Desjardins Group vs Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD)
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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Desjardins Group edges ahead on our overall rating (4.0 vs 3.9), but the right pick depends on which products and fees matter most to you.
Overview
Desjardins Group, or Desjardins for short, markets itself as “the largest cooperative financial group in Canada.” The organization offers its members a broad range of financial services including everyday banking, savings, credit cards, mortgages, loans, insurance, and wealth management. Its strongest physical presence is in Quebec and Ontario, where it has 189 caisses and branches as well as 1,260 ATMs.
Providing a full suite of banking products, Desjardins allows members to choose from banking packages ranging from the Basic Plan to the Unlimited Plus Plan. Fee waivers are also available. Desjardins has non-registered savings accounts, credit cards, borrowing products and investment services. Its account fees compare reasonably well with those of the biggest banks in Canada, though its overall fees and savings rates fall short of what customers can find at online banks and fintechs.
Desjardins has several credit cards including those with a cash back option and rewards through its BONUSDOLLARS program. While the rewards platform does not carry the same national recognition as those of the big banks, it still gives members a way to earn rewards across eligible products.
As it provides access to an array of lending options as well as a full-service brokerage and private wealth management, Desjardins delivers more depth than many smaller credit unions or digital banks. Its regional concentration, however, makes it less convenient for Canadians who live outside of these areas. Those within the core markets may find Desjardins to be a strong full-service alternative to the major banks.
Toronto Dominion, known as TD, delivers a strong all-around banking experience through a broad product lineup and extensive branch networks including 1,100 branches throughout the United States. The bank boasts consistency across many categories with few major weaknesses.
Offering a range of banking products, TD has accounts for Canadian newcomers, youth, students, and even international students. It provides banking starting at a cost of $0 for specific groups up to an “All-Inclusive Banking Plan” with premium features and a much higher price tag. Fee waivers are available for those who maintain a certain balance in their account. Long-term savings rates may be less competitive than online banks and fintechs though.
TD has a smaller credit card offering in comparison to some of the other biggest banks in Canada. It does, however, have some strong products, including the TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Card, which FinlyWealth ranks as the best overall Aeroplan credit card.
With a broad lending offering, TD receives recognition for its Canada-US cross-border services as well as various lending products. Its mortgage and lending breadth is amongst the strongest in Canada, though the bank doesn’t always have the lowest rates.
Overall rating
4.0
3.9
Customer experience
3.1
3.2
Best for
Desjardins is best for Canadians who want full-service banking through a cooperative financial institution. It is particularly useful for those in Quebec or Ontario where there is the largest branch and ATM presence.
TD Bank is best for Canadians looking for full-service banking with a vast offering of lending products, premium chequing accounts, branch access and cross-border banking support in the US.
Pros & cons
Pros
Cooperative structure can appeal to those who prefer a member-focused financial institution
Broad lineup of products
Strong reputation as Canada’s largest cooperative financial group
Competitive chequing-account fee waivers compared with many of the Big Six Banks
Strong branch and ATM presence in Quebec with additional access in Ontario
Supports both a full-service brokerage and an online brokerage
BONUSDOLLARS program provides eligible credit cardholders a way to earn and redeem rewards
Cons
Branch and ATM network is highly concentrated in Quebec and Ontario
Savings rates may be below those of online banks and fintechs
Rewards ecosystem is less comprehensive than those from the larger banks
Premium account packages have fewer perks than some of the alternative options at the Big Six banks
Not the lowest-cost option for those who want no-fee digital banking
Pros
TD Canada’s mobile app ranks well with consumers
Extensive branch network
Availability of premium banking options and fee-waiver options
Stand-out credit cards despite a limited offering
Promotional pricing periodically available for better rates and rewards
Extensive mortgage and lending offerings with flexible products
Strong retail presence in the United States and cross-border support
Cons
Elevated fees compared to fintechs and digital banks (though competitive amongst the Big Six)
Monthly account fees on most chequing accounts unless minimum balance maintained
Minimum balance waiver set at a higher balance compared to the other major banks
Savings accounts have a lower interest rate, even amongst the Big Six
Elevated mortgage and loan rates in comparison to digital-first lenders
Every credit card charges a foreign transaction fee
Historically extended branch hours were pared back post-Covid
Premium banking benefits available, though they come at a cost or require high account balances
Top chequing accounts
3.7 Our rating
on Desjardins' website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Monthly Fee
$15.95 (waivable)
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
- Monthly fee of $15.95 (waived with a $4,000 minimum balance)
- No ATM fees with the AccuLink® network
- Eligible for member dividends3
- Unlimited transactions through AccèsD, an ATM 2 or teller
- $1.50 cost for Interac® e-Transfers
Account fees
Monthly fee
$15.95
eStatement
Included
on Desjardins' website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Monthly Fee
$23.95 (waivable)
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
- Monthly fee of $23.95 (waived with a $5,000 minimum balance)
- No cost for ATM transactions in the AccuLink® network
- Member dividend3 eligibility
- No limit on transactions through AccèsD, ATM 2, cheque, or teller
- No charge for Interac® e-Transfers
Account fees
Monthly fee
$23.95
eStatement
Included
4.8 Our rating
on TD's website
Welcome Bonus
Receive value of up to $560 with a Student Banking Package
Regular Interest
Up to 0.01%
Monthly Fee
$0
Account Type
Chequing • Student
Get as much as $560 in value with a Student Banking Package:
- Cash offering of $125 when you open a new Student Chequing Account and complete two of the following by August 31, 2026:
Arrange a recurring direct deposit and receive payment from either your employer or the Government
Initiate or receive an e-Transfer for $30 or more
Use your Visa Debit to make an online purchase
Establish Pre-Authorized Transfer Service or Simply Save Service on your TD Savings Account
- Cash Back Dollars of up to $100 if you open an eligible TD Cash Back Visa before June 29, 2026
- Get up $250 in value when you open your first TD Direct Investing Account
- Savings of $60 with no monthly fees annually on TD Monthly Plan Overdraft Protection services on a new Student Chequing Account
- $25 gift card for Uber when you (a) establish a TD Student Chequing Account and meet eligibility criteria before August 31, 2026 (b) open a qualifying credit card before June 29, 2026. You must also keep the Student Chequing Account and your credit card active for five months after the account opening.
Offer expires June 29, 2026
- Made for students and youth under the age of 23
- No monthly fee on the account or overdraft protection
- Free Interac e-Transfers
- Minimum balance not required
- Interest earned on all balances
- Receive 0.5 bonus stars for every dollar of spending at participating Starbucks6
Account fees
Monthly fee
$0
eStatement
Included
Transactions
e-Transfer fee
$0
ATM fees
Own network
$0
Canadian ATMs
$2
USA
$3
International
$5
on TD's website
Welcome Bonus
Receive up to $750 in value on new accounts(§)
Regular Interest
Up to 0%
Monthly Fee
$17.95 (waived with $4,000 balance)
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
Earn up to $750 in value for new TD Unlimited Chequing Accounts.
Interest rates
All balances 0%
- No limit on transactions
- Full fee rebate if you meet the minimum balance requirement of $4,0001, 2
- Free Interac e-Transfers3
- No charge from TD for ATM transactions within Canada5
- Paper statement $2.00 monthly
- Account holders get a first year fee rebate on eligible TD credit cards4
Account fees
Monthly fee
$17.95
Fee waiver: Full fee rebate if you meet the minimum balance requirement
$4,000 min. balance
eStatement
Included
Transactions
e-Transfer fee
$0
ATM fees
Own network
$0
Canadian ATMs
$0
USA
$3
International
$5
Top savings account
Desjardins Group has no savings account listed.
2.6 Our rating
on TD's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn the Boosted Rate on eligible accounts with balances over $5,000
Regular Interest
Up to 1.5%
Monthly Fee
$0
Earn a Boosted Savings Rate for eligible accounts with balances over $5,0001
- Earn a Boosted savings rate for eligible accounts with balances over $5,0001
- Interest a higher rate of interest the more you save
- No monthly account fee
- Unlimited transfers to your TD deposit accounts ($5 charge for other transactions)
Top credit card
on Desjardins' website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Rewards Rate
No Rewards
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
10.9% - 19.9 / 12.9%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4/5
If you plan to carry a balance on your credit card, this is one of the best no-fee, low-interest-rate credit cards in Canada. However, outside of this specific use case, the card doesn't offer many additional benefits.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Low interest rates
- Comprehensive insurance
Cons
- No rewards
- No benefits
- Short travel coverage
Rewards
No rewards earned on this card
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
$5M/insured up to 3 days, under 75 years old
Trip Cancellation
$500 per person for trips up to 3 days
Trip Interruption
$1,000 per person for trips up to 3 days
Baggage Delay
$500 per person after 6 hours delay for trips up to 3 days
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500 per person for trips up to 3 days
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$10,000 per person for trips up to 3 days
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,000
Purchase Protection
90 days
Extended Warranty
Doubled up to 1 year
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
on TD's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to $1,400 in value†, including up to 160,000 TD Rewards Points† and receive an Annual Fee rebate for the first year†.
Annual Fee
$139 $0
Interest Rates
21.99% / 22.99%□
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.7/5
The TD First Class Travel Visa Infinite Card is an excellent option for frequent travelers who book through Expedia For TD and want to maximize rewards on travel purchases. The high welcome bonus and extensive insurance coverage make this card stand out. However, the high income requirements and limited value of TD points may not make it the best fit for everyone.
Pros
- High rewards
- First-year fee rebate
- Extensive insurance
- Annual travel credit
Cons
- High income requirements
- Low point value
- Potentially week booking portal
Rewards
- Earn 8 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend when you book travel through Expedia® For TD†
- Earn 6 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend on Groceries, Dining, and Public Transit†
- Earn 4 TD Rewards Points† for every $1 you spend on Recurring Bill Payments and Streaming, Digital Gaming & Media†
- Earn 2 TD Rewards Points For every $1 you spend on other Purchases made using your Card† plus earn an annual Birthday Bonus† of up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points
- Earn more at Starbucks: Link your eligible Card to earn 50% more TD Rewards Points plus more Starbucks Stars. Redeem points for even more Stars. Conditions apply.
Insurance
Coverage
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)†
21 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65+)†
4 daysTrip Cancellation†
$1,500Trip Interruption†
$5,000Flight Delay†
$500Baggage Delay†
$1,000Lost or Stolen Baggage†
$1,000Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance†
$500,000.svg)
Car Rental Damage & Theft†
yes
Hotel Burglary Insurance†
$2,500Purchase Protection†
90 daysExtended Warranty†
Up to 1 yearMobile Device Insurance†
$1,000
Benefits
Details
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits†
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Concierge Services†
Golf Benefit†
Troon Rewards Golf benefits like discounts at over 95 resorts and courses around the world plus access to select private clubs across the U.S
Extra points†
Link your eligible Card to earn 50% more TD Rewards Points plus more Starbucks Stars. Redeem points for even more Stars. Conditions apply.
Annual Birthday Bonus†
Earn a Birthday Bonus of up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points
Car Rental Discount†
10% off base rate of Avis Rent A Car and Budget Rent A Car.svg)
Travel Credit†
Get an annual TD Travel Credit of $100 when you book at Expedia For TD
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass†
Enjoy your time at the airport with global airport lounge access and 4 complimentary lounge visits with Visa Airport Companion Program
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
All products offered
17 products
Chequing
TD Unlimited Chequing Account
TD Every Day Chequing Account
TD Minimum Chequing Account
TD Student Chequing Account
Credit cards
TD Aeroplan® Visa Infinite* Card
TD Cash Back Visa Infinite* Card
TD Cash Back Visa* Card
TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card
TD Low Rate Visa* Credit Card
TD Platinum Travel Visa* Card
TD Rewards Visa* Card
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card
TD® Aeroplan® Visa Platinum* Card
TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Business Card