Printable checklist
Canadian bank fee checklist
Use this checklist before opening a chequing account or switching banks. It keeps the decision focused on real account costs instead of only the headline monthly fee.
Last reviewed July 5, 2026. This is an independent Neo Insider resource, not an official Neo Financial page or financial advice.
Before you open an account
Questions to answer
| Fee area | Question to check | Your notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly account fee | What is the standard monthly fee, and can it be waived with balance, bundle, age, student, or newcomer status? | |
| Included transactions | How many debit transactions, bill payments, transfers, and Interac e-Transfer payments are included? | |
| NSF and overdraft | What are the NSF, overdraft, overdraft protection, and failed-payment costs? Are these separate from monthly fees? | |
| ATM and cash access | Will you need branch cash deposits, big-bank ATMs, non-network ATMs, or international ATM access? | |
| Foreign and card fees | Are there foreign transaction, replacement card, inactive account, paper statement, or other service fees? | |
| Promos and referral offers | Does the bonus require funding, direct deposit, bill payments, approval, minimum balance, or a waiting period? | |
| Support model | Do you prefer app-first support, phone/chat support, or in-person branch access? | |
| Post-promo fit | After the first bonus or free period, would the account still be the best fit for your habits? |
Official source check
Verify current fees and terms
Bank fees, offers, account packages, and waiver rules change often. Use official account pages to confirm the current terms before applying.