Crédit Agricole partner bank in Canada: what are the alternatives?
Here are the partner banks of Crédit Agricole Canada and the alternatives available to you if you travel to the country with your French card.
Online banking in Canada from France: which bank is best for your needs?
If you live in France and are planning a move to Canada, setting up an online bank account in advance can make your arrival much smoother. You can sign up for an online banking offer from France — but there are a few things to know first.
Some Canadian banks don’t accept new customers without a Social Insurance Number (SIN), while others only allow existing account holders to open new accounts online.
And if you plan to make international transfers between France and Canada, keep in mind that traditional banks often charge high transfer fees and use marked-up exchange rates, which can make your transactions more expensive.
For more flexibility, you could consider a Wise account: registration takes just a few minutes, and all conversions between euros and Canadian dollars are made at the mid-market exchange rate, without hidden mark-ups.
Why open an online bank account in Canada from France?
Who is this for?
Opening an account remotely from France can be useful in several cases:
- You’re moving from France to Canada and want to avoid using your French card for daily spending there. By opening an online account in advance, you can get a debit card in Canadian dollars and start using it upon arrival.
- You live in Canada but your main bank doesn’t have a branch nearby: applying online helps you manage your money easily from anywhere.
- You’ve launched a business in Canada and prefer to handle everything remotely: online banking allows you to save time and avoid in-person visits.
What are the advantages of an online bank in Canada?
Having access to an online bank in Canada helps you save time and reduce costs. You can manage your transfers and payments directly from your computer or smartphone without paying in-branch service fees.
You also have full control over your account — from opening to card management — without needing to contact an advisor each time.
Is it possible to open an account remotely in Canada from France?
In theory, yes. You can open an account remotely with some Canadian banks online. However, eligibility rules vary, and most institutions require that you already live in Canada before applying.
How to open an online account in Canada?
Documents required
The list of documents depends on the bank and account type, but the following are typically needed:
- Passport
- Social Insurance Number (SIN)
- Proof of address
- Proof of residency (permanent resident card or forms IMM 1000/1443/5292)
Some banks may also ask for a void cheque to verify another account.
For business accounts, you’ll need company registration documents. Depending on where your business is based, you might also need your Business Number (BN), Quebec Sales Tax (QST) number (TVQ), and Registraire des entreprises du Québec (NEQ) number.
How to open an online bank account remotely?
Opening a Canadian bank account from France can be difficult, as most banks require in-person verification.
An easier alternative is to open a multi-currency account online with a payment provider such as Wise. You can complete the process entirely from France in just a few minutes and receive a Mastercard debit card for everyday use.
Please note: even if your account is opened online, you may still need to declare it to the French or Canadian tax authorities, depending on your tax residence.
FAQ: Opening a bank account online in Canada from France
Can I open an account with the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) from France?
In most cases, no — you must already reside in Canada to open an account online with RBC. Once you arrive, you can visit a branch or apply online using your Canadian documents.
Can I open an account with the National Bank of Canada from France?
Not yet. The National Bank of Canada only allows online openings for residents who already live in the country, have a Canadian address, and a minimum six-month credit history.
Savings accounts, however, can sometimes be opened online with limited documentation.
Can I open an account with Desjardins from France?
For a personal account, Desjardins generally requires you to already be in Canada. Once you have your SIN, you can complete the online form on their website.
Business accounts, however, must be opened in person.
Consider a Wise account before moving to Canada
The Wise account could be a good option if you’re preparing your move from France to Canada or need to manage money in both euros and Canadian dollars.
It lets you convert funds at the mid-market exchange rate with no hidden mark-ups.
Opening an account is free, and card delivery from France costs €7. There are no monthly fees.
The Wise card allows you to:
- Pay without fees if you hold the transaction currency in your account. If conversion is needed, it’s done at the mid-market rate with a fair transparent fee.
- Withdraw up to €200 (or the CAD equivalent) per month for free (limited to two withdrawals).
With Wise, you can manage your money between France and Canada easily and transparently — a practical option for expats or frequent travellers.
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.
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