Banks & Financial Services
Banking in Canada
There are several major banking institutions in the Vancouver area and in Canada that you can choose from to open an account depending on your needs.
Types of Bank Accounts
Chequing Account
- Day-to-day banking
- Pay bills online
- Send money
- Debit transactions
- ATM withdrawals
- Low interest rate
- Debit card included
Savings Account
- Different than chequing account
- Generates interest
- May have limits on withdrawals
- Transaction restrictions
- Higher interest rates
- Good for saving money
US Dollar Account
- For frequent US dollar transactions
- Travel to countries using US dollars
- Avoid currency conversion fees
- International business
- Online purchases in USD
Student Banking Benefits
Students can open a Student Account with most banks without paying a monthly fee. Some banks offer extra incentives for students such as:
- Free movies and entertainment discounts
- Discounts at certain stores
- No monthly account fees
- Free transactions up to a certain limit
- Special student credit cards
Required Documents
Important: Banks may have different requirements depending on the type of account or service you are seeking. Please ensure that you check the institution's website to see the required documents.
Generally Required Documents
Immigration Documents:
- Your temporary permit (Canadian visa or study permit)
- Proof of enrollment in a post-secondary program
Identification (One of the Following):
- Valid passport
- Canadian driver's license
- Canadian government ID card
Proof of Enrollment Examples
- A letter on the university/college letterhead stamped or signed by the institution
- A copy of the tuition receipt
- Official enrollment verification
Banks Near Surrey Campus
Scotiabank
Address: 15290 56 Ave, Surrey, BC V3S 5K7
TD Canada Trust
Address: 5606 152 St, Surrey, BC V3S 3K2
RBC Royal Bank
Address: 15365 BC-10, Surrey, BC V3S 0X9
Canadian Western Bank
Address: 15230 BC-10 #103, Surrey, BC V3S 5K7
Money Transfer Services
The cheapest way to transfer money to (and usually from) another country is through these services:
Bank Transfers: You can also use your bank to transfer funds internationally, however, fees will vary depending on your financial institution and are typically higher than specialized money transfer services.
Mobile Banking
Most financial institutions have their own mobile applications that allow you to:
- Check account balances
- Transfer money between accounts
- Pay bills online
- Deposit cheques by taking photos
- Find ATMs and branch locations
- Set up account alerts
Banking Tips for International Students
Getting Started:
- Compare different banks and their student offerings
- Ask about international student programs
- Inquire about credit building options
- Understand all fees and charges
Ongoing Management:
- Set up online banking immediately
- Download the mobile app
- Monitor your account regularly
- Contact your bank for any issues
Pro Tip: Contact your bank directly if you are having issues or have questions about your account. Most banks have dedicated international student advisors who can help with your specific needs.
Account Comparison
Feature | Chequing | Savings |
---|---|---|
Daily Use | ||
Interest | ||
Debit Card | ||
Bill Payments |
Related Resources
Need Help?
Each bank offers different types of services for students. Compare which type of account will work best for you.
Contact the bank directly for specific questions about account requirements and features.
Have any questions? Contact us to get more information on our programs, admission process, and more.
Request InfoGuildford College is Designated by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) .
DLI Information
Guildford College is a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) and we are approved to host international students. To apply for a study permit, international students need an acceptance letter from a DLI. For more information about DLIs, visit the Government of Canada's website. DLI Number: O179335207982
- Visit us at:
- Guildford College
- 205-5460 152 Street, Surrey, BC V3S 5J9 Canada
- Contact us at:
- +16042292626 - Phone
- +16042009342 - Fax
- info@guildfordcollege.com
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