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Offers for newcomers to Canada

Coming to study, work or start a new life in Canada? We're here to help you get settled with resources and offers tailored to your needs.

Discover our special offers just for you

Find the offer1 that's right for you. Open an everyday account with a free monthly plan2 and get unlimited regular transactions for as long as you're eligible.

Kickstart your financial life in Canada with the newcomer offer that's right for you and benefit from a range of financial services.

Youth and students

Tap into our youth offer if you're between 18 and 24 or between 25 and 30 and studying full-time3.

Learn more about the youth offer for international students and young newcomers.

Individuals 25 and older

You can benefit from our welcome offer for newcomers if you've been living in Canada for less than 3 years as a permanent resident or if you're a temporary resident with a work permit that extends beyond 8 months3.

Learn more about the welcome offer for newcomers.

Why choose us?

Expertise

We’re the largest cooperative financial group in North America4, with more than 7 million members and clients. We offer a wealth of financial and insurance services.

Commitment

Become a member of a financial cooperative that shares your values. The well-being of our members and communities is what drives our actions.

Convenience

To better support our members and communities, visit one of the 200 caisses or branches and over 600 points of service in Quebec and Ontario.

See what people are saying about the newcomer experience

Watch newcomers share how they've benefitted from our support upon arriving in Canada (in French only)5.

"When I arrived in Quebec, I made the most of what Desjardins was offering. Everything was new to me and an advisor supported me through it, answering all of my questions."

Meï

Newcomer from France

"My advisor helped me navigate the financial system here. Knowing she had experienced similar issues was reassuring. Desjardins is perfect for newcomers."
 

Christophe

Newcomer from Martinique

"Dealing with Desjardins has been simple right from the start. They're straightforward in their discussions, which I really appreciate. I like being able to choose and make my own decisions."

Dánae

Newcomer from Mexico

Access your money the moment you get here

Transfer funds to your new Desjardins account with international money transfers. Contact your financial institution in your home country to set up your transfer and fill out the Incoming wire transfer (bilingual, PDF, 166 KB) This link will open in a new window. form.

Resources for newcomers to Canada

Tackle your new life head on. Learn some of the basics on how the Canadian financial system works. Read through our articles, browse our Facebook page Mes Finances au Canada (in French only) or sign up for our monthly webinars Navigating the Canadian financial system: A guide for newcomers to Canada.

Description Transcript
Debit cards and credit cards: What’s the difference?

2 min 02 s

Learn how to use debit and credit cards as soon as you get to Canada. Debit cards and credit cards: What’s the difference?

In Canada, two kinds of payment cards are used: Debit cards and credit cards. What's the difference?

Debit card

You get a debit card for free when you open a bank account. When you use it, money is automatically withdrawn from your account, so you have to have the funds in order to use it. You can use it to make purchases at retailers, withdraw money from the automated teller machine or "ATM", log in to your account with your financial institution.

Credit card

Your account isn’t charged immediately. Your financial institution temporarily advances you the money and you pay for your purchase later. You must be 18 or older to get a credit card. Sometimes it’s free and sometimes there’s a fee, depending on the card you choose. To get a credit card, you have to apply for
one. You can use a credit card to make purchases at retailers or to buy things and make reservations online. How much you can buy with your card depends on your credit limit. You’ll get a monthly statement that shows all the purchases you’ve made. Every credit card has an interest rate. Choose the one that works best for you. If you pay off your balance in full before the end of the billing cycle (21 days), you won’t have to pay any interest.

4 tips to keep your credit card under control and never pay interest

1. Choose a realistic credit limit.

2. Pay your balance off every
month.

3. Automate your account payments
so you never forget.

4. Don't use it to withdraw money
from the ATM (you’ll be charged a withdrawal fee and interest)

[A debit and credit card appear. An arrow points to the debit card.]

[Text on screen: Remember: Use this card at the ATM.]

[An arrow points to the credit card]

[Text on screen: Remember: Use this card for online purchases.]

[An arrow now points to both cards]

[Text on screen: Remember: Use these cards for purchases at retailers. Step
into your new life with good advice.]

desjardins.com/PrepareLiveCanada

[On-screen logo: Desjardins logo]

[Background music: Desjardins
jingle fades out]

END OF TRANSCRIPT

Other basic concepts you should know

Credit report and credit score

A credit report shows how well you can meet financial commitments. Your credit report comes with a credit score and is based on several factors.

  • Payment history
  • How often others check your credit report
  • Your total debt burden
  • How many times you've applied for credit
  • The type of credit you use 

With your consent, people can check your score when you apply for a loan, rent an apartment or apply for a job.

To learn more about how to build a credit report in Canada, watch our video or read our article What is a credit report used for?

Interac e-Transfer

Interac e-Transfer® is a simple and secure way to send money to an individual or a business in Canada. To use this service, both you and the recipient must have an account at a Canadian financial institution and online access to your respective accounts. 

If you have one of our newcomer offers, the Unlimited plan includes free Interac e-Transfers.

Learn more about Interac e-Transfer

Helping you get settled in Canada

Manage your account online

AccèsD makes it quick and easy to access your accounts and keep an eye on your finances. Use it anytime, anywhere.

Discover AccèsD and our mobile services

Download the Desjardins mobile services app

FAQ

Can I make an international money transfer to my Desjardins account before I arrive in Canada?

Yes. Once you've completed the first step to open an account, you can make only 1 international money transfer to your Desjardins account before arriving in Canada. You can request a transfer through your financial institution in your home country using the new account information you received by email.

You can make additional money transfers once an advisor has validated your identity at a point of service.

Is there a fee to make international money transfers to my Desjardins account?

Yes. Fees for sending and receiving money transfers (or international transfers) vary according to how much you send6,7.

Contact your financial institution in your home country to know what they charge to send money to your Desjardins account and what exchange rate they use. For more information on fees for receiving funds, refer to the Service fees page.

Contact us

Write to our multilingual team of experts for questions and support.

Write us
Interac® andInterac e-Transfer® are registered trademarks of Interac Corp. Used under licence. This offer is available upon request and is subject to change without notice at any time. Other terms and conditions may apply. Contact an advisor to confirm your eligibility for this offer.Offer subject to change or termination at any time without notice. Certain conditions apply.Subject to certain eligibility criteria.Source: Exploring The Cooperative Economy, World Cooperative Monitor, December 2022.Participants were paid for their testimonials.Applicable fees are calculated on the transferred amount received, or, as the case may be, on the amount in Canadian dollars resulting from the conversion of foreign currency. The conversion rate corresponds to market rates in effect at the time funds are received. Some correspondent banks may impose fees or additional charges, which will be deducted from the amount transferred.Account openings and money transfers from certain countries may be subject to strict regulations under Canadian and international economic sanctions.