+1(514) 937-9445 or Toll-free (Canada & US) +1 (888) 947-9445

Opening bank account before moving

CMcM

Full Member
Aug 9, 2016
42
1
My husband and I are moving to Canada in April and are trying to set up a bank account before we arrive so that we can easily access our money. We've been moving £ into Canadian $ in a Transferwise Borderless account while the exchange rate is in our favour, as I think it's likely to get worse, but would like to set up a proper Canadian bank account if possible.

Has anyone done this? There appear to be several banks that offer accounts to new arrivals, but it's not 100% clear whether you can open them before arriving? Any recommendations for banks? We are currently leaning towards Scotiabank.
 

NBbound

Member
Apr 6, 2017
19
10
My husband and I are moving to Canada in April and are trying to set up a bank account before we arrive so that we can easily access our money. We've been moving £ into Canadian $ in a Transferwise Borderless account while the exchange rate is in our favour, as I think it's likely to get worse, but would like to set up a proper Canadian bank account if possible.

Has anyone done this? There appear to be several banks that offer accounts to new arrivals, but it's not 100% clear whether you can open them before arriving? Any recommendations for banks? We are currently leaning towards Scotiabank.
Hi
We opened a RBC account before moving as with this one no limit on amount of transfers or funds you can transfer ( Believe scotiabank can transfer monies only once with a limit of 50k Canadian). Was a bit of a pain to open from UK, as have to go to a sollicitor to verify copies of passport,COPR and driving licence etc. You cannot access account online nor use it untill after you arrive in Canada, you can email them and ask if funds have arrived and will get a statement in the post. They were helpfull in setting account up and when we arrived in Canada made an appointment with local branch to activate account. Also used TransferWise to exchange and send monies to RBC. Just one more point I think most Canadian banks will only open a newcomers account 2 to 3 months before you plan to arrive in Canada
 

mgnlky

Champion Member
Jan 22, 2016
1,558
275
Vancouver
Category........
FSW
Visa Office......
Ottawa
NOC Code......
1122
Pre-Assessed..
Yes
App. Filed.......
22-12-2016
AOR Received.
22-12-2016
Med's Done....
04-11-2016
Passport Req..
22-3-2017
LANDED..........
04-09-2017
I opened a RBC account about a year and a half before I landed or was approved for PR. Until I was able to make it to Canada and fully 'activate' it, the money in it was considered "deposit only."
 

mkas1987

Full Member
Jun 21, 2018
23
2
I opened a RBC account about a year and a half before I landed or was approved for PR. Until I was able to make it to Canada and fully 'activate' it, the money in it was considered "deposit only."
Can I know how you did that , I am moving to Canada after 6 months and I want to transfer my funds to there.

Regards
 

mgnlky

Champion Member
Jan 22, 2016
1,558
275
Vancouver
Category........
FSW
Visa Office......
Ottawa
NOC Code......
1122
Pre-Assessed..
Yes
App. Filed.......
22-12-2016
AOR Received.
22-12-2016
Med's Done....
04-11-2016
Passport Req..
22-3-2017
LANDED..........
04-09-2017

aleersurahio

Hero Member
Mar 18, 2019
202
10
I opened a RBC account about a year and a half before I landed or was approved for PR. Until I was able to make it to Canada and fully 'activate' it, the money in it was considered "deposit only."
I’m same position right now, thinking to move through Scotia bank as it seems much smother and easier. I think one can open bank account a week before traveling. What do you guys suggest, I can make one good deposit with PR letter. Suggestions please???
 

jtsalehi

Member
May 17, 2020
11
3
Hello all,

Planning to move as well. Just want to ask what was the transfer limit for RBC? Cant find any number.

Thanks.