NOTICE:

Access Credit Union's 2023 Annual Report and Financial Statements are now available. Learn More.

New to Canada

Access Credit Union is committed to the communities it serves. Whether you have lived here for years or have just arrived, we want to work with each of our members to make their experience the best it can be.

New to Canada Account

The no-fee New to Canada account assists newcomers in establishing themselves in their new communities

Banking in Canada

A chequing account is a day-to-day bank account that you can use for your everyday transactions.


Popular uses of a chequing account are:
  • Depositing your payroll
  • Debit card transactions
  • Sending Interac® e-Transfers
    (and many more popular features)

We understand that each member has unique financial needs. That’s why we’ve developed several different accounts to suit every member from every walk of life. Low fees or no fees, plus all the features and benefits you need – we have the chequing account that’s right for you.

>>Review our chequing account packages

>>Explore the New to Canada chequing account

Savings accounts are interest-bearing, so your money that sits in a savings account actually earns you money.

Some popular uses for a savings account are:
  • Saving for a vacation
  • Saving for a vehicle or other large purchase
  • Saving for a mortgage down-payment
  • Earning interest
    (and more)


Direct Deposit is the most convenient way to receive payments to your chequing account. This allows funds to be deposited directly into your chequing account on a set schedule, eliminating the need to manually deposit a cheque each time.

As a newcomer, you may wish to have your government payments and payroll directly deposited to your account. The government and most employers will ask for a completed direct deposit form to set up your deposits. This form contains your account information such as name and address, account number, branch transit number, and institution number.

Direct Deposit is also an easy way to make regular payments such as your insurance, utilities, or phone bills. Some companies will ask for a completed Direct Deposit form to set up automatic withdrawals.

>>Click here to fill out a Direct Deposit Form

Wire transfers allow you to send money globally. You can use wire transfers to send money from your Canadian account to your home country (outgoing), and moving funds from your home country to Canada (incoming).

Send money to anyone in Canada using Interac® e-Transfer. Interac® e-Transfer allows you to send and receive money within Canada with ease and convenience using either an email address or mobile number that has been enrolled with your Canadian financial institution. You are able to use this service using online banking on your desktop or app on your mobile phone.

Set up your Interac® e-Transfer profile on digital banking today

or -

Learn more about Interac e-Transfer and get setup with digital banking

>>Contact Us

Where you need us to be—at home, on the go, right at your fingertips.


Access Credit Union offers digital banking on your laptop, desktop, or smartphone. With digital banking you can:

  • Check your account balances
  • Transfer funds from your accounts
  • Pay bills
  • Deposit cheques
    (and much more!)

What is credit?

Credit is the amount of money you have been trusted with by lenders. Your credit score is a number based on the credit you have been given and how you have paid it back. The better you handle credit the higher your credit score will be. If your credit score number is high, that is considered having good credit.

 

Why do you need credit?

If you have ‘good’ credit, it will be easier to get loans, credit cards, and lower interest rates. If you have a low credit score, or ‘bad’ credit, it may be difficult to get approved for future credit. This can make it hard to get a credit card, buy a car or house, or get a cell phone.


How do you build credit?

  • Open a line of credit.
  • Open a credit card.
  • Take out a loan or mortgage (often requires you to have a good credit score first)
  • Use credit carefully. As in, if you get a loan, make sure you pay it off as promised.
  • Don’t take out too much credit. If you have several credit cards, lenders might consider that a risk.
Planning for your children’s education?

A Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) is an education savings account registered with the Government of Canada. It helps you put aside money for your child’s education after high school.

We make it easy to save for your child’s education with the flexibility to deposit anytime throughout the year. You decide when and how much to contribute.
  • Watch your savings grow on a tax-deferred basis
  • As an added incentive, the federal government pays a 20% bonus - up to $500 every year, to a lifetime limit of $7,200 per child
  • In addition to your RESP contributions, you could receive the Canada Learning Bond and/or Canada Education Savings Grant

We want to set you up for financial success with guaranteed investments that are flexible and provide high returns. That’s why we provide access to a wide range of investment products to help you live the life you want now and get the security you need later.

First Home in Canada

You’re thinking about buying your first home in Canada (exciting!), but where do you start? Finding a realtor? Looking at houses? Saving money? All of the above?

We can help with every step along the way!

Click below to learn more about mortgages or Contact Us to book an appointment.

First Vehicle in Canada

Looking to buy your first car?

We offer vehicle loans to help you get on your feet, and on the road! Our experienced lenders can answer all your questions about buying your first vehicle.

Contact Us today to book an appointment, or click below to learn more.

Learn More about Banking in Canada

Want to learn more about mortgages, investing, or money management? Check out the Access Credit Union Blog.

Ready to open an account with Access?

Fill out your membership application online today!
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