Topic: Personal finance How does the Canadian financial system work?
Prepare for your arrival with our resources and financial advice
Planning to study, work or settle in Canada? We’re here to help you navigate the Canadian financial system with resources and advice tailored to your situation.
Understanding the Canadian financial system
Explore our resources, learn the basics and read articles that’ll help you start off on the right foot.
Webinars and social media
Attend our free webinars for tips on managing your finances and to learn the basics of the Canadian financial system.
Our Facebook page Mes Finances au Canada (in French only) also has useful info and tips for newcomers to Canada.
Practical financial concepts
Credit report and credit score
A credit report shows how well you can meet financial commitments. Your credit report comes with a credit score based on:
- Your 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, your credit score may be checked when you apply for a loan, rent an apartment or apply for a job.
To learn more about credit reports in Canada, watch our video How do you build a good credit history in Canada? External link..
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.
Helping you get settled in Canada
- Topic: Personal finance Immigrating to Canada: How much does it cost?
- Topic: Personal finance Budgeting for life in Canada
- Topic: Investment Strategies for saving money in Canada
Make things easy on yourself
Our offer for newcomers includes an everyday account with a free Unlimited plan and unlimited regular transactions.
You can learn about your rights and obligations in Canada through our personalized support and free legal assistance,
See what people are saying about the newcomer experience
Watch newcomers share (in French only)
“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.”
“My advisor helped me navigate the financial system here. Knowing she had experienced similar issues was reassuring. Desjardins is perfect for newcomers.”
“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.”
Why choose us?
Ranked one of the world’s best financial institutions by Forbes
Desjardins Group has been named one of the world’s best banks in 2025 External link. by Forbes. The global media company ranks the top financial institutions in 34 countries based on a consumer survey with over 50,000 participants.