Moving to a new country is a milestone! Newcomers enjoy $1500 in banking benefits

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!

Graph with arrow and percent

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 connecting people and communities to financial possibilities.

You can also find this information in the following languages:

Українська
हिंदी
Tagalog
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اردو

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

Terms and conditions

The New to Canada Program contains the following benefits for qualifying members. These offers can be utilized separately, or as part of a complete package.

Requirements

  • Member must be a permanent or temporary resident of Canada and have lived in Canada for 5 years or less (must show proof).
  • New is defined as not having a membership with Affinity within the preceding 18 months.
  • International Students may also qualify for the program.
  • Primary account holder must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must subscribe to a $5.00 membership share with Affinity Credit Union.
  • Must not be receiving benefits or have agreed to receive benefits under any other offer with Affinity Credit Union.
  • This offer is subject to change and may be cancelled at a date in the future. Once the offer has been removed from Affinity Credit Union’s website, this will constitute the official end of the offer period.

Incentives

Any or all of the following incentives may be selected:

1. Welcome Bonus: The primary account holder is eligible to receive a Welcome Bonus of $400.00 upon set up of an Unlimited package on a Maximizer chequing account. Account must be in good standing to redeem this welcome bonus.

  • Limit of one welcome bonus per member/joint member (only the primary member will receive the welcome bonus).
  • Primary or joint member must set up at least one (1) recurring electronic pre-authorized credit (PAC) and at least one (1) recurring electronic pre-authorized debit (PAD), verified through the account within 90 days of setting up the new Unlimited Maximizer chequing account.
  • The recurring electronic pre-authorized transactions must also be maintained for a minimum of at least six (6) months from the date of the second electronic pre-authorized transaction date to be eligible for the Welcome Bonus.
  • Affinity Credit Union reserves the right to deem what qualifies for a recurring electronic pre-authorized transaction.
  • Examples of qualifying electronic pre-authorized electronic transactions may include any of the following:
    • Payroll
    • Government payments
    • Utility payments
    • Rent payment/condo fees
    • Membership fees

2. 24-month Account Package Fee Waiver: The primary account holder is eligible for a monthly fee waiver on tier chequing Unlimited Maximizer account for the first 24 months from the time of account opening.

  • Applies only to members who open an Unlimited package on a chequing account.
  • Potential maximum savings of $156.00 per year ($312.00 over two (2) years).
  • Monthly fees will begin after completion of the 24-month promotional period. 

3. Bonus Investment Rate: Affinity will offer specialty pricing rates on any new personal fixed term, non-redeemable investment (new money or transfer-in) that are funded within one (1) year from membership opening date.

  • Eligible investments can be in non-registered GIC, RRSP, FHSA, TFSA and RRIF.
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotional rate offer.
  • Investments are non-redeemable and must be held until maturity.
  • Minimum investment of $500.00.
  • Maximizer, Investor Savings and Everyday Savings accounts do not qualify for the bonus investment rate offer.

4. Lending Rates: Affinity offers competitive rates and subject to credit approval, will waive any application fee to loans approved and advanced within one year from membership opening date.

  • Subject to credit approval.

5. Personalized Cheques: Affinity will provide up to a maximum of 48 personalized cheques to members who open an Unlimited Maximizer account under the terms of this program.

  • Cheques will be produced in the Advice Centre for the member.
  • Offer applies to primary Unlimited Maximizer chequing account holder only.

6. Safety Deposit Box: Members who qualify under the New to Canada program will have the annual fees waived for one (1) safety deposit box of any size at any Affinity Credit Union advice centre.

  • The annual fee will be waived for a period of one (1) year from the membership opening date.
  • Subject to availability.
  • Waived fees are limited to one (1) safety deposit box per member/joint member.

7. Qtrade Direct Investing: Members ages 18-30 can take advantage of the Young Investor program.

  • High balance and active traders can take advantage of Investor Plus program.
  • Members who sign up for a Qtrade Direct Investing account and transfer in $15,000.00 or more, will have their transfer fees covered up to $150.00 by Qtrade.

8. Qtrade Guided Portfolios: Regular pricing applies.

  • Members who sign up for a Qtrade Guided Portfolios account and transfer in $25,000.00 or more will have their transfer fees covered up to $150.00 by Qtrade.

9. Bonus Credit Card Points

  • Receive a bonus of 50,000 Affinity Rewards™ welcome points, in addition to the standard welcome points, when you are approved for any consumer Affinity Mastercard®.
  • Eligible cards include:
    • Affinity Mastercard® (10,000 standard welcome points – $10 value)
    • Affinity World Mastercard® (50,000 standard welcome points – $50 value)
    • Affinity World Elite® Mastercard® (150,000 standard welcome points – $150 value)
  • New members will also receive an additional 50,000 welcome points ($50 value) in Affinity Rewards™ on top of the standard welcome offer.
  • This offer applies to selected new approved consumer credit card accounts only. The bonus welcome points apply to the following participating products: Affinity Mastercard®, Affinity World Mastercard® and Affinity World Elite® Mastercard®. Offer applies to newly approved card accounts only.
  • Card account must be activated and in good standing at the time the welcome points are awarded.
  • 'New' credit card accounts are defined as cards that have been applied for between January 2, 2026 and December 31, 2026, and approved by Affinity Credit Union.
  • Limit of one welcome points reward applied per membership.
  • Welcome points will be awarded to the primary cardholder within 90 days of being approved.

Terms and conditions effective January 2, 2026.

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

icon maple leaf 2024-03-25 New to Canada-02

From all of us at Affinity, welcome to Canada!

Terms and conditions

The New to Canada Program contains the following benefits for qualifying members. These offers can be utilized separately, or as part of a complete package.

Requirements

  • Member must be a permanent or temporary resident of Canada and have lived in Canada for 5 years or less (must show proof).
  • New is defined as not having a membership with Affinity within the preceding 18 months.
  • International Students may also qualify for the program.
  • Primary account holder must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must subscribe to a $5.00 membership share with Affinity Credit Union.
  • Must not be receiving benefits or have agreed to receive benefits under any other offer with Affinity Credit Union.
  • This offer is subject to change and may be cancelled at a date in the future. Once the offer has been removed from Affinity Credit Union’s website, this will constitute the official end of the offer period.

Incentives

Any or all of the following incentives may be selected:

1. Welcome Bonus: The primary account holder is eligible to receive a Welcome Bonus of $400.00 upon set up of an Unlimited package on a Maximizer chequing account. Account must be in good standing to redeem this welcome bonus.

  • Limit of one welcome bonus per member/joint member (only the primary member will receive the welcome bonus).
  • Primary or joint member must set up at least one (1) recurring electronic pre-authorized credit (PAC) and at least one (1) recurring electronic pre-authorized debit (PAD), verified through the account within 90 days of setting up the new Unlimited Maximizer chequing account.
  • The recurring electronic pre-authorized transactions must also be maintained for a minimum of at least six (6) months from the date of the second electronic pre-authorized transaction date to be eligible for the Welcome Bonus.
  • Affinity Credit Union reserves the right to deem what qualifies for a recurring electronic pre-authorized transaction.
  • Examples of qualifying electronic pre-authorized electronic transactions may include any of the following:
    • Payroll
    • Government payments
    • Utility payments
    • Rent payment/condo fees
    • Membership fees

2. 24-month Account Package Fee Waiver: The primary account holder is eligible for a monthly fee waiver on tier chequing Unlimited Maximizer account for the first 24 months from the time of account opening.

  • Applies only to members who open an Unlimited package on a chequing account.
  • Potential maximum savings of $156.00 per year ($312.00 over two (2) years).
  • Monthly fees will begin after completion of the 24-month promotional period. 

3. Bonus Investment Rate: Affinity will offer specialty pricing rates on any new personal fixed term, non-redeemable investment (new money or transfer-in) that are funded within one (1) year from membership opening date.

  • Eligible investments can be in non-registered GIC, RRSP, FHSA, TFSA and RRIF.
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotional rate offer.
  • Investments are non-redeemable and must be held until maturity.
  • Minimum investment of $500.00.
  • Maximizer, Investor Savings and Everyday Savings accounts do not qualify for the bonus investment rate offer.

4. Lending Rates: Affinity offers competitive rates and subject to credit approval, will waive any application fee to loans approved and advanced within one year from membership opening date.

  • Subject to credit approval.

5. Personalized Cheques: Affinity will provide up to a maximum of 48 personalized cheques to members who open an Unlimited Maximizer account under the terms of this program.

  • Cheques will be produced in the Advice Centre for the member.
  • Offer applies to primary Unlimited Maximizer chequing account holder only.

6. Safety Deposit Box: Members who qualify under the New to Canada program will have the annual fees waived for one (1) safety deposit box of any size at any Affinity Credit Union advice centre.

  • The annual fee will be waived for a period of one (1) year from the membership opening date.
  • Subject to availability.
  • Waived fees are limited to one (1) safety deposit box per member/joint member.

7. Qtrade Direct Investing: Members ages 18-30 can take advantage of the Young Investor program.

  • High balance and active traders can take advantage of Investor Plus program.
  • Members who sign up for a Qtrade Direct Investing account and transfer in $15,000.00 or more, will have their transfer fees covered up to $150.00 by Qtrade.

8. Qtrade Guided Portfolios: Regular pricing applies.

  • Members who sign up for a Qtrade Guided Portfolios account and transfer in $25,000.00 or more will have their transfer fees covered up to $150.00 by Qtrade.

9. Bonus Credit Card Points

  • Receive a bonus of 50,000 Affinity Rewards™ welcome points, in addition to the standard welcome points, when you are approved for any consumer Affinity Mastercard®.
  • Eligible cards include:
    • Affinity Mastercard® (10,000 standard welcome points – $10 value)
    • Affinity World Mastercard® (50,000 standard welcome points – $50 value)
    • Affinity World Elite® Mastercard® (150,000 standard welcome points – $150 value)
  • New members will also receive an additional 50,000 welcome points ($50 value) in Affinity Rewards™ on top of the standard welcome offer.
  • This offer applies to selected new approved consumer credit card accounts only. The bonus welcome points apply to the following participating products: Affinity Mastercard®, Affinity World Mastercard® and Affinity World Elite® Mastercard®. Offer applies to newly approved card accounts only.
  • Card account must be activated and in good standing at the time the welcome points are awarded.
  • 'New' credit card accounts are defined as cards that have been applied for between January 2, 2026 and December 31, 2026, and approved by Affinity Credit Union.
  • Limit of one welcome points reward applied per membership.
  • Welcome points will be awarded to the primary cardholder within 90 days of being approved.

Terms and conditions effective January 2, 2026.

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