New to Canada

This is our way of saying, "You're home!"

Our New to Canada Program opens doors to a range of personalized benefits, tailored just for you.

Bills and coins $350 welcome bonus

Receive $400 as a welcome bonus*

when you set up an Unlimited package on a Maximizer chequing account. *Terms and conditions apply.

Card with $0

Enjoy no banking fees for two years

on your Unlimited Maximizer chequing account, saving you up to $156 annually!

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Access special investment rates

on new personal fixed-term, non-redeemable investments within one year of your membership opening date.

Benefit from competitive rates

and if approved, have any application fees waived for loans approved within the first year of your membership.

Receive one safety deposit box

at an Affinity Credit Union advice centre, rent-free for the first year from the membership opening date.

Cheque

Receive up to 48 personalized cheques

for your Unlimited Maximizer chequing account.

Take a step towards building your credit history in Canada with an Affinity Mastercard® credit card!

A more rewarding experience. Newcomers will receive an  additional 50,000 welcome  bonus points!* That’s an extra  $50 in your pocket.

Why choose Affinity?

Choosing a credit union like Affinity means joining a local community-driven financial institution that prioritizes your needs. Our hearts, business and profits live in Saskatchewan, right alongside our members.

Banking with Affinity is about more than just transactions—it's about fostering a sense of belonging, shared prosperity and building a better world together.

You can also find this information in the following languages:

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What do I need to apply for Affinity's New to Canada Program?

Are you new to Canadian banking terms?

As you embark on this exciting journey, we understand that navigating the world of banking in a new country might feel like stepping into unfamiliar territory. Don't worry, we're here to guide you every step of the way. At Affinity Credit Union, we believe in making your transition as smooth as possible, starting with the basics.

What do I need to open a bank account in Canada?

Sending and receiving money made simple with Interac e-Transfer

Need to send money to friends or family? With Interac e-Transfer, it's as easy as sending an email or a text. Whether it's paying rent, splitting a bill, or sending funds to loved ones, you can do it all with just a few clicks.

Exploring different account types

  • A chequing account is all about access. It’s where you keep the money to cover day-to-day expenses like rent, utilities or groceries. You can also write cheques on this account and use your debit card to make purchases or withdraw cash from it.
  • A savings account is the perfect place to save for a vacation or build a safety net to access later. Savings accounts typically have no monthly fee and include one or two free transactions per month. You’ll earn more interest than you would with a chequing account, making it the perfect place for short or long term savings.

Understanding credit history

Establishing a strong credit history is essential for accessing various financial services in Canada. In Canada, a Credit Score is a numerical representation, ranging from 300 to 900, providing lenders with an overview of your financial well-being at any point in time. Based on the data from your credit report, lenders calculate this score to assess the likelihood of you defaulting on a loan – with higher scores indicating a greater probability of timely payments. It's a mandatory requirement for all Canadians seeking to borrow money within Canada.

Planning for your future

A Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is a government-registered investment designed to enable taxpayers to save for retirement within a tax-sheltered setting.

Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)

It allows tax-free gains on investments and tax-free withdrawals for short, medium, and long-term savings purposes

First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

It's an account designed to help individuals save for their first home purchase. It provides tax benefits and other incentives to make homeownership more affordable.

Programs and Services for Newcomers

Welcome to Canada Guide

Official brochure

Read more

Find and apply for jobs in Saskatchewan

Find my dream job

Read more

Learn English

Language classes

Read more

Get settled

Information and Orientation sessions

Read more

Find your new home

Read more

Learn about your first tax year

Read more

What is a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?

Read more

Get your driver’s licence

Read more

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From all of us at Affinity, welcome to Canada!

  • Terms and conditions

Interac e-Transfer is a registered trademark of Interac Inc. Used under licence.