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Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) vs Tangerine Bank
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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Tangerine Bank edges ahead on our overall rating (4.2 vs 4.1), but the right pick depends on which products and fees matter most to you.
Overview
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.
Tangerine Bank, or Tangerine as it’s known, is a subsidiary of Scotiabank, formerly part of ING Direct. Operating with its own coverage from the Canadian Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC), Tangerine has a sound reputation. Forbes even ranked the institution as number one in Canada on its list of the World’s Best Banks 2026 for two consecutive years.
The institution has a strong lineup for a digital bank, offering no-fee chequing and savings accounts as well as highly rated credit cards. Tangerine also provides lending services to its customers with mortgages, HELOCs, and lines of credit, and even has business banking, though it’s not a complete offering.
Unlike the major Canadian banks, many of its premium services come from partners or the Scotiabank network, rather than Tangerine itself. For example, the bank has insurance through its partner Sonnet Insurance and free ABM access through Scotiabank and its Global ATM Alliance. Tangerine does, however, have an in-house offering of mortgages and lending services.
Top chequing accounts
Top savings account
Top credit card
All products offered
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