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Meridian Credit Union 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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Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) edges ahead on our overall rating (4.3 vs 3.9), but the right pick depends on which products and fees matter most to you.
Overview
Meridian Credit Union is the largest credit union in Ontario, describing itself as number three in size out of credit unions in Canada. The institution operates as a not-for-profit with 100% member ownership. Given its size, Meridian has a larger range of products compared to many other credit unions in the country. It does, however, lack some higher end services like private banking and a full insurance offering with universal life coverage. Both of which you can find through a major Canadian bank.
Meridian has a credit card selection with cashback, travel rewards, and USD cards. They exclusively offer Visa, with no option for Mastercard or American Express. Monthly banking fees come in below those of the biggest banks in Canada, with its most basic account about a dollar less per month in comparison. Digital banks, however, tend to have an edge with account fees. As is the same with interest rates. Meridian’s high-interest savings rates can be more competitive than some traditional bank savings accounts, though they fall behind some other Canadian credit unions and digital institutions.
Members of Meridian have access to investment accounts through the credit union and through Qtrade Direct Investing. The financial institution does not have its own full-service brokerage. They do provide financial planning, which isn’t always the case with credit unions.
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
3.9
4.3
Customer experience
3.4
3.2
Best for
Ontario residents who want branch access without choosing a major bank
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
Part of THE EXCHANGE® Network providing access to more than 40,000 ATMs with no additional charges
More competitive account fees than the Big Six Canadian banks
Lower minimum balance waiver requirements compared to the major banks
Full service banking lineup with basic investment and financial planning
Deposit insurance from the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA)
Cons
Premium offerings (private banking, universal life insurance, etc) are not available
Branch access concentrated in Ontario, making the credit union less appealing to customers outside the province
Product lineup is not as broad as the Big Six Canadian banks especially for insurance and premium wealth management services
Savings rate may still fall behind digital institutions
Credit card selection is limited comparatively
Mixed customer reviews
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
Meridian Credit Union has no chequing account listed.
TD Student Chequing Account
TD Student Chequing Account
4.8 Our rating
OPEN ACCOUNT
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
OPEN ACCOUNT
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
Meridian Credit Union has no savings account listed.
TD Growth™ Savings Account
TD Growth™ Savings Account
2.6 Our rating
OPEN ACCOUNT
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
APPLY NOW
on Meridian's website
This card is only available to residents of Ontario.
Welcome Bonus
Earn 7,000 reward points‡ on first purchase (up to $70 value)
Annual Fee
$99 $0
Interest Rates
19.50% / 21.99%
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
300Poor
560Fair
660⁎Good
725⁎Very Good
760⁎Excellent
4.2/5
The Meridian Visa Infinite Travel Rewards Card stands out primarily for its flexible reward options and considerable insurance coverage. With the ability to earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases and double points on foreign currency transactions, it offers a competitive edge for frequent travelers. Its extensive insurance benefits, including rare price protection, further bolster its appeal, making it a strong contender for those who meet the income requirements and reside in Ontario.
Pros
- Versatile Rewards
- Impressive insurance coverage
- First-year fee waiver
Cons
- Restricted to Ontario residents
- High income requirements
Rewards
- Earn 3 reward points for every $1 spent (3% cash back) on purchases made outside Canada in foreign currencies
- Earn 1.5 reward points for every $1 spent (1.5% cash back) on other eligible purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
90 days
Extended Warranty
Up to 1 year
Mobile Device Insurance
Up to $1,000 per occurrence
Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance
$1M per insured person per trip
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
48 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
15 days
Trip Cancellation
$2,000
Trip Interruption
$2,000
Baggage Delay
$500
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000.svg?dpl=dpl_2ffHSTvJo1hojctS14hRkmXzJzsG)
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Max car value of $65k, up to 48 days
Price Protection
$100 per item, $500 per year
Benefits
Details
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
$60,000 personal or $100,000 household
APPLY NOW
on TD's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to $1,300 in value†, including up to 146,000 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
300Poor
560Fair
660⁎Good
725⁎Very Good
760⁎Excellent
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 to 75)†
4 daysTrip Cancellation†
$1,500Trip Interruption†
$5,000Flight Delay†
$500Baggage Delay†
$1,000Lost or Stolen Baggage†
$1,000Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance†
$500,000Car 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?dpl=dpl_2ffHSTvJo1hojctS14hRkmXzJzsG)
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