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Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) vs Wealthsimple
A side-by-side comparison of ratings, customer experience, products, fees, and pros & cons to help you choose the right bank.
VS
Wealthsimple edges ahead on our overall rating (4.3 vs 4.1), but the right pick depends on which products and fees matter most to you.
Overview
Known as CIBC, the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce sits among the biggest banks in Canada. Customers seeking full-service banking can access a range of banking, borrowing and investing options. Its product lineup is comparable to the other major banks, though some of its savings rates and fees are less competitive.
CIBC’s banking includes accounts for students, seniors, foreign workers, and newcomers to Canada. The CIBC Smart Account is one of its core everyday banking products and comes with a monthly fee rebate when customers maintain the minimum balance. While it may appeal to those who qualify, other customers might find more value elsewhere.
The bank has a wide selection of credit cards including those for cash back, travel, Aeroplan, Aventura and Costco. Its borrowing options are also comprehensive including mortgages, personal loans, lines of credit and home equity borrowing. CIBC’s product lineup as well as its highly rated online and mobile banking tools make the bank a well-rounded choice for Canadians looking to build a banking relationship with a single institution.
Launching in 2014, Wealthsimple’s goal was “to use technology to give powerful financial tools to many.” Since then, the company has grown to have $124.8 billion in assets under administration and 3.4 million customers as of the end of Q1 2026.
While Wealthsimple began as a digital investment platform, it quickly expanded into banking, offering no-fee chequing accounts that pay interest on every dollar. It is uncommon to find a Canadian chequing account that pays interest, which is part of the reason why FinlyWealth rated the account highly at 4.8 out of 5. Though the institution does not have its own ATMs or branches, you can still deposit cash for your Wealthsimple account at Canada Post and receive reimbursement of any amount covering unlimited ATM fees worldwide. Banking and credit card customers also have access to the company’s spend insights tool, which tracks transactions and category spending.
Wealthsimple’s rewards support its strong rating. It has a competitive credit card offering with 2% in cashback rewards with a simple structure of flat earn rates across all categories. This differs from many institutions, which instead offer cashback on certain categories of spending only. While its credit cards are well-ranked, though few in number, its options for borrowing are limited. The institution has lines of credit, which you can take out against your portfolio, and they also provide mortgages through outside brokers.
Beyond traditional banking, Wealthsimple’s claim to fame is its investing platform, where it offers both managed portfolios and self-directed investments. The firm differentiates itself from the biggest banks in Canada by charging no commissions on DIY trading. Even its options platform has $0 commission on trades.
Today, the institution remains on the cutting edge, having become “Canada’s first regulated crypto platform” and making a recent announcement about soon providing access to the prediction markets through a mobile app called Wealthsimple Predict. Both of these initiatives are unique offerings for a financial institution in Canada.
Overall rating
4.1
4.3
Customer experience
3.1
3.5
Best for
CIBC is best for Canadians looking for a traditional banking experience with a broad range of products. It may be especially appealing for customers who value a strong mobile banking experience but still want the option to visit a branch when needed.
Canadians who want a digital-first financial platform that combines no-monthly-fee banking with $0 commission stock and ETF trading.
Pros & cons
Pros
Broad product lineup for both banking and investing options as well as borrowing
Strong credit card selection
Fee rebates available for eligible accounts
Highly rated mobile banking tools
Access to US dollar and cross-border banking
Cons
Monthly account fees are high for customers who do not qualify for fee rebates
Lower relative savings rates compared to many online banks
Mixed customer reviews surrounding service wait times and issue resolution
Few no-fee banking options
Pros
No-fee chequing account with unlimited transactions
Chequing account earns interest on every dollar
Strong digital investing platform
No minimum balance requirements (interest rates instead increase for those with a higher relationship balance)
Offers both self-directed trading and managed portfolios
$0 commission on stocks and ETF trades, making it more affordable than traditional banks
Cash deposits available through Canada Post
Unlimited reimbursements on ATM fees worldwide which improves access for banking customers
No foreign transaction fee on its credit card
Continuous innovation and rollout of new services
Ability to buy, sell and earn cryptocurrencies on its platform
Cashback earnings can go to any eligible Wealthsimple account
Cons
Overdraft protection is only available if you link it to your portfolio and is unavailable for joint chequing and USD accounts
No dedicated ATMs
Mortgages available through partners only, not in-house
No broad insurance offering, unlike some full-service institutions
No branches available for in-person service
Trend of customer service complaints
Customer criticism regarding locked or frozen accounts
Reports of intermittent outages
Top chequing accounts
CIBC Smart Account
CIBC Smart Account
3.9 Our rating
OPEN ACCOUNT
on CIBC's website
Welcome Bonus
Bundle to earn up to $850†,‡ in value
Regular Interest
Up to 0%
Monthly Fee
$16.95 (waivable)
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
Step 1: Open a CIBC Smart Account and set up one recurring direct deposit for a minimum of $500 within two months. The direct deposit should be from your employer, the government or a pension.
Step 2: Get $500 with your Smart Account plus as much as $350 with a CIBC Dividend Visa Infinite Card with qualifying actions†,‡ Earn 10% cashback in an amount up to $200 on net purchases of up to $2,000‡. Earn $50 in a cashback bonus by setting up your first pre-authorized payment.
- Tiered banking depending on your eligible CIBC balance
- Fee waiver for up to 3 accounts depending on your tier1,2
- Unlimited transactions5
- No fee for Interac e-Transfers6
- Annual fee credit card rebate for higher tiers
- US ATMs within the Plus™ or Visa™ network: $3 + 2.5%
- US ATM network charge outside of the Plus™ or Visa™ network: $5 + 2.5%
- Rebate on one or more non-CIBC ATM withdrawal fee each month depending on your tier8,9
Account Fees
Monthly Fee
$16.95
eStatement
Included
ATM Fees
Own Network
$0
Canadian ATMs
$2
International
$5
OPEN ACCOUNT
on CIBC's website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Regular Interest
Up to 0%
Monthly Fee
$4
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
- 18 transactions1, 2 included per month with an additional charge of $1.25 thereafter
- No fee for Interac e-Transfers2
- Receive alerts with CIBC Smart Balance Alert™, 4
- US ATMs within the Plus™ or Visa™ network: $3 + 2.5%
- Outside Canada and the Plus™ or Visa™ ATM network: $5 + 2.5%
Account Fees
Monthly Fee
$4
eStatement
Included
ATM Fees
Own Network
$0
Canadian ATMs
$2
International
$5
Wealthsimple Chequing
Wealthsimple Chequing
4.8 Our rating
OPEN ACCOUNT
on Wealthsimple's website
Welcome Bonus
$25 bonus when you sign up and fund at least $1*
Regular Interest
Up to 2.25%
Monthly Fee
$0
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
New to Wealthsimple? We'll give you a $25 cash bonus when you open your first Wealthsimple account through this page and fund at least $1 within 30 days*
CHEQUING & SAVINGS:
For everyday spending and saving
Some accounts are good for parking and growing your money, while others are good for avoiding fees and restrictions. Wealthsimple chequing accounts are great for all of those things.
- Interest rates starting at 1.25% (up to 2.25%)2
- No minimums, monthly fees, or overdraft penalties
- No ATM fees or Foreign Transaction (FX) fees4,5
- Access to 60,000 ATMs across the country
- Third-party ATM fee reimbursements without limits4
- Unlimited free Interac e-Transfers®, bill payments, and debit transaction
- 0.5% interest boost (up to 2.25% total) when you set up eligible direct deposits6
- Up to $1 million in CDIC deposit insurance coverage on eligible CAD deposits7
- Up to eight individual and eight joint accounts to help organize your money for different goals like vacations, emergency fund, etc.
Account Fees
Monthly Fee
$0
eStatement
Included
Transactions
Transactions
Unlimited free
Interac e-Transfers
Unlimited free
ATM Fees
Own Network
$0
Canadian ATMs
$0
USA
$0
International
$0
International & Currency
Foreign Currency Conversion
0%
Other Fees
NSF (Non-sufficient Funds)
$0
Overdraft Interest
0% annually (if used)
Bank Draft
$10
Top savings account
OPEN ACCOUNT
on CIBC's website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Regular Interest
Up to 0.6%
Monthly Fee
$0
- Earn regular interest1 on your entire balance plus Smart Interest if you save at least $200 during the month2
- No monthly fee
- $5 fee per transaction3 including debit purchases and withdrawals at CIBC
- US ATMs within the Plus™ or Visa™ network: $3 + 2.5%
- Outside Canada and the Plus™ or Visa™ ATM network: $5 + 2.5%
Wealthsimple Savings
Wealthsimple Savings
4.6 Our rating
OPEN ACCOUNT
on Wealthsimple's website
Welcome Bonus
$25 bonus when you sign up and fund at least $1*
Regular Interest
Up to 2.25%
Monthly Fee
$0
New to Wealthsimple? We'll give you a $25 cash bonus when you open your first Wealthsimple account through this page and fund at least $1 within 30 days*
CHEQUING & SAVINGS:
For everyday spending and saving
Some accounts are good for parking and growing your money, while others are good for avoiding fees and restrictions. Wealthsimple chequing accounts are great for all of those things.
- Interest rates starting at 1.25% (up to 2.25%)2
- No minimums, monthly fees, or overdraft penalties
- No ATM fees or Foreign Transaction (FX) fees4,5
- Access to 60,000 ATMs across the country
- Third-party ATM fee reimbursements without limits4
- Unlimited free Interac e-Transfers®, bill payments, and debit transaction
- 0.5% interest boost (up to 2.25% total) when you set up eligible direct deposits6
- Up to $1 million in CDIC deposit insurance coverage on eligible CAD deposits7
- Up to eight individual and eight joint accounts to help organize your money for different goals like vacations, emergency fund, etc.
Top credit card
APPLY NOW
on CIBC's website
Welcome Bonus
Balance transfer 0% interest for up to 10 months with a 1% transfer fee‡
Rewards Rate
No Rewards
Annual Fee
See Rates
Interest Rates
13.99% / 13.99%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
300Poor
560Fair
660⁎Good
725⁎Very Good
760⁎Excellent
4/5
A nice low rate card for everyday spending.
Pros
- Low interest rates
- Balance transfer welcome bonus
Cons
- No rewards
- Missing standard coverage categories
Rewards
No rewards earned on this card
Insurance
Coverage
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$100,000
Benefits
Details
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Gas Discount†
Save up to 10 cents per litre on gas at participating Pioneer, Fas Gas, Ultramar and Chevron gas stations with CIBC and Journie Rewards.
Discount††
Free Skip+ membership, welcome voucher, and monthly voucher available. Conditions apply.
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
APPLY NOW
on Wealthsimple's website
Welcome Bonus
$25 Exclusive bonus for new Wealthsimple clients*
Annual Fee
See Rates
Interest Rates
20.99%* / 22.99%*
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
300Poor
560Fair
660⁎Good
725⁎Very Good
760⁎Excellent
4.4/5
The Wealthsimple Cash Back Visa Infinite Privilege offers a conditional no-fee, no-FX-fee spending solution that earns 2% cash back on all purchases without any limits! It's currently the ONLY Visa Infinite Privilege card with an annual fee that can be completely waived. It also lets you grow your rewards—as you can deposit your cashback whenever you want in a high-interest chequing account. Its simplicity and flexibility make it ideal for many Canadians.
Pros
- Decent cashback
- No premium client annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
- Solid insurance
- Airport lounge access
Cons
- High annual fee
- High income requirements
Rewards
- 2% cash back on all eligible purchases, no limits.
Insurance
Coverage
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,000
Purchase Protection
90 days
Extended Warranty
1 year
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)*
14 days up to $2M (under age 65)
Trip Cancellation*
$1,500/person ($5,000 per trip)
Trip Interruption*
$1,500/person ($5,000 per trip)
Baggage Delay*
$1,000 ($1,250 combined with Lost or Stolen Baggage coverage)*
Lost or Stolen Baggage*
$1,000 ($1,250 combined with Baggage Delay coverage).svg?dpl=dpl_ArEs4a8KgL4V8BKiacaWYdjSZMcU)
Car Rental Damage & Theft*
31 days, $65K car MSRP
Benefits
Details
No Foreign Transaction Fees*
Avoid FX fees when you travel abroad
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits*
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass*
6 complimentary visits
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$150,000 personal or $200,000 household
All products offered
17 products
Credit cards
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Card
CIBC Aventura® Gold Visa* Card
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite Privilege* Card
CIBC Aventura® Visa Infinite* Card
CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card
CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card for Business
CIBC bizline® Visa* Card
CIBC Costco Mastercard
CIBC Dividend Platinum® Visa* Card
CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card
CIBC Dividend® Visa* Card
CIBC Select Visa* Card