering as well as strong brand trust and broad advisor access.
Overall rating
4.0
4.1
Customer experience
3.3
2.8
Best for
ATB Financial works best for Albertans who want a full-service banking relationship within a regional institution.
Those who want full-service banking with access to both physical branches and a wide range of financial products. The bank also boasts strong digital banking tools and one of the largest ATM and branch networks in Canada, making it ideal for Canadians who value integrated banking as well as established customer support.
Pros & cons
Pros
Strong regional presence in Albera with more than 300 locations across the province
ATB Wealth expansion into areas outside of Alberta
Full-service product lineup including banking, lending, wealth management and capital markets
Competitive product lineup with unlimited banking and a no-fee digital account
Some savings accounts offer better rates than traditional Big Five savings accounts
More competitive loan and lending rates than the major banks
Cons
Primarily services Alberta so it is less convenient for those outside the province
Savings rate are still modest in comparison to digital high-interest savings accounts
Smaller credit card lineup compared to the major banks
Rewards program points are slightly less valuable than those from the bigger banks
Public customer reviews are mixed with complaints about service quality
Pros
In-person service available through one of the largest branch networks in Canada
More than 4,000 ATMs across the country
Strong integration between banking, lending, and investing
Robust product offering for savings and chequing accounts
Numerous credit card options with varying rewards
Established brand with broad access to customer support
Mobile app quality ranks well amongst the Big Six Canadian banks
Cons
Fees are typically higher than competitors
Monthly fees on many chequing accounts
Savings products pay a lower interest rate
Higher mortgage and loan rates comparatively
Some premium banking benefits require high balances or bundled products
on ATB's website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Monthly Fee
$0
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
Account Fees
Monthly Fee
$0
eStatement
Included
4 Our rating
on ATB's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to $900* for new customers
Monthly Fee
$24.95 (waivable)
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
Account Fees
Monthly Fee
$24.95
eStatement
Included
4.5 Our rating
on RBC's website
Welcome Bonus
Open an eligible RBC Chequing Account and get the new iPad(1)
Monthly Fee
$30 (rebates available)
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
How to Get Your RBC iPad Offer
Once you’ve opened your the RBC Signature No Limit Banking account or the RBC VIP Banking account by November 2, 2026, complete at least two of the following within 90 days:
Make two eligible bill payments using RBC Online Banking, the RBC Mobile app, an ATM or telephone banking. Other terms and conditions apply.
Pros
Cons
Account Fees
Monthly Fee
$30
Fee Rebate: Eligible Personal Credit Card, Personal Investment and Small Business Account
Save $12.95/mo
As low as $17.05/month with the Value Program Rebate(14)
Fee Rebate: Eligible Personal Credit Card, Personal Investment and Residential Mortgage
Save $12.95/mo
As low as $17.05/month with the Value Program Rebate(14)
Credit Card Rebate
Up to $120
eStatement
Included
Transactions
Transactions
Unlimited free
Interac e-Transfers
Unlimited free
ATM Fees
Own Network
$0
Canadian ATMs
$2
USA
$3
International
$5
International & Currency
Foreign Currency Conversion
2.5%
Cross-Border Debit Fee
$0
Other Fees
NSF (Non-sufficient Funds)
$10
Overdraft Protection
$0/month
Overdraft Interest
22% annually (if used)
Bank Draft
$0
Best for: Full time students
on RBC's website
Welcome Bonus
Open a No Monthly Fee RBC Advantage Banking Account for Students and Get AirPods 4.(1)
Monthly Fee
$0
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
Pros
Cons
Account Fees
Monthly Fee
$0
Fee Waiver: Students Rebate
Full waiver
No monthly fee for full-time students or anyone 24 and younger(2,3)
eStatement
Included
Transactions
Transactions
Unlimited free
Interac e-Transfers
Unlimited free
ATM Fees
Own Network
$0
Canadian ATMs
$0
USA
$3
International
$5
International & Currency
International Transaction Fee
$0
Foreign Currency Conversion
2.5%
Other Fees
NSF (Non-sufficient Funds)
$10
Overdraft Interest
22% annually (if used)
Bank Draft
$9.95
2.55 Our rating
on ATB's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn total interest of up to 4.60%* for your first 90 days
Regular Interest
Up to 0.6%
Monthly Fee
$0
Eligible clients can get a total interest rate of 4.60%* during their first 90 days from a special bonus of 4.10%.
2.7 Our rating
on RBC's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn 4.60% for 3 months for new High Interest eSavings account holders
Monthly Fee
$0
If this is your first RBC High Interest eSavings account, you can earn up to 4.60% in interest for 3 months. Offer expires 3pm EST on June 9, 2026.
Interest rates
All balances 0.55%
Promotional rate of 4.60%13 on your first three months12
Account fees
Monthly Fee $0
eStatement Included
Earn interest of up to 4.60%12,13
on ATB's website
Welcome Bonus
40,000 points
Annual Fee
$120 $0
Interest Rates
20.99% / 22.99%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
3.1/5
The ATB World Elite Mastercard offers impressive rewards and insurance coverage, making it ideal for high-income Alberta residents seeking premium travel perks. However, the low point value and high income requirements might limit its appeal for some users.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
The accelerated earn rate applies to the first $50,000 in annual purchases on the account, at merchants qualifying for the accelerated earn rate, per calendar year based on your statement cycle date. The annual spend cap for the accelerated earn rate resets every January. Once the combined cardholder spend exceeds this threshold in these categories, they will continue earning points at the regular earn rate of 2 points per $1 spent in purchases.
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Car Rental Accident
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Car Rental Damage & Theft
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Car Rental Personal Effects
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
Flight Delay
Baggage Delay
Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Lost or Stolen Baggage
Hotel Burglary Insurance
Personal Effects
Price Protection
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Car Rental Discount
Boingo Wi-Fi hotspot
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
on RBC's website
Welcome Bonus
Enjoy a 0.99% introductory interest rate for the first 10 months on balance transfers^ and no annual fee for the first year*. Apply by November 4 2026.
Rewards Rate
N/A
Annual Fee
$20 $0
Interest Rates
12.99% / 14.99%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.8/5
A low-interest credit card in case you want to carry a balance every month. This card provides no rewards on purchases, however comes with a relatively lower interest rate compared to many other credit cards, so if you're unable to pay your balance in full every month, this card will save you a lot of money in interest payments.
Awards & Recognition
Best Low Interest Credit Card
2026
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Benefits
Details
Extra points
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Gas Discount
Discount
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
Credit cards
RBC Avion Visa Infinite
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Privilege
More Rewards RBC Visa
moi RBC® Visa‡
More Rewards RBC Visa Infinite
RBC Avion Visa Platinum
RBC Cash Back Mastercard
RBC Cash Back Preferred World Elite Mastercard
RBC ION Visa
RBC ION+ Visa
RBC U.S. Dollar Visa Gold
RBC RateAdvantage Visa
RBC Visa Classic Low Rate Option
RBC Visa Platinum
RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite‡
WestJet RBC Mastercard
WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard®
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business Credit Card
RBC® Business Cash Back Mastercard‡
WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard® for Business
