How to Open Account in Nova Scotia Bank

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How Scotiabank can support you as a newcomer to Canada New to Canada? Learn about the Scotiabank services and things to remember while making financial decisions.

Published on March 18th, 2021 at 12:54pm EDT Updated on September 28th, 2021 at 11:44am EDT

When you first come to Canada, there are a lot of exciting things to check off your list of "to dos," like exploring your neighbourhood and finding your favourite coffee shop.

But there is a first step that you need to put on the top of your list, setting up your finances in Canada.

New citizens have to figure out the different financial, legal and tax systems to ensure they get off to a good start.

Parmpreet Jathol, a Scotiabank financial advisor, went through this learning experience firsthand herself. Jathol moved to Canada from India in 2018. She suggests that all newcomers should meet with a financial advisor to set up banking in Canada and to understand how the Canadian banking system works. Especially during these unprecedented times, an advisor can help ensure that you get your life in Canada started right.

Here is how you can work with Scotiabank to meet your financial goals in your new home.

Introduction to Scotiabank

Scotiabank is one of the top Canadian banks. We help our customers, their families and their communities achieve success through a broad range of advice, products and services.

Before you move, you can open a Scotiabank International Account online and use it to transfer up to $50,000 CAD into the account before moving. These funds help you show proof that you have enough money to cover living expenses. You can set up a new chequing account once you arrive to access these funds. We can also help fast track your study permit with the Scotiabank Student GIC Program.

Scotiabank's services for newcomers help them establish their financial well-being before and after moving. The Scotiabank StartRight^® program is designed to simplify banking for Canadian permanent residents, international students and foreign workers who have recently landed in Canada.

It offers benefits that can help set you up for success, including:

• No monthly account fees for one year for bank account offering unlimited transactions and e-transfers¹
• Unlimited no-fee international money transfers²
• Free small safety deposit box for a year³
• Credit cards without any credit history⁴
• Specialized mortgage for newcomers to Canada
• Knowledgeable help from financial advisors

How to best leverage an advisor

When you set up a bank account at Scotiabank, you have access to a banking advisor. They will help you navigate the Canadian financial system and reach your personal financial goals. They'll work with you to create a personalized financial plan that works for you and your family.

When you are talking to your advisor, share your financial goals, both short and long term. Your advisor will offer you guidance on what steps to take with your finances to help you build towards those goals. They can help you sign up for bank accounts that will best suit your financial needs and get started with investment vehicles available in Canada, like the Tax Free Savings Account and the Registered Retirement Savings Plan. You can learn more about how to manage your finances in Canada here.

Consider your advisor as your personal financial guide that can help you navigate a new financial system. Whether you are looking to purchase your home or to figure out how to protect and grow your savings, an advisor can help.

Right questions to ask during your appointment

First off, there are no wrong questions to ask. Don't be afraid to ask too many questions. Advisors are experts who want to help you succeed in your financial goals.

What questions should you ask first? Jathol recommends you ask questions about accounts, account features and account usage, as well as if any government support is available for a newcomer.

Some other questions Jathol recommends asking are:

• How should I invest my money in Canada?
• How should I save for my first house?
• What kind of investments will be suitable for me?

During your initial meeting with your advisor, it is also a good idea to bring up any concerns you might have around your finances. Your advisor might be able to help with certain issues, like troubles with wiring your funds, and can connect you to additional help and resources for other issues. You can learn more about how to work with a Canadian financial advisor here.

Setting yourself up for success

Whatever your financial goals might be, a good credit score is a great foundation to help you get there.

"Credit score forms a very important aspect of life for all residents of Canada," says Jathol. "Newcomers to Canada will need a good credit score at different stages in their life here, like qualifying for a credit card, buying a car and their first house."

However, credit scores do not transfer between countries and new residents have to essentially start from scratch when they arrive in Canada.

How do you start building up a credit score? Jathol recommends getting a credit card, saying, "Credit cards can help newcomers build their credit score, which will then help them for their borrowing needs in future."

Along with building your credit score, contributing regularly in savings and investment accounts will set you up for long-term success. Scotiabank has accounts for both short-term savings goals, like buying a new car, and investment accounts for different goals like buying a home or retirement.

Welcome to Canada

Scotiabank is proud of its long history of helping newcomers set themselves up for financial success in Canada. Through StartRight, we offer products and services designed specially for individuals and families that are new to Canada. It's part of why Scotiabank is the bank for newcomers.

Especially during these uncertain times, working with your Scotia advisor is a great early step to help you get settled in your new country. Book an appointment to get your life in Canada started right.

Sign up for our upcoming webinar!

CanadaVisa and Scotiabank invite you to join our free webinar on Wednesday April 14 at 9 AM EST: How to Arrive in Canada Financially Prepared!

Legal Disclaimer: This article is provided for information purposes only. It is not to be relied upon as financial, tax or investment advice or guarantees about the future, nor should it be considered a recommendation to buy or sell. Information contained in this article, including information relating to interest rates, market conditions, tax rules, and other investment factors are subject to change without notice and The Bank of Nova Scotia is not responsible to update this information. All third party sources are believed to be accurate and reliable as of the date of publication and The Bank of Nova Scotia does not guarantee its accuracy or reliability. Readers should consult their own professional advisor for specific financial, investment and/or tax advice tailored to their needs to ensure that individual circumstances are considered properly and action is taken based on the latest available information.

¹ Eligibility: To qualify for the 1-Year No Monthly Account Fee Offer (the "Offer"), open a new Preferred Package account under the StartRight® Program (the "Account") [Employees of The Bank of Nova Scotia ("Scotiabank") and individuals who are currently or were previously holders/ joint holders of a Scotiabank chequing account within the last 2 years are not eligible for this Offer.

How this Offer Works: During the first 12 months, your monthly Account fee will be waived and will not appear as a charge on your Account. The Account must be open and in good standing at the time of the waiver. All applicable service charges on the Account will continue to be applied monthly. After the first 12 months, you will begin to see the monthly Account fee charged to your Account unless you maintain a minimum daily closing balance of $4,000, in which case the monthly Account fee will be waived per the Account terms and conditions. This Offer is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offers. Maximum one Offer per customer. All rates, fees, features and benefits are subject to change. Offer may be changed, cancelled, or extended at any time without notice.

² Foreign currency exchange rates apply. A transfer needs to be made from an eligible Scotiabank Chequing or Savings account

³ Subject to availability and signing the Safety Deposit Box lease

⁴ Subject to credit approval. To be eligible, you must be a participant in the Scotiabank StartRight Program. To qualify for a credit card, you must be a resident of Canada and the age of majority in your province/territory where you live. Your approval for a credit card and the credit limit assigned will be determined based on Scotiabank's credit criteria, including your verifiable income and credit history (If available). The credit limit amount of up to $5,000 under the Scotiabank StartRight Program is subject to change by Scotiabank from time to time without prior notice. A credit history in Canada is not required in order to be eligible for a credit card under the Scotiabank StartRight Program.

How to Open Account in Nova Scotia Bank

Source: https://www.cicnews.com/2021/03/how-scotiabank-can-support-you-as-a-newcomer-to-canada-0317475.html

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