Updated April 2026

Best Bank in Montreal 2026

The top bank accounts for Montreal, Quebec residents — ranked by signup bonus, fees, and everyday value. Two accounts give you free cash just for signing up.

Banking in Montreal, QC

Montreal is Quebec's largest city and Canada's cultural capital. Whether you're a long-time resident or recently arrived, choosing the right bank account in Quebec can save you hundreds of dollars a year in fees — or even earn you free cash upfront. In 2026, two fintech accounts stand above every traditional bank for new customers: KOHO (giving $80 free) and Neo Financial (giving $50 free). Below, we rank all your options.

Quebec residents also have access to Desjardins, Canada's largest credit union — but Desjardins offers no free signup bonus. For free cash, KOHO and Neo are the clear winners in Montreal.

Top Bank Accounts in Montreal — Ranked

Every option ranked for Montreal residents in 2026. Free accounts first.

K

KOHO 🥇 #1 Pick

Available across Canada including Montreal

✦ $80 Free Signup Bonus — Code: 45ET55JSYA
  • $80 free cash — highest bonus available
  • No monthly fee, no minimum balance
  • Up to 5% cash back on purchases
  • Free credit score monitoring
  • Savings account with up to 5% interest
  • Instant approval — no hard credit check
  • Visa card accepted everywhere
  • CDIC insured through Peoples Trust
Get $80 Free →
N

Neo Financial 🥈 #2 Pick

Calgary-based fintech — available in Montreal

✦ $50 Free Signup Bonus — Code: J4C9H3K5
  • $50 free cash on signup
  • No monthly fee ever
  • Up to 15% cash back at Neo partner stores
  • 2.25% savings interest guaranteed
  • No minimum balance required
  • Instant approval online
  • CDIC insured
  • Credit card with rewards available
Get $50 Free →
D

Desjardins

Regional option in Montreal

Local institution available in Montreal. No signup bonus offered. Compare with KOHO's $80 free and Neo's $50 free.

L

Laurentian Bank

Regional option in Montreal

Local institution available in Montreal. No signup bonus offered. Compare with KOHO's $80 free and Neo's $50 free.

Traditional Banks Available in Montreal

R

RBC

Available in Montreal

Canada's largest bank — large branch network but no signup bonus

T

TD

Available in Montreal

Wide hours and ATM network — no free signup bonus

S

Scotiabank

Available in Montreal

Scene+ rewards program — no free cash signup

B

BMO

Available in Montreal

Good for mortgages — no free signup bonus

C

CIBC

Available in Montreal

Good Aventura travel rewards — no free cash bonus

N

National Bank

Available in Montreal

Strong in Quebec — no free signup bonus available

T

Tangerine

Available in Montreal

No-fee online bank from Scotiabank — no signup bonus

S

Simplii Financial

Available in Montreal

No-fee banking from CIBC — no free signup bonus

E

EQ Bank

Available in Montreal

High-interest savings — no signup bonus

W

Wealthsimple Cash

Available in Montreal

Cash account from Wealthsimple — no signup bonus

🔀

Want a side-by-side comparison?

See detailed KOHO vs Neo, KOHO vs TD, and 50+ other comparison pages on Bremo.

View All Comparisons →

Common Questions About Banking in Montreal

Is Desjardins a good bank for Montrealers?

Desjardins is the dominant Quebec credit union and a solid local choice. However, it offers no signup bonus right now. KOHO gives $80 free and Neo gives $50 free to any new member in Montreal — with no monthly fees.

Does KOHO really give $80 for free?

Yes. Use referral code 45ET55JSYA when signing up at KOHO and you'll receive $80 deposited into your account. There's no monthly fee and no minimum balance required — it's genuinely free cash with no strings attached.

Is Neo Financial safe and CDIC insured?

Yes. Neo Financial deposits are held at institutions that are CDIC members, protecting your money up to $100,000. Neo is a legitimate Canadian fintech company headquartered in Calgary and licensed under federal regulations.

Can I use KOHO and Neo alongside my regular bank?

Absolutely. Most Canadians keep their existing bank account and open KOHO and/or Neo as a secondary account. This way you pocket the signup bonus cash while keeping access to your current bank's ATM network and existing features.

How long does it take to open these accounts?

Both KOHO and Neo take about 5 minutes to open online or via their apps. There's no paperwork, no branch visit required, and no hard credit check. Your virtual card is available immediately; the physical card arrives by mail in 5–10 business days.

🔥 Canadians are claiming $80 free from KOHO right now

Claim $80 Free →