The Newcomer Reviews
Independent, no-spin reviews of the banks, SIM cards, settlement agencies, credential evaluators, insurers, and remittance services every newcomer needs in their first 90 days. Updated quarterly.
We earn affiliate commissions on financial products. Settlement agencies, credential evaluators, and most other reviews are editorial only — nobody pays to be listed.
How we test
Every guide starts with 30+ hours of research, interviews with recent newcomers, and primary-source verification with the organisation, regulator, or carrier.
Who we serve
Permanent residents, refugees, work-permit and study-permit holders. Many guides cover pre-arrival options you can use before you fly.
When we update
Every quarter, plus immediate updates when a regulator, IRCC policy, or major bank promotion changes. Each guide shows the number of providers currently reviewed.
The first 30 days
Money · Banking
Eight banks that approve you with no Canadian credit history. Up to $2,300 in first-year value and credit cards with $15K limits.
Our top pick
Scotiabank StartRight
Highest first-year value + Nova Credit history import.
Money · Banking
Eight banks that approve you with no Canadian credit history. Up to $2,300 in first-year value and credit cards with $15K limits.
Our top pick
Scotiabank StartRight
Highest first-year value + Nova Credit history import.
0 guides
4 guides
Money · Banking
Eight banks that approve you with no Canadian credit history. Up to $2,300 in first-year value and credit cards with $15K limits.
Our top pick
Scotiabank StartRight
Highest first-year value + Nova Credit history import.
Money · Credit
Cards approved without a Canadian credit file — earn rewards while you build your score from zero.
Our top pick
Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite
0% FX fees and accepts Nova Credit history import.
Money · Insurance
Tenant, auto, health, and visitor insurance from providers that accept newcomers without a Canadian record.
Money · Remittance
Send money home for 80–95% less than your bank charges — Wise, Remitly, WorldRemit, Xe, and Western Union compared.
Our top pick
Wise
Lowest fees and the real mid-market exchange rate.
One email a month with new newcomer guides, IRCC policy changes, and the best deals we've vetted that quarter. No spam.
