The Scotiabank StartRight Program gives newcomers to Canada 1 year of free chequing, a Scene+ Visa credit card with no Canadian credit history required, and 1 year of free international money transfers. Eligibility: arrived in Canada within the last 3 years. Apply online before or after arrival.
Opening a Canadian bank account is one of the most important steps after arriving in Canada — and Scotiabank's StartRight program is designed specifically for newcomers. Unlike standard accounts, StartRight waives fees and bypasses the credit history requirement that blocks most immigrants from getting a credit card in their first year.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what the program includes, who qualifies, how to apply, and what to do when the free period ends.
What Is the Scotiabank StartRight Program?
The Scotiabank StartRight Program is a dedicated newcomer banking package that bundles a free chequing account, a credit card, and international money transfer perks into a single offering for people who have recently arrived in Canada.
Scene+ Visa credit card → no Canadian credit history required
Free international money transfers → 1 year via Western Union
Pathway to Scotiabank Gold Amex → after 6–12 months
Unsecured credit limit potential → up to $40,000 over time
The program is available to newcomers who arrived in Canada within the last 3 years — whether as a permanent resident, international student, or temporary foreign worker.
Who Is Eligible for Scotiabank StartRight?
You qualify for Scotiabank StartRight if you meet all of the following:
- Arrived in Canada within the last 3 years
- Hold a valid immigration status: PR, study permit, work permit, or COPR
- Have not previously held a Scotiabank StartRight account
- Are a Canadian resident (not a visitor)
| Immigration Status | Eligible? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent Resident | Yes | COPR or PR card required |
| Study Permit | Yes | Valid permit required |
| Work Permit | Yes | Open or employer-specific |
| COPR (pre-landing) | Yes | Account activated at branch |
| Visitor Visa | No | Visitors are not eligible |
| Canadian Citizen | No | Standard accounts apply |
What Are the Key Benefits of Scotiabank StartRight?
StartRight stands out from standard newcomer packages at other banks because of two perks that are genuinely valuable in year one: free international transfers and a credit card with no Canadian credit history required.
1. Free Chequing for 1 Year
Scotiabank waives the monthly fee on the Preferred Package chequing account (normally $16.95/month) for your first 12 months. This includes unlimited transactions — no per-transaction fees.
2. Scene+ Visa Credit Card (No Credit History Required)
Getting an unsecured credit card in Canada without Canadian credit history is nearly impossible at most banks. StartRight bypasses this requirement. The Scene+ Visa is approved within days of opening your account, letting your credit history clock start immediately.
3. Free International Money Transfers for 1 Year
Through Scotiabank's partnership with Western Union, StartRight customers send international money transfers for free for 12 months. If you are supporting family abroad or paying foreign loans, this can save $10–$25 per transfer.
4. Pathway to Premium Credit Cards
After 6–12 months of on-time payments on your Scene+ Visa, Scotiabank typically approves StartRight customers for the Scotiabank Gold American Express Card ($120/year) — one of Canada's best travel and grocery rewards cards, with 5x points at grocery stores and restaurants.
What Accounts Are Available Under Scotiabank StartRight?
| Account Type | StartRight Benefit | Normal Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Scotiabank Preferred Package (Chequing) | Free for 1 year | $16.95/month |
| Scotiabank MomentumPLUS Savings | Available as add-on | No fee |
| US Dollar Account | Available | Varies |
| RRSP / TFSA | Available to newcomers | No account fee |
What Credit Card Does Scotiabank StartRight Offer?
The Scene+ Visa is the entry-level credit card included with StartRight. It requires no Canadian credit history, making it one of the only no-fee unsecured cards available to newcomers on day one.
| Feature | Scene+ Visa | Scotiabank Gold Amex (next step) |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $120/year |
| Credit history required | No (newcomer exception) | Yes (6–12 months) |
| Rewards | 1–3x Scene+ points | 5x grocery/dining, 3x streaming |
| Initial credit limit | $500–$5,000 | Minimum $5,000 |
| Travel insurance | Basic | Comprehensive |
| Foreign transaction fee | 2.5% | 0% (no FX fee) |
The Scotiabank Gold Amex has no foreign transaction fee — meaning it is the better card to use for international purchases or subscriptions billed in USD/EUR. Make this your target card within year one.
How Do I Apply for Scotiabank StartRight?
Apply Online Before or After Arrival
Visit Scotiabank's StartRight page and start your application online. You will need your passport number and immigration document number (PR, COPR, study permit, or work permit). Scotiabank allows pre-arrival applications — your account is created and ready to activate when you land.
Visit a Branch Within 30 Days of Arrival
Bring your passport, immigration document (PR card, COPR, study or work permit), and a secondary ID if available. The banker will activate your account, confirm your StartRight eligibility, and offer you the Scene+ Visa on the spot.
Accept the Credit Card Immediately
Say yes to the Scene+ Visa without hesitation. Your Canadian credit history begins the day the account is opened. Every month you delay is a month of credit history you cannot recover. The card has no annual fee — there is no reason to decline it.
Set Up Automatic Full-Balance Payment
Link your chequing account to pay the full credit card balance every month. Carrying a balance does not build credit faster — it only costs you interest at 19.99% to 22.99% APR. Pay the full balance on time, every month, for 6–12 months to qualify for the Gold Amex upgrade.
What Happens After the Free Period Ends?
At the 12-month mark, the Preferred Package fee of $16.95/month kicks in automatically. You have three options:
- Maintain a $4,000 minimum balance — Scotiabank waives the monthly fee if your chequing account stays above $4,000
- Switch to a no-fee account — Scotiabank offers no-fee accounts like the Basic Banking plan ($3.95/month for limited transactions), or you can move to a third-party no-fee bank like Tangerine or EQ Bank while keeping your Scotiabank credit card
- Negotiate or bundle — If you have a mortgage, RRSP, or TFSA with Scotiabank, you may qualify for fee waivers through their bundling options
Put a calendar reminder at the 11-month mark to review your options before fees start. Scotiabank does not proactively notify you — many newcomers discover the fee only after it appears on their statement.
What Are the Most Common StartRight Mistakes?
Waiting to open the account. The 3-year eligibility window starts from your landing date, not when you apply. Every month without a Canadian bank account is a month of credit history lost permanently.
Declining the Scene+ Visa. Many newcomers fear credit card debt and say no. The card is free, builds your credit score, and is the only path to premium cards later. Use it for one monthly purchase and pay it off immediately.
Not using the free international transfers. The Western Union benefit has a 12-month expiry. If you need to send money abroad — even one transfer — use Scotiabank's free rate instead of a third-party service charging $5–$25 per transfer.
Forgetting to upgrade to the Gold Amex. After 6–12 months of on-time payments, call Scotiabank and ask to apply for the Gold Amex. The 0% foreign transaction fee and 5x grocery points make it one of Canada's best everyday credit cards for newcomers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Browse All GuidesInformation sourced from Scotiabank.com/startright, June 2026. Bank program details, fees, and eligibility requirements change regularly — verify current offers directly with Scotiabank before opening an account. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.