Working hard in the background...
Desjardins Group
Written by Lauren Brown
Last updated on June 20, 2026
Fact Checked
FinlyWealth rating
🏅
4.0
Products they offer:
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.
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.
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
Product Reviews
Chequing Accounts
Desjardins Basic Plan
Desjardins Basic Plan
3.1 Our rating
OPEN ACCOUNT
on Desjardins' website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Monthly Fee
$3.95 (waivable)
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
The Desjardins Basic Plan offers customers a lower-cost way to meet their everyday banking needs. For only $3.95 per month, the account includes 12 monthly transactions, making it suitable for those who only use their account occasionally. By maintaining a minimum balance of $1,500, customers can avoid paying a monthly fee, improving the account’s value.
Like many lower-fee accounts, the Basic Plan’s biggest limitation is its transaction cap, making it less suitable for those who regularly use their debit cards or move money around. There are also similar accounts at competing firms that allow a higher transaction volume for a similar price.
- $3.95 per month, or free if you meet the $1,500 minimum balance requirement
- No-cost ATM access through the AccuLink® network
- Eligibility for member dividends3
- 12 transactions each month on AccèsD, at an ATM 2 or through a teller or cheque
- $1.50 Interac® e-Transfers
Account Fees
Monthly Fee
$3.95
eStatement
Included
Transactions
Free Transactions / Month
12
OPEN ACCOUNT
on Desjardins' website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Monthly Fee
$10.95 (waivable)
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
As a step up from “just the basics,” the Desjardins Intermediate Plan provides more transactions without requiring the jump to an unlimited account. The plan comes at a cost of $10.95 each month and includes 30 monthly transactions. At this level, it is a better fit for those who use their account regularly but do not require unlimited usage. Customers can also waive the monthly fee when they keep a minimum balance of $3,000.
While the Intermediate Plan has a place, it sits in that middle ground where it is more expensive than a basic chequing account but more restrictive than an unlimited one. For light banking users, the Basic Plan may offer better value. Heavy users, however, may benefit more from paying a bit extra for the Unlimited Plan instead.
- $10.95 monthly fee or no charge when you meet a $3,000 minimum balance
- No-cost ATM visits using the AccuLink® network
- Eligible to receive member dividends3
- 30 no-cost monthly transactions through AccèsD, an ATM 2, teller or cheque
- $1.50 charge for an Interac® e-Transfer
Account Fees
Monthly Fee
$10.95
eStatement
Included
Transactions
Free Transactions / Month
30
Desjardins Unlimited Plan
Desjardins Unlimited Plan
3.7 Our rating
OPEN ACCOUNT
on Desjardins' website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Monthly Fee
$15.95 (waivable)
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
For those who want the ability to use their everyday banking freely, the Desjardins Unlimited Plan may be a stronger fit than plans with a cap on transactions. The Unlimited Plan by name includes unlimited monthly transactions, giving customers the freedom to pay bills, use their debit cards and move money without needing to track the number of their transactions.
The trade-off is price. At $15.95 per month, the Plan sits in a similar range as many unlimited chequing accounts from other large Canadian institutions. For Desjardins members who use their account frequently, this plan has ample flexibility. Members can also have the monthly fee waived by maintaining a minimum balance of $4,000.
- 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
OPEN ACCOUNT
on Desjardins' website
Welcome Bonus
N/A
Monthly Fee
$23.95 (waivable)
Account Type
Chequing • Personal
The Desjardins Unlimited Plus Plan gives regular banking users no-limits on their monthly transactions. It’s the credit union’s closest alternative to a premium chequing account though does not appear to offer rewards features and broad non-network ATM fee coverage like some competitors do.
Desjardins customers who maintain a $5,000 minimum balance in their account can avoid the relatively high $23.95 monthly fee. This can improve the account’s value and the monthly minimum is less than some of the balance requirements at the other Big Six banks.
For existing Desjardins members, the account can work, though its premium price tag may not appeal to everyone. Those who want a more comprehensive premium bundle may find better options at the larger banks.
- 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
Credit Cards
APPLY NOW
on Desjardins' website
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
300Poor
560Fair
660⁎Good
725⁎Very Good
760⁎Excellent
2.5/5
The Desjardins Bonus Visa is a no-fee card offering up to 2% back on dining, entertainment, and transportation, plus mobile device and basic travel insurance. While it lacks a welcome bonus and premium perks, it's a solid choice for earning rewards on everyday spending without any annual costs.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Decent cashback
- Strong insurance
- Car rental discounts
Cons
- Limited physical branch access
- Low base earn rate
- No welcome bonus
Rewards
- 2% in BONUS-DOLLARS on restaurant & pre-authorized purchases (up to $3,600 spend per category)
- 2% in BONUS-DOLLARS on entertainment and transit purchases
- 0.5% in BONUS-DOLLARS on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Extended Warranty
1 year
Purchase Protection
90 days
Mobile Device Insurance
$1,000
Trip Cancellation
$500
Trip Interruption
$1,000
Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
3 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
3 days
Baggage Delay
$500
Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500
Benefits
Details
Car Rental Discount
15% off base rate off Hertz car rental, no young drivers surchargeCar Rental Discount
10% off base rate off Hertz car rental, no young drivers surcharge
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
APPLY NOW
on Desjardins' website
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
300Poor
560Fair
660⁎Good
725⁎Very Good
760⁎Excellent
2.6/5
The Desjardins Cash Back Mastercard is a solid choice for those who value simplicity and no fees. With up to 2% cash back on popular categories like dining, entertainment, and transit, it offers competitive rewards without the complexity of points systems or spending caps. Additionally, the inclusion of mobile device insurance adds extra value, especially for a no-fee card. However, the lack of a welcome bonus and only 0.5% cash back on other purchases might make it less appealing for those seeking higher rewards across all spending categories.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Solid optimization
- Strong insurance
Cons
- Limited physical branch access
- No benefits
- Low base earn rate
- No welcome bonus
Rewards
- 2% cash back on restaurant & pre-authorized purchases (up to $3,600 spend per category)
- 2% cash back on entertainment and transit purchases
- 0.5% cash back on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Extended Warranty
1 yearPurchase Protection
90 daysMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Trip Cancellation
$500Trip Interruption
$1,000Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
3 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
3 daysBaggage Delay
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
APPLY NOW
on Desjardins' website
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
300Poor
560Fair
660⁎Good
725⁎Very Good
760⁎Excellent
2.6/5
The Desjardins Cash Back Visa is a no-fee credit card that offers up to 2% cash back on everyday purchases like dining, entertainment, and transit. It includes perks like mobile device insurance and car rental discounts, making it a solid choice for budget-conscious users. While it lacks a welcome bonus, its consistent rewards and no annual fee provide good value for everyday spending.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Solid cashback optimization
- Comprehensive coverage
- Car rental discounts
Cons
- Limited physical branch access
- Low base earn rate
- No welcome bonus
Rewards
- 2% cash back on restaurant & pre-authorized purchases (up to $3,600 spend per category)
- 2% cash back on entertainment and transit purchases
- 0.5% cash back on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Extended Warranty
1 yearPurchase Protection
90 daysMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Trip Cancellation
$500Trip Interruption
$1,000Travel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
3 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
3 daysBaggage Delay
$500Lost or Stolen Baggage
$500
Benefits
Details
Car Rental Discount
15% off base rate off Hertz car rental, no young drivers surchargeCar Rental Discount
10% off base rate off Hertz car rental, no young drivers surcharge
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
APPLY NOW
on Desjardins' website
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
300Poor
560Fair
660Good
725⁎Very Good
760⁎Excellent
2.9/5
The Desjardins Cash Back World Elite Mastercard stands out for its high earn rates across essential spending categories, including 4% cash back on groceries and 3% on restaurants, entertainment, and transit. Additionally, it offers a slightly lower annual fee compared to other World Elite Mastercards, making it an attractive option for those looking to maximize their rewards without breaking the bank. With added perks like membership to over 1,300 airport lounges and various insurance coverages, this card provides excellent value, especially for frequent travelers and everyday spenders.
Pros
- High earn rates
- Lower annual fee
- Attractive perks
- Comprehensive insurance
Cons
- Limited physical branch access
- No welcome offer
Rewards
- 4% cash back on grocery purchases (up to $400 cash back annually)
- 3% cash back on restaurant purchases (up to $180 cash back annually)
- 3% cash back on entertainment and alternative transportation purchases
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Extended Warranty
1 yearPurchase Protection
90 daysMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Trip Cancellation
$500 for trips up to 3 daysTrip Interruption
$1,000 for trips up to 3 daysTravel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
$5M for trips up to 3 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
$5M for trips up to 3 daysBaggage Delay
$500 for trips up to 3 daysLost or Stolen Baggage
$500 for trips up to 3 days.svg?dpl=dpl_2ffHSTvJo1hojctS14hRkmXzJzsG)
Car Rental Damage & Theft
Yes
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Dragon Pass
Pass only
Boingo Wi-Fi hotspot
over 1 million Boingo Wifi hotspots worldwideCar Rental Discount
25% off base rate off Hertz car rentalCar Rental Discount
10% off base rate off Thrifty or Dollar rental
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
APPLY NOW
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
300Poor
560Fair
660⁎Good
725⁎Very Good
760⁎Excellent
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 oldTrip Cancellation
$500 per person for trips up to 3 daysTrip Interruption
$1,000 per person for trips up to 3 daysBaggage Delay
$500 per person after 6 hours delay for trips up to 3 daysLost 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 daysMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Purchase Protection
90 daysExtended Warranty
Doubled up to 1 year
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
APPLY NOW
on Desjardins' website
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
300Poor
560Fair
660⁎Good
725⁎Very Good
760⁎Excellent
2.3/5
The Desjardins Visa Odyssey Gold offers solid rewards and a comprehensive insurance package, including coverage for seniors, making it a good choice for frequent travelers. However, the card's $110 annual fee might feel steep given its modest rewards rate and the lack of a welcome bonus, which might make some consumers hesitate.
Pros
- Comprehensive insurance
- Decent rewards
- Car rental discounts
Cons
- High annual fee
- No welcome offer
- Limited branch access
Rewards
- 2% in BONUS-DOLLARS on restaurant & pre-authorized purchases (up to $6,000 spend per category)
- 2% in BONUS-DOLLARS on entertainment and transit purchases
- 1% in BONUS-DOLLARS on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Extended Warranty
1 yearPurchase Protection
90 daysMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Trip Cancellation
$500Trip Interruption
no limitsTravel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
60 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
15 daysBaggage Delay
$1,000Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
Yes
Benefits
Details
Car Rental Discount
25% off base rate off Hertz car rental, no young drivers or additional driver surchargeCar Rental Discount
10% off base rate off Thrifty or Dollar rental, no young or additional drivers surcharge
Eligibility
Credit Score
GoodAnnual Income
N/A
APPLY NOW
on Desjardins' website
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
300Poor
560Fair
660Good
725⁎Very Good
760⁎Excellent
2.9/5
The Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard is a strong contender in the World Elite category, offering impressive rewards of up to 3% cash back on groceries and 2% on other popular categories. With a comprehensive insurance package, including coverage for seniors, and perks like free lounge access in Montreal, this card is great for frequent travelers and high spenders. However, the lack of a welcome bonus and high income requirements might deter some users.
Pros
- High earn rates
- Comprehensive coverage
- Airport lounge access
- World Elite perks
Cons
- High annual fee
- No welcome offer
- High income requirements
- Limited branch access
Rewards
- 4% in BONUS-DOLLARS on restaurant, entertainment and transit purchases
- 3% in BONUS-DOLLARS on travel related purchases (up to $25,000 spending per year)
- 3% in BONUS-DOLLARS on travel and grocery purchases
- 1.5% in BONUS-DOLLARS on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Extended Warranty
2 yearsPurchase Protection
180 daysMobile Device Insurance
$1,000Trip Cancellation
$2,500Trip Interruption
no limitsTravel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
60 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
15 daysBaggage Delay
$1,000Lost or Stolen Baggage
$2,500Car Rental Damage & Theft
Yes
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Priority Pass
6 free passes per yearAirport Lounge - Desjardins Odyssey
12 free passes per yearBoingo Wi-Fi hotspot
over 1 million Boingo Wifi hotspots worldwideCar Rental Discount
25% off base rate off Hertz car rental, no young drivers or additional driver surchargeCar Rental Discount
10% off base rate off Thrifty or Dollar rental, no young drivers or additional driver surcharge.svg?dpl=dpl_2ffHSTvJo1hojctS14hRkmXzJzsG)
Concierge Services
Visa Infinite concierge services
Visa Infinite Exclusive Benefits
Luxury hotels or travel options
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
$150,000 personal or $200,000 household
APPLY NOW
on Desjardins' website
RECOMMENDED CREDIT SCORE
300Poor
560Fair
660Good
725⁎Very Good
760⁎Excellent
3.2/5
The Desjardins Odyssey World Elite Mastercard is a strong contender in the World Elite category, offering impressive rewards of up to 3% cash back on groceries and 2% on other popular categories. With a comprehensive insurance package, including coverage for seniors, and perks like free lounge access in Montreal, this card is great for frequent travelers and high spenders. However, the lack of a welcome bonus and high income requirements might deter some users.
Pros
- High earn rates
- Comprehensive coverage
- Airport lounge access
- World Elite perks
Cons
- Higher annual fee
- No welcome offer
- Limited branch access
- High income requirements
Rewards
- 3% in BONUS-DOLLARS on grocery purchases (up to $10,000 in spending per year)
- 3% in BONUS-DOLLARS on restaurant purchases (up to $6,000 in spending per year)
- 2% in BONUS-DOLLARS on travel purchases (up to $20,000 in spending per year)
- 2% in BONUS-DOLLARS on travel, entertainment, and public transit purchases
- 1% in BONUS-DOLLARS on all other purchases
Insurance
Coverage
Extended Warranty
1 yearPurchase Protection
90 daysMobile Device Insurance
$1,500Trip Cancellation
$500Trip Interruption
no limitsTravel Medical Insurance (64 & under)
60 daysTravel Medical Insurance (65 to 75)
15 daysBaggage Delay
$1,000Lost or Stolen Baggage
$1,000Car Rental Damage & Theft
Yes
Benefits
Details
Airport Lounge - Desjardins Odyssey
8 free passes per yearCar Rental Discount
25% off base rate off Hertz car rentalCar Rental Discount
10% off base rate off Thrifty or Dollar rentalBoingo Wi-Fi hotspot
over 1 million Boingo Wifi hotspots worldwide
Eligibility
Credit Score
Very GoodAnnual Income
$80,000 personal or $150,000 household
Customer Experience
3.1/5
Desjardins is Canada’s largest cooperative financial group, and like many of the financial institutions in the country, it receives mixed reviews. Its cooperative structure and community-focused banking may appeal most in Quebec and Ontario, where the financial group has its largest physical presence, but the customer reviews appear less consistent nationwide. Overall, Trustpilot shows Desjardins with a score of 1.3 out of 5 stars, saying “customers expressed significant dissatisfaction with the service and customer support... describing it as pathetic, unhelpful and difficult to reach.” That said, Desjardins has a highly rated mobile app which gives members another way to manage their banking when they are unable to access the physical branch locations.
Rating Methodology
How We Rate Desjardins Group
Our ratings are based on a comprehensive evaluation of each financial institution across multiple categories. We assess the quality and competitiveness of their products, fees, interest rates, customer experience, and overall value proposition.
Overall Rating
A weighted average reflecting the institution's performance across all evaluated categories.
Product Offerings
Evaluates the breadth and quality of available products including credit cards, savings accounts, and chequing accounts.
Fees & Rates
Compares monthly fees, interest rates, and fee waiver options against industry standards.
Customer Experience
Assesses the quality of customer support, digital banking tools, and overall user experience.
Rating Scale: All ratings are on a scale of 0 to 5, where 5 represents exceptional performance and 0 represents significant concerns. Ratings are reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in products, pricing, and services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligible deposits at Desjardins in Quebec receive deposit protection through the Autorité des marchés financiers, up to the applicable category limit. Each province is different, though, so customers should check the coverage rules for their province and account type.
Yes, you can, but availability may depend on where you live and the products you want. Desjardins has a stronger physical presence in Quebec, so customers outside of the province may rely more heavily on online or mobile banking.