Bank accounts in CanadaSCScotiabank Preferred Package (StartRight Program)
Best for: newcomers, international students and foreign workers
- Monthly fee
- $0 for 12 months, then $16.95
- Who can open it
- Newcomers, international students, foreign workers
- Opens online
- Yes
- Fees
- The $16.95 monthly fee is waived for the first 12 months. After that it applies unless you keep a minimum daily closing balance of $4,000.
- Who can apply
- Newcomer, Student
- Currency
- CAD
Pros
- Monthly fee waived for the first 12 months
- Send money to 73 countries with $0 transfer fees
- You can apply for a credit card without a credit history in Canada
- Open to permanent residents in their first five years, international students and foreign workers
Cons
- $16.95 a month after the first year, unless you keep $4,000 in the account
- Scotiabank's exchange rates apply when you send money abroad
- A credit card is subject to approval
How to apply
Apply online, book an appointment with an advisor, or visit a branch.
Verified 13 Oct 2026 · source
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