Online banking in Canada from France: which bank is best for your needs?
Can you open a bank account online in Canada if you're not yet a resident? Which institutions offer the best deals?
Crédit Agricole partner bank in Canada: what are the alternatives?
If you’re a Crédit Agricole customer moving to Canada, you can benefit from special arrangements to open a local account. However, depending on your stay length and banking habits, this might not be the most cost-effective option.
For a short stay, keeping your French card might seem easier — but you’ll likely pay high withdrawal and transfer fees abroad. On the other hand, opening a Canadian account can make sending money back to France expensive due to international transfer surcharges.
To reduce banking costs, an online payment solution like Wise is often more flexible. It allows you to transfer money at the mid-market exchange rate, with no hidden fees, and gives you access to an international debit card for everyday purchases.
Is there a Crédit Agricole partner bank in Canada?
Crédit Agricole has no physical branches in Canada, but it does have a partnership with BNC (Banque Nationale du Canada).
Through this partnership, French customers can access the Pack Bienvenue au Canada (“Welcome to Canada Package”), which allows you to:¹
- Open an account online with BNC.
- Get a debit card or payment method.
- Enjoy preferential rates for the first 3 years.
This option is practical if you plan to settle long-term in Canada and want local banking support.
How to save on ATM withdrawals in Canada with a Crédit Agricole card
To withdraw money in Canada affordably, you’ll need to adapt your usual banking habits. Since there’s no free partner ATM network for French banks, withdrawals abroad can be costly.
For example, at Crédit Agricole du Finistère, a withdrawal outside the Eurozone costs €3.80 + 2.40% per transaction.²
Some Canadian ATMs will offer “dynamic currency conversion” — i.e. the option to withdraw in euros instead of Canadian dollars. While it shows you the exact amount to be debited from your account, the exchange rate is far less favourable.
💡 Tip: Always choose to withdraw in Canadian dollars.
A better alternative is to order a Wise card before leaving. You’ll get €200 of free withdrawals per month (2 transactions), and the conversion will be made at the mid-market rate, not a marked-up bank rate.
Transferring money between France and Canada: which bank to choose?
Each Canadian bank has its own account-opening conditions. You’ll generally need to provide proof of status (residence permit, work permit, study visa, or IMM 5292/5688 for permanent residents).
Some banks allow you to start the process online, but you’ll usually need to visit a branch to finalise it.
If you plan to send money to France regularly, carefully compare transfer fees and exchange rates — these are rarely displayed clearly.
Here’s an overview of typical transfer costs from Canada to France (CAD → EUR):
| Bank | Transfer cost |
|---|---|
| RBC³ | Free (if registered for RBC Online Banking or the mobile app) |
| Desjardins⁴ | $15 |
| Tangerine⁵ | Not available |
| Scotia⁶ | $1.99 |
| Wise | From 0.48% |
👉 Important:
These rates are indicative and don’t include hidden costs, such as:
- Exchange rate markup: banks often use less favourable conversion rates.
- Correspondent bank fees: if your Canadian bank doesn’t have a direct link with Crédit Agricole, other institutions handle the transfer — adding extra costs.
- Fee allocation: sometimes shared between sender and recipient, sometimes fully borne by the sender.
By choosing Wise, you avoid these surprises. Wise always uses the mid-market rate, with fully transparent fees and no hidden commissions.
Sending money between France and Canada at the mid-market rate
Wise is ideal for both short-term stays and long-term expats in Canada.
Whether or not you hold a Canadian bank account, you can use the Wise account to send or receive international transfers seamlessly and affordably.
You can send money from France to Canada at the real exchange rate. Plus, with your Wise Visa debit card, you can pay and withdraw cash locally. The first 2 withdrawals per month are free, up to €200.
Transparent, flexible, and secure — Wise is the smart solution for anyone living between France and Canada.
Sources:
- Pack Bienvenue au Canada – Crédit Agricole
- Tarifs Crédit Agricole Finistère
- RBC International Transfers
- Desjardins International Transfers
- Tangerine International Transfers
- Scotia Bank International Transfers
Last verified on October 6, 2025.
This article is a translation of the original article published in French and was translated within 365 days of publication. While the content has been translated for accessibility, the data and sources referenced have not been updated since the original publication date.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
