Financial Literacy & Money Management

Ask about a no-fee newcomer bank account. Most major Canadian banks have starter accounts built for new immigrants.

A secured credit card, used lightly and paid off monthly, is the fastest way to build the credit history that Canadian renting and loans rely on.

File a tax return every year, even with little or no income. It's how you unlock the GST credit and Canada Child Benefit.

Free workshops covering budgeting, banking, and credit, taught with newcomers' situations in mind.

One-on-one financial coaching and tax clinics offered in Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, and more.

The federal government's plain-language hub for budgeting, banking, credit, and avoiding debt.

Short videos walking through Canadian banking, credit, and taxes, made specifically for people new to the system.

An eight-month program building financial, life, and job skills, based in Victoria and West Shore.

Community-based financial literacy resources covering the basics of managing money in a new currency and system.

Independent guides on banking, credit scores, and cost of living, written specifically for newcomers.

A bank-provided calculator to estimate your first-year costs. Useful as a starting point, but compare against independent sources too.

Once you're settled, tax-sheltered savings accounts are one of the most valuable, and most confusing, parts of Canadian finances.

BC's cost of living, especially housing, runs higher than the Canadian average. Budget accordingly from month one.

Credit unions often have lower fees and more flexible ID requirements for newcomers than the big banks.

Newcomers are frequently targeted by immigration and banking scams. Report anything suspicious to the Anti-Fraud Centre.