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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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Simplii Financial™ edges ahead on our overall rating (4.4 vs 4.1), but the right pick depends on which products and fees matter most to you.
Overview
All products offered
The National Bank of Canada, also called National Bank, is one of the biggest banks in Canada, though it is the smallest of the group. Initially, the bank dominated in the province of Quebec, but has since expanded its reach throughout the country. The migration of CWB Financial Group adds to National’s offering, with the integration of its clientele now complete according to the bank's website.
National Bank has a reputable Bank Account for Newcomers program and a range of chequing account options. Its monthly fees remain competitive, and certain groups can get the fee waived, as can those who maintain a minimum account balance. Minimum balance requirements are slightly above the other Big Six, though. In terms of savings accounts, the bank’s main option for Canadian dollar savers is its High Interest Savings Account. The account has a less competitive rate, causing National Bank to fall behind the offerings from the other major banks. Anyone focusing on earning a higher interest rate can find a better return with digital institutions.
Another area where National Bank is more limited is in its credit card offering. The bank does not have Visa cards, instead sticking with Mastercard only. While its choices are narrower compared to some of the other Big Six Canadian banks, it does have a quality selection. For example, the bank has the National Bank World Elite® Mastercard®, which Finly rates highly at a 4.6 out of 5 due to its “generous earn rate.”
For its lending and mortgage products, National Bank boasts a wide variety of fixed and variable-rate mortgages plus personal loans and lines of credit as well as home equity borrowing. As a full-service lender, National Bank is more than just a niche banking option with mortgage and loan options generally in line with the major Canadian banks. It also has promotional rates that offer a competitive edge.
Simplii Financial is a relatively new brand name in the banking scene, starting in 2017. It is, according to the bank, “a trademark and division of CIBC,” acting as its digital bank. Today, it has nearly 2 million clients and a reputation for quality. In Forbes’ 2026 list of the World’s Best Banks, Simplii Financial ranked number two in Canada, a list it has appeared on for many years.
The bank has a limited offering of products, though boasts some particularly well-ranking ones. For example, FinlyWealth rated the Simplii Financial No Fee Chequing Account at 4.5 out of 5, calling it our top chequing account pick for 2026. We also named its Cash Back Visa Card as the best dining cash back credit card in Canada.
As a digital bank, Simplii Financial does not have branches or its own ATM network, though clients can access their funds or make deposits using CIBC’s ATM network. A number of its more premium services are from its parent, CIBC. In terms of lending, for example, Simplii Financial has lines of credit and loans, though it ended its mortgage program in June 2025. Instead, clients can now access mortgages through CIBC. Its insurance program is also limited, with no standalone life or car insurance options available.
Overall rating
4.1
4.4
Customer experience
3.4
3.5
Best for
National Bank is best for Canadians who want full-service banking and access to a major federally regulated bank. It’s particularly suitable for those in Quebec or customers in Western Canada where the bank expanded.
Canadians looking for no-fee digital banking with unlimited everyday transactions and access to CIBC ATMs.
Pros & cons
Pros
Part of THE EXCHANGE ABM network, providing customers with access to almost 2,500 machines
Availability of fee-waiver options
Has a stand-out newcomer program and well-ranked credit card even with a more limited offering
National Bank Direct Brokerage promotes a unique offering of $0 online stock and ETF commissions
More valuable rates and rewards available through periodic promotional pricing
Cons
Smaller branch network versus the other major Canadian banks
Monthly account fees apply to all chequing accounts unless you maintain a minimum account balance or meet other fee-waiver eligibility
Minimum balance waiver is at a higher level in comparison to the other Big Six
Savings account offering is limited
Credit card lineup includes Mastercard only, no Visa or AmEx options
Every credit card has a 2.5% foreign transaction fee
Pros
Well-ranking products
No-fee chequing account with unlimited transactions and no minimum balance
No annual fee on its credit card
Access to CIBC ATMs at no extra cost
Backed by CIBC, giving stronger reliability compared to many standalone digital banks
Tiered interest rates on savings accounts benefit those who hold more money with the bank
Offers investing through GICs and mutual funds
Cons
Limited product selection compared to full-service banks
No in-branch service available
Mortgages and insurance products not available in-house, only through its parent, CIBC
Pays relatively low interest rates versus competitors
Rewards program is limited to cash back only
Best for: Newcomers to Canada
on National Bank's website
Welcome Bonus
Earn up to $600 cashback when you open an account for newcomers and meet certain criteria.
Monthly Fee
$15.95 (waivable)
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
Start your life in Canada by taking advantage of our welcome offer: A bank account that allows you to earn up to $600 cashback. Here’s how to get the most out of it:
Get $300 cashback when you:
Open a chequing account and meet certain criteria.
Get $100 cashback when you:
Apply for a Mastercard credit card, get approved, and complete 20 purchases with the new card.
Get $100 cashback when you:
Set up pre-authorized, recurring payments for your National Bank mortgage from your new chequing account.
Get $100 cashback when you:
Open a High Interest Savings Account and deposit at least $5,000.
Get started with no monthly fees
As soon as you arrive, enjoy all the benefits we offer, without any fixed monthly fees.1
Keep your account free by meeting certain conditions*
Maintain a minimum daily balance of $4,500 in your account
OR
Sign up for the following three products and services:
Automatically switch to The Connected
After your newcomer offer ends, your account automatically switches to The Connected® package, which lets you reduce or even eliminate your monthly fees.
Pros
Cons
Account Fees
Monthly Fee
$15.95
Fee Waiver: Baseline Savings
Full waiver
Baseline savings of $334.92 over three years for the account You’ll save if you meet the following conditions: Open a bank account online before arriving with our secure form or visit a branch upon arrival. Sign up for our offer for newcomers. Savings are based on: First year: no flat monthly fee (savings of $15.95/month for 12 months) Second year: flat monthly fee of $7.98 instead of $15.95 (savings of $7.97/month for 12 months) Third year: flat monthly fee of $11.96 instead of $15.95 (savings of $3.99/month for 12 months)
Fee Waiver: Maximum Savings
$4,500 min. balance
Maximum savings on the account: $574.20 over 3 years In addition to the basic savings conditions, you must: Maintain a minimum daily balance of $4,500 OR Sign up for the following three products and services before the end of the first year and maintain them until the end of the special offer: A Mastercard® personal credit card ; Electronic bank statements ; Payroll deposit to your bank account at one of our branches at least once a month or payment of at least two bills per month electronically from this bank account
Fee Waiver: Maximum Total Savings
$4,500 min. balance
Maximum total savings of the offer: $683.30 over 3 years To reach these savings, you must meet all the conditions for maximum savings on the account (above) and take advantage of the following services: First check order free ($67.10/order) Free paper bank statements for the first year ($42) Please note: The savings depend on meeting all the requirements for the entire duration of the offer (3 years). If you do not meet all the conditions in a given month, your savings will be reduced. If you no longer have the bank account or the Newcomer Package, the savings will no longer apply.
Credit Card Rebate
Up to $100
eStatement
Included
Transactions
Transactions
Unlimited free
Interac e-Transfers
Unlimited free
ATM Fees
Own Network
$0
Canadian ATMs
$2
International & Currency
Foreign Currency Conversion
2.5%
Other Fees
NSF (Non-sufficient Funds)
$10
Overdraft Protection
$5/month
Overdraft Interest
21% annually (if used)
Bank Draft
$9
Best for: Premium Perks and Unlimited Transactions
on National Bank's website
Welcome Bonus
Up to $150 cashback with an eligible credit card
Monthly Fee
$28.95 (waivable)
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
Pros
Cons
Account Fees
Monthly Fee
$28.95
Fee Rebate: 0-17 years old
Partial rebate
0-17 years old Monthly fees (9): $18/month
Fee Waiver: 18-24 years old
$6,000 min. balance
18-24 years old Monthly fees (9): $13/month Reduce your monthly fees* $0 with a balance of $6,000 or more Get an eligible Mastercard credit card (10) and enjoy a $10/month discount
Fee Waiver: 25-59 years old
$6,000 min. balance
25-59 years old Monthly fees (9): $28.95/month Reduce your monthly fees* $0 with a balance of $6,000 or more Get an eligible Mastercard credit card (10) and enjoy a $10/month discount
Fee Waiver: 60 plus
$6,000 min. balance
60 plus Monthly fees (9): $23.95/month Reduce your monthly fees* $0 with a balance of $6,000 or more Get an eligible Mastercard credit card (5) and enjoy a $10/month discount
Credit Card Rebate
Up to $150
eStatement
Included
Transactions
Transactions
Unlimited free
Interac e-Transfers
Unlimited free
ATM Fees
Own Network
$0
Canadian ATMs
$0
International & Currency
International Transaction Fee
$5.95
Foreign Currency Conversion
2.5%
Other Fees
NSF (Non-sufficient Funds)
$10
Overdraft Protection
$5/month
Overdraft Interest
21% annually (if used)
Bank Draft
$0
Best for: Great signup bonus and no fee everyday banking with access to CIBC ATMs
on Simplii Financial™'s website
+ Earn $300 and a $50 Skip gift card (terms apply)
Welcome Bonus
Earn $300 and a $50 Skip gift card (terms apply)
Regular Interest
Up to 0.01%
Monthly Fee
$0
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
Earn $300 and a $50 Skip gift card when you become a new client and open a No Fee Chequing Account and set up an eligible direct deposit of at least $100 for 3 straight months. Offer ends on Sept 30, 2026.
Save over $200/year with free daily banking.
It's simple. With a no-fee chequing account, you get free daily banking. Life’s always busy and you work hard every day for your money – it’s time for your bank account to do the same.
Product Highlights:
Additional Features:
Account Fees
Monthly Fee
$0
eStatement
Included
Transactions
Transactions
Unlimited free
Interac e-Transfers
Unlimited free
ATM Fees
Own Network
$0
Canadian ATMs
$1.5
USA
$3
International
$3
International & Currency
Foreign Currency Conversion
2.5%
Other Fees
NSF (Non-sufficient Funds)
$10
Overdraft Interest
19% annually (if used)
Bank Draft
$7.5
Best for: Bulking up your savings
on National Bank's website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Monthly Fee
$0
You will earn interest no matter how much money you have in your account. That means your savings will start growing right away!
You can access your savings at any time. With your online bank, transferring funds between your accounts* is fast and easy.
Your savings provide a financial cushion against the unexpected. If needed, you can withdraw funds to face emergencies.
Apply
Submit an application online in less than 5 minutes.
Deposit
Transfer funds from your online bank in just a few clicks.
Pros
Cons
on Simplii Financial™'s website
+ Earn 4.6% for 5 months
Welcome Bonus
Earn 4.6% for 5 months
Regular Interest
Up to 1%
Monthly Fee
$0
Put your savings in the fast lane with great rates and no monthly fees.
Grow your savings. No matter what you’re saving for, it’s easier with Simplii™.
Product Highlights:
on National Bank's website
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.6/5
The National Bank World Elite Mastercard is a strong choice for frequent travelers who value rewards and comprehensive insurance coverage. With a generous earn rate on everyday spending categories like groceries and restaurants, it offers substantial value, especially if you redeem points for travel. The $150 annual travel credit effectively offsets the card's $150 annual fee, making this card almost "fee-free" if fully utilized. Additionally, the card’s airport lounge access, superior purchase protection, and extended warranties make it a great companion for those who prioritize convenience and peace of mind during their travels.
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection*
Extended Warranty*
Travel Medical Insurance (54 & under)
Travel Medical Insurance (55 to 64)
Travel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
Trip Interruption
Trip Cancellation
Baggage Delay
Flight Delay
Lost or Stolen Baggage
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Car Rental Damage & Theft
Mobile Device Insurance
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - National Bank
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Travel Credit
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
on Simplii Financial™'s website
Welcome Bonus
20% cashback† up to $500 in spending
Annual Fee
$0
Interest Rates
20.99%* / 22.99%*
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
4.3/5
If you dine out a lot and don't want to pay an annual fee for your credit card, the Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa* Card will undoubtedly be one of your best friends with its 4% cashback. Additionally, the card offers a decent cashback rate (1.5%) for gas, pharmacy, and groceries, making it one of the best no-annual-fee cashback credit cards in Canada. However, there are limits on how much you can earn in these categories. Therefore, you need to be careful not to exceed those limits; otherwise, your cashback rate will drop to 0.5% after those spending limits are reached.
Awards & Recognition
Best Dining Cash Back Credit Card
2026
Pros
Cons
Rewards
Insurance
Coverage
Purchase Protection
Extended Warranty
Eligibility
Credit Score
Annual Income
16 products
Chequing
National Bank Bank Account for Newcomers
National Bank The Total Chequing Account
The Connected Chequing Account
National Bank The USD Progress Account
National Bank The Minimalist Chequing Account
Credit cards
National Bank Allure® Mastercard®
National Bank Business Mastercard
National Bank ECHO® Cashback Mastercard
National Bank MC1® Mastercard®
National Bank mycredit Mastercard
National Bank Platinum Business Mastercard
National Bank Platinum Mastercard®
National Bank Syncro™ Mastercard®
National Bank World Elite® Mastercard®
National Bank World Mastercard
3 products
Credit cards
Simplii Financial™ Cash Back Visa* Card
Cannot buy stocks, only mutual funds
Not available to Quebec residents
